Official VAIO Z Core 2 Duo Series Owners Thread

The problem will be finding appropriate software, it might not be possible if 3 aren't offering to help. I always find 3 a difficult company to deal with and their customer service is plain crap but they are cheap.

This thread in the 3Gforum describes how to use a Vodafone SIM in the TZ21 by using the XP WWAN driver, there might be a similar work around with the Z but I cannot try anything until my machine arrives.

http://www.3g.co.uk/3GForum/archive/index.php/t-67219.html

Does anyone know if Sony have released a WWAN driver for XP for the Z?

 

I Got my Dock today (no Z yet).. its noticable larger than the SZ dock because it has this flap on the front that the SZ dock didn't. It also doesn't come with a power adapter or headphone outputs all though the description on sony style said it did... more sony lies. It seems only their engineers in Japan are doing things right. Their customer support people dont know anything, even their website guys cant update new products with the right specs

 

The engineers here are doing just fine, but we need some of your supply chain management people! My order is still firmly at a "possible" delivery time at the end of September, I think the latest of anyone on this forum (my order date was Aug. 20th). You'd think that Sony might ship the notebooks faster here because they're made here, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Maybe it's because I purposely removed the fingerprint reader from the system and this requires a different casing or something...

 

Yeah SonyStyle US seems to have a few... issues - for example I noticed a "refurbished" SZ780 for $3000, supposedly with a retail value of $4000, but when I checked the specs, it had nothing special at all that would justify that cost. Also their Sony SZ premium models come with a standard 6-cell battery with 5800mah (BPS10) capacity, yet the only replacement 6-cell battery on SonyStyle is a 5200mah battery model (BPS9) - you'd probably have to import from Japan or something to get a proper replacement.

 

ordered 7/26/08 got tracking number with delivery date of 8/29/08.

Sony Vaio Z VGN-Z590
Intel P9500 2.53ghz
13.1 WXGA++ (1600x900) LED
NVidia 256MB GeForce 9300M GS
4GB DDR3 SDRAM
320GB HDD / DVD±RW/±R DL/RAM
Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth, 3G WWAN
Fingerprint
Windows Vista Ultimate
SonyStyle - $2,699

Yes, I'm a Dell 1330 convert!

 

How would you do that?

Yeah, I did that on my 1366x768 to 120dpi, and its very comfortable, however, back in July, when the Z was released at the SonyStyle Stores, I changed settings on the 1600x900 to 120dpi, and my impressions of it was that it was still small. Im curious, based on this, if the text on the 1600x900 @ 120 dpi would still be smaller than the text on the 1366x768 @ 120dpi?

Now, I've read from this thread, that those that opted for the 1600x900, got use to text, because it was so sharp and clear. I'm hoping I too can adjust. We'll see.....

I tried hooking up the Z (1366x768) via HDMI cable to a 32" Sony Bravia XBR HDTV @ 720p purchased 3 years ago and all I get are jagged lines across the TV screen. The sound is perfectly audible, but no clear reception. Any suggestions?

Even on a Sony HDTV at 720p? Can you provide me a step by step instructions to get this thing to work? Thanks.

Actually, I just got a call this morning and a friend of mine he just received 2 Sony's 590UAB with 128GB Ultra ATA with Raid Tech., keep in mind these are configured models, not CTO's. I'm thinking about just buying one, returning mine, and just splurging, but at $3999.99 is unjustifiable, at least for me. Maybe this question will help in my decision:

Question? Why is SSD only at 128GB? Couldn't they have made that it with at least 128 X 2 giving it 256GB's? 128 nowadays is not enough capacity.

Can you take a photo of that docking station. I've never used one, but is the reason for having it, because you have your Z hooked to an external? I'm just using my Z plugged into an AC as my main PC without it on a docking station?

 

What CTO stands for? I thought it's Configure to Order

 

Hey guys, I spoke to a guy at the Sony Store, he said he'll get me the laptop by Friday Aug 29 guaranteed if I order now, and he'll take off $75, plus give me a 20 day return policy at no restocking fee charge with which they usually do charge. What do u guys think????? Thanks.

 

Do it and get all that in writing on your receipt. If your not happy with the 550, upgrade it and get the 1600 res. And you won't be hit with a restocking fee. Gives you a FULL 20 days to really get a good handle on it.

 

er, just so you know it won't be anywhere near as bad as the scaling you did.

1366x768 is a 16:9 (...er, actually its not but close? .. seems it should actually be something along the lines of 1360x765 ...), and 1024x768 is a 4:3 aspect ratio, so it will be totally different. You can tell just by looking at the numbers that all its going to do is keep the same height and distort the width.

If you want to get a closer impression to what it would be like, you will need to scale it down using an aspect ratio that is close to 16:9. ...

 

Just a quick question. Do any of you guys know how reliable the vaios are in the long run? I'm starting to get mixed feelings...I'm spending tons of $ and I want it to last.

I'm replacing a Dell Inspiron 600m and surprisingly/luckly it's been chugging along for 4 years w/o a single hiccup. (I've abused it beyond belief)

Can someone who had experience w/ a previous model comment on reliability?

 

paqs: just three posts up!

 

Which one they'll have? 550 or 570 or 590?
I would get that offer if I were you.
Can I have their phone number?

 

Geee - I use the dock because at my desk at i have a lcd (24" dell) that I run via DVI. The dock is the only way to get DVI.. also at my desk there are some other things plugged in via USB. with the dock i dont have to plug and unplug all sorts of things when i move to and from my desk - just pick it up and go. I'll post picks soon - actually my camera was stolen, alongside my SZ ><

 

I don't have a problem hooking up to a FULL HD Sony tv.
I haven't yet tried the 720p and 720i resolutions but I would expect it does work.
You may need to vary the 720 mode you're sending, check if the drivers can be tweaked to send 720p59 instead of 720p60 for instance.

 

Every one of the 3 Vaios I've owned has had serious problems. My current SZ has been the worst with multiple trips back to Sony for fairly major repairs - in the latest round they replaced the cooling fan just before my warranty expired and it's dying again just 3 months later. I think this is fairly normal since I travel with it a lot. I plan to buy another Vaio as soon as the TZ replacements arrive.

I'm sure you'll also hear from people who haven't had any problems. The plural of anecdote is not data so I'd like to see a real study done on failure rates.

 

Thanks for sharing. That's good to hear they have the drives. I placed an order yesterday that includes the SSD option and they said everything is in stock and it should finish production in 3-5 days. I just hadn't seen anyone post here who received a Z with the SSDs yet.

And yes, it is pricey but I didn't want to mess with putting in the drives myself and risk hurting the warranty. I also got a very nice discount because we have an employee purchasing program, which helped make up for it.

 

Spotted that but can't get in, needs a product and serial number.

 

Ah, still, a bit discouraging...

 

guys, I dont know too much about resolution and stuff and I just got the Z555, but I'm wondering whats the difference between the resolution of the Z540 and the Z590? I mean, whats resolution is better and why?

thanks

 

It will **** fast with the 128GB SSD Raid! And I think it will run cooler than with normal hard drives. But $4k for a laptop is way too much. Waiting for a review with these.

 

Although I'm a big fan of docking stations myself (I have one for my TZ, and will get one if I get a Z), it's incorrect to say it's the only way to get DVI. A $10 adaptor will allow you to go from the HDMI of the Z to the DVI on your Dell, with a standard HDMI cable (the adapter on the Dell's end). HDMI and DVI are 100% compatible (for video, DVI doesn't carry sound unlike HDMI).

 

I sure hope so. I do intensive development (Visual Studio, SQL Server, Photoshop, etc) on my machine (Dell M1710 atm) and could really use a boost in the hard drive dept. I've been really tempted to go back to a desktop with WD Raptors but really like being able to pick up the laptop and work anywhere without having to run some sync software.

I'll definitely share my experience once I receive it.

 

I have two VAIOs now. The first is the original VAIO TR1AP from 2002 (6 years old!). The second is the first generation VAIO S170P from 2004 (4 years old!). Both are still working fine. Both are well traveled and have been used daily. Other than the webcam being dead on the TR, it's working as fine as the day I bought it. The only thing I had to replace was the HDD. The old one was still working but i put in a new one due to paranoia. The S is in pretty good shape considering how many times I've opened it up to tinker with it.

The TR was a ready-to-ship model that was made in Japan. This never had any problems and has never been serviced.

The S was a CTO version assembled in the US (at the San Diego center). This had two problems (the same problem twice). Basically, the HDD died within 2 weeks and the replacement HDD died within 2 weeks. Apparently, Sony received a bad batch of Hitachi 5400RPM 80GB HDDs so they all died. The 3rd replacement that they got from a different batch is still running strong today. So, really don't count that as Sony's fault. Their hardware was fine.

So, I'd say these things last pretty long. I don't baby my stuff either but I'm not careless either so a little care here and there goes a long way.

 

Your VAIO is being built

ordered on sunday, 24th

 

Anyone try installing 64Bit OS on the new Z?

If so where and what drivers did you use?

 

i read somewhere that a person got a z with 2.8 GHz? is this tru cuz the highest ive seen is 2.53?? and is there a vaio z preconfigured with vista ultimate?

 

You can get the 2.8GHz option in Japan. It's a T version of the processor that sucks 35W (vs. the 25W of the P versions). I think it's to make up for all the years where we got Pentium M class chips and most Japanese models only came in Celeron M class chips.

 

ok thanks, bt wat abt the vista ultimate?

 

double post accident delete

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tmfur7J7nkk&fmt=6

Very cool commercial thing for the Z

 

Ok guys, one more question (btw I decided to take the lower res.):

Please have a look at this comparison: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=50011447%2040000032&bop=And&CompareItemList=N82E16834117771%2CN82E16834117770

There are two differences:

1) 2GB vs 3GB (which is not that important for me)

2)

vs

So my question is: is this additional virtual memory worth 150$? Will I be able to see the difference while I'm not intensive gameplayer?

I appreciate your help.

/sorry again for my English 8)

 

It might be worth noting that only one of those has a manufacturer's warranty, for some odd reason. I'd stay with the one with the warranty..

 

That difference is tied to the 2 gb vs 3 gb deal. Figure out if the extra gig is with $150 - that's the better question.

 

It was mentioned before, but I think it's worth repeating. The conventional wisdom of ordering the least RAM and upgrading right away doesn't quite hold with the Z. DDR3 RAM is still very expensive... I think Sony's prices for upgraded RAM is rather competitive right now.

 

Despite having numerous laptops, my favourite has been my Sony Vaio GRV550 purchased Dec 02. 16.5", 2.4GHZ, 512MB ram; this one has travelled with me throughout the world and has been 100% reliable. OS is Windows server 2003. I think the only thing I replaced has been the battery. Other laptops here are 17" Compaq, DELL 15" Dua Core, Mac Pro; among others. Now I am looking forward to receiving the Z on 9/2/

 

Yes, there is a preconfigured Vaio Z with Vista Ultimate, VGN-Z591U/B

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001CNT4VA/interactiveda8793-20

 

will the Z be featured in the next James Bond movie?

 

VGN-Z590UAB at sonystyle comes with Vista Ultimate as well.

 

They're on here too:

ftp://ftp.vaio-link.com/PUB/OS/XPDOWNGRADE/

I've just downgraded mine and added SP3 and all the updates - everything works just fine. The only thing you don't get in XP is the video card switching on the fly - you need to reboot.

No major apps installed yet but it's a very snappy machine on XP compared to the Vista installation out of the box. I'll report back when I've got a bit more software installed on it......

S

 

stevod, I should be getting my Z555 soon, but have NO idea how on clean install or whatever its called, or downgrade. Absolutely no idea. Would you be able to give a step-by-step guide for newbs?

Also, is it possible to upgrade to x64?

 

Yea im in the same boat. I purchased the laptop!, By the way, I got the guy to give me $100 off, not $75! I believe IsamuX gave a detailed way to do a recovery a few posts back.

 

I'm not sure if I want to downgrade to XP or if I wanna keep Vista but upgrade to x64. What are the advantages/disadvantages of having either OS?

thanks again

 

AC Adapter resolution !

act now !

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=3843120#post3843120

 

Random question: About how long does it take them from when they start building the Z, to when they ship it?
(Yup, I'm kinda impatient )

So, I found all the drivers and applications for the Z, but I'm wondering:
1) which applications are actually useful?
2) do Vaio laptops come with an OS disk? (for a clean install?)

 

Typically 48 hours, but we've been seeing faster times the last few days.

 

The slide indicator won't take me down to 1360x765. It goes from 1366x768 to 1280x768. It won't go anywhere in between those resolutions.

No problem, but why are the SSD's only offered in 64 and 128GB. The hard drive capacity is too small when you have models up as high as 320GB non-SSD's? Why is that?

 

Perhaps that guide and a compilation of test results (mostly gaming results) should be put together or at least linked to the first post of this thread as this is an owner's lounge.

Haven't heard much from the OP though.

 

double post

 

My CTO Z590 with the SSD drive that I ordered on 8/21 shipped yesterday:

Customization Details

Integrated Wireless Wide Area Network
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor P9500 (2.53GHz)
None
None
No Engraving
None
Trusted Platform Module / Biometric Fingerprint Sensor
Fresh Start™
Microsoft® Works
Standard Battery (BPS12)
None
Wireless LAN (802.11a/b/g/n) with integrated Bluetooth® technology
LCD 13.1" (XBRITE-DuraView™
4 GB DDR3-SDRAM (DDR3-1066, 2GBx2)
DVD±R DL / DVD±RW / DVD-RAM Drive
Microsoft® Windows Vista® Business with Service Pack 1
128 GB Solid State Drive with RAID (64GBx2 dual channel)


Order Status:
SHIPPED

Shipping Method:
Standard

Shipped Date:
08/26/2008

I'm not looking forward to setting up Vista again.