Official VAIO Z Core 2 Duo Series Owners Thread

Thanks! 4.5 hrs seems a bit on the low side for a Montevina laptop using the Intel graphics. By comparison, the Thinkpad X200 gets something like 8 hours and my Santa Rosa Macbook Pro gets 4 hours WITH a dedicated nVidia 8600 and a much larger screen.

Maybe all that battery juice is used to turn that monster fan lol.

 

I asked the testers over Notebookjournal about the VRAM, (DDR3 or DDR2) and they will give me the answer by tomorrow morning MET...
Hopefully I will receive my Z tomorrow sometime... So excited!!!

 

Well, the screen IS thin .. I have not tried twisting or bending it myself but my first impression was that it's sturdier than the TZ (that one actually frightened me). The Z feels solid to me *shrug*. Yes it's not the aluminum lid like the Macbook Air or the thick magnesium lid like the Lenovo X61, but I think it does well for what it is. If the notebook was heavier I'd probably worry; otherwise it feels good to me.. The lid is made just as well as the rest of the notebook. Not a "weak spot" for sure.

 

naus: 4.5 hours is extremely good for a constant 30% CPU load. 95% of the time browsing internet or word processing, you'll probably be using 0 - 5%. The Z should get 6+ easily with normal use. I wouldn't be surprised if it could get 7 hours.

 

1280x768 and 1280x800 will probably have very small differences when tested on the same GPU. Probably on order of about a hundred. I saw benchmarks of an HP dv2700t which had a T9300 (2.5 GHz, 6MB cache, 800 MHz bus), 4GB DDR2 and 128MB 8400m GS. Under 1280x800 resolution, it scored an 1815 for 3dmark06. I think this system is a fair comparison to ThreeD's Sony Z. Furthermore, an Asus U6V with a T9400 (2.5GHz, 1066 MHz, 6MB), 4GB DDR2, and 256MB 9300m GS scored 1832 on 3dmark06 at 1280x800.

The 9300m GS may have only 8 unified shaders as opposed to the 8400m GS's 16 but the 9300m GS's shader units perform almost twice as fast as the 8400m GS. So shader-wise, both should be around the same with a nod to the 8400m GS being a tiny bit better in the shader realm. But for everything else, the 9300m GS has a faster core and memory speed. The benchmarks above shows that the 9300m GS should perform to at least the 8400m GS, if not better.

There are youtube videos of Crysis being played at 20-30 fps on an XPS M1330, low settings of course which I think is great! And thanks to IsamuX, Crysis does indeed run on the Z at similar settings. I don't think anyone is expecting the Z to max out Crysis . Very few notebooks can anyway. And in light of this, Half-Life 2 should run fine at medium to high settings IMO, no sweat.

ThreeD's benchmark of 2245 may have been due to the benefits of DDR3 memory and the slight difference in resolution testing. Most likely the Z is incapable of running at 1280x800 and so 1280x768 is the closest resolution available. 2245 is pretty good score for a 13" notebook if not, one of the best that's available in the US and is on par with a P8400 Vaio SR. The LG P300, Epson NA801 and BenQ X31 can do better but they are certainly harder to purchase in the US. Not to mention unknowns in build quality and customer service specifically with Epson and BenQ.

Thank you ThreeD and IsamuX for doing some gaming benchmarks! Really appreciate it! If you can do some of the other requests made in this thread, that would be great too! (Unreal Tournament 3, Team Fortress 2, Call of Duty 4)

I consider myself a gamer, but not to the extent where I must achieve over 60 fps on the highest settings. I have another notebook and desktop I can use if I must see a game the way it's meant to be seen. I want to get a nice mobile notebook used mostly for school and CPU intensive simulations but at least play some high-end games at playable framerates (which I think is around 25 fps, same framerate for PAL movies IIRC) even if I must use the lowest settings. It's great for being on the road or if I have a guest over and we want to do a little LAN gaming.

It looks like a P9500, 4GB DDR3, 256MB 9300m GS Vaio Z fits the ticket. I considered the SR but there's so much talk of how the Z's screen and overall build quality is far superior to the SR. I just wished I can get that pre-configured with a 320GB hard drive without bluray.

 

Compared to my old vaio this is amazing. My VGN A417M did max 2 hours when it was new. After 1 year the battery started dying already... Now (3 years later) the battery is dead... Anyway, I wont use it anymore. <3 my Z!

 

The flexibility is by design. The engineers found that using a more flexible screen created a more durable screen. When they used a rigid glass structure, it would crack very easily with any sort of torsion. With the flexible screen the Z can take more pressure on the screen than a traditional notebook and they can reduce weight. This is discussed on the video from the European Sony Summer 2008 product launch.

Here is what I'm talking about:

http://club.vaio.sony.co.uk/clubvaio/gb/en/vaio10/flash.jsp

Click on V Corner (Visual) and drag the video slider and start watching at 4:20. The tech guy explains how they built the screen to be brighter and more durable while weight less than the screen used in the SZ. On a humorous note, the reporter accidentally cracks the SZ screen when he picks an edge up. The Z screen flexes and sustains no damage.

 

Wow.. thanks for the insight!!

I was a little concerned, but not worried. Its a 2k+ laptop, expect it to be handled like a bank's vault (err.. cant think of any other examples but you get the point!)

 

What do you guys think? Order from Portable one or Sony Store?

 

If ur in U.S, there wouldnt even be anything to think about. P1 all the way. Free shipping, free case. Great service. If ur out of U.S then id say just stick with Sony.

 

i disagree, if you're IN the US, go for Sony, at least you can get the 3-year warranty (not with ADH) and still get two accesories and still get a discount..

the warranty = 199.00
neoprense case = 22.00
vaio stylus = 19.00
- 300 from campus savings

plus, i dont think they charge for restocking fees.. but im not sure..

 

Does typing hard on the Z shake the screen? I've had an old HP laptop do that and it annoys the crap out of me.

 

If you are ordering before September, Sony Style has a tremendous discount on their accidental damage warranty. Also free shipping

Otherwise, I'd recommend P1 as well.

Edit: StrongerThanAll beat me to it

 

what kind of discount?

from what i saw it yesterday:
3-year 199
2-yeah ADH 279
3-year ADH 349

and so on..

are theses prices with discount? or is there a coupon or something?

 

Just a good read for everyone to take a break from the Z.


http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080823/national/god_particle_1

 

is ADH worth it?

 

yep ADH is well worth it.. life is unpredictable, even if you kept it locked up when not in use, the split-second you DO have it in use you can either knock it off a table, spill liquid (coffee!), or your friend or family can do the damage.. it happens

 

what do u think about
J&R ?
www.jr.com

 

IMO no, if you take care of your stuff. I've had dozens of laptops over the years, and I've never done anything stupid to them. I find the regular 3 year warranty to be much more valuable as parts seem to break down more after that 2 year period. OTOH, if you crash your cars all the time, and constantly spill stuff and drop your electronics, then maybe.

 

I like to think I generally take care of my stuff too, but I've accidentally dropped gadgets before and also stood on a Tosh laptop a few years ago. I can still remember the noise is made as the screen broke and it made me feel sick.
I've always taken out insurance since then, but haven't stepped on any other laptop since. Ah well!

EDIT - I've just been emailed my UPS tracking number from Sony Style... looks like my Z is finally on the way - woohoo!

 

ADH is a total ripoff like most extended warranties

does anyone here read consumer reports or consumerist? extended warranties like these are a money making machine, the possibility of actually having to use it is slim

 

You can say the same about life insurance, but it doesn't mean it's not worth buying. Yes, it is a huge revenue maker for firms, but from the consumer's perspective, YOUR personal utility may outweigh the costs.

 

well in this case, when ordering the Z, at least you get it for free as well as 2 other accessories as well for free plus a discount

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=3791252&postcount=4

 

Congrats!! When did you order? What was the estimated ship date on your order info screen?

 

Thanks. I ordered 6 August and there wasn't an estimated date - just "pre-order, shipping mid-Aug" - but I gathered via subsequent phone calls to Sony Style that I'd be getting it sometime around now. Would have been nice to have it before this past weekend, but never mind.

 

The date changed in the order information screen? Did you order a CTO Z590? When?

 

yes I ordered the Z590 with all the bells and whistles (sans SSD) on August 18th..

I guess they must have alot of ppl ordering before me =(

 

Oh wow, I'm surprised to hear the estimated ship date in that order info screen actually changes. I thought it was meaningless.

 

Has anyone tried to order one of the preconfigured models on the business to business site? Can you just call sony and order it because they don't seem to have a way to order it on the site.

 

The Z better come to Sony tommorrow man, frigg, im gonna be pisseddd. And I get my car back from the shop tommorrow so it would work out perfect. PLease keep ur fingers crossed guys.

 

Finally a status update from Sonystyle just a few minutes ago! Via e-mail...

"This is to advise you that production on your customized VAIO computer has begun."

The ship date hasn't been updated but at least I know where it stands and it will likely ship this week.

 

This is puzzling. InfyMcGirk ordered on 8/6 and had his shipped today. You ordered 7/15 and yours is just now starting to build?

Huh?

Both of you ordered CTO Z590's, right? Just out of curiosity, which CPU did you two choose and what shipping method.

 

holy crap, I took the plunge...through sony...$2,363 all said and done...

CTO 590; 2.4ghz, 3 gigs, 200 gb hd, 3 yr warranty + case.

Sales tax is a *****.

Estimated shipping date 9/2...I hope this stays true.

 

Yeah, it's puzzling but i think we're in two different countries and each country's parts allotment is different. It seems like Europe was getting parts more easily than here in the US. Seems like the P9500 is in high demand since it's a popular choice that gives you the current best performance at 25W.

And yes, I ordered a Z590 CTO with the P9500 and standard shipping. I live in Los Angeles and stuff from the San Diego offices normally arrives within a day or two.

 

Uh oh, ur screwed to the wall now, theres no Vaio Z, U just gave free money to Sony! April fools!!

 

What was the answer, I might have missed it. I linked to it and that one was not offered in SSD.

Does ADH really cover "ALL" accidental handling. There must be a catch, no? If you spill coffee or soda, it's covered? If you slip and drop it, it's covered? If you accidenatlly step on it and crack the screen, it's covered? At no expense to the owner.

What are the exceptions to ADH? What will not be covered under this warranty?

 

Before my warranty is up im going to throw my laptop off the roof of my apartment and get a new one. hey...the warranty specifically said accidental drops, if i remember correctly.

 

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...551&categoryId=27203&storeId=10151&langId=-1#

4.ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE FROM HANDLING (ADH). ADH pertains to You if listed on the reverse side of this Contract. Your product is protected against accidental damage FROM HANDLING. ADH will end prior to the expiration date when We have, as a result of service provided to You, replaced Your product or incurred costs under this plan and all other coverage equal to the original purchase price of Your product (as indicated on your invoice). ADH only covers operational or mechanical failure from handling and does not include protection against normal wear and tear, theft, mysterious disappearance, misplacement, viruses, reckless, abusive, willful or intentional conduct associated with handling and use of the product, cosmetic damage and/or other damage that does not affect the unit functionality, damage caused during shipment between You and Our service providers and any other limitations listed in the Limitations of Coverage section. Any resultant damage from this type of treatment is NOT covered by this ADH program. The use of this coverage requires an explanation of where and when the accident occurred as well as a detailed description of the actual event. Failure to provide this information will result in claim denial.

 

detailed explanation? Sure why not?

I was using my laptop on my roof to study for astrology class. It accidentally slipped off my lap and fell to the ground to shatter in pieces. Now, put my 200 dollars insurance to good use.

thanks, Duke.

 

The prices you listed is without the discount. As you mentioned, when you get an extended warranty (ADH or not) plus 2 accessories, you get $300 off. This applies to both ADH and non ADH plans. So it works out like this:

Without the discount:
Warranty: 2-year express ship with ADH = $279.99
Accessory 1: Neoprene Carrying Case = $22.99
Accessory 2: USB Mouse = $39.99
Total for warranty + 2 accessories = $342.97

With discount:
2-year express ship with ADH = $35.08
Neoprene Carrying Case = $2.88
USB Mouse = $5.01
Total for warranty + 2 accessories = $42.97

That's how the $300 discount is distributed. I guess you thought you couldn't use ADH as part of the discount but you certainly can!

Great deal IMO. My last two notebooks were from Asus and they have accidental damage for 1-year free so having this safety net is good.

 

I bought mine at Frys too - O.C. When I got mine, they only had the Z540 and Z550. I chose the Z550. Did you happen to notice if they received any Z's (Z570) with the P9500 1600x900?

 

J&R is another reputable store. Can't go wrong with them.

 

Does not include:
reckless, abusive, willful or intentional conduct associated with handling and use of the product This is the section I'm afraid of. Won't Sony work around the definitions of these words to get around having to replace your laptop?

You make it sound easy. I'm willing to purchase ADH, I personally think it's somewhat worth it. Accidents do happen. Like I said, I'm just afraid if an accident does happen, won't Sony first try and fix/repair your laptop? And if not fixable, then it will be replaced, but this model won't be available 1, 2 or 3 years from now, so what do you get in replacement? I still think these are catch words: reckless, abusive, willful or intentional conduct associated with handling and use of the product, Sony will work around to prevent paying out. I could be wrong...

 

GEEE, u have the Z550??? I didnt know that! If you do, tell me how everything is. Im sure u heard in Canada the video card is 256mb, whats ur take on that?

 

toronto, did you already placed your order?

 

crap, almost believed you there...

 

Didn't you read my post last week on Wed. when I got it. The box states the following: This product is intended for U.S. and Canada market. So you will definitely get the Z550 in your country.
Z550, 1366x768, P8600, 2.4GHz, 250GB Sata (5400rpm), 3GB DDR3 SDRam. I spent retail $2099.99USD. I like it a lot, but I'm going to exchange it for the Z570 P9500.

Check out the pics on packaging, I took those cuz I knew you were concerned about packaging if you decided to do a CTO: scroll down...I think you just had a blonde moment. You actually commented on my pics pg. 153 of this thread.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=272690&page=151

 

I just got email confirmation about 5 hours ago that mine was being built. My order status page also reflects this, but they haven't charged me for it yet.

I feel your pain... They told me on the 15th that my tracking number was being assigned and I would get it in 24 hours, hence not being able to cancel my order and get a better deal elsewhere. Yet it only started being built today! My shipping date still hasn't changed, either. Still 8/15/08.

Awesome! I hope I get one of those soon, too (tracking number). lol

That's great news. I like to swap hard drives every now and then, so this is really good to hear.

I'll admit some extended warranties are ripoffs, but for laptops, in my experience, it's a good investment IF it's offered through the original manufacturer, not some other company.

One of my laptops has had at least 3 total failures over it's life, 1 of which was covered by a non-manufacturer extended warranty. The 2 that were covered by the manufacturer came back cleaner than I sent it, while the other came back with scratches, damaged parts, parts that were NOT originally on the machine when I sent it (and were from different manufacturers at that), parts missing, and they didn't even fix the problem.

... But I will admit the ADH sounds a bit like a ripoff. Sounds like you have to be really careful with the way you "accidentally" damage your laptop.

 

What does your order status page show now? Is it not "processing" anymore?

 

So I installed bioshock and tried it out.

I have the resolution set to 800x600 with graphic quality set to LOW and textures set to medium and it runs pretty good. Around 25-30fps in speed mode.

I'm not really a gamer so I don't really care too much about the graphics card so I'm not sure if those numbers are good or bad.