Sony SE Owners' Thread

mine arrived this morning, anyone have recommendations for an external HDD enclosure? preferebly usb 3.0

 

Hey guys,

My SE came couple days ago and I've been using it since mostly for school work. I'll give you a brief first impression of this computer.

Build Quality:
The computers that I've owned before is a white macbook and a HP Envy. The material used to build the Sony SE definitely feels sturdier than the polycarbonate on the macbook. Yes, the aluminum does flex on the keyboard, but only if you intend to make it flex. I've been using the computer to type mostly, and it's been an absolute joy. The keys make a dull, muted click (which I like) and press very nicely. The back is completely aluminum and not plastic like the backs used on the HP Envy line. I will admit that the envy felt more rugged than the Sony SE, but the Envy also weights more. My only complaint about the build is the screen hinge. Since it's located only in the middle portion of the screen, it is very easy to twist the screen horizontally. I have to be careful and lift the screen only near the center as I fear that if I lifted by the sides, the screen would snap in half.

Screen:
Since I mentioned the screen, I might as well add that this is by FAR the best screen that I've used on a laptop. Yes, yes my claim is based on a non-glossy 3 yr old white macbook and a 1368X768 envy, but the screen is just superb. I often study by a window near the library and the bright anti-glare panel is just lovely. I did switch my icons to 125% since the default size at 1080 was hard on the eyes. If you're looking for a light 15" laptop with a good screen, you won't be disappointed by the SE.

Fan Noise
The fan noise was something that concerned me when I ordered the SE. I wasn't able to play with one in person and heard a lot of people complaining about the loud fan in their Sony SA's. The fan noise, for me at least, has been close to nonexistant. It is about just as silent as my macbook, and noticeably more quiet than the HP Envy. I did play a few games yesterday, and albiet they were not graphics intensive, the fan noise was almost unnoticeable.

Trackpad
So if there was a drawback to this computer, this is definitely it. The trackpad is any worse than those you would find in similar windows computer, but I do miss the gestures and precision of the macbook. I know it's not fair to compare macbook trackpads to windows laptops, but I did have the old non-glass trackpad and I do still prefer the feel of that to the one on the SE. The Sony trackpad does have scrolling, but it's a small strip on the right side of the trackpad, and is fairly troublesome to use correctly. Another complaint is the trackpad button. I wish that the button was as quiet as the keyboard. It's a loud (for trackpads) sharp tick sound that becomes annoying after a few clicks. The button is also fairly hard to push down.

Battery Life:
Not great. I get a little more than 3 hours on normal brightness while surfing the web/word processing. If you're planning on traveling with the laptop (who travels with a 15.5"?) definitely get the slice battery, or another computer.

Bottom Line:
I'm satisfied. I got the Sandy Bridge HP Envy with non-radiance screen couple months ago, but decided to return it after about a week due to several reasons. I seriously doubt I will be returning the SE. I give huge props to those of you on NBR who stress screen quality. Despite the short battery life, and clunky trackpad, I'm in love with this screen and I don't see this relationship ending anytime soon

 

Thanks for the mini-review Caspase.

I was under the impression the touchpad supported multi-touch options so you can do two-finger scrolling... have you checked the settings?

I am also spoiled by the glasspad on the MacBooks.

 

When I tried two-finger scrolling in the store, I couldn't get it to work, and I didn't see any options in the control panel to enable it. I did get their ChiralScroll gesture to work (where you spin your finger in a circle to keep scrolling), and I found that acceptable.

 

If it's ALPS, only some modded OEM drivers from Dell or the likes will give two finger scroll. If it's Synaptics, then most recent touchpads will work with drivers directly from the Synaptics site itself, and will support two finger scroll. (7.x and above HW version, iirc).

 

Just read the PDF user's manual... it only covered pinch and left/right 2-finger flicks.

Didn't say if it was ALPS or Synaptics.

 

The one I looked at was Synaptics 7.4, IIRC.

 

I am also interested in this question, though I'd like to know if I'd support my 1920x1200 monitor. I saw the base model at Fry's here in San Diego and tried to adjust the screen resolution but it wouldn't. Perhaps the option isn't available unless an external monitor is connected? I walked away thinking I new more about the laptop than the sales clerk. I'd really appreciate the research if any of you new SE owners have the time.

George

 

1920x1200 is possible via HDMI on either the Intel IGP or the AMD GPU. 2560x1440 requires some EDID/reclocking and that's just beyond me to explain how

Though a search in the main Sony section should give you the right thread (it's clearly titled) within 2-3 pages.

 

How big is the power brick? Is it Vaio F big, or Vaio Z sized?

 

Okay Thanks - but it seems to be limited to 35Hz - no fuel support...

Besides the possible perfect display that's a Sony downside so far... hmm

Best, Walter

 

Does anyone know why the SSD options require the AMD Radeon HD 6630M?

(from: http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/sto...52921644768017
256GB (128GB x2) solid state drive with RAID 0 (Reg. price $580.00) [add $530.00]
256GB solid state drive is only available with AMD Radeon™ HD 6630M (1GB) graphics.
512GB (256GB x2) solid state drive with RAID 0 (Reg. price $1,380.00) [add $1,280.00]
512GB solid state drive is only available with AMD Radeon™ HD 6630M (1GB) graphics.
1TB (512GB x2) solid state drive with RAID 0 (Reg. price $2,980.00) [add $2,780.00]
1TB solid state drive is only available with AMD Radeon™ HD 6630M (1GB) graphics.)

Also, which SSDs are used in the SE? Samsung? Intel? Are the SSDs SATA II (3GB/s) or SATA III (6GB/s)?

I found the VAIO SE manual here: http://www.docs.sony.com/release/VPC..._SE_series.pdf but it does not mention SSDs. Sony online support could not answer these questions either.

 

That seems extremely low. The few reviews that have come out for the SE so far all seem to suggest atleast 4 hours use for general wifi and word use - engadget got 4 with video on stamina, cnet got 3 with video on the speed setting, whereas laptopmag and pcmag both got about 4.5 hours on speed with web browsing.

Does anyone else have any personal experience of the battery life on this?

 

Did you left it for charging for 5-8 hrs for the first time?? From what i know, battery life for the first few days are going to be bad. its gonna get better within a weeks time.

 

Does anyone know what brands the onboard RAM and hard drive are?

 

sony usually uses elpida

 

Yeah the battery was 100% full when I disconnected it. For normal usage, the battery has been lasting around 3:30 hours. Not a huge concern for me since there's a plug most places I go, but could be problematic for those who travel. I am using stamina mode.

 

a solid ssd (m4/470 the lowest in power consumption) should bump u up to 4 hours

 

Mine is on the way today.

Maybe I should try to do one of those YouTube unboxing videos.

 

I was thinking of doing an unboxing and/or video review of my F23 (that shipped today as well). Maybe we could both post them?

 

Yeah... let's do it.

Although... I don't think my face is YouTube ready... I was even thinking of not speaking either... but that would be weird... 2 minutes of just listening to cardboard and plastic getting ripped open.

 

Mine is arriving today too.

 

Don't turn the camera at your face then. I'm not exactly Johnny Depp either. But talking is useful; I'd definitely narrate the video.

 

I wouldn't mind if you didn't talk. I just want to see the laptop. I'm trying to decide between this and the Samsung 7.

 

I just installed the M4 SSD that I ordered with the laptop. It was very easy and hassle free. The SE recognized the new hard drive right away on bootup. The manufactorer of the origninal hard drive is Toshiba. Anyways, the boot time is roughly 20 seconds, or at least twice as fast as the 5400 HD.

 

Hey guys, I just pulled the trigger on an SE myself and I'm already tired of waiting. My estimated ship date is 11/02 which seems like an eternity away, hopefully it'll show up a bit quicker.
I've been lurking on this thread for a few days as I finalized my decision and I'm looking forward to hearing/seeing some more inital reactions and pictures as units arrive. I'm planning to swap the hard drive for an SSD and adding a 4gig stick of ram as well so it's nice to hear that the install is as painless as it looks.

 

The main thing in worried about is the gpu in this laptop isn't that great. I plan on gaming a little. Plus it's not quad core. It is however light, it looks amazing and the screen is nice. I'm a little hesitant on getting the Samsung 7 until someone actually posts a review of the non bb version.

 

Sadly me, I can't afford a light notebook/ desktop or heavy notebook combo so I compromise by traveling with a 15.4". gets really tiring when I haul it across countries in my travels

 

So mine just came in... there was a slight problem with the bevel of the display as it was separated on one side out of the box... I snapped it back in (3 spots) but in hindsight, I should have taken a picture of it first just in case it becomes an issue down the road. You can tell it was separated because there is very slight warping on that side now near the inner screen edge where the plastic(?) had been bulging for whatever length of time this unit had been packaged.

Aside from that... it's very nice... the screen is amazing (a friend of mine noticed that immediately) and it feels very light and thin. I don't know what type of material it's made of... they say magnesium/aluminum but it feels just like plastic. The way the bevel was warped seemed more plastic-y so it's probably just the lid, keyboard deck and bottom made of that magic metal.

I still plan to do an unboxing video but I couldn't help but play with it first.

It is a Synaptics pad (I believe it's the same as the other S series) and the driver is 7.4 but there are drivers and mods out there that will enable the multi-finger gestures that OSX has. Once I install them I'll update here.

One nitpick... since the ports are all on the right... if you have stuff plugged in like a network cable, a 2nd monitor or a USB peripheral and use a mouse, it gets in the way. I guess that's why I prefer the ports in the back and maybe one or two of the USB ports on the sides.

As a comparison to the Toshiba Series 7 15.6" w/ numpad, the S7 feels more solid but I prefer the styling and weight of the SE.

 

So, people who have now got themselves an SE, are the speakers really as awful as has been suggested so far? Is the problem with volume, sound quality, or both?

 

So what do you guys suggest to use to test the sound?

A CD? BD? MP3? Or a YouTube video?

 

Probably some music you know well and then a movie or trailer

 

could you let us know about the cpu/gpu temps and fan speed? thanks

 

Justin Bieber followed by trailer for Twilight:Breaking Dawn?

Unlike most of you here... I'm more like a casual user, I don't do games or anything very cpu/gpu intensive. So I don't have a suite of tests to accomplish this request.

If there is something you can suggest that's fairly easy for me to install and use... I'd be willing to give it a try.

 

Did you get the Adobe bundle on your machine, or is that exclusive to sonystyle?

 

One of the first things I checked... couldn't find it so I believe that's exclusive to Sony Store purchases.

It's got all the VAIO bloatware (no FreshStart for Amazon orders) but I actually want to play with them to see if there is anything useful.

I also need to buy/activate the Win7Pro upgrade (which I'm really only doing for RDC). Hmm... does anyone know if Splashtop is just as good as RDC?

 

I want to put in for this. Also, some gameplay or something like minecraft to give us an idea of how it handles games. Also, can anyone comment on the real world battery life?

 

@BigNerd

Could you upload wallpapers from C:\Windows\Web\Wallpaper\Sony

Thanks a lot!

Alex

 

Exactly what I was thinking lol

 

I just opened mine and had the exact same problem on the left side of the bezel. I also snapped it back in 3 spots, and it seems to be fine now. I'm thinking that this is an assembly/QC issue from the factory.

 

So I got mine yesterday. I got the 1299 model from Amazon (jet black) which comes with the extra slice battery. My initial thoughts:

-Build quality is pretty good. It feels sturdy apart from the really thin screen which can flex if you apply enough pressure. I wouldn't rest anything on top of it. It's very light to carry around so that's a plus for me (about a pound lighter than my friend's 15" MBP). Overall I like how it looks and how thin it is.

-Screen quality is excellent, one of the best I've seen and it's very bright. Only Dell's XPS 15 RGB screen beats this one in my opinion. Keyboard also has a nice feel.

-I got around 3 and a half hours of battery life in Stamina mode. With the extra slice battery, I got almost 6 hours doing some web browsing with the screen brightness at 50%.

-Speakers are some of the worst I've ever heard in a laptop. For such a nice machine it's disappointing that they put such crap in there. They sound tinny with no bass. Even on max volume I can barely hear my music or videos. Enabling the Dolby software in Sound properties helps a bit but you can't even customize it (all you get is an option for music, movies or games...no equalizer or anything). There's no option to enable Loudness equalization (which does help increase volume.

-I wish at least one USB port was on the other side instead of having 3 next to each other.

Overall I'm happy with this laptop except for the speakers. I'll be adding a SSD and more RAM this weekend which should help improve performance (which is good out of the box anyways).

 

Weird that we got the same exact problem but we did order the same model from the same place.

I thought it could have been from the heat because my unit was very hot when I took it out of the box (we've had a mini-heat wave here).

Don't think I'll have time tonight to video or do much... but I did notice that in a brightly lit room, the letters on the key are hard to see (for the silver model).

 

for the last part, the same is true of the SA silver model, the SE's little 13" cousin with a worse display

 

i have overclocked the Radeon HD 6630m in my VAIO SA from the stock 485MHz/800MHz (core/memory) speeds to 600MHz/900MHz. it's been mentioned in the forums that it's possible to bring the speeds up even more. besides, SE is bigger than SA, so cooling the GPU will be more efficient. i suggest if you want to do some gaming, try the GPU in stock settings first, and if it is not adequate enough for your needs, then overclock it with Sapphire TRiXX.

 

Man, looks like Sony needs better battery life test. You're getting about half of what Sony claims. I guess you don't get a 4.4lb 15" machine w/o concessions. I may need to take a closer look at the new ULV based ASUS machines.

 

Got my CTO today, a few days earlier than FedEx's estimate. I didn't have any issue with the screen bezel. One thing I noticed is that the trackpad buttons really seem to have been designed assuming that a fingerprint reader would be there. They don't even click if you press on them where the reader would have been.

I'm planning to measure screen contrast ratio, color gamut, display lag, etc. when I get a chance later tonight or this weekend.

EDIT: To answer my own earlier question, the wireless is the Centrino Advanced-N 6230 (2x2 dual-band).

 

Would you mind removing the screen cover in order to unravel what screen model actually is exactly ? It's been confirmed by one of Sony Engineering Managera that all SE models consist of 1080p IPS Screens. And here is the link for further translation-> Google Translate

 

I received mine as well today which was estimated to arrive next Monday. What I'm not impress about is the mousepad buttons. They are fairly loud and can be annoying in a quiet room. The display on the other hand is very impressive I must say but I think the size of this machine too large for me to travel oversea. I think I might return it and get the SA390X instead. Does anyone know how's the display quality on SA390X?

 

Not as good. It's a mediocre TN panel, with the main advantages being brightness and resolution. Otherwise... it has low contrast and viewing angles (two stronger attributes of IPS panels). If the SE panel is indeed IPS, you'll notice the difference immediately.