Official VAIO Z Core 2 Duo Series Owners Thread

I ordered mine yesterday through portable one. I can say their customer service was the best i have ever seen, much better than sony style online chat or phone, considering you have to wait almost 30 mins or so to get through to a sony representative. The final laptop turns out to be quite expensive. I ordered the z899 with blu-ray and ssd, but forgot to change it to P1 image. I am gonna to call them today. Despite the price is higher than sony style with the education discount, it was the best buying experience I have ever had online.

 

djbootea- The sucks, sorry man. The CPU fan is spinning right? the only think i can think of is maybe it's overheating somehow? maybe the fan isn't kicking in every time. The only other thing which would be unlikely is bad RAM? try operating the laptop with only 1 stick?

 

just wondering if they are selling their proprietary P1 image? the default recovery discs installs too much unused applications.. i just want windows 7 and the important sony utilities..

thanks

 

Here you go:

http://www.laptopsinc.com/_e/dept/03/P1_VAIO_Images.htm

Unfortunately, they did not listed any Windows 7 image yet but I'm sure if you contact them, they'll sell you a copy of it. Good luck.

 

thanks speed.. will check them out.

 

I have a question. Is WinDVD the only software preinstalled that plays blu-ray movie? or also window media player? I heard p1 image would have WinDvd uninstalled.

 

A few questions (that I could not find in search- which does not seem to work.)

I'm looking at a z590 with SSD, 1600X900, P9500.

-I often work through Citrix (hyperspace/medicine) and on my desktop it disregards my increased DPI setting (I have 20:30 vision.) I'm concerned I will have problems reading the text on the high res screen given Citrix seems to ignore DPI changes. Anyone deal with this type of issue? Can I use the magnifier or will I have to decrease my screen resolution- and deal with a less than crisp screen? Or maybe some way to get Citrix to work withing the increased DPI settings (have only used XP, maybe fixed in vista or win7?) probably more an issue for my IT dept...

-SSD vs HD. How much faster will hibernation and boot times be? Any rough ballpark? I'd like to be able to come out of hibernation in <20sec... I'd like something close to instant on, so maybe I'll just leave it in suspend.

-Assuming I undervolt and run in silent mode, how much run time can I get watching a DVD? I'm guessing normal use, ni wifi would be close to 6 hrs and DVD use 2.5 hrs? I travel quite a bit and most US coach seats do NOT have power adapters. I'm guessing 2.5 hrs for DVD viewing- which means I probably should bring a 2nd battery.

-Also looking at using WLAN in my office (no WIFI available for some ridiculous reason), but I'm guessing battery time using WLAN is poor. I could also use bluetooth to tether to my phone, which would save the laptop's batter in exchange for the phone's.

-Initial concerns raised in this thread about the fan noise. I doubt it is a big deal, but has this been addressed in firmware? With the machine I'm looking at, will it ruin close to silent in silent mode under low stress or is the fan noticeable? I realize such a powerful machine in this small footprint might have fan noise as a trade-off.

-I know the general performance of the 9300 G, but has anyone played some non-FPS but graphically intensive games like Civ4, Railroads or HOI3? I'm not much of a gamer, and am fine using lower setting, but it would be nice to be able to play some games from time to time. I know that lesser computers with better IGP's like the ASUS UL20vt w/g210m can handle these types of games easily.

-Lastly, any idea about issues with the Z5 vs newer models?

Sorry for all the questions and Thanks!

 

I got my Z about 4 month ago and I am still very happy. Especially after we got all the working win7 drivers.

When I got the Z, I went with the "normal" HDD... since I wanted to wait for the 320GB Intel Postville SSD. However, this is apparently not released yet and will not be available until 1-2 quarter next year. Since I currently have installed almost everything I need and just used 133GB, I figured that I can probably live with a 256GB SDD...

The only downside that I experienced during the last month is that the lid scratches very easily. I have the premium carbon fiber finish which apparently only looks like premium but does not some with any endurance.

So maybe someone can answer me some questions:

1.) Any recommendations regarding a 256GB SSD? (I just want the best! )
2.) Can anyone confirm that exchanging the HDD with a SSD is actually easy in the Z? (It appears from some user reports.) Are there any major drawbacks (besides loss of warranty)
3.) Do any lids that are available for the Z scratch less easily? I wonder if there is any way to replace it and a way to make it more resistant without just putting a protective foil onto it...
4.) Just to add this one: Has anyone experience with the larger battery? Is it any good in regards to the increased run time? Does it add much bulkyness to the Z?

Thanks in advance!

 

One more general question that will probably yield mixed opinions.

After reading the anadtech articles about SSD drives it makes me wonder about buying the z590 with 128gb SSD. I believe it has dual 64GB samsung SSD's in RAID. Given the concern over Samsung SSD'd losing performance with time (after they are filled up "the first time.") is it worth the few hundred extra dollars given I can install a newer SSD that will not decline with age for a similar amount of money?

Any feedback, and can you explain if there is a benefit to 2 smaller SSD's in RAID over 1 new SSD at the same total size?

 

hello, im new here. i ordered my z820 from newegg and should be coming on Monday. i found it at microcenter at cheaper price. now, i cant return it from newegg 'cuz of their policy. oh well.

im excited to get it. first thing im doingto do a fresh install of w7 ultimate. although, i am in need of a laptop... im sort of second guessing on the purchase due to some of the reported problems:

1. diagonal lines
2. battery drain

hopefully, those issues doesnt bother me too much.

 

I have the Z820G/B. I've had it for 5 days now. Sony Style matched the price Amazon.com listed it for after discussing the purchase and completing it on the phone with the Sony Style CSR. I see no diagonal lines. There are no dead pixels. The screen is very bright and is fantastic. As for battery drain, I noticed 7 percent drain ( 100% to 93% ) with the notebook shut down for 14 hours. This was the time I left for work until I had the chance to turn it back on as I wasn't officially testing it but kept an eye on it since I've heard of the battery drain issue. The battery gauge seems accurate as well. I'm extremely happy with this notebook.

 

hi SPEED.. 2 guys from P1 Patrick and Scott replied to my WIN7 image inquiry.. apparently, they say that they haven't tested the image in an older Z.. i'm just wondering my Z58GG is a new model in Singapore.. http://www.sony.com.sg/product/vgn-z58gg

They have tested their image on a Z8xx?? which is the hi-end model in US? isin't that my asian model number has the same counterpart model in US?

I email this to them already but haven't got a reply.. Can I go for the Z8xx image?

We haven’t tested a 64-bit image on an older Z but we do have it.

Patrick
Portable One Inc ®
5627 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 314
Pleasanton, CA 94588 USA
Ph: 925-924-0558 | Toll Free: 800-650-4006 | Fax: 866-512-1951 |
http://www.portableone.com | [email protected]
GSA Contract # GS-35F-0302N
Keeping you mobile...™

From: Scott [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Friday, December 04, 2009 5:03 PM
To: '(SMSGT) Allan E. Ligon'; [email protected]
Subject: RE: P1 Windows 7 Pro image for Sony Vaio Z (vgn-z58gg)

Hi Allan – thanks for your email –

I’m cc’ing our support group for their input on this… We do have a Win 7 Pro 64 bit image for the X8xx series.

I’m not sure how backwards compatable it would be for a Z5xx series… - Patrick?

 

thank you for the input.

 

Now that you've experienced the premium carbon, if you had the choice, would you still purchase it over the plain black matted carbon lid? I really like the looks of that premium lid, but I do think the plain carbon lid is less resistant to scratches.

As for the extended battery, I am planning on purchasing one in a few weeks. I'll provide photos/reviews then.

I just purchased the Z820G/B from MicroCenter. What a Deal!!! So the Z listed for $1849.99 less $350.00, less the $50 Rebate, plus an additional 5% ($77.50) off. At checkout, the guy will ask if you want to join their free rewards program for an additional 5% off. Plus I'll receive another $45 off for using Sony Rewards Points - you get this with a Sony Card. Total Cost: $1515.00 with tax included.
So for those of you considering the 820G/B, consider the additional savings and apply for a Sony Card.

I really wanted the Premium Carbon Lid, but I would have had to fork out more $$$$ in specs just to get it. It looks like P1 doesn't offer the Premium Carbon Lid to any of their Z's including the Z820. Not sure if that lid would have been worth it after reading the post above as to how easy it scratches. But I still like it though.

Does anyone know where, other than SonyStyle, you can purchase the Z with the premium lid with approx. the same specs. as the 820 for about the same price before I open this box?

I just hope the NEW redesign Z, which I suspect will be out early 2010, won't give me any regrets for purchasing this Z.

What was the Amazon Price?

 

I got my Z820G/B for $1664.99 which was the Amazon.com price after the $50.00 MIR but Sony Style went ahead and matched that price without having to mail any forms in. I got the 3 year express ship extended warranty for $179.99 and when including tax it came to $1932.73. The Sony Style CSR actually got on her computer and found the link on Amazon and after submitting it to her supervisor approved the price match. I went ahead with this purchase route since I used the no payment no interest for 12 months promotion using a Sony Financial Services card.

After registering my Z820 I used the 20% off code to get the extended battery for $199.99 and the Sony VAIO bluetooth laser mouse for $55.99. I got the mouse already and the extended battery arrives this tuesday.

 

Thanks. Can you post an actual photo of your Z with the extended battery? I don't think I've seen anyone here post a true-to-life image of it. Please give us your review of the extended battery.

 

I would go with plain black. The premium finish is hardly to see under normal conditions... nothing premium imho

 

I don't receive the extended battery until this coming tuesday ( 12/8/09 ) as I previously stated but when I get it I'll be sure to provide pics and my thoughts.

 

Geeee- how did you get $350 off at Microcenter? did your Z include the Verizon Broadband? I didn't see it listed on Microcenter last time I checked- yet sonystyle and B&H and others include the verizon broadband ??? Thanks

 

I just spent some time reading reviews at resellerratings.com on Microcenter cuz im ready to purchase a z820 and there are a lot of unhappy customers according to their posters- anyone out there get there Z from Microcenter??

 

shouldn't all pre-configured z820g/b units includer the verizon broadband?

 

The $350 off the original sale price. It's instant. My actual receipt for the Z820 came out to be exactly $1609.33

Original Price $1849.99
Less Sale Price 350.00
-----------
$1549.99
Less 5% 77.50 You get this by joining free
------------- rewards program at checkout.
$1472.99
8.75 tax 128.84
Recycling fee 8.00
-------------
Receipt $1609.33

Less $50 rebate 50.00
Less Sony Points44.18 ($1472.99 x 3 points/$1=44.18)
-------------
Z820G/B $1515.15

As for Verizon Broadband. If this feature is listed on other sites, it should be offered to all Z820's. MicroCenter probably decided to leave it out on their specs. sheet. I haven't opened the box yet to check for you.

What is resellerrating.com? What are the reviews about? I figure a Z is a Z no matter where you buy it, with the exception of the price, No?
(EDIT)
Ok, I read the first few reviews complaints on rebates. Looking at my rebate receipt, it's Sony that processes it and not Micro Center. The rebate form is sent to EL Paso, TX. Sony has a Center there. Also, on the rebate receipt, it lists all the qualifying notebooks for the $50 rebate. Mostly, FW's. The only Z that qualify are Z820, 850, and 880.
If you are in So. Cal, I would call them first, and have them place the Z on Hold for you. Even though there's only 1 left, check their website daily as I did. They were sold out Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Then on Friday, they had 3 in stock.

Personally, I'm not going to worry about the rebate. All rebates, I've encountered when purchasing Sony Products are handled by Sony themselves. I don't think Micro Center gets involved from this point on. I'll just get a receipt from the postal service to prove it was sent prior to the deadline Jan. 15, 2010. Sony has yet to fail me on this.

 

Geee- thats a great deal as far as I'm concerned- do you know if your Z includes the Verizon card?

 

You're not going to be able to get a Vaio Z notebook with a Premium Carbon fiber lid from other Sony authorized retailers simply because Sony has made that a SonyStyle exclusive in the USA. The same thing applies to the Vaio Z notebook with the Bordeaux Red lid.

By the way, congrats on your purchase of a new Vaio Z notebook.

Unfortunately, Ebay or Craiglists will probably be your best bet for that. Good luck.

 

All Vaio VGN-Z820G/B notebooks (since they are pre-config models) will come with Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Built-In WWAN cards/chips.

More info in the following link:
http://www.docs.sony.com/release/specs/VGNZ820GB_mksp.pdf

 

Today, 02:33 PM #10227
SPEEDwithJJ
NBR Super Idiot



Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,708
Rep Power: 20
Re: Official VAIO Z Series Owners Thread

You're not going to be able to get a Vaio Z notebook with a Premium Carbon fiber lid from other Sony authorized retailers simply because Sony has made that a SonyStyle exclusive in the USA. The same thing applies to the Vaio Z notebook with the Bordeaux Red lid.


I bought my TZ298N out of Microcenter/Boston and it came with a Premium
Carbon lid. ??

 

No offense, but can you read??? I only said Vaio Z notebook with Premium Carbon fiber lid. Did I say one cannot get a Vaio TZ notebook with a Premium Carbon lid from other Sony authorized retailers?

 

i order a z899 from p1 and i think it comes with a carbon fiber lid. maybe

 

to geee.. here's the pic of my extended battery..

 

I purchased a VGNZ20D/B off of Ebay. Question, is bluray a standard DVD or is this any upgrade? I am not sure what to expect when I receive it.

Thanks!

 

No, bluray is an option

 

according to newegg, the Z820 has a built in GPS also??

 

Thanks SpeedwithJJ. I was just wondering. Remember, when Sony came out with the Z6xx, P1 offered Premium Carbon for $50 on all their Z's preconfigured or not.

Thanks Michibahn. I noticed from the rear photo, the extended battery does not extend across the entire base. Does it wobble on either side at all?

 

don't worry it doesn't wobble.. it is stable as the normal battery..

 

Battery life withe extended?

 

#1. Thank you for the reply, I was afraid of that.

#2. I seem to have difficulty with the search feature of this forum. I select "search this thread" for bluray and get "Sorry - no matches. Please try some different terms." Any tips on how to use the search feature? I have the same luck on all of my searches. I am logged in, for what it is worth.

#3 I want to maximize the ability of bluray in Vaio VGN-z720. What would be the degree of difficulty and the cost to swap out the standard DVD/CD drive for a bluray on a Vaio VGN-Z720? Any tips?

Thanks....

 

The model number and cost of the drive are in this thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=314471

 

Wow! Over a thousand dollars for a bluray drive? I wonder what was the original cost of the upgrade?

 

i received my z820 today. first thing i checked is the diagonal lines. I do not see it which is very good. second thing i did was a fresh install. i had lots of problem looking for the 32bit drivers for win7. i finally was able to find them after going through pages of thread in this forum. thanks ya'all.

does anyone use some kind of skin for there z series? like Zagg has one for Apple Macbooks.. im a bit to anal but i unfortunately paid $1800 from NewEgg when I saw it in amazon for less and even lesser at MicroCenter.

 

Was there tax on top on the 1800 you paid. You should have tried MicroCenter. Too late now, but had you, it was an additional $39.85 for 2-day shipping. And if you live in one of those states that they list are except from tax - that's an additional savings. Glad you have no problems. Haven't opened mine yet.

I'm hoping there will be advance news on Jan. 2010 CES Show about a Z redesign.

 

EXTENDED BATTERY?

How do you care for the extended battery when not in use? I was told when you first get it out of the box: Charge it to 100%, then drain in to 0 with normal use, then charge it back to 80%, store it in a zip lock back, and place inside a refrigerator. Lastly, do the same process over every 3-4 months.

Is this correct? And with the condensation in the refrigerator, won't this moisture permeate into the zip lock bag causing possible harm to the contacts that meet with the internal laptop when you decide to use the battery over again? Thanks.

 

Got my extended battery for my Z820G/B today. I'll be posting some pics soon and some test results from using it in speed mode as well as stamina mode. It'll be a couple days when complete. And if anyone is interested, it is the kind of battery that is shaped downward instead of rearward making the notebook angled up in the rear slightly. It looks better than I was anticipating.

 

You are displaying more will power than I could. So you are leaving it unopened so that you can return it if there is a better Z announced at CES?

 

I'll be opening it most likely this weekend, which will still give me 15 days for a full exchange if something is "not" operating properly. I have until DEC. 31st to return it for a full refund if unopened or a full exchange for any defects or a 15% open box fee return.

I can't allow myself to wait too long, because if there's something wrong it, then they won't allow me to exchange it for a new one after the 31st. So I need to open it well before then to allow myself time to play around with it to make sure it's fully functional and free of any defects and issues.

Yeah, I was hoping to hear rumors of a possible redesign Q1 is why I haven't opened it. I'd be so disappointed if they announce a redesign with touchscreen features to replace the Z. And not to mention the price of SSD's will obviously be coming down as well.

There is an advantage to (Z820) 320GB @ 7200rpm versus (Z850) 500GB @ 5400rpm?

 

The 7200 drains the battery a bit more in exchange for speed. But I seriously doubt you would notice a big change in performance or battery life either way.

As for CES, haven't heard any rumors. But keep in mind they could change the internals without introducing a new model. The SZ changed IGP (7400->8400) and CPU's throughout its lifespan. Make me think the Z could a better IGP like the g210m without an entire model change. At least I'd like to think that since it makes sense...

 

Was looking at the SR thread...

Anyone try using a SSD in the expresscard slot? They are slower than the OEM SSD, but for $110 looks like a great boot/application drive- since read speeds are much faster than a HDD. 115MB/S read speeds are much better than your HDD. And you have the best of both worlds, with your normal HDD for storage.

http://www.buy.com/prod/48gb-ssd-expresscard-w-usb/q/loc/101/211580172.html

Here is a discussion of mac users using an expresscard ssd as a boot drive: http://forums.macnn.com/69/mac-notebooks/394126/best-config-48gb-expresscard-ssd-320gb/

Also, since it is removable and has a mini-usb port, you can bring it with you and use it as a boot drive on any computer when you travel.

 

Well I couldn't resist and picked up a Vaio VGN-Z820G/B from Microcenter for 1499.99 (after a $50 rebate). I didn't see this thread first or I could have gotten an additional $50 off by getting a Sony credit card, but I'm satisfied. If you're interested, this deal has been extended at least through 12/20, and they seem to have quite a few of them available, at least online.

Still haven't decided about an extended warranty; they're quite pricey at Microcenter, essentially 1/3 of the cost of the laptop if you want to include screen and accident coverage. I'm thinking it might be better to insure directly through SonyStyle. Do you know if this is possible with laptops not purchased from them?

 

Did they (MicroCenter) offer you the additional 5% off which would be an additional $77.50 off at checkout. This 5% is not a rebate, it's instant off the price? Just ask to join there Rewards Program. It's Free to apply and in return you get this added savings.

 

Yes, but not in exactly the same way they did it for you. They gave me a coupon that was not valid until the following day and said to bring it back with the receipt and they would give me the 5% credit, which they did. Thanks for pointing it out though, in case I had missed it!

 

Can someone check in the bios to see if Expresscard is an option as a boot drive? I know you can select USB, but can you select expresscard?

Thanks