Official VAIO Z Core 2 Duo Series Owners Thread

Is there a difference between the 64SSD and 128SSD in terms of speed/performance? Any pro's and cons?

 

Yea thats right, Canada mightt for all u know get a high or mid end Vaio Z. I have a favour to ask of !!ROYCER!! can you email the following address for P1. I dont think he;s going to answer me cuz I asked him like a crap load of questions and he'ls probably getting pissed lol.

ROYCER, can you ask him about the warretny and return policy for me please, and any other important questions u might have??? I really appreciate it. Email is below:

[email protected]

 

Aw that sucks..

I tried to configure it and it came out to be $2400 =( (And I may have just added 2 things!!)

its way too overpriced

 

http://laptopsinc.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=OI

 

toronto guy, you could always call them and get the answers right away, if you have a cheap plan to the US or even unlimited, calling them is probably the best option and fastest.

 

Is any retailer selling the Z in 1600x900 w/o blu-ray? I've had no luck finding anyone - just looking to avoid tax with sonystyle.com. Thanks.

 

A ton. The 128GB is two 64GB in a RAID 0 config. The Japanese review with it had amazing results.

The big con? The cost.

 

I just called Sony Style to ask abt my order the lady said the estimated SHIP date would be the 15th of august. I know thats wat it says online as well but i was under the impression they would begin building on the 15th and ship later...

 

The guy I talked to said building will take place on the 15th, and he said the only reason he knew that was because I had mine engraved as well.

Engraving takes place before building, and thats when it was scheduled to be engraved. After the engraving it goes straight to building.

 

Ok nevermind, heres what Portable One said in the email:

Yes there are various service centers in Canada that do both US and Canadian based warranty work for Sony, so you do not have to send it into the US to have any warranty repairs done; such as the below Sony Service company there:



These guys are the biggest in Canada and Sony recommends them:



http://www.mtcservice.com/

 

from Portable One

Yes 30 days on all Sony products; you would have to pay shipping fees though.

 

i called them also today to ask about my CTO order and the girl told me that they will start building it on the 15th and it should take 7-10 working days to be ready to ship

 

When is FRY's saying that they will have Z's available?

 

They'll start building on the 15th and not ship for another 7-10 days? This is sheer torture...!

 

I ordered mine last night; shipping is scheduled for 8/15.

Wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g/n) with integrated Bluetooth® technology
Photo Standard
Video Standard
200 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive [7200 rpm]
QuickBooks Simple Start
LCD 13.1" (XBRITE-DuraView™
Standard Battery (BPS12)
Windows® Live OneCare 90-Day Trial
Trusted Platform Module / Biometric Fingerprint Sensor
Microsoft® Works
Engraving
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor P9500 (2.53GHz)
Integrated Wireless Wide Area Network
No Fresh Start™
4 GB DDR3-SDRAM (DDR3-1066, 2GBx2)
Microsoft® Windows Vista® Home Premium with Service Pack 1
DVD±R DL / DVD±RW / DVD-RAM Drive
2yrs ADH, BT mouse and leather case.
I have Windows Ultimate; hence I ordered the basic OS

 

Where are you from; your location? Guys that's why its so important to fill your city/country location in your PROFILE - to better serve you.

Ok...., can you list the top 4 or 5 differences to expect from SSD 128 versus 64 SSD? I realize it's very expensive, but will the extra cost of getting the 128 over the 64 worth the money? What differences can you expect??????

I called and I was told the week of Aug. 17th. They get their shipment every Monday. By the time their shipment is stocked, they have a better idea as to what they have in inventory by Tuesday morning of every week. So I will call on Aug. 19th. I already told one of the guys I know to put one on hold for me. I gave them my preferences. 1) Blu-Ray 1600x900 2)SSD 1366x768 3) highest processor without BD and SSD 1366 x 768. I'll deal with the rest of the specs when I get there. I figure they will only get about 2-3 preconfig. at most. So I will post what they have available as soon as I get word from Fry's. Or you can always check their website Tues. Aug. 19th.

 

Another big "con" is that dual SSDs will reduce battery life by about 30 minutes according to the Sony spec sheets (from my interpretation, at least). Remember that while performance will be doubled with dual RAID hard drives, so is power consumption.

 

Sorry, I know its wrong thread, but any idea when frys will be getting SRs and if any good deals coming?

 

I'm not sure if this was mentioned, but with RAID0 your data is also more difficult to recover in the event of a hard drive failure. At least with RAID0 HDDs, there's the possibility of opening the drives up, removing the platters, and attempting a rebuild via special (and probably proprietary) software. But with SSDs (especially in RAID0 configs) the process is more complicated, and I would assume that recovery services like Drive Savers may charge you more money to extract your data from a dead drive (or drives).

 

I think that anyone that goes for dual SSD's will feel ripped off in a very short period of time. An article I read said that current SSD capacity would grow to 8 times current capacities within less than 18 months, meaning that 128GB drives will grow to 1TB SSD's in just over a year! Of course, I fully realize that you can wait, and wait and never get anything, but the technology will greatly improve as drives move to solid state for more applications. Of course, if you have lots of money, and it doesn't matter, go for it.

 

Check with Frys on Tuesday, August 19th to see if the SR is in.

Thanks, good to know...

Thanks, I had no idea. This will make my decision easier. If you can think of any more pros and cons, please post. I have a good idea, I'll be getting a Z with 320GB HHD, I was just curious, because if Fry's happens to price a Z with SSD and it falls within my budget, I was going to consider it. But based on the cons thus far, it may not be worth to get it at this time.

Someone posted a graph on this thread depicting the performance and speed of SSD versus HDD when opening certain applications, though SSD is faster, I didn't think the cost justified the amount of time (in secs.) it launched applications.

 

I read that the SSDs are ALWAYS on - 24/7 - and that Vista has serious issues of logging/writing again and again on the HD which may make your SSD life = shorter + reduce battery.

 

Well, I've been using my G with an SSD and Vista and I notice no battery difference. Sorry to dissapoint.

 

At one point in time I had 2 7200RPM drives in RAID0 in my other laptop and to be honest, I didn't notice much difference. I say this even after I replaced them both when the RAID array failed with a single 5400RPM drive out of an external USB 2.0 enclosure (it was cheaper than buying the internal version at the time ). I suppose I don't do any work that demands a lot from a storage drive, but for the most part I have to agree that the substantially higher price absolutely does not justify the performance and gains for me.

 

The 1,800 Vaio Z is exclusive to the online store? I'd like to buy it in a physical store.

 

I'd heard about this, too. There seems to be work going on that'll fix this eventually, but who's to say when. I suppose the article on Tom's Hardware regarding efficiency of SSDs vs. HDDs can be of some consolation, since it looks like their test used a Vista machine.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ssd-hard-drive,1968.html

There was also this:
http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/10/vista-os-x-updates-could-bring-significant-ssd-speed-gains/

 

The single SSD won't reduce your battery (i.e. a single 64GB one); the RAIDed one I would think would since it's two SSD drive. To what degree, who knows.

 

Thanks, so there are issues with the SSD's, well I'm convince after reading all your posts that this is not the time to get that option on the Z. I'll stick to tradition for now (HDD). And if there are other concerns that you can think of with respect to the SSD's, please post. It will give me further assurance not to invest at this time. Thanks.

 

Can't say it enough: I've had ZERO issues with two different SSDs in the past year (the G1 and the G2 - 32GB and 64GB). VERY reliable. No drop in battery life. Great performance. I wouldn't get a laptop without one at this point.

 

Gotta a QUESTION for you guys. If I were to go to the U.S Sony Store and pick up a laptop there, would I be able to have my warrenty here in Canada or would I have to ship it to U.S everytime??

 

Another question:

I went and saw (and liked) a prototype Z at the SonyStyle Store in Houston, Texas. It had the high-resolution screen, which I want.

On SonyStyle's USA site, it appears that the only way to get the high-resolution screen is either:

1.) Get the $3,999 Pre-Configured model (which I am not willing to do)

or:

2.) Get the higher-priced CTO Premium Z starting at $2,079.99. I had not wanted to get a CTO, for reasons that others have specified here.

Is there another way to get the high-resolution screen that I am unaware of?

Also, is a CTO from SonyStyle non-returnable?

 

You can return the cto. The only reason refunds can not be taken is if it is engraved

 

Could you please specify the reasons you have not wanted to get a CTO?

 

people feel that because its CTO, its man built and not machine built completely therefore the quality of the machine is comprised.

also, CTO machines come from San Diego, California in the US, and I believe the preconfigs come from somewhere else like Japan that have higher quality standards.

I personally got the CTO because I feel that the quality is the same preconfig or not

 

Actually all the 'Made in Japan' ones (CTO & preconfig) are man built and they're proud of it...as well as Fujitsu for instance...as you can see the videos on the web sites....because they believe it's higher quality than the 'machine' built. Don't know how they're making that San Diego CTO's though....

 

OK so i bought my sony vaio second hand but its really slow at the moment - after downloading programmes like lastfm and limewire - i had to get rid of them as it was taking over 40 mins just to load the internet. Any tips on how i can improove the speed - or is there any software is should buy - i want to save it since its my favorite computer. . . .

 

So they're made in San Diego with parts from China?

 

I would say you didn't buy the Z series Vaio, so why are you asking here..?..plus if you don't say which type, OS, confg. you're using, no one can help you...

If you order that CTO in US or Canada - yes.

 

The cheapest preconfigured 1600x900 Z is probably the Z590NFB. You can't get it from SonyStyle, but Portable One should have it available soon. I expect it to be around $2400 since that's what you can get an identically configured Z590CTO for.

I also wouldn't want to get a CTO (made in China, assembled in USA), since so many people have claimed that the preconfigured models (made in Japan) are better - not just in build quality, but some people actually claimed that the China made ones had poorer screens, etc.

 

Gotta a QUESTION for you guys. If I were to go to the U.S Sony Store and pick up a laptop there, would I be able to have my warrenty here in Canada or would I have to ship it to U.S everytime??

 

Alright! I finally cracked open my Z and installed a 7200rpm Scorpio Black 320gigs of goodness!

I've taken pictures and this is only meant as a mini guide to help those with cold feet take the plunge. I don't normally crack open such things unless someone else has made a guide. But I couldn't find one and I didn't go too deep into the guts. So without further adieu, here are some steps!

You might want to look at the pictures first to get an idea, then read this and refer to the pictures, then re-read again so that you feel comfortable. No need for any dead patients on the operating table...


*** I'm very sure that this will void any precious warranties, so please proceed with due care (though there aren't any stickers to be broken or indicators that the case was open, besides the red locktite they use in the screws that isn't locked tight anymore. *^_^*) I am not responsible for anything that you do to your Z ***

First be sure to pamper your new Z and not do this on a steel table or any surface that may scratch your new precious.

Next take out the battery and flip over your Z. Gently stroke it's underside and tell it that everything will be all right, nothing to be scared of. Having good bedside manners is a must!

After that remove the memory cover (optional- remove the black dust guard, I find that it restricts airflow so I gently removed it, it is stuck on by double sided tape) and you'll find a screw that need to be removed.

Remove the rest of the 10 screws *see pic* (11 in total with the one under the memory cover) and place somewhere safe and perhaps in order so you don't forget where each one came from. And whatever you do, DO NOT EAT THEM, as tempting as they look, just say no.
**I'm not sure if you need to remove them all, I just removed whatever was visible, no harm, no foul, perhaps this could be optimized... **

There are NO hidden screws under any of the rubber feet.

Next flip your precious over and gently pry up the keyboard, I recommend starting form the DVD drive and be sure to separate the keyboard/one piece aluminum ( or aluminium, depending on where you're from) top piece from the plastic trim. I think the frame can be taken off too, but you'd need to remove some screws first, so please be sure, just the metal part, NOT plastic.

** You might want to wear gloves or something as the parts are very thin and sharp. I got many paper like cuts on my fingers and deeper! You won't feel them, but you also don't want any blood on your Z. **

Don't force it off, just gently pry here and there, you might notice some tabs that can be pushed or pulled, just work your way around and be aware of any cracking noises, popping noises are okay, NOT CRACKING.

** When you get enough of the keyboard up, be sure to disconnect the keyboard from the machine. It's a magnetic type clip/plug. Just gently pull up. **

Once off you'll be greeted with your precious' insides. Now is the time to oogle and awe at the belly of the beast. Next remove the HD's cable, again same type clip as the keyboard, gently pull up.

Do not go poking at the top black buttons... they are not buttons, I repeat, they are not squishy irresistibly black buttons wanting to be pushed! They are the speakers... (and yes I did push one and yes I feel sad ... don't make the same mistake)

There's only 2 screws that need to be removed and finally to jiggle and wiggle the metal braces off (they are kinda clipped in with tabs, but they came out with wiggling). The rubber shock absorbing thingies really keep the HD in there nice and snug.

Replace with desired drive and reverse the above steps to put it back in place.

*** This is as far as I'll go for now into the machine, you'll see other screws and lots of cables, you can remove the plastic frame from here and go deeper, but I didn't, as comfortable as I am around PC's, this I feel is quite well put together like a puzzle with very little room for play, so I don't want to misalign a part or screw something up. I'll leave it to further brave souls to pioneer that adventure. ***

Put everything back ( be sure to reconnect the keyboard), put all screws back, replace battery and fire it up, you can check the bios to make sure the drive is recognized and away you go to Happy Install new OS Land.

I hope this helps any budding tinkerers to try their hand at an upgrade or two.

I'm also sorry for the poor/insufficient pictures but I kinda thought of a mini guide after the fact and also sorry for my writing style, very personal and not academic. *^_^*

Bye for now!
Ja ne!

 

A couple more pics... different angles and without the drive in the bay. To get RAID0 looks like you would just need the frame and the special ribbon cable. Perhaps also a bios? The Z's bios seems rather... limited and not full of options...

 

Just one note...I'm quite sure, that the part which are 'Made in China' on the CTOs, which are assembled in USA will be also at the preconfig one which are assembled in Japan (that's in fact meaning of 'Made in Japan'). I found it on many Japanese products already...they're designed in Japan, the parts are made in China, but assembled in Japan...voala -> Made in Japan. So the only difference is, where it's assembled...and there I also believe more in the Japanese version as there the actual people who are assembling Vaios have bigger responsibility (as I wrote before, they have to put their own stamp (hanko) on the box). I don't believe in the infos about different screens and so on..

Thanks for nice first guide for Z I heard that the HDD you're using runs sometimes quite hot...how are your first impressions?

And still it wouldn't be bad, if you would give us some info about real battery life and for instance how is the keyboard noisy (or not)

 

That's also why I find it hard to believe that the CTO's are that bad. I think it's just a little 'overrated', due to one of two bad experiences?

 

Thanks.
My thoughts as well.

Andrew

 

Any idea when these babies will be available in Australia?

Thanks

 

Yes you would have to send it to the US everytime but i think you would be able to purchase a Canadian warranty within the first 30 days of owning the laptop assuming it is released in Canada within those 30 days...

 

great pics IsamuX

 

Where laptops are assembled makes a huge difference my friend. Its the matter of getting a decfective this or a defective that most of the time, hence returning it for repair the first u get it. See Americans dont really give a ****, they'll just slap all the part together, maybe take a lunch break while making ur laptop, not wash their hands properly, pick their nose;s and screw around. Where as Japanese ppl tend to be very disaplined and a very steady hand and not finish till the job uis doen in perfection, their very serious about their jobs. Thats why Japan is taakin over the world martket in almost everything from cars to laptops. Anyway I saw this on the Discovery channel aswell.

 

nVidia has released the driver that enables GPU PhysX or CUDA acceleration, which is supposed to improve gaming performance.

In order to enable GPU PhysX or CUDA acceleration, a GeForce 8-series or later GPU is required. Also required is a graphics driver which supports both PhysX and CUDA. GeForce v177.83 graphics driver supports PhysX and CUDA on the following desktop GPUs:

GeForce GTX 280
GeForce GTX 260
GeForce 9800 GX2
GeForce 9800 GTX+
GeForce 9800 GTX
GeForce 9800 GT
GeForce 9600 GT
GeForce 9600 GSO
GeForce 9500 GT
GeForce 9500 GS
GeForce 9400 GT
GeForce 9300 GS
GeForce 9300 GE
GeForce 8800 Ultra
GeForce 8800 GTX
GeForce 8800 GTS 512

GeForce 8800 GTS
GeForce 8800 GT
GeForce 8800 GS
GeForce 8600 GTS
GeForce 8600 GT
GeForce 8600 GS
GeForce 8500 GT
GeForce 8400 SE
GeForce 8400 GS
GeForce 8400
GeForce 8300 GS
GeForce 8300
GeForce 8200
GeForce 8100 / nForce 720a
GeForce 8100 / nForce 720a

But it seems mobile versions of the chips are not supported which is a shame.