Sony Vaio Z i5/i7 (VPCZ1) Official Owners Thread Part 2

Sony Z i5/i7 Official Owners thread part 1.

Ok, there were some complaints about the size of the other thread so i closed it and moved the last couple of days post over to this thread which is part 2.

...........................................

Best I can do in 20 minutes...

Sony VAIO 1080p Display at 100% text scaling:
YouTube - Sony VAIO Z12 1080p Display

I'll try and get a better one up when I have some free time.

 

Sorry for the confusion it was very short research and assumption on my part when i made that statement. The reason i did is because I was using Newegg as my source of SSD drives and noticed the connector inside of the caddy is a micro SATA connector. So its safe to say if the SSD drive has a micro SATA connector and is within the size limits it should work. can someone link a SSD drive here with micro SATA 256 or larger for me to see? The caddy overall is still a great solution.

 

thanks for the great video, Nice camera btw.

 

I have ordered mine in the Glossy Premium Carbon 8 gb ddr3 ram, i5-540m, and long life battery, 128gb sata hd, and 1080 display ....due this week

 

Anyone know the current best deal for a Z in the UK?

 

A big thank you to jimmyego and digitalfiend for all their effort in helping me choose the right configuration. I will let you know on my decision in the next couple of days. Thanks!

 

So - payment processed means that the machine's been completed? I got the payment processed today but est ship date is still 8.28!

 

@tripmaster:

Man don't hope for anything other than a protector for the OLD Z, sorry to tell you so, but I got mine already.

It was a mistake that we didn't confirm the photos first, plus the Adrenaline rush took us onto the wave to protect the precious darn Z.

 

I bought my Z with 128GB of SSD RAID with the plan of upgrading it in the future some time as SSD gets cheaper and when my warranty expires. I put my money in blu-ray because I figured it would be harder to source the special blu-ray drive than it would to find SSD's to fit. I have been using SSD VAIO's for a while. UX 390N, UX490N, I also did a similar caddy style upgrade to a T350P swapping the main drive and the optical drive for SSD. I have no problem with surgery, the Z seems a lot easier to work on that the tiny UX.

I would also like to do some sort of built in 3G, yest I know it can come with Verizon but I want GSM based 3G. I might just settle for a Globetrotter 3G express card.

 

Thanks very much for that. What camera did you use?

 

Initially I had the same thing in mind. When i bought my first two Z's I opted for the 128 SSD's but then the deal for the upgrade came around and I just had to jump on it. Now they're offering the 256SSD for only $150 more. Well you seem knowledgeable enough to do the job so I understand your decision completely as for the 3G the Verizon model has it built in through the Gobi card. all you need to do is unlock the firmware. there are post on here showing how to do so.

 

you are saying that the Gobi card on the Verizon model can be used for other carriers when unlocked? This sounds funny to me, Verizon is CDMA/EVDO, I want GSM/EDGE/HSDPA!

 

Yes that's right I have a SIM card slot in my battery bay and anyone with the Verizon broadband. The Gobi card runs on all network infrastructures its only advertised with Verizon because its in the US market and maybe they have an agreement with them, but its Dual band GSM/CDMA and has software on the EU sonystyle that unlocks the firmware to work with other GSM providers.

 

Has anyone outside of the US being able to successfully buy the vaio z from the US online store? Every time I visit sonystyle.com and proceed to create an account, it asks for school info (I'm apparently at the education store with no idea / no links to get to the "regular" store).

 

https://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wc...0151&langId=-1&categoryId=8198552921644570897

Whats the LCD part number of the LCD in the Sony Vaio Z Series with 1920 x 1200 WUXGA LCD? If I wanted to where could I get one of those LCD replacement units?

Can some guide me or help me look it up using SIW app - SIW | System Information for Windows by Gabriel Topala ?

 

Not sure if this helps, but this is what came up (positive rep welcomed )

 

No problem. I used a Canon HF200 which is a 1080p camcorder but has horrible low-light performance. I plan to do a better video as the colours shown aren't really as vivid as in person. I think the pot lights and relative low-lighting of my basement office skewed the colours a bit. Video was shot on P/AWB/60i/MXP (1080p) and scaled to 720 30p in Vegas Studio 10.

Mainly, I just wanted to give people an overview of what the screen looked like @ 100% text scaling. I had a really hard time deciding between the 900 and 1080 screens - mainly due to people saying that the 1080 screen was less bright, that the text was too small, etc.

For me, the brightness is perfect for an office setting and full bright at night is almost too bright, so it certainly isn't under "powered". Sure, it might be too dim for outdoor use on a bright day, but that isn't an issue for me. Viewing angles aren't awesome but, once again, not a concern for me. The text at 100% is perfectly readable (to me at least), which was an added bonus. The colours are amazing and rich, text is ultra sharp, and it gives me a ton of screen space in a 13.1" form factor. That's win-win all around for me.

I'm very satisfied with my choice.

I think my biggest concern is whether I'll end up with hinge issues like some people here. I treat my laptops extremely well and always open and close the lid from the centre, so I'm hoping I won't have an issue.

 

Thanks for the effort.

Surprising that it came up with blanks as compared to whats on my T61.


Model: LTN141P4-L02
Monitor ID: LEN4022
Manufacturer Lenovo
Manufacturing Date 2005

They are making it on their own or its a separate product line of its own by a manufacturer... because it doesnt show a Model number at all.

PS: You're using the 19xx LCD at 16xx res?

 

Yes in fact i run the Z to an external monitor @ 1024X768 that has a native res of 1600x1200 99% of the time but 1600x900 when using the Vaio's FHD screen since I don't like to strain my eyes I bought the 1080p to have the option of going smaller if needed and to help with the value if i decide to resell it later. I figured with my monitors i almost never run in native mode anyway, so how bad can it be and quite frankly it looks fine to me

 

If you want a configured one, as I did, you can only go to Sony Style.

If you want one of the standard configuraitons I couldn't find much variation, but a half on hour on Google will find all the current prices. My problem was that I didn't like the standard configurations. 128Gb SSD was not enough space for me and I didn't want to start having to hack my unit with third party imported caddies from the outset (happy to do so after a period of use, but not on day one)

You could try the grey (US) imports from Vizik.com. They had exactly the configuration I originally wanted (and had specified on Sony Style before hunting around) at around £500 less than the UK price. Their pre-sales query responses were fast and excellent but I was scared off by the number of complaints about delays and mistakes and a slight worry about warranty.

In the end I went for a minimum spec 500Gb HDD model with the intention of swapping it out for a third party SSD unit in a year or so, when I can afford a 512Gb SSD.

 

thanks Ian, appreciate it, rep given.

 

Thanks

 

Is that already answered? Does extended battery work fine with the dock?

 

I bought my Z from Netherlands, it has exactly the same prices as in the UK, but in eur instead of gbp
The catch is they won't ship it to you outside the Netherlands, but if you find a shop that is willing to order it for you..

 

I wish I knew that before I bought mine, damn it. Is it possible to add the Gobi board?

 

That's a good question! Not sure, though I don't see why not. In fact someone here with a non broadband Z stated it appears there is a slot for the SIM card in the battery bay with a piece of plastic in it, which might be a dummy SIM card. Maybe you can take a look at it and see if it can be removed which may indicate the possibility. Or maybe someone else here might know if its possible?

 

I guess it's similar to the gamble of a US import: non-UK keyboard, virtually useless warranty to save a few pounds. I remember the days when Sony Style gave Quidco and discount codes - ho hum.

 

finally bit the bullet and opened the Z up!, very straightforward thanks to the tips from you guys tightened up the screws on the hinges - closed her back up again and ... perfect! Forgot to check if i have the GOBI while she was open ... darn

 

A power supply question this time. I have been in a discussion withe the Powergorilla people. they don't list the Z12 in their supported range, but believe it will work as long as the Z12 can be powered by the same 90W power supplies that some other Sony models use.

Does anyone know if the Z12 is particularly unique in this respect or whether it can be powered/charged by one of the bricks from another current (or recent) model?

 

Actually it's EU-warranty, so it works in Poland (where I reside), Netherlands and the UK. I even bought extended warranty (2+2).
As for the keyboard - I don't suppose there are many keys you'd miss

EDIT: I've just read the documents, I even got international warranty, in case I wanted to move to the US or other Korea.

 

So... It looks like I do have a SIM slot, I wonder how much it will cost to buy the GOBI board, and if the proper antennas are in place inside the Z. I imagine there aren't antennas ready for it. Crap, I really wish I knew that the GOBI board supports GSM. Built in WWAN is way better than getting an express card.
One more question, is the WWAN in the P series the same deal? The P Signature series has Verizon also.

 

Yes, the same Gobi 2000

 

The guy from world tech services is here he is trying to get my bluetooth working properly... it's a long story. I got to have a look inside the Z when he had it opened up. It looks like the GOBI card can fit right under the Blu-ray drive. Can someone with a GOBI card take detailed pictures of this... and also tell me how it connects to the motherboard? I am thinking about buying one from Sony parts and installing it myself. Also it seems like the problem with my bluetooth is that it doesn't seat properly. Has anyone noticed their BT board not seating well on the motherboard?

 

Do you prefer how non-native resolution looks over adjusting the dpi setting?

 

yes
10 chars

 

Check smartwii to see for sure if you dont have the Gobi.

 

Hi all,
Considering that orignal thred exeeded 700 pages i want to take initiative and start Part II of the thread for Sony Z owners.
If moderators disagree you could remove this one of course, but i think it will be useful to start fresh. My self, i followed original thread quite closely, but it got to big at some point. And if anyone new comes along, i think you will agree with me, will loose him/herself in attempt to find any useful information in that gigantic thread.
So....I have just put order for my Z. After a lot (and i truly mean a lot) of reading on the net especially closely following this thread and Thinkpad forums i have made decision to go for Z(X) with following specs:
CPU - i7 620M
MEM - 8GB
SSD - 128GB
Screen - FHD
WWAN - yes
Keyboard - US int with backlight
No fingerprint scanner. I find it totally useless as a security measure. There is nothing easier then getting someones fingerprint in corporate environment and to think that you will be safer....well, i do not think so, so i omitted this option.
I will substitute CD/DVD drive with caddy with 500GB hybrid disk. On the main SSD i will run OS, keep all work related data on it. Extra HD i will use for my media files, backups etc. I will be not even auto mounting this drive, only when i need it. Why not go with SSD you'll ask? well as all you know 500GB hybrid disk costs +/- €100 while SSD.....you know - lot's more
I ordered my Z in carbon black, not glossy carbon. I thought glossy would be more fingerprint friendly (is it right way to put it?).
And i really took a gamble on that full HD screen. I mean, i inted to use this laptop for 3/4 of the time for read/write tasks. So i'm kind of "wondering" will i be able to read on this insane screen?
I have seen (scaled) screenshots and i think i will be just fine, but still it's a gamble. Unfortunately here in the Netherlands i was not able to find any store that would have this laptop in stock. So i get a chance to see it "live". I guess i will find it out in just about two weeks.
My alternatives were, no it was just one - my all time favorite Lenovo x201s. But considering ratio of cost of the unit and what i was getting for that prize (hardware-wise) Z bit x201s knockout in the first round.
I just really hope Sony Z can par build quality of big blue (or i should say small blue - x201s is 12"-er)

 

Yea I actually do! For reading text and surfing I have it set to default 125Dpi 1600x900 When i first purchased the Z its was a Z11 when they were out of FHD screens and then going to the FHD on the Z12 it was hard to adjust my eyes to how small it was. It had a dead pixel on that unit but having seen both I decided I liked the 1600x900 better but at the last minute I decided to stick with the FHD and just drop the res since i realized that every monitor i use I've never ran at native resolution anyway. I've heard about it not looking as good as in native mode but the trade off to have the 1080p option wasn't worth it. I can still watch 1080p movies, switch back when needed and it still looks fine to me.

 

my Z12 has been put back another week 1st week of September

 

I plan to dual boot with windows XP from my hard drive caddy and had a few questions maybe someone can help..

1. Does anyone know if the drivers available for download on the Sony site works with the 32bit XP or if its for the 64bit version only?

2. I'm also pretty sure I'll need a windows 7 dvd to recover the boot menu. Do they sell the windows 7 dvd without a cd-key at a cheaper price? and if so how can i get purchase one?

Thanks in advance!

 

TigerBone or anyone else with a large battery -

Would you consider the higher typing angle being more or less comfortable than with standard battery?
Any regrets or other considerations on choosing the bigger battery?

Thanks in advance

 

I prefer my keys to be angled up since that's usually how i use my keyboards on my PC but I've had both the large and standard battery and they were pretty much the same but I like the difference in the feel of the inverted keys and I'm still able to fit the large in my bag no problems.

 

@TigerBone:

You can download 2 ISO files or at least one of them, then you can use it as follows:

1. Windows 7 Repair Disc ISO (Clear Enough, as the name implies)

LINK:

Download Windows 7 System Recovery Discs — The NeoSmart Files

Its Legal btw, and I think one create it using the original Windows 7 DVD or even better, through an already Installed Windows 7 OS.

2. Official Windows 7 (All versions) ISO Image

LINK:

Windows 7 ISO x86 and x64 Official Direct Download Links (Ultimate, Professional and Home Premium) My Digital Life

Again, its Legal, as long as you use your KEY to Install/Activate it, or in your case, Use it to repair your Windows 7 Installation.

Hope that helps...

Mods, Please remove link if it violates forum rules, although its not for WAREZ and/or CRACKED software.

Will

 

@TigerBone:

Here are the Drivers for Windows XP for your Z:

its for the Z1290X, but it should be the same for the Z1xxx

Sony eSupport - VPCZ1290X - Software Updates & Drivers

AND, since you already have the Windows XP CDs (I suppose you got them with your machine), then don't worry about the drivers on the Sony site.

i.e.: If your Windows XP is 32-bit then the Drivers on Sony would be 32, and so.

 

Thanks a mill! + rep given.. Actually it was a stand alone version of winXP 32 bit that I had laying around not from sony but on the sony site it doesn't specify whether the drivers are 32 or 64bit

 

@TigerBone:

Did some research and it turns out, the Windows XP Drivers for the Sony Z are for the x86 version of the OS, that's 32-bit version, So you are good to go in your project.

 

Your the best!! thanks again!

 

Thanks for this info! I've done it and I've updated also the drivers to the last stable unofficial version (with a fairly recent Intel driver) and this problem has gone away.

David

 

So I opened my Z up after the tech left today. I turns out he installed the BT module backwards... that is why it was not working. I still have the dropouts but i have just disabled USB selective suspend on all the power plans, perhaps this will fix it.

 

Which drivers are you referring to? Can you provide a link? Thanks.