Official Vaio Pro 13 Owners Lounge (SVP13 2013)

Sony introduces their first 13" Haswell notebook as part of the Pro Series. The device is available in both glossy touch and matte non-touch version (varies by country).


Power your life on the go with tough, light VAIO® Pro : : Sony Press Centre

Processor	Up to Intel® Core™ i7-4500U with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
Graphics	Integrated Intel® HD Graphics 4400
OS	Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro
Memory	Up to 8GB DDR3 1600MHz SDRAM
Storage	Up to 512GB SSD
Screen	33.7cm (13.3” Full HD (1920x1080) wide (16:9) TRILUMINOS® Display for mobile X-Reality™ for mobile
Others	WLAN 802.11a/b/g/n Bluetooth® Ver. 4.0 + H USB 3.0 (x1), USB 3.0 with USB charge (x1) HDMI out SD memory card slot Stereo speakers with ClearAudio+ mode Front facing web camera powered by ‘Exmor R for PC’ Backlit keyboard TCG ver1.2 Security chip (on Windows 8 Pro) NFC WiDi HDMI to VGA adapter AC powered Ethernet to Wi-Fi Router Optional Sheet battery
Chassis	Uni-direction carbon fibre
Dimensions	Approx. 322 x 216 x 15.8 (non touch) / 17.2 mm (touch) (12.68" x 8.50" x 0.68")
Weight	Approx. 940g (non touch) / 1060g (2.34 lbs) (touch) (with internal battery)

 

I'm personally leaning towards this model, initially was thinking of the duo 13 but the fact the pen is not wacom kind of turned me off.

The pro 13 would be perfect since it would quite portable, 3mm thicker than the old X series the full HD screen is what really is pulling me in, especially with those viewing angles. Anyone else thinking of getting the Pro 13?

 

Good choice. not just Wacom. But the deal-breaker for me is the adjustable screen.

Will probably be getting this as well. 13 inch black. Better keyboard and no back-light bleeding.

 

+1 for the screen, I knew I forgot something.

 

This is OK for someone who doesn't need any semi-serious power but I bet the price will be high especially for us Europeans. For just the SSD and RAM alone Sony makes you pay way more than you should, similar to what Apple does.

 

Unfortunately, SOny isn't using stock SODIMMs (using the Duo 11 as an example) in some of its machines, so we're paying for that. With the 512GB (Samsung I believe) in the Duo 11, outside I think of the Sammy S9 series, Sony was the only one to have it. No one else I think is making a 512GB mSATA SSD (yes, there's the Mushkin 480, but it's a different thing). It is what it is.

 

The Duo 11 is N-Trig. Why would you even think Sony would change it?

The Pro 11 is the machine IMO for portability and size. But because I need more than 4GB of memory, unless the Japanese model allows that, I may wind up with the Pro 13. Love the Duo 11, but ...

 

Tell me about it. Singapore is also the same. SGD 1999 for base, 2699 for the higher end version.

 

This bit from the press release has me really interested

This sounds like a KILLER feature for frequent travelers! And according to trustedreviews.com it comes in the box!

I can't seem to find a picture of this "module" but I would assume it would be powered by the usb 2.0 port that is on the power brick.

Image is from C|Net

It sounds like a great use of an overlooked part of the laptop experience.

 

hey everyone.

i've got my hands on the Pro 13 for the next couple of days, it's a review lease. So if you have any questions or things you might be interested in, go ahead and shoot.

@UpsideDownAce you are right, the Wi-fi module has a regular USB port that sticks in the one on the brick. I

 

I have a couple, first does it say where it is made, is it china? Also how well does it run 1080p youtube videos? do they load fast with no stuttering along the way?

How does the exterior and screen deal with fingerprints? easy to clean off? Also how is the backlight on the screen, is there much bleeding?

Thanks. I'll probably think of a few more

 

How's the battery life and build quality? Can it last around 8hrs as claimed and is it flimsy, especially the screen? Thanks in advance.

 

• Can you take pictures of the BIOS menus?
  Particularly interested about options to disable devices, UEFI & Secure Boot.

• NFC - Is there a device in the device manager? Is there an application to control NFC?

• Which WiFi card is built in?

• Is the keyboard backlight dazzling in a dark environment?

• Intel Theft / Identity Protection. Is that a chip / or pure software solution?

• How much of a difference does it make to run the panel with X-Reality™. Does it only differ in certain conditions?

• The back of the chassis between the hinges seems to have a plastic cover. What is it? Air grid? Speaker grid? Location of WiFi antennas? Can you take picture of it?

• You're not gonna open the device for some internal shots, do you? Does it use standard screws?

 

Ever used a Vaio Z/Z2/SVZ? How does the screen compare? What IGP does your model have? The HD4400 that most seem to have or are we lucky enough to have final confirmation that HD4600/5000 variants are available? Would love to know your 3dMark11 if you do have the HD5000 IGP version.

 

Like i wrote in the topic : "The Official Haswell/Z Speculation Thread"

"check this link : Sony Vaio Pro 13 - Laptops - CNET Reviews

They tested it with a Intel HD 5000 graphics (probably the best you will be able to get for the PRO 13). Like i said before the french sellers from sony.fr told me that you will be able to get 12 Gb RAM MAX. With the best options, the PRO 13 will be around 1700€ i think "

 

What's the SSD's connector? I read one review that said PCI-e, which makes me think it's not going to be user-serviceable.

Is the RAM single- or dual-channel?

How's the build quality? As has been mentioned, a number of reviews are pretty down on this model for flimsiness, which is no surprise in such a lightweight laptop, but could be a deal-breaker for me and lead me to something a bit sturdier.

Not sure if it's been asked or not, but Matte or glossy? How's the screen brightness?

Speaker volume? I have never cared about sound quality from laptop speakers, but I like to have enough volume to watch a movie without turning on subtitles.

Finally - any knowledge of processor options? I'm thinking mostly the HD5000 variants of the ULV processors. There's potential based on some reviews and speculation, but that's high on my list.

Sorry for the bombardment, but you offered

 

Cool, thanks!

1. Can you run benchmark tests?
2. How hot does it get and how quickly?
3. Does it have any issues running HD videos? Does it start to get hot? Does the fan run super fast and loud?
4. What about editing HD videos or exporting them?

 

Well clealry from the US CTO page for the pro 13, there is no HD5000 option, only 4400 for now. :/

 

They only have the standard PRO 13 out for CTO, not the Enhanced. The standard DUO 13 doesn't have the i7-4650U w/hd5000 option but the enhanced one does so there's still hope.

 

hope that is the case, but the price for the upgrade is not worth it, and if the heat management is not that fantastic, I fear the temperatures with the HD5000.

 

Looks like the ready to ship models are out of stock online already,

 

I placed my order this morning for a Carbon Black Pro 13 and although the site says "out of stock" it's just because Sony doesn't have a good way of handling preorders.

Just checked my order tracking, says my notebook is shipping on 6/11, free two-day air, I'll have it on Thursday.

BJ

 

OK, let's take them one at a time.

1. I can't tell for sure where it's manufactured, since this is a review unit. It doesn't ship in the usual box, etc
2. the screen is covered in a layer of protective glass, so will catch fingerprints, etc. there's little bleeding on this unit, close to none. the exterior does catch smudges, like all black magnesium cases. they are not that easily visible, unless in good light, and they are a bit difficult to wipe clean.
3. build quality is so so. On one hand, there's an excellent attention to details, everything fits perfectly. But the overall chassis is rather flimsy, bends and flexes quiet annoyingly.
4. I'll have BIOS pictures in the review I'll have on my site in a day or two.
5. There's this thing called NFX on this machine (in device manager) but I couldn't find any app that uses it. I haven't had that much to investigate this though
6. keyboard back-lightning is alright. Not too bright, not too dim. And without any LED flickering
7. Not sure what to say about ITP, i don't think it is present on this particular unit
8. Having X-reality one and OFF showed little to no difference for me. I've tested several videos, really, I couldn't see any big difference.
9. It's not a platic cover there on the back between the hinges, it's still metal but covered by a thin plastic band. NOt sure why though...
10. Can't open the device, sry
11. I'll have plenty of benchmarks in the review, my unit came with the Intel Core i5-4200U processor and 4600 HD graphics
12. I've tested the Zs years ago but I don't have them fresh enough in my mind to compare them to this screen.
13. the ssd connector is that new NGFF recently unveiled.
14. this unit came with 4 GB of ram, 2 modules, dula-channel
15. the screen is glossy (touchscreen). Brightness is alright
16. i'll have details about temperatures, noise, how it runs videos and games and others in the review

Hope these helped

 

Thanks. So that means whenever the screen is touched, it will bend and flex? Not a good sign, especially if we are gonna use touch screen. Well, gonna wait for more reviews before deciding if I should get this one.

Btw, I'm pretty sure this is Made In China. Most of their products are made in China.

 

Actually, no. The screen (the interior, the glass covered surface you're going to touch) is probably the sturdiest part of the entire thing. The lower body is the one that flexes, and to some extent, the upper lid cover (but that's because when pressing the lid cover, the lower frame bends). I'll have a video soon and it should help.

BTW, I think i missed a question. the Speakers are actually very good for an ultrabook. Clear and pretty loud.

 

I see. Actually you missed out my other question. The most important thing - Battery life. Is the battery life good?

 

Ups, sry for that. It lasted between 5 to 8 hours, based on what i was doing on it. I'll break it down on the site, but i didn't have enough time to properly take it through various usage scenarious.

Still, it ran for 6 hours while looping a 1080p video with the screen at 60% on powersaving and while writing some texts (with chrome and 4-5 tabs opened, but nothing else), also in powersaving, screen at about 30% (during the night) and the keyboard's back-lightning off, it drained about 45% of the battery in around 4 hours.

 

Thanks for the info. Appreciate it. Looking forward to your videos.

 

Great to hear it has 2 ram modules, sonystyle has it listed as one module for all setups.

 

Qwaarjet, I wonder how the Pro 13 will measure up in performance to our SVZ13. Are you thinking about getting rid of yours for a Pro 13?

 

Well, the only version i would be interested in would be an Enhanced model if one was to come out, like the DUO 13 Enhanced. If an enhanced pro13 w/ i7-4650U/HD5000 come out and is in fact available with dual channel ram, I'd probably bite. I won't get rid of the SVZ though, on days where I really need the processing power while out on the road I'd probably kick myself if I did. Probably use the PRO13 as a more day to day/traveling notebook. I'd appreciate the better battery life and better GPU. Also, very interested in finding out how the HD5000 fairs in OpenCL vs the HD4000. Might be able to make up for the processor handicap if it's a notable improvement.

 

just posted this on the z speculation thread, thought it would be useful here as well:

video on gaming performance on the base pro 13.

Intel Haswell gaming performances - Sony Vaio Pro 13 - YouTube

Edit: another video on processor performance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SWTEc-W-pQ

 

Very interesting. Looks like even basic gaming is a no no with this one. My SVZ runs Skyrim and Dishonored really well.
I was hoping that the screen's viewing angles would be better than on the SVZ, but apparently not. All that wouldn't really make it an update for me at all.

 

why does some websites claim this comes with the 4600HD, when it is the 4400HD.

 

Those are actually my videos on Haswell

Anyway, the 4200U i had on this Vaio pro did came with 4600 graphics. Look here: http://www.ultrabookreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/hwinfo.jpg . I know that Intel's website claims in comes with 4400. Can't say for sure why my unit came with 4600, perhaps it's pre-production unit with an experimental processor, that happened in the past.

I also have a review on the site, if you're interested, the video will be available tomorrow.

 

are you kidding me, ffs, the 4600 would have been a nice GPU for the pro, arg, thanks for the correction, my bad.

I have read the review, when you mean the trackpad is bad, is it non responsive? As for the loud clicks, I feel it is a similar design to the current S series trackpad, with the buttons being kind of loud, although, I tend to use double tap on the trackpad rather than the buttons if I can.

I think the reason the build is a bit flimsy is for durability, as in if it is dropped, a more flexible laptop will absorb the energy better where as a more stiffer one will not.

 

I believe the only difference between the 4200-4400-4600 is clock speed? They all seem to have the same 20 cores.

 

I think so, hmm I wonder if Sony is just waiting for July to refresh their current S series? Is it a possibility that it will happen? with product intro at IFA? I am now stuck if I need something light, or if I should wait for the higher voltage CPUs and a dedicated GPU. :/ crud

 

Sony is discontinuing it's S series. They won't have any notebook with a full voltage CPU afterwards.

 

Any source to this information?

 

Sony reps.

 

that's what my contacts at Sony said. Still, I'm not confident that's the best approach... you'll see from the video, this thing flexes even when putting my arms on the rest-pad.

as for the clickpad: it's usually alright, but sometimes it stutters (especially with 2 finger scrolling) and fails to register my taps. like you, i'm always taping, never clicking. and this particular Pro I had didn't perform well enough to satisfy my expectations.

 

I dropped my quite flexible carbon fiber TT 4 times from about 60cm while running and it has survived each of those impacts without a damage. Not sure if a uni body metal device would appreciate that.

 

Thanks for the review Mike!

Interesting! According to the first google hit the AXNS380E-128GM-B is made by ADATA.

Any chance to find out whether its the HMC (PCIe) or M.2 (NGFF like the SSD) version?

Do you have a source that / when those configurations will be indeed available?

 

ok so it's official (just appeared 12min ago in france) for the CTO on the sony.fr and bad news, no 12gb ram and no HD5000.

VAIO® Pro | Choisissez votre VAIO® Pro | Sony

 

The red edition you will see has nothing more than the colour ... red and it's 400€ more EPIC LOL

 

Mike, could you also please check how much a standard size SD Card sticks out of the slot. Thanks

 

Here:

and



-Drvec

 

None of the GPU reporting tools are good with Intel GPUs(including GPU-Z). The GPU is indeed 4400.

 

you mean the reps you call? they don't know jack for future models, especially models that won't be out for some time, their goal is to sell the current stuff, even it if is old.

We all know Sony makes mistakes and has in the past but the reality is that the ultrabook market will not be the dominant market this year, and a traditional notebook is still king, especially in developing areas.