Official VAIO Z Core 2 Duo Series Owners Thread

Also can you please post a side-view close up of both sides of the Z?

You guys are all too lucky! My estimated ship date is 9/2

 

In theory, I talked the guy into giving me express delivery when I ordered, yes.

I kinda tried to do that (in the nicest possible way) with the tone of my email...

My fingers are crossed for a tracking number this afternoon.

 

I'm having too much fun with it for now. I'll try and take some photos tonight, any requests?

 

If I lived in London, I might have done the same. That said, I'm glad I don't live in London - it's nice to visit but too busy for me.

 

See the replies to my post of the same question on the previous pages. You might as well take the snaps as you have the lappie first.

The following:

 

Would be nice if an owner could post an Windows Vista Performance Index in speed and stamina mode if possible.

Thanks in advance S.

 

Hi,
I've been reading the user's manual of the TV you're looking at.

http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/200803/20080301153017453_BN68-01514A-00L02-0202_2.pdf

Tha manual suggests that connection between PC and TV should be made either using a VGA cable or an DVI/HDMI cable. In our case the only option is VGA since Z notebooks don't have a DVI port.
It states that the maximum permitted resolution is 1360 x 768 60Hz, so you will have to change your Z's 1600x 900 native resolution. I dont know whether that Samsung TV has the ability to rescale, but I doubt it. (My TV doesnt rescale anything and if I choose a non permited resolution it displays nothing at all)

But I think there is another option. You will be able to use the HDMI port, and make a connection HDMI-HDMI. In that case your TV set won't treat the signal as a PC signal, but a signal that could come from another device. I don't know if that will work but it's the only thing I can come up with to get over resolution limitations... so don't take this suggestion for granted.

BTW, I haven't seen any special function regarding split windows or similars in the manual. So, I'm afraid you would have to choose what you want to watch on your TV, either you computer screen or a TV channel. There is no way you can watch both images at the same time.

To sum up:
You will probably have to change native screen resolution in your Z to match the permitted maximum resolution in your TV set. It's not too bad, I have to do it myself quite often.
Unless I overlooked something (It could be) there's no way to split windows in that samsung TV.

 

You can buy cheap HDMI -> DVI adaptors.

 

Yes, I knew that, but thank you to point that out. There is that option as well.

Unfortunately, the same 1360x768 limitation exists when using such adaptor. At least, that is what I've read in the manual. Thats the reason why I have big doubts concerning using HDMI-HDMI connection to get rid of resolution limitations for a TV-PC connection in the TV roycer is looking at.

 

On my VGN-Z11VM in SPEED with Vista x86 Ultimate :
Processor:5.4
Memory:5.9
Graphics:4.4
Gaming graphics:5.1
Primary HDD: 5.4

 

and in Stamina mode now:
Processor:5.4
Memory:5.9
Graphics:4.1
Gaming graphics:3.8
Primary HDD:5.4

 

Those figures look the wrong way round to me... I would expect the Speed mode to have the marginally better Graphics and significantly better Gaming Graphics scores.

 

Your right, they do look the wrong way around

 

What's the deal with the HSDPA in the UK model? is it unlocked? can you shove any 3G SIM in and hey presto, internet?

The US model pretty clearly states "Sprint 3G", but I don't see any such carrier-locked info on the UK sites.

 

To tell you the truth, i have no idea. However i'm pretty sure they were locked to T-Mobile on the SZ so whether they continue with that provider or let you use your choice of provider is something i'll have to check tomorrow.

 

If it's anything like the TZ in the UK, the hardware isn't locked but the software is (to T-Mobile). So if you can find free third party software to configure/control the HSDPA, you can use any SIM you like...

 

Is access to the sim restrictive or fairly simple on the Z do you know? (or on the TZ if you have experience with that)
I wouldn't want to void my warranty trying to change it.

I'd probably attempt to change mine to o2 - do the individual service providers supply their own software or do you use a 'do-it-all' peice of software?

 

Oh hell yea, can you please take shots of all angles. Clear nice biggest shots possible. And IF you can install BF2 game and see how it runs. I would soo appreciate it bro!

 

It's been posted in this thread I think - the slot for the SIM is behind the battery. It's definitely 'user changeable' though I think... no worries about voiding the warranty (although Sony would no doubt refuse to support you if your O2 (or whatever) SIM didn't work).

ISTR reading about a small piece of freeware that people have used on the TZ, but can't remember what it's called. I've never done any of this myself... just regurgitating what I've read elsewhere.

 

How is the temperature & batterylife in speed/stamina?

 

VGN-Z11VN 2.53GHz 4GB RAM 320GB HD

Stamina = 3.8

Processor = 5.4
RAM = 5.9
Graphics = 4.1
Gaming Graphics = 3.8
HDD = 5.5


Speed = 4.4

Processor = 5.4
RAM = 5.9
Graphics = 4.4
Gaming Graphics = 5.1
HDD = 5.5

 

ok you guys i had an epiphany last night... I thought why not just get the SR? It'll save me abt $400 give me and slightly better graphics card. So would anyone like to explain why i would WANT to get the Z over the SR??? Thanks

(The only reasons i can think of are weight and screen colours. And only the weight means something to me)

 

Spoke to Colin in the TCR Sony Centre and he confirmed that you can use any sim will work with the WWLAN just just need the software from your sim provider (i.e. Vodafone Connect).

 

Some of the benefits of Z include weight, carbon fibre, switchable graphics, Hi color LED (brighter than of ECO) and the optional high resolution of 1600*900.

 

Well...I saw the 32GB Samsung SSD drive at the store today for a decent price, so I picked it up. I think that's the only drive that combines high speed, reliability, and power consumption. The 32GB is enough for me since I store all my media on a network drive...with the 64GB were cheaper though!

 

How come your HDD is faster than mine ?
Have you installed anything or changed the HDD ?
I installed a bunch of stuff and am now doing a defrag but that won't help the score normally.

 

Oops...WISH the 64GB drive were cheaper.

 

I've just uninstalled the crapware and installed full Office 2007, Adobe CS3and VPC 2007 running a few virtual Windows 2003/2008 server sessions.

 

snipsey: I did a full reinstall, had a few issues with some drivers/applications.
Right now, I can't seem to be able to install TPM Infineon software. Not sure I need it because I think it's for doing things like storing passwords in the TPM chip and I'm not sure I need to do that..

 

whats the difference between the Z540 model and the Z590 model?

 

Repost:
My question list (if answered, i removed the questions)

200 GB* (5400 rpm)
200 GB* (7200 rpm)
250 GB* (5400 rpm)
320 GB* (5400 rpm)
How do we find out what make/model drives these are?

DDR2 or DDR3 gpu ram?

Has anyone with a 1600x900 changed desktop res to something lower, but with correct aspect and ran a game on it? Isn't this perfectly fine instead of getting the downgraded res laptop?

Finally has anyone ran something decently demanding on the nvidia 9300 in the Z? How did it go? Decent?

 

If you mean, how can we find out in advance before we buy, then I don't think we can. Sony may just change the brand/model without notice without publishing the fact. Sometimes laptop makers change the panel make/model without notice (but still within the specified resolution, etc), which is *really* annoying.

 

Toshiba MK3252GSX

 

Please guys can you post the battery life on stamina? Is a major issue for me...

 

How do you want it measured, which power setting, running what apps?

 

For info, the keyboard on the Z is of much better quality than on the FW.
I bought a FW11S a couple of weeks ago and I'm going to return it already because the backspace key jams 10% of the time.

 

snipsey can you please take a measurement running 3 copies of ie with lowest brightness, and 50%?

Thanks!

 

As for battery leakage, it came down to 95% @2.13 hrs Vaio Optimized

Here are better pics of the battery housing showing the Sprint Sim Slot. After Carefully looking at it, I made a mistake thinking that there was an actual thin plastic cover that lifts when inserting the sim. It's actually more spongy. Also, there's a pretty good photo of the hairline aluminum of the keyboard that someone was curious about. It's smooth and you can't feel any grooves whatsoever. I also took a photo of the only door underneath the notebook for those making modifications in this region.

Did you notice that you will need your memory stick adapter to insert memory stick duo (pic. enclosed), unlike the SZ, where this was not required?

 

Here's more close-ups. Someone wanted an upclose profile. Not sure exactly how you wanted these photos, but I concentrated on the ports. Also, the previous post, did you all notice the mousepad. It's dotted and textured, I think it serves a purpose - so your fingers don't slip and side as much.





As far as warmth, that could only be felt on the left-side of the notebook. It wasn't like my SZ. That thing got hot. The Z was just warm and the only thing I was doing was setting it up to surf the internet.

 

hm, doesn't seem like anyone knows the answer; whats the difference between Z540 and Z590?

 

We can't get Sprint in our area. Is there a way to get an ATT sim to work on the Z590?

 

Attached is a comparsion from Sony.com

 

I think there's a typo as both have DDR3 ram. Also, you can configure the Z540 to have the same amount of ram, same processor and same everything. I think the only difference between the 2 is the resolution, and maybe the vram on the GPU. I might be wrong though, someone correct me.

 

Also, on the Canadian Sony site you can customize the Z590 to include a BluRay drive, however with the Z540 you don't have this option.

 

oh ok. I want to make sure though. If the difference is the vram for the GPU (128mb vs 256mb) I will want to get the z590. But if its just the resolutin then I dont mind getting the z540. Anyone know for sure?

 

I noticed that Newegg now has 2 preconfigured Z's for sale, low-end.
No tax (out of California), would these be a better deal than SonyStyle?

 

Did anyone confirm to see if the 590 really has the eco screen and the other has the duraview one?

 

I think many of us here have weighed the pros and cons of each choice in our heads. Certainly, there are a few pros to going with the SR, which include as you've stated, better graphics card and a cost advantage. However, there are cons as well, such as slightly less sturdy build quality, and integrated graphics is the only available pre-config. At least it is like this in Canada. I know this may actually be better for some.

I've seen the SR in the store and I think it is a very sweet looking laptop, but the integrated graphics really prevents me from purchasing it. My first thoughts on this laptop when I saw it in the Sony Store, was "wow, this is such a small laptop for a 13 inch and such a beautiful screen." If I had another desktop, then my situation would be different. My current laptop has integrated graphics and I've always been unhappy about it. Now if you don't mind CTO than it is a really great choice, otherwise, people like me have no choice but to look at the Z or other laptops.

I'm likely going to purchase a Z from a Sony Store or other local store when they become available. I personally prefer smaller machines over larger ones, because I find them more portable. The Z is a little bit more portable and has a slightly wider display, which will be great for university and the classroom. So for me it is the dedicated graphics (which is standard on a pre-config), solid build quality, greater portability, that give it the edge. Switchable graphics doesn't hurt either

 

Would any of the lucky Z owners be able to tell us about performance while playing and editing AVCHD footage (if possiblke in full HD, 1920x1080). I'm especially interested to find out if the integrated graphics is able to do the job (not editing, but possibly playing). I use PowerDVD, but the integrated WinDVD may be able to play AVCHD files.
Also interested in performance when playing h264 HD videos...
Thanks!

 

Some quick photos. Sorry about the quality - I'm not a photographer (yet) more to come