Sony VAIO F 3D series owners lounge

Hi Guys, I placed my order on 03/27 and its picked up by UPS last nigth.

How long does it take generally to reach from YANTAI CN to California? Estimated delivery on 04/06.

I am very eager to get it in my hands. Tracking it in FEDEX site like every hour

Also does it come with lot of trail stuff preinstalled?

 

Does anybody know how to take 3D videos from YouTube and play them in the Vision player? I tried one site that gave directions that didn't work.

I bought Disney's Tagled 3D. It does not work

 

Kevinindia, I think the first batch shipped out of China on a Friday and arrived on Monday to three of us here in both the West and Midwest.

Philly, what software were you using for Tangled? I thought on the manual it was showing some weird combo of what program to use for whichever medium, but can't remember off the top of my head what was what. It was peculiar, though, the Sony store here in Dallas just got their F2 in the other day when I went and they were having trouble getting some 2D/3D-in-one Blu Ray to work as well. The display would start acting up real bad, too, hopefully this isn't what you're experiencing.

As for playing Youtube in 3D, that's new to me. Didn't know we could do that.

 

Hey, Philly, one question for you. Did Up ever work for you as far as 3D conversion went? I ran into the "play content" issue you mentioned a few pages back, even though other titles have worked out for me (Inception & The Golden Compass). I'm so confused, this software seems finicky at times.

 

There are definitely issues with the video drivers. Those in combination with the audio drivers have given me a ton of problems on a non-Sony install this week.

 

I'm trying so many different combinations but no luck yet. Golden Compass is giving me the error now. Odd thing is, the Nvidia player still does 3D fine and my games are still as well. It's just that WinDVD so far that's acting up.

 

Hello guys and greetings from greece

i wanted to ask how many slot for hard drives does that laptop has ? cause i was thinking putting an ssd and a simple hard drive

Thnx

 

I have yet to open mine up, but judging by the size of the panel which opens to reveal the hard drive, it looks like one drive.

 

Cool!

Could you please run a PCMarkVantage Benchmark test on it. I would be interested to see how it compares to my Vaio Z11.

 

Thanks eehpeehthreeh on the estimate.

Unfortunately there is no movement on package (atleast on fedex tracking website) after pickup since Thrusday.

 

Looking at my Fedex tracking right now, this may be a decent reference.

Picked up from China on Friday 3.52pm.
Arrived in Memphis, TN on Saturday 10.47pm.
Initial release for shipment Sunday 7.19am.
Arrived in Dallas Monday 1.34am.

 

This is correct, only one hard drive bay.

 

Folks, good trick for this: Remove the residues with the stickers itself. Just put it on the glue esidue and remove it again, repeat several times, until nothing remains! No scratches then.

 

I probably would have cleaned it afterwards either way, since I have a whole bunch of fingerprints there after the removal. It's not so much a scratch, just your typical "white scratches" that occur on pretty much any glossy surface.

Can any of you all try out your webcams with the provided software? I'm still kind of unsure of mine, as the picture quality is awfully dark comparing it side-by-side to my AW's. Wasn't this one supposed to have a better sensor anyway?

Also, any progress on the WinDVD 3D situations would be awesome, too. Not really wanting to take the clean reset route, but I'd like to know why the upconversion isn't working anymore.

 

Regarding the webcam, for quick reference...

F2


AW


Both are on default settings. Now, the lighting in my living room isn't a whole lot, which may account for the darkness, but I couldn't imagine it should be that bad if my AW's taking them okay.

 

Trying plugging something in the HDMI port (TV or Monitor), configuring the display back to only the laptop from the NVIDIA control panel, and then unplugging the HDMI to the external display. Not sure if it will help with the WinDVD 3D conversion issue you are seeing, but it seems to work with the lag issues I am seeing.

 

Is it lag for you or is the 2D just not converting? Mine will not convert anymore on WinDVD no matter what I try. Works on Nvidia player and on games, though. The only thing I remember doing in between it working and not was installing the rest of patches from Windows Update.

 

Yes please guys one of you guys run PC Mark Vantage and post the scores. Would be much appreciated.

 

My F is scheduled to arrive on the 6th...would have gotten it much sooner, but sales messed up the order and caused my credit account to freeze.

I have talked to Sony's technical support...according to them:

There is one 6 Gb/s (SATA 3) hard drive slot...going to upgrade to a Crucial M4 later this month when I don't have to pay the ~$100 mark-up retailers are putting on the Micron C400s
The SSD's are mSATA on a different motherboard (although I am sceptical of different motherboards being used and think there are a couple unpopulated mini pci-e slots otherwise)
The BIOS is Phoenix Technologies...does anybody know how restrictive the BIOS is? I got a couple 4GB DDR3-1600 SO-DIMMs that I'm going to use.

I am anxious to get it. I got some Xpand X103 glasses so I'll compare those to Sony's...Xpand claims they are the highest performing glasses on the market.

 

I went to the Sony store last night. The F21 is beautiful and powerful!

The WEI (Windows Experience Index) of the demo unit (VPSF21AFX/BI - i7-2720QM- 6GB RAM - 640GB hard drive) was: 7.5-7.5-6.5-6.5-5.9

1. Can anyone post the WEI scores of a Vaio F21 with SSD?

2. And can anyone post the PCMarkVantage scores? (a trial version of PCMark is available free to download at 3dmark.com) : PCMark Vantage Trial

 

Here's a small writeup on a comparison of some of the various glasses out there. I think they mentioned the Xpand in there somewhere; I read this a little while back.

And drivers and updates are now available on the U.S. Sony support page. I emailed them about the WinDVD and webcam issues and they pointed me here. I'll follow up later today.

 

By the way, Amazon have it tax free (sold by J&R) with 6GB RAM for 1799$

Amazon.com: Sony VAIO VPC-F215FX/BI 16-Inch 3D Laptop (Black): Computer & Accessories

 

Hello,

i finally have decided to buy the standard UK model with 640 GB HD 7200 and i am very impressed because it's very fast, only downsides the sound is not as good as the AW (not much bass and lower volume) and the boot time is a lot slower (1 minute against 20 seconds). I am seriously considering upgrading to SSD, would this one be good? Crucial CTFDDAC256MAG-1G1 2.5-inch Solid State Drive (256GB,Real SSD,C300,SATA 6GB/S)from Amazon Crucial CTFDDAC256MAG-1G1 2.5-inch Solid State Drive (256GB,Real SSD,C300,SATA 6GB/S): Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

Is there at all the possibility to have an hybrid drive like my old AW (SSD for OS and other drive for storage)? I don't understand if there is physically the space to fit both inside as the SSD is really small (7 x 0.9 x 10 cm ; 68 g).
If that is not possible I'd go for the SSD, but is it hard to install 7 Ultimate on it and then install all Sony programs in it?
or reading from the Crucial website, it seems that if I keep 7 home premium the transfer could be a lot easier if I get the 256GB RealSSD C300 2.5" with Data Transfer Kit, see http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/partspecs.aspx?IMODULE=CTFDDAC256MAG-1G1CCA...it says:
Transfer everything in a few easy steps - The Data Transfer Kit makes it simple to copy everything on your hard drive, including operating system, data, email settings and applications, to your Crucial RealSSD. The kit includes the EZ Gig III Cloning and Imaging Software for Windows®, ShirtPocket’s SuperDuper! for Mac®, a USB to SATA cable and a Quick Start Guide. Upgrade your notebook drive in just three simple steps.
ever heard of this? could it really be so easy?
Thanks in advance for your time

 

Unless you can get an amazing deal on the C300 (~US$1.50/GB, not sure what that works out in pounds) I'd wait until later on in the month to get the successor to the C300, the M4 (they're changing the name to differentiate between OEM and retail, Micron is going to be C400).

I'm going to do a full up clean install to get rid of the crapware, partition, etc. when I install an SSD. Hopefully all of the drivers and updates perform properly.

(edit) Just saw the first part of your question. I'm checking into see if there will be open mini-PCIe slots on the MB to install mSATA drives (like the Intel 310, etc.)

The tech support at Sony told me that there is a separate MB they use when you order the $750 SSD option, they stick two 128 GB mSATA drives on it & leave the single drive slot open. I am not sure I believe this and think it's the same MB, just leaving the slots open for expansion later on.

I'm just going to put in a larger SSD in the drive slot. SSDs use up much less power unless you get one with a Sandforce SF-2XXX controller (e.g. OCZ Vertex 3). A single SATA III drive will also be faster than two SATA II drives in RAID0, plus it can benefit from TRIM & use less power. If you want more info on SSDs, I'd highly suggest checking out anandtech.com.(/edit)

 

Hi,

thanks a lot for your reply and for the link, I'll wait for the M4 then.
You say that are going to do a full up clean install when you install the SSD...does this mean that you need an additional copy of Windows 7 on a dvd to do that? or can the existing Windows 7 home premium be transferred from the original 640GB HD using the Crucial Data Transfer Kit?
Thanks

 

Anyone else have their laptop in transit? Mine is struck in Memphis, TN for last 48 hrs with no movement. Its frustrating. I am not expecting my package sooner than estimated Apr 6, but they could at-least update their tracking info so I will be assured that is no the way. Why does it sit in Memphis for 2 days with no update? Any ideas...?

Apr 2, 2011 11:00 PM Arrived at FedEx location MEMPHIS, TN
Apr 1, 2011 1:43 PM Picked up YANTAI CN
Apr 1, 2011 12:51 AM Shipment information sent to FedEx

 

I don't think it'll move it any faster, but calling them may give more details if any delay. Hopefully it's not grounded for too much longer, though.

 

I'm not quite sure how the restore works on Sony now. They now have a hidden partition on the drive with everything to do a restore, but I think it will install all of the crapware along with it. At least that's how it was with the restore disks I got with my PCG-GRX500 back in '02. I think I'm going to upgrade to W7 Ultimate for the O/S embedded encryption, so I'll see if I can get away with an anytime upgrade or have to get a full upgrade, while I'm waiting for the M4. I'm not familiar with the data transfer kit, so I can't help you there, sorry.

I spoke with a guy in level 2 support today who actually knew a little. Unfortunately engineering hasn't released all of the specs. Not sure if what the other tech people have told me is correct now. We were thinking the SSD slots are mSATA similar to what the Vaio Z has. Not sure if any of the SATA interfaces are 6 GB/s or not...someone else had also inquired and they are looking into it.

My laptop was up in Alaska today...supposed to arrive by Wednesday morning.

 

'Guys please, one of you run PC Mark Vantage on your beast and post the results

Oh and i was just reading the review of F2 on 3d vision blog and F2 seems to have more accurate colors default than most high end HDTVs

 

Hello

Please i want to ask if it's possible to convert a streaming video to 3D like on youtube ...

Thanks

 

No that is not possible. Only the 3D videos on Youtube 3D can be viewed in 3D. Not the rest of the stuff

 

ok Thanks

 

I have some errands to run today, but I'll try that trial you linked later and post the scores up (granted I figure out how to use that thing, haha).

 

Since it hasn't received its international release yet, I would have to guess that it is hung up in customs for some reason.

 

Okay, just ran the test and it gave me a score of 9282 PCMarks, does that help?

Result

 

You are right. It just got the intl' release late last night from Memphis, TN and its already at my doorstep 9AM today at bay area (CA).

I didn't get a chance to play around much as I had to leave to work. But my initial reaction is its really "think" in size than I imagined. Particularly I wonder why the lid have to be this think... almost like 1/2 inch. I guess the LED TVs are slimmer than this lid. Even other 3D laptops I saw in Fry's with inbuilt IR emitter is not this think. This is particularly very different for me since I use 17" MBP both at my home and work.

Nevertheless, I am pleased with the 3D though I only tried it for 5 min before stepping out for work... awaiting 6 PM so I can go back home and play on my new machine.

 

Thanks so much!!!!!!!

WOW!!! F2 is a beast indeed

 

avmaxfan,

Can you post something to show the difference between the 9282 score and something like it.... Is that out of 10,000? Just curious what that number means/stands for.
Much Thanks

 

Has anybody gotten the youtube 3d channel to work with the F2? None of the setting seem to work with the F2 screen and glasses for me. The 3d light is on, but no 3d... just split images (as if I weren't using the glasses at all.)

 

Dazed, I just tried now without any luck, though didn't tinker with it too much. I'll let you know if I find anything.

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If you all need any accessories, I've tried a few so far (Sony branded).

Keyboard skin, the typical ones Sony makes. I have a white one (supposedly comes in black) and the fitment is good. The backlight also comes through for a nice effect and the skin in general helps protect the keys' finish and the glossy areas between. It also held on to the keys pretty well when I put the F2 on its side during a "transport" test.

Black Keyboard Skin | VAIO® Laptop Keyboard Skin | VGP-KBL3/B | Sony USA

I also just bought this bag from the Sony store here in Dallas this evening. It's a pretty professional-style case with enough compartments and sturdy feel/build. Judging by the screen size compatibility mentioned, I'm assuming this was made for the EC. It is, however, practically a perfect fit for the F2; I only had about 0.5" extra width of wiggle room. The plus on this bag that I liked is that the lining is a very soft, almost velvety material, which is awesome for a laptop with this kind of finish.

VGP-AMB2A | VAIO® Laptop Bag | Sony | Sony Style USA

And if you were thinking about one of those neoprene sleeves, the one for the F1 (16.4") works, though the fit is uncomfortably tight. It'll probably work, but I'd be afraid to see the long-term wear that may occur from the corners rubbing up on the F2's finish.

 

No it is not out of 10,000. It can go up to any figure depending on the hardware
Yep to give you a perspective, my Z with SSD scores around 11000. Actually PCMark Vantage is heavily influenced by SSDs. So without SSD the Z would score around 6000.
Most sandybridge gaming laptops with HDD and processors upto 2720qm score in the 8000 range. So the F2 score is pretty impressive indeed.

 

You tempt me to go out and try this SSD business, haha. Later on, though; the laptop itself was a chunk of change already.

 

HAHA

It will definitely be worth it though, will make your F2 seem more than twice as fast as it already is (it would be stupid fast lol)

 

My only real concern is that I've never done it and don't know the process of copying files and Windows onto the new drive, while still having the computer boot up all right.

That, and I'm also a capacity over speed kind of person. I'd probably want at least 300GB and I know that's not cheap.

 

I know! I plan to get an F2 soon and I will not be adding an SSD as I'd then need to have an external drive all the time for data storage, which is just not convenient.

 

you can replace the bluray drive by HDD, and put your BD drive in external USB case

ps: for this you need a SATA to SATA 12.7mm 2nd HDD caddy

 

Anyone tried 3D videos from 3dvisionlive.com from this laptop?

Overview | 3DVision Live

I could not get it play in 3D for some reason. It just plays side by side.

 

Just read the notebookcheck review on F2 and they say that this laptop most certainly is using an IPS or PVA LCD and not TN

What do you guys have to say about this ? And though the panel scored 90%, its contrast ratio was not that high only abt 400:1, with black value at 0.7 nits

 

I'll check it out after work and let you know if I find anything.

Admittedly, in this area of the tech, I'm what you'd call the "general consumer," haha. I don't know the difference between the panels nor the numbers you give. At the end of the day, it looks good to me.

 

Hey can you do one thing please ? Go to Device Manager, click on Monitors and expand it where you will something like Generic PnP monitor, then right click on it and click on the details tab and select hardware ID from the list. Let us know what value you see there.