Sony VAIO F 3D series owners lounge

Try: http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/select ... TOR=DRIVER.

Paul

 

I finally found a bag that I like:

GOLLA of Finland - Generation Mobile

The internal laptop compartment is a very good fit to the F21

 

There is now a link to a new Corel® WinDVD® BD Software Update 06/03/2011 10.0.5.804 75.14 MB

Instructions include:

Paul

 

I was looking at this drive for my Vaio L. Does your computer run at Sata III? Any place you recommend getting that drive from? Did you do a clean install or did you ghost your old drive?

Any comments on that drive overall?

 

How odd. Where's the Nvidia update? I only see the original. I wonder if the update I have will affect the newest WinDVD player. It seems to play ok. I don't want to lose how my IE9 works if I go back to the original Nvidia driver.

 

All I can say is that the new Corel WinDVD update seems to now play all my problem 3D discs without the newer (removed) Nvidia driver.

Paul

 

I'm tempted to go back to the original Nvidia driver.

But before I do, I posted a question at the Sony forum.

https://forum.sel.sony.com/viewtopic.php?f=61&t=8639&p=25693#p25693


EDIT

I created a system image then talked to an online Sony Support agent. He said to go back to the original Nvidia driver since the update is not needed for the newest WinDVD version.

I did like he said. Now when I use IE9, it's running really REALLY slow. I'm going back to the other Nvidia driver. Glad I made a system image before re-installing the older Nvidia driver!!

 

Yes, my computer runs at SATA 3. Otherwise, I would have chosen the older (but cheaper) Vertex 2. I bought it from a local (here in Greece) computer store. In fact, when I searched for it on eBay, I didn't find many available.
At first, I tried to install from the recovery discs I had created, but the whole process stuck when it tried to install the McAfee security pack, so I stopped it and did a clean install, instead. I had already saved all the drivers (using Driver Magician) and also downloaded from Sony all the software and drivers, related to the machine. When I did the clean install, my previous try had already created the recovery partition on the SSD, so I now have that, as well.
The drive is amazingly fast, but some times it freezes (the HDD LED is constantly on) and I cannot work at all. I found out that this is probably a bug with the latest Opera 11.50 Beta browser, so I uninstalled it and stopped having this issue.

 

Thanks for replying. Maybe I'll wait a little longer for prices to drop first. I think I'm going to go the ghosting route since I want to keep the bundled Adobe software and recovery discs always seem to fail more often than not.

 

You can easily recover and reinstall the bundled software (you can even choose which), using either the recovery discs (and the Sony VAIO Recovery software), or through the recovery partition that is automatically created when you install to a new HDD, using the recovery discs from the old drive.

 

I've just taken delivery of my F21. Bloody hell it's huge!

It's actually my first laptop, as I'm normally a desktop kind of guy, so I'm quite excited about it.

Does anyone know the details of the BBC's 3D showing of the Wimbledon finals?

Wimbledon finals to be BBC's first ever 3D broadcasts | 3D Radar - 3D news and reviews

It seems that it will be shown on their HD channel. Does anyone know a good TV card for this laptop that would enable me to watch this?

 

I don't know about the card... but I know that Peter Wimmer's Stereoscopic Player can handle live streams and produce any kind of 3D output. I am pretty sure BBC will broadcast in either "Side by Side" or "Over Under" format, SS player will handle those just fine. So what you would really want to look for is a card that can work with SS player. Maybe email Peter and ask him. He is a busy guy but he'll respond to you. Also you might try the forums at 3D Vision Blog the mod there, who's moniker is Bloody, is EXTREMELY knowledgeable about all things 3D.

 

The only laptop 3D TV Tuner I'm aware of is the AVerTV 3D USB
Been personally thinking about getting one, but I'm in the United States and not sure of compatibility issues. Waiting for more info.

Paul

 

Hey, everyone. I think I found the culprit, but no fix yet, to the buzzing I reported in my headphone output.

Out of nowhere, I decided to try turning the wireless switch of the unit off. Just like that, the buzzing was gone. Do you all have any possible reasons or remedies to this?

 

Beautiful laptop. gonna wait till they upgrade the graphics.

 

Does anybody know if the customized f 3d series that are ordered for USA are made in China or other countries like Japan?

 

The VAIO F 3D Series Model VPCF2190X I custom ordered from Sony Style.com was picked up by FedEX in YANTAI China and shipped directly to me in the USA.

Paul

 

Are you quite satisfied with the quality? Is there any special issue regarding the notebook? What about the scratches that some people are talking about?

 

It's a keeper for me. The laptop has a shiny mirror black finish exterior and also on the inside frame. A finger print magnet if you don't clean it. Just from the feedback here about scratches, I am very careful. Maybe it was created that way so that one would feel like they would have to protect it better to avoid some types of damage?

The pros:
Just today I wrote the following about the Blu-ray quality in response to Sanctum 3D's quote below on another forum:

I've found that at this point in time the clearest, brightest, sharpest 3D picture I've seen with 1080P Blu-ray 3D without the anomaly of ghosting, is on a 16" laptop.

Sitting between only 1 or 2 feet from the screen, I get the most visually real full resolution picture I've ever seen, personally and relatively comparable to a full viewing from a large theater screen @ a primary seating point. My Blu-ray 3D viewings are now greatly preferred over both the 65" and 46" Panasonic VT25's I own, from IMAX 3D or any RealD 3D showings.

The downside is that I feel so selfish enjoying it alone.

The laptop is a Sony F series 3D model vpcf210x,
Ingeniously integrated: The VAIO F series 3D laptop "is the first one to use Nvidia’s 3D Vision technology, but instead of bundling it with Nvidia’s own shutter glasses, Sony has opted out to use their own Sony glasses. These glasses are the same that are used with the company’s BRAVIA 3D HDTVs." Source

With a 240Hz refresh rate, these are the only active 3D glasses I've experienced to not have a relatively noticeable darkening-sunglasses-effect, including passive-polarized or any other active glasses , including Nvidia's own proprietary glasses.

Link: Trying the Sony VAIO F Series 3D Laptop With Different Shutter Glasses.

Paul

 

The build quality on this model is excellent, in my opinion. As Paul mentioned, the F21 models are - as far as we are all concerned - built in China. The same goes for my AW I bought in '09, and both have been very solid machines.

For the scratches, it's not as bad as it sounds. On the lid of the unit, you'll get dust and fingerprints easily, but it won't scratch unless you're really trying to scratch it. The interior finish is curiously different than the lid's materials and will develop very light scratching even when taking a microfiber cloth to clean it. Do a Google image search on "swirl marks" and you'll get the best idea of what the unit will look like under bright light.

I don't have too much of a problem with this as I used to. My wrists or hands don't come into contact with the palmrest area at all and I bought a keyboard skin. Really the only cleaning that needs to be done is for dust on the edges and fingerprints up top.

 

True but the display itself is darker at 240 Hz due to dark frame insertion presumably.

I received the new TDG-BR250 glasses a few days ago. They are markedly lighter than the TDG-BR100, seem to have better color reproduction, but I sometimes get annoying reflections from the upside. Not sure of the reason ; perhaps due to to the shape of my own glasses under the Sony glasses. The TDG-250 seem more transparent than the TDG-BR100 but that could also reinforce light bouncing as they are quite reflective.

 

Would you recommend the new glasses model over the prior, in-box one after having used them? The Sony here still has the 100 and (I think) 150 models, but for a lot less than they priced them before, I think about half off. I need more pairs but was considering waiting for the newer models to make it to their shop.

 

They are lighter, can be recharged through USB, seem to have slightly better color and clarity, so yes I think they're worth it. But the difference is subtle, not night and day.

 

I'm already pretty impressed by the performance of the original series, but the new styling and the option to recharge them is probably enough for me to go that route. Thanks!

 

The model of vaio f 3d VPCF2190X that I'm going to order, has 1 year warranty (The own sony warranty), but I'm not going to order 2 or 3 years full warranty, because it costs about 300-400 $. Is the mentioned 1 year company warranty is enough and does that cover machine exchange in case of laptop problem, or just full 2-3 years warranties cover such services? What are the services that are provided by 1 year company warranty?

 

From my experience, when the display is in 3D mode, the only thing that the "dark frame insertion" does is eradicate the possibility of crosstalk retention between stereo frames. The display completely maintains a reference light emitting quality. The dimming of the display in 2D mode is another matter in an equation, which dark-frame-insertion is not a factor.

Shape of your own glasses and the kind of optical lenses probably affect the results. Had a pair of prescription small frame- less lenses made and optimized for close-detail-viewing of the laptop screen. Chose the lenses shape and size to fit inside the 3D frames.
Also, I purchased the Sony glasses bundle that includes: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader Blu-ray 3D with two pair of Sony TDG-BR250 Adult 3D glasses.
Have noticed no change in lightness or color, possibly because of my own prescription lenses underneath? I kind of prefer the original TDG BR100's because of being able to buy the "Lithium ion batteries", where there is presumably no way to replace the rechargeable version, when battery life is ended.

Paul

 

Does anybody know how someone could obtain the mentioned e-coupons at the sonystyle website for getting deduction while customizing this laptop?

 

Hi guys, I have the Vaio 3D VPCF215FX/BI model that has 6 GB of Ram and 2.00 GHz up to 2.9 in Turbo. My problem is that I don't know how to enable the 3D whenever I want to by pressing the "3D" button. I also don't know how to control the backlighting of the keyboard, it just turns on and off without me being able to discover why and when. I installed every driver I found for my laptop, but still no luck (note that I didn't get a CD with drivers for it, I got it off eBay and the guy didn't send me the CD). Sorry to just burst in into this topic, yet if someone has some links or explanations for my problems, I really beg you to help me out.. Thank you and hope I finally solve this with your help.

 

The 3D button only works with Win DVD (the bundled bluray 3d playback software) and will not work for every single video.

As for the backlight, there is no way to manually turn the keyboard backlight on as it is dependent on the lighting. It will light up when its dark automatically.

 

In the Vaio Control Center, there's options for the backlit keyboard, from never on, to always on when dark. I'm not sure what you were wanting the backlight to do, but those are the options available.

As far as the 3D button, what are you trying to make 3D? Most of the time, the program has to be full screen for it to work. I've gotten Windows Media Center to play movies in 3D that I've copied to my computer, and most games or YouTube videos in full screen automatically go 3D when first starting full screen.

There is no CD with drivers or Windows 7 on it for the laptop, all the programs and drivers that came with the laptop can be accessed through the Vaio Care program, in the recovery section. If you can't find a specific driver, then it's all on Sony's eSupport site.

 

Call them or work on them in a chat window. I have always gotten 10%... sometimes 15%

 

Thanks for the reply. Can you send me the web link for chat and telephone number for making call?

 

Hi there and thanks for the answer (to avmaxfan too). I installed what you said and I go on YouTube, launch videos and 3D automatically starts when in Full screen. Problem is I get visual artifacts and my windows theme changes to basic. Even if 3D is activated, there is no 3D in the videos. I tried playing a Blu Ray with Win DVD, but no 3D. Tried other players and many other movies, still nothing. It only gets activated on YouTube, but there is no 3D. Also, I installed Sony Vaio Control Center, but I only get Power Management Options and System Information. Here is a link to how my display goes when 3D is ON on Youtube. (1), then I received an error (2).

Link: Multiupload.com - upload your files to multiple file hosting sites!

 

Hi all,

Anyone here has the silver version of this laptop?

 

Hi guys. I've been lurking here for a while.

I have the 2010 F series (VPCF115FM) with the 1st generation core i7. I am looking to upgrade to the new F series. I've been looking around and can't seem to find an answer:

Is the fan on the newer model as loud as the fan on the 2010 model? How is the fan sound during normal use (non-gaming)?

 

@jedaite:
YouTube's rather finicky when it comes to doing 3D, some of the videos will transition into 3D but look horrible, others look great, but the majority don't do a thing at all, unfortunately, as it's something to do with how Adobe Flash transmits data. Adobe Flash is also why everything goes to Windows Basic after watching a full screen YouTube video.
Is Vaio Care installed as well? I don't know why options wouldn't show up in the Control Center, unless the drive got wiped clean before you got it. As far as WinDVD goes, I have a problem using it as WinDVD has a tendency to not work for me for one reason or another. Uninstalling/reinstalling typically works, but is a pain of a work around.

@ragnor:
As far as the new F22 series being launched, they are not 3D capable, so I wouldn't think there will be much discussion of them, as this is the F21 3D forum. But, I've been wrong before.

@ddebon1:
I haven't noticed the fan too much during normal use, as long as it's raised up. I'm laying on my bed right now, and can hear a slight whine from it, but I've also got a decent amount of stuff going on in the background, using the CPU. I've not noticed any distinct "whine" as I know was a problem on the F1 series models, but it can get to a high pitch when playing Starcraft 2 in 3D.

 

hello everyone, can i use other brands glasses? can i use more than one glasses? how many?

 

I currently use 3 Sony at the same time (the 50, 100 and 200). I know that there are some universal glasses coming out soon (maybe they are already being sold).
Look here: http://www.xpand.me/products/universal-3d-glasses-x103/

 

thank you
have you tested mkv or other formats 3d movies, are they working? or only bluray?

 

The 3D format hasn't got much to do with the hardware unless you are talking about anaglyph 3D (clearly you are not)

Peter Wimmer's Stereoscopic player 3dtv.at will play damn near any format, it also supports almost every output format. So the answer is yes you can play 3D MKV on the F3D.

 

thank you for the fast reply

 

I finally got to see the new model of the 3D glasses, the 250s (I think). My opinion of them has changed a bit and I'll probably try to snatch up the remaining 100s while they're still there (though all that's left are the bundled ones with Alice in Wonderland ). Something about the new design screams "cheap" to me, notably the thin, clear plastic temples.

 

Got a quick question.

At the moment i have a 23" 3D External Screen, It says its Nvidia 3D vision ready.

If i buy the 2D version of this laptop, with the upgraded GT540M GPU will i be able to use the 3D on my external monitor?

Main reason for asking is i could save a fair amount of money as i don't really need a laptop with a 3D screen.

Also is it easy to replace the Ram and replace the Hard drive with an after market SSD?

And does anyone carry theirs around regularly? How heavy does it feel/ how uncomfortable is it to carry in a bag?

Does the 3D model come with 3D glasses and is the transmitter built in?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

 

I'm not 100% sure on this, but if you're using an external display for 3D you might need a 3D receiver for it if it doesn't already have one. As for the 540M, that is one of the 3D Vision-ready GPUs, so yes, it should work on the external if the set up is "correct."

RAM and HDD upgrades seem about the same as most other Vaios, basically just opening up a cover on the bottom and switching them out. I'm not sure if anyone here has actually done any of these yet, however.

As for weight, I actually brought mine down when visiting my family yesterday. With the unit, brick, glasses, mouse, and movies, the weight wasn't really uncomfortable at all.

Lastly, yes, the F21 (3D model) comes with a pair of Sony glasses and has the transmitter within the unit. A brief calibration during setup of the computer will have you good to go from then on.

 

Hi there guys and thanks to all of the people here kind enough to enlighten us with answers to our questions. I have some other questions today .

My question regards installing a 5.1 audio card in my laptop. I am looking at the Echo Indigo IO CardBus 24-bit Laptop Audio PCMCIA Card mainly for listening to music with it and I would like to know just how to install it if possible. At the right side of my laptop, underneath, there is like a lid that has screws and looks like it can be opened. On that side my audio ports are located too. So I am thinking maybe that's where to install it. Please let me know guys if this is possible and how. Thanks a lot again and I really appreciate the time you take for reading these posts!

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UPDATE: PLEASE DO CORRECT ME if this card doesn't support 5.1 audio, as I can see now that there is nothing of 5.1 specified for it. Maybe there is a 5.1 version of it I am not aware of or could there be a way to connect 5.1 systems to it? Kindly let me know if so . I heard this is the best card for listening to music and I really value how my music sounds. Again, thanks for your efforts everyone!

 

Considering you do not have a "unique" 3D monitor, yes you can get the F22 and connect it to your 3D monitor and enjoy 3D. You will need to get the Nvidia 3D vision kit for it though. It will not work otherwise. The kit includes the 3D software and drivers, Nvidia active shutter 3D glasses and the 3d transmitter.
Though I must tell you - the quality of 3D on the F 3D will be superior to any 3D desktop monitor.

 

Have to agree with you 100%. Playing Blu-ray 3D's on the F 3D laptop becomes addicting. No consumer display or public theater projection screen has matched the pristine 3D quality the VAIO's 16" display produces.
Bought prescription frame-less glasses that easily fit in the Sony glasses to be able to view the screen at 1.5 screen widths for total reference immersion.
QUALITY capability for the price.

 

Thanks for the replys, I think I'm going to order a non-3D one. As i think that instead of getting 3D i'll get a processor upgrade Instead. Proposed spec I'm going to order (Going to go see one in store to make sure i like it);

I7 2720QM
Matte Black (Or Silver, Not sure)
Nvidia GT540M 1GB
500GB Hard drive (Going to buy an OCZ Vertex 3 SSD at a later date)
4GB Ram (Can get 8GB form Newegg for $67, So will upgrade myself)
Blu Ray Reader
Standard Battery

$1369.99 + $67 for Ram

Does that look like a good spec to have?

However there is a HP that for the same price i could have a significantly better Graphics card, How does the Sony's GT540M hold out on moderate gaming?

HP Spec

HP DV6TQE

I7 2630QM @ 2GHZ Speed Boost 2.9GHZ
8GB Ram
15.6" 1080p Screen
ATI 6770M 2GB Graphics Card
750GB Hard drive (Will upgrade to SSD at later date)
Blu Ray Read Drive

$1354.99



Current Laptop For comparison purposes;

Sony Vaio FW-370J

C2D P8600 2.4GHZ
4GB Ram
Intel GMA 4500HD GFX
16.4" LED Screen
640GB Hard drive (I'll turn this into an external drive)
Blu Ray Read Drive

 

I personally do not like HP laptops and plus the quality is nowhere near Sony. But as for the GPU, the 6770 is great. It can play most games on 1080p medium.
As for the 540M, it is less powerful than 6770 but pretty much decent for moderate gaming.

 

OK BestBuy has the Sony F in stock i7 QC 8GB 1920x1080FHD How does this display compare to the Dell XPS 15, (I realize the Sony is anti glare and the Dell is glossy) Has anybody been able to find a comparison? or a review of THIS model?
Sony - VAIO Laptop / Intel® Core™ i7 Processor / 16.4" Display / 8GB Memory / 750GB Hard Drive - Black - VPCF226FM/B

Thanks

Link
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+...lack/2794192.p?skuId=2794192&id=1218351655699