Sony Vaio Z i5/i7 Official Owners Thread

Absolutely agreed.

 

Here's the link to the discussion regarding 1080p vs 900p if you're interested. They are not engaging in bashing. Just a good conversation regarding the merits of both -

http://bit.ly/cJyfvG

 

Thanks for that. They look pretty much the same. How can that be? Are you sayingthe fonts sizes are the same, etc.?

 

Ah.... those look like screenshots. They look the same to me which makes sense if they are screenshots. A screenshot just takes of dump out of memory which isn't dependent on the resolution of the screen. The issue is how that memory mapping is displayed. You have to look at the display device for that. So instead of screenshots, we need photos of the actual screens.

 

I'm saying the font sizes are the same on a 1600x900 13.1" screen with 100% DPI scaling as on a 1920x1080 13.1" screen with 120% scaling.

The pics look similar because one is just a rescaled version of the other (i.e. rescaled from 1600x900 to 1920x1080). It also depends how you're viewing them. You need to view the two pics at 100% size, no resizing.

 

Got it. Thanks. Let me ask you this...would the text be about the same size on a 1080p 13.3" screen as it is on my F 16.4" screen with both at 100%? Thanks.

 

Thanks a million!

 

have you ever had any trouble viewing dialog boxes or pages at 125 scaling or have you ever encountered a problem with that dpi in any programs you might have run

 

Im currently waiting for my 1920x1080 Z, but I changed the DPI scaling to 125% on my old laptop to test if it would mess with the formatting of documents and web pages. The only problem I had was that many of the icons and images became blurry. Is this just because my laptop has a low resolution to begin with (1280x800 on a 15.4" screen)? Although i didn't see any problems with the formatting, has anyone that currently owns a 1920x1080 Z noticed any problems with the formatting of documents and web pages when ran at 125% scaling?

 

Of course not, it would be smaller.

Font size = DPI of monitor * DPI scaling

DPI of monitor = resolution / physical size of monitor

You can use www.pxcalc.com to calculate DPI of any monitor.

If you get, say, 140 DPI for one monitor, and 168 DPI for another, then at the same DPI scaling, font sizes will look 168/140 = 1.2 = 20% smaller on the 168 DPI monitor compared to the 140 DPI monitor (assuming the same DPI scaling on both).

 

I can't comment too much because I haven't used Windows 7 with non-100% scaling much, but my general understanding is that it tends to work pretty well in most cases, but it is certainly not absolutely perfect in all cases. YMMV and hopefully someone with more experience can give their opinion.

 

I use it all the time. Mostly at 150%, sometimes at 125%. It mostly works. Some webpages look funny so I just crank it back down. Not that apps also respect it so it can lead to problems say with video. It gets blow up as well. I'd prefer it if video didn't do that. A 640x480 video pretty much fills the screen.

 

I'd like to know this as well

 

Thanks Shurcool. It seems that one needs to determine just how they will/want to relate to and live in the digital environment. Am I the type of person who will want to keep adjusting the dpi? Do I want a seemless experience where I just go and everything fits? Will I watch a lot of movies especially Blu-Ray? What I do know is that I have Z890 with DPI at 100% and everything fits and is right sized for me.

 

actually you can see a slight difference if you have two tabbed windows and go back and forth between each image you can see the edges on the 1080p are slightly sharper yet the font sizes are the same

 

Amusingly enough, Sony's own apps do not respect it. I got both a Z and an X this time around; so when I would run the Recovery Utility to create discs, it would look proper on the X, but on the Z, I had scrollbars everywhere, and the window was not resizable. Quite annoying; I couldn't figure out why... then I reinstalled Windows and went to the default scaling (rather than the 125% that it was on), and THEN it clicked in

So yes - some apps just do NOT respect it.

 

Anybody know of a good keyboard skin to protect the screen from scratching on the keyboard. I usually buy one of these ( Keyboard Skin Cover Protector Sony VAIO Z11 Z Series - eBay (item 160409681553 end time Jun-30-10 10:58:42 PDT)) but dont know if they work well with the chicklet style keyboards.

Also, still wondering if there is a good third party warranty company out there to warranty the Vaio Z. $400 is way too expensive.

 

can someone post some pictures of this forum on a 1920x1080 screen, so I can see the size of the words (preferably a high def photo)

 

I am also interested in this.

BTW, where is everybody, watching football?

 

Do you want a 1920x1080 screenshot, or a photo of a 1920x1080 screen? At 100% DPI scaling?

 

That should work, but it's for the US VAIO Z, will not work for the Euro version

 

preferably a photo but whatever you can do is fine

 

Can always adjust down to 1660x900 right to get the same font sizes as the regular screen right? Anyways, I'll find out soon enough as I just ordered the 1080p screen. The Sony rep talked me into it. He was adamant that he has seen the 1080p scaled downwards and it looked just like the regular Z. Talked me into the free upgrade. I'll know soon enough.

 

Had my Z122GX/B for 3 days and love it so far. Best laptop I've had so far. Worth every dollar so far.

 

I would like an actual photo of the 1920 X 1080 screen with dpi at 100% and at 125%, if I could be so bold. Really curious as to how readable it is. I know about 90% would never use it in that resolution, but I may be part of the other 10%

 

Fixed my crashing problem when my fresh install would go to sleep. Used the drivers from the VPCZ12BGX on my VPCZ114GX. Sony is the absolute worst at keeping their drivers up to date. My laptop is 3 months old and the drivers posted on the support page are already stale .

 

Boy, am I sorry to hear that! As a long-time Z-user (still like my 590), I have recently returned two z11 systems (one i7 and one i5) because of the very problem you mention. I know this bothers some and not others (or so they say), but I find it impossible to make a simple sound recording without the buzz getting recorded as well. And, it *is* constant.

I was hoping this might be fixed or improved in the Z12. Guess not. Real pity.

 

I expect to receive my Z12 next week and now I'm scared about the fan noise! Can any other Z12 owners comment??

 

I can't hear my Z11 fan at all.

 

Hey All,
I was looking for more info about the new Toshiba Portege and came on this thread and thought I'd ring in and maybe get some feedback.
I've did a lot of research and shopping for a lightweight laptop. For me, weight and power were key, but I also wanted a DVD drive. That cut out a lot of the competition last year. Finally bought the Sony Z820g/b. Great machine. Fast and reliable, tho the screen is too flimsy (lots of flex) and, for me, too small. It's just 13.1" and widescreen (16:9), which means everything is either very small or there just isn't much on the screen at once, if you adjust settings differently.
So now I'm looking for something similar but maybe better in a few ways. Just read about the new Toshiba Portege and really like what I see. Looked also at the newest Acer Timeline, but their smallest and lightest one (13") does not have an optical drive, so that's out for me. I've played with the 13.3 Macbook Pro. The screen was much better suited to my taste (I believe it's a 4:3 ratio). Macbook Pro 13 is great, but still too heavy for me at 4.5 lbs. I also have a Lenovo T410s, which has a 14" screen and is 4:3. Also great, very light and very fast, but battery life is not so good. So, the new Toshiba intrigues me. It has a 13.3" screen, but Toshiba's site says it's 16:9 widescreen. From the pics it doesn't look like it (looks more like the Macbook Pro or other 4:3s). Anyone got more info? Do you think this screen would still seem to small for me, like the one on the Sony? Hoping to see one at a local Best Buy soon.
Given that the Toshiba will be equal in weight (3.2 lbs), have a Core i processor, and have a 7200 rather than 5400 rpm drive, seems like a real competitor for the Z.

 

That would be greatly appreciated by us all if you can take pictures of tbe 1920x1080 with 100% and 125% scaling to see the diff, and if you or anyone else can take a native 1600x900 with default scaling so that we can compare all three that would be stellar, cheers!

 

There have been so many comments, recordings, pages and pages of dialog on this subject...

The Z12 is a minor refresh of the Z11. This aspect should not in any way be changed in the 12.

One thing I was wondering, was maybe one difference between those who feel the noise is burdensome vs. the ones who don't might be the setting of the Speed/Stamina switch. I am one who doesn't hear anything worth mentioning when it comes to the fan. I run in Stamina 99% of the time. I do notice however, that when I switch to Speed mode, the fan does turn faster.

Is it possible that those who find it most objectionable tend to keep it in Speed (i.e. Auto when plugged in) whereas the ones who can't figure out what all the fuss is about tend to run Stamina?

If that is the case, try Stamina mode and see if the sound is more acceptable.

 

Sorry guys, I don't have access to a good camera right now, so I can't do photos. Maybe someone else can.

 

Are you talking about the Core 2 Duo Vaio Z? This thread is for the VPCZ11 or VPCZ12 Core i5/i7 Vaio Z.

I dont have the VPCZ12, but the parts are the same as the VPCZ11(which I have). The fan noise does get loud, but that's only when I'm gaming and hitting CPU temps of 90+ Celsius and GPU temps of 85+ Celsius and with those temps, I dont care how loud the thing gets, as long as it keeps the chassis cool(which it does! =þ). But while i'm simply web surfing or word processing, or even watching youtube videos(on stamina) I dont notice the fan at all. However, some people have complained about the fan having a high pitched whine when it is on. Personally, I don't notice it and I don't think many do. But this is the BEST laptop in it's class(ultraportable), so what's a little noise in order to keep it from melting in your lap?

 

Does anyone know how to reset the DVD region changes? I'm in Japan and need to play both Japanese and English DVDs at school.

 

Hi,

Im sorry I know I should spend more time doing research but I dont have as much time as I used to so please pardon the redundant questions this one time.

Im thinking about upgrading from my s260 to a new sony laptop and I was thinking about getting the new z. I like the small form factor as I travel a lot and often have to do cad in a pinch. Would another model work better for me? I can run solidworks 2009 on my sz with minimal lag so I dont think I mind the smaller screen size very much or am that picky about lag time when Im designing.

I also had a few questions about the new z model:
1. Has the build quality stayed the same, gotten better or worst?
2. what do you think of the fullHD on a 13.1in monitor? should I stick to the 1600x1200?
3. Hows the monitor panel quality vs the other sony models? older Z series versions
4. Do you think the core i7 is worth the upgrade?
5. are there any concerns or problems I should know about?
6. Any hardware refreshes coming up?
7. Should I spring for more than 4gigs or a larger HD? Or can I replace these myself?
8. Where is the CTO version assembled? Im hoping for japan.

I dont need the computer soon but Im graduating college and wanted to use my student discount while they still had the fullHD free upgrade. Would I be better off with another brand/model? Portability is a huge concern and I've been rather fond of my sz the last 4 years.

promise I'll research this on my own before making a new thread next time!

 

No problem, we'll just have to wait and see. besides if you say it looks exactly the same as the 1600x900 with 120% scaling i'll take your word for it and just be happy

 

You should at least read a few pages of the thread before asking, but i will answer what I can since I asked a duplicate question just 4 days ago (but after I had read most of the thread).

2- I went to the sony store and read the 1600x900 at 100% dpi just fine. I am hoping it will be the same for the 1080. If you can read small text, I would go with it. Plus it is free (for now) and you can always set the font to 125%
4-No.
5-No trim support on the SSD. Black screen of death watching you tube HD. Fan noise (to some). Bad driver support.
6-That just happened.
7-I asked this myself. I am currently regretting getting the 8 gb because some say I will never use it. As far as the HD space. I really tried to justify not upgrading it, but I did to 256 because you are only left with 100 GB (* edit - on the 128 GB drive) after installing windows 7. Considering how big everything is getting, I decided to upgrade, even though I keep most of my data on externals.
I do have a question here, do SSD also benefit from free hard drive space or do they work just as well (fast) when they are almost full?

Good luck on your decision

 

Whoa dude, you must have done something wrong. I have 181GB free (out of 256), and I even have the Creative Suite installed, which is like a billion gigabytes by itself.

Question for those with the FullHD screen: does the brightness change when you use different colored screens? Specifically (and I obviously have the auto brightness sensor OFF):

1. Open a white screen (say, Notepad).
2. Open a black screen (say, ssh/telnet)
3. Return to the white screen; did your overall brightness go down, and is it slowly going back up?

[edit] I just played around with the gfx switch, I think this might be only the Intel card doing this - the Geforce appears to retain brightness. Can someone confirm?

 

You kept mentioning about the size, but all 13" screens are within 0.2" of each other. If you really are looking for a 14" screen, go to the "what notebook should I buy section" and ask your question there -- way too many choices, but the only thing less than 4 lb is Panasonic Let's Note (Toughbook in US) F9.

If you really are looking for a 13" but just does not like the 1600x900 resolution of Z820 (which makes everything smaller since it has higher DPI), then the new Z is probably not for you because it's the same resolution -- there is DPI scaling to help, but if you read enough of this thread some people find it ok but some don't.

Now, none of the ones you mentioned has a 4:3 resolution, MBP and T410 has 16:10 1280x800 screens, vs. the 16:9 1366x768 screens of R700 and Acer TimelineX. I know there are people who don't like losing 32 dots when going from 16:10 to 16:9, but I have never heard anyone who find 1280x800 acceptable and complains about 1366x768 makes thing too small. So I think if you are worrying about the DPI, R700 is definitely much better than Z and probably the best option for you -- assuming you don't care about the GPU.

 

Thanks for the info. Very helpful. I wasn't aware of the 16:10 ratio (I've since done some Googling to learn more), but I think you're right that it might fit my taste. This is mostly for work and some play, but I don't do any gaming, so I'm fine with integrated graphics. Thanks again.

 

I just got the Z12. Rarely can you hear the fan. I can hear it when I game or use something that takes more processing or graphics power, but it's not bothersome. Like others have said, the fan noise should be exactly the same as what it has been for the Z11.

 

1. I don't own a prev gen Z so i dunno
2. I would've gotten the 1080p screen but in the CTO VPCZ11, it wasnt an option =(. but yeah, consider scaling it up.
3. same as #1
4. the difference b/t i5 and i7 is really neglegible and as a few have said before, barely noticible unless u're doing benchmarks. they really are 2 very capable processors
5. Some people complain about the whine of the fan. i think most are fine with it. SSD's are proprietary(but how else are u gunna fit 2+ drives and an optical drive in a 13" chassis?) Drivers are outdated and one causes the vaio z to freeze up on HD videos online(apparantly randomly, there is a purported fix) Palmrest fades due to excessive use and factor in how sweaty ur palms are but that affects all plastic palmrests.
6. there was just a "refresh" same parts, lil more expensive, a few more options. nothing radical
7. the RAM is easy to replace and it's cheaper to upgrade to 8gb by urself(as long as the 4gb is 1 stick). the SSD's are proprietary. however, the optical drive can be swapped out and replace with a 2.5" drive as long as you're not in quad raid 0. read the FAQ for that.
8. if you buy in the US, it's assembled in San Diego, CA with foreign parts.

 

I got the 1600x900 and I confirm that the screen brightness changes depending on the overall screen color. I saw that especially when watching video, but I think that contrast might be changed too.

 

Sorry if this has been asked/answered before, but searching "Average Lifetime" in these forums wielded no feasible answers.

What is the average lifetime of the Z before you have to replace it? I would be doing about 1-3 hours of gaming (plugged in) on it per week and use it for classes (~3-4 hours, not plugged in). Soooo a total of ~7-12 hours per week of usage.

 

I've recently read somewhere here, from a source that seemed quite trustworthy and knowledgeable, that it is a good idea to keep at least 10-25% of your SSD free, as that will allow it to rewrite stuff less frequently. And less writes = longer life-span. Sorry, I'm too tired to look for the source now, but it was on these forums (likely in the "Z11 SSD - Post your results about long-term SSD performance degradation" thread).

 

I don't understand what you mean by rewriting.

As for life span, if you write to a 128GB SSD constantly at 300MB/sec 24/7, it should last about 25 years. Obviously, we don't do that. So we our talking about life spans with normal use into the 100's of years. How long do you plan on keeping your Z?

 

hey is there any way we can get sonys attention with their driver issue? I mean the reason i sold my Old Z is because the drivers for the video card did not once get updated.

This is some serious BS, they basically as a 100% Fact do not upgrade a SINGLE driver after a laptop is released.

This would not matter if it didnt have custom graphics that only works one way.

Seriously we need to call up or contact their president or what ever you need to do and get this stuff straightened out cuz its like complete bs.

Is there any way we can call or contact their high level managers?

 

I agree, we should find a contact email and send them a mass of complaints. They might actually do something.

 

Start a petition? I'll sign it, but I think it'd be hopeless. We'll get like 50 signatures, and they don't release video card drivers cuz this isn't a gaming laptop in their eyes, it's an exotic high-end business ultraportable, so the fact that the drivers don't get updated is a _BONUS_ for business people.

They're happy they don't have to bother updating their video card drivers every month.