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

Hi,
I am not sure the significance of this ?

I am aware of the IPv4 & IPv6 numbering and that IPv4 is now exhausted.

However, since we connect to the internet via an ISP & auto DNS etc, how will this cause a problem - or will it become apparent when we try & navigate to a IPv6 web address?

Anyhow, I would hope that either we get an updated driver or the WWAN provided s/w will cater for this somehow.

To date, I have not exprecienced any problems (that I know of)

Cheers,
T

 

This thread got me thinking... is there a simple explanation of what is IPv4 and v6?
I have noticed on that I never have IPv6 connectivity.... is there something wrong with my setup? I took me a lot of playing around with my wireless lan setup (I have a D-Link 855)
If I hover over my wireless connection it shows I am connected as WPA2-PSK, 802.11n

I am using AES for encryption. Any suggestions welcome. It seems like the fastest I connect is 130Mbps. I seem to remember when I first set it up to connect with N (by changing the WPA and AES in my D-Link setup) that I was connecting at 300Mbps

 

Most consumer network devices and ISP's don't support ipv6 yet. Windows Vista & 7 have ipv6 support built in. Problem most likely is your network device. Short description i found on another webpage.

IPv6 (IPng) vs. IPv4
Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6), sometimes called the "next generation" IP protocol (IPng), is designed by the IETF to replace the current version Internet Protocol, IP Version 4 ("IPv4"), which is now more than twenty years old. Most of today's network uses IPv4 and it is beginning to have problems, for example, the growing shortage of IPv4 addresses.

IPv6 fixes manyshortages in IPv4, including the limited number of available IPv4 addresses. It also adds many improvements to IPv4 in areas. The key benefits of introducing IPv6 are:

- 340 undecillion IP addresses for the whole world network devices
- Plug and Play configuration with or without DHCP
- Better network bandwidth efficiency using multicast and anycast without broadcast
- Better QOS support for all types of applications
- Native information security framework for both data and control packets
- Enhanced mobility with fast handover, better route optimization and hierarchical mobility

Unlike the familiar IPv4 addresses which are 32 bits long, written in decimal, and separated by periods, IPv6 addresses are 128 bits long, written in hexadecimal, and separated by colons. An example would be:

ipv6 : 3ffe:1900:4545:3:200:f8ff:fe21:67cf
ipv4 : 192.168.1.3

 

I am in the process of replacing my Thinkpad X200 and am considering the Sony Z. Here in Hong Kong, I can get a new Z135GG for around USD1400 with this spec:

Operating System
Operating System Genuine Windows® 7 Professional 64-bit (English Version)
Language Pack / Language Interface Pack Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Arabic, Thai
Processor
Processor Intel® Core™ i5-580M Processor 2.66 GHz with Turbo Boost up to 3.33 GHz*1
Chipset Intel® HM57 Express Chipset
Architecture
Memory Bus 1066 MT/s
Cache Memory 3 MB (L3 Cache)
Main Memory
Pre-installed 4 GB (2 GB x 2) DDR3 SDRAM*2 (upgradeable up to 8 GB*3)
SO-DIMM Slots DDR3 SO-DIMM slots (Unused Memory slot 0)
Storage
Hard Disk 500 GB*4 (Serial ATA, 7200 rpm)
Graphics
Graphics Accelerator NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 330M GPU(SPEED MODE) / Intel® HD Graphics(STAMINA MODE)
Dedicated Video Memory 1 GB DDR3 (Speed Mode)
Display
Display 13.1 inch wide (WXGA++: 1600x900) TFT colour display (VAIO Display Premium, LED backlight)

The full link of the spec is here: VPCZ135GG/BIE1 - Sonystyle.com.hk.

It doesn't have an SSD or an optical drive which I am OK with. My two questions are:

1. Does the above seem like a good deal and price?
2. With the recall, are the new Sandy Bridge or Sony Z laptop refreshes likely to be before April 2011, which is my absolute deadline to buy a new laptop?

Thanks in advance.

 

For me its not an impressive unit, if you are not in a hurry wait for new offers or if you can't wait get the VPCZ128GG it also available in hongkong at reasonable price. It has an quad SSD and optical drive

 

I think that's an average price for a HDD model Z... i'd go with 1080p if it were an option.

In response to when the Sandy Bridge Z will come out, that's early summer, June at the earliest. Have you considered/seen the SA models? there's a thread on them on this forum. Purportedly coming out in March if not early April to the US.

 

Many thanks for the quick reply. Unfortunately in HK there doesn't seem to be any customization options, so I need to go with what's available on shelf. That being said, I haven't seen anything regarding the SA models, will check those out and I appreciate the heads up on that.
Regarding the upcoming Sandy Bridge models, do you think it is fair to say that they would initially cost more than the USD1400 I can get this laptop for anyway? I am sure they will update a few other things too, like the ports connectivity, graphics card, webcam, overall materials, SSD only (perhaps?) etc, along with the processor and have a feeling that they may start well over my USD1400 budget regardless?

 

Thanks for the thoughts and alternative model idea. It looks great but USD1400 is already pushing the limits of my budget, hence why I was considering the Z model I mentioned. I can get an X201 in HK for the exact same price as the Z model I mentioned with same processor and hard drive. However, it has no dedicated graphics card, a smaller and lesser quality screen and no HDMI port, which seems silly to pay the same money for. I have an X200 now and enjoyed using the machine, but feel a Z may be a step up in overall power performance and quality of screen for the same money. I saw the US giving some great deals on Z's and Thinkpads that we just don't seem to get here unfortunately.

 

Europe is also more expensive then the US and Canada for the Sony Z.

I myself bought a hdd version of the Z last november. It fulfills my current needs for a laptop. I can always upgrade the hdd to a ssd in the future. I personally don't need the extra speed of Sandy Bridge. It's nice for benchmarks but my internet browsing and office apps usage don't go any faster Their is always something better and faster on the horizon.

The Sandy Bridge chipset, not the cpu, has a problem at the moment and Intel is replacing it with a new version. I don't know if companies like Sony are going to replace all motherboards preemptive and replace them with a new one or just wait for customer complaints to exchange them. The current platform is a proven one.


The Sandy Bridge Sony SA is the expensive model with multiple SSD and screen resolution of 1600x900. The Sony SB is a cheaper version which comes with a hdd and a lower resolution screen (1366x768). You can find more info in the SA/SB topic on this forum.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/545391-sony-sa-sb-discussion-sonys-next-new-13-3-laptop-68.html

 

Thanks for the great feedback. I went through some of that thread which was quite interesting. I feel that the new SA/SB will not replace the Z however, which should get a refresh of its own at some point. Just my two cents from what I read.
I think your point regarding whether there will be a preemptive replacement of motherboards is a big one. That decision could either mean a laptop refresh this month from various manufacturers (which many have speculated) or several months from now. It's an unknown for sure but does play on the mind when dropping USD1400 on a laptop. Such is life I guess when buying electronics, but no less annoying.

 

No problem. I choose the Sony Z for it's functionality, not to have the most expensive configuration. I don't like to pay for things I don't need. A slower bootup and file access is not a problem for me. I choose the 1600x900 screen as it's a little bit better for my eyes. The 1080p display is too small for me but that's my personal opinion.

My Sony TT has a ssd but thats mainly due too it's slow cpu. The hdd was just too sluggish in performance. I don't have that problem with my Z.

 

You can use the touch pad to increase the size of the letters; even if I am using 1920 x1080 I can make the font bigger if i want to so it does not strain my eyes, I can also change the screen resolution if i want.
My point is
If your unit is installed with full HD screen then you should you should enjoy it!
BTW
If you are in a budget you better stay away from Sony VAIO as they are indeed expensive, stick with your favorite Lenovo...
Keep in Mind that VAIO notebooks are a breed apart in pricing...and appearance.

 

I wouldn't say Lenovo is my favourite, just happen to own one at present. I can get an X201 and the Vaio Z in HK with the same HD and Processor as mentioned in the spec I posted for the exact same price. The X201 has no dedicated graphics, no HDMI port and a poorer quality screen, so I presumed the Sony Z value was far better in this case. Would you agree?

 

Here is the X201 spec. Fortress

The Z I posted is the same price and seems like the logical choice, although I have no major hands-on Z experience other than playing around in the shop for a few minutes.

 

Most would also agree that the Thinkpad has a higher durability than the Z. So you can take that into consideration. I would not think twice about throwing a thinkpad into a backpack while running to my next class, for my Z however, i'd carefully slip it into a case within my backpack and baby that thing. There is also the problem with the fading palmrest (only in black/carbon fiber Z's atm, havent heard of silver having the problem) and the loose hinges, which are starting to annoy me, but nothing a little tightening wont fix (but you do have to open up the Z

 

Fair point and something I will consider for sure. I think I'll give it a few more days thought before pulling the trigger.

 

Yes.....I prefer the VIAO Z for that. if that will be my unit which had poor screen quality i just get a net book

 

Well I had a Sony VAIO GP series that is already 6 years old and the palm rest paint really had faded,it stainless or maybe magnesium aluminum alloy but still working well..

So from that Sony VAIO, its indeed a durable noteboook that is built to last...so from that good experience i prefer my notebooks to be VAIOS.
The carbon fiber which should be strong should be expected to be a durable unit

 

I think the Z is pretty durable but it's light weight makes it feel more fragile...

 

Help guys!
Is this a screen hardware failure?
The laptop has not suffered any hit/drops/bumps.
I left in on the table and then went away. When I came back these dots were on the screen.
It's not dust or lint.
Sorry for the large pics...just wanted you guys to see the dots properly.

 

Yeah, it should be tough as carbon fiber is supposed to be robust.
BTW, how do I put signature in my post...
I can attach my vaio z specs on it. and I don't see any button or something to do such...Is there a requirement before you can put your signature on it?

 

Hi, it may seem like a weird question but do you have a lot of insects where you live?

It is a bit hard to see exactly what it is but I have seen something similar once or twice before and it actually was small bugs crawling in between the layers of the screen panel and then dying. Its quite unfortunate when this happens as you cant really clean them out of there but I have only seen it happen on LCD screens not LED ones. Im not saying it is that as its hard to see and it might not be possible for this to happen on LED screens but its a possibility from what I can see.

 

Thanks for the reply!
I don't have alot of insects where I am.
This actually happened in my office at work. It was plugged in on my desk. I left to do something. 20-30 minutes later I come back and the dots were there. I don't think anyone tampered with it since my office is locked when I leave it.
When I look really closely, they don't look like insects.

 

In AOL webmail, if any one here still uses it, is there anything I can do to increase text size? I'm able to increase text with Firefox when surfing the net. There's nothing in AOL settings and preferences that allows me to up the text size.

Tried Fn & +; does nothing. Thanks.

 

It is an LCD screen. LED, in this case only refers to the type of backlight. It uses an LED, vs. a flourescent backlight.

 

does it appear in both Stamina and Speed mode? I can't really tell if they're stuck pixels? Can anyone else? It looks like a shotgun splatter or something...

In any case, if they are stuck pixels... time to invoke warranty. Or if they're not... i'd still invoke it... there's no reason the screen should be like that.

 

Have you tried to shout down and restart your Z? I'm curious to find out if you've done this. Did it disappear? Or did it disappear temporarily and reappear again. Please keep us updated.

 

EDIT: remove to post in main Sony forum

 

Thanks for your replies!
It happens both in stamina/auto/performance.
I can see them already when I turn on the machine.
When the screen is totally black, those dots appear to be somewhat transparent green.
Factory restore doesn't solve the problem.
Those dots don't appear on an external screen via VGA.

Does anyone know if they sell this screen on Ebay? I couldn't find it.
I would rather not send it to Sony since I am not in Hong Kong.

 

That would mean bad pixels then. How long have you had your Z before this occured? Was it a CTO? So what your saying is that its permanent screen markings from Start to Shut Down.

 

I had my Z since March of last year when it first came out.
I find it funny that it just out of the blue happened...especially when I treat it like a baby...no bumps or hits whatsoever.

I just did a test trial now and managed to disassemble the screen.
I guess I will order the screen and have it shipped to me express and hopefully all will be good.

Will this work in my Z117?
Is this the full HD panel?

New Genuine Toshiba LED Screen LT131EE11000 VPC Z11 119 - eBay (item 290460828885 end time Mar-02-11 05:32:46 PST)


Another question...when I get the new screen...I just plug it in and it will work?

Thanks for all the help guys!

 

Re: Windows Update History
Is it just me .... no new Windows Update since around 1/11/2011...?
thanks.


EDIT: nothing earlier this morning. but i just forced it to look again and suddenly there are now 11 new updates!!

 

They should replace it... that's a valid warranty claim... but in any case. You can find the LCD part # on the VPCZ11/Z12 technical manual. OR on this forum at places.

 

I agree with Achusaysblessyou. That's definitely a valid warranty claim.

Furthermore, doesn't all the VAIO notebooks now come with a standard international warranty for the 1st year? ota-con, your VAIO Z notebook is still within the 1st year of purchase, so I would think that you can send it in for service at your local Sony Service Center instead of having to ship it overseas to Sony HK.

 

Thanks for all your replies!

Yes, my Z comes with an international warranty but it doesn't include Israel.
It means I have to send it overseas. The problem is, it will probably be taxed when it comes back to the country (taxes are quite hefty here). Plus, I don't know how long I will be without my laptop...I need it for work and studies...it's my main and only computer.

Let's put it this way, it will be cheaper and faster if I order the screen and install it myself. And I won't be computerless.

I just hope it is the screen that is faulty and not some other component...any opinions on this?

 

I doubt that screen replacement will be an easy option. they might recommend the whole unit to be replaced? That seems to be norm with other laptop manufacturers i know.

 

If the dots are there from boot-up ... then it's most likely a screen problem. It's unfortunate that you can't get warranty support there for such an expensive laptop, but you can try this:

5 Ways To Fix A Stuck Pixel On Your Screen

Exhaust all those options first. I'm not sure if it's a stuck pixel or a dead pixel. The fact that those affected pixels seem to be in like a shotgun scatter seem to indicate maybe a surge of electricity? I've no clue though. But try the unsticking pixels link i sent you hopefully they'll do something.

 

I just sold my VPCZ119FJ/S and bought a VPCZ14AFJ, It arrives tomorrow. Any one know the difference between the Z11,12,13 and the Z14?

 

I know the Z13 in US has the addition of TPM support and SDXC. Z14 has ZERO changes aside from the option for a 1TB SSD. Don't know the differences between Z11 and Z12 though.

 

OK, that's what I thought. I know the Z11 and Z12 are practically identify if not identical. They offer the same processors and everything. The Z14 is upgradeable to a Core i7-640M 2.80 ghz.

 

Oh that's right, the Z13 also has updated chipsets over the Z12. The Z14 chips are the same as the Z13- my Z13 has the i7 640M.

In terms of drastic differences between the four models, there are none.

 

Thank you for your reply! I really appreciate it.
Yes the dots are there from boot up.
There seem to be more blotches now and the blotches themselves kinda spread themselves out and became translucent. Weird stuff. I will post some pics when I get home.

I tried your link for unsticking pixels and it doesn't help.
Whats' weird is, if I bend the screen a bit there are ripples around the dots/blotches...as if there are physically present in the panel. Also, if I press hard enough on the screen it spreads the dots/blotches...like smearing.

I have ordered a screen already and it should arrive on Sunday. Taking aprt the laptop and screen was a lot easier than I thought.

 

Anyone here had this issue? I've had my Z12 freeze up twice in the last few months while watching flash videos. The screen would go black and it would repeat the last fraction of a second of sound so it would be like a buzzing noise. I would have to hold the power button to turn it off before being able to boot it again.

I first happened on a Justin.tv video stream (running full screen) and just happened on this LA Noire gameplay video while running in 720p (also running full screen).

 

Sometimes, on Boot Up and Shut Down, I see, for a quick second, a white background with black vertical stripes. What exactly is this? I was told this is leading to issues, true?

 

I get this also (once in awhile) and my Z13 is only 2 weeks old. I don't think there's anything to worry about.

 

I see this once in a while too... but not on boot up and not on shutdown. I see it at the Windows log-on (password/fingerprint) page. When this flicker happens we can see the video switching from the undefined/on-board mode to the speed mode... the LEDs next to the speed/stamina switch lights up when it's at this log-on screen.

 

Ahh sounds more like leaking pixels as opposed to dead pixels maybe a surge or something caused the problem... I'm just speculating. Well, when you do take apart and replace your LCD would you mind taking pics of the deinstallation/installation for the rest of us? Thanks!

 

In my haste, I forgot to make a recovery disk from my z14. I'm trying to find a way that doesn't involve paying 50 bucks to get one...

 

Unless you deleted the recovery partition, you should be able to restore by hitting the recovery key (F10 I believe) while booting.

 

Sounds like you deleted the partition already? If you did... that's unfortunate but there are other options like making an image of your drive now since you already got all ur programs installed and whatnot in case you have to restore in the future.