Sony Vaio CB Official Owners' Thread

i dont have that in my catalyst control centre... hmm, could you provide your version? and what hotfix have you install ?

 

@valrond

Did you install any games ? Are you experiencing smoother gameplay after overclocking ?

@pauldmps

Dude where are you these days ? Yet to read your detailed impressions on the laptop

@reddead
You promised you will be active here, but now you are lost

 

@accel

I installed hotfix 11.5b. Then I installed 11.6b but it still appears as 11.5

@avmaxfan.

No, the only game I have installed is iRacing, but I'll try in the next few days.

I tested Uniengine Heaven 2.5 and it experienced a similar increase:

default: 10.7
600-900: 12.6
700-900: 13.7

I ran it at default options, 1280x1024 full screen. I got a blue screen trying at 725-900.

 

Guys, i just joined & this is my first post .


I have been looking to buy a Laptop from last 3-4 months & was looking at VPCCB17FG & Dell XPS . I finally decided on the Sony ( white color, since bored with Black one's ) & have asked a relative to get one from HK, price is HKD 8,980, roughly 52,000 INR ( i should be getting the Sony on the 25th of this month, though cannot wait to lay my hands on this beauty ) . I am getting the following configuration -


Operating System
Operating System Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit (English Version)
Language Pack / Language Interface Pack Language Pack: Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Arabic, Thai
Language Interface Pack: Vietnamese
Processor
Processor Intel® Core™ i7-2620M Processor 2.70 GHz with Turbo Boost up to 3.40 GHz*1
Chipset Intel® HM65 Express Chipset
Architecture
Memory Bus 1333 MT/s
Cache Memory 4 MB (L3 Cache)
Main Memory
Pre-installed 4 GB (4 GB x 1) DDR3 SDRAM*2 (upgradeable up to 8 GB*3)
SO-DIMM Slots DDR3 SO-DIMM slots (Unused Memory slot 1)
Storage
Hard Disk 640 GB*4 (Serial ATA, 7200 rpm)
Optical Disc Drive
Optical Disc Drive DVD SuperMulti Drive
Maximum Reading Speed DVD+R: 8x(SL), DVD+R: 8x(DL) / DVD-R: 8x(SL), DVD-R: 8x(DL) / DVD+RW: 8x / DVD-RW: 8x / DVD-ROM: 8x / DVD-RAM: 5x / CD-ROM: 24x / CD-R: 24x / CD-RW: 24x
Maximum Writing Speed DVD+R: 8x(SL), DVD+R: 6x(DL) / DVD-R: 8x(SL), DVD-R: 6x(DL) / DVD+RW: 8x / DVD-RW: 6x / DVD-RAM: 5x / CD-R: 24x / CD-RW: 10x
Graphics
Graphics Accelerator AMD Radeon™ HD 6630M / Intel® HD Graphics 3000
Dedicated Video Memory 1 GB DDR3
Display
Display 15.5 inch wide (Full HD: 1920x1080) TFT colour display (VAIO Display Plus, LED backlight)
Interface
USB Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) Type A Connector x 3,
SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0) Type A Connector x 1
Network (RJ-45) Connector 1000BASE-T/100BASE-TX/10BASE-T x 1
Display Output Connector Analogue RGB, Mini D-Sub 15 pin x 1
Headphone Stereo, Mini Jack x 1
Microphone Stereo, Mini Jack x 1
HDMI In/Out Connector HDMI Out x 1
Memory Stick™ Slot "Memory Stick Duo"("Memory Stick PRO-HG" compatible, "MagicGate" )*5
SD Memory Card Slot SD memory card (SDHC, SDXC compatible, Copyright protection (CPRM))*6
DC IN x 1
Wireless Connection
Wireless LAN IEEE 802.11b/g/n*7
Wireless LAN Data Rate Maximum transmission speed: 150 Mbps*8, Maximum receipt speed: 150 Mbps*8
Bluetooth® Bluetooth® standard Ver. 2.1 + EDR
Camera
Camera HD web camera powered by "Exmor" (Resolution: 1280 x 1024, Effective Pixels: 1.31Mega pixels)
Audio
Audio Intel® High Definition Audio / Internal Stereo Speakers / Internal Monaural Microphone
Input
Keyboard/Input Device 19.05 mm key pitch , 1.7 mm keystroke, 103 keys, Backlit Keyboard / Touchpad (Gesture supported)
Battery Life
Bundled Battery VGP-BPS26A Lithium-ion battery: up to 3.5 hours of use*9
Optional Long Battery VGP-BPL26 Lithium-ion battery: up to 5.0 hours of use*9
General
Dimensions (W x H x D) mm 375.1 x 31.3-39.6 x 250.9-250.9 mm
Weight (With Supplied Battery) 2.85 kg (including the supplied battery)
Bundled Software
AV Entertainment Media Gallery*10, Windows® Media Center, Quick Web Access, PowerDVD BD(For VPCCB16FG Only)
Content Creation/Editing PMB VAIO Edition
Home Network VAIO Media plus*10
Word Processor/Spreadsheet Microsoft® Office Starter 2010*11
Tools Evernote for VAIO, Adobe® Reader® 9
Utilities VAIO Control Center, Battery Care Function, VAIO Gate, WebCam Companion, Magic-i™ Visual Effects, Remote Keyboard*12
Security McAfee PC SecurityCenter 30-day Free Trial*13, Webroot® Spy Sweeper® 90-day Free Trial*14
Support VAIO Care, VAIO Care Rescue, VAIO Update, VAIO Transfer Support, Norton™ Online Backup 60-day Free Trial*15
Supplied Accessories
Supplied Accessories AC Adaptor : VGP-AC19V41 or VGP-AC19V35 Battery: VGP-BPS26A*16
Warranty
Local Warranty and VAIO International Repair Service One Year



Guys, please comment on the -

a) The Price, i am getting this .

b ) Have any solutions been found on the graphics card problem .

c ) I am not a Gamer, so will not be expecting any problems . I am buying a Sony Laptop for the first time & expect a good quality ( i have owned Dell, HP, Lenovo before ) . Is fresh start a standard thing in Sony Laptops ? Also, what do i stand to loose ( in terms of bloatware & do u loose any important programms too, when u opt for fresh start) if i opt for fresh start ? Any other ways of removing the bloatware ? Also, should i first go for a fresh start & then prepare my back up CD's or Vice Versa .

d ) How good is that plastic cover for the Keyboard ( forgotten , what it is called )

 

a) Price is VERY good!

b) No solutions but you can download hotfixes which to an extent solve most of the issues

c) Fresh start is an option in countries where CTO is offered. In Asia there is no fresh start option.
There is not much "bloatware" as such. Most Sony softwares are quite useful, and the ones which are not needed can easily be uninstalled from the control panel
Err... by the last line I assume you want to do a clean install of Win 7 ? I would not say its needed, but its your call.

d) The keyboard "skin" is quite good Looks good and also keeps your actual keys clean. You can just buy it from any Sony center in India itself. It costs Rs.1500/-

 

Thanks for the reply .

Can u list out the softwares ( bloatwares ) which come loaded & which one's r not of much use .

Yes, looking to buy the skin - does it come in different colors or what ?

Also, current RAM is 4 GB . Do u think, i should upgrade it to 6 GB ?

 

i see, what youre talking about is about power play option...

 

Saw the skins on the Sony site . They look good . So on a white laptop, which colored skin would look the best ( 3 colors - orange, green & black were available )?

Secondly, how long these skins last ? I don't want to spend 1500 bucks on something, which might last a few weeks/months only . Has anybody used these skins, the original one's of Sony ? How is the texture ? What is the feel on the finger tips ?

 

Well only you can decide which one looks best As its a personal choice. I would personally choose the green one. No experience with the skins, but rest assured they will last long and are good quality stuff.

If you wanna upgrade RAM, then instead of 6, upgrade it to 8 GB.

As for bloatwares, I think the CB owners can help you more in this regard.

 

The skins work pretty well, in my opinion. They fit nicely on the keys with not much wiggle room and have a slightly rubbery feel, which should be expected. Durability-wise, I'd imagine they'll do their job just fine and can't see them wearing out very quickly.

I have them for my F21, one in white and one in green, partly to keep the key surfaces from losing their finish, though I've read somewhere that these new keyboards don't have that issue. I'm still not chancing it, however, and regardless the skins keep the glossy keyboard deck fingerprint-free.

 

Looks like the skins r pretty decent . Would go for the black colored one- wish there was a steel grey one ( i want to keep it sober, not too rangilla {colorful} ).

Can somebody tell me, what unnecessary bloatware comes loaded with VPCCB17FG ?

 

Do you mean the "powerplay" option ? It is already set to "High Performance" when plugged in. Still that does not work.

Please post a screenshot of the CCC page that you're referring to.

Sorry! My internet connection is preventing me from coming online.

I am loving the laptop. Just hope that it lasts for my whole college years.


Will post detailed impressions soon.

 

You'll be paying 15% customs + shipping charges unless your relative is personally bringing it to you.

 

It is personally being brought . No duties/shipping charges .

......& i forgot to add, i got a free carry case & wireless mouse along with the laptop ( original Sony ) .

 

^^ You got the 17FG at a lesser price than what I paid for the 15FG.

I just installed Assassin's Creed on the laptop & it lags heavily even in the lowest setting @ DX10 mode. The lag starts from the begining (when Ubisoft logo is shown).

The game is running fluently in DX9 mode under highest setting. Any idea why this is happening ?

 

It's not the powerplay option, it's just under it.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

My CCC doesn't have that option:



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

try installing the 11.5b hotfix.

 

I read somewhere that Dell XPS 15 has an feature, where u can switch off the battery being charged ( if, u so desire ), when u r on AC power . Does, VPCCB17FG has an similar feature ?

 

For anyone who is having the Graphic issue with Radeon 6630m, AMD have a preview of CCC 11.7 I installed it and I have no issues now, the card works beautifully enjoy

http://developer.amd.com/Downloads/110619a-121104E.zip

 

have u tried it on Photoshop????

 

is it work on vpccb17fg? I am curious because previously i have already DL ccc 11.6 but the version still stuck on 11.5 even i already patch n installed it.so weird. How is it? Any improvement like the switchable graphic problem is it already fixed on that ccc version?

 

even if it's works... i wonder if we would lose the interchangeable graphic function?

 

Does anybody has an answer to this query ?

 

i think nope, in sony vaio i think the feature is to stop battery charging when 50% / 80%, and that's battery care in vaio care center

 

Like, if i keep the battery in its slot & i am on AC power most of the times, is there a way to ensure that my Battery is not getting continuously overcharged, ultimately affecting its life ?

 

It will not "overcharge". Once it reaches 50% or 80% it stops charging, depending on what you choose.
And no there is no way to stop the battery from charging when it is not fully charged.

 

I am confused ( please excuse me for my ignorance ) .

R u saying that if i use Vaio care & say choose the option of the battery charging till 80 %, the battery will charge till that limit & even if the AC mains remain connected, will not overcharge .

Then, u r saying, "And no there is no way to stop the battery from charging when it is not fully charged". I am confused .

Please elaborate .

 

Instance 1
Your battery is fully charged - 80% or 50%(depending on what limit you have selected under battery care) then if you connect the laptop to mains, it will not charge the battery

Instance 2
Your battery is 45% or 60%, then when you connect it to mains the battery will charge till it reaches 50%/80% and you cannot stop it from charging then.

In simple lines - Battery agar fully charged na ho to aap use charge hone se nai rok sakte. But agar battery fully charged hai to wo apne app charge stop kar deta hai So don't worry there is no overcharging issue to be worried about.

 

I already have installed that hotfix.

 

Hmm. I don't know why you CB guys are facing this issue with overclocking. The SB/SA owners seem to be able to overclock their 6630m quite easily.

@pauldmps

Did u play Witcher 2 yet ? Would love to know what kind of frame rates you are getting.

 

Thanks for the clarification . I was worried on the account that the battery of my last laptop, an HP, died twice/thrice in 2 years, because of overcharging .


.........& i suppose, u can always take out the battery & remain on AC power to run the Laptop.

 

^^
Yes but not really necessary IMO
Just choose 80% under battery care and you should be good.

 

50% if you're mostly on AC power... cut the reduction by a half...

 

Somehow the "Interchangeable Graphics Method" page is missing from my CCC. Can other CB users also check if they have the page or not & which version of CCC they're using.

I don't plan to play Witcher 2, sorry! And it is 14GB download so I can't download it (illegally) only for testing purposes.

 

I don't know if it works on Photoshop but I believe all the lagging issues are fixed with this, I played GTA IV with very high - high graphics I'm very impressed with this Laptop!

Please spread this I know there are probably hundreds of people who have this issue:

http://developer.amd.com/Downloads/110619a-121104E.zip

 

same with me... i use CA but, there's no interchangable graphics method page

 

sorry. What is ur laptop? And, what ccc version did u use when you was testing gta iv? Is it 11.7?

 

VPCCA 190 and 11.6.9 it's the preview of 11.7 that's the file I posted

 

yes it gives 11.7 although i dont know if it resolves issues with photoshop, etc.. i don't have photoshop at the moment...

 

Can you post the detailed graphics settings for GTA IV which you're playing at ?

I'll try those settings & post the FPS I get here.

 

i have already tried and.....

the switchable graphic card problem is still appear. sad...

 

have you tried with other games, which you have low fps before to see if it's fixing something?

 

well.... no more flickering when i benchmarking game like RE 5, DMC 4, SF 4, lost planet 2, etc. rest of them.... nothing

 

i see, it fixes flickering issues in most DX9 - DX10 games... sorry, could you try it in photoshop / google sketch up? see if it has advanced option in them?

 

Does the photoshop issue still exist ? Is there anyone who does not have issues with photoshop on this laptop ?

 

hi,
where would i find some instructions on how to properly install / uninstall the catalyst?? i haven't done any update on my catalyst since i got this CB.

thanks

 

Still exists in my experience. Last I heard from Sony's Support is that they've "compiled a list of several applications that experience issues running under this setup, including Abobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, Google Sketchup..." as well as many others. Probably good to note that these issues will not impact most people's experience in using the laptop... however, it's definitely affecting mine.

Best,
Cassy

 

No change using 11.7. I'm going back to 11.6 as the preview version disables the switchable graphics selection.

 

@cassy101
So, performance in Photoshop is very poor ?