Official Vaio Pro 13 Owners Lounge (SVP13 2013)

I ordered mine with "Fresh Start" so there aren't any demos or bloatware. The only software installed are the Vaio controls, Intel software and ArtRage.:thumbsup:

 

I wish they made it easier to find, thank you!

 

I don't see any bleeding on my display. Text and images are sharp with no graininess...

 

no IPS glowing or bleeding on dark backgrounds especially on the corners and lower and upper? So screen is very clear with no grainy or smudgy look right?

 

Nah, no bleeding and it's clear. The glare is a tiny bit bothersome, it takes a little away from the nice quality.

 

Thanks.

Actually I prefer the glossy screen because I had so many matte screens and it diffuses color and it adds some kind of smudgy shimmering or grainy surface and I would take the glossy glare any day of the week to avoid the grainy smudgy look on anti-glare/matte screens.

I just want to make sure that you are certain since I have the vaio pro 13 added to the cart already and about to hit the buy button. Can you please double check and come closer to look directly at your vaio pro 13 display to guarantee that the display is 100% not grainy/smudgy especially when looking at the white background? Would really appreciate this.

 

I have slight backlight bleeding at the upper left border of the display. It's hardly noticeable when viewing a black screen dead-on. More noticeable from an angle. It's not even close to what I've seen on some LG IPS HDTVs, but it's there.

Noticed it when I started the machine for the first time. Hasn't bothered me in regular use, though - and seems to have become less intense after polishing the screen a few times.

I wouldn't consider it an issue.

There's a slight graininess in white / bright surfaces (some reviewers seemed to mistakenly ascribe the effect to the touch-screen layer) - but it's no big deal, either. Got used to it really quickly.

Most people probably won't even notice any of those phenomena with their Pros. They are typical drawbacks of the (otherwise superior) IPS technology - and as far as my experience with IPS screens goes, the Pro's screen belongs to the better ones (in the sense that the aforementioned "problems" are less prominent than in other IPS devices I've used).

Hope that description of my personal impressions helps you a little. I'd definitely suggest giving it a try. Indications seem to be that my screen is pretty much the worst anyone has described so far

 

Double post, sorry.

 

Thanks for reply. I don't understand how a glossy screen can be grainy. I know matte screens have that grainy look because of the anti-glare so if the Vaio Pro is grainy with the glossy IPS display then I have to stay away from it unless you made a mistake.

Reason I hated it was that I had the Samsung Chronos 15 early this year with the FHD PLS/IPS glossy display and although the colors were vivid and bright, the damn screen was so grainy and I don't undertand why since it is a glossy finish.



Btw if you have time, could you take a close up macro pic of that IPS Glow bleeding that you mentioned on the upper left of your display? Thanks

 

Yes, it's the anti-glare of the matte IPS display layer. The glossy touch-screen layer is on top of that. It sounds worse that it actually is, though.

It's hard to take a decent picture of it, as it's only visible in a really dark room with an all black screen -so exposure is a problem.

The following picture is the best my camera could manage (the blueish screen is actually black/very dark grey). It's really less noticeable to the naked eye. I tend to be really picky with my screens, though. So I guess that's why I knew what you were talking about in the first place



EDIT:

Fixed exposure time got me a little more representative shots:

The slight backlight bleeding straight-on:



The slight backlight bleeding from an angle (makes it a little worse):



It's actually more in the middle of the left display border - and hardly noticeable even in worst-case conditions.

As I mentioned earlier, I don't really consider it an issue - but since you explicitly asked for it, I thought I'd give you some feedback.

 

Thanks Anmipe! Those are actually not too bad since they are almost near the edges. I have the new Alienware 14 right now with the IPS matte panel mine has a much bigger IPS Bleeding Glow on the lower right hand side that covers almost half of it then I got those ones that you have on all corners

Let me see if I can take a pic of it so I could show you. BRB


Here it is Anmipe. Tell me what you think

 

I think you should give the Vaio Pro a try

I can only repeat that I am REALLY picky when it comes to screens - and the Pro offers the best screen I have seen so far in a laptop.

Judging by what you said, the slight anti-glare graininess potentially is the biggest problem for you; but there's only one way to find out if you think it's acceptable ...

 

Yea I guess you are right. Btw did you look at the pic I linked? What do you think about that IPS Bleed on that one?

 

Hi guys!
just two questions for you owners:

1- Can this Vaio Pro handle a mkv 1080p 60fps via hdmi to a bigger screen? Is it struggling or the Ulv i5 is enough?
2- Can it handle 2,3 contemporary live streaming (sport, ustream, football) without struggle?

Thank you very much!

 

It's hard to judge based on just a picture, but it looks like one of the more severe cases I've seen. That's basically what I meant when I said that the problem - though being a common drawback of IPS panels - seems less of an issue for the Pro's IPS screen. Could be related to the additional touch layer (which possibly ensures a more even distribution of pressure across the IPS panel underneath). Would be interesting to hear some reports of people owning the non-touch version.

Looks like your Alienware screen has problems with backlight uniformity in general, though. The "typical" IPS backlight bleed seems mainly restricted to the bottom of the screen (right above the Alienware-logo). Did you ckeck whether there are variations in screen brightness when viewing a blank white screen?

My Vaio Pro screen has only very slight problems with uneven screen brightness near the bottom of the screen (I suppose that's where the LEDs sit). Nothing serious, though. I assume there have to be some compromises when you make a screen this thin. You can't expect to have a perfect screen AND a very portable and thin machine at the same time ... but as I said, the Pro does actually come pretty close.

 

I have a question for other owners. Does your touchpad make a hollow tap noise when you tap on it gently? I feel like the touchpad isn't secured tightly enough and it sounds loose. So when I'm sliding or tap clicking it makes a hollow noise. If I put my hand on the underside to add pressure from the bottom, the hollow sound is less noticeable. Shouldn't it be solid and not clicky unless you actually click on it?

I did a short video, the audio may be a bit low.

 

Thanks a lot for the very informative video-clip about the hollow clicking sound that is emitted by tapping on the trackpad! (Hope other owners will either confirm that this is the case for their Pros also, or that they tell us different.)

As there, so to speak, is very much concrete and direct solid information in such a video-clip with sound, I will ask you to make a short video that let's hear how the machine sounds when you're typing on it, rather intense typing also, please.

Thanks a lot in advance! Hope that this can be possible for you to do!

 

I won't worry about the trackpad. As it's made of carbon fibre, there is a certain degree of flex and hence the "hollow" sound. It's actually sturdier than aluminium.

 

To be precise: TWO things can possibly be annoying or an issue with the trackpad, on the basis of the information given in the video: 1) The hollow noise may indicate that it is not study enough, but - as the sited poster says - this is probably not at all an issue, as it is made of carbon fibre. 2) Is the hollow sound so loud that it is a noticeable or disturbing noise in a quiet environment? And what about the clicking sound the keys on the keyboard emit while typing rapidly - is the clicking sounds as loud that the qualify as noisy in (again) a quiet environment (for instance, a board room)?

I hope someone can bring us first hand audible video from using the Pro - fan noise, typing and pressing the trackpad. And even further: Any other sound emitted from the Pro, perhaps from the screen (when showing a white or light background) or even from the mainboard, because there is too thin isolation from it to the outside?

 

Can we stop with the 1st World nit-picky needy nonsense already?

Yeah, we'll find a sound room with a dozen multidirectional microphones so you can hear the sound that the Pro 13 doesn't make. And how about a cleanroom so you can inspect the spec of dust you'll find adhered to the screen after a week? I'm sure we can find a lab to let us have one for, say, $1000 an hour. Perhaps a darkroom so you can see all the light that doesn't bleed?

Get a grip, peeps.

BJ

 

Couldn't agree more. Some issues are of genuine concern like the Wifi dropouts. Things like a slight trackpad noise on the other hand...

At the end of the day the only way to find out for sure if it meets your expectations is to demo one in store or even better buy one and try out for yourself (presuming you live in a country where it can be returned).

 

Living in this corner of (my) world, I surely disagree that the noise problems regarding the Pro models are NOT "1st World nit-picky needy nonsense". For many of us having a silent (or not noticeable noisy) machine is very important, as for instance the screen quality and calibration is of great importance to others.

I dislike the disrespectful tone of the post, and your intense exaggeration is just out of place. IMO.

Using much money on a high end VAIO is a serious business, and the problem is really that Sony probably has made a machine which excellence in a few ways, but fails in several other and important ways. That is not what one should expect from such a manufacturer.

 

Since the trackpad is used 75-90% of the time, it does bother me a little. It's not just the sound but the touch feedback, it feels weird. It's like sitting on a chair with one short leg and keeps wobbling. I just want to confirm with others whether or not it's normal. I'd like to return it if it's not. Everything else is fine... the thermals are actually quite good now that all the updates have been processed...

 

My Pro 13's trackpad sounds no different from our $1,800 Lenovo ThinkPad Helix review unit or my HP Envy 15 (made back when the Envy was a high end machine that cost $1,300). Only my MacBook Pro 15" Retina trackpad is absolutely silent and unmoving if I tap lightly on it (so lightly that it doesn't register a click). Buttonless trackpads are floating devices with screws that control tension, and most have a little play and will make a slight bit of sound as they move. That said, the Pro 13's is relatively quiet and firm when tapped lightly (but not hard enough to click). Someone might have a trackpad with an adjustment screw that isn't just right if there's too much free play or noise.

 

"I hope someone can bring us first hand audible video from using the Pro - fan noise, typing and pressing the trackpad. And even further: Any other sound emitted from the Pro, perhaps from the screen (when showing a white or light background) or even from the mainboard."


You typed that, not me. Two things that amaze me about that:

1. That you think someone would actually take the time to create an 'audible video' to capture sounds from 'even the mainboard'.

2. That you'd base your notebook buying decision on a potentially slight squeak that only dogs can hear or a click your knuckle would make as you bang it against your forehead.

I'll make you a deal: I'll record all your Pro 13 phantom sounds if you mic your bathtub as I'd like to understand the acoustic properties of the water droplets bouncing off the porcelain under the following conditions: You in the tub, you out of the tub, water above 80F, water below 50F, Sunday morning, Thursday evening, July, September.

Deal?

BJ

 

And that's it really, right there. The Pro 13 is a consumer product that's available to see and experience in thousands of retail stores around the world. Furthermore, Sony has a liberal return policy that would let someone test-drive it in their own real-world conditions for a few weeks and send it right back if not satisfied.

As a discussion community, we're here to help each other but some of these comments and requests off the deep-end need to stop and someone has to say it.

BJ

 

Thank you. Can someone with good working wifi on Vaio Pro confirm it works even if signal is weak ? and what are the wifi parameters settings. Is it 2.4GhZ ? 5 GhZ, What are the security settings ?

I am waiting for the replacement laptop from Sony and will test again . So far I tried a micro-usb 12$ cheap adapter bgn single band 2.4 GhZ and it also works perfectly at the spot where Sony Vaio Pro just would not connect. BTW I am using WEP2 security.
I love everything about the Vaio Pro 13 but I am afraid the wifi is just a deal breaker. Imagine getting to a hotel and just not being able to use internet -because of this issue.

 

Several users and reviewers have reported that the Pro may have a tendency to emit far too much noise (probably coming from many sources within the machine) to be acceptable or "normal" compared to other Ultrabooks and comparable machines, for instance the MBA. Therefore I suggested that a previous poster to also make and share an audible video from possible clicking noise when typing intensely, as some have complained about. That's all. And other users and reviewers have pointed out that there may in fact be several other sources also that make unusual noise in the Pro, so such a video could also possibly verify this.

Regarding the trackpad, an important and vital part of the daily use, some suspect sub-optimal functioning, and even a hollow clicking sound when tapped.

I think many of us can be interested in getting these issues further clarified. It's not up to BJ's own or private standards to decide where to draw the line of what's important or not, I am glad to say.

 

Thanks Anmipe. Last final question, Is the Sony Vaio Pro 13 IPS glossy screen grainy when viewing whites especially?

 

Do you have the touch screen version or non touch one version?

Because I have the non touch one and I do not think it is a good screen. In fact, I am very disappointed.

Cheers.

 

As mentioned earlier, yes, the anti-glare coating of the IPS layer adds a very slight graininess - it's basically a matte IPS screen with a touch-screen-layer glued onto it.

Just as the backlight bleeding, I really don't consider it an issue, though. Just give it a try.

 

BTW. Below is Sony community link to the wifi issue -seems many gave up and are returning the laptop.

Re: [New Sony Vaio Pro] Wifi Issue! - Page 4 - Sony Community

I will have Vaio Pro 13 replacement soon and hopefully update here on Wednesday.

 

The keyboard is the best I've ever experienced on a laptop, even better than my MacBook Pro's. Don't worry about it.

 

I've got the touch version. Apart from the glossy touch-layer, it should be the same screen, though.

Why exactly are you disappointed?

Personally, my only REAL gripe is that could be a little brighter (which isn't to say it generally isn't bright enough, but it would be nice to have some extra lumen when using it on my terrace).

 

Yeeeeees! Finally my laptop has arrived (to FedEx, at least).

I should be getting the package today.

I'll hopefully be able to post some pics and my initial impressions later today.

I have a Pro 11 non-touch matte screen with the sheet battery.

 

Thanks would love to hear thoughts about sheet battery and keyboard.

I love the lighter weight of the 11 but I'm leaning towards the 13 right now because the keyboard feels so much better. Can i ask what made you decide on the 11?

 

I was going to get the 11 originally because I wanted to get the lightest Vaio possible but once I learned that the 13 was only a hair heavier and gave a full sized keyboard, it was a no-brainer to get the Pro 13. Very happy I did it.

BJ

 

I went with the 11 because I plan on bringing my laptop everywhere with me, everyday, and I want it to fit in my leather bag (which is actually not that large) -- thus I wanted something very light, small, with a long battery life. The SVP 11 fit the bill quite nicely.

Just got an update that the laptop is on the FedEx truck out for delivery!

 

I have had two Pro 13 computers, because I did not at first realize the "stock" models available at the Sony Store (at least mine in Houston) did not have a TPM chip and so I special ordered an i5 model with 8GB memory and Windows 8 Pro in order to be able to utilize BitLocker.

I can tell you that the former had and current has a "hollow" and "clicky" sound to the trackpad as you demonstrate by your video. It bothers me a bit as opposed to a very tight trackpad such as might be found on the MacBook Air, but given the other great qualities of the computer, I am forgiving it!

 

Holyyyyyyy this thing is sooo nice.

SO LIGHT and SO THIN. Wow. I love the feel of it in my hands.

Windows 8 is pissing me off so far though. And I've got a bunch of Japanese stuff on here. So I'm trying to re-install.

Here are some preview shots. More to come later as I figure out how to deal with this stupid OS.

The sheet is in a few shots, and I compared the SVP 11 against the wife's Asus Zenbook Prime (UX31A) [another sexy laptop]. You can also see the SVP 11 with the sheet attached to it in a few shots.

(Sorry about the large images, I'm a n00b)

 

thanks so much for the great pics. the laptop looks awesome. could you comment on the battery life when you get a chance? no rush but just wondering how it compares to the 13

 

Hi there

Looking for some comments on a Vaio Pro with Linux on, as I'm looking to buy it in a few weeks.
Anyone here running a Linux distro please ? If so, any noticeable issue ?

Thanks

 

While we are at it, anybody installed win7? How does that work out with the drivers?

After using it for a couple days now I have to revert my previous statement on the WiFi issue. Although I never have an issue when being directly at a router and plugged in as soon as I get a couple walls between me and the router it gets nasty and at some point it starts to drop....could it have anything to do with the energy management?

 

I have tried it plugged in and with maximum performance option. No difference. Same effect. As long as it is a little further away from the router -the signal drops. All other devices (including ipod touch) work fine,

 

On the SONY support forum, it was posted that it is supposedly the router's fault (settings issue). I got a similar response from the SONY support dude, who tried to blame it on my router. Now, it is beyond my comprehension how I should change the settings on a wireless access point in a hotel or an airport, for example. Also, why are ALL other devices working just fine with all routers, only the Sony does not?????
In areas of my house where I have 4 bars on my Ipad, the SONY has no signal. There must be a fundamental design issue with the antenna.

 

The thing is, users of the new Macbook Air also seem to report on such issues, which a router update seems to fix (which ofc, is impossble to do in public places).

So maybe its a flaw in Intels hardware instead of an design issue within the system?

 

That's another option. But I cant imaging that a software update could not fix issues with the safety protocols. The signal strength is, however, hardware based.

 

I updated my router firmware and oh wonder, now i can go in my basement and at least have a connection (not fast) but stable... Before that it dropped out after a minute or so. So thats a major improvment.

But thats my router and i can do with it what i want, i cant do the same with public routers (although i havent tried it yet in public spaces such as Uni - maybe they use more up to date routers..)

 

There is no firmware update for my router available.....its already updated.

 

has anybody yet found or made a video of the fans loudness?