Official VAIO Z Core 2 Duo Series Owners Thread

Are the fonts legible for 1600x900 (at normal dpi) when you are using it on your lap (which usually is a bit of distance from your eyes)?

 

Im sooooooo pissed off right now u have NO idea. My stupid *** car broke down, now I gotta dish out friggen $800 for the ignition sensor, frigg!!. And I want to buy this laptop.

 

It's 1600x900 instead of 1660x900 right?

 

philflow, i will try that custom dpi-setting, but since i am mostly reading webpages I can resize with firefox.

 

1600x900 is Correct. Think about it, how could 1660x900 have a true 16:9 aspect ratio? It couldn't.

 

They are ok for the beginning. But you are right, when I am using it on my lap, they could be a bit bigger. but only a bit. i think i get used to it in 2 days, if not dpi-customizing or firefox zoom will help.

 

yeah me too, and I actually already know it works quite well so don't know why I asked.

 

Can you say anything about the gaming performance?

 

So does switching to "silent mode" help?

 

a little but I exspected more. i like the speakers, sound is very clear, no bass of course but sound is very open and loud.

i will go to bed now. enough of Zexperience.

battery time is now 3:10 mins with full brightness, wlan all night long, 3 restarts, copying and downloading a lot of files. silentmode and max. battery life option. so that is quite good for my mind. i guess you will get 4:30-5:00 with lower settings and less action.

 

I would like to know how to do this as well. Never ever had done a clean install. Can someone help with this? PLEASE, keep instructions simple. I'm also worried about these drivers your all searching for.

(lol) I think I'm the only one, but the fan is not loud at all. I was in the library yesterday, though I did hear it come on, because it was so silent inside, by no means was it loud enough to be intrusive to others. IMO, it's not loud, more humming than anything else (and that's even exaggerating it a bit). And as for class use, your instructors' lecture/voice will drown that fan noise. I have the TV on now and I don't hear it. It's fine.

Glare

If Apple offers a 13" MBPro, I would be very disappointed. I would be willing to switch over if Apple redesigns the Pro and offer a 13" screen. I personally don't think it will happen, because of the MBAir. But who knows? I like Apple's OS. I think its better than Vista, however, Sony will by far offer the best looking notebooks ever.

Have you experience the speakers on the SZ? Now those are speakers, especially for a portable. I was really hoping the SZ speakers would carry over to the Z. I don't like the sound of the Z speakers. It's awful, it's terrible, it needs to be refreshed. I agree, it needs Bass, and more volume bars.

 

Just FYI, I was at the store today, and the 1366x768 Z screen exhibits the exact same interference as the TZ:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=227251

Haven't seen the 1600, so I'm hoping that snipsey is right about it! You have to have sharp eyesight to see it on the TZ or 13x7 Z in any case.

 

I have the 1366x768 and I don't see this interference your referring too. I'm looking at the clock area (task Bar), as you posted, and I don't notice any diagonal lines (1mm). The display is evenly tone. I also played a movie which I paused and took a photo of, pages back, and no diagonal lines. I say this with sincerity, but you guys are perfectionists (lol). Are you all searching for every single flaw. If so, it would be impossible for Sony to make you all happy. I hate the small keys on this Z, but I figure I'll just adapt, you know? I hate the speakers too, but thanks to earphones.

Can someone with a 1600 display/screenshot of text (webpage) so I can compare to my 1366? Thanks. I'm content with text on this 1366; anything smaller might be alarming. I just want to be able to compare so that I don't have buyers remorse. Is everyone who owns the 1600 res. happy with text size? Or will it take time getting use too?

 

Slight update here ... Haven't installed all the Sony utilities so I can't get silent mode yet, but it seems quieter, at least on batteries. Installing SP1 at the moment and the fan is moderately loud. Not sure why it seemed louder last night.

Also, I installed CoreTemp to watch the temperatures. They seem to spike up fairly rapidly, but they fall just as quick. Usually idles around low 30 degrees C, but I've seen it go up to 57 degrees? And that wasn't fully loaded.. gonna run Prime95 for a minute as a quick stress test for the cooling system ..

 

No, the MBP's standard battery is 420g while the Z's battery is 315g.

33% heavier by net weight.

 

It's more quiet now probably because Windows was busy indexing files the very first time you run it. That would also explain the low battery life. The CPU is working hard while indexing, so the fan goes off.

30C idling IS VERY VERY COOL. I undervolt my Macbook Pro and it gets 45C at best during idle. My MBP goes to 70C when it's working hard.

I'm having more faith in the Z again. Hope to buy it soon.

 

Weight is different, but the amount of charge they hold is the same (5400mAh), so battery life should be same. The weight difference is probably due to casing etc.

 

Yeah , most likely. Idled at like 34-35 degrees. It's still installing SP1 , it spins up occasionally but it's not too bad. Sitting idling on battery it was actually nearly silent, which is fine by me

 

I would rather an occassional and modestly loud fan that gets me 35C idle, than a quiet one that gets me 50C idle.

 

Im reeally curious as to how the Z screen looks in person. I mean ive seen the FW, and the old SR Vaio Laptop, and the screens on both are beautifull, I used to work at Staples Business Depot a while back and we had a few low-end Vaio's. The screens on those were better than any of the other brands, it was amazing. How much better can it really be is my question.

 

Anyone knows if Future Shop in Canada will have the Vaio Z laptops early? I know someone works there and we can receive a 10% discount I think.

 

Thanks for the input man... i decided to go with the Z CTO from sonystyle.ca...hopefully it will be worth the extra money...

 

I agree. Small updates:
My room has cooled down to a human temperature. Idle temps:
core0: 30 degrees, core1: 30 degrees.
All the devices has been recognized, as of Vista SP1. No further complaints here. Fan is running but it's quiet. Now I just need my screen brightness hotkeys to work ....

 

Well I went to my local Sony Style store to take a look at their display set. Once I saw it I couldn't resist and pre-ordered it. The laptop isn't out here yet but they told me I can expect it by Sept 7 or so.

The specs I ordered are below. Was pretty bummed that I couldn't upgrade to 4GB of RAM but the salesman said it's because the laptop is so new and not in stock yet. Maybe when it's released I'll be able to upgrade. I figure worst case is that I upgrade it myself, right?

• Sony VAIO VGN-Z16GN/B
• P8600 - 2.40GHz
• 2GB DDR3 SDRAM
• 250GB Hard Disk
• 1600x900 Resolution

Also got some freebies that I think are pretty worth it. Sony is having a pre-order promotion here where if you are a MyStyle member, you get the following for free:

• Privacy Filter
• Black Bluetooth Laser Mouse
• Battery
• Original VAIO Carrying Case
• 1 Year VAIO Overseas Service Warranty
• Port Replicator (Only if you go for the top of the line model which I didn't...)

Seems pretty worth it for me. I'm so excited I can't wait!

 

If you don't mind sharing, how much did that Z model cost in Singapore? I might be flying there in the coming months, so hopefully it can be had for less than the pretty steep Aussie price of AUD $3000 for the Z16.

 

You made a great choice BTW, which screen did you opt for? I'm probably going to go with 1366x768 myself, unless the larger resolution screen blows me away in the store..

 

Sure... I paid SGD3,199.

 

Thanks for that. And thats a pretty good deal, around USD$ 2260 and with all those extras.

Also a word of advice, i don't think its worth it to upgrade to 4GB as there aren't any obvious benefits for doing so.

Firstly which OS did you get? Any 32bit OS can only recognise 3.25 of the 4GB, so you don't get the full 4GB.

Secondly, what programs will you be running? Because 2GB is more than sufficient for most applications out there including gaming.

Thirdly, a 2GB DDR3 stick is going to be rare and hence expensive to buy outside (if you are thinking of DIY) and of course Sony will overcharge for them to upgrade it for you (not an option either).

 

Right on. I was originally going to consider purchasing from the US, but after doing the conversion and adding in all the freebies it was better to just buy from Singapore.

I hear you on the memory upgrade... I *think* it comes with Vista business and I'll be running mostly Office stuff with Firefox and a few chat programs. I just like being as future proof as I can. What I will probably do is use it first to see how it is. I've always been using XP and have heard how big of a resource hog Vista is, so I wanted as much RAM I could get. Maybe I will upgrade it in a year or 2 once the DDR3 prices have dropped a bit

 

Ugh.... Cannot get the brightness hotkeys to function at all. Any help? Tried installing (off the recovery dvd) everything that might work, but no luck.

 

So, second day with my Z. Fan seems a bit quieter (running it with electricity) but is still there. I will get over it.

I am getting used to the resolution. Today it seem better to work with it. I am trying to get rid of my bloatware. Since I never used Vista before, where can I get to uninstallement?

What I really like, this thing, especially the keyboard, is very solid and perfectly built. It is totally cool and the screen is still amazing (can't wait to watch movies with it). What really is great, is the Wifi antenna, my connection is so much consistent and faster which is a great relief.

If you have any questions, ask.

 

how is the keyboard? i dont have a sony store here so i cant test it out. is it similar to the macbook? i loved that notebook so maybe this sony will be a good move

 

I haven't used the MB keyboard extensively, but my first impression is that the Z's keyboard nicer than the Macbook's, IMO. The keypresses feel smoother/firmer and keys seem to go down lower, which I like. Definitely enjoyable to type on.

 

hey HungryPillow, SGD3199 - that is inclusive of the 7% GST?? If so, ex-GST, the price of the z16 is the same as that in Hong Kong.

cheers

 

Yes, for some reason, all top range VAIO's fan seems to be louder than other lappies (compared to say HP). My SZ fan at times sounds like a vacuum cleaner (only that it spits out air)

Can you comment on the position of the mic and headphone jack? given that they are on the left near the 'front edge', that could be block your elbows?

The SZ and SR 's jacks are all way at the back. cheers.

 

I called T-Mobile UK regarding the 1 month free 3G data subscription. They told me I would need to take a 24 months contract that would include a first free month. I told them I wasn't bothered so the SIM went straight in the bin
I've already got a "unlimited" mobile subscription with O2 and I use a Sony Ericsson w890 as USB Ethernet Modem and it works a treat, only downside is I need a USB cable, I tried Bluetooth Modem in the past and didn't find it very reliable.

 

ah, good to know. i got the same option with my Z, and thought "where is the catch?". i think it should be the same for the German T-Mobile offer. When I found out, I will let the German fellows know.

Concerning the mic and headphone jack, I don't know how it could block my elbows but It does not.

 

i have used it some months, and it is crap. the Z's keyboard is one of the finest on the market. very solid, very sturdy, gives perfect feedback and it is very easy to type on.

 

I forgot to mention that it's possible to cancel the 24 month subscription in the first 30 days but to be honest it's not worth it

 

Yup, SGD3199 was inclusive of GST.

 

I think someone (at least one person) has said they've downgraded from Vista to XP. How was that experience? What drivers are missing from XP? In other words, what doesn't work? Are there XP drivers for the geforce 9300 available from Sony, or on the disk, or do generic drivers need to be found at nVidia's site?

I've heard lots of bad things about Vista (and had some pretty frustrating experiences myself, being tech support for the family), and I would like to know if I can work most of what I need in the laptop in XP. I need the 3D power, especially.

 

By the way, for those of you who recently ordered the 1600x900 model, I may have some bad news. I gave Sony a call today (I live down the street from Sony HQ in Tokyo, actually), and the laptop I ordered this week is only scheduled to be delivered in the third part of September (In Japanese, months are divided into three parts, so this means it will arrive between Sept. 21st and Sept. 30th). I checked online, and not a single retailer in Japan appears to have the 1600x900 laptop (Z90S) in stock. However, the lower-res. model is available all over the place. I don't know if this display shortage affects other countries, but I suspects it does. I'll keep you guys informed upon any updates I have. I hope it arrives sooner than one month from now!

 

dimension6: I've got the 1600x900 model, Sony UK seems to have a few of those in stock.

 

Has someone ordered Z from notebook.de? What kind of keyboard it comes with and does it have 64bit or 32bit OS by default?

 

So the 1600x900 has a possibility of more delays? Hope this isn't so. I was told I was supposed to get my tracking number a week ago, and couldn't cancel my order (and get a better deal elsewhere) because of that. Still no tracking number, still no laptop, still says "8/15/08" estimated shipping date and "processing" on my order.

When I had a delay on my Sager laptop order, the company I ordered from actually called me and asked if I wanted to get the less in-demand processor and get my order sooner, or wait another couple weeks for the one I wanted. No such call from Sony, not even an email. So far, my customer experience has not been positive with them. I understand this is a new product and all, but they could at least update the order date or send out a mass email explaining the situation, don't you think?

 

Here is a downgrading guide from sony asia for all Z1* models...
The ones in Europe are all z11 and others in asia are z12 etc...
Some drivers might also work on the z5* versions, but don't quote me on this...
Guide: http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/272193/product/vgn-z12gn/sectionfirst?subpage=detail

 

Does anybody have a list of shops in Europe which sell Sony Vaio Z's to all over the Europe. I mean even to the little European country like Estonia
Unfortunately sony-style shops will not ship to my country but I really need one for the school.

 

Hi guys,

I've a question for those who already have your Z. (both 1600 and 1360 resolution models)
Have you tried the HDMI output yet?

Which resolutions can be selected in the graphic card control panel?

I mean, I know you have to select your native screen resolution to view things properly on your Z, but since HDMI standard only permits 480i/p 720i/p, 1080i/p,and so on..... I imagine you will have to change the resolution in your Z notebook to one of those were you to connect your notebook to a TV.

Thank you very much.

 

I am wondering why there hasn't been a professional review in English till now...

I am about to buy the Z but I actually am not the person that buys something before being sure its a good piece of tech...

I mean the Z is already available and since its sony's flagship I can't understand why there hasn't been any review...

 

Ah, nice! Thanks for that. I'll certainly have to give this a try if I can. Thinking maybe I should try that hard drive swap and put a fresh copy of XP on it if Vista starts to kill me, so this is going to help.