Official VAIO Z Core 2 Duo Series Owners Thread

I did search and dont see any one has this problem.
for long time in using my Vaio Z11wn, loving it so far. Today I just noticed that I have a minor line on the screen, like a dust line. I tried to clean it with cloth and liquid. at the beginning, the line gone. howeve, after a minute or so, it appreared again, this happens again and again. I looked more closely and carefully, and realise it is a line of scratching dots on my screen. the thing is the position of the line matches with the curve on the keyboard, where seperates a higher and a lowever surface. I closed the lid, looked through the gap and could see there is much space between the screen and that curve, how come this happen with my scree.
any one has this problem? without notice, well, the screen still looks nice because the line is minor, but when you know about this, it's very annoyed

 

if you press the screen lid when it close, the lid will touch the surface on the keyboard area, including the curve at the palmrest.

earlier batch user would have this problem since they wont recognize it. but current user, sony provides the soft cloth to protect the screen when closing the lid. some of the user who identify the problem use their own soft cloth/sponge to protect the screen when closing the lid and keeping it into the backpack/sleeve etc.

well, this is design flaws.

 

I bought the Sony Privacy Filter to hopefully reduce the scratches on the screen. As a privacy filter, it is definitely sub par. You can completely see what's on the screen if you're at an angle - it's just significantly darker and slightly blurred. For comparison, the 3m filters completely block off the screen when at an angle.

But I'm hoping it will at least reduce the scratches on the screen. I leave it off when I'm not traveling because it does slightly dim and pixelate the display.

 

Sony has added the "VGN-Z56VG" to selectable options on their driver support page (Europe). Unfortunately there have not yet been any pre-installed drivers posted...
(For the sake of getting official Win7 drivers.)

http://support.vaio.sony.eu/computing/vaio/downloads/preinstalled/index.aspx?l=en_GB&m=VGN-Z56VG

 

well, thx for sharing those exp. i wonder if there is any solution with scratching dots if it has already happened? terribly sony didn't give any advice to early users.

 

Is there any word or rumor that Sony will re-design the Z anytime soon. If so, approx. when?

 

Many people are waiting for a re-design. I think is needed.

 

I don't think Sony will redesign such a successfull model as the Z so quick. Like the SZ that lasted a lot. Maybe when Intel Calpella will come it would make more sense to change release a new series.

 

Seeing how long the SZ was around. I doubt that we will see a Z replacement as soon as next year. It seems like forever, but the Z has only been out for a little more than a year!

Then again who knows what's going to happen... like no one expected Sony to kill off the TT...

 

bright pixel means no matter what the background is, it will always shine in a certain colour, eg. white / blue / red etc.

for mine case, its white.

so if you are using a black screen, you will see a white pixel in the screen.

i have to admit though, due to the 1600 x 900 resolution, i missed it in the first place. its only while working in darkness which i normally do... that i saw that ...



but just an update:

To all who are wondering what happened...
ya.. finally got a call from the engineer who worked on my laptop.

he agreed to change it to 1 without a dead / white pixel as per promised initially.

so, ya. i guess everything settled then


to be honest, if given a chance again, i will select another vaio laptop again.
mainly because the customer focus orientation is there.

 

Took my Z47G/D (from Hong Kong) out on the road last week and the video playback is quite annoying. What happens is the video will freeze but I can still hear the audio playing. When it unfreezes, the video would go into a fast forward mode to catch up to the point where the audio is playing.

Anyone knows what is causing this?

Thx!

BTW: This happens on Blu-Ray playback, DVD playback, and video files stored on the hdd as well.

 

TheTraveler,

What video playback program do you use?

 

Mine too! My Z46GD will not sleep/hibernate and sometimes won't even shut down normally!
I keep getting this little tray message popping up that "a storage device was connected..blah..blah.." What is this..Its really annoying.

 

Very glad I read this thread. I've had my Z-590 for 6 months now and finally called Sony Support to address the three major problems I've had:

1. Aforementioned screen damage caused by screen pressing up against the bezel ridge above the touchpad.

2. Damn thing going to sleep and then not waking up (sounds as if it is, but screen remains off and I have to do a hard reboot) or worse, wakes itself up when it's usually in a bag, risking or causing heat damage. (I have no antivirus programs running)

3. Keyboard drops keystrokes randomly during typing.

All three of these have been brought up and experienced by other NBR forum members.

As I had been warned, it was a painful experience dealing with Sony. After getting cut off twice and on hold for a long time, I was given the following responses to my issues:

1. There is no design defect and this was caused by physical damage, which is not covered under the warranty. When I replied that I have done nothing to the notebook I would not have done with any other notebook, I was told bluntly that this would not be covered and was not a known problem. I must have put a lot of force on the top of the machine.

2. This is just an issue with my software and OS and again, not a Sony problem. I was directed to just refresh the drivers from the website (which believe it or not, seems to have helped)

3. I was told to hold down a key on an empty screen and asked whether the keypress was repeating. When I said yes, I was told that this was not a hardware fault and that I would just have to type more carefully.

The major issue is the screen damage. As some of you have pointed out, this is a design defect, because the flex of the screen should have been addressed with extra rubber feet to increase the spacing, cushioning on the ridge, or at the least, some sort of user warning.

What recourse do I have? Can any of you guys who also tried to escalate this share what success you might have had? The only course of action I can think of now, is for those of us who have had these problems to go onto their Sonystyle public support forum and try to make enough stink until we get taken care of. What makes me most angry is that the tech guy (who kept having me wait on the phone while he went to ask someone else for troubleshooting) denied that any of these were known problems. A far cry from Lenovo techs that lurk the Lenovo forum here and address the problems.

Does attempting to escalate to Level 2 or a manager help at all? Any other channels?

 

Your recourse is to go to Sony, not Sony Support. Sony Support are hired call centres who get the job based on how little they charge, and read off pre-written "scripts". Many of these people have never ever seen a Sony laptop in their entire life. Their success rate is based on how good they are at spotting certain keywords in your angry ramble, and match that to a pre-written "FAQ".
If you get annoyed enough to hang up on them, it's counted as a "problem solved".

And no, escalating within that system isn't going to do any good. You need to reach Sony proper. Which for most people means going through the "office of the CEO" (which is basically a complaint mailbox).

 

I have patches of dying and bruised pixels, some near-microscopic yet visible pitting in the screen (aka scratches); yeah, the screen is too fragile for most people.

At the moment for me, it ain't anything very noticable - the above problems can only be visibly seen when I look down at my screen.

Plus, my Z came with a 2 year warranty. From what I read here (and personal experience with a walkman), servicing at Sony tends to result in damage, that is, you get your stuff back in worse state than when you sent it in as.

I personally plan on waiting till about a fortnight till my warranty expires (which is Christmas NEXT year), THEN send in my Z complaining with my issues.

The problems (apart from screen) I have with the Z is
- The missing keystrokes (it used to double-type a month or so ago, but that is replaced with this issue...)
- Build-quality (aluminium palm-rest and mid-plate (the part with the HDD indicator) is loose in that one spot, sometimes making worrying clicking sounds. Consulting the service manual tells me that there is an indent tab at the problem spot, but can't really be bothered opening up the Z since it isn't really life and death... For now...

I'm pretty sure that most service centres around the world are hired under contract. Though that ain't the case in New Zealand (and we still get crap service...)

 

Yep got that same problem on my vaio z26gn unfortunately I was not able to get it repaired under warranty as I was told that the salesperson should have told me to use the 2 foam sheet (that came with the vaio) and seat it between the screen and the keyboard when the lid is closed.

 

The WinDVD BD software that came with the machine. Also watched the normal DVD and the version on my hdd using this program. Haven't tested Windows Media Player to see if I get the same "skipping".

 

Unrelated issue to take a break from my Sony support crusade:

I only recently received my mobility pack and was pretty surprised by the form factor of the stick AC adapter. I expected it to be significantly smaller and lighter than the stock OEM adapter. It wasn't. Based on the highly scientific scale of my hands, it doesn't seem to offer an advantage at all. The design is slightly more convenient to fit in vertically in a computer bag, maybe, but having an extra cord is pretty unsexy and unwieldy.

Bottom line, if you're choosing between the mobility or productivity bundle, don't pick the mobility because you expect the AC adapter to be more mobile.

 

I'm planning on purchasing an external monitor for my Z. Can I choose any size monitor? Or is there something I need to consider beforehand like resolution?

I was hoping this experience would be effortless. Just plug and play and ready to go.

Any suggestions on monitors? Preferably looking at a 22", but no larger than a 26", I think, unless someone can convince me otherwise. Thanks!

 

I have mine docked with a 1900x1200 24" Samsung though DVI. Works beautifully.

I can play 2 720p movies side by side (one on the laptop screen, one on the external), without any lag. Haven't tried with 1080p, but I'm pretty sure there wouldn't be any problems.

 

I know what you're saying. "Unfortunately," that same AC adapter is included in either the Mobility bundle or the Productivity bundle. There is simply no "escaping" from it if one manages to get that rebate bundle.

 

I am (was) quite keen on getting the stick adapter. But they don't sell it here in NZ, and I remember hearing an online seller here tell me they have build-issues. So you are saying we SHOULD NOT get the adapter???

I'm going into Korea this Christmas, and I know that the Korean equivalent of Akihabara (in Japan) imports alot of stuff direct from Sony Japan.

Are there any accessories that fellow VAIO Z users could recommend?
I know it ain't gonna be enough to buy alot (Sony and their premiums), but my budget is limited to approx US$400 (bloody took me AGES earning that money...)

Cheers in advance

 

'Jafa'...speaking as someone who's spent time on the south island, lemme just say that I get the joke.

 

What is the name of that shop? I've been to the Yongsan Market, but I could not find JP models there.

 

I don't really know the store names per-say. I'm just going to go there and shop around for the whole day more like.

Yongsan, yeah, the tech-hub of Korea rivalling Japan's own Akihabara. Being a Korean who's been in New Zealand since the age of three (and been to Korea just twice during that time for 2week stays...), I honestly have no idea what to expect and where things will be, which is why I plan on 'shopping' around.

A family friend who OFFICIALLY imports Sony goods and parts to Korea from Japan (consider him a middleman) told me that there are a few shops there that import Sony goods directly off Sony Japan. The names of those stores, no idea. Probably won't be too hard to find - I'll just ask him and the people there at the market if I get lost...

PS - BOO-YAH - Jafa town~~~

 

On another note, I just spotted a 5th gen Z on Sony Asia's site.

Everything seems to be the same with the highest spec 4th gen Z in Australasia, except that it now comes with Windows 7 x64 PRO (why not Ultimate???). That plus the Hitachi 320GB 7K2 HDD is now replaced by a 256GB SSD in a RAID setup.

On closer look, it seems that the XP downgrade disc is now NOT included (understandable with XP Mode), and strangely it comes with the 2007 Office Trial (was expecting the 2010 version, but then that has yet to be released as a public beta for now...)

I guess that will be the last refresh of the Z as we know it; Sony has been releasing alot of new lappies recently, and seeing that they have started phasing out the TT with the X, you really have to wonder when the Z is next in the firing line......
Was kinda expecting better (more recent) graphics... But then, that seems to be emphasising that Sony doesn't really seem keen on continually upgrading the Z now...

http://www.sony-asia.com/product/vgn-z58gg

Just wondering that if Windows 7 is x64, will XP Mode on it be x64 as well? Or for compatability-sake would it be x86?

 

I think the max the Z can output over DVI/HDMI is 1920 x 1200. I use a Dell 24" LCD that resolution and it's well worth it. But you need to have the dock to get DVI, or a monitor with an HDMI input (and use SPEED mode IIRC). Or I suppose an HDMI to DVI adapter would be another way.....

S

 

Not sure if someone already wrote about this...just checked the SonyStyle Japan site and found out, that with the new Z models with Win7, they're throwing out also some new patterns and(!) new keyboard design. Well not really my taste, but maybe someone is interested

 

When I visited Asia , I had the most luck in Hong Kong, I even found it hard to find sonystyle models in Tokyo, I went to Akihabara but I could not order from Sony Style as a foreigner; in HK however, I could at Mong Kok computer center and or wan chai.

 

Thanks! So 1920x1200 is the max. res I should look for in a monitor. Will it be hard to find a monitor with HDMI input? Avoiding to have to spend more on a dock with DVI plus a monitor.

 

Yep, 920x1200 is the max. res the Vaio Z can support through HDMI/DVI output. Most of the LCD monitors up to 24" will be within that max. native resolution. I personally don't think it is too hard to find monitors with a DVI/HDMI input these days because most LCD monitors around $150 or so will all come "standard" with those DVI/HDMI inputs. If the monitor comes with a DVI input, you can always get a "cheapo" DVI-to-HDMI adapter & you're good to go.

The following is one example of an affordable (IMHO) LCD monitor with a HDMI-input from Dell (its TN screen may or may not matter to you, depending on your preferences):

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...etail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=320-8326

Good luck.

 

Thanks SpeedwithJJ.

In the X thread, someone read that MS just gave permission to all suppliers, including Sony, to release W7 preconfig. systems as early as this weekend, in their country. I wonder if we'll see the same this weekend for the U.S.A.?

 

One thought - if you have the bluray drive you'll probably have to use HDMI to watch movies on your other screen. I don't think they run over DVI, or through a HDMI to DVI adapter, but I've got no actual experience of this so maybe others who have the bluray drive can confirm?

S

 

The image would run through DVI, not audio.

HDMI= Video+Audio
DVI = Video withOUT audio

The HDMI port on the Z DOES carry audio as I've tested on my HDMI monitor with speakers.

 

I was thinking about the HDCP on Blu Ray, rather than a video signal per se.

In most cases I'm not sure you'll get the video running in HD over DVI. You'd have to be sure that both the Z dock and the monitor support HDCP. Other video will be fine though.

S

 

Guys:

No Z Available through SonyStyle or Even Sony.com, I'm So worried that those s will discontinue the Z, and start throwing a Bigger Equivalent Brother.

If This Happened while I just Placed my order for the Z750, then Sony surely sucks.

The thing is, If they come up with new models whiting a specific time frame, then this would be predictable, Else, we are screwed with ultra expensive machines, that cannot hold their market value.

Hope I'm Wrong, and its just Out of Stock ONLY.

Will

 

Nope, there will be just a new refresh with Win7...in Japan they'll start to send them out in three days...

 

Hi,

I have a Z21 and wanted to know if it is possible to have 3 simultaneous monitors connected. The notebook's monitor, a external monitor on vga and a third monitor connected to the hdmi.

Currently, whenever i connect 3 monitors i can only choose between any combination of the main monitor and additionally an external one.

Can anyone think of something?

Also, as anyone tried to get the intel VT enabled, i've already read the web page about using the EFI tools to enable it but is it safe?

 

So will this refresh on the Z be the Z8xx here in the U.S.A. with W7 as its O.S.?

Maybe, after this we can expect a total redesign? For me, I'm sort of getting tired of that silver barrel hinge. I'm hoping for an exterior design like the X, SZ, X505 (really flat, thin and clean), and of course, an updated interior layout with the same chicklet keys. Maybe, better speakers.

The premium carbon SZ, exterior design, IMO by far had the cleanest and leanest look than any Sony I've seen. Next to this was the X505. Only if that X505 back then was a 13.1 like the Z today.

 

Same thing with Z790 I just got, - DVD Rom disappeared after couple hours of work.... Disappointing! Fixing these things takes forever.... I think the most expensive notebook on the market should not come with headache like this.

 

Does anyone know whether or not the Z's battery wobbles? thanks

 

You do realize that the Sony Vaio Control Center's Power Management Tools probably just turned off your DVD-Rom drive to maximize power right?

Should be on your task bar's notification area (by the clock), and you can turn it off and on at will as well to save power.

 

Hi all!
I recently got my Z and going to install W7. Does all drivers are present? Does brightness wor in stamina and speed modes or we should wait will thursday?
Thanks in advance?

 

Anyone know if the z690 comes with a premium carbon fiber lid or standard black?

 

A Z690 is a CTO (customizable) model. It depends on which lid options the buyer chose to go with when he/she ordered it from SonyStyle.

However, if you see the "pre-config" but customized Z690xxx, then the last x (x represents an alphabet) will clearly tell you what the lid type is. B will refer to regular "black" carbon while X refers to "premium" carbon. Good luck.

 

So a Vaio z690PEB has standard black... hmmz

 

Might as well make this an owner's thread right off the bat!

I just got my Z790 CTO and began looking into an SSD upgrade with TRIM support when lo and behold the Z890 is up for Pre-Order!

As far as I can tell the only difference is a T9900 3.06Ghz CPU upgrdae, pre-installed Windows 7 and 512GB SSD.

Since the Z790 gets a free Windows 7 upgrade, hopefully there is no other major differences between the two!

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...=http://www.cannonbeachcomputers.com/laptops/

 

And now we can download all the official sony drivers for Windows 7 from sony support.
I haven't installed W7 yet,but i'll give a try tomorrow. Hope brightness would work in both modes.

 

Thanks for the news! I'm now trying the new drivers on my Windows Server 2008 R2 and will report soon.