Official VAIO Z Core 2 Duo Series Owners Thread

According to Notebookcheck there are versions with DDR2 (Score 1400) and DDR3 (Score 1600)...

Since Noteboockcheck's scores seem a little low to me, they might be wrong with the DDR2/3 thing too...

Source: Well its German but look in the table under "Speichertyp" (Translates to: Type of RAM)...

 

I wonder if this is the Durabright screen or the 1600x900 screen they have here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=274083

Notice there is no purple glare reduction coating, like on the SZ series? Plus, it's like a mirror.

 

OMG the reflection in those pics is horrible...

Well in the video of laptopmag there I think its the WXGA++ (1600x900) screen, and it seems the reflection intensity depends on the angle you are looking at it...
In the picture above the angle is >85° and there it is reflecting like a mirror, but within an angle of -+45° it should be pretty good...

 

Does anyone know if it has the lock port thingy???...I mean the one where you can hook up a lock...thanks a lot...

 

i believe it does. its by the express card slot http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...Id=8198552921644570897&parentCategoryId=16154

look under specifications pictures and i see it there.

 

Which one has better gaming performance, 9300M GS 256MB VRAM from Z series or Mobility Radeon 3470 256MB VRAM from FW series?

 

I stopped by the Beverly Center Sony Style Store today and was able to play with a VAIO Z (which I've already pre-ordered) that they had on display. From what I could, the unit on display was the high-end configuration model ($3,999 USD) with Vista Ultimate, P9500 2.53GHz, 4GB memory, 128GB SSD RAID 0, and BD drive.

Here are my initial observations:

- The screen really is gorgeous. The Z was placed next to the SR and FW and simply looked stunning and made the SR and the FW look washed out. My non-techie girlfriend said the same thing (she she also remarked that the TZ's screen was better than the SR and FW). The only screen MORE amazing in the store was that 11" OLED screen they had on demo.

- The SSD RAID 0 option is fast. Every program I launched loaded nearly instantaneously (1 second or seemingly less). Although there were no major applications installed, the pre-install applications flew and it just felt ultra responsive. I hope I have not spoiled my expectations...haha. My pre-order is the 7200RPM HDD option.

- The fan area is very quiet and only warm to touch...unlike my aging VAIO VGN-S170p (which always had a fan whine and got quite warm). The air coming out had a whisper to it.

- Overall, the unit feels solid. The keyboard rest area was a lot more solid feeling than i thought it would be...and that's a good thing. I closed it and squeezed it all to listen for creaks and I can say for the most part there were none. In terms of flex, there was very little. Obviously, the area under the Blu-Ray drive flexed a little (which makes sense) and there was a little flex on the screen area over the keyboard (when closed).

- Overall, build quailty is what you would expect from a higher end Sony unit. It just feels good and it's frickin' light. 3.42lbs reminds me of my VAIO TR (with extended battery). It really is amazing to feel the lack of weight and think about how powerful it is.

- Stamina / Speed switch is pretty cool but it harps on you to close all open programs in order for it to work better.

- Keyboard pitch is good. I opened wordpad and started typing as fast as possible. I normally type around 80-100WPM and I found that I can type nearly as effectively as a conventional keyboard. I have medium sized hands with medium to slender sized fingers.

- I like the new dedicated EJECT button in the main keyboard area. That's nifty.

That's all I can remember for now, but overall, I was impressed by it and it only confirmed that I made the right decision in my pre-order to get one of these VAIO Z systems to replace my 4-yr old VAIO S.

 

I'm not worried about reflection on the Z. I know from SZ and TZ that Sony is really good with it.

 

Are you sure the model has SSD and BD?

 

Unfortunately there isn't the option SSD+BD.

Let's don't repeat again and again the same things.

 

Watch http://club.vaio.sony.co.uk/clubvaio/gb/en/vaio10/flash.jsp and go to minute 79,35. There the Sony-guy mentions the Z actually got 'improved anti-reflecting coating' that makes the screen less reflective.

I suppose the model you saw had the 1600x900 resolution? Did you get a chance to try some typing in Word or working with Excel? Could you give your opinion regarding the discussion of text on a 1600x900 13,1" being to small and possibly resulting in eye-strain? Thanks!

 

Actually, I can't verify 100%. It may have been the DVD burner but there was no way to verify. When I hovered over the Sony optical drive icon in the tray, it said something about CD, DVD or BD drive.

Also, the unit on display was not a final shipping model. The markings on the bottom literally said PCG-XXXX.

TOMASSI: Yes, the model on display had 1600x900. I typed in Wordpad and found that it was comfortable to read. I should qualify this by saying that I'm used to small screen though as I've used VAIO PCG-SR5K (aka the original SR), VAIO TR, and VAIO S. Don't forget that thanks to Vista, you can adjust the DPI scaling to comfortably suit your viewing requirements.

 

Yeah the videos made all my doubts go away xD
I thought it was funny how tho mod in the video broke the one LCD screen by flexing it too hard! lmoa

Omg I want to see the Z in person, the screen is just incredible!!

 

I was SO close to getting an SZ before the Z series was released so I'm lucky I didn't.

For those of you in the UK, I went to a Sony Centre today and they said they would be getting in all 3 (the UK only gets 3 with no CTO) Z series Vaios within the next week and a half...

Not sure how reliable that is but they were adamant

 

None of the (first release) UK models - Z11MN/B, Z11WN/B, Z11VN/B - seem to have BD or SSD, which at least makes that little decision easier.

Much as I would like super-screaming-fast RAID0 SSD, it certainly seems a little pricey at the moment... so I'm coming round to the idea of a 320GB HDD instead. Importing would be an option if I wasn't worried about the HSDPA modem and warranty issues. Hmmm... only a couple of weeks to wait then, fingers crossed.

 

The output through hdmi only works in speed mode, ie through the nvidia graphics. The integrated CANNOT output to HDMI. I guess it makes sense, as they consider if you're hooked to a TV, you've got access to power and therefore are in speed mode...

 

There were a couple of mistakes on the website (wrong prices, wrong processor). Brett has now corrected them following my questions (vey helpful and nice by the way). Prices on portable one seem to be more interesting, at least for the BR model though.

 

I've talked with a Sonystyle representative yesterday, and they said to expect new series hitting their store by the end of July, at the earliest. Therefore, I assume we'll probably be seeing them early August to mid August, at the latest.

 

From all the videos I've seen, the duraview coating makes it look like there is a thick screen protector on top of the LCD, or it looks like a touchscreen with the nasty film on top to pickup touch input. Am I the only one who sees this?

http://blog.laptopmag.com/hands-on-video-sony-vaio-z-series

Also on the Shiny Tech video from youtube, the guy is basically bouncing the screen up and down and the contrast/brightness seems to change noticeably from bad vertical viewing angles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_GkWiBioMs

 

Guys pleaseee keep me posted on any Z series coming to Canada. Cheers!

 

Yess, I'm from Canada too and have no idea when I will be able to get this computer.

 

Also, to add, the left and right clicker are positioned at the very edge. When I was playing with the Z, I felt my fingers slipping when I right and left click.

One more thought on this, did you flip the Z to see how many doors there were on its underside. I did, an there's only ONE. Unlike the the SZ which I believe has TWO (or Three).

Yes, it can burn and write ALL media. It's been formatted for both Blu-Ray media and DVD +/- R & RW's and even RAM. You can continue to do whatever it is you do on these laptops, in your case burn music, data, dvd's and even MORE. Here are the speeds for Z with BD. Bold type are for Blu-Ray.

DVD+R DL Write: 4x max
DVD+R Write: 8x max
DVD+RW Write: 4x max
DVD-R Write: 8x max
DVD-RW Write: 4x max
CD-R Write: 16x max
CD-RW Write: 10x max
CD Read: 24x max
DVD Read: 8x max
DVD-RAM Write: 5x max
DVD-R DL Write: 4x max
BD-R Read: 2x max
BD-R Write: 2x max
BD-RE Write: 2x max
BD-ROM Read: 2x max
BD-RE Read: 2x max
BD-R DL Read: 2x max
BD-R DL Write: 1x max
DVD-RAM Read: 5x max
Blu-Ray Disc™ Support: Yes (BD-R/BD-RE/BR-ROM/DVD±R
DL/DVD±RW/RAM)
BD-RE DL Read: 2x max
BD-RE DL Write: 1x max

Not sure about the 2 laser heads, but it CAN read and write. Just look at the formats for the optical drive to verify if the model you choose writes and reads.

Does anyone know if these laser heads eventually wear out it's capabilities of reading/writing for those of you how do quite a bit of burning?

It's basically replacing your S video out cable found on most or all notebooks that would usually be used for connectivity to TV's. HDMI provides better picture quality delivering hi-definition. And Yes, it is meant to be connected to a TV. Your basically using your notebook as a DVD Player as long as you have the actual HDMI Cable.

I hadn't noticed, but does the Z still have S Video?

 

I don't do any gaming except some time Crysis. Will be the Z to play this game at the Speed Mode?
Also, if I purchase this laptop I will definitely take also an accidental warranty. Do you guys know which is better? The 3 years "Wide" warranty of Conics or the Accidental On-Site of P1?

 

My SZ780 which I returned was able to play Crysis on all low settings smoothly. So the Z will definitley be able to play Crysis. I was also able to play BF2 on all high settings smoothly.

 

QUESTION, Whoever has the Z series on display at their local store, I have a favour to ask. Can u look to see if the Z series is Made in Japan? It should say on the back of the laptop of course. Id really appreciate it and others to. Thanks!!

 

I looked, and the Z (at least the one with 1600x900 on display) is "Made in Japan". Keep in mind what they have in the Sony Stores is considered a Prototype without an actual model number verifying its configuration. I was told by the store employees that even though that particular model (the one Z on display) is made in Japan, there's no way to find out if other configurations of the Z will also be made in Japan as well.

 

If they stayed with previous practices, I'll think that all the pre-configured Z in the US market (VGN-Z590UAB, VGN-Z570N/B, VGN-Z540EBB, VGN-Z550N/B, VGN-Z530N/B) will have a label/sticker at the bottom of the laptop saying "Made In Japan" & all customized Z (VGN-Z590, VGN-Z540) in the US market will have a label/sticker at the bottom of the laptop saying "Assembled in the U.S. with domestic and/or foreign components."

 

called sonystyle about my preorder and they said that the warehouse has received my order, but haven't started the assembly. estimated ship date is still 8/15.

 

Thanks for checkin! Yea most like Customized will be Made in USA with foreign parts and Pre will be Japan. I just hopeeeeee the Sony Canada gives a good amount of options for the Pre-config, or at least a 2.4ghz cpu etc. Cuz with the SZ780, they only had one stupid option with the lowest end processor and I ended up getting the CTO and it was a nightmare. Which is why I say REFRANE from getting CTO. Beleive it or not guys, I also noticied mine compared to the Japan version of the SZ780, the Japan version screen looked more vivd to. THey must have used a used screen on my CTO. Thank god I was able to return it with a lot of hassle though wriitting letter to the President of Sony lol.

 

I wanna say something about Japan release;

According to +D review (althoung i could not able to translate) there is a Z590US model which has T9600 (2.8Ghz) processor.

On the other hand; according to SonyStyle US Z Series are up to T9400 (2.53 Ghz.)

I can not understand the logic between different country releases.

Does anyone know when T9600 processors will be available for Z Series in US?

or

Does it remain up to T9400?

 

Keep in mind that the T9600 is 35w and will create more heat and less battery life.

 

Actually T9400 is 35w too

 

That's why the Z series uses P9500

 

Thanks for correction!

 

Well I went to the local Sony Store today, For fellow Canadians, their saying on their data base, which I saw the guy checking myself, showing Z series for Aug 7th or 8th. $1999 for the basic model. Now that kinda scares me, cuz if its $1999 for Basic model, thats like probably only a 2.2ghz CPU, for the 2.4 its like im guessing $2500 or more. Fuc that I say, wayy too much.

What are your thoughts eh?

 

August 7-8 is the day it will be available for pre-order? Yeah, this laptop is going to make a huge dent in my wallet, but if it's going to be worth it, I'll gladly make the investment.

 

I'm not sure if any of you are aware of this, but often, a certain credit card company will offer a promotional code that can be used at SonyStyle for $100 off. There is no minimum purchase required. All your obligated to do is pay for shipping and handling.

The code this recent week is: DiscoverCash. It worked for someone on Tuesday. Not sure if the code has been suspended since. Anyone, from what I understand, can use the code, it just a matter of knowing someone who happened to be sent a promotion by their cc company. And you don't have to use a specific card either. Just be on the lookout for promotions - all you need is the code to qualify for $100 off.

 

The SR series is available for pre-order on SonyStyle Canada! But you can't customize it like the FW series...sucky!

The Z series is coming!! I can feel it!!

 

This is what worries me the most. THis is how fucin stupid Canada can be, Heres an example of the U.S options vs fucin Canadian options:

http://www.sonystyle.ca/commerce/se...categoryId=100497&navigationPath=32009n100299


http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...Id=8198552921644569394&parentCategoryId=16154


Unless they are coming out with more options on sony.ca which I highly doubit is their that retarded. Feel free to input.

 

OMFG, theres 3 different colors we get to choose from!!? omg! Light me up a candle u frigen morons.

 

Someone was inquiring about gel skins for Sony Notebooks Here is a website I heard about, unfortunately nothing for 13.1 Z. Please post if anyone knows of a website for this size laptop. I'm sure they will make soon. Thanks.

 

I'm sorry, but is that good or bad about the 3 colors. We at USA have the same colors: Black, Pink, Classic Silver & Platinum Silver. Two silver variations, which I'm sure you will be offered in Canada. We're you expecting more colors than that?

 

Is the T9600 processor available in Japan a Montevina or the previous gen one? Will it have the same power consumption advantages of the P-series processor or will it consume similar to the older T-series. Anyone know?

EDIT:

Sorry, disregard, just saw a previous post.

 

new Z's available from sonystyle.uk

VGNZ11VN/B - 1,749 £
VGNZ11WN/B - 1,649 £
VGNZ11MN/B - 1,449 £

i called sony and they told me that we dont have any chance in near future for SSD hard drives or blue-ray :|

 

For SSD it is possible to build it in yourself or order at Notebook.de
http://www.notebook.de/sony-vaio-vgn-z-serie-g-842/

 

but what about the warranty if i do it by myself?

 

Officially you will void it.

But if you do it really clean (not damage the screws, or paint them black again), and keep the original harddrive, I think Sony will not refuse warranty. Although I have no proof for this.

 

I personally don't care too much about the power difference between the P8600 and the P8400, also some of you have said that the screen resolution of 1600x900 may easely be too hard for the eyes in case of long laptop session, so in this case I wouldn't mind to go for the lower resolution screen, since both are still led screens. My main doubt is about the WWAN 3G VAIO everywair feature, what is exactly possible to do with it? I will move to Finland in one month and I will mostly rely on the university free wireless line they have there, although at the same time I will also move to close cities and countries in the weekend, would I get an huge connectivity advantage with this technology? What about the line costs? Is there a way to get WWAN 3G without buying the more costly model?

 

dj_mercury: iirc, in US they use CDMA, whereas in UK and continental Europe they use GSM mobile framework. There are mobile phones that can reach both types, called Quad Band (but it doesn't neccessarily mean that it's CDMA+ GSM). <-- I may be wrong in my limited understanding.

So if you're switching from one framework to another then something similar must be inside your lappy. But if you're staying within the same system then it shouldn't be problem. Oh, make sure it's not locked like they have in Japan

However the cost of wireless broadband is still very high and it's still slower than a wired broadband. The university network (,generally speaking,) will allow you internet connections via your wireless LAN system, for which you don't have to pay any additional money (hopefully).

 

No, what im trying to say is all Sony.ca is offering is 3 different colors with al the same fucin options. I mean come on eh, At least give different specs. They have 2.26ghz as a standard model. What I want a 2.4Ghz option? Supid ppl. Makes me wanna adjust my options now.