Official Y series 11.6 Owners' Thread

Wow, thanks for the reply. I have no problem using my Vaio Y laptop, except one thing that the Windows comes with so many pre-installed softwares Next time should I have any issue with it, I will try to do a clean install

 

Windows or Sony come pre-install? I think you mean Sony.

Anything I buy after I get my hands on it, I wipe out everything, refomat and even get rid of my hidden partition and install a retail OS.

 

Did you see any difference in battery life? I was thinking of going for an SSD to try to increase battery life and also to make the machine more robust.

 

I get around 4+ on battery with 80% brightness. Is this normal?

I dont know about making the machine robust.

If you want to get a SSD, get one with the Sandforce controller and a manuf. that allow you to do firmware update. This is important.

BTW, to do firmware update, you need to do it from a machine with AHCI enable. This is from my experience with it last week. I wonder if you can do it on a VaioY.

 

I was able to update the firmware of an OCZ Vertex 2 on the VAIO Y. The Y uses AHCI mode by default.

 

I see. Yours is not a AMD machine right?

 

If you all want to see my discussion on OCZ SSD being slow on my YB, come here ...

Technical Discussion My SSD performance is not good. Please see results..

I guess from their comment, high speed is not going to get high speed on your YB cause it want to save on battery juice. Then why get a SSD if it perform at hard drive speed on your YB?

Right?

 

I'm not sure the last comment in that thread makes sense considering the ATTO benchmark results. The ATTO benchmark writes and reads blocks of zeros. The Sandforce controller compresses data on the fly, and blocks of zeros are perfectly compressible data, so the throughput is only limited by the interface. Because of that, the ATTO benchmark is more of an interface test for a Sandforce drive and not really a drive speed test.

If the CPU or chipset or drive controller were holding back performance, you would see it in the ATTO benchmarks. But your ATTO results are good, consistent with a normal SATA-2 interface and pretty much identical to what I see on my Y and F with the Vertex 2 drives.

Your AS SSD results are disappointing compared to what I'm getting with the Vertex 2, but the Agility is a slower drive.

Did you find out what block size you were using with HD Tune?

 

BatteryBar claims 3.49 as full lifetime on battery, and my screen is set to 2 bars out of 9. What kind of battery life were you getting with the original hard drive?

Robustness is one of the claims in terms of lack of moving parts. I'm not totally convinced as I've dropped a few of my laptops in my time and it doesn't seemed to have affected any of the machines.

 

My block size was 64KB in my HD Tune.

Do you see advantage to using a SSD on the Y?

 

I didnt get to do a full test on the battery with a SSD vs a hd. I dont know how to sit in front of the computer continous 4 hrs to see the battery drain. Is there any easy way to do this?

 

I notice the bluetooth receiption on this YB is not so great compare to my 1+ old Vaio SR.

Anywhere near the table plus a 7 feet is OK. More than that it is static.

My Vaio SR can double that range with no problem.

 

Thanks. I posted equivalent results from my VAIO Y (the old SU7300 model) and VAIO F a few pages back. Your results for the 64k block size are quite a bit slower than my results from the VAIO Y but not too far off from my results from the VAIO F. For some reason, the performance of these OCZ Sandforce drives seems to be very system dependent.

I saw improvements in the following areas: boot time, launching programs, loading & saving large image & video files, installing downloaded SW & system upgrades, and some file management operations such as viewing large sets of media files as icons.

The biggest difference was boot time. For example, my first Y (with the old Intel SU7300) booted in 70s when new out of the box. After doing a semi-clean install, that time was down to 45 or 50s. After installing the Vertex 2 SSD, boot time just over 20s. I did not see quite as big of an improvement in boot time with the same model drive in my 2nd VAIO Y (with i3-330UM) or my VAIO F. These take closer to 30s to boot.

Launching programs and loading/saving large media files is also noticeably faster with the SSD. But I did not see a big improvement in battery life. Maybe 15 minutes extra with the Y, but it was hard to tell. No difference at all with the F.

 

dmk2,

That new one that I did my bench test earlier is on my Desktop now.

I got another new SSD few days ago and I will get it next week.

It is the same Sandforce controller, but different Manuf. I will run the same test and see.

 

Is anyone annoyed by the fan noise on the YB?

I read it can be control on the Sony Control Panel. I sure dont see it here.

But here is the thread that talk about it ...

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/176633-vaio-fan-control.html

 

Update on the Sony YB.

Just returned it to Sony. After trying it out for a couple weeks, I just didn't like it. The keyboard was too much of a pain to use, and the build quality didn't justify the $600.86 total price paid for it. The speakers were poorer than expected, and I wasn't impressed with the wireless performance, plus this review comparison made me wish I didn't buy it.

More of AMD?s Brazos E-350 with the MSI X370 and Sony VAIO YB - AnandTech :: Your Source for Hardware Analysis and News

Ordered the HP dm1z instead, as I got it for a sweet $442.59

 

Gaius,

I have no problem with the keyboard. I have big hands. I can palm a basketball no problem. Compare to a 10.1" it is not cramp.

The speaker is OK. I connect it to a desktop speaker.

The wireless is one problem. It always get connected at 150 mbps. My SR can get connected at 300 mbps. Is this to reduce the battery wear? I dont know. Bluetooth signal is fine, but not at the 2x range of the SR.

No 64bit support.

Easily scratched. But not glossy. Thats the reason I like Sony.

Overall an expensive laptop. This is a good lesson for Sony. Lower down your price! Maybe they will see it when nobody is buying it.

I got mine new for less than $250. Otherwise I might look elsewhere.

Thanks for that link thta compare the YB and other laptop.

BTW, Microcenter is selling their own brand SSD for $79 now. It is a rebag A-data which has the Sandforce controller. Get one for your new laptop.

 

I was just quoting what the BatteryBar tool told me! Then again, I use the machine at work and when on battery running various office stuff, it seems to be about right in terms of stamina.

As for functionality, the keyboard is fine for me, though I also have had years of using a Vaio TR 10.6 laptop so I am used to the small keyboard. Not really used Bluetooth for anything so can't comment on that, and my router is a bit old so doesn't hit the high transfer speeds anyway!

My fan is still fairly quiet - I can hear it if there is no ambient noise, but it is barely noticeable most of the time. The hottest it has reached is 45C or so and even though I could feel an increased flow of hair out the side, but the noise of the fan wasn't too loud. Maybe it is just a "feature" of the AMD based machine? I know the previous generation of AMD chips ran hotter than Intel...

 

I just got a new SSD. It is a A-data brand. 64gb with Sandforce contorller. Got it for $89.

OK, right now in my Device Manager - IDE Controller - It is the Microsoft AHCI on it. So it is running in AHCI even though nothing like this on the BIOS to set it!

Now what if I get network connection. Will Microsoft install it with AMD SATA controller ???

DO any of you have any idea?

 

Now I got screenshot doing some test on my Vaio YB:

Adata using msachi
Agility 2 using amd sata

Who is faster?
Who is better?

Does it make any sense to you?

 

Dell gets into this market with their own 11.6" and AMD too ...

Dell Inspiron M102z - APC's Independent Review at Notebook Hunter - APC Notebook Hunter - APC's Independent Review at Notebook Hunter

But again, glossy and fingerprint lids. WHy ???

 

How are you people doing?

I had been playing Jeopardy games on Sony reward website. Each time I win, I get more points toward getting my new Yaio YB at even lower price while waiting for my rebate.

I dont watch Jeopardy every nite. I come here for the cheats: SonyRewards/Wheel of Fortune/Jeopardy! points - bargainshare.com

Sony Rewards - Sony Fan - Sony Rewards

Dont know if you like to save money like me.

 

There is a huge difference in multi-threaded read performance, but otherwise they are about the same.

If both drives are using the same model of Sandforce controller, they should have about the same performance. I suspect the difference in multi-threaded performance is due to the driver change from AMD to Microsoft. In real world use, you would only notice that difference when multiple programs are banging on the drive at the same time.

 

Yes, they both the same sandforce controller. So you say just keep the Microsoft AHCI driver?

 

I have problem with my YB now:

I got more than 3.0 score on the Experience Index and Aero Peek should work! I had it working before.

My Aero Peek is CHECK, but its grey out! (Why grey out and I cant get to it).

So my Aero Peeks is not working.

I have try google it and it tells you want to do .. BUT mine is grey with a check mark on it.

HELP!

 

I solve my Aero Peek problem.

Have any of you with SSD install W7 Service Pack 1 and IE9 on it yet?

 

has anybody upgraded RAM and did u notice any improvement ?

 

If you only surf, do word processor, maybe play 1 game at a time, no, there is no improvement. If another 2GB of memory is $10, then get it, otherwise you will be just fine.

If I had to choose between memory upgrade or a SSD, I would get the SSD. You will see faster boot up time and shut down. IF this is important to you.

No, you dont see much improvement. It it is reasonable price, then get it.

 

its a cheap upgrade, and u can multitask better, but ur saying u have no problem multitasking with 2 gb thats great

 

Of course if you are going to open 10 applications and maybe your Skype or MSN got 1000 people on the list and your spreadsheet is 10000 cells, then no.

Dont forget we only get 3.5gb because of this 32 bit OS.

I have yet to go over 1.5 gb on my memory.

 

just to be on the save side hehe cool, how much does windows use ? will it be a good idea to upgrade to 64 bit? guess its not a 64 bit system

 

For my 32 bit WIndows, I see around 1.2 GB.

You can upgrade to 64 bit. I have try it. I spare you all the pain that I went thru, so let me add my experience.

When you upgrade to 64 bit, get your internet connected. Then it will download everything for you. You get audio, wireless, ethernet and even it knows how to get the 64 bit video driver.

Now, I just cant get the bluetooth driver to work. Thats all.

So you can try.

 

thanks for ur fast answers ! really great with some fast response

 

The 2nd time around:

I have succesfully installed 64 bit W7 Profesional on my YB.

Windows 7 did a great job picking up all the drivers when connected to the internet. My bluetooth, video drive from ATI, wireless, ethernet and sound are all working. The only thing I have to do is do a manual install of the Webcam software and I found the 64 bit version too.

 

I did the WEI thing and I notice a slight increase in .1 to .2 index from installing 32 bit vs 64 bit OS.

Even after install of 64 bit OS, I only get 3.60 GB of usable memory. 32 bit OS was 3.40 GB of usable memory. I guess the rest of the memory is taken up by the video card. Right?

 

I ran into problem with the bluetooth. I got the mouse part to work, but my headphone will not pair. So I dig into more and do alot of google search. Finally, found something. You need to install the x64 driver for Acer Inspire. Then do the Broadcom update! My bluetooth driver is the latest compare on Sony website. LOL

 

I am overall happy with my install now.

I got Ubuntu 64 bit up and running. Took 3 minutes to install on SSD. Now if Window install can be this fast!

E-350 can handle with no problem.

To enable Virtualization at 64 bit, its lucky that this laptop support it. You have to go to the BIOS to enable it. Otherwise you can only install the 32 bit.

I think Sony should offically support the 64 bit OS On this laptop.

You can use Virtualbox free. Ubuntu is awsome. How about surfing and no need to install AV.

 

I have 6GB (5.68 usable) in my YA, which came with 2GB as standard. Instant responses, no slowdowns at all - used to have a slow mouse response on waking up from hibernation. Probably a bit of overkill but it was a good deal at the time as I got a discount as the shop didn't have a 2GB chip in store that I wanted.

Right now in work Task Manager is showing 1.90GB of usage, with the following open: 6 explorer windows, Firefox with 6 tabs including Outlook Web App, 3 Word docs, 2 textpad, picture viewer, excel, mobile broadband and an IM client.

 

I think that is correct.

Also, this is very good news that Win 7 64-bit can be installed without losing any functionality. Thanks for trying it again.

With that issue addressed, I'm thinking about picking one of these up next time I'm in the US.

 

The range of Bluetooth is just terrible on this machine!

 

I got my machine (YA15FG with the Core i3 ULV) in Malaysia, which was cheap, and since you are based in Oz, easy to get to. Dunno if you ever go there but could be worth checking out the price differences, especially as I've noticed that the Far Eastern market gets a lot of different spec Vaios compared to the rest of the world (mostly Japan but possibly the other places like Singapore, Taiwan or Kuala Lumpur).

 

Is there price difference in other countries?

Did you go to Low Yatt in KL to get your YA? In Singapore, go to Sim Lim.

The only YB I saw on Sony Malaysia website is the pink colour.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I fly through Singapore on occasion and will check in the airport. But to me, it wouldn't be worth planning a trip just to pick up a laptop.

Here in Oz, we got YA right after it appeared in Japan, but the YB has been slow in coming. The YA was $1099 and the YB is $749. That's still hard to justify. I'm really just looking for something I can use for travel that works for email, web, Skype, and watching video/movies. We have a Y, but my wife has gotten attached to it as her primary machine so I can't really take it when I travel anymore.

 

Just import it from the US. I ordered one from B&H 3 days ago, they had one silver YB on special, AU$482 includes UPS shipping, it should arrive on Friday.

 

I picked it up in the Suria mall at the base of the Petronas Towers, in the Sony shop. I got the black business looking YA, and it cost 2100 Ringgit which is about US$770, which compared to Oz prices has the YA at AUS$1099 (US$1150), and the YB at AUS$749 (US$790).

I have to agree with dmk2 that those prices aren't really worth it -I'm surprised at the price difference between the two models as the Brazos is meant to be a good match against the Core i3, with the tradeoff of better graphics against efficiency. Maybe the YA commands the premium for the business looks of having non-fingerprint-magnet glossy surfaces? Not sure how that can really be justified by Sony! It has become not only my personal machine for taking into work (the client has given us some creaking old battered machines) but my main home one too while I rebuild my Vaio SZ into a Win7 machine.

eddieaus' supplier sounds like the way to go for dmk2

 

My YB FN-F5 and F6 for brightness/dim is not working.

My combo VOL up/down is not working too.

I thought these doesnt need any Sony stuff and its universal. No special drivers need for this. Right?

I am running a x64 W7.

Any idea why?

 

you need to install Sony utility DLL, Sony event service and Sony control centre. also need to install webcam driver, or it won't work either.

 

The webcam does work. I can see myself on Skype. Microsoft picks it up. But if you want to do snapshot or monitoring, then you have to install the software.

There is a 3rd party software you can install and you slide it up down for brightness. You can also do it from the Control Power - Power menu. But you have to do SAVE before you can see the outcome.

I think I will just keep everything this way with my 64 bit OS w/o those extra stuff. Save me a few bites on my SSD.

 

Hi guys,

I tried to upgrade my Vaio YA with a Corsair F120 SSD but now it won't boot anymore, even with the original hdd. Only the Power LED is flashing. I've already tried to press and hold the power button for a while without battery.

Any suggestions?

Thanks for your effort

 

Hi guys I was wondering what SSD drive Sony does equip the notebook with if you order it in the configuration.. in fact there's the 128gb SSD drive option in the sony web configurator although it's expensive.

I was thinking to install a corsair f120 but i'm afraid of the problems that Pill is getting (sorry i can't help you as i still don't have this vaio)