Official VAIO Z Core 2 Duo Series Owners Thread

5300 and 5100 are not that much differents.

5300 antennas has 3in 3out 450mbps, while 5100 has 2in 1out 300mbps.
4965 has 2in 2out

In reality, even 100mpbs is hard to achieve, 5100 save more energy and the signal is actually better than 4965 which has more antennas.
You must utilize good N wireless with 5ghz in non barrier env to utilize 5300 to the max.

 

Yeah, but I think my the Z11MN/B selling for £1500 (ie a lot less) does have carbon fibre
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-VAIO-Z...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1228068071&sr=8-1

I can't see the logic of getting the Z21 in the UK, it seems considerably more expensive for the same thing.

 

Hi, first post here. I just ordered a Z520 from Best Buy; waiting on the email to go pick it up. I didn't want to order from BB, many other retailers are much cheaper, but I got a $500 gift card from my parents to put towards a laptop. It's kind of hard to be upset about that. It's also too much on a GC to try and sell to someone without taking a big loss. Anyway, just wanted to say hi. I've been lurking most of the last week and finally clicked "submit order" about 15 min ago, w00t!

 

All models have carbon fibre, but now you can choose lid. Standard carbon or premium.

About Z21 im not so sure. Because they might have small changes inside, who knows. I dont believe that they just released this same model with different number and more expensive. Anyway I ordered mine Z21 because I wanted 2.53Ghz.

 

Hi guys,

I tried to look through various website for the quality of the built in webcam, but no seems to mention it. My concern is because it's only 0.3 megapixel versus the typical 1.3 megapixels so is the quality blocky? So for the Z owners, how is the quality like? And is there an upgrade for this?

 

I don't have a Z so I can't really tell you. But I don't think it's possible to upgrade the webcam on a laptop. It's better if you just buy an external one instead.

 

I would call Sony customer support to query this for sure one way or the other. Did you register within 30 days of purchase? I think that was one of the conditions when I got a free extra couple of years warranty back in Aug/Sept.

 

I just got a Z540 4 days back. The webcam does a pretty good job. Nothing great but not bad too. I do not feel it needs to be upgraded. I do have trouble with several other things though. It does take a long time to boot up. After booting up in the morning I cannot start AOL or anyother program. I need to restart it and then I can log onto AOL. Also, when I shut down, the screen flickers for about 5/6 times and then becomes steady and logs off. Anyone can throw some light on this and tell me how to overcome this? Other than it being very light, small and good looking, I do not feel its any better than my 5 year old Gateways XP. But again, I am still in the early stages and learning to get used to Vista. Thanks in advance.

 

Mine does the same.

I'm guessing that it might be AOL if your using them as your internet service provider. I had a similar problem like you. Mine took forever to boot and it kept freezing until I decided to uninstall and completely remove AOL. Now, everything is back the way I originally had it. I hear, AOL really messes things up and should stay away from, it adds things and modifies things internally and uses its program as defaults - something to that effect. Now, if you just have a regular AOL email account, I think it would be fine.

 

I saw my screen has more bleaching problems... it is very noticeable from the side:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=4218133#post4218133

 

I just got my Z yesterday, anyone know of a good case for it? (Z520). I don't dare just put it in my bag unprotected(!) lol. The ones on Sony Style look like they're more for show than protecting and they run a bit expensive IMO.

 

but sonystyle leather bags, they look fantastic. 100 - 150 $ for a 3k laptop you find expensive? no, you're holding possibly the highest-end laptop in the universe, cover it well.....

 

just because a bag is expensive does not mean it is nice. Many people have said all the bags from sony are made quite poorly. There is a whole thread for z bags, do a search.

 

I don't mind the price, I was just saying that they don't look like they provide much protection. I'll search for some threads, thanks.

 

I've had my Z555DNB for about 3 weeks now and it's been great. I really like this laptop. Light, fast, and love the 1600x900 res. This is my first VAIO and aside from the hassle it took to get this good Z555, it is quite all right. I'm happy with the Z.

hmm... can't post pics as this is only my 2nd post in the forum...

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=295113

This brings you to a thread for about everything you need to know about the Z.

I'd recommend a Zeroshock III case if you're looking for some protection for your laptop.

 

Thanks! I found the thread and read through it. I was going to get the ZSIII.

 

And if you want to spend more, the WaterField (SFBags) sleeves are very good...

 

I just took a look at those sleeves and noticed that one side is open (with only a strap to close it), not the best protection for your Z.

 

Any decent bag that can fit this and a Canon 5D Mark II with maybe an extra lens?

 

Just out of curiosity... does anyone know how to upgrade the RAM on a Z? I know the HDD replacement guide is in this topic, but I haven't seen anything for RAM... anyone have any clues?

 

anyone here who has a Z540 know if it can run games? Mostly Left4dead.

 

...blargh.

K... Fine, you leave me no choice. I will install Steam, CS 1.6, CS:S, and TF2 tonight. I'll bring back some stats on all 3 games, and that should give you some idea if you'll be able to run L4D? Hopefully.

 

You have to spend a bit more to get the sleeves with the optional flap to have a full-on cover for your Z. I have one of them for my SZ & man, those stuff are made of high-quality materials IMO.

 

I just bought a Z w/Blu-Ray and will install XP on it. However I read from SonyStyle when configuring my system and selecting Blu-Ray that "Windows XP Professional downgrade disk not included when this option is selected". Does this mean they don't ship the disk or does this mean that Blu-ray playback will not work under XP?

Also, in the months ahead (when I save some extra bucks) I will upgrade my TT myself to an SSD (now Im just getting a started HD). Is the Z's drive a 2.5" or 1.8" and is the interface a standard connector or ZIF type?

 

There's nothing I know of that will fit only those things... you can get camera bags with laptop compartments but they tend to hold more than laptop + body + lens. Which lens(es)?

I used a Crumpler Shrinkle to carry my camera gear and my Z to Portugal a couple of months ago. It's pretty big, though - OK for cabin baggage but I got all of my lenses in there (except my EF 100-400L) plus my flash, diffusers, my Epson P5000, mp3 player, etc, etc.

 

The lack of downgrade disc may be because the version of Vista you've purchased doesn't include a downgrade clause. I know that Vista Business does, and I believe Vista Ultimate is the only other version to include downgrade rights in the license... so if your Z came with e.g. Vista Home Premium, you don't have the right to downgrade to XP without buying a separate XP license, sadly.

 

How many extra lenses are you talking about?

I use the Crumpler Brazillian Dollar Home to hold the Z555 along with 2 Nikon D300s, 70-200 f2.8 VR, 17-55 f2.8, 10.5 Fisheye, AC adapter (laptop), Nikon charger, 2 flashes, bunch of accessories.

To go light, the Crumpler 7 Million Dollar Home works ok with the lens not attached. I just padded the back side of the bag to slip in the Z555. Then fit the camera body and lens in.

Or, the Crumpler Karachi Outpost backpack to hold what the Brazillian Dollar home holds plus 2-3 extra lens depending on how I lay everything out.

 

As for the quality that Sony uses on their cases, I don't think they do use the best leather. I think it depends on the hide that's used. Have you felt how soft calf skin is compared to other types of leather. I think Sony uses the cheapest hides and treats it to make it look expensive. They definitely don't used calf skin. That's why some leather cases can cost like $500-1000 and others can be priced under $200 for example.

 

I feel bad now. You don't have to do all that. It's just if anyone out there with a z and plays left4dead...I just want to know if it works. Plus CS, CS:S, and TF2 is not demanding as left4dead...

 

I only have about 5 hours or so with my new Z520. It's my the first computer with anything other than a integrated graphics card. Holy wow! What a difference! I went back to my 19" Sammy LCD (analog) with Intel integrated card circa 2001 and wow was it blurry, lol. Yeah nothing of too much substance in the post; just saying I love the new laptop, w00t!

 

I use a LowePro Computrakker plus and have 3 bodies, 5 lenses, a flash accessories and a 15.4" laptop in at times... It is (just - if you take out accessories and put them in your coat pockets) small enough to be carry on hand luggage on flights and I find it a great bag - maybe a bit bulky for one body, a tiny laptop and a couple of lenses though!

As the laptop compartment is the closest to your back I am thinking of getting a protective sleeve or case too though, will see how it all fits when the VAIO arrives this week

 

I was all set to buy a Z27 (2.53, 4GB, 320GB 7200, WXGA++, blu-ray, premium carbon) today in a retail store - but on checking I found a dead pixel!

Arghhhhh.

More stock coming in tomorrow.

 

sony sells laptops with dead pixels? i never really knew that.
its unfair to have the user face the fear of getting one with a dead pixel, while he's paying a car's worth of money to it..

 

Just one lens (24-105L). I want to carry my laptop and my SLR to work. I would like to make it NOT look like a camera bag and something small/slim.

 

there's an easy access panel to the ram on the bottom
it should take less than 5 minutes to upgrade the ram

 

Ooooh... many thanks.

Will upgrade when DD3 RAM GET S A HECK OF A LOT CHEAPER. T_T

Anyone know if there are any limitations to the DDR3 RAM installable on the Z? Or will pretty much anything DDR3 SODIMM fit without frying anything XD?

 

lol. I suspect that everyone sells stuff with dead pixels. Too expensive otherwise.

I'm not too bothered - I just have to wait for more stock...

 

Wow, what kind of laptop is that?!?!

 

Anyone know how to check what BIOS version you have installed? Or for that matter... how to get into the BIOS?

 

Run the VAIO System app in Control Panel. The System Information section shows the BIOS version you have.

 

well, afaik, there's difference between dead pixels and stuck pixels... you can potentially 'un-stick' a stuck pixel, but youre SOL if you have a dead pixel. personally, i have two stuck pixels on my relatively new z550.

when do i notice it? only during start up when it's a black screen showing the windows logo. otherwise, i never EVER notice it... so i don't worry about it.

 

Thanks! Much appreciated!

 

How do you know they are not dead pixels but stuck pixels?

Doesn't this mean that it's better to get the higher res screen because the dead/stuck pixels would be so small that you won't be able to notice or mistaken them as dust?

PS: Sweet M3 btw.

 

Haven't seen this yet....just bought a Z570 and sent in for a great bonus
https://www.rebate-zone.com/default.asp?PN=SY00122k7

 

Hi all

I have 2 Z's A Z520 & Z11 (UK Model) I sold the 520 and currently using the Z11, I used both laptops with a docking station and both were down graded to windos xp
While on docking station connected to an external monitor, the monitor wont go off (after 5 minutes or what ever time set in power options), the laptop will go to standby normally though!
without an external monitor connected the Z's display will go off after a certain amount of time as set in power options
any one has a solution for that?

Thanks

 

Every manufacturer I know of sells LCDs with occasional dead pixels. It's uneconomical to do otherwise as the yield of 100% defect-free screens is so low that it would drive the prices astronomically high. Some manufacturers offer a 0 dead pixel guarantee, but only on their top of the range professional screens where you are paying a large premium for having the screen hand picked and calibrated. Most retailers who offer such a guarantee will just attempt to resell the same screen to the next buyer (they are unable to return to the manufacturer unless the 'fault' exceeds the published tolerances for failed pixels). The fact is that most failed pixels are hard to notice under normal usage. If there are clusters of failed pixels in the middle of the screen or some similar 'major' defect, most manufacturers would happily replace the unit. It's a compromise and the tolerances set for dead pixels are to make sure that the screens don't cost even more than they do...

 

even cheap acer has 0 dead pixel policy, why sony won't?

 

Because it's a Sony! "like.no.other"

 

I'd no-fckin-way pay for a 4.5k SSD and Bluray vaio Z laptop and be OK with a dead pixel, even on the sides of the screen.

I buy the rolls-royce of laptops, why give me a faulty one? Most people do get 0 dead pixel even with their, say, acer, dell or some cheap noone-has-ever-heard-of brands.