Official VAIO Z Core 2 Duo Series Owners Thread

I was going to ask the same thing. I was about to order the 540 with the deal from the front page, but then I learned about the CES release. I suppose now I can have my cake and eat it too. BTW, does anyone else find that saying reprehensible?

 

Yes. The French found it reprehensible. Ask Marie Antoinette

 

Simple. Buy a 2.5" external HDD enclosure. Put your new drive in, clone it, then when done, do the HDD swap. Put the old in the enclosure for safekeeping.

Honestly. I used to have the 5400RPM 160 GB in there... I don't hear a difference, nor does it seem to be any warmer. I'm pretty happy with my new 7200 RPM scorpio black in there.

 

Thanks for the info!

Did they return the full original price that you paid for? or did they give you the new discounted price according to their website?

 

Well, if you open the box, they will charge you 15% restocking fee, you might not open the box if you don't want it.
But if you really have lots of times, you still can open the box, then return it and agrue with the reps that your laptop is defective. I don't recommend this.

Usually most company will mark down your address if you return something and open the box , then claim your item is defective.

BTW, there won't be some deal at the moment z6XX release, it might take about 1 to 2 months for lowering the price.

 

Looking for help!
Sonystyle UK are offering a z series with 2.60 GHz processor VGNZ25X but they can't tell me which specific processor is inside and the FSB. I was hoping it could be p9600 1066MHz fsb but am worried it may be T9500 with 800MHz FSB.
I hope someone can clarify this?

 

I noticed a couple of weeks ago a white spot appearing on the display of my Z11VN about where the dot in "Vaio" in the other side.
I did some research and it appears that it's a pretty standard thing to happen in some screens and is due some spacers touching the screen.
Tilting the lid half way to closing and with a white screen I can see some more white spots on the left of it.
Hopefully this won't get any work.

 

I´m unsure about the cuda - is it allready in the sony driver installed? I cannot find the cuda.dll or nvcuda.dll on my system...is that ok?

 

What´s about the cuda system? Is it allready in the sony driver? I´ve searched my system for cuda.dll or nvcuda.dll, but nothin found - is that ok or an error?

 

The french website states it is a T9600 (sonystyle - france)

 

And whats about the physx-driver? Must this be installed manually?

 

Just Curious, if you hadn't purchase your Z yet, would any of you reconsider the SZ over the Z if you could get an SZ750 for $999.96 ? Or would you stick with the Z? There's a retail outlet store that still has 14 SZ750's, brand new for under 1k.

 

I haven't ordered my Z yet...still waiting for Z6XX. However, I have used a SZ. Personally, I prefer the Z over the SZ. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with the SZ, but the Z is just much better designed and worth the extra price IMHO.

BTW, did anyone who returned the Z had to pay the 15% restocking fee that Yun was talking about? and did they refund the full price that you paid for or only the discounted price?

Thanks!

 

Very good choice! I'm about to order the same config and I'm eager to see your pics and review.
I was in London last weekend and I saw the Bond 007 z series which has premium carbon also!
BTW: on the vaio link site for the netherlands there's a support section for a VGN-Z26 model (no specs mentioned there) , I wonder what this model will be.

 

Yes, the z is better designed! Switching power and onbard graphic on the fly is really good And also the screen....wow! I´m loving it

Hope the battery drain problem can be fixed with a bios update and not only in an new refresh...

 

Originally Posted by jamesey
Looking for help!
Sonystyle UK are offering a z series with 2.60 GHz processor VGNZ25X but they can't tell me which specific processor is inside and the FSB. I was hoping it could be p9600 1066MHz fsb but am worried it may be T9500 with 800MHz FSB.
I hope someone can clarify this?

Thanks for that! T9600 runs at 2.8GHz not 2.66 or 2.60 and apparently the guys in the know at Sony Style will not be in until next week to clarify.

 

If you bought it DIRECTLY from SonyStyle.com (USA) and are WITHIN your 30 days there is NO restocking fee.

I returned my Z after 2 weeks. I recieved full refund of what I was charged.

 

The Z26 is starting to appear? Typical, maybe I should wait for this release, well spotted!!

I think it will be like the US version Z600's which will release January 9th. Bluetooth 2.1 and the option of the P9600 2.66GHz processor is the only known difference going by the other forums, well maybe colour changes to the cylinder area and battery...black I'm hearing.

What will the Z26 have that the Z25 doesn't except for the bluetooth 2.1 and colour changes(maybe)?

I may certainly have to reconsider my order after hearing this!! And does this mean a VGN-Z31 is on the horizon?

 

I have the Z21ZN/X and it does indeed have premium carbon. I posted pics in the Vaio Z thread ... http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=272690&page=531

 

This was previously listed on the French website as the P9600. I don't know why the name has been changed to T9600 (typo or are they now using the 2.8 GHz chips in France?). Certainly the one in the UK is the P9600. There was a discussion on this chip appearing in this laptop when the Vaio By You options were launched in Europe... http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=312861.

 

Thanks - will let my order go ahead then for the 2.66GHz version.

 

If you buy the notebook from anyone other than Sony, can you still get the extended warranty from Sony?

 

Also, would the premium carbon fiber top protect the LCD better than the basic one?

 

Yes, they will include a little card offering to purchase extend warranty. As always, check with the seller and or call Sony extended warranty dept directly.

No. Premium carbon does not improve durability or anything - it just alters a look - you get to see blue-tinged fibers showing throughout at different light angles..

 

Thanks for that link...excellent information and the Premium Carbon on your Z21ZN/X looks stunning. You got extremely lucky by the sounds of it, keep away from the sony center

I'm really in 2 minds about the Z25X or the Z21ZN/X, clearly the only difference being the P9600 2.66GHz CPU, Vista Ultimate and it's configured in The Netherlands (so I'm told) ....all for an extra £300.

It's the not configured in Japan that bothers me.. I mean will it say Made in the EU or Made in the Netherlands?
--------------------------------------------------
Sony Vaio SZ670N, 2.4GHz, 4GB RAM, 160GB, Vista Bad Business.
Sony Vaio T270P, 1.2GHz, 1GB RAM, 60GB, XP Pro SP3.

 

Hmmm... no idea. All I can do is confirm the Z21ZN/X is made in Japan. I guess it's just the CTO models that are made in Europe right?

 

Hello everyone! After much deliberation....I have just made an order for a Vaio Z25X - Configurable.

Configuration:
Intel® Core(TM)2 Duo 2.66 GHz
128 GB Ultra ATA Flash SSD
4 GB 800 MHz DDR3 SDRAM
Blu-ray Disc(TM) drive
Windows Vista® Ultimate
Premium Carbon
---------------------------
It was a close race between this Z25X CTO and the Z21ZN/X....But the P9600 2.66GHz won me over, its due 13-20th Jan.....unboxing pics and videos to follow.

Oh yes...this was a biggie for me. I was told it was being configured in The Netherlands. My last 2 Vaio's both US models made in Japan. I'm going to inspect this from the opening of the seal to the intsall of Vista Ulltimate...It needs to be good!
Sony's 14 Day return policy on this Vaio will be adered to if necesary. Basically if this Vaio(my 3rd one) doesn't impress the hell out of me....it's going back. I even plan to run XP Pro on this machine, Vista can wait until SP2 for me. This Z needs to be simple and quick, XP and SSD should do it...lol

Happy New Year!!

Sony Vaio SZ670N, 2.4GHz, 4GB RAM, 160GB, Vista Bad Business.
Sony Vaio T270P, 1.2GHz, 1GB RAM, 60GB, XP Pro SP3.

 

Yes, only the CTO models are configured in Europe...Holland I was told? Thats the good thing about pre-assembled Z models. They are made in Japan.
Is this just paranoia about local builds?

EDIT: 16/jan/08 My Z25X arrived and it was configured and boxed in Japan

 

I haven't seen two machines side by side to investigate. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence on this forum that the Japanese built models have less post-manufacture issues. I definitely wouldn't let that stop you buying your machine though.

And I see from the other thread that it didn't

It's a sweet machine! Enjoy and I look forward to the unboxing photos.

 

Thanks for your reply. So the price of this SZ750 at $999.96 will not sway you into buying one over the Z even if it has close, but not near to similar specs at say, $1600-$1800. Saving the extra $600-$800 would not be worth it?

 

Only you can judge that...compare specs directly and see if u think its worth it.

I think the resolution, widescreen, chiclet keyboard, etc is more than worth it...

 

If you don't mind, could you tell us how much you're paying for it? Well, I can't wait to see the unboxing and pics.

P.S. Sony Vaio SZ...160GB, Vista Bad Business. lmao. Oh man. I laugh about a good 40sec on that one. Happy new Year to you too.

 

Thanks a lot!

yea I agree with Buddy17 on that. But it's really up to you. I guess it also depends on how long you are planning to use it. I would go for the Z if you are planning to use it for more than 2 or 3 years.

Happy New Year everyone!

 

Hey guys. I received my Z590 CTO last week and so far I am thrilled. My SZ430 still works alright but I felt like I could use an upgrade. The 1600x900 screen was a huge selling point for me.

My added options are:

250GB 7200 RPM HDD
P9500
Vista Business w/ Fresh Start
Premium CF (forced w/ P9500)
3GB RAM

It cost me $1700 after tax so I feel that I got a great price. I ordered through Sonystyle.com with an EPP account.

 

I am looking everywhere for the best deal I can find on a z series. I just want to make sure I have vista biz and a 7200 rpm drive. 256mb vid card would be nice but not a deal breaker. I would love to have the 2 year warranty with damage protection but I found that BH has it for $129. This is what I configured for 1700. I am a student but it didnt give me 10% off. Any help on what to buy is appreciated.

VGN-Z590 Configure-to-Order
VGN-Z590
Customization Details

* None
* 250 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive [7200 rpm]
* Standard Battery (BPS12)
* None
* LCD 13.1" (XBRITE-DuraView™
* Microsoft® Works
* No Engraving
* Trusted Platform Module / Biometric Fingerprint Sensor
* None
* Integrated Wireless Wide Area Network
* Fresh Start™
* Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor P8400 (2.26GHz)
* Wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g/n) with integrated Bluetooth® technology
* 2 GB DDR3-SDRAM (DDR3-1066, 2GBx1)
* None
* Black
* Microsoft® Windows Vista® Business with Windows XP Professional downgrade disc and Service Pack 1
* DVD±R DL / DVD±RW / DVD-RAM Drive

In stock. Estimated ship date: 01/09/2009.

 

Need to ask your advice whether this is normal.

Got my Z series for over 1 month, recently I have been using battery with the power cord connected also. Found out after disconnecting the battery (100% fully charged) from the laptop and leave it for 1 week. The battery level is completely drained...

Is it normal for you guys?

 

I have had my Z570 for about 2 months and ham happy with it but battery life is a bit diappointing in Speed mode.

So I just started to try the Stamina mode and I find it unusable. Even if I am just surfing the internet, if I am reading a page for more than say 20 seconds and then try to change the page or even just scroll down the page, there is a lag like the computer has gone to sleep (nothing happens for maybe 2 seconds).

2 seconds may not sound like a lot, but multiply that by a thousand times if you are working for any period of time and it becomes infuriating.

Are others seeing this in Stamina mode or does my Z have a problem???

 

I always use Stamina (I used Speed just a few times playing Spore), and I've never had any problems.
Which OS are you using? I have XP, maybe it's a problem with the lot of crapware which comes with Vista (without fresh install), or Vista itself which uses the GPU more than XP because of the Aero GUI.

 

Battery drainage for me averages at 8%/per day without use. I've never not use it for a week to see if it has completely drained.

 

I don't have a problem with STAMINA mode,works fine and preserves the battery.

 

I do have Vista and it is not a clean install. This is really disappointing not being able to use Stamina. It gives 1 tp 1.5 additional hours of battery life, but I can't deal with the delay.

 

Geeez....that's even after burning in?.... I heard someone in the other thread saying that the battery drainage problem kinda goes away after 4,5 FULL charging/discharging cycles.

 

how could that solve the problem if the problem is not within the battery?? If you remove the battery and let it sit, it will only lose the startup usage, which means the battery is not the problem.

 

When will the new Z refreshes be available?

 

Does anyone know whether you can upgrade the wifi card to the Intel 5300?

For owners that use the stock wifi 5100 card, how is the performance? I have read in some areas of the forum of some people upset over the connection although others have said that it's fine and just needs a good router?

 

they'll probably be introduced on jan9th, and then available in mid january (jan15+), and i'm guessing you'll have it in your hands by the beginning of february... if you order it right away that is!

1 more month to go!!!!!

 

WIFI does not work at all!


Yesterday, I restored my SONY notebook by using the restore discs I made by following the instructions of the menu.

However, after I restored the whole system, I log into Windows Vista Business and my WIFI does not work at all! Even I re-installed the WIFI drivers which were installed very smoothly and successfully. But I cannot use my WIFI!

Can anyone help?? Thanks!!!

 

I thought that picture was a photoshopped TT.

 

what u mean by plug-in?

 

Finally bit the bullet and got myself a VGN-Z26GN here in Singapore. Specs:

Intel® Core2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.40 GHz)
320 GB Serial ATA 7200rpm
3GB DDR3 SDRAM
NVIDIA® GeForce® 9300M GS Notebook GPU (Speed Mode) / Mobile Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD (Stamina Mode)
13.1" Wide (WXGA++:1600x900)
DVD±RW/±R DL/RAM Drive

I got it for S$3199, which comes to almost US$2,200. You can't build-to-order your Vaio here in Singapore so there was this Z26 model or the higher end Z27 model which comes with a P9500 (2.53 GHz), 4 GB DDR3 SDRAM and a Blu-ray drive. That model's price is S$4,299 (almost US$2,950).

I was also impressed by the freebies they were throwing in (signs of desperate times?). Sony threw in a Sony Vaio case, a bluetooth Vaio mouse (BMS55) (this was especially surprising because about 3 weeks ago when I was going around checking prices they were only willing to throw in a 3rd-party wired mouse) and a Targus privacy filter. The store that I bought the Vaio from (Harvey Norman - Australians especially should be familiar with this store) threw in an 8 GB Cruzer thumbdrive, a Norton Utilities something or other, and a Belkin LCD cleaning kit. All pretty useful. I calculated that the freebies cost at least S$250 (US$170). The bluetooth mouse and the privacy filter already costs S$200 if I were to buy them separately.

The Vaio is a huge improvement over my previous laptop, an Acer. While that Acer worked ok, it weighed a ton, had heat issues, and would inexplicably crash when I rebooted my router. The Viao looks good, is fast, has no heat issues (so far) and has a fantastic screen. At one time, I was paralysed by indecision because I was strongly attracted to the 13" MacBook, which would have cost approximately the same (the top model + 4 GB RAM + AppleCare). I was mainly attracted by OS X, which I had used before. But after giving it some more thought, and given the tasks that I do on my laptop, I figured Vista would do not very much worse than OS X.