Sony Vaio Duo 13 Owners Thread

Maybe. You should get the student discount (I use it but for the opposite reason: I'm a teacher, and yes, I'm planning on using the Duo 13, if I get it, for my classes, that's why I NEED the VGA out, for connecting to the proyectors, they come equiped with VGA cables instead of HDMI), it's not much, but it's 7%.

I wouldn't bother with the i7, though. This one it's just a small 200 mhz bump in core speed and 1MB of cache, nothing you will notice, and you can save yourself like 100 pounds.

 

I'm thinking of getting this for uni to make notes, essays, posters and the like. When I'm doing essays, I tend to have like 10-15 browser tabs open and maybe a few PDFs as well. Would 4GB RAM be enough, what with Windows 8 being naturally faster and more memory efficient?

Also, I'm not sure whether I should upgrade the storage from 128GB to 256GB for future proofing - how many full HD movies would I be able to fit on there if I decided to do that?

I think I'm gonna wait a few days to see if the pricing issues get fixed since I definitely would've gotten the £1300 middle option when the base option cost £946, but (for now at least) the £1300 is the base so £1500 is starting to sound a bit too much

 

You're better with 8 GB. The upgrade doesn't cost too much. As for the HDD, well, an HD movie can take from 5 to 20GB, depending on the length and quality. But I'd use a 2TB external HDD for storing the movies.

Now, I have make some calculations adding some of the options, and I have come to something interesting.

Let's go to the US Store and take the Duo 13 with i5, 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB SSD and the 4G network. It amounts to $1850, or 1393€. Add the sales tax, I mean, VAT of 20%, and you get 1671€
Now, go to the European store (anyone with the euro) with the same options, but with 3G network instead of 4G, and the total is 1669€. Pretty similar.

 

For those who is interested,

Sony VAIO Pro 13 (SVP1321BPXB) Review | Ultrabook Reviews

this is a review of the pro 13 with the i5 and HD 4400. Seems like there is little difference between 4400 and 4000.

F

 

I will use it for about the same. Wanna take notes in uni class, ... . About the HDD, I get a 64GB SD Card, first for a data backup and second for a cheap storage, I think 128GB will be enough for me. Also have a 128GB SSD in my desktop PC and its still enough.

Anyone knows if I can use the japanese 3g/LTE version in europa (germany) as well? I want the HD5000, but you cant get it in Europa, so I thinking about buying a japanese one. Does the japanese site has a education store? >.<

 

Thanks, that's completely cleared my mind up now I'll just get an external USB 3.0 drive if I ever need that much storage but 128GB should be just fine now that I think about it. With the Education Store student discount, I'm gonna use the approx. £100 saved to get the 8GB RAM upgrade and the £30 factory installed screen protection film

 

I don't recommend buying it outside of germany... You will pay Mehrwertsteuer and regular taxes - a 2500 Dollar device will cost you another 400 Euro and more only for that.

And you don't get warranty in germany - only in the land you buy. That makes every problem even more complicated.


I don't know if the HD5000 is worth that hassle.
1) iGPU has the disadvantage to share the juice with the CPU, so if you need both CPU and GPU power, you will be throttled down fast anyway (loss of FPS in games).
2) The device is reported to get hot while under load with i7-4500u. Hot devices tend to break earlier (especially the battery, which is built-in), a stronger CPU/iGPU will make that worse if push it even more.
3) The 1x8GB ram reduces the iGPU performance anyway due to lack of dual channel support.

My opinion

 

But 4GB is also single channel. Yep I think you pay Einfuhrsteuer 20% and maby 7-15% for an electronic device, but I still dont get it why sony doesnt sell the 4650U CPU here in EU. And startingpirce ~1500€ is a bit too much, was 1160€ yesterday. Hope it gets fixed.

 

My Pro 13 is shipping from Sony today, should have the unboxing on Thursday.

BJ

 

Are you in UK?

 

Lucky you. We Europeans get things later and more expensive.
Will you do an unboxing in the Pro 13 owners thread or youtube?

 

I have nearly convinced myself to get the Duo 13. When I looked at the UK site earlier today, the 3G and 4G were the same price. I couldn't then see any option for no WWAN. And now the configurator has stopped working again, maybe while they sort out the pricing. I am going to be using it mostly in Spain where, I think, 4G does not yet exist. If I do go for a WWAN, would I be better just getting the 3G option or, if I go for the 4G one, will I be able to use it in any 3G country with the possibility of connecting to 4G if I am in a country that has it?

 

Mess is all over the place even US website.
Sony VAIO Duo 13 Configure-to-Order Laptops | Sony USA

 

I was asking about the US model with a sony agent about the ethernet adapter that is included with the UK model.

Agent: Got it. With your question, the ethernet for the models in the US are built in, no need for an adapter that connects to the AC adapter.
---: Thank you, where is the ethernet located? I couldn't find it in the pictures
Agent: Let me see if I can find that information.
---: okay.
Agent: Hey ---, the Ethernet is built at the back.
Agent: I can help you place an order for this today.
Agent: How soon do you need it?
---: I am still deciding, but where is it located? I don't see the ethernet port on the duo 13.
Agent: It's on the back. It is not shown in the picture.


what??

 

Well it sucks to be me I guess. I think I'm bowing out of the Duo 13.

I was always slightly worried about the form factor and the single angle screen (reflecting spotlights on the ceiling?) but now that they have not made the i7 4650 processor an option in the UK I'm no-longer interested. Naturally I will reserve final judgement tomorrow morning in case along with resolving these pricing issues they add the processor, but I'm pretty sure they won't.

Looks like I'll be waiting until the Thinkpad Helix Haswell refresh or anything else in between that meets my requirements.

Good luck guys.

 

Well the UK configurator is now working again and the price for my test configuration has gone up by £10.

And I cannot see anywhere an option to remove the WWAN completely. How do I do that in the UK?

 

Well, Vodafone has just started launching 4G in the main cities in Spain. I know because I live there. Hey, if you're in Marbella, I'm not too far from where you are. Orange and Movistar are launching 4G later this year.
Of course, I'd like to have no WWAN and shave a few euros. But for me, 3G (well, H+, 21 mbps) is fast enough.

 

Mhm I cant find it either. But on the german sony site its said (techs sheet) it has 1 ethernet port, now the sheet isnt availible anymore.
Was kind of suprised with my Z 11 at first. Couldt find the ethernet port, but they covered it and you had to open it up. Maby its the same with the duo?
Its at the left side of the fan (z11)



edit// at http://www.trustedreviews.com/sony-vaio-duo-13_Laptop_review they say that it hasnt any ethernet port inbuild :/

 

Not built-in but you can use with extranal adapet on yoru charger CHECK HERE

 

So what's the final verdict for tonight? Do we reckon that pricing's going to go down for UK? (from £1898 for top SSD, RAM and CPU)

...All I ask is a mere £398 off..

 

Well when I had a chat with them, they told me the US version was built in?

Agent: Got it. With your question, the ethernet for the models in the US are built in, no need for an adapter that connects to the AC adapter.
---: Thank you, where is the ethernet located? I couldn't find it in the pictures
Agent: Let me see if I can find that information.
---: okay.
Agent: Hey ---, the Ethernet is built at the back.
Agent: I can help you place an order for this today.
Agent: How soon do you need it?
---: I am still deciding, but where is it located? I don't see the ethernet port on the duo 13.
Agent: It's on the back. It is not shown in the picture.

 

SONY USA

Agent: Anyway, I need to retract the information I gave you awhile ago. I stand corrected, the Duo 13 does not have the Ethernet port.
Agent: The Sony Vaio Duo 13 keeps all of its connection on its rear. You get a pair of USB 3.0 ports, a full-size HDMI port and SD card slot. There’s no Ethernet port, and Sony has dropped the VGA video output that featured in the Duo 11.

 

There isn't an Ethernet port actually built into the device but they have an add on device that plugs into the charging power brick and provides an Ethernet port on there for you to plug a cable in. It then generates a WiFi network which is pretty nifty

VGP-WAR100 | VAIO Additionals | Technical Specifications | VGPWAR100.CE | VGPWAR100 | Sony

 

Well that's annoying, the UK version comes with an Ethernet adapter to go on the ac adapter but the US one does not .

 

For buying in the UK, I would expect that they'll offer a better deal (than free 4 yr warranty) in the near future - like a cheap SSD or free memory/processor upgrade - they usually change the deals pretty frequently. However, gien how crazy their pricing is at the moment, who knows whether it will go up or down - but I'm still surprised how much more expensive it is compared to the 11" version.

Does anyone know whether the UK one comes with the VGA adaptor?

 

I managed to get my SSD question answered...partly. For anybody wondering, the Vaio Duo 13 uses the SATA-Gen3 NGFF (Next Generation Form Factor) standard for its SSD and not a proprietary or mSATA drive. No idea whether this means that it'll be user-replaceable, but keep your fingers crossed.

 

HI,

Any idea if NFC is compatible with non sony branded products? I'll be able to transfer photos from lumia 920 to sony duo 13?

Many thanks

 

The 4G card will very likely also have 3G support, so you can use whatever network is available. However both technologies operate on a wide range of frequencies which differ by location and / or operator. Without knowing the card models and their supported frequencies it is hard to decide.


This years last remaining SVZ models for example came with the Sierra Wireless MC7710 (4G) or Huawei Gobi 3000 (3G).

	MC7710	Gobi 3000
LTE (4G)	5-band	----------
WCDMA (3G)	2-band	5-band
GSM (2G)	3-band	4-band
CDMA	----------	2-band

I opted for the 3G card because it supports more frequencies in the more common 2G/3G networks. In general I'd make sure the card has at least quad band WCDMA support. This would cover most of the networks worldwide.

Here is a list of frequencies used worldwide: Mobile World Live - Coverage Maps

 

Hi everyone! Does anyone know if the palmrest on the duo 13 is metal like the duo 11? I understand that the 13 is carbon fiber but I would believe its just the bottom and back of the screen. can anyone confirm this? thx

 

I believe there aren't many kiwi here but acquire started listing Vaio Duo 13 base model for $2599.99 (inc. GST).
Buy & Save $0.00 Sony VAIO SVD13211CGB 13INCH Touch i5-4200U 4GB 128GB SSD... (SVD13211CGB)
I guess it will be more than $2000 from sony store
I'll get from eBay or import from Japan as usual then.

 

Ordered mine: i7-4650u, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, Win 8 Pro, carbon white. Can't wait!

 

I am Kiwi mate. Wow, I thought for $2599 that would be for the 256GB version. Man, imagine what the price is for the top end version - well over $3000 I suspect.

Who do you go through to get it from Japan?

 

I have relatives living in Japan, so I'll ask them to send it with English keyboard However, I'll first compare with price on eBay.
I'm very glad that I can choose English keyboard since I couldn't do it for Vaio SE.

 

For those in Europe, I'm going to make a summary of what we've got compared to the US:

-Pricier (over 200€ more, including VAT)
-No i7 4650u/HD5000 option
-No No WWAN option (you HAVE to take either 3G or 4G)
-No VGA dongle option
-Starts shipping on July 1st
-Cheaper 8 GB option (40€ vs $100)

Is it just me or is Sony again screwing us?

 

That's crazy and its plus gst, cant be right
Australia has i7 256gb 4g for aud$2709 better off getting it here?


LAPTOP / TABLET - x Memory (RAM) - see Memory Category, Notebook Accessories, Laptop, x HDD Case (2.5") - see Portable Storage, xPDA, WARRANTY UPLIFT, xPDA Accessories, xPHONE, PC CARD (PCMCIA / PC EXPRESS), Laptop- Tablet, SONY VAIO Duo SVD13218PGB

 

It's GST included. Nevertheless, it's very wrong. Hope that NZ website is not quite up to speed..

 

And I thought S$1999 for base model and S$2699 for high end model in Singapore is insanely overpriced. But 2.6K for base model is just outta this world. Crazy.

 

Where did you get that info? I am from Singapore and I am thinking of buying one but the singapore website doesn't have duo 13 available yet.

 

Sony Singapore's prices has always been $1999 and $2699 for the base and high end models of their mid range products and $3999 for the Z3 last year. The price structure has always been like that for many years. Look at the SVS13P and Duo 11. Notice that both are $1999. My last laptop I got from them in 2009 was also $1999.

 

Hope that's right, I'm heading there in Aug and go for the tourist tax refund

 

Hopefully that will change this year to a reasonable price. Actually is there any similar haswell products like duo 13 or yoga 13?

 

Unlikely the price will go down. Sony products in Singapore, Europe and Australia are insanely overpriced compared to US. $2699 in US can get you the 512GB SSD whereas it will only get you the 256GB SSD in Singapore.

If you are talking about convertibles, there are a-lot of other brands like Asus, Toshiba, Microsoft. Really depends on the type of convertibles you are looking for. Duo 13 is a good slate convertible if you don't mind the non-adjustable screen and price.

 

I am trying to get my hands on a 13.3 inch laptop that can function like a tablet. Too bad it seems like if i want one with a haswell processor, Duo 13 seems to be the only choice. Hopefully, yoga's refresh will come out soon.

 

Just curious what made you guys decided the duo 13 over the pro 13?

Now that I have ordered the Duo 13, I feel like pro 13 is the better machine although it is a little boring.

The pro is lighter, have a proper track pad and a traditional form factor that we know will work well.

 

^^That!

Its another laptop VS, DUO has some extra features to consider and most important for me is the tablet/laptop possibility. Easier access to screen for touch use and pen. At least its better for me to design.
I hope it is as good as it looks.

 

I'm also considering between the two but leaning more towards the Pro 13 cause of the price and more importantly, the screen is adjustable. That is really the deal-breaker for me. I'm using the computer more for work and studies so a traditional form-factor seems more practical. I guess the Duo 13 is more like a novelty item to me. Something for showing off at Starbucks.

 

You should remember that if you use the Yoga 13 as a tablet, when you fold the screen outwards, it sits on the keyboard and the keyboard is facing the surface. It may be prone to damages easily. So again it boils down to preferences.

Duo 13
- Non adjustable screen

Yoga 13
- Keyboard facing the surface when in tablet mode. Prone to damages easily.

 

Yeah I am most likely gonna choose Duo 13 if it comes at a good pricing. Only issue I have with non adjustable screen is the reflection issue that will inevitably happen because of the angle. I will starting university in August so i can't really wait for yoga's refresh.

 

The non adjustable screen is made on purpose so that, while in laptop mode, you can touch the screen and write on it without it wobbling.
If you don't need stylus input, though, you're probably better off with the Yoga.

 

If you get the screen protector, the reflections are minimal (well, that's the case with the Duo 11) - it's not completely matte but is half-way there - i.e. it has the same surface as the Vaio Z, if you know that.