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    Sony Vaio Duo 13 Owners Thread

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony Owners' Lounge Forum' started by CoolHotCold, May 8, 2013.

  1. moogleassassin

    moogleassassin Notebook Consultant

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    some minor confusion, possibly just on my part... but thought I would post just in case others have also missed this (it seems reviewers have missed it so I think it is possible).

    Despite the Duo13's i5-4200U and i7-4500U chips being listed as having HD4400 graphics, it would appear they actually have HD4600 graphics. If you read the Engaget review ( Sony VAIO Duo 13 review: a much-improved take on the Windows 8 slider) she lists it as having HD4400 and posts some questionable 3dmark scores (975 on 2011 performance mode). This shouldn't be possible using a HD4400 which made me check it further.

    Checking NotebookReview's Haswell chip article they also list it as HD4400 ( New dual-core Haswell CPUs introduced - NotebookCheck.net News) - which seems to backup her claim of HD4400.

    But - reading the review of the Sony Pro 13 they have screenshot proof (screenshot or it didn't happen :)) showing the i5-4200U as having the HD4600 ( hwinfo |) *however* to confound matters further the benchmarks they list show a score of only 600 on 3dmark 2011 performance mode - nearly 400 less than Engagets benchmarks of the same processor/graphics in the Duo13.

    Anandtech have also reviewed a i7-4500U chip in another laptop ( AnandTech | The Haswell Ultrabook Review: Core i7-4500U Tested) and it shows similar scores to that of the Vaio Pro 13's 600ish score.

    /confused. Anyone have any ideas? :) Is the Duo just awesome or did Engadget bodge yet another review?


    UPDATE - Checking NotebookReview's benchmark listing, it shows the HD4600 to have 7 submitted scores, those are 1069, 1081, 1170, 1192, 1215 and 1258. Sadly it doesn't detail the processor model used in the submission, but regardless I feel we are missing a piece of the puzzle here.

    UPDATE2 - Rather predictably I've just realised the HD4600 is also in the desktop chips, so those scores are likely from desktop chips... anyone able to confirm/deny?
     
    moogleassassin, Jun 12, 2013
    #251
  2. NIMCHE

    NIMCHE Notebook Guru

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    Just ordered one in the US and Estimated Ship Date: 07/19/2013 but I was at least get price discount for Sony employee family member. Bloody sales tax is killing.
     
    NIMCHE, Jun 12, 2013
    #252
  3. moogleassassin

    moogleassassin Notebook Consultant

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    heh - was bored and annoyed that Sony havn't offered the i7-4650 with the HD5000 here. So decided to work out how much it would cost to order one from the US and pay import tax and stuff to have it delivered to the UK.

    According to this site - What products can be imported duty free? - DutyCalculator Help Center it seems laptops are exempt from import tax from US to UK and all you need to pay is the VAT.

    So building my i7-4650, 8GB, 256GB Disk, 4G machine on the US site it comes to a very reasonable $2019.99 that converts into roughly £1,288 (Sony is laughing at us...) so even if I have to pay £100 for shipping and the VAT of £250 it comes to £1,645 - which is still over £200 cheaper than I can buy the LOWER SPEC MODEL for in the UK.

    /Discuss.
     
    moogleassassin, Jun 12, 2013
    #253
  4. heavenly_wild

    heavenly_wild Notebook Deity

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    ^ Can you purchase from Sony US with an international credit card?
     
    heavenly_wild, Jun 12, 2013
    #254
  5. Ashers

    Ashers Notebook Evangelist

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    ^ I could never get used to a US keyboard - no double-height enter key and no £ sign!
     
    Ashers, Jun 12, 2013
    #255
  6. misterjames

    misterjames Newbie

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    I asked Sony in live chat and they said the Duo 13 does not have GPS. They also confirmed that there is no connector for a sheet battery.

    I like the Vaio Pro 13 for the PCIe SSD but the Duo 13 has Intel HD5000 graphics and better battery life. Still sounds like a winner to me.
     
    misterjames, Jun 12, 2013
    #256
  7. billo87

    billo87 Newbie

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    1539€ ???
    by by Vaio Duo 13 :hi2::hi2::hi2:
    You are too expensive
     
    billo87, Jun 12, 2013
    #257
  8. niea

    niea Notebook Enthusiast

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    It's strange that Sony Japan says that it comes with GPS, but I cannot find it in US site.
    Google Translate
     
    niea, Jun 12, 2013
    #258
  9. Clerish

    Clerish Notebook Enthusiast

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    The Core i5 4200U definitely has a HD4400: ARK | Intel® Core


    It actually has GPS, you can see it in the customization page of the UK store... Unless the USA version doesn't have it, but I don't believe so.


    Yeah, the Europe price is ridiculous. Fortunately I have a friend who lives in the USA and is about to come to Italy for a business travel, so I could ask him to buy it for me.
    Do you think he would have to pay customs even if he says it's his pc?
     
    Clerish, Jun 12, 2013
    #259
  10. hesperusphosphrus

    hesperusphosphrus Newbie

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    I have about $1500 max to spend and I'm considering either a higher-end Duo 11 or the base Duo 13. Will the performance be on par with one another?
     
    hesperusphosphrus, Jun 12, 2013
    #260
  11. everunman

    everunman Notebook Enthusiast

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    It depends on how important battery life is to you and if you get the extra battery included then the weight increases too.
     
    everunman, Jun 13, 2013
    #261
  12. moogleassassin

    moogleassassin Notebook Consultant

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    moogleassassin, Jun 13, 2013
    #262
  13. IntelUser

    IntelUser Notebook Deity

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    Just look at Intel's page. You don't need to look anywhere else. The HD 4600 explicitely is for Quad core and Desktop variants. The Ultrabook GT2 is HD 4200 and HD 4400. HWINFO is just reporting it wrong.

    Here: http://cdn.wccftech.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Intel-Haswell-HD-Graphics.png

    The change is of course HD 5200 is called Iris Pro 5200 and HD 5100 is Iris 5100.
     
    IntelUser, Jun 13, 2013
    #263
  14. lololha

    lololha Notebook Enthusiast

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    Looks like you are right :( I just saw this. Sony Launches VAIO Duo 13 and VAIO Pro 13/11 Ultrabooks - HardwareZone.com.sg Looks like Duo 13 will be more expensive than SGD$1999 for the base model.
     
    lololha, Jun 13, 2013
    #264
  15. Widerthan5

    Widerthan5 Notebook Geek

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    $1999 for the Pro 13 I am right LOL! But the prices are very vague.

    $1999 for i5
    $2499 for i7

    Knowing Sony, I'm pretty sure its i5, 4GB RAM, 128 SSD and i7, 8GB RAM and 256 SSD respectively.

    One last thing - I TOLD YOU SO. :D
     
    Widerthan5, Jun 13, 2013
    #265
  16. lololha

    lololha Notebook Enthusiast

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    Probably more than $1999, 1999 is for Pro 13 only. TBA for Duo 13
     
    lololha, Jun 13, 2013
    #266
  17. lololha

    lololha Notebook Enthusiast

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    So what are you going to buy for your next notebook now that you know the prices?
     
    lololha, Jun 13, 2013
    #267
  18. Widerthan5

    Widerthan5 Notebook Geek

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    $2.6k for Duo 13 high end model.

    BTW, GOD DAMMIT SONY SINGAPORE, WHERE IS OUR RED EDITION???
     
    Widerthan5, Jun 13, 2013
    #268
  19. Widerthan5

    Widerthan5 Notebook Geek

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    I actually prefer the Red Edition with i5 (uses less power) + 8GB (no lag) + 256 SSD (fast loading). Perfect combo for studies. But Sony SG seems to hate the mid rage configuration. May get it overseas instead. But currently leaning towards the Pro 13. Which version depends... No idea which version yet...
     
    Widerthan5, Jun 13, 2013
    #269
  20. lololha

    lololha Notebook Enthusiast

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    Oh you are in university now? I will starting university in August. Wouldn't it be much more expensive to get it overseas due to shipping cost?
     
    lololha, Jun 13, 2013
    #270
  21. Widerthan5

    Widerthan5 Notebook Geek

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    Look at the prices in USA. After my desired configuration + GST (Over $400) + Comgateway Fees + Insurance + Currency converting = Still cheaper than Singapore. LOL.
     
    Widerthan5, Jun 13, 2013
    #271
  22. lololha

    lololha Notebook Enthusiast

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    I thought Red Editions are only available for the most high end configurations?
     
    lololha, Jun 13, 2013
    #272
  23. MikeTLB

    MikeTLB Notebook Consultant

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    Good day everyone. I just got the Vaio Duo 13 for some tests (i5 version, in white). It's a press sample and I'll have it for a couple of days. If you have any questions or things you might want to know about it, shoot :p
     
    MikeTLB, Jun 13, 2013
    #273
  24. lololha

    lololha Notebook Enthusiast

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    Is the reflection caused due to the fixed angle bearable? Anyway I look forward to your review on your website. :)
     
    lololha, Jun 13, 2013
    #274
  25. Widerthan5

    Widerthan5 Notebook Geek

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    No idea. But if there is a red edition, I may consider it even if its the high end model.
     
    Widerthan5, Jun 13, 2013
    #275
  26. niea

    niea Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm looking forward to your detailed review like Vaio Pro 13. Various benchmarks would be really appreciated.
     
    niea, Jun 13, 2013
    #276
  27. Widerthan5

    Widerthan5 Notebook Geek

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    Any chance for a video review?
     
    Widerthan5, Jun 13, 2013
    #277
  28. moogleassassin

    moogleassassin Notebook Consultant

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    I'm really keen to know the 3dMark2011 benchmark scores (performance mode). there has been conflicting information about how powerful it is and I for one would like to know once and for all.

    Other than than, just how the screen angle reflects lights from above.
     
    moogleassassin, Jun 13, 2013
    #278
  29. leonardtan

    leonardtan Notebook Enthusiast

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    That is great, MikeTLB! I am interested in the quality of keyboard and trackpad in Duo 13 as compared to those in Lenovo laptops? :) Is the size of the trackpad appropriate for actual use? Thanks a lot for offering to help!
     
    leonardtan, Jun 13, 2013
    #279
  30. teiger

    teiger Notebook Consultant

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    How is writing (with pen) on it? Im afraid that its too high, so its kind of uncomfortable to write. Is it ok to lay rest your arm on the screen while writing?


    About the NFC question. I bet its works will all Sony devices.
     
    teiger, Jun 13, 2013
    #280
  31. joeneo13

    joeneo13 Newbie

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    Could anybody post the new Wallpapers pls.
    Thx
     
    joeneo13, Jun 13, 2013
    #281
  32. Clerish

    Clerish Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thank you! Does it have actually have GPS?
     
    Clerish, Jun 13, 2013
    #282
  33. Ashers

    Ashers Notebook Evangelist

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    Great. Looking forward to yor review! One of the problems wit (sic!) the Duo 11 was the keyboard - a number of people (including me) found that it didn't always register the keypress. To me, it seemed to be that if you didn't hit the ey in the centre, it didn't always register the keystroke - you can see a couple of examples in this message. A quick way to test is to repeatedly tap a key not in its centre ut in the corner and to see whether every keypress is registered. To me, that's the biggest annoyance with the Duo 11, and it would be great if its resolved in the 13. Thanks!
     
    Ashers, Jun 13, 2013
    #283
  34. everunman

    everunman Notebook Enthusiast

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    The Australian prices have been released and they are aud$1699 for i5 and $2799 for i7 and considering the 20% difference in currency exchange,I think you maybe wrong on the i7 at least.
    The i5 duo 11 was aud1499 where it is 1999 sgd, im guessing 2200 sgd for i5 duo 13 and 2999 sgd for i7

    But I hope im wrong as im in Singapore in August and the i7 would be much cheaper for me to buy about aud 2082 and tax tourist refund mmm
     
    everunman, Jun 13, 2013
    #284
  35. ascariss

    ascariss Notebook Deity

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    I don't get this, all normal countries seem to be having these laptops introduced, but no not Canada, pfff, it said Sony Canada. :mad:
     
    ascariss, Jun 13, 2013
    #285
  36. Widerthan5

    Widerthan5 Notebook Geek

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    Hardwarezone had the article up yesterday. The prices for the PRO 13 are confirmed. DUO 13 TBA. There is a link to the article on the previous page by another poster.
     
    Widerthan5, Jun 13, 2013
    #286
  37. everunman

    everunman Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ok sorry thought you meant duo 13, be interested in the confirmed SG prices, thanks
     
    everunman, Jun 13, 2013
    #287
  38. Widerthan5

    Widerthan5 Notebook Geek

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    DUO 13 will definitely be about 100 to 200 more. That is the SRP in USA. So more or less we can expect the same in Singapore.
     
    Widerthan5, Jun 13, 2013
    #288
  39. Azaloth

    Azaloth Notebook Enthusiast

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    Can you test to see if the HDMI port can output resolutions higher than 1920x1080. This was a limitation on Ivy Bridge hardware that I'm sincerely hoping has been corrected on Haswell.
     
    Azaloth, Jun 14, 2013
    #289
  40. han_solo82

    han_solo82 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi,

    If you have access to a screen calibrator, telling us the color gamut (in % of sRGB and aRGB) and color accuracy would be great!

     
    han_solo82, Jun 14, 2013
    #290
  41. PaULsKi

    PaULsKi Notebook Guru

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    Hi mike, Is the palm rest metal or painted plastic/carbon? If so, what else is metal? thanks!
     
    PaULsKi, Jun 15, 2013
    #291
  42. niea

    niea Notebook Enthusiast

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    niea, Jun 15, 2013
    #292
  43. ota-con

    ota-con Notebook Deity

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    ^
    In HK it's around 1660$ US.

    I am currently undecided where to get the DUO 13 from...I want to get it CTOed from the US for the I7-4650 and HD5000. In HK, only I74500 with HD4400 available.
     
    ota-con, Jun 15, 2013
    #293
  44. Euphorus

    Euphorus Notebook Enthusiast

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    2600nzd... Darn, we got the short end of the stick.

    Here i was, hoping to get an upgrade this year.
    Looks like i'll be one of those people getting it overseas.
     
    Euphorus, Jun 15, 2013
    #294
  45. moogleassassin

    moogleassassin Notebook Consultant

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    hi there. I am also giving serious consideration to importing from the US due to the i74650 & HD5000. Has anyone done this before and how would I go about it?

    Could I get a uk keyboard?
     
    moogleassassin, Jun 15, 2013
    #295
  46. heavenly_wild

    heavenly_wild Notebook Deity

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    I nearly fell over seeing the price for the 128GB was $2599. Seriously?

    Off to Aussie I go to get my Duo 13, if I even get one now considering I want the 256GB version.
     
    heavenly_wild, Jun 15, 2013
    #296
  47. valrond

    valrond Notebook Geek

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    .
    EUR: 1539€ = USD 2,053.03

    And European. You just forgot the second largest market.
     
    valrond, Jun 15, 2013
    #297
  48. win150

    win150 Newbie

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    I am happy to share the shipping cost with you
     
    win150, Jun 16, 2013
    #298
  49. valrond

    valrond Notebook Geek

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    Well, to put things in perspective, the Asus Transforme TX300, with 4GB/128GB SSD, last gen i7, less battery life and 1 pound heavier with the keyboard dock, is 1561€ at amazon.es. For that price, I can get the Duo 13 with 8GB RAM/256 GB SSD, with only 3G and the students discount. And I very much prefer the Duo 13 to the transformer.
     
    valrond, Jun 16, 2013
    #299
  50. ngvuanh

    ngvuanh Notebook Deity

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    ngvuanh, Jun 16, 2013
    #300
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