Official VAIO Z Core 2 Duo Series Owners Thread

Ok, here's my personal review of the VAIO Z.

http://www.siliconpopculture.com/articles/review/sony_vaio_z/

I would have posted everything here but I have 40+ photos (and increasing) for my review. Instead I'll post some notable snippets here. In my review, I've tried to answer a lot of the re-occurring questions found here on this forum. If there's anything you want me to explain more or if you want other photos, please let me know and I'll see what I can do.

Tomorrow, I'll come up with a condensed version to post here. Gotta sleep.

[edit] sorry for the wrong link...i was sleepy.

 

Nice! That would have been an interesting option. On one hand I appreciate it more when the buttons are close together (easier to do the LMB+RMB=MMB thing), but on the other hand now that I have the fingerprint log in, I don't know if I would trade it for one without. It's so handy to just swipe a finger to log in!

lamdatz1989: I'm not quite sure what you mean about the 9300 becoming the same as the 8400/8600, but the Z does get rather hot under the WASD keys while I play UT2004 or UT3. It's the kind of hot where you feel a slight burn at your fingertips while you're holding the button down. It's not dangerously hot, but definitely uncomfortable. A laptop cooler might help, but for the most part, the carbon fiber bottom stays relatively cool in most cases I've used it in, so I don't know how effective one will be at cooling the lappy down enough to keep the burning finger sensation at bay.

ascend: Not bothered by it at all, after seeing the video of the reporter guy breaking a rigid screen by accident lol. If flexible = less prone to damage, I'm all for it.

 

The link you posted is to an earlier bluetooth headset review lol. Obviously you need to get to bed and fast!

j/k, thanks for the brilliant review mate.

The correct link for those who were wondering:
http://www.siliconpopculture.com/articles/review/sony_vaio_z/

 

Thanks. Shame on me! I've amended it and am off to bed.

 

Hey, I've been tinkering with a few game settings with my Z (1600 res. model), and can't figure out how to add custom resolutions to my display. The only 16:9 resolution allowed by the games I've tried (Oblivion, Team Fortress 2) is 1600x900, which is clearly too high for the 9300M. I suspect the reason I can't get additional 16:9 resolutions (1366x768, 900x450, etc.) is because I can't even select those resolutions in the NVIDIA display settings. Has anyone been able to add custom resolutions to Windows?

 

You are my hero

 

Yep! Thanks a lot GroOOVY! I love the pics!! Great review!!

 

Very nice article/review...I hope Z will last for you for another 4 years as well as for me Also finally some good user's pictures...I would be happy to see even 2 or 3 times more of them ,)

I'm curious when someone will receive some Z with the gothic arabescue lid...because mine will take some time still...

 

I think NBR should adopt the above as an official review and place it on the front page. It isnt going to get ANY better - very thorough, in-depth, all angels are picturized, benchmarks are provided (sans temps) and its just AWESOME.

I read it x 3 already, all the free-time I have waiting for my Z

 

amazing review. thanks alot

 

You said in your review that OS (on CD) doesn't come with laptop. How come? I have my SZ with Vista Business CD. Then how do you reinstall if needed?

BTW: Excellent review +1 for you.

BR
Miki

 

I had no issues with the HW Monitor, it was reporting everything correctly.

 

Thanks for the great review. I have 3 questions.

1) does it read/write on the SDHC sd cards?

2) battery leakage problems that are identified in some threads here, were you able to determine the cause (i.e., 100% fully charged battery will become 94% overnight after shut down).

3) Do you have to calibrate the screen when you use Photoshop CS3? or is the reproduction of colour good enough for photo post-processing? (I use a SpyderExpress on my desktop screen)

Thanks

 

You must burn recovery discs from the hidden partition. The recovery disc contains a customized image of the operating system tailored specifically for the hardware. Once created, you simply boot from it to restore your system to factory conditions.

It's a common practice among many computer manufacturers nowadays. Personally, I think it stinks and they should just bundle an actual copy of the OS in addition to the recovery discs.

1. Yes it does. Tested with SanDisk Ultra II SDHC 8GB (Class 4).

2. I'm still working on this.

3. I haven't calibrated yet but next to my current calibrated monitor, it looks "good enough" right now.

 

Nice laptop and equally nice review as always, groovy. What's the model number for the AC adaptor? AC19V25?

Here is something that you might be interested when it's out...
http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/vaio/acc/acc.cfm?PD=32060

 

Sorry if I missed this earlier, but I read in your review that the Blu-Ray drive cannot burn dual-layer DVDs, what about the standard drive?

Thanks

 

The standard drive can burn dual-layer discs and supports all the major DVD recordable standards.

 

Ha. Exactly. The current model is AC19V26 which is a 19.5V model. Of course, this model you're showing me should have been included with our Z's....with that case as well!

By the way, I just discovered something cool. I was tinkering with the Bluetooth options and just found out I can stream audio from my phone to the VAIO Z and use it as a wireless external speaker for my mobile phone.

I'm unlikely to use this since I have music on my VAIO Z, but it's just stupidly cool to be able to.

 

http://www.dynamism.com/#Product=sonyvaio_z90

sony vaio z with t9600 (thats 2.8 ghz) processor - price nearly 5k USD

 

You can get those cheaper from Conics.net and Pricejapan.com

 

Does anyone else get an annoying message about a new storage device being connected when you turn the Z on? Then when you click on it, it brings up some intel thing. It doesn't happen all the time.

 

I had it and unistalled the Matrix manager. I just have one drive and didn't like that message.

 

Very nice, well-presented review. I really like the inline photos with the Javascript lightbox. A couple of minor points: I think you mean "9300M GS" and "discrete" NVIDIA chipset. You may want to point out that HDMI only works with 9300M GS (if I'm correct).

And some questions:
1) What bumps the Z from 3.3 to 3.42 lbs. if you have standard battery?
2) Is HD model # HTS722020K9S shown in HDTune pic accurate? This is only a 1.5 Gbps SATA drive?
3) How do you find this hard drive noise-wise?
4) Can you comment on boot times with this drive?

 

1. It's strange. Each country has different weights specified. I'm wondering if it has to do with country/region specific model differences. Perhaps Felica reader and different WWAN options change the weight? Also, the Blu-Ray vs. DVD-RW drives may be of varying weight.

2. Yes, the model in my system is HTS722020K9SA00 which is the 1.5Gbps interface model. While it would be nice to have the 3.0Gbps model, the current drive can't saturate the SATA interface so it's ok.

3. I find the hard drive to be virtually silent. Even when thrashing trough a 6GB file I don't hear the seeks unless i put my head really close to the bottom of the system (near the air vents).

4. Boot times can vary wildly depending on what you're loading up at start time. From a cold boot to a usable desktop I observe the following:

With Login Screen

- Power to Post Screen: 10 secs
- Post to Login Screen: 46 secs (or 36)

Auto Login

- Power to Post Screen: 10 secs
- Post to Desktop: 60 secs (or 50 secs from post)

It's not too bad. I do run a Startup Delayer program that only loads my most needed items first. That allows the system to be responsive immediately right away. I then have the other lesser used startup items load in several minute increments later (e.g. Live Mesh, AVG, Sidebar, Windows Home Server Client, GoogleUpdate, iTunesHelper, etc). This keeps the system responsive and makes boot times a lot faster.

 

Impressive. I've got no words
Thanks
+1

 

Maybe 590's start at 3.42 and 540's 3.3?

Good point. Glad to hear it's a quiet one. I was leaning towards this drive. Now I just gotta see the 1600x900 screen in person to know if my eyes can take it. :GEEK:

 

BTW, my Japanese Z is coming and I'll do a review. Since I owned the Z590UAB, I'll do a comparison. But I agree on the box comment made in gr00vy0ne's review. Whenever I've received a laptop from Sony Japan, it's always been a great unboxing to see how they put all the parts in, etc. The way the USA Z is boxed is a disgrace in comparison. An insert you slip in with plastic stapled to it? Come on.

Thankfully the Z from Japan I'm pretty sure is boxed like I hope it is based on some pics I've seen.

 

I think it's due to the second SSD in RAID.

 

So, has anyone actually been able to get custom resolutions working on their 1600x900 Z? Specifically, has anyone been able to get lower 16:9 resolutions up and running? It's annoying that the only 16:9 resolution offered is 1600x900, far too much for games. I think it may be monitor related. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

i played TF2 at a lower res.. no problems, but the fps werent very good =\
thats why i decided to change to the SR

 

Did TF2 allow you to select a lower 16:9 resolution? I can select 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1280xsomething (16:10 mode), and 1600x900. I would like to have available something like 800x450. Does anyone know how to do this? By the way, 640x480 with the NVidia settings at "performance" has a decent framerate.

 

Hey gr00vy0ne,

Nice review, and awesome pics! I ordered the same config as you but with the 2.8 ghz CPU from conics - should arrive end of this month. I totally can't wait!

 

I checked the Sony B2B site, and all the Z59x models say 3.42 lbs. regardless of Blu-ray vs. DVD and SSD vs. HD. All the 530/540/550/570 models say 3.31 lbs. So apparently it has to do with the 1600x900 screen and related electronics.

 

Gr00vy0ne, thanks for your great review! But two questions;

1. In your review you write:

Could anyone confirm that this is true? I understand that if you're using your notebook mostly plugged in, it thus practically doesn't add any advantage anymore to take your battery out each time, as long as you simply set this feature to 50%? That would truely be great!

2. Concerning the AC adapter; did you already find a replacement, or are you not looking for one? I will purchase a new AC adapter anyway because I buy my Z in the US, while I am from Europe, and obviously I am gonna search for a much smaller one. My only question regarding this subject actually is; are there any dangers to not using the standard Sony Z AC adapter with your Sony VAIO Z notebook? Or is it perfectly fine to use other adapters as well, as long as you use an "100-240V ~ 1.5A (50-60Hz)" one?

Does anyone have any suggestions for a good (small) adapter for the Z? Would the (much smaller) TZ's adapter be a good choice?

 

gr00vy0ne, pretty cool to see you still around I remember reading reviews of yours regarding the original S series (my all time fav)

 

You don't need a new adapter, just a new AC power cord with Euro plug. You can even use the one off your electric shaver etc (note that the Wattage is quite low).

You can't use the TZ adapter for a few of reasons: first, it's a different voltage; second, it has a different DC plug; third, it can't supply sufficient power (Wattage) to the more power hungry Z.

Generally speaking, the generic adapters will be HEAVIER than the Sony one for the same power. If you get one that's smaller, chances are it won't supply enough power to charge your battery in decent time while running the computer. The lightest used to be the Stick adapter from Sony, expensive and a bit awkward. The latest AC adapter for the Z is even lighter than the previous SZs, which was significantly smaller than the one before it.

 

1. Yes, it's allegedly true. Here's an interview with VAIO G developers where they talk about Battery Care and what it does.

2. You can use a third party AC Adapter provided it meets the specifications of the the current adapter. To my knowledge you would need at least the following:

INPUT: 100-240V ~ 1.5A (50-60Hz)
OUTPUT: 19.5V == 4.7A

I'm also imagine it will need to handle at least up to 90W. Companies like iGo make some useful solutions but in general I don't think you're going to find something that is smaller unless it's made by Sony. Any adapter used on the previous older S-series, T-series or UX-series won't work because they only put out 16V or 19V and not the new 19.5V.

Although I'd like something smaller I'm going to hold off for a little bit since I'd rather spend money on the extended battery. I picked up the docking station and will be reviewing that soon.

 

Are you sure about this? My ancient old FS seris had output as you stated.

Actually you don't need AC power cord, you can just buy wall outlet US/EU adapter, so you plug original US powercable in this adapter and then to wall outlet (see image below).

BR
Miki

 

So, no information about HEAT - gaming, idle, program so far ?

 

Yeh, but it's ugly

 

I've been unsuccessful in getting any of my apps to output to any other 16:9 resolution below 1600x900, even through custom settings. In UT2004, you can suggest new resolutions in the settings file, but all the ones I've tried other than 1600x900 don't seem to work, or default to the closest compatible resolution. For example, 1280x720 will default to 1280x768, 800x450 will default to 800x600.

On the subject of that new AC adapter (VGP-AC19V29), will they eventually sell those here? I've never kept up on Sony product releases till now, so I don't know their track record. The Japanese site lists it at 13,800 yen (about $130US), and by the specs it looks like it should work fine in the US. That'd be the perfect adapter for me since I like to leave one at home and carry one around.

I found it a bit humorous that part of their advertising ploy is that the case uses a kind of velcro (or what they're calling SofTone) that's 1/3 as noisy as the traditional stuff.

 

i noticed something today while i was playing TF2, if you try to reduce the resolution and change the aspect ratio too much, it greatly comprimises the performance of the GPU

i was running TF2 smoother at 1600x900 than at 800 x 600
but both were pretty laggy...

i think the best resolution was the 16:10 (there's only one, and i cant remember which)

 

You should just buy the first cable (with EU plug) that connects to the adapter box. I used to live in Germany, and just replaced that part of the AC adapter (it's universal and costs a few Euros in shops). Incidentally, the Japanese adapter is two-prong, and of course is also compatible with American plugs.

 

That's why you keep it on the floor, but there are some other colors, too

 

Another review of the Sony Z. It was an interesting read which basically summarized what we already know for the past 345 pages lol

Review

 

I was hoping that the Z would run games like BF2, counter strike and such completely smooth.
It looks a bit doubtful, when it even can't run TF2 smooth at a low res.

I hoped the Z would have been the perfect compromise between power, size and design.

 

I dunno if you had read my review but I already ran BF2 on everything high smooth as silk.

 

No, I havn't read your review - but I would very much like to.

I havn't been regularly updated on this thread since page #200

 

Hey guys, DD3 ram sticks are now available.


http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProdList&cmd=pl&id=RAM.187.778

 

Just wanted to note that I had the chance to look at a CTO z (1600x900 screen) and a pre-built Z550N from Amazon. The CTO's build quality was inferior in every way, and creaked every time I touched it.

The screen on the Z550N from Amazon looked just as good as the higher rez screen. At the time there was almost a $500 difference in pricing between the two (Amazon was discounting the 550n by $400 - not any more).