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

Just a quick question, does anyone know if there are any Vaio Z1's in the sony outlet? I've looked for a few weeks but never seem to find any on there.

 

In the S.M.A.R.T. tab there should be some more details (unless you were already looking there ): http://puu.sh/95Dk

Apparently 11.5 might have TRIM for RAID, but I can't seem to figure any difference for the current one.

 

hey there Namaiki... i just looked in the software again a few minutes ago (i was looking in there earlier this morning but didn't do hex ) Ok i found the #9 hours (0xf5e or 3934 hours). Looks like we have different SSDs... yours is Samsung and mine is Toshiba... and they have slightly different info/report. (Attached is my screen shot.)
Bye.

 

Aaaah! I completely forgot about the different models of SSD - I've got a Z11.

Thanks for the screenshot. I suppose your SSDs look to be in top shape.

 

Anyone got FN+F9, FN+F10 on vpcz1 to do in-app zooming out/in or that's completely impossible for g.p.? There's a click upon pressing those keys, however nothing seems to happen.. I have an idea that it works in static graphics mode to switch between resolutions, will test it tomorrow

 

What do you mean by g.p.? I can get the FN zoom working in Internet Explorer, but for some reason it doesn't seem to work in Chrome.

 

Yeah, IE - works, Firefox - does not, browser related then, filed a bug to ff team
gp=general population, not developers and hackers (=

 

Hey guys, long time no see,

So recently my fan has become kinda loose (in the sense that it's catching on things and making a buzzing sound). Does anyone have any solution to that other than flipping the motherboard and accessing the fan assembly? (wait do you need to flip the motherboard?) I'd do it myself, but seeing as this laptop is hella expensive and I dont want to risk it, i was wondering if anyone else got a solution.

Thanks!

 

I dont know if this was your original intention, but another way to do zoom in and out in windows and for most programs is by pressing the Ctrl+'=' and Ctrl+'-' buttons. Don't think i've personally used the fn+F9 or fn+f10... I think i've tried waaaaaaaay back in the past, didnt work, so i reverted back to ctrl+'=' because ctrl is easier to press than fn anyways

oh and @namaki, I just ran Hard Disk Sentinel on my Z11 with 192GB (3x64GB Samsung SSDs) and it showed 100% everything (no bad sectors). I'm sure these SSDs have a leeway for bad sectors no?

 

I just purchased a Z13 and it should be delivered by Tuesday. What is the first thing I should do on it? Remove bloatware, tweaks, etc.... What kind of accessories should I get? I'm thinking of getting an invisible shield for the lid. I have purchased a caddy, a 750 gb harddrive and 8gb ram to upgrade it so far. I am very glad to be a part of the wonderful Z community.
It was bought for $1,400 off eBay, brand new.
Specs- Intel Core i5-460M, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD, 1600 x 900 display,DVD R/RW, silver color.

 

Sounds great!

First thing to do: upgrade BIOS, make a backup with VAIO Care, fix your HDD and RAM and do a completely new install of Windows. You can use Activation Backup & Restore to fix it, and you can download a clean image of Windows 7 Pro right here. Before you install, undo the SSD raid, secure erase both SSD's and link them again. Then get the latest Intel RST driver on a USB stick (unpacked), and make sure to load it during the Windows install. When it's installed, only install the Sony utilities you need, and avoid installing drivers Windows doesn't find by itself.

But perhaps being that neurotic about having a clean and up-to-date install is just something I do and nobody really cares about

 

Hello Guys...
As there is a dearth of DVD-R/DL in my locality , I have tried feeding the DVD+R/DL in my VPCZ128GG but the ODD which is a DVD-RAM type won't write data on it,
If I force NERO to write data, errors will arise that makes the resulting disk unreadable in DVD player. Is there a turn around that I can make this ODD to do it...write data on the available DVD+R/DL instead of the recommended DVD-R/DL?

 

Not sure if it applies to DL versions but DVD+R benefit from setting book type to DVD-ROM (so the reader sees it as one). That will disable ability to append any sessions to that disk but if you are writing it in one session, it helps. Also, try to lower/limit write speed - going to lower speed often improves compatibility.

 

I just got my z a few hours ago and I noticed that it won't stay flat on the table, the bottom right wobbles. Please help

 

Originally posted by ZugZug

Never been familiar with this book type thing...so do you mean there are means to make a particular DVD disk to be usable for any kind of DVD writer available.... Nowadays the DVDRAM player is the most popular and unfortunately its highly disk selective,,,unlike the previous DVD burners...

So you imply even my ODD will only read DVD+R, can it be forced to write data on that kind of disk? I had done this a few times but only ended with unreadable disk...

 

Mine has this too, only slightly though. I only notice it when I'm actually trying to see IF it wobbles.

 

I wouldnt say mine is slight, you can definitely feel it when you are typing.
Sony Vaio Z :: 0f880077.jpg picture by Mets3214 - Photobucket

 

Here's what book type is:

Book type - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Many DVD recording programs support setting this parameter. It helped me a few times in the past to make DVDs that were readable in all DVD readers/players, including settop/standalone devices.

 

Did you place your VAIO Z notebook on any other table to check if it still wobbles?

 

Maybe its missing a rubber feet?

 

I second this ^. Although, it might just be bent out of shape... you can try bending it back though

 

Can someone let me know how to disable the Dolby Surround Sound? I heard that helped the sound quality somewhat.

 

right click sound icon -> playback devices -> double click speaker/hp -> dolby tab

 

Can anyone tell me where to buy a Vaio Z thats through a store (online or otherwise) thats not very overpriced? I've been burned on buying laptops through places like ebay and i'd be more comfortable buying from a place where I could make a return if something was wrong with it (i know you can do that with ebay but its a lot more of a hassle to do so).

 

Are there any authorized retailers still selling the VAIO VPC-Z1 series notebooks? I thought all of those retailers don't even have them anymore? Or maybe I'm wrong?

I would think that at this point in time, your only best bet is to acquire one through eBay.

 

I managed to find one in Belgium by emailing all (about 30) Sony Centres in the country. Only ONE store had just ONE left, brand new Jumped in my car, drove all across the country (okay, it's only Belgium, only took two hours) and bought it ^^

Your best luck would be either the Sony Outlet store or any store that previously had them and might still have one.

 

Notebookreview market place might have some. If not, maybe lovelaptops will sell you one of his . In any case, your best bet is Ebay. I'm pretty sure Sony outlet is completely outta them this late into the game.

Edit: check here:

http://www.techforless.com/cgi-bin/tech4less/VPCZ13EGX/B

128gb, 900p though $1235.50, refurb w/ 10% off here: http://www.techforless.com/cgi-bin/...6&utm_medium=cj&utm_campaign=cj&utm_source=cj

When i poseted this there was 1, so... yeah. Trusty site, this site sold a buncha refurb 160GB ps3's for $140 on black friday (I'm a slickdealer)

 

That would be perfect except I checked out the notes on the machine and it said it has vertical, green artifacts running down the screen.

Edit:

From the website: "Open tested good. Unit is preloaded with Windows7 and boots to EULA LCD screen is damaged and shows green artifacts vertically in screen."

 

ahh, darn sorry didnt read that (good thing you did)

 

First post, apologize beforehand for the length, but I have been searching with no luck for answers to this problem:

I own a Z series VPCZ12LGX Love the system, but a few weeks ago it just turned itself off while working and wouldn´t turn on. However, it would try to turn itself on every time I opened the lid, to no avail as it would turn itself off after the BIOS screen. Sent it to a service center, they cleaned it up and the problem appeared to solve itself. Two weeks ago the problem reappeared, and they came back with a "main board needs to be replaced" solution, and a USD$1,300 estimate for the change. As I don't have that money lying around to fix it (is 4 weeks past the end of warranty date), decided to make the change on my own and found the following information:

1. If I kept opening and closing the lid during startup the computer would work (only manage to make it happen once, but I believe further attempts were unsuccesful due to timing)
2. If I disconnect the data-bus going to the keyboard right after the BIOS screen comes up, the computer works. I just need to connect a USB mouse and keyboard and it will work flawlessly.
3. I managed to identify that I can just disconnect the data-bus that goes to the power-switch board (instead of the whole keyboard section) at that time, and will achieve the same result as point 2.
I figured that either the data-bus that goes from the keyboard to the power-switch board is shorted or the power-switch board is damaged.
4. I tested the power-switch board and appears to be working correctly, which leaves the bus.

I am trying to find a suitable replace cable, but found that if I close the lid while working the problem appears again.

So, I have a couple of questions:

a. Have someone had a similar problem, and if so, how was it solved?
b. Does someone know where the sensor that identifies when the lid opens-closes is? as it may have something to do with the problem.

Thanks in advance. This has been killing me as I believe it to be an issue with a simple part, and can't really use the laptop in the meantime.

 

I have a crazy idea but it might get you running in the mean time. If you manage to boot normally with an external keyboard and mouse trick, go to advanced settings of power plan and set action to "Do Nothing" for lid close.

I actually prefer it that way as I can put laptop to sleep any time with a key combo (Fn+F12).

 

Hey, sorry to hear about your problems.

I can only answer #2 for you. It's a magnet in the top of your screen (by the webcam) and when it's close the magnet must trigger something in your palmrest (or beneath it). Sorry I couldn't be of more help

 

Hmm, actually it sounds like the power button is stuck, since it doesn't do anything when the lid is closed.

 

That's how it's supposed to work on Z: when lid is closed power button does nothing.

 

Thank you all,

I'll run some tests during the weekend. Will let you know results.

 

yo, so wanting to talk EXTERNAL HARD DRIVES

I have an old (2006 even maybe) western digital which my vaio z doesnt seem to be able to recognise. even among EHDs, western digital seem to be notoriously fickle, but im not sure if its my vaio z or western digital.

in any case, im getting a new one, preferably 1TB+

suggestions from fellow z owners??

 

1. The Marketplace does have one in nearly brand new condition for a very nice price

2. What's with the regarding a certain person who loves Z1s and hunts down the best deals out there, sells some for $100 over cost and hoards the rest for, you know, when all computers suck forever more and I'll have all the good ones. (With all due respect to the would-be buyer in question, he's a very nice guy who approached me 3 times, but doesn't actually want to buy a Z1, even one of two brand new ones I had. He feels the technology is already outdated. Believe me, I know; right D?

3. As you wrote, there were 2 Zs in the Sony outlet, not damaged, but refurbed to brand new condition, both under $1,200.

 

Do refurbs from Sony come in practically new condition? and is the SSD usually in good condition or has it worn down?

 

Expresscard Express card 34/54 to 2 x USB 3.0 Port Adapter (Fully Inside Laptop) | eBay

^ I've just purchased one of these. Any idea if the Z1 might have trouble powering this card or the drives if it's attached to one or two 2.5" hard drives connected via USB 3.0?

Hopefully it will work without issue, because I'm looking forward to getting rid of the current junk eSATA card that I have that requires me to put the computer into standby before I plug/unplug anything into it.

 

Finally, I can help you with something! First, here is a thread with a good deal of info on the topic, including eSATA and USB3 ECs: http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...ies-esata-expresscard-review.html#post7035926

Second, your card looks a lot like the one many of us use - 1 usb3 port only -very successfully without additional power: Buy.com - ExpressCard 34mm to USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Adapter Card.

I bought an IoGear 2 port EC USB3 hub, but not only did it stick way out, it needed the (supplied) AC adaptor to run even one port, much less two going into hubs. I believe there was an even more recent thread about someone trying to run hubs off an EC USB3 and I think they ultimately succeded.

If you really want to have a reliable, one-port USB3 EC for the Z1 (again, can't vouch for whether it will drive a hub - it may, but you may need a jumper from a USB2 to one of the USB3 slots to power it), get the AKE card linked above and use Pyro's drivers that are in the thread I linked above. From there, you can experiment with the more elaborate schemes you're hoping to achieve. I can tell you that the IoGear will power hubs, but you have to use its AC adaptor. Since the one you linked on eBay does not seem to have a place to plug in an AC adaptor, it may be that it doesn't need one.

Anyway, I hope this gets you forward in your search. Please let us know how it goes; might be best to post this to the ExpressCard Esata/uSB3 thread noted above.

 

The overall condition of the refurbs is good to excellent. They do not replace SSDs, however, so you inherit it with whatever age it had on it from owner #1.

What happened to your brand new/replacement Z13?

 

I saw a fully featured Z13 without the 1080P screen and bluray drive on the sony outlet store for 1700 and I wanted to purchase it but it was gone 30 minutes after I found it.... I still have to wait 2 weeks for another brand new Z.

 

If you're not in a hurry and you're willing/able to check the Sony site (and eBay) several times daily, you will probably find another deal comparable. You're paying top dollar for the new, base model, but new is new and there is (often) a premium for that. Of all the upgrades you might find, I think 256GB SSD and, if you prefer it, the FHD screen are the only things worth holding out for - unless of course you have a huge collection of Blu ray discs! You can probably find a used or refurb Z1 with those features for about the same price as you are paying for the new/sealed base model. Even the storage can be upgraded via SD card (128GB class 10s falling in price) or, if you don't need DVD, any drive you choose in the DVD bay. If you think there's a decent chance you'll want to sell it in the next year or so, I would suggest you buy one with 256GB and, if possible, FHD, as these two will add far more to resale value than the fact that you were the first owner - it's only new once!

Still, your choices are all good. The Z1 seems destined to remain a "classic" for some time, even well past its hardware "sell by" date, and that goes both for its utility to you and likely robust resale value. Take it from me: I'm on my fifth

 

mm interesting question

what does everyone think?

 

okay dudez so im sick of the would-be-apple pop up at the top of the screen

how do i remove this - has anyone else does this before?

 

Could you post a screenshot? Also, try quit the dock application, I'm sure you can get rid of it.

 

umm not sure how to post a screen shot, buts its just the standard toolbar thing function at the top of the screen, that comes preloaded

how do i quit the dock application?

 

Sorry, I can't recall. Have you tried right-clicking it?

 

ok just actually had a proper go at getting rid of it, and theres an option to 'not load at start up'. great, thanks.

 

Did anyone remove the stickers from the bottom of their notebook? All the stickers on mine (a huge one, two big ones and four small ones) are starting to get a bit loose around the edges and it's a bit annoying. Perhaps it'd be a good idea to just loosen them carefully and stick them to the back of my invoice ?