Official VAIO Z Core 2 Duo Series Owners Thread

i have got my Sony Vaio Z1-12GN and want to downgrade it to windows XP. does anyone mind telling me what steps do i have to take in order to it?

thanks

 

I'm sure it must have been discussed somewhere in this topic, but as it's huge, I'll ask it here: Are there any improvements / changes between the Z11 and Z21 models? I mean, except for HDD size, processor, memory configurations and stuff.

So any improvements in small annoyances that people might have had about the first series of Z models? Thanks.

 

I have bought a Vaio Z21VN/X (Italy).

I have to wait a few days

 

Hi, I want to buy a sony vaio 540Z CTO. I was wondering is there any apparent problems with the 540 series. Such as battery not fitting "securely" (SR 190 had some wiggle with the battery). The right side of the laptop (around the disc drive) is not as sturdy as the left. Mouse pad is not responsive or the buttons are loud and hard to click. And there is also a thread here that said the Z has double type-keystroke problem. Is it consistent with most Z model/construction date?

Sorry for so many question. Any help would be appreciated.

 

I think someone here has or will buy their Z from Sonystyle and see if the rebate is valid, because I'm quite sure it only works if you buy from business channels, not consumer ones, let us know how it turns out!

 

There was another thread on this within this site but to answer your question (i'm not 100% sure about this though, there was a link on the other thread) you have to buy your laptop. Then fill out their rebate form, indicate that your purchase was made for work/business company and they will sent you the accessories through the mail. I don't think you it matter where you buy your laptop (other than ebay and the likes). You'll receive the deal if you qualify for it in the first place.

 

You cannot buy off SonyStyle *unless you go through B2B section*

The productivity bundle is if you buy THROUGH an Authorized Sony RESeller (PortableOne, Conics, etc)

 

The Authorized Reseller has got to be listed in the Sony B2B site as well becuase the B2B reseller list and the consumer reseller list are kinda different.

Consumer list (Click "Click here to see a list of Authorized Online Dealers" in the link):
http://direct.where2getit.com/sony/new.php?model=#

B2B Reseller list:
http://direct.where2getit.com/cwc/apps/w2gi.php?template=search&client=sony_b2b

 

check 2 or 3 pages back, and you will find your answer

 

Have the new 7200rpm HDDs been identified yet? (Brand at least?)

 

Did you folks notice that there is no monitor driver for Z series. In Device Manager under Monitor section it says "Generic PnP monitor". My older Vaio's used to have "Sony LCD panel" under monitor? Any idea why? AFAIK it always better to have dedicated monitor driver than generic one.

BR
Miki

 

It think it shouldn't matter too much so long as the panel properly reports its native resolution etc. Refresh rates aren't really relevant to TFTs like they were for CRTs. And if you want accurate colour, you'll need to calibrate using dedicated colour management software and hardware, in a controlled lighting environment anyway... regardless of the driver.

 

^ does that mean we cannot connect external monitors with docking station?

 

Err... no. It doesn't mean that. You should have no problem attaching external monitors.

 

InfyMcGirk, thanks mate
one more question: I have noticed that you can choose between 59 and 60Hz screen refresh rate. What's so big difference in 1Hz? I understand difference between 60 and 85 with older CRT (less flicking). Is it related to some applications like Photoshop, Corel... or not?
I'm asking this 'cause I thought all TFTs have 60MHz refresh rate.

BR
Miki

 

check this out guys, ***?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sony-Vaio-Z-Professional-Ultra-portable-3-06GHZ-Extreme_W0QQitemZ160298427143QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLaptops_Nov05?hash=item160298427143&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1300|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

3.06ghz? low resolution? 500gb hdd? ***?

 

I'm puzzled by that option too. I believe that the refresh rate's aren't that accurate, so a 1Hz difference might show the same on two different monitors (because neither are showing exactly 59Hz or 60Hz).

 

LOL, just took a look at the link on ebay posted above... and I'm also confused... I've never heard of a vAIO Z with a cpu clocked at 3.06ghz and 500gb hhd?

 

I would venture to guess that the cpu is overclocked to 3 GHz, and the HDD is compressed.

 

I have a 500Gb HDD in mine

 

Yeah he upgraded the Z himself. Used a X9100 CPU and a WD5000bevt.

I've seen several upgraded Z's on Ebay. Bluray + SSD is a popular offer too.

 

I did not know yet that Z590 received the Editor's choice award from PCMag's Cisco Cheng.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2334050,00.asp

 

for you CTO guys how long was your order in 'processing' ?

 

omg, wow he got CAUGHT red handed! Lol

Phobusvh you should EAT your own advice NEXT time!

 

oh how sad, someone caught Phoebusvh's regret moment.


Being loyal to Sony for almost 6 years long (admitted that I did have an Apple for a short period of time), premium carbon is one of the best option. It's like driving the new Audi with the new LED light or the BMW with angle eyes. That's the signature so of course I would be regret a bit. But THE MAIN reason I made the switch is:


And now, I know you wish you were me!

Rover saw the pic. Sorry for removing the picture. I need to make sure tha Sony ship the laptop!

 

Congrats on your purchase.

 

Hi guys
I got a Z 12 and like to ask you pls,do use it wth vista or xp pro? And which antivirus you prefer?

 

• Xp Professional
• Kaspersky Internet Security

 

does anyone know, if the premium carbon will be avaliable in germany?

 

i think it will be avaliable

 

We both are very competitive people! You won't be able to get the same price, the CR I talked to was new. After a long talk, that's the price I ended up with. I really don't even know what he did to the price. The best one right now is to take $200 off on Education discount from Sony (try have to call in more than twice because CR will try to give you only 100 off).


BTW, VAIOROVER, have you looked at the new Macbook keyboard? they seem to be the size with the Z's keyboard. I really hope we got some technical reader up here to play with that sometimes and maybe, we will end up with backlighted Macbook keyboard on the Z. THAT"S AWSOME! macbook keyboard's so much better than the Z, quality wise.

 

Guys...need some help. I just received my 570Z and all appears to be well with one exception.

Things that used to look blue to me on my old laptop look purple. Including all of the text on this page that have hyperlinks.

I have not played with any of the default settings. Anybody else experience this???

 

is there a particular version of goo gone you recommend for laptops? Especially the carbon fiber on the Z?

thanks

 

XP Pro SP3. ESET NOD32 Antivirus.

 

Assuming you're talking about removing the stickers from the palmrest area... I used the packing tape method to get the label gunk off:

1. use a credit card to pry up the edge of the labels without risking gouging under your nails - some of the stickers are metallic and might hurt your fingers if you're not careful (thanks to philflow for that tip!)
2. pull off the labels carefully and most if not all of the glue goes with them
3. for the remainder of the label glue, use some of that brown plastic parcel tape and stick it over the glue then remove and repeat this step again and again until eventually all of the glue is stuck to the underside of the parcel tape

Worked perfectly for me.

 

Hi folks, sometimes when I press power button (sleep) while running on battery, screen goes off, but power button remains green (doesn't go orange). I can not access my computer back from this "half sleep", so I need to press power button for few secs to shut it down. I don't have this problem when running on AC. This happens from time to time, any idea what might be causing this?

maha08, Vista Business, as for AV I also prefer NOD32, I'm using now ESET Smart Security (NOD32 antivirus+antispyware+personal firewall)

BR
Miki

 

Sony is radical than others - they have in the past updated systems within a month (even if its minor! - See FW1 and FW2)

I fully expect the Z refresh to have a backlit keyboard but it will NOT have a slot loading drive.

Either way, if someone really wants the Z instantly - keep in mind you have the 21 (or 30?) no Q-asked return policy in case a refresh does hit

 

Agreed. I personally recommend using scotch tape to "stick & pull" repeatedly on the sticky residue left behind by the laptop stickers & you'll get those off in no time & do it cleanly too.

 

Well, everything is possible. In the original post, I was pissed due to the hopeless want of others. Premium case then backlight. And you know by the time backlight is here, they sure will be turning if off to save power

Let's say Sony effectively launch this refresh. Personally speaking, I'm happy with the price so seeing others paying 400+ extra for the extra would not be attractive at all. I don't think I will be able to get another deal this good anyways. The 2nd route for me since I also got another 250 discount not showned on the page I showed you --> final price is close to 1800 (compared to 2500+ from Sony after tax)--> If i want to sell my Z out, I probably get close or even higher than what I paid original for (unless there is a large price cut) --> I may just be set with a new backlighted keyboard + slot drive Z by the end of January. All that if the revision actually take place.

 

Welcome to the world of 100% color saturation...

 

is that supposed to be good?

 

Oh man! How did you get all those discounts?!?!?

 

It took sometimes to get used to. I got that at first too.

 

hehe, order a lot from Sony

 

Do certain Z models experience different issues from other Z's like this Z570 with color saturation for example. In other words, do each model have there own issues? I don't understand why that would be.

 

The problem is in the old monitor that you transition from, which obviously varies, not in Z...

 

I am happy to announce that I am a proud owner of a VAIO VGN-Z 590 CTO since last wednesday
This is a awesome device ... no regrets so far.
Only issue I found so far is that sometimes when I am boot up the sound card (and apparently the wireless too) is not recognized ... weired... a reboot takes care of that. Still troubleshouting ... Any ideas??

 

Congrats on your purchase. :yes:

 

guys what do u think, prices of Z might drop down before Christmas? or there is no reason to wait longer?

 

They've already dropped...$150 off right now...

If you don't want a CTO pcnation has some great deals. (no premium carbon fiber there though)