Official VAIO Z Core 2 Duo Series Owners Thread

Hey guys check this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1_QMZ_Mos8

 

I second these requests. Please post your specs as well. We'd totally appreciate it!

I have a feeling the 9300m GS should be able to run Crysis on the lowest settings. The Dell XPS M1330 is able to play it at 20-30 fps. No reason the Z can't do the same.

 

Nice find, thanks TG!

I was pleased to see that it comes with one of PhilFlow's screen protector's out of the box, which I guess saves me €99.

 

There is a good 3mm between the display and the keys when the lid is shut. Because the lid is bent then the display will definitely get in contact with the keys and then you will get little marks. This shouldnt be a concern to anybody when the Z is supposed to have a scratch resistant display surely?

 

Based on the youtube video I found, the Z is the perfect size for me and looks beautiful. I know for a fact ill like it in person. Any smaller like the TZ for example, would be too small for me.

Ciao!

 

Oh by the wway, I like the bright green glowing power button the side, but you know what else woulda looked wickedd. Neon blue. OR if they changed different colors. Like LED light, it can change any color and using veryyy little power. That'd been sickk. That alone I think woulda made the laptop sell to even DJ's like myself, and just plain funky ppl .

 

I've had mine for a few days now, I would prefer if the screen was a little stiffer when you open and close it but that's just nit picking. It's a great laptop. It's just a shame it isn't quite perfect because we can't do CTO here in the UK so no BR, no SSD etc.

 

Nice find Toronto-Guy!
Wonder how you found it though, the search function did not list this video (neither for "Vaio Z" nor for "Vaio *Z*")

Oh and I guess they made the LED not change the color because this isn't a consumer notebook... its is mostly aimed at business people, and when someone has a notebook with changing the light of the power button he doesn't look very serious or professional I guess...

But it might be possible to open the power button DIY style, and slam in some multi color LEDs xD

Ohh by the way, I ordered my Z11 today xD
p8600 2.4GHz
250GB HDD
4GB DDR3 RAM
1600x900 WXGA++ Display
German Keyboard
HSDPA
DVD RW Drive
2.039,01 €

Will hopefully arrive on tuesday =D ! YEEEEHAAAAW !

 

100 less than I spend. but i have the shop in front of my door and I can chase them if something is wrong. hey yeeze, congrats for the big decision. i recommend www.wertgarantie.de since this thing is reaaally expensive.

 

so i am a bit of a computer noob, i have 250 gb of hdd and 179 are gone. can someone please tell me WHY? i have installed a few small programs have 15 gb of music and that's it? where are the other 150 gb?

 

I'm really curious about "text" on 1600x900 too. I wish someone would do a screenshot, not sure if that would help, of a webpage with a lot of text to do a comparison.
I would be more than happy to do a screenshot of the same webpage since I have the 1366x768 so we can all see the difference.

Does anyone who owns the Z have an opinion on that silver barrel hinge; do you think it's prone to easy scratches and dings? I feel the need to be extra careful.

 

There's a thread explaining why some disk space is allocated for Vista OS to perform backup copies

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=167983&page=2

However, I think there is something more in your case.

 

Does anyone know?

 

Here are my results from running wprime to 32m on my Sony Z with the p8400 2.26 ghz cpu and 3 gigs of memory:

36 seconds - balance and performance mode
46 seconds - silent mode

 

Here, copy paste link, hope this helps.

http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr188/torontoguyy786/Z.jpg


As you can see, theres not much difference as far as I can tell.

 

I like the silver barrel hinge. It breaks up the monotony of the all black imo. I'm sure its more scratchable than the carbon fiber.

 

AFAIK, Sony uses Samsung SATA II SLC SSDs.

 

General:
Name: Benchmark 2008-08-25 03-12-25
Processor:
Vendor: GenuineIntel
Name: Pentium(R) III processor
SpeedMHz: 2193
Type: 0
Family: 6
Model: 7
Stepping: 6
Flags: 0xBFEBFBFF
Number: 2
HyperThreading: n/a
MemoryOS: 2147483647
Graphics:
Description: NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS
Vendor: 4318
Device: 1765
SubSys: 2418348109
Revision: 161
CoreClock: 0
MemoryClock: 0
Driver: nvd3dum.dll
DriverVersion: 7.15.11.7449
VideoMemory: 1562378240
TextureMemory: 1549795328
OperatingSystem:
Version:
Type:
Build: Service Pack 1 6001
Run0:
DisplayWidth: 1024
DisplayHeight: 768
DisplayDepth: 32
AntialiasingMode: 0
AntialiasingQuality: 0
AnisotropicFiltering: 4
DetailLevel: 4
AvgFPS: 47.466251
MinFPS: 8.241736
MaxFPS: 118.343201
AvgFPSRender: 93.959991
AvgFPSSimulation: 95.920448
AvgTrianglesPerSecond: 14288867
MinTrianglesPerSecond: 1325767
MaxTrianglesPerSecond: 45548578
AquamarkScoreRender: 9396
AquamarkScoreSimulation: 4796
AquamarkScore: 47466

how is that score? ok?

 

forget what i wrote, i am too noobish sometimes.

 

Ohh don't worry xD
Are you an human being, aren't you?

 

i am wondering why i haven't score up to 2.4 ghz but 2.2. here is the result for the 4500

General:
Name: Benchmark 2008-08-24 18-33-39
Processor:
Vendor: GenuineIntel
Name: Pentium(R) III processor
SpeedMHz: 2393
Type: 0
Family: 6
Model: 7
Stepping: 6
Flags: 0xBFEBFBFF
Number: 2
HyperThreading: n/a
MemoryOS: 2147483647
Graphics:
Description: Mobile Intel(R) 4 Series Express Chipset Family
Vendor: 32902
Device: 10818
SubSys: 2418348109
Revision: 7
CoreClock: 0
MemoryClock: 0
Driver: igdumdx32.dll
DriverVersion: 7.15.10.1502
VideoMemory: 1376780288
TextureMemory: 1365245952
OperatingSystem:
Version:
Type:
Build: Service Pack 1 6001
Run0:
DisplayWidth: 1024
DisplayHeight: 768
DisplayDepth: 32
AntialiasingMode: 0
AntialiasingQuality: 0
AnisotropicFiltering: 4
DetailLevel: 4
AvgFPS: 13.547688
MinFPS: 6.756786
MaxFPS: 61.885723
AvgFPSRender: 14.700812
AvgFPSSimulation: 172.716125
AvgTrianglesPerSecond: 4078289
MinTrianglesPerSecond: 930180
MaxTrianglesPerSecond: 11834128
AquamarkScoreRender: 1470
AquamarkScoreSimulation: 8635
AquamarkScore: 13547

i have used same power options, so i am wondering...

 

I'm not familiar with that benchmark, but it appears that the P8600 is scoring lower than the P8400?

 

Actually, there's a huge difference. I'm assuming that the photo on the left is 1600 and the one on the right is 1366. Why?, because....
The 1366 (right) 1. lacks one desktop icon, 2. the start menu - overlaps that webpage, 3. look how less space is below the "gadgets" on the very right (where the round clock appears). The only problem with this photo is that "text" is not visible to read. I'm concerned about actually reading text to see how comfortable it is. Thanks for your efforts though.

Check out this link. Some of you on this thread made it as TOP AUTHORS.
There's a list of usernames that have been generated from this forum.

 

to GEEE^^^ Sorry forgot to state that, my bad.

One of Left=1600x900...Right=1366x768.

 

Aquamark is a pretty old benchmarking utility. That score for the 9300m GS seems to be expected I think. It's an OK score, reasonable for a 13.1" notebook.

Try downloading the basic edition of 3dmark06 and post your results.

Thanks for the efforts!

 

Notice how much darker the blacks are on the right side of the screen on the 1600x900 (right under the gadgets). You have to really zoom in to see. I wonder if someone can get a better quality picture comparing the two.

 

Interesting, someone on eBay can configure a dream come true Z, combination Blu-Ray and SSD together all-in-one laptop, even though Sony is unable to. Take a look at his ad....You'll need to scroll down just a little bit to see the "AD".

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Sony-Vaio-V...wItemQQimsxZ20080822?IMSfp=TL0808221814r25070

 

The fan for the 2.8Ghz in the Japanese Z is in on a Japanese review site many many pages back. From a translation it said that for the 2.8Ghz they used a different fan from the others, if I recall correctly. That same site also had some pics of the machine disassembled and it was the 2.8 with dual SSD.

I found the page here: http://plusd.itmedia.co.jp/pcuser/articles/0807/22/news071_3.html

And I also believe there was some Sony videos on the Japanese Vaio site about the making of the new Z and they mentioned something about a different fan too for the faster proc. Again, I recall... but my memory is pretty shoddy.

As for my QUICK and DIRTY guide to a clean install, I'm not sure if the comment that was made, was my guide not easy to understand? could it not be followed? Hence it being quick and dirty... I can expand on it later to be more step by step.

 

Here's a question to all you other Z owners... Is it just me or are SD cards impossible to get out once you stick them in? I know I have the right slot since they get recognized and all. I find it impossible to retrieve them, however...

 

Its spring loaded, just push on it to take it out.

 

Jack278:
A much cheaper alternative are the OCZ SSDs installed by PortableOne as an upgrade option on Z's purchased from them. They have various sizes, up to 128GB, in single drives (so I guess no raid). They are authorised resellers so I presume that full Sony warranty still applies.

Given the price ($525 for 128GB), OCZ probably uses MLC technology. Not sure if SSD can keep the notebook much cooler vs HDD. If so, this might be a worthwhile upgrade even if its performance isn't quite as good as other SSDs.

 

I actually think it's a pretty noticeable difference. But I'm biased since I ordered the 590

 

If any CANADIANS/TORONTONIANS see any deals out there for the Z, pls let me know. There has to be some kinda discount here if U.S is having it.

 

Just ordered mine:

VGN-Z590 Configure-to-Order
VGN-Z590
Customization Details

* Wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g/n) with integrated Bluetooth® technology
* None
* None
* 200 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive [7200 rpm]
* None
* LCD 13.1" (XBRITE-DuraView™
* Standard Battery (BPS12)
* None
* Trusted Platform Module / Biometric Fingerprint Sensor
* Microsoft® Works
* No Engraving
* Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor P9500 (2.53GHz)
* Integrated Wireless Wide Area Network
* Fresh Start™
* 4 GB DDR3-SDRAM (DDR3-1066, 2GBx2)
* Microsoft® Windows Vista® Business with Service Pack 1
* Blu-ray Disc™ Read/Write Drive

In stock. Estimated ship date: 09/02/2008.

so whats the difference with "fresh start" and doing a "clean install"?

 

I was the one that made that comment. Sorry, I didn't mean for you to be misled that your directions were not easy. What I meant by it, is if I follow your written instructions, will I encounter difficulties as I go through the motion and process of doing a clean install or will it go smoothly and effortlessly. I just needed some assurance from you that the instructions written are in lamen's terms. In other words, "It's so easy, a child can do it." I've never done a clean install before. And for those that have done them, on their Z, are encountering problems with drivers and keys not functioning the way they're suppose too. Only two posts, including yours, were the only two successful ones.

 

It's not a RAIDed SSD config. Totally different beasts.

 

Did you find any discounts in Toronto for Vaio Z yet? Let me know if you find any

 

I just installed the Samsung SATA II SSD drive into my Toughbook, and am blown away by the difference in speed and sound. Not only is the drive silent, but the fan doesn't come on nearly as much. I'd recommend the upgrade despite the high price.

 

Thanks for the informative link. At least in the german press release, Sony compared the specs regarding weight, motherboard size etc. to the older SZ series. Using Google to translate the mentioned Japanese page, it mainly seems to be a comparison between the the "Type S" (presumably = SZ) and "Type Z" series:

(translated by google)

Maybe we have a native Japanese speaker here who can help us to translate the original sentence exactly:

However, the 2.8 GHz model doesn't seem to be available in Europe.

Another question: Does anyone who owns the Z got a model with "Premium Carbon"? Does it look like the one of the SZ series?

 

I haven't been here for a while so forgive me if I've missed anything.

For those that own the Z now, what battery life times are you getting, can you state what battery you have and the settings and things your doing to attain that life?

How hot on the bottom is the Z getting for you during normal and intensive tasks? I've been annoyed that my TZ gets uncomfortably hot on the bottom during normal usage and is normal for the series.

Finally, can an owner download this program located below that states if virtualization is still blocked off as with all Vaio models except for the BZ series?

http://www.grc.com/securable.htm

 

The Z runs much much cooler than the TZ. The bottom barely gets warm at all.

Haven't tested the battery too much, but 3:30 - 4 hours looks about right.

hardware dep = yes
hardware virtualization = locked off

 

Is there even an option for the case? I've seen the laptop in person but didn't bother looking at the lid. Which one does the Z come with?

 

Thanks for answering my questions. What are you doing on the Z to get that battery life time, is the screen brightness at max, Wifi in use, etc?

To the other poster, the Z isn't available in a Premium Carbon finish like the previous SZ was, only plain matte black so far. But in Japan, you can get it in four lid designs.

 

Here's the translation:

Again, the direct-sales model has the 35-watt 2.8Ghz T9600 Core 2 Duo. If the T9600 is chosen, the fan blade and heat sink part is modified. I feel that the cooling mechanism is expressly customized corresponding to the T-Type's Core 2 Duo.

 

what do u think about this
http://www.jr.com/sony/pe/SON_VGNZ550NB/
its $1,899.99 should i buy it from here or sonystyle.com

 

D'oh. Wow. I pushed on the card before and it has never done the springy thing. Just tried it again and it works. Blonde moment..

EDIT: Actually, tried it again. Guess I'm not THAT blonde. I think the clicky thing was in the "down" position when the laptop was assembled, so I never got the spring action until just now when I really pushed on the card to activate the mechanism. Now the card goes in and I can feel the spring getting loaded. Before, it would just slide in with some difficulty.

 

Singapore's pre-sales promotion for the Vaio Z.

http://support.sony.com.sg/mysony/vaio/presales_aug08/index.html

Free Case
Free BT Laser Mouse
Free Extended Battery

Got mine there.

 

I have the same model/configurations as the one your considering, but I paid the full price of $2099.99. I'm actually content with it, but will most likely exchange it for the P9500, 1600x900, 4GB Ram DDR3, 320GB HD. Are you apprehensive about your decision?

 

HungryPillow: My Z11VN lid doens't look like it's made of carbon so I will have to trust Sony there. It looks like it's made of that Black Carbon material, definitely not the Premium Carbon finish.

 

That's what I paid too... Ugh wow, J&R's got a great price. I'd be exchanging it quickly but I like mine too much and it's too much of a hassle