Official VAIO Z Core 2 Duo Series Owners Thread

case of escalated expectations?

i was definitely blown away when i received my z, but i was coming from an old business level Dell, so in comparison, the z was lightyears ahead of it.

 

After purchasing a $3000 notebook, there is a feeling like, do you really need this much expensive notebook? Btw I used to have Toshiba old Portege, Sony Vaio 505, Ibm Thinkpad T series... and after years of the decline prices and seliing them for less than half price make you think twice (times twice and times twice etc).

1. You can get big screen desktop with better price and with the mobility you can go with MSI Wind, Lenovo S10, Asus 1000 etc....

2. Can Sony SR11 (Cheapest SR) or 13.3 HP/Compag, ibm X200 suffice your my needs?

3. or at least do I need 320GB or should I get the BlueRay and fast SSD too?

4. I can get 2 ordinary branded 13.3 inch or should I get IBM X301

5. Does this notebook deserve to be bought at that price?

I'm pretty sure some of you at least have some of these feeling, hence I write this.

So back to the original thought of why I want (really2 want) this notebook? Notice: want vs need... LOL

First it is light. and the most complete and it has the real workhorse underneath. With real 1600x900 Led

Second, it is a sexy thing, and am not shy showing it off in public place especially during presentation

3rd, I can't find any competition in this class.

4th, I got good deals!

5th its battery does last long (3.5 hour with standard battery if really use for work, internet and presentation with movie) Light use for browsing you will surely get more, much more.

and #6. is the most important. Once I come to US and Canada and comparing Sony Z with other sony and other notebook store such as Best Buy, Frys.... I can't help but notice the Z screen is second to None... well maybe MacBook Air... but thats diff topic later. So that affirm my feeling i'm doing the right thing... Lol

I notice Canadian Z555 (p8600,3GB, 250GB HD, 1600x900) has good price CAN$1999.99 which you can get the about 5% tax refund too (if you're not Canadian) correct me if I'm wrong. Pink keyboard is not that bad (has some more characters), and the ENTER key is larger (different from US/Japanese version). But I heard P8600 consume more power than P9500?

I will write how is it perform during my travel later on.

Mean while, I found a small gap in top right LCD near LCD corner where two carbon sheet didn't glue correctly, I can see a metal/shiny thing inside... talk about Sony build Quality and no refund policy in Asia LOL.... so check that area before you buy this... and get the best deals you can get, you need it for after the sales feeling

 

Mean while, I found a small gap in top right LCD near LCD corner where two carbon sheet didn't glue correctly, I can see a metal/shiny thing inside... talk about Sony build Quality and no refund policy in Asia LOL.... so check that area before you buy a Z

 

yah, there was another thread about that floating around here... i checked mine out and it's soooooo hard to notice. i can barely see anything, but perhaps mine is not as severe.

 

has anyone ordered or gotteh their xp downgrade disc?

 

Mine came last week FedX o/n. Only problem they sent disks for the wrong model. Called them and had the right ones the next day.

Installed without a problem. Just have to copy all the XP drivers from the Sony site.

 

Sony's are awsome - #1 in my book.

 

So I ran out and bought like 10 Blu Ray disks, turned out that I couldn't play 9 of them on the Z. Finally I switched to PowerDVD and it all works. Anybody else get this problem - does WinDVD BD for Vaio really suck that bad?

 

I am saddened to say, my Sony Z has been RETURNED using online RMA process (wow, I love the simplicity of their whole procedure) printed label and off it went via UPS..

I will miss it. The ony laptop till date that matched up ALL my expectations.

I sent it back for I shelled out 3k for it and I felt it was unjustified - I rather spend it all on a PREMIUM carbon fiber =P (Yes, I CAN and WILL wait!) I was almost within my 20 day return period so I had to act fast..

 

I have four of those small gaps along the top of my screen, evenly spaced out. Were I to guess, these are service-related, an area where a technician can insert a tool and separate the two halves of the screen cover to access the LCD panel. If you look carefully you'll see that each also has a small bump, likely to either hide the hole or keep that area from compressing under stress. They're probably not glued together, but rather snapped together like a lot of products are these days. I wouldn't worry about it; I didn't even know it was there till you brought it up.

As for your wondering whether this machine is worth the cost, I have to say, very enthusiastically, "YES!"

I bought mine specifically for work, and I didn't spring for any of the extra frills like SSD, Bluray, or even 4GB of RAM. I just got the 1600x900 screen, 2.53GHz Core 2 Duo, 200GB 5400RPM HDD, 2GB RAM, and... I think that's about it. $2400-ish. Considering its size and speed, I think it was well worth the price. I intended it to replace both of my other laptops (a Toshiba Portege M200, and a Sager 9890), and for the most part, it has. I've only booted up the other two a few times since I got the Z, and usually only to retrieve files I was missing.

Personally, I don't think it's worth it to spring for the SSD or even Bluray (yet), especially since those two are quite expensive add-ons, but if you do happen to configure your machine with it, right on. I love this computer; very capable, powerful, do-nearly-everything machine!

 

Are these 10 Blu-Ray movies you bought or were they 10 blank Blu-Ray's writeables cuz you said 9 out of 10 did not play? Does PowerDVD application come with the Z? I didn't notice it on mine (non-BD Z)?

Welcome to the club. I'm confident that Z premium carbon will make it to the U.S. The only thing that scares me is if its available only with Blu-Ray drive and/or SSD. If that would be the case, then I'll just get the Z570, if that model even exist then. If not, I'll just get something comparable to it.

Also, Frys has their first sale today on the Z520. Reg: $1999.99 less $200 instant rebate. It's in their OC Fry's Ad, but not in the LA Times Fry's Ad.

 

That's good to know. Over at the TT thread, some have already abandoned the idea of getting the Z altogether. You got yours at P1 right. Cuz I don't think Sony has a config. 2GB Ram with 1600x900. What model number is yours? I'm glad you said that it was worth the money cuz I've been debating if the Z570 over at SonyStyle is worth $2349.00. I know Fry's will get this model eventually and they seem to price it $100 less ($2249.99). Then 2 months later drop it another $200 like they did the Z520.

 

Do you guys see a brownish tint where the holes are? Do the gaps look a little jagged (like gauge marks" ?

 

I got mine off Sony's site, VGN-590. Mine's a CTO, so I got the 2GB option. I was looking at the TZ before I decided on the Z, and the reasons I went with the Z are the higher resolution screen and much faster processor options. Having used the Z for a while now, I think it's a great size. Not too big, not too small, but just right!

Now that you mention it, if I look at it at a 45° angle, I can kinda see a brownish tint. Looks as though it was broken off some kind of plastic model tree or something. Something to do with the manufacturing process, maybe? I remember one of the developer interviews they were saying it's difficult to make carbon fiber into the lines the Z has.

 

I am considering ordering, and am wondering whether to get the large battery. How much does it stick out and how much weight does it add? Anyone have pictures?

Thanks

 

I wonder if it is just our models or something general in all the vaio z's?

 

Here's a photo of that extended battery.

Did you get your Z thru online SonyStyle? Is it 30 days from the day you receive your Z that there's no question asked - "full return/refund policy"? And did you have to pay for UPS to send out?
______________________________________________________________

I like these 2 photos of the Z.

 

Looks like it raises it to a nice typing level.. not that I type too much on it ( or would ) lol

 

okay folks, two quirks that i'm hoping you guys can help with:

1. youtube... or any online video. when i try to maximize the video for full screen, it doesn't work... it just goes black. what am i doing wrong?

2. switching to speed mode when not plugged in... it won't do it. is there a power setting that will allow me to do it?

thanks!

 

Hey, guys,
What Blu-ray model your Zs have? Mine is Mat****a UJ232A. My got my Z in Japan, and the BD model does not support double layer DVD+/-R. I noticed the BD drive spec listed on US Sonystle supports double layer DVD+/-R. I just want to confirm if US version uses the same BD drive model. Thanks a lot.

 

No, BD does NOT support DVD-DL it supports other 2

I had the same model as you MATSHTA

 

I can't wait for the premium carbon fiber

 

Thanks, sonoritygenius,
I even wrote to Esupport, who replied me their BD drive does support DVD±RW/±R DL.... OK! though there's only few chance to burn DVD DL disc, but I just feel it's kind of regret...
And more, Sony just announced premium carbon case when I got my Z! I hate you! SONY>_<

 

Lol Kiddy I know exactly what you mean!!

I returned my perfectly PERFECT Z590 on the news of premium carbon!! (SonyStyle's 20 day no Q-asked return policy is THE only good thing about buying from them!!!! though I ate the shipping cost)

 

Envying... I think I can't do it in Japan....I also trying to find out any flaw, but my Z is too perfect! What? buy a new one? no! no! no! (see through my empty pocket....)

 

Thanks for the battery picture. Looks like it nicely inclines the keyboard for typing. Also looks like it gives you a nice handle for grabbing the thing.

Another question for the panel of experts
Is is really worth getting the higher res screen? I do not generally watch movies on my laptop. I know it gives a little more desktop acreage, but how useful is it as everything gets so small. I am trying to imagine actually working on two side-by-side windows without a magnifying glass and it seems tough. Opinions and experience welcomed.

 

I think you really need to see the res/size in person to get a good handle on which you prefer. I like the 1600x900 res on my Z, but that's because it's a secondary machine for me and I don't spend all day every day browsing/working on it. If it was my main machine, I'd probably prefer the lower res (or I'd use zooming). But then again, if it was my main machine I'd probably use it docked to a larger screen... so I'd still want the higher res for when I was out and about.
For Photoshop etc, the extra space is really worth having. The 1600x900 Z makes a wonderful mobile Photoshop machine IMHO, with the nice screen, high resolution and fast CPU.

 

I think this is an occurrence on all Vaio models that have the thin carbon fiber screen. Going through the list of older threads someone mentioned that the TZ (I think) also had these.

I generally prefer the highest resolution possible on a screen for the most screen real estate. If you have a higher resolution you can show more on the screen without having to do anything like scrolling, and you can display more area of an image at 100% zoom (more accuracy for viewing details). It also means you have more space for program buttons and such, if your program needs the space.

Some have said that it's harder to see stuff since the icons and such are generally smaller on a higher resolution screen, but it's never bothered me and I have bad eyesight.

 

Any rumor, hunches, speculation or thoughts as to when this premium carbon Z will hit the U.S.? I'm heading over to the SonyStyle Store next weekend and ask an acquaintance of mine that works there. There's gotta be some info.

 

even though i am hoping it won't, i think its only going to be available in its next refresh

 

I think its going to be 2 weeks or so before xmas

 

ah.. come one.. cant wait that long

 

Why do you say that? Sony offered a premium carbon and regular carbon for the SZ Series plus a magnesium - that's 3 lid selection, then why not offer 2 types of carbon here in the USA for the Z? There is no way, Sony is going to have that same matte carbon for the next 3 years or however long the Z will be with us. That's why I'm sure we'll get an alternate choice.

 

Sony is doing very unexpected things lately, so who knows. The experience with SZ was completely different though, because in SonyStyle Japan it was separate line (SZ vs SZ premium)...but in case of Z it's the same line...just for now it's possible to choose from 5 kinds of lids...

What's strange that the availability of new components (HDDs, lid) was not written even on the news page of Sony Vaio...

 

b.t.w. If someone has missed the new BIOS - here it is discussed: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=304974

 

ya. updated to new bios z16 series. boot up screen is definitely faster by approx 6 sec ... does new bios allow vista 64 to be installed?

 

anyone else flash to the new BIOS im scared to do it since its the japanese version.

 

i think you misunderstood me, i meant that i think its not coming before its refresh

 

WinDVD BD for Vaio really does suck that bad.. It can't play regular DVDs at full framerate in stamina mode at 1600x900, and I've had lots of problems playing BD discs. Also it's ridiculous that you can't use the mouse to navigate menus, and you can't use the keyboard to modify playback.

 

So are you saying in Japan, Sony came out with both SZ models simultaneously, therefore marketing SZ and SZ Premium separate from one another, because here, Sony USA introduced the SZ Magnesium first, then on it's next refresh came the SZ Carbon followed later by the SZ Carbon Premium, each offering an even better configuration from the other.

Yes, I agree with you. I was just saying that Sony will most likely offer it here. Sorry for the confusion.

So what application do you recommend when playing regular and blu-ray dvd's? Are there any free downloads?

 

No it didn't come out at same time, but later you could buy and config normal SZ or the SZ Premium....I mean on the site they were like two separate models, but in case of Z it's just possibility to choose lid for the same type. That's a bit unexpected. For now...even if I like premium carbon, I think gothic arabesque looks better...I would like to see real pictures of both though.

 

Has anybody experienced random lockups with their Z ?
Mine does that quite often, one day it did lockup 5 times in a single day.
Hard to tell what's going on and I haven't had the chance to check if this is happening when I am in Stamina or in Speed mode.

On another note, I am using one of the premium Sony leather sleeves and it's not protecting the lid not to bed too much. I have now marks on the screen that can't be wiped out, those marks are located exactly along the raised area of the palm rest.

 

Weird. However, if it is possible, I'll suggest that you return it & re-purchase your Z again. Touch wood (hope it is not the case & I'm not cursing you or anything). Although it is very rare with today's quality control, you may just have got a lemon. Reason is that I don't think anyone here with a Z has got like 5 lockups a day?

 

The thing is that when Sony released the successors to the SZ. It changes in the following paths:

Successor of regular SZ --> SR
Successor of premium SZ --> Z

 

In my experience, lockups are much more likely to be caused by software rather than hardware. Unless you've tried doing a system restore to factory defaults and still got the problem, in which case I guess it's more likely to be hardware or we'd have heard more reports of it. Do you have any non-standard drivers or anything installed?

IMHO, unless you're using a hard case which takes away any chance of pressure from the lid, I would either avoid putting any pressure on the case or use a protective layer between the keyboard and screen.

 

Don't worry, flash it! It works on US version as well.

 

... and apparently works on the UK version too. My Z11 seems to post much faster now, as others have reported. Cuts at least 5 seconds off the reboot time...

 

Lock ups can be attributed to hardware on a machine that has problem hardware. If it happens often, and randomly, it could be bad RAM, or an overheat on a chip that isn't being properly cooled.

You could try conducting a RAM test, such as the one in the link below. I haven't tried this particular tester, but it's from Microsoft so it should be good. Can't remember the one I used before.

http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp

Another thing you could try if you suspect it could be the RAM is to reseat the module(s) and try again. Make sure you touch something metallic before working in there, else a static charge could damage it. Also, if you have two modules in there, try running the machine with one module or the other in it. If it runs fine with one module but not the other, it's bad RAM.

I'm not sure how Sony covers bad RAM, or how they determine that kind of thing, so you might wanna call Sony tech support before doing that, in case it voids some kind of warranty.

 

ok just flashed the bios to the new one seems to boot up quicker like everyone else says. Why did sony switch from the phoniex bios they always used before?

 

With the SZ we did have 3 lids - but still the coolest lid was only available in JP. As you recall thats the SZ69X1 or whatever those models were... the premium carbon in the US was similar to the matte carbon in the current Z now, but it was a little bit thinner. The SZ69X however had this beautiful carbon weave that looks similar to the new JP Z's ... if i recall at least. I think theres a possiblity that the cool stuff can stay in JP and we can get shafted. even now the JP models are offering those patterns on the lids that we cant get