Official VAIO Z Core 2 Duo Series Owners Thread

They have the Z610, Z620 etc. with 1366x768 available already. But if you meant CTO, then I see what you mean. It's kind've interesting because they removed the Z540 CTO completely from the site. My guess was in preparation for the 640, but that may not be the case either.

 

Thanks guys for all the info. Finger is getting itchy on hitting that order button on the SonyStyle site . Last question, does anyone know what brand hard drive is used for the 320 GB 7200rpm option? They have it listed as $81 upgrade. Wondering if it's worth it if performance is on par with current models or if best to pickup my own and upgrade. Thoughts?

 

If I have to guess, I would think a 320gb hitachi travelstar.

 

Hitachi, a pretty good drive.

Upgrading is a PITA, but if you want to go that route, get the 500gb 7200rpm, it is amazingly fast.

 

I bought the Z used and the previous owner removed all the stickers, which I am fine with. I would just like to have the tiny Blu-Ray sticker.

*edit

This little deal

 

You might be able to get that sticker if you buy the blu-ray drive as a seperate part ($500US extra the last time I saw it), like getting a QuadCore sticker for a QuadCore CPU (when custom building my desktop)...

I am thinking about upgrading my Z2's Vista Business to Ultimate (32bit - can't be stuffed about upgrading ram for more money (since DDR3 is practically non-existent in New Zealand) when 3GB is enough for me...).
I was wondering if I do decide to upgrade (not a format/boot install), would all the software Sony labelling still remain (eg when you go into My Computer PROPERTIES, will the Sony logo be there?)?
Also, I am assuming the original software that came with my Z2 will still work and still have the same settings?

Thanks in advance...

 

Does this work for UK versions??? If so, can someone confirm which steps to use please? I've tried a few veriosn to get a "cleaner" install but haven't had much luck.

Thanks

 

Is it true that the release date for Windows 7 is May 5th, which is next week? If so, when can the Z be expected to be loaded with the new OS?

Also, what exactly is RC (Windows 7 RELEASE CANDIDATE)? Thanks.

 

I thought windows 7 was supposed to release October of this year?

 

no, it's not out until the end of the year or early next. what comes out on may 5th is the release candidate, which is pretty much like a 99% complete version that will be used by MS testers and vendors to make sure everything it working 100% once the final retail version is out in stores.

 

hey guys, i own a z520 with vista buisness, my question is should i upgrade to vista ultimate to utilize the 4gb of ram and the extras that come with vist ultimate. or should i stay with buisness also if i do upgrade which upgrade should i buy i noticed that they have two differantly priced vista ultimate upgrades which should i get

 

BTW guys, Windows 7 RC fixes the fingerprint reader issue. The fingerprint reader now works natively, no need to install any driver or software. I love it. (not the mention it's fast as hell)

 

So we can hope that after releasing windows 7, the first-day z users can install it without driver problems or missing features?

 

correct, i'm using the RC build and everything is working perfectly. the speed/stamina switch, the LCD brightness FN keys, fingerprint scanner, etc.... everything that was broken or half way broken in the first public beta build is working great now. I love my Z way more now than i first did when i got her and i'm actually one of the few that was happy with Vista! She's so much snappier now, I went from looking for a hard drive upgrade with Vista to now being perfectly happy with my 5400rpm drive with Win7

 

Sounds very very good! Hope i can do an update after released

 

Can we assign open and close function for toucpad to S1 or S2 button for Vaio Z series? Or is there a program for it?

 

With or without TPM?

 

With TPM. .

 

Are you using x86 or x64? Also, which video driver?

Thanks.

 

x86. Using the stock one that sony provides

 

It's not the version of Vista that matters, just the 32 vs 64 bit - you could just install Vista Business x64 to utilize 4gb ram if you currently have x32, I believe the licensing allows for either one legally so you should have no problems.

Also ... are you a student? If so, Microsoft has that "Ultimate Steal" program. Vista Ultimate Upgrade for $65 ... and Office Ultimate 07 for $60.

 

so i can upgrade to vista buisness 64 for free? and what would i have to do to upgrade to 64. by the way i have 32.. oh yah im a student but the ultimate steal is only upgrading from xp to vista ultimate at least thats what microsoft told me. they only sell the red upgrade box on the ultimate steal website

 

There seems to be a new BIOS update on Sony's Update service (ver R2168M3), released on the 29th in April. Wondering if anyone has installed it and saw any changes regarding the battery drain issues? My one seems to be fixed, but it does that from time to time...

Will need more time to fully test it out, and just wondering if anyone else could try this update as well...

Cheers in advance.

Also, just wondering, I have a Vista Business and wish to upgrade to Ultimate (want the bitlocker feature that only Ultimate has). I can get Ultimate for a low price, so no problems there. And I only have 3GB of RAM on my Z and don't plan on getting more (thus sticking with 32bit OS). If I UPGRADE from Business to Ultimate, would I lose all the Sony branding of the laptop (eg, when you go to My Computer properties, that Sony logo there and stuff...). Also, would I be correct in saying that software wise, nothing changes (not even the settings) except for the OS?

 

link? looking at their support site now 2165m3 version is still there. Is only via the update software? Perhaps they enabled VT?!!? doubt it. sony are pricks

 

If you buy what's called an "Anytime Upgrade", you get a box and a registration key -- you just enter the new registration key, and have Ultimate. Without installing anything.

The idea behind anytime upgrade was that you could upgrade at literally any time, online, and get a new key immediately. However, Microsoft likely decided that their customers were too dumb for that, and decided that anytime upgrades had to be shipped in a box with instructions. So it's not anytime. To go with it not really being an upgrade either.

 

The Sony Update Service only points you to the web site, so my guess is it was only a typo.

 

No, there is indeed such an update on the Japanese site:
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/314802/product/vgn-z27gn/modelfirst?subpage=detail

Our USA current bios is a higher number though, R3052M3, so I don't know what to make of it.

 

Hmm...
Then I guess the battery issue remains...

Cheers to arth and nystate for the prompt reply...
Just 3 more (quick) questions though

On the outside (screen) cover of the Z, it seems that the bottom area of the screen panel is 'quite' warm after some time. That is, just under the VAIO logo on the back of the screen, near the bottom of the panel. Is this normal? Just asking after what happended with the TZ recall fiasco...

Also, my AC adapter makes a quiet (yet 'hearable') fizzing sound. If I give the AC adapter a light shake, the sound stops... It has been doing this since new.

Just wondering if anyone above has experienced any of the above? Just want to make sure my Z is not a lemon (cost me an arm and a leg to get it.........)

Again, thanks in advance...

But the anytime upgrades are expensive.... I they cost about $150US from New Zealand I'd be better off buying an extended battery for this lappie at the price! I was quite interested in buying a Vista Ultimate upgrade DVD from a retailer that is participating in a Microsoft organized Student discount programme in New Zealand - I am able to get the Ultimate upgrade for $50US that way. My question is, is the anytime upgrade and the DVD upgrade the same thing (but different price)? If it is not the same thing, what is the difference (apart from going out and buying the disc from a physical store)...

Cheers again...

 

Hey 5ushiMonster,

I am from New Zealand too. Can I ask where you got your Sony Z from? Is it the Z20 series or the newer Z30 series? Z30s are insanly priced at the moment!!

 

what do you all guys think of windows 7? will you install it? let me know trying to see what you guys think about it

 

It's great.

I'm running the RC. Everything works except for the brightness hotkeys in Speed mode, and I'm sill playing around with sound detection from the HDMI.

Using Vista feels painful in comparison, and XP is like riding a dinosaur. You can make a partition and dual boot if you're unsure/don't want to commit. I've done this, then added all my documents on the Vista partition into the libraries on 7, though setting the permissions can be tricky.

Also, DPI scaling is much better for anyone who has a problem with 1600x900.

 

I'm using the R2168M3 BIOS, was hoping the virtualization would be unlocked but still no

 

Hi everybody, after reading carefuly i m quite lost with looking a fix for my brand new Vaio Z.
I bought this model in Japan Z71JB, Vista 64 premium, 4go ram, 320 HDD.

The problem is after getting hibernate, especially from sleep to deep sleep and when resume i got BSOD with " multiple IRP requests complete" and ve reboot fresh start. I ve some clue that Kaspersky internet security can be faulty.
Anyone with this error? Kaspersky user? im stuck with several BSOD on resume always the same.

Ive generated a minidump but dont know how to read it.

thanks

 

I am noticing a missing key from time to time on my Z. I am not a fast typer and it's almost like the cursor doesn't keep up sometimes. My last computer, a Samsung X460, also had a island style keyboard and I did not have any problems of this type at all. I also notice that backspace key repeat is quite slow. I've not yet looked for any keyboard related settings, but if anyone knows of any, I'd appeciate the tip also.

Edit- It might not be hardware related. It seems to be worse at some places, especially NR, than it is at others, even other forums using the same Vbulletin software. Still, I didn't have this issue with other laptops or desktops, so it has something to do with my Z or the software installation on it.

 

Guys, I have two questions. Hope somebody can help me...
I have Vaio VGN-Z570N (bought it in September in Boston with 3 year Service Plan warranty).
First - I've tried to install Windows 7 and get it work. But had no success with "Speed-Stamina" switch. May be there is some instructions how to install all (or some of them) the drivers and in what order.
Second problem - about a week ago I've noticed that there is a straight horizontal scratch in the screen. It seems that it is made by the body of the laptop in the place between keyboard and touchpad. Can I do something with it? Is it under warranty? Limited or extended (the problem is that I'm not from the US and the extended guarantee (Service Plan) is only for the territory of the US - I was told so in Boston).
Sorry for my English.

 

1: Which version of Windows 7? the latest RC? Use the driver from Sony's website (the original) do not use the one that tries to install under windows update, that one doesn't work. I'm using the Windows 7 7100 RC build, and the speed/stamina switch works great using the sony provided drivers.

2: have you tried to clean the scratch with a microfiber cloth? you may have to slightly wet the cloth first. From here on out, use something like a small microfiber cloth or something like this
http://www.shaggymac.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_5&products_id=33

since the screen is so thin, it bends a bit. If you put too much pressure while carrying it it happens unless you protect it

 

1. It was 7100 RC. Ok! I'll try to use this info http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=355715

2. Yes, I've tried a lot to clean it with a microfiber cloth bought with the laptop, but no result. Thank you for the advice about the protection microfiber cloth.
Maybe you are wright and this is because of too much pressure while carrying.
But what about limited warranty and 3 years Service Plans?

 

Ok guys, I lied, one more question is regards to the screen resolution. Are there any advantages of the 1600x900 display over the 1366x768? Reason I ask is I happen to be in Best Buy and they have an open box on a Z610Y/B. I can get this for a little cheaper than what I was going to pay via Sony direct. Only real difference I can see is the display. I did happen to stop by the Sony store and try out the higher res screen with the increased DPI (144) and it actually made it look real good and easily readable. Just wondering if there are any other pros or cons to either setup. The thing that drew me to the 1366x768 was the thought of playing movies and 720p filling the screen without bars. How would work with the higher resolution screen?

Thanks

 

140, actually.

It's the same aspect ratio, 16:9. Which makes both models slightly better suited for watching DVDs than most widescreen laptops (which usually are 16:10, and thus either have to display a slim black border at the top and bottom, or stretch the image so everyone looks skinny and tall).

The advantage to the 1600x900 screen is simply that it has a higher resolution. If you do DTP work, it may matter. If watching videos, not enough to say so. You may be able to spot the difference if you compare them directly, but only for quite high resolution content (which your average DVD isn't). Oh, and the 1600x900 model has 256 MB of GDDR3 RAM for the nVidia card, while the 1366x768 model has 128 MB. That only matters if you play games -- a task which neither machine does well (and if anything, the lower res model is better for despite less texture RAM, cause more games will run "OK" at the lower native resolution).

Go with the lower resolution one if in doubt, and if you can get it much cheaper. I picked the higher res one because I do printouts and the higher DPI, the more WYSIWYG, but for all normal use, it wouldn't matter much.

 

Is it true that the higher end version has line issues?

 

help... i own a z520 with 32bit and was going to upgrade to 64 bit but i was told by sony that for the model i had they didnt have the drivers for it he said my hardware on my computer would not have it and that they didnt have the drivers for it.. does anyone know how true this is and if there is another way

 

I will be upgrading my Z590 to a 64-bit OS as well. Check this out. I hope this will be of some help.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=347960

 

im sorry i didnt understand what you were trying to show me on that page can you explaine? im not so computeryyy.
arent all these links available on sony website as well

 

I believe once you upgrade to 64-bit OS, those are ALL the drivers you need to operate your upgrade efficiently and effectively.

Your previous post above indicated that you spoke to Sony and were advised that drivers were not available for 64-bit........He just happened to path the way to all the links you'll need.

 

i thought the same thing but sony said that the proccesor and hardware was not designed to upgrade to 64. they said that i could install the upgrade to 64 but they said that it would probably have compatibility issues because my 520 was not designed for it........ but i did call sony and complained because if i go into the settings my computer does say that it is capable of 64bit however sony is telling me no ... so today i complained and because of the weekend im supposed to get a call monday from customer relations

 

Hi,

Any issue on Z71JB resume???

equivalent to Z2 US for BSOD after resume from hibernate. Sleep----hibernate----then blue screen.
On Vista64 and all stock drivers.

 

Your post made me think. Have you tried running the Z without the battery and check if the screen still gets hot in the middle near the bottom?

I noticed my Z36 also gets quite warm there.

 

I'm no M$ fan, but calling XP a dinosaur sounds a bit odd to me. Well, if you really want to, a T-Rex was a dinosaur too.

A friend showed me the latest Ubuntu with XP running through Virtualbox from Sun. Looks like the perfect solution for me.

 

Could you please give me your Email id for the vaio account,I spoke to customer rep about getting additional student discount besides 300 bundled offer ..and customer rep asked me to provide some one emaii Id who got this offer and he will provide me the discount... I will really appreciate....

 

I could be wrong, but I believe all models would support Vista 64. Only issue is for you to get a hold of all of the necessary drivers. I think since 520 is an older unit, Sony is not necessary certifying the 64 bit drivers on all models. They are out there as listed in previous link, just again, don't think Sony is spending the time to test it on each model; only newer ones. Best option is to backup your drive then test it for yourself. I don't have an older unit, so can't say for certain. Again trying will be best option. Unless someone here with the same model can testify.