Sony Vaio Duo 13 Owners Thread

Are you sure you did that? You might have just just went to control panel>Appearance and Personalization>Display and chose "smaller." That would not work, it would only make the desktop smaller. You have to use the Charms Bar, tap settings, then "Change PC settings," then PC and Devices, then Display, and then look at the bottom and choose "Smaller" from the drop box.

 

Folks, he means this update, so simple question, did you installed it or not?

I did NOT and I've got the same issues
+ Keyboard backlight does not work!!!!
play around switching
Installing the update afterwards wont fix anything.


EDIT: strange thing, if you go to VAIO control center and turn keyboard backlight 'always on' it works. But it wont urn off unless you play around switching both settings to do not turn off.
Now it will turn off after 10 seconds and will be on if you press a key... .so it's fixed

 

To those who use Modern Mix:

If you are having the "problem" where Modern apps no longer leave the task bar upon closing them by sliding them down, that's because Modern apps no longer close in the traditional sense in 8.1--they tombstone. Similar to how iOS works, the apps are paused so as to preserve system resources, but if you were to open a recent app back up, it will continue where it left off. With Modern Mix, you see Modern apps in the task bar, so when you close them, they stay open because they are not truly closed. This is terribly annoying, at least to myself, because now in order to actually close them, you need to drag the apps down and before you let go you have to wait (for 3 or 4 seconds) until the app makes a flip animation and then let go. It'll close in a few seconds and disappear from the task bar.

This goes for non-Modern Mix users as well; in order to fully close apps, you need to drag them down and wait until the app box flips over.

 

Uk site now has all the windows 8.1 updates. Going to try and upgrade tomorrow.

 

after the update I have an unknown device:

ACPI\VEN_INT&DEV_33D6


Does anybody know what this is?
Tks.

 

I have a Sony Duo 13 and was able to get Windows 8.1 to install eventually:

Starting from Windows 8.1 Preview from the Microsoft store I installed the Vaio BIOS update and another update called ME or management engine. During the BIOS install the PC shut off and would not turn back on until I unplugged it and held the power button. Then I used a link to get to the correct page in the Microsoft Store (App on the PC). I downloaded and installed Windows 8.1. I had to sign in using my live.com account which was a pain since I didn't know the password. Following the update I had to install all programs on the PC (dropbox, chrome, office, etc.), not just 'Apps'. The PC seems to be working well. The backlight works and now sounds from VLC works (didn't before).

So here are my questions:

1) The Google Talk Plugin doesn't seem to recognize the front-facing camera. Has anyone else experienced this issue?
EDIT: Installed front camera driver, rear camera driver and rear camera firmware. Front camera is now recognized in google talk. /EDIT
2) I tried to install Vaio Update from Sony and Windows said it was not compatible.
3) I have this unrecognized device: ACPI\VEN_INT&DEV_33D6

 

Never mind. It resolved after a reboot

 

i've installed windows 8.1 without any problem, i love my lappy

 

I just wanted to add a few more pointers to my earlier post. After getting all the pre-8.1 updates installed from the Sony site, installing 8.1, and installing post-8.1 updates from the site, I got a list of updates in Vaio Update. However, when I tried to install them, I got an error "Please wait a while, then try again." Got this all day, and could find any solutions on-line. Finally I discovered that I could install a few of them individually (don't remember which ones). Then later after more fruitless online searches discovered that if I click the update name in Vaio update it takes me to the site to download that update.

I hope that at least for some people this will help them update effortlessly. Just make sure you install the BIOS update then the 'Vaio Update" (if applicable for your model -- link for mine is above) before installing the Windows 8.1 updater. Good luck!

 

Since the Windows 8.1 update my screen no longer auto rotates. It is extremely annoying...

Anyone have any ideas on how i can fix this?

 

I also just realized since the Windows 8.1 update the auto screen brightness feature no longer works.

I should have just stayed with Windows 8. With Modern Mix and Start8 I guess there was really no compelling reason for me to upgrade, as everything was working as it should.

 

Same Problem. I wonder if that feature is gone on all of them for now, or if it is just us?

 

Just fixed both problems mentioned above. I installed the latest hd4400 windows 8.1 drivers from Intel and that fixed the screen no longer rotating as well as the display brightness not auto changing.

 

I believe these are the latest: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/co...23/a08/Win64_15335.exe&lang=eng&Dwnldid=23323

However I have not yet installed them yet. Installing Windows 8.1 and I ran into problem.

 

This INTEL Driver works...yep I can confirm, auto rotation works again. so...no issue anymore with win8.1 except, that with an OEM key you cannot download a win8 and win8.1 iso nor activate the retail version of it...So no fresh install possible. I' sure you could gain some gigabytes of storage. I already deleted the 12gb recovery partition.

 

Thanks for the news with the Intel Driver - works perfect (I just cant see the message "autorotation on" when switching in tablet mode, but I dont care at all)
Does anybody hear a strange clicking noise from the speakers? Its like the noise when you plug/unplug earphones (don't know how to describe...) seems like it happens if no sound is played and then I start something

 

Yes, I can confirm this "click-noise". Maybe ist's a problem with the "old" Realtec-audio-drivers and Win8.1?

 

Thanks for the info about the new Intel driver. Downloaded it and autorotate is functioning again.

Daniel

 

intel hd4400 windows 8.1 driver fixed AUTO ROTATE & TOUCH KEBOARD issues in Tiles mode. THANK YOU!!!

 

Doesn't [alt]-F4 close the app immediately? I've found I need to do this for Metro apps. Metro apps staying open is one of the reasons I hate Metro.

 

Guys did anybody found out what ACPI\VEN_INT&DEV_33D6 is and where to download a driver?

 

Does anyone else think it is unbelievable that for the majority of Duo 13 users who don't use this forum, after the 8.1 update they are going to have a Duo 13 that in addition to having barely functioning WIFI, the screen will no longer auto rotate and the screen brightness does not change automatically any more?

And I bet for the poor people who call Sony, someone in a distant calling center is going to tell them to do a fresh install, as that's their solution to everything.

The latest Intel HD4400 driver released on 10/17 fixed both these issues and I figured that out last night after trying to fix this for over 2 hours. Shame on Sony for not being on top of this. They should be ashamed for not presenting the updated Video driver on their Web site because without the updated Intel driver, most tablet users are going to have a hard time using the Duo 13 with Windows 8.1.

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Se...Core™+Processors+with+Intel®+HD+Graphics+4400

Seriously, does no one at Sony use a Duo 13 to realize how critical this driver is to get Windows 8.1 to work properly?

 

actually, i just restarted my pc and it worked... soo stupid of me lol... but yes, everything is back to normal now....i think

although i noticed Google Earth, the image quality worsened and the texts don't look as sharp; i noticed this after Win 8.1 so there might be a problem on their part...

 

Updated my HK Duo 13 to 8.1 today.
I had to grab the BIOS update from the US site.
After the update, Bluetooth didn't work and the audio was popping so I had to install the Bluetooth and audio update from the US site.

 

I'm still having those two problems and in addition I cannot use the stylus to write text in Win 8 mode with chrome and explorer.

I've tried to install bluetooth and audio update but haven't had any luck resolving the issues.

My bad that I went and did the update without installing the vaio control center beforehand if that would have helped.

However I was wondering could you be more specific what you did to solve the issues and provide the links to the appropriate drivers regarding the matter just in case.

Do you have the problem with the stylus? Did you install the update to vaio control center before updating the windows 8.1?

Personally I feel almost doing a fresh install now to free up some space, but have read so much about problems people have countered when they have gone with it and haven't really read about good experiences. If someone has done a fresh install with success I would be glad to know how you did it successfully.

thx

 

Yes I have also noticed this. I wonder if Sony are not customising the display drivers as previously I downloaded drivers from Intel and discovered the ones on the Sony page where better for my computer.

 

Yes it does, and I didn't know that. Thanks. But it's still upsetting that I cannot quickly slide them down in order to close them anymore (or at least make them disappear from the task bar)--it added a sort of novelty to it that hadn't run out yet.

 

Anyone have a fix for the speaker clicky-click thing? It's maybe not driving me mad but it is starting to make me twitch.

 

My Vaio control centre has gone missing?? when I try to install the ones of the support site I get a newly driver already install!!

 

Very excited about my new vaio duo 13. A few of observations:

1) palm rejection in oneNote is good, but not perfect. I ended up getting a cutoff work glove to eliminate this issue.
Otherwise, the stylus is very fast and accurate. I am not sure I would have these issues on the surface--but for me
the screensize is worth it. I hope to see n-trig develop further and support other key softwares. The pen itself has a
nice feel--it is somewhat clicky with handwriting--but not too bad

2) I have not had any wifi issues using an apple airport express. I expressed my concerns before buying at the Sony
and the saleperson acknowedged the issue but indictated he has not had returns based on wifi problems.

3) I did not anticipate this being such a great "all around" computer. I bought a sony usb laser mouse and use it quite a bit
for text and spreadsheet stuff. The slider mechanism is very easy to get used to, although I did find it odd when i first used it

4) in white or black--this is beautiful machine. I dont know if this is selling well, but judging from this thread it has created an
animated user base

5) i need to find a way to turn off the track pad as i palm it sometimes when typing and it creates problems

6) windows 8 is not the issue I thought it would be. Just pin all your apps to the taskbar and stay on the desktop as much as
possible. OneNote is a really great software--why does MS not push this, esp in the educational space?

 

I turned off tap-to-click, and set it to require actually pushing down on the trackpad in order to register a click. This did away with any problems, as the worst that happens is that the mouse moves around a bit while typing, but doesn't actually register a mouse click.

 

install the updated audio driver for windows 8.1.

Sony eSupport - SVD13213CXB - Drivers & Software


the description states:" resolve an issue where a random popping sound is heard from the speaker."

 

Any idea/solution/link about/of/to the missing Intel-ACPI (INT33D6)-driver?

 

I've found the solution for the missing driver (ACPI/INT33D6): Install this Sony eSupport - SVD13213CXB - Drivers & Software and everything should be fine.

 

Hi folks,
I hope this post brings good news, at least to some of you (those plagued by weak wireless signal)
Here's my experience with Windows 8.1:
First, I confirm that it is possible to fresh install Win 8.1 just with the bios update released by Sony (no other Vaio software updates needed). I've installed the update, then boot from external DVD containing Windows 8.1 media, I deleted all the partitions and proceeded with install, which went without problems. I had to install the video drivers from Sony to get rid of the blur image reported by some of you, have autorotate, etc.
Second, and that was a big surprise, wireless signal is strong now. Previously, the wireless signal was very, very bad. Now I have four bars in places where I had only two, at the best (ex: in my home, 10 feet away from the router, two walls between). I tested it also outdoor, got two bars 30 feet from the router and 1 wall between. It is a big improvement.
I have no other drivers installed at this moment.
Special notice: I have installed Windows 8.1 Enterprise, the Vaio was preinstalled with Win 8 Pro. (My company has volume license with SA). I am curious if some of you did a clean Win 8.1 Pro install and if wireless reception improved or not. Also, if there are others who did an Enterprise install, like me. Right now, I don't know exactly who shall I "blame" for the wireless boost.
My configuration is the carbon black variant with i7, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB HDD, 4G/LTE.
Please feed-back.

 

@tmarius:
What is your driver-version? I installed the newest driver (5.93.98.187) Sony eSupport - SVD13213CXB - Drivers & Software, which gave me nearly the same improvements, you have described above.

 

Also, another issue - external touch monitor is always non responsive to touch after resume. Only solution is to shut down monitor and turn back on. Monitor works perfectly well with a desktop, resuming from sleep. An issue with sleep and USB3 maybe?

 

Noticed a fairly annoying issue with increased backpack use of the Duo. When I power the Duo 13 off and place it in my backpack, no mater what, I always open the backpack up to find the laptop TURNED BACK ON. Similarly, I turn the screen off, and no matter what, it has TURNED BACK ON within 10 seconds. I am wondering if anyone else has this issue when the duo is oriented vertically? What would cause the unit to power on without any physical input? Materials the backpack/sleeve are made of are non capacitive.

This is a major problem, because I have noticed a HUGE buildup of heat in the backpack. I need the laptop to stay turned off to prolong battery life, and to prolong the overall service life of the laptop.

 

My driver version is 5.93.97.168. These are Windows drivers, as I have no other drivers installed at the moment, except the video.
Rigth now, Windows Update offers me 2 optional updates for Broadcom WLAN, which I am reluctant to install.

 

OK, never change a running system.

 

seems like there is a new driver for the broadcom wireless adapter:
Sony eSupport - SVD13213CXB - Drivers & Software

and this fixes the unknown device:
Sony eSupport - SVD13213CXB - Drivers & Software

 

Hi guys,

So after updating all my sony software and upgrading to 8.1
My palm rejection feature doesn't seem to be working in OneNote
Been looking around to see if its a Sony issue or Microsoft issue but can't seem to find anything.

I usually take notes with my pen in one note in class but now when I rest my palm first on the screen, the pen doesn't work and instead the area where the palm is resting starts to draw.
Any help would be much appreciated!!!!

 

Er... well, you're likely turning it on. The power switch is on the left hand side. Put it in pen side down (in which case, you're likely to find the pen + holder has dropped off when you take it out of the backpack - either/or I'm afraid).

 

For me, it was my wireless mouse. The slightest movement of the mouse and the screen turns on. I just hit the switch on the bottom of the mouse to turn it off before I put my Duo to sleep, then put my mouse and laptop in my backpack.

 

i'm noticing a fairly high battery drain on my vaio lately... sometimes, i've seen it drop as much as 20% in just one hour!! the worse part is, since i've turned on the battery care feature, i only have 80% to work with which could be very limiting in some days... i don't really do intensive tasks... browsing, using the MS Remote Access, and MS office are pretty much the only things i do most of the time... i try to limit my screen brightness as much as possible as well...

help would be very much appreciated, thanks!!

 

We need Apt-X Codec! I don't know why it's not a standard in broadcom drivers. It's just a codec thing. FYI if you don't know. Aptx will let you stream music with bluetooth in higher quality.

For example: connect your speaker with this: philips AEA2500 and then connect your vaio/android phone/iphone or whatever to the bluetooth receiver and enjoy wireless sound.
Especially for a device like the Vaio 13 Apt-X would be a nice feature since most of the time it's unplug from power.

Edit: i just found this: http://support.plugable.com/plugable/topics/apt_x_audio_codec_support_in_bluetooth_4_0_adapter_stack
Dammit. Sony, pay them to get the license! We need an apt-x update.

 

Thanks to the both of you! Both good suggestions, and I will try both tomorrow. I usually keep the pen it it's own discreet pocket, and I do seem to remember putting the power button facing up, as that was the commonsense solution. I will however make sure to have my bluetooth mouse off and have the power button facing up. Hopefully that solves the issue. Rep to both of you.

That said, I'm considering buying the flip 15 now. As Vogelbung mentioned, remove the spinning HDD and you probably extend battery life and quiet the fan. I do so much spread sheeting that I am also liking the idea of the 15" screen. I would opt for the smaller flip 13/14 if they offered a discrete graphics card and the higher resolution display. Just a shame that the flip 15 ends up bieng so "thick" (at least in comparison).

 

Hey guys, after long consideration I figured I'd succumb to the lack of folio cases and buy a slip case/sleeve as opposed to nothing. The thing is, the majority of 13" sleeves seem to be made for the MacBook Air.

Two questions:
1) Would any MacBook Air case still work fine for the Duo 13?
2) Do you have any suggestions? I'm looking for something where you stow the laptop vertically. Preferably no zipper, as I'd like it to be quick and efficient.

Thanks.

 

Anything specifically made for the Barbiebook Air may not fit, as the Air is narrower - especially with the pen attached, obviously - unless it's a stretchy sleeve (even in that case it may put undue pressure on the sides and end up turning the unit on all the time).

If we're talking Barbiebooks, you'll need to go for a sleeve sized for the 15" Retina. If a hard sleeve it'll need to be the 15" non-Retina as that's the same thickness as the Duo at the back. And in any case I think any reasonably close fitting sleeve will give you problems, especially if it presses down on the sides as pointed out above.

Me, I have the Sony screen protector on back order (I think it's been 4+ weeks now... sigh) and if I do decide to keep the Duo long-term I'm considering cutting some vinyl for the potentially higher-wear areas on the bottom (the curve transition area on the bottom sides).

 

Three I've Tried and Returned

1) Amazon.com : Cosmos Neoprene/Cotton 13.3-Inch 13-Inch Laptop Notebook Computer Sleeve Case with Cosmos Cable Tie : Computers & Accessories
-Fit Well as far as length, has 2 inches of play as far as width.
2) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006P88UQW/ref=oh_details_o09_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
-Fit snug, Actually too snug, felt like I might hurth the duo pulling it back out.
3) Amazon.com: Trendy Reversable Black & Red Neoprene Notebook Laptop Sleeve Cover Case for 13.3 Inch Acer Asus Dell HP Samsung Toshiba Apple Macbook: Computers & Accessories
-Absolute Perfect snug fit, but the flap was slightly too long, had to stretch it quite a bit to pull it over

I've ordered 2 more, and I will report the fit.