Official VAIO Z Core 2 Duo Series Owners Thread

I wonder if the new Z690 will have the battery drain issue... If it doesn't, gonna grab one right away!

 

Also, something I have to note as well, if you have not seen one, I'd highly suggest taking a trip to a sonystyle store. The screen is truly amazing. You really need to see it in action to appreciate it fully. It is above and beyond any dell screen for colour and clarity. It is not a very good screen for graphics editing however, as the colours are very saturated (meaning not accurate to paper).

 

Hello all, I'm happy to say that I'm purchasing a sony Z.

I'd like to have my first post contain something useful so here's another solution to the pg up and pg down problem:

In many programs, for example browsers and with PDF's, you can hit space to page down and shift + space to page up.

This is a windows thing, not specific to any particular computer. Of course this is useless in a word processing program, too.

 

Thanks for the trick. I didn't know that one.

I strongly suggest that you get the z690 with the 1600x900 screen (standard on that CTO) The amazing resolution screen is the best feature of this laptop. Sony has the best notebook screens by far, and you won't be disappointed.

I regularly use a 15.4" dell latitude with a 1920x1200 resolution. That works out to a greater pixel density, yet it is still very usable. (although borderline)

Also, make sure you get your 10% educational discount and the $300 discount with the 3 year warranty (starting at $199) and any 2 accessories. (some as cheap as $20)

 

I consider Dell e4300 much more of a Z competitor than the Studio XPS 1340. I admit I'm still keeping myself a little open to this option, configured w/ full on kinds of warranty I can stay in budget (though just barely I know it's likely to find a discount somehow w/ Dell).

In case this helps anyone, here's what I've kinda jotted down in comparing the two. Something about the Z still sucks me in - the screen being a big one ... but I think anyone wanting a Dell over the Z might want to consider the e4300. Very similar dimensions and both have more matte screens.

Sony Z
+ screen quality
+ carbon fibre
+ hdmi
+ more powerful cpu
+ widescreen
+ larger 7200rpm hdd option
- possible scratching of screen
- battery drain
- reported potential double type
- reported potential battery wiggle
- service/support (subjective, but overall seems more complaints than dell)

Dell e4300
+ build/durability
+ removable drive (for dvd or extra battery)
+ trackpoint
+ backlit keyboard
+ eSATA
+ upgradable to 8gb mem (if 64 bit vista)
- real world weight heavier
- six cell battery sticks out
- webcam or wwan (not both)
- integrated gpu only
- no digital video out
- worse screen quality
- reported possible noisy dvd drive
- reported potential non comfortable and/or noisy keyboard

 

Alaskan, i forgot my biggest annoyance with the e4300 besides the screen...lack of any kind of digital video out. (must use the docking station)

 

Thanks for the advice!

I believe I'll be getting the VGN-Z550NB as it is through work and we have a purchasing agreement. I might be able to skirt it (I'd have to argue that the higher resolution is NOT the same model, etc etc) and buy CTO but only if it's cheaper and I don't believe the $300 back is still available, is it?

 

TY, I really appreciate the input. I read that, but somehow I keep forgetting that too.

In theory it isn't a big deal, except ... I weirdly look forward to HDMI on the Sony, to hook up to my TV (or new monitor when I find a good price on a widescreen w/ hdmi). So maybe it is a bigger deal to me than I think.

 

Considering that the docking station of the e-series is another $100-150, it adds to the overall cost of the laptop. 22" 1080p HDMI monitors are ~$200-250 already, so you may want one sooner than you think. The cool thing about HDMI is that it multiplexes audio too in case you connect to a TV or capable device.

The latitude docking station however, is far superior to the sony one, featuring 2 displayport outs, 2 dvi's, and more.

 

thanks for your reply! i could try blowing the dust out of my vents, but i'm pretty sure it won't help as the laptop was like this virtually from the beginning (i doubt that much dust got in during manufacturing) and since i'm changing laptops and am quite busy lately, i'll consider trying to fix it a while from now.

and i guess i'll call them and ask about a warranty deal

that said, i looked at your previous notebooks and realized that we have similar tastes! you make good choices hahaha

 

I called Sony about combining that -$300 off discount and the 10% student/staff discount. I'm told that it's either/or as far as applying them.

I also understand that phone orders supposedly get processed faster (before online orders). Unsure how much of a time advance that is.

But in any case, I'm looking at a well-built z690 -- Vista Ultimate, P8700, carbon fiber, etc. -- just north of $2,000 after tax.

How can I get that price down? I considered going for Vista Business, but I like the idea of having BitLocker, all the features of the OS (and in 64-bit flavor, as they're not offering Business x86-64), and even DreamScene.

I've built the notebook with a 400 GB drive and 4 GB of RAM because from what I remember seeing on Newegg, I wouldn't be saving a whole hell of a lot. I admittledly am not even using half that capacity on my current desktop drive, but... better to have it than not, I guess.

So yeah, how can I get that price down?

 

I actually called SonyStyle and I spoke to a rep that quoted me with both the 10% and $300 bundle on the Z690:

Specs:

Z690
2.66Ghz with 6MB Cache - P9600
320GB 7200rpm HD
4GB DDR3 SoDimm
Premium Carbon Fiber
Vista Business
2 Year Extended Warranty with Accidental Protection
2 Neoprene Cases

Total = $2020 before 7.75% Sales Tax
(After $300 off and 10% Student discount)

Not too shabby of a deal I think...

I think I'm going to jump on it tomorrow... if it goes through I can share my sales reps extension for all that are interested.

 

If that goes through as planned, I would love to have that extension via PM (or posted here even).

 

Call this guy. He bundled them for me.

Charlie Knox

Sony Style Solutions Team Lead

Toll Free: 877.518.7669 - Option 1, then # - Ext. 86757

Fax: 480-446-1544

[email protected]

www.sonystyle.com

 

How long did it take Sony to process your 24 mo. no payment option? Did you get an instant credit decision or had to wait for the notification in mail?

On their website, they say the offer expires on 2/3, but somehow they still haven't taken it down yet...

Thank you!

 

I got approved immediately over the phone.

 

Anyone here try installing those test 185.xx drivers that's in that topic somewhere on these forums? I'm really curious about the performance. O_O

 

how much did guys pay for the z? I tried to customize it online and it ended out around $2862 after the student discount.

 

My Dell SXPS 13 came today and I don't know...the first thing that struck me was how small the touchpad is. Then, the keyboard didn't feel solid and comfortable to type on for long periods of time like in class. I decided to go to Best Buy to see the Z610 and what a difference!! The Z is soooo much easier to type on and the material seems a little more professional (aluminum vs. plastic). It's also considerably lighter. What made me nervous was how thin the LCD is though--it felt like it was going to snap. Now I don't know whether I should return the Dell and go for the Sony or just keep the Dell. I got a great deal on this computer and the Sony at Best Buy will be about $500 more expensive for worse specs. I tried spec'ing a 690 on the Sony website but I want the credit offers I could get from Best Buy. Right now I can get 18 mo no interest whereas I don't have a Sony card to get anything. If I can get a 690 for a good price, I might jump ship...even if I can't, I might jump ship to the 610!

 

theguac, if you're considering the Z, look at this video

http://b2b.sony.com/vaio/durability/durability_videos.html?vid=3

there are more videos if you scroll down

 

where is -300 off coupon or what ?

 

Phrasing your question like this isn't going to help you much as of course it all depends on what options you choose. The only deals I'm aware of for US CTO models besides the 10% student discount is a $300 warranty deal.

 

When you order by phone, ask them about the $300 warranty upgrade promotion. If you upgrade the warranty to 3 years ($200 without accidental) and purchase 2 accessories (some are ~$20) you get an instant $300 off.


To Theguac,
You can apply for a Sony card online and get a $100 credit on your statement, plus 18 months no finance charges either i believe. OR you can apply for Sony's new line of credit which is also ~18 month no charges.

 

No coupon as far as I know. If you choose the correct options on CTO, the discount will not automatically appear (like it used to). You have to ask for it.



Model Number: VGNZ690-CTO
VGN-Z690 Configure-to-Order
Customization Details
Trusted Platform Module / Biometric Fingerprint Sensor
Microsoft® Works
QuickBooks Simple Start
Blu-ray Disc™ (Windows XP Professional downgrade disk not included when this option is selected)
Windows® Live OneCare 90-Day Trial
Integrated Wireless Wide Area Network
No
No Fresh Start™
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.40GHz)
Standard Battery (BPS12)
320 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive [7200 rpm]
LCD 13.1" (XBRITE-DuraView™
Black
Microsoft® Windows Vista® Home Premium 64-bit
4 GB DDR3-SDRAM (DDR3-1066, 2GBx2)

$1,886.99

CA Recycling Fee
$8.00

Order Status:
Your VAIO is being built

Estimated Ship Date:
02/10/2009

Model Number: VGPAMC1

Sony VAIO® Neoprene Carrying Case (includes AC Adapter Case)
2
$41.38

Model Number: DSES3SLPM
3 Year Express Ship Service Plan
$199.99

Order Summary
Subtotal: $2,428.36
Promotional Discount: -$300.00
Tax: $173.69
Shipping: INCLUDED
Total: $2,302.05
Program Savings -247.60

 

Just ordered mine. I got both the $300 coupon (3 year express ship, neoprene case and a 4GB USB drive and I know that's expensive for what it is but I don't need two cases) and 10% student discount, and yes I actually am a student.

 

So I guess you ordered by phone since the $300 discount isn't shown anymore.

 

Is that on their website?

EDIT: Oh I see it. Bleh, it's offered by GE Bank. They're stingy with their credit limits I've found--I probably won't get $2000 from them. HSBC is much nicer to me =(.

 

It only works on phone orders it seems.

 

For those of you who ordered, what status was displayed on the sonystyle.com order history while being built? Mine just says "processing"

 

Yep, on the phone. And they volunteered it without me even asking.

 

Booo...I thought they give instant credit decisions online but apparently they don't. They told me to wait 7-10 days for a credit decision by mail but that's too long. Is there a way to speed up the process to see how much I could potentially get so I know what to do? Can I simply call them?

 

Under order information it says 'processing' but if you click on the order, at the bottom of the computer specs where it says order status, it says 'Your Vaio is being built'. Originally it said 'processing' but changed to 'being built' after a couple days.

 

I have noticed no difference in gaming with the update drivers. However, it adds more functionality at no performance hit. I would recommend them, though make sure you follow the directions exactly, as the installation of them isn't completely straightforward.

Basically the new drivers add PhysX support, which offloads the physics processing to the GPU. If there are a lot of Physics in a game you play (say half life 2) it can make a big difference. My arguement however, is that since the Sony Z has a comparatively slower GPU than its CPU, why offload more calculations to the GPU when the CPU runs so much faster? Would it really be an improvement in performance in this situation?

Haven't really had these questions answered yet. One other thing the drivers add is CUDA support. If you do video encoding, this is big because you can offload that work to the GPU as well. The GPU can encode movies WAY faster than your CPU as the GPU can process hundreds of frames at the same time, vs a dual core cpu that can process 2 frames at the same time.

 

As I wrote in that topic, I noticed quite a big difference in gaming, positive one I'm playing FlatOut, Painkiller Black Edition and UT2004 on my Z now and all of them have better FPS and no problems with graphics, which I had with the original drivers.

 

HKINGS, can you share your sales reps extension? I called Sony yesterday and was told that I couldn't combine the 10% discount and the -$300 promo. And I tried calling Charlie Knox, but always reached his voice mail =(

 

If you purchase Z using a Sony Card, do you still get the 8 points for every $1 spent? I'm assumung if you do get the points, the points are reflected once you pay off the Z, correct?

 

Is there a difference between the two cards? I only found the line of credit one on the website I think...

 

I'm in the same situation. I was quite surprised to see that Sony doesn't really care about those people who order online. Are you going to call them about the possibility of speeding up the process?

About the difference between the two cards. I think the Sony credit card is just another credit card. The sony financial service that we applied doesn't give you a new credit card. You still use your existing credit card to pay off the monthly payment.

Anyone please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

Not sure the videos showcase the screen being scratch when it's bent too much!
I strong advise to always put some protection between the screen and the keyboard when closed, I use a microfibre cloth.
And when transported the second advice would be to protect the laptop so that it's not too tight.

 

Me too. It's a big one folded in half to offer a nice, thick cushion for the screen. PITA but what r u gonna do? (buy a mac?)

 

So I placed the order early this morning, got the same exact system as was in my last post, except I saved $90+ going with only 2GB of memory since I just got a 2GB stick for only $30 total shipped free elsewhere.

My total before tax with Free Shipping was $1938.00 after both discounts. Plus the 5 points per Doller I get with my Sony card (Will save me another me another $105 once it posts to my card).

My rep's name is Bryan and his extension is x86740. Dial 1-877-518-7669. Press 1, then #, then the extension when prompted. I told him that I would be sending business his way and he said he would hook anyone up witht he same deal I sent over. Tell him Hayden sent you!

P.S. I think he said he is out of the office by 2pm Pacific time, so just try early tomorrow if you can reach him today.

Hope this helps!

 

Hi guys. I've had my 590z since the summer. It's great. It runs speedily and my only complaint is the slow HD, but that's every laptop.

I have 3 questions for you guys
1. i am using finger print protection and many times when I boot it just says 'wrong image' or whatever, as if someone else swiped. This is even before i touch the thing. When I get to windows its fine, but outside it doesnt' work well and the latest BIOS update doesnt seem to fix it. anyone else having this issue? What to do

2. Apparently the 690's have 64bit windows. Has anyone tried this on their 5 series Z's with any luck? I would think you could DL the 690 drivers for any driver issues, but i haven't seen anyone try it myself. (how about someone w/ a 690 post up their HD image so the 5's can get it)

3. anyone run server 2008 on their machines? sounds weird but i ran it on my sz and it flew. Much better than vista. I've been hesitating since this machine is new and not sure of driver support... anyone?

Thanks!

 

Oxide, if you'd like to experiment with an alternate OS, i strongly recommend Windows 7. There is a thread here with instructions and drivers. From my experience with other notebooks, Windows 7 is a pretty significant improvement, even as a beta.

 

I don't have this problem. Finger print sensor works fine out BIOS or in Windows. You may try update yours to PSQL528 or try clear all finger print data in BIOS and reload.

 

whats the $300 saving deal again? 1 plan and 2 accessories?

 

Yeah, I think the plan has to bet at least $200, accessories don't matter.

 

Where's the Z640 CTO??? I need a travel notebook in addition to the primary desktop replacement notebook I plan to get (possibly a Studio XPS 1640).

 

I ordered my Z on the 3rd, and it has shipped today. I'm in ecstasy. Just need to decide what hard drive to put in, an OCZ 64gb SSD (haven't had any problems with stuttering) or a 320gb 7200rpm.

 

I ordered mine with the 3 year express warranty. Does anyone have any thoughts on whether I should get a plan with accidental damage?

 

Mine shipped today as well. I live only an hour or so from San Diego so it's expected to arrive tommorow. Too bad I won't be here to sign for it. Oh, well. Time to box up the 590 and send her back.

IIRC the 320gb 7200 was only a $90 upgrade. Why didn't you just choose that and save yourself the hassle? Do you already have one lying around or something?