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

hey everyone,

so my Sony Vaio-Z motherboard recently died and i sent it to Sony Switzerland for repair. unfortunately, because everything is expensive here in Switzerland and coupled with the Sony Tax, the repair would've cost me 2,300 CHF or around 2,000$ at least..... so i decided not to have them replace the motherboard.

does anyone have any suggestions on reliable and decently priced international laptop repair shops/sites that would change a Sony Vaio motherboard?

if worst comes to worst.. i can always bring it to China when i go for holidays and have the local technicians replace a motherboard. the only issue i have with this is that sometimes they see that it's a European model and might actually switch it with a crappier local model or use fake/incompatible motherboards for the repair :/

any suggestions would be welcome!!

 

Is it the VPC-Z? In which case, isn't it under warranty?

 

i indirectly bought it at jr.com but i first registered at fatwallet which gives a 4% cash back from buy.com who lists for jr. i know that sounds convoluted. i liked jr because they have a 30 day return policy. buy.com and other of its offered vendors even have a 45 day policy but some have restocking fees. my concern was that if i got a lemon that i could exchange it. so long answer to a simple question. i paid $2199. the bb card is the only difference b/n the two models that i've found. if you don't need the bb, i would save the money and get the z135.

 

I did a search of your previous posts. From that I was able to determine that this is an answer to a question that Geee asked you, about 2 pages back.

It's more or less customary to hit that little 'quote' button when you post your reply (that just makes it easier for all to know what's going on) especially on a thread with as many simultaneous conversations going on as this one.

 

It is under warranty but Sony repair deduced that my motherboard died because of a short-circuit and they blamed it on me. So they wrote back saying that a fee will be charged if they were to replace the motherboard.

Do you know of any reliable international laptop repair shops which I can send my vaio to?

 

Is there a way to remove a super fine scratch (1 to 2mm long) on the aluminum surface? I accidentally hit the corner of the Z on the table and got a fine scratch on aluminum surface near the AC adapter plug and the battery. I'm so OCD

 

I have a similar problem as well, the Sony repair centre ppl sent back my vaio z with a scratch on the lid that's like 5cm long, you can't see it unless you specifically put in the sun and look for it.

I'd also like to know how to get rid of the scratch

 

The deal is long over. There were some threads on here (search for Canada, it can't be too hard to find). Basically, it was $900 off, 160 orders in total, where 100 of them got cancelled. I'm one of the lucky 60 (although I had to wait over 1 month).

I love the screen, it's perfect at 100%. I was going to go with the Envy 14 which is the same resolution, bigger screen but I wasn't able to order from the US site.

 

Hi - I haven't heard any responses to the above question, so I'll rephrase it. Has anyone ever been able to upgrade the SSD in a Vaio Z to a larger capacity size? If so, how?
Will

 

Thanks.

That happened to a previous laptop. Your lucky you got yours back with one fine scratch from Sony. I received my notebook with deep scratches; approx. 4-5 scratches on the lid and scuff marks underneath. I lodged a complaint immediately (operative word is "immediately") and Sony replaced the entire lid with what I think was a refurbished one (based on how rough it felt), but they did not replace the under carriage. I'm sort of worried if ever I have to send my vpc-z, as I know it won't be returned the way I sent it.

 

Yup, happened to me as well: I had a few dead pixels at the bottom of the screen and I've sent it to Sony for a screen replacement. It took a very long time to arrive and it came back with a very large and ugly scratch on the back lid.

Since I already waited about 5 weeks for the laptop to arrive, I didn't care that much anymore about the scratch and just kept on using it since, but the fact that it returned scratched so badly from Sony is annoying. I thought I was the only one.

 

yep. clearly a newbie mistake

 

I have asked this problem before but as I was not able to respond to the thread maybe it was just forgotten by people who understand this issue:
What I would like to know is:
In my Vaio z 1128gg is the home and end keys not really functioning the way it is in a normal laptop?
I read previously that you need to fresh Fn and home or end keys to enable it to work. Is this really the way how to do in this particular vaio Z?
What was the cause of this peculiarity ?
I look forward for an explanation as this had been bugging me ever since I got my vaio z.
Thanks in advance?

 

In my opinion Sony repair doesn't give a damn about user satisfaction. They probably have this attitude where they think us consumers are outrageously arrogant for daring to send a vaio back for repair, in their mind vaios are faultless and sending one for repair is snubbing them. So that's why the try and return our vaios in the worst conditions possible, to teach us a lesson

I was thinking of filing a complaint and asking for a free replacement lid.... But I'm worried they might brake something else or give a used one in even worse condition :/

 

I start to think it's a kind of cost cutting program for the technical support...dissatisfy as much user as much as possible to be sure they spread the word all over the world so that other users really think twice if they send in their notebook for repair ;-)

 

I did notice that you have asked a few times now. So I will answer you. In this way you can be at peace.

If you look at the keys that have Home and End written on them. You will notice that the Arrow markings are in white. This means that when you press that key it will act like an arrow. In addition, they have the writing that indicates Home and End in the special , exclusively Vaio, purple color.
Note that the Fn key is also in the special Vaio purple color.

It is for this reason that you have to press the Fn key to convert the arrow key to become a Home/End key. It's because Sony designed it that way. If it makes you any feel better about it, I have a Vaio Z505 and, guess what, it is exactly the same way. The funny thing about that is, that was my primary computer back in 1998.
(That's how long they have been doing it that way). The other funny thing about that is that back then, the ENTIRE computer was in the special Vaio purple color.

There are programs available that help you to remap your keys. If you wish to maybe reverse the Home vs. left arrow functions, you could use one of those to do it.

 

Thanks a lot for that Oscar!
You really gave me a sigh of relief...!
Regards

 

I have misplaced the noise-canceling headset that came with my Z11 unit. Does anyone know the model number for them?

Thanks

 

Noise Cancelling Headphones:MDR-NC021LP/BM2(Set)

 

Does anyone know how to add bass boost via the Realtek sound driver of the Sony Vaio Z? I tried updating the driver to the latest version from the Realtek website, and still - nothing. It seems the Sony drivers keep 'taking over'. In the Speaker/HP Properties -> Enhancements section there are only these options:

Noise Canceling Function
Environment
Voice Cancellation
Pitch Shift
Loudness Equalization

Yet I know for sure there should be a bass enhancement there. Did anyone find out how to add it to their Sony laptop? Or at the very least, how to add an equalizer for the Realtek sound driver for windows 7?

Any help will be greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

I own a Signature Z11, and the past day or slow, I've started to notice some lag. This is mainly with Firefox, as everything else still loads pretty snappy. But I'm quite concerned with Firefox at the moment. This is due to my fan also started to fire up more than normal (as if the machine is taxing more heavily).

I have uninstalled/reinstalled Firefox, run TuneUp Utilities (love that program), CCleaner, Spybot, and my antivirus (as I did hit a bad website yesterday). Nothing turned up with Spybot or my AV software, so I don't think that's the issue. But I can't figure out what the issue could be (unless it's just paranoia). Has anyone encountered a slower load time with Firefox or another browser? It used to come right up...maybe two seconds if there was lag. Now I'm getting 8-10 seconds.

If you have any thoughts, please share them. Thank you.

 

Is there a special hardware part in the Z that makes noise cancelling even better? To date I always assumed that the headphones do the noise cancelling bit.
My Sony didn't come with the headphones, but I'm thinking about getting a pair. Do any noise cancelling headphones work with the hardware, if indeed there's something special going on there?

 

I tend to use my BOSE earphones over the ones that came with the Z. I think they have noise canceling capabilities - its been a while since I've had them. It's worth considering if you don't mind that brand. Audio is awesome.

 

On all my computers, I have noticed firefox is lagging lately, on startup. I think it's firefox. Try an older version.

Lately, I find myself using chrome most of the time.

 

Hey guys, I don't know if you guys experience it, but on my Vaio, my CPU is constantly at 25% due to a process called PresentationFontCache.exe (you'll see it after you go into task manager and check the box that says "Show processes from all users")

Well, anyways, i managed to fix it by renaming: FontCache4.0.0.0.dat to FontCache4.0.0.0.dat.bak as outlined in this thread:

PresentationFontCache hogging CPU

This "problem" is not limited to Vaio Z's either... apparantly anything that runs Win 7 x86 or x64.

Maybe this fix will cause me to have better battery life... since i get dismal batt life compared to some of the ones reported here...

 

I'm also finding my function keys are lagging. When I want to lower the volume, the F3/F4 buttons are slower to respond.

Also, when I shut the machine down, it goes to the screen it shows when it's waiting for programs to close...only, there's nothing to close. So I either have a virus that's very-well hidden, or I'm suddenly having severe performance issues.

 

Hey gang, its been a long time now since I posted, and I have a tiny question:

I'm debating between the 5400 rpm vs. the 7200 rpm, made by WD, as I just got the caddy from Modusxxx, and want to through in one of these.

My concerns are as follows:

1. NO Vibration is acceptable whatsoever

2. Battery life is extremely important

3. SSD taught me to NOT worry about moving the lappy while its on, but going back to needle and platters, I'm worried, unfortunately, I need the 500GB, which I cannot get with an SSD (very Expensive) So is it SAFE to use?

4. They, "WD" talk about a Free Fall Sensor, and SecurePark Technology, Will it be safe ordering the HDD Online, and getting it Safe & Sound? with no Bad sectors due to Shipping ?

Your feedback is So much appreciated.

Will

 

I just went into the task mgr, hit the show processes from all users, and I cannot find the process you are talking about.
I do not allow Windows to do updates by itself, but have noticed it keeps wanting to update Visual C++ 2005
I took a screen shot for you.. have a look.

 

Not everyone will have the problem, but I myself have had that problem for the past month or so, so I just wanted to give you guys a heads-up in case you were experiencing the same problem. .

As for updating Visual C++ 2005, i'd say let Windows do that. AFAIK, the Visual C++ packages allow programs written in C++ to work on your computer.

 

Are they headphones or earplug style? Have you got a model number for them?

 

Why is that? I have Windows on "Automatic" Updates.

They're Bose "In-Ear" Buds. They only make 1 Model. In fact, Bose recently redesigned them. If your in the USA, you can go to Best Buys, try them for 30-Days, and get a refund if not completely satisfied. They cost about $89.99. Best Buys has them for 10% off now and then. Let us know what you think. Good luck.

 

Strange. I'm in the UK and can't find anything about them, only the ear cup style kind. Not even the Bose website carries any info on them...

 

Hey guys....

Last year in October I bought a $500 HP DM3 to last me through High School. I will most likely just give it to my family after I graduate.

Senior in high school right now, and next year I'm going to go to university for a Industrial Design and Architectural Degree.

I've been looking at laptops and right now the Sony Z seems like the best option.

However, I'm probably not going to buy it until I absolutely have to, so probably August.

Here are my questions:

1. So is Ivy Bridge going to most likely be in the Z by August, or should I not count on it? Quad-Core sounds extremely enticing.

2. Will a better graphics card be most likely be available in it?

3. How much battery life do people get with the Sony Z with the extended battery?

4. Is it cheaper/better to buy SSDs from a third party and isntall them yourself or should I just go for the SSD upgrades from Sony?

5. Does the Premium Carbon Fiber add any advantages and is it worth $50?

Thank you guys! Rep will be added!

 

I downloaded and install the z13 video drivers for my z12. Then I ran the Windows Experience Index assessment and my graphics score dropped from 6.4 to 6.3. Is this normal? Also I used the recovery program and restored my Z to its factory setting. The harddrive performance dropped from 7.5 to 7.4. Does that mean my SSD is degrading in performance as well?

 

Don't know, but I will probably sell my Z12 if a new one comes out with quad core. That being said I have the i7 and it is extremely fast

Don't know

Lot's, I've never run it out, I would say 6 hours if you hammer it

Not really, good SSDs are very expensive either way. I got 128GB in my Z12, when I get a new model I will probably just get the upgraded size from Sony.

I opted for the 128GB with the idea that I could upgrade myself, and although I can... I probably won't.

Depends what you like. It is not stronger or anything like that, it just looks cool. I am a fan of the premium options, I got every premium option except SSD and RAM figuring I could upgrade those myself later. I am very happy with Premium Carbon, Blu-ray and 1080P.

I think if you want to save $50 black would look just as good, like I said I only bought it cause it said premium next to it.

 

Here's the USA Bose website: LINK

 

Headphones update: I just learned that apparently only some Z's support noise cancelling. The ones that do have a slightly odd shaped 3.5mm socket, to accommodate the Sony headphones. These are special ones that had noise cancelling that works only in conjunction with the Z's hardware.
My Z, which didn't come with these headphones, also doesn't have that particular socket. Therefore the Sony headphones wouldn't fit. Only normal ones, or headphones that have an external noise cancelling module.

 

Well nope the Z successor will be out by Feb 2011.
And at the person who asked the questions - yes there will be a better graphics option and better battery life. Please refer to the thread on Z successor on Sony forums here.

 

Where did you hear of this? I have never heard of this.

 

Somewhere else on this profile.

 

That's not really an answer is it?

To be more specific: Please relay the information such that others can check out the statement. Maybe post a link, or give the specific info about the differences in what you refer to as the oddly shaped connector.

It is a surprising statement, I have not heard it before.

Also, what do you mean by somewhere in this profile? Do you mean on this thread? On this (Sony) forum? or do you mean somewhere on this website?

 

If anyone's looking to pick up a Z, Sony Style has 20% off Refurb Vaios through 12/8 with code OUTLETVAIO20.

Perfect timing (NOT), as I'd just received my Z11, so since they won't adjust existing orders I got an RMA for it and will return it. Bought one with the same specs but with the 512GB quad raid instead of the 256GB dual raid, but for about $100 less. Woot.

 

This video shows you what the premium carbon fiber and glossy premium carbon fiber lids look like. It's a little hard to tell from the video, but the premium carbon fiber lid just has some texture to it. It's very subtle. The black lid (not in this video) won't have that same texture. YouTube - VAIO Z???? New Model ????????????????

In my opinion, the upgrade is not worth $50. You do not gain anything in strength or anything like that. I would have purchased black if it was an option.

 

Many people have asked about the premium carbon fiber glossy finish on the lid, so I finally decided trying to take a good picture of what it usually looks like and some fine detail.

Since it is a very high resolution image you can see a few big imperfections on the surface, it is not a defect, it's some dirt I did not notice when I took the photo.

The link to the pic is here:

fibra! | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

I hope you guys find it useful!

 

Alright - thanks guys.. Rep has been added.

One last question, is right after it comes out the best time to buy it, or will there most likely be a good sale before August? I am not familiar with Sony stuff, but do they havea back-to school sale like Apple?

 

yay, finally got my z13 CTO, it's a beaut

Just a quick few questions, is there anyway i can turn off that orange sleep mode light on the power button? I don't really need a light for that button when my computer is in sleep

Also, anyway i can lock the Fn key? I tend to use volume up/down, brightness up/down Fn keys much more than i use f3,f4 or f5/f6 - i wish i could lock Fn key somehow

 

Here's the link:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/501220-sony-noise-cancelling-ear-phones-came-vaio-z.html

 

I went and read through that "Thread" and its also based on speculation and a list of "wish lists" - nothing confirmed. I really don't think Sony will redesign the VPC-Z so soon. I do believe that there will be a couple more refreshes and when Sony redesigns the Z Series will you then expect better specs. such as "Sandy Bridge". We'll see.........

 

For those who got the 128gb SSD, what is your windows experience index for your hard disk.

 

I would love an answer to this as well.