Official Vaio Pro 13 Owners Lounge (SVP13 2013)

Hello all,

I am strongly considering this: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SVP13226...=UTF8&qid=1398462714&sr=8-1&tag=vglnkc5652-20

Is it a good buy? Should I be worried considering Sony has sold or stopped making VAIO laptops?

 

Very same answer as above since both notebooks are pretty much identical...
Yes, it is a good buy overall, even though you may have noticed some have been experiencing problems with their own model... which is the case with every make anyway...

No worry either as for the warranty, it will still be OK afterwards. A warranty remains a warranty, you purchase it with the product.

 

Thanks. Does the model I linked in my first post have the really fast SSD? If I recall correctly, it is called the x4 SSD/model? Secondly, have the well-known WiFi issue(s) been resolved?

 

Yes, this model actually sports a PCIe 4x SSD and, yes, the WiFi issues are now gone (the 1322 series is equipped with a Wireless-AC 7260 802.11ac adapter, which solves the problem, hardware-wise, whereas the 1321 series had to rely on a software update to solve this issue out).

Hope this helps...

 

Great, thanks.

Did you compare the VAIO Pro 13 to other makes when making your decision (from Lenovo, HP, Dell, etc.)? What made you choose the Sony? Do you currently have any issues with your VAIO Pro 13?

 

Honestly, no, I didn't compare since I've been a Sony VAIO faithful user for more than a decade, with, globally, very few to no problem whatsoever. Moreover, I'm such a true Sony fan that I (almost) only buy from this make and haven't been disappointed so far [VAIO notebooks, Bravia TVs, Walkman of all sorts (CD, MD, MP3...), Xperia phones, etc...].

I've had my VAIO Pro 13 for two weeks now so I can't really give you a thorough feedback about it but, one thing's for sure, it works great indeed. I'm so pleased with it that I'd say it's, by far, the best (all Sony) notebook I've ever had.

It all depends on your actual needs but the VAIO Pro 13 is awesome to me.

Meanwhile, many have been complaining about fan noise, build quality, WiFi range, amongst other things... that I didn't notice myself but complaints were aimed at the 1321 series by the way.

I reckon if you purchase a model from the last refresh (SVP1322), you'll be unlucky if you're running into many problems.
Every make has its flaws anyway.

 

Thanks again. Have a few more questions!

Does the Ultrabook have international warranty? I will buy buying it from Amazon US and using it in Dubai, UAE.
Does the screen dig into your lap/legs when you use the Ultrabook on your lap? I know that the screen raises the keyboard when open.
Any recommendations for a case/sleeve for the Ultrabook? How is the official sleeve from Sony?

 

Thanks for your time.

Regards

 

NP, you're welcome.

 

Any evidence they changed the fan between SVP1321 and SVP1322 (the 'spring upgrade')?

There are pictures with the base plate off from the SVP1321, but cannot find one for SVP1322.

In my understanding the CPU/RAM is easier to change, something like the fan falls into more complicated changes (hw design change, has to be verified it can varry desired parameters, etc).

 

International warranty, I'm not sure but I doubt it. As long as you buy your product in North America, you're covered by Sony USA, in Europe by Sony Europe, in Asia by Sony Asia, etc... since they are different entities. In other words, you're not tied to a country but to a world region but the best way to know is to ask the Sony support.

I personally don't feel any discomfort when I'm using it on my thighs since this notebook is VERY VERY light. I don't feel the lid edge because I don't feel the notebook weight itself...

I'd say don't be afraid of that, you'll be positively pleased with having just 1.1kg/2.4lbs hovering over you.

As a slip case, I bought the one designed for the VAIO Duo 13, which is perfect (smooth inside and rigid enough outside) for the VAIO Pro 13: VGP-CK2 Slip Case for VAIO Duo 13. I usually use it in combination with the Sony VAIO VGPE-MB102 carrying case, which is very light and well made. I'm very pleased with both cases.

 

No evidence since this possibility is close to nil.

Do not even think about changing the fan yourself, you'll end up screwing your notebook. Finding a replacement fan is one thing (though not that easy), replacing it without damaging anything is another story... not to mention it's unlikely to change anything anyway, of course.

I'd add that fan rotation speed is hard-coded within the BIOS so unless you hack it...

 

No,not to be changed by me Although it is possible , finding the same size fan is way to difficult to bother with. I meant for Sony to change a crucial part like the fan seems alot of work from engineering point of view. After all, if it gets worse, the laptop will be unusable and hw stress tests tend to take their fair amount of time.

The BIOS only monitors for actual RPM through the chip (aslo called hw driver) and sets the PWM values through the chip as well(also checks for temperature and reports back error if there is no fan rotating when told to rotate, i.e. fan stall). The SW driver has access as well, hence the different settings in apps can change the speed of the fan. Linux has more direct access to that sw driver so its possible to have better themal management under Linux as reported here earlier (not so easy task btw).

But anyways, MBA just got a price cut (SVP1321 == MBA ) so made my decision even harder... That fan noise issue just does not look promising ...

 

I've always been allergic to Apple products (HW&SW) so the choice would be simple.

As for the fan noise issue, if I try to maintain objectivity in my own judgment (I may be biased...), it depends on people because an acoustic pitch is subjective... but as long as you go for the refresh series, it should be fine. In all honesty, it's really no big deal to me since I can't here anything bothering... (but it may be a lucky/unlucky gamble depending on the chosen model)

Tastes and colors...

 

Thanks. Does the keyboard flex when you type and rest your wrists on the VAIO Pro 13? I've heard/read that the VAIO Pro 13 has quite a bit of flex.

Secondly, how is the webcam?

 

The keyboard flexes a wee bit when you press (really) hard on it but I'm not a heavy typer so I don't see any issue here. I'd say if you type normally on the keyboard, even at a fast rate, it doesn't flex at all (less than a 1mm/0.004in in my case). Moreover, the keys are soft and have very good travel and feel so there's absolutely no need to hammer them. It actually depends on you.

The problem is apparently way worse on the Pro 11.

The webcam is average to say the least. In daily conditions, it's OK (not worse than my previous VAIO's) but is blurry and noisy in low light conditions. It's good enough for Skype though it could have been better (how many MP you have doesn't necessarily make quality but still... it should be better on such an Ultrabook).

 

I have the same sentiments as what was posted directly above. The keyboard is great (for me). No noticeable flex when typing normally on a desk or other hard surface. When sitting on your lap, it can flex slightly because your palm rests on the edges and bends them down. I think has a much better keyboard than the Ativ Book 9, the other computer I was looking at because of the greater key travel.

I completely forgot about the webcam.

 

Thanks a lot guys. All your responses really helped me make a decision. I think I be ordering this today: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SVP13226...AXRU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398793212&sr=8-1

Thanks again!

By the way, how much bloatware is pre-installed?

 

Congrats!!
Feel free to give your first impressions (bad or good) to this forum as soon as you start playing with it...

I ordered mine (CTO) with the "Clean Start" option (no bloatware (AV, trial versions, etc.) and minimum software pre-installed)...

 

Will do!

+rep

 

With the clean start-option, are the applications like Photoshop Elements still included/is it possible to install them? For me to get a free full version of Photoshop Elements is a plus...

Anyway, I ordered mine in the US online store, so I haven't had the possibility of choosing different options any more...

 

Just placed my order!

However, it is "temporally out of stock" on Amazon and they haven't given me a ship date. Guess I just have to wait. Hope it doesn't take too long!

 

I don't like the SW at all and if get MBA, the OSX will be the first thing to go away. On HW size, they are nice...

That's the thing for me, the SVP1321 is a deal right now, the refresh models are quite expensive (UK), so although the SVP looks really nice, the price is high - for the difference between SVP1321 and SVP1322 you can almost buy Xperia Tablet Z....decisions, decisions

I think Jena_Plissken has the SVP1321, but she (assuming from the name) went away and can't provide feedback for the SVP1321 bought recently.

 

Yes, these options are independent so you can choose to have a clean system w/o bloatware but still get the available software (Adobe, etc... ).

One thing to skip/avoid is the AV software (McAfee), even as a trial.

 

I assume I ordered the one with the bloatware? Is it possible to get the same specs as I ordered but without the bloatware?

Here is what I ordered: Amazon.com : Sony VAIO SVP13226PXB 13.3-Inch Touchscreen Laptop : Computers & Accessories

 

Personally, I find Sony's bloatware minimal and useful. The Vaio CC is great, and has many settings.

One thing that I DO miss is that I can't install Intel drivers from the website, and the drivers the Vaio Pro has officially are from November 2013 :/

Good buy nonetheless, I love this laptop! CUrrently I have 9 tabs and word open, and the fan is idle and I'm in the balanced battery setting. Yesterday I had the battery setting in High Performance, and the fan was very quiet. @Beatwolf you have indeed a faulty unit, return it as this laptop is, IMO, getting better and better!

 

Yes, you'll definitely get bloatware pre-installed since this is the case for all retail units. To opt for a clean install, you must go for a CTO model (i.e. only via the Sony Online Store or formerly SonyStyle). That's compulsory.

 

VAIO utilities are not part of the bloatware bundle and are still there whatever the option you choose.

Bloatware is AV and some third-party software (misc. trials), as well as some Sony (but non-VAIO) software and (social & gaming [related to PS]) utilities (the kind of stuff you can find on Xperia phones, for instance).

In a nutshell, VAIO CC and Update are still there with a VAIO Clean Install.

P.S.: you can install the latest Intel (web) drivers on Windows 8.1 if you clean install the latter.

 

I'm sorry, I didn't read the post

Actually I'm italian and because in my country there is no more chance of ordering directly from sony online store, I went for buying a refurbished unit from Sony Outlet Store at a -very- lower cost (so mine is new but not completely new).
So yes, I have a SVP1321 unit, in particular the SVP1321C5E. Actually I saw Phistachio's video and I have to say that the fan in mine is almost quiet as that ( Fan speed - YouTube), but provided I set the fan mode to "silent" and windows "balanced" power plan. Only if I'm running some things like vaio update, windows disk cleaner it starts to spin a little faster, but still bearable.
Problems come with some programs opened and -obviously- in gaming where the fan starts to kick air really hard (seems like my gaming notebook with two fans). It is also louder (no matter what I do) when I plug in the AC, which is a strange case that I haven't solved yet (maybe it's because performance is increased? No one have confirmed that).

As I already said, with battery is almost quiet as in that video, but still I have the feeling that the SVP1322xxx units are somewhat cooler and more silent. If I could only find one, but on the web it seems impossibile under €1000-1100 (my currency)


PS: no, I'm a guy! (Jena Plissken is the italian naming of main character from the movie "1997: escape from New York")

Could you tell me if it starts throttling to you too after some minutes when gaming? (3D games, old or recent doesn't matter). Thanks

 

If I set to Performance both in the battery setting AND the fan, no, it doesn't throttle, it barely rises from 60c.

 

I went to the Sony US Web site but can't see where I can select the "clean version" of the VAIO Pro 13. When I click on "buy now," it just gives me some warranty extension options. I also don't see where I can build/configure one myself.

 

You don't see anything simply because it ain't available anymore.
Sony stores now only sell pre-built configs. CTO is closed for good (since March 21st).

Too late, too late...

 

Hi everyone.


Sorry, I'd love to trawl the last 50 pages for my answer, but I simply dont have the time.

My Pro 13 is an Australian model. SVP132A1CW - i7 with 4GB.

I had some issues with wifi (poor range) initially, and with the recommendations within this thread, downloaded a driver to use which made it much better for my situation at the time.

Due to work, I've moved overseas, and with the place I'm living in at the moment, my laptop is simply not playing nice with the router. (slows down randomly, disconnects at times).

Is there a driver version available at the moment which is recognized as being LESS problematic than the rest?

thanks in advance for any help.

 

Ok, thanks.

 

I just did a gaming test with TThe Walking Dead Season 2" (it's a 2014 game but not so demanding, it's a 3D graphic adventure) with AC plugged in, with fan set to "performance" and with performance plan either. After 8-10 minutes temperatures hit 70+ degrees and the cpu/gpu starts to throttle, and fps goes to 10-12...unplayable. Consider that I also lowered the resolution to 1280x720.

Now, if you tell me that the gpu doesn't throttle with the SVP1322 model, then I think I'm going to return it.

That's weird...a lot of guys here complained about cpu/gpu throttle in games. Then the legends about the different cooling system in SVP1322 model must be true...

Could you tell me what are your temperatures in normal use (web surfing and so on)? Thanks!

 

double post, sorry

 

Well gaming on ultrabook with HD4400 sounds quite optimistic.

If Phistachio can test with the same game, or you both try with the same settings (lets say HD video) or 3D Mark test, then you can compare oranges to oranges.
My understanding is that Phistachio is not running 3D extensive applications for the temperatures to rise, but I did not follow that in details.

Its strange, Sony could follow a better approach I think given the CPU and design. MBA is quite most of the time, but then it comes a time when it gets *really* loud for some period to cool down. But Apple users never complain about that, because hey, its Apple device.

And BTW disable the de-fragmentation on the SSD since Windows8 enables that by default and you don't want to shorten the life of PCIe SSD due to de-fragmentation

 

Web surfing? 39-43ºC, and ~45º on intensive websites with imagery or videos.

I was at school today, with 6 tabs and 2 words documents, and the fan was idle, completely silent, even on Balanced power saving mode and a bit on High performance.

 

how do I disable?

I played Civ 5, TF2 and CSGO on it. I can play a game that jena has, in the same settings for the same time, and then compare?

 

If you can both use the same setup (game settings, ac/power options, etc) it would be really helpfull.

As for the drive : Disable Defragmentation for SSD in Windows 8 | 7

And tech wise, it's always good to keep the drive up to ~85% full, otherwise you'll get performance issues after that unless the so called TRIM command is executed (usually through some application).

Posting from mobile-> sorry for the short explanation.

 

I could try TF2, but I need Phistachio to tell me the exact configuration that uses while playing (game settings, fan mode and windows power saving setting). I need also to know if he play with battery or with AC inserted.


Anyway, I think it's no way...i can understand that the SVP1322 cooling system is somewhat better and it makes cpu/gpu not throttle, or at least thottle really less. I'm seriously thinking of returning it...do you know, once the return request is accepted, how much time Sony gives to you before resending the unit? (because I cannot send anything before the 18-19th of may). Thanks!

 

Here, with AC plugged in it's pretty much the same, after a while. If I stop doing everything (and so goes to idle) the fan turns quieter, but still hearable.

When using battery I must say that it's quieter but also a bit slow just by opening a couple of programs (downloading a game via steam and meanwhile surfing the web), and I can see it by moving mouse: cursor speed is not constant.


Actually I'm deciding if returning it or keep it and later open the laptop and repaste the cpu die (I can because I did it many times with my gaming notebook, as I do these kind of mainteinance myself). Because even if I wait till a SVP1322 model arrive in Outlet Store, I cannot be sure that it will cost under €900-950 (as I paid mine) and that it will have the specs I want.

 

Well if they can replace your 1321 with 1322 that would be good. But at least here, the prices of the refresh and the old one are different.

 

I bought it on the Sony Outlet Store (so, refurbished), how can I ask a replacement with a 1322 model? Because in case it is possible, I would do it right now!

 

I never realized how fast this thing charges. Mine just went from about 8% to 80% (full) in 40 minutes.

 

Yeah, I know! It charges really quickly, which is awesome giving that I can waste it on the day, and I can charge for an hour before going to sleep. This is the perfect Ultrabook

Do you have CS:GO to test?

About the fan noise, here goes a pro tip : if you select High Performance and your fan setting is on Silent, it'll speed up and get loud. To nullify that, just select Performance in the fan, let it speed up to the max, and then select Silent. In my case, my fan is currently in a near-idle state in an E oscilating to G sharp sometimes. Around 10-15dbs.

 

What kind of battery life are you getting with normal usage? I have battery bar installed and usually fluctuates between five and a half and six and a half hours on a full charge. I have it set to 80% being maximum and goes about four hours with just browsing, and streaming occasional video/YouTube.

 

I don't measure, but it usually lasts me a full day and even 2 days when I don't use it too much. I'm very satisfied with the battery life.

On my trip to Brussels, I watched the Wolf of Wall Street (Such a damn good movie, must watch) through the whole flight, and I still had ~60-70%. Brightness was set according to my need on the spot, but it was low.

 

Thanks, and that's an excellent movie, no doubt.

 

One part which I did feel awkward on the plane was in the last xxx part before she divorced him. I was in the aisle seat (C), and I just felt everyone in the rows behind me watching me as they slowly, err, did their thing.