Official VAIO Z Core 2 Duo Series Owners Thread

Has anybody in the UK tried using another company's mobile broadband SIM with the Z series yet? I'm not sure how much I'll use it so I'm tempted by 3's pay-as-you-go package. Will it work with my Z series?

 

I just received an email telling me my z590 just entered into production... man I can never get a straight answer from these people. The laptop is going to be hot, but sony support is horrible. I dont understand how they've won accolaids and whatever - I dont know who they are fooling. Everytime I call I get a different answer

 

I as well got the same responses from Sony for the past couple of weeks "its being built, its late, its shipped, no it is not shipped, etc". I'm not sure if its a faulty process, insufficient training, incompetent staff, or just unethical business practices. I called to cancel my order today and I am waiting for my cancellation confirmation. I hope this process is not as long nor painful as the purchasing process.

Its a shame that companies choose to do business in this manner as it usually cost 5 times more to attain customers than to retain them.

 

Hmmm what are you guys using to carry the Z around? I'm trying to decide on a sleeve, preferably something more solid like the Zeroshock III case.

 

I was told that a SIM form any operator will work, you just need to install their software onto the laptop. (And remove the T-Mobile stuff first I assume).

S

 

I as a 22 year old, and I kid u not can run Sony better. Ive owned my own business before, my dad own a few hotels, so I have great experience. But this, this is just logial man, how can any CEO of the company run a company like that. Just doesnt add up man.

 

Whoa, you're reading into it way too much. By high-end configurations, I'm referring to the P9500/1600x900 models with the Blu-ray drive or with the RAID 0 SSD configurations. Most people here will agree that those are higher end models.

 

Look at this logically. Ur getting almost double the specs for the same price as the Z550 compared to the Z590CTO. Does that now tell u guys something? How much better of a build quality there is in a preconfig Japan made option. Come on ppl.

 

I remember reading somewhere that it was 1.3MP.

Edit: The camera is 1.3 MP as stated on the first post of this thread.

 

I'm thinking about buying the Z11WN/B which is the model with the higher specs available where I live, but it comes pre-loaded with vista business so I was thinking of buying vista ultimate and upgrading since I'm a student and the business version lacks some things that I use. But the thing is, if I do this I'll lose all the pre-loaded software that comes with the laptop, right? Obviously I don't care about the trial bloatware, and the free programs I can just download and install but there's also programs, like Adobe Photoshop Elements 6, that I won't be able to get unless I buy them, so I was hopping that maybe you could help me with this, is there a way that I can upgrade vista and keep the programs that I want?

 

I think it really depends on your needs and what type of applications you're planning on running. Do you need more desktop real estate? Do you run programs that require more CPU (i.e. 2D/3D rendering programs, multimedia transcoding, photo editing, etc)? Try making a list of the programs you NEED to run and see which configuration suits that purpose better.

Generally speaking, I prefer to get the most powerful specs I can afford early on so I don't have to worry about it later. Things like the memory and HDD can always be upgraded later. In some cases, CPUs can be upgraded as well.

To answer your question about resolution...

A 1600x900 screen can run multiple lower resolutions. Which resolutions is determined by the video driver. In this case, there are two: Intel and Nvidia.
In general, any non-matching resolution won't look as good as the native resolution. It tends to look softer but it's still very usable. In the case of the 1600x900, the softness may be less since it has such a high PPI.

I don't think we have a definitive list of which resolutions either driver
supports yet. Perhaps our fellow members who have received theirs can chime in. Sony does historically have a habit of restricting the drivers but we won't know until more people get the shipped units.

 

Windows Vista has an anytime upgrade feature that allows you to upgrade any lower version of Vista to a higher version of Vista without blowing away all your programs. You only need to enter in a new activation code and Vista will upgrade itself.

See this: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/get/anytime-upgrade-faq.aspx

The only problem is that Sony doesn't give us the Vista DVD typically. You will need it to do the upgrade. Perhaps there's still away with the user-made discs...?

 

The integrated Wecam is DEFINITELY VGA for video (0.3MP) and 1.3MP for stills (photo) by interpolation.
I've checked with a couple of resellers. Very confusing as the documentation from Sony is not consistent.
I guess if it's to use as a webcam, VGA video is fine as Skype doesn't handle more.
If you want to take high quality stills, a laptop is definitely not the right choice, and interpolation rarely a good idea...

 

Thanks, that really helped.

 

I only saw that last past of your post now. So what you're saying is that even though vista has that feature, it's useless because sony doesn't provide the original vista DVD?

 

Hmm... I haven't gotten this email that everyone seems to be getting. Can anyone who's ordered a CTO before comment on the order status process? Is there usually a "being built" stage after "processing"?

Thanks

 

Guys,

You seen this over at the Dell section.



Looks like Sony may have much better build quality but looks like the new Dell will have better features and maybe even be using ATI rather than Nvidia.

Just what i need as i've ordered the Sony :-S ..... no doubt the Dell will also come with the blueray (not available in the UK yet on Sony Z), media remote, backlit keyboard, all nice to have reatures.

My Z is being shipped this friday. I've waited this long so can maybe wait some more. I'm really confused now.

 

Possibly. We'll need to see what Sony gives us in the box and what kind of discs the recovery disc program makes. It's entirely possible that the necessary files to do the upgrade exist.

At any rate, now that I think about it. I believe you can download the DVD image from Microsoft when you buy the Anytime Upgrade. They even sell packaged versions of the Anytime Upgrade (which comes with a physical DVD) too if you want it that way. Sorry for the confusion.

 

edge to edge glass.. can you say "horrible reflections"?

 

I quizzed Sonystyle on this before ordering, all I found out was that it comes with T-Mobile software included, their PAYG is daylight robbery compared to 3, they want £4 per day vs 3s packages that start from £10 per month.

I already use 3 PAYG via a USB dongle and its great, I am not expecting my Z until at least the middle of next week so cannot try anything yet but I will be on the case when it arrives.

 

looks sweet, but judging from the quality of the XPS 1330, i wouldnt buy them..

 

Ok, thanks, I'll just wait until I actually have the laptop to see what I can do. Everything would be so much easier if we could just configure the vaio's in Europe like in the US.

 

I would go for the 590 CTO but upgrade to the 2.53 processor. Then you'll have the best non-upgradable parts. You can upgrade the RAM/optical/HD later if you want.

 

I received a similar email today; at least its an update

 

hmmm, dell xps 13. so to beat the Z it has to come with the same or less weight, wgxa+ or wxga++, antiglare coating and a quieter fan, if it is still wxga and 1,6 kg i am not impressed. iluminated keyboard is a nice feature.

 

I ordered the Sony leather case for the Z with the CTO; I would then put it into my regular shoulder bag (like my other heavier Vaio) since I commute from NJ to NYC everyday. I received the case and BT mouse but will only unpack them when the Z arrives.

 

Torronto guy, Groovyone & Sounddust - thx for your replies. I'm waiting for more opinions.

check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6LS8bhoUF0

 

There is a production stage after processing and you should receive an email stating that your system is now in production.

 

Fantastic find review, thx brother.

 

Did anyone who ordered SSD RAID version in US without doing CTO get a tracking number today?

 

For ppl that have theiirs on order, in all honesty. Just WAIT, the more you dwell on it, the longer its gonna take. Its the nature of law, I dont make the rules. Ive decided to just forget about it, hope it comes, but just drop it, and then before u know it, it'll be here!

 

great review

 

i got my Z11VN/B from the UK and YES its not locked to T-Mobile, any SIM card will work if u have the carrier's software. I live in Egypt and i have a data SIM card from Vodafone Egypt and guess what it work like a charm

 

I totally agree.

The Edge

Z590 200GB @7200, 4GB RAM, Blu Ray R/W, 1600 Res

Estimated Ship Date 8-15-2008

Current Status: Being Built

Ordered 7-26

 

I value screen real estate, so the 590 is a better choice IMO. I agree with gr00vy0ne, maybe spend the extra money and get the faster processor; upgrade the rest later. I've no doubt you can run lower resolutions on the high res screen.

To add to what lsr wrote...

The FW and the Z would be able to show exactly the same amount of stuff on each screen, just that it'll be overall smaller on the Z. In a way it's like having a 8x10 photo shrunk down to about a 4x6 photo... all the stuff's still there, just smaller.

Same pixel size, yes, but not same physical measurements. A 32x32 pixel icon will be the same pixel size on either monitor, but will be smaller on the Z (~5.8mm) vs. on the FW (~7.3mm).

The Z's screen is supposed to be more beautiful than the FW, hence nicer to watch. However, since it is a smaller screen, you won't be able to watch it from as far as the FW (but you can always plug the Z into an external monitor if you need bigger). Everyone who's seen the Z's screen has said it's absolutely gorgeous, even next to other relatively new laptops (even by Sony), so it's got to be amazing to see in person.

Seems to be accurate. They do both have about the same pixels per inch, so that should give you a good idea as to how things would appear on-screen on the Z.

I did a little research into this, and I think this Dell will have NVIDIA due to the use of the term "SLI". That's an NVIDIA trademark while ATi has Crossfire.

I would say stick to your Sony, or return it if you really want the Dell that bad. Think of it this way... by the time you order that Dell machine, there will be another kick-arse laptop announced and you'll end up waiting for that one. Then another after that... If you need a laptop now, stick to the Sony. If you really can wait, that Dell sounds tempting (and the Z will still be here if you want it, sitting sexy ).

Sez the guy who was so excited way back when this thread was young. Did you clean up that mess already?

You do speak the truth, tho. I think I've watched and read enough reviews by now that I feel like I've already seen it in person, floppy display and all. I still can't wait, but mainly because I really need the mobility and power like... now.

 

I ordered mine on 08/06.
I was just e-mailed today that it was "being built".
We will see how long it takes for them to ship it.

It still says "ship date 8-15".

 

From what I could gather in the SR/FW threads, CTO units are usually shipped 48 hours after the "Being built" email. I hope this holds true for the Z.

 

I just got an email from Sony. My 590Z CTO is shipped! Fingers crossed I'll get it this weekend! =] Ordered 8/6, received build email less than 48hrs ago.

 

Nice! Congrats!

What were your specs?

 

2.53ghz, 250gb (couldn't justify the 100 dollars extra for 100gb more), 4gb, dvdrw, with the 1600x900 screen of course.

I just checked the fedex link they sent me, the estimated delivery is...tomorrow! I may need to make a quick trip home to pick it up
Good thing classes end at 11am tomorrow.

 

Just got the email that mine has been recieved by FedEx from the factory in San Diego.

Z590 CTO
P9500
4GB Ram
200GB 7200RPM
BD Drive
No engraving.

 

Awesome! I got my Z590 CTO shipped e-mail too at 8:56PM PST. Fingers crossed I get it tomorrow or Thursday. ETA says 8/27. Looks like it was picked up by Fedex at 4:38PM and is already in sorting. Fingers crossed.

 

Considering that it ships from San Diego, I'm not surprised you're getting it next day. Enjoy!

 

My fully loaded Z shipped! According to fedex the delivery date is tomorrow!

Product: R1NBSU08-LBOM
Component: Wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g/n) with integrated Bluetooth® technology
Component: Photo Standard
Component: Video Standard
Component: 320 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive [5400 rpm]
Component: QuickBooks Simple Start
Component: LCD 13.1" (XBRITE-DuraView™
Component: Standard Battery (BPS12)
Component: Windows® Live OneCare 90-Day Trial
Component: Trusted Platform Module / Biometric Fingerprint Sensor
Component: Microsoft® Works
Component: No Engraving
Component: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor P9500 (2.53GHz)
Component: Integrated Wireless Wide Area Network
Component: No Fresh Start™
Component: 4 GB DDR3-SDRAM (DDR3-1066, 2GBx2)
Component: Microsoft® Windows Vista® Home Premium with Service Pack 1
Component: Blu-ray Disc™ Read/Write Drive
Quantity: 1
Description: VGN-Z590 Configure-to-Order
Date shipped: 08/26/2008
Ship Mode: Standard
Shipper: Fedex

Now when I get it - I just gotta bust out the drive an install my 320GB 7200RPM.


Anyone know if Vista 64Bit will work on these?

 

Why didn't you order a cheaper HD if you were going to remove and upgrade anyway?

It seems like everyone's shipment is estimated to arrive next day, did Sony upgrade shipping or something? Or is everyone just in California lol.

 

Yeah the HDD was my mistake. I ordered mine over the phone when the site was down and I thought they guy told me it was 7200 rpm. When I called to change the drive they told me they would have to cancel the whole order and start over - putting me further down the queue.

I am in southern california....so next day makes sense.

Side note - I called in today and ordered two accessories and convinced them to sell me the 3 year warranty which is normally $349 for $49. They have some promotion if you order accessories you can get $300 off the warranty. First time I have ever bought an extended warranty for anything. Hopefully I never have to use it.

 

Is it difficult to upgrade the ram on the Z?

 

Well guys, the laptop in Canda is just around the corner. This always happens when ur about to buy. Ur minds closed and ur like, nope thats the one in getting, thats mine, and nothing else. But now i have a serious decision to make. I know I want the preconfig Z550. But im just lookin at everyone gettin the 1600x900 screens which is really appealing, especially that picture i put up comparing the Z's 1600x900 vs 1366x768,, and u can see the 1600 screen, the blacks are more black and just a better screen. I think thats F'ing stupid though. U cant give customers a lower screen quality just cuz its a smaller resolution. Thats like cheating customers. But yea I gotta think real hard before I go and purchase the Z550. The biggest problem is that we dont have the 1600 on display I dont think. My guess is that we'll only have the 1366 on display Any thouhgs would be great



Oh and Important QUESTION. If I were to hook up the Z (1366x768) via HDMI to my Full HD 1080P tv, will it show on the screen as Full HD 1080P??

 

My CTO pre-ordered on July 18 has just shipped, and will arrive on or about September 3.

The specs:

Product: R1NBSU08-LBOM
Component: Integrated Wireless Wide Area Network
Component: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor P9500 (2.53GHz)
Component: Photo Standard
Component: Video Standard
Component: No Engraving
Component: Quicken® Deluxe 2008
Component: Trusted Platform Module / Biometric Fingerprint Sensor
Component: No Fresh Start™
Component: Microsoft® Office 2007 Small Business
Component: Extended Battery (BPL12)
Component: Windows® Live OneCare 90-Day Trial
Component: Wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g/n) with integrated Bluetooth® technology
Component: LCD 13.1" (XBRITE-DuraView™
Component: 4 GB DDR3-SDRAM (DDR3-1066, 2GBx2)
Component: Blu-ray Disc™ Read/Write Drive
Component: Microsoft® Windows Vista® Ultimate with Service Pack 1
Component: 200 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive [7200 rpm]
Quantity: 1
Description: VGN-Z590 Configure-to-Order
Date shipped: 08/26/2008
Ship Mode: Standard
Shipper: Fedex

 

Are you serious? there won't be a 1900!!!! That's just great... I want my VGN590
Now I'm seriously thinking to purchase another laptop...

Please let me know if the Vaio Z has arrived in Sony Style Eaton Centre. Thanks