Sony Vaio Z i5/i7 Official Owners Thread

There we're issues with 13.1.1.1 indeed. But as far as i could see the new wireless drivers (from intel site) work fine; aka 13.2.1.5 (or something like that).

 

Right at the top of that article there is a link to what products that article is applicable to. Could not be any clearer.

 

I am still using, without issue, the original Driver 13.0.0.107 that shipped with the Z. Is there any advantage to updating to this new driver 13.2.1.5?

Thanks

 

From here:
 Intel® PRO/Wireless and WiFi Link Drivers-Only for Windows 7*

It only says that

I thought it would have more release notes. Anyway, I installed it and will see if it gives me issues.

 

hello, I'm thinking in upgrading my notebook for a long time now (6 months), and when I was decided on the acer 3820TG i've changed my plans and decided I don't need a desktop replacement (3d POWER) so I'm back in the market. I'm again with some thoughts of going otherwise the 3820TG. so weight is again a key factor. I've come to 2 options, one is an used vaio z (I will be delivering to brazil, used ones are easier to import here):

Sony Z Series VAIO Notebook VGN-Z570N
(2.53ghz C2D 6mb cache)
$700 in upgrades
4GB RAM ($125)
120GB SSD OCZ Vertex 64GB Cache & Trim ($400)
Windows 7 Ultimate Genuine Registered copy ($175)
Office 2007 (outlook, word, excel)
has a 10/10 user rating:
http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/sony...-33198612.html



the other one is the new toshiba R700 line, with full power core i5 520m, 13.3 screen and 3.2lbs weight.

What do you say?

 

Thanks Tofu - please let us know how it preforms going forward. I have not had any issues with the current driver but I tend to always want to get something new when I hear about it.

 

Is it okay to download the Intel drivers for Video? This flickering and crappy scrolling is killing my eyes.

 

This may have not been the best thread to post this question, considering this thread is for the VPC-Zs...(and I saw you posted it in the Timeline thread too )

But in answer to your question, my personal take would be to hold out for the Acer 3820TG, if you can continue waiting for the variant with the ATI 5650. Even with the SSD in the VGN-Z, I think I'd still prefer an unused model. If you put an SSD in the 3820TG it'd be more future proof than the VGN-Z.

Maybe post this question in the What Notebook Should I Buy? forum. You should get more complete info/opinions.

 

yes, I see your point, but my question here is more like:

those who had previously a C2D Z, and now upgraded, is the old Z a good machine? I have find great reviews everywhere, mostly saying what a good keyboard it has and build quality, anyone confirms that? also, do you think the new Z is MUCH superior in terms of CPU performance/battery life?

 

I have a Z890 that bought from Sony Style Outlet. It has a 3.06ghz dual core, 4 gigs of ram, 500gig, 7200 rpm, blu-ray, and windows ultimate. It was a refurb that looks like new. I paid about 1500 us. It is a fantastic machine. I am typing on a Z12 right now. I personally think the build quality of the 890 may be better. It feels more substantial. The carbon fiber looks different and classier to me on the 890. But this is my oppinion. I haven't put them side by side yet. The 890 is in the office. The screens are very similar in terms of color profile...for some reason Sony reds "pop".

I like them both for different reasons. For me and the way I use this laptop they are very similar in performance. The 890 is a fast machine and I just don't know that it'll really be obsolete in 3 years. But then again people who are into gaming, programming, and/or video editing, might tell you different.

The backlit keyboard on the Z12 is really nice to have. Hope this helps and good luck.

 

I don't need I need a backlit keyboard. Is it possible that I upgrade the CPU in the old Z to a faster one, perhaps the same 3.06ghz?

this used one I'm looking into cost 1250 USD, is it too high, or because of the SDD it's an acceptable price?

 

The 890 doesn't have a backlit keyboard?

 

Nope it does not.

 

Hi all, I'm a long time follower of these forums, but never posted.
I am seriously thinking of getting a Z series. In South Africa, we can’t preconfigure the specs, so I'm stuck with set configurations (mostly South African gets the same configurations as Aus and the East). So my questions are, to help me decide, if you clever folks can help me.

1. If I get 1600 x 900, can I plug in an External monitor and use is as 1920 x 1080. I believe the GT 330 M can handle it. What will the effect be on the desktop space etc be if the laptop is at 1600 and the external at 1920?

2. To Blu Ray or not to Blu Ray. I don’t think I will use the Blu Ray for a lot of moving watching, I’m more worried about future games and apps that will use Blu Ray. Will I one day regret not getting Blu ray if they release Diablo iii on Blu Ray?

3. The docking Station (VGP-PRZ10) does not have HDMI, only VGA, will that be a problem when connecting to a HD external monitor?

4. I have an IPhone that can internet tether, will I still require build in HSDPA? My initial thoughts are no. I know blue tooth speeds aren’t great though, 1 MB/S, but via the USB cable, should I get the 3.6 or 7.2, whatever the IPhone can handle?

5. I read somewhere that for gaming Notebookcheck: Review Sony Vaio VPCZ11X9E/B Notebook, the GT 330M has been downclocked to a 325M? Is this true, and if it is, will it be pointless to get an i7, rather than i5, as the processor is basically limited to the speed of the GPU? I don’t play a lot of high intensity games, waiting for Starcraft 2 and play a bit of Modem Warfare.

Thanks guys, as an annexure these are my choices in Rands, Converted to US$.

A. Full Z129 i7 620 M, 8 GB Ram, BD Read / Write, 256 GB SSD, 1920 x 1080, no 3g. ( R 30 000, US$ 4 000) ( SONY VAIO NOTEBOOK VPC-Z129)

B. Z127 i5 540 M, 6 GB Ram, DVD Read / Write, 128 GB SSD, 1600 x 900, 3g installed, not Verizon, proper 3g. (R 25 000, US$ 3 333) ( SONY VAIO NOTEBOOK VPC-Z127)

C. Bottom of Range 122GX/B (imported) i5 520M, 4 GB Ram, DVD Read / Write, 128 GB SSD, 1600 x 900, no 3g (R 20 500, US$ 2 733) ( Sony VPCZ122GX/B VAIO Z Series Notebook PC - PC Hardware - WantItAll.co.za)

Thanks guys, any help would be awesome

 

Is anyone experiencing a jittery mouse pointer due to somewhat high CPU usage. Mine tends to stick on a regular basis and its annoying.

Anyone else with with problem?

 

see answers above.

 

I have not. Worked for long hours past 2 days and couldn't get back to my Z. I will try what you said. I guess this is why I always end up uninstalling most of these manufacturer supplied tools. Assuming I can find every update that this thing may have offered on their website, I can live with that.

I found from this thread that the reason there is only 3765 MB of RAM available for the system is because the rest is reserved for the integrated video (Intel). It's been years since I've used a computer that did this, so I did not expect it.

 

As for your choices, if you're looking for value, I would drop the BR and 3G, and have a larger SSD instead. However, I don't know if you have the choice of a customizable version.

 

Well, mine came with 13.1.1.1 installed and after about an hour of use it started turning off the wifi radio about every 10 mins, and I would have to restart to get it to work again. I installed the latest one from Intel (13.2.1.5) and have had no issued since then.

 

mine does the same. but dunno if its due to high cpu usage...

 

Agreed, the old Z are very good machines and maybe even slightly better than the new in some small ways. Posting this from a Z710DD.

But the Z11/12 have really superior components imo (Core i5, 330M, SSD, multitouch Synaptics touchpad, backlit kb, 0.4 lbs lighter) making them very attractive.

 

Oh, bummer. I thought about maybe getting an older refurb Z, but I really want a backlit keyboard. Oh well, so much for that idea.

 

I actually really like using my 1080p screen at 100% dpi. I tried it out on the first day and thought there was no way I could use it at 100% dpi, but after becoming familiar with the computer I gave it another try and I really liked it. Maybe it's because of my young eyes, but I find no trouble ready the text because of how crisp the words are. it also gives you loads of screen space. I am extremely happy I didn't listen to peoples complaints about the font size and went for the 1080p screen anyway

 

Has anyone had success using Clonezilla with a Z11/Z12?

It may not be as trivial as on any other single hard-drive laptop because of the RAID SSD setup.

When I tried it, it ended up falling back to dd and copied the drives byte-by-byte since it couldn't read the file system.

But I haven't tried restoring from the backup to see if it actually worked or not.

 

I agree it's not even that much CPU usage and the pointer constantly sticks and delays moving the most annoying thing I've experienced. I first thought it was my trackpad but realized its not the problem. I tried to upgrade to a new Synaptics mouse driver but it told me I currently have the latest drivers.

I now have the brightness function levels not adjusting the display brightness. Even though the bars move there is no change on the screen. I'm going to have to give Sony a call on Monday because I'm not putting up with these issues including a worn out palm rest anymore. For $3400 I expect this laptop to operate flawlessly.

 

Hi,

I find it best on 125% DPI as the text at 100% is very small - you must have bionic eyes

However, I do concur that many programmes do not seem to work with the scaling, such as SYKpe & Yahoo Messenger etc etc....

I do agree the 1080 screen is excellant,

Cheers,

T

 

I would opt for a backlit keyboard everytime - I thought it a bit of a kimick at first but now find it a 'must have'. Really makes typing in lower light much easier....

Cheers,
T

 

Backlit keyboards are nice for dark rooms (more ambient light = easier on the eyes), but if you touch type you can always use the little plastic ledges on F and J to locate your home row lol.

 

hve a 2 week old vaio. when i open microsoft word, it says i need to enter a product key and have only 25 more attempts to do so??

it was my understanding microsoft office came in my package. any suggestions??

thanks

 

No laptop ever comes with a working full version of Microsoft office unless you paid extra for it. The one you are using is a trial version only.

 

no microsoft office isn't included. you need to purchase a product key to keep using it. Sony only includes a free trial

 

A little obserevation that I never saw posted here, but it would've been useful to me. Probably not that many other ppl, but i figure I'll share it anyway.

The Z122GX/B actually comes with an XP downgrade disk.

I thought they stop doing that after Z11 because it wasn't listed on the CTO options for Z12.

 

!!!

really?

booo!!!

how much does microsoft office cost??

 

Not sure if this has been posted here already. The issue with VAIO Update got fixed for me after installing this update dated 7/9/2010.

 

Varies by version. Retail versions start at $149.99. However, if you are a student, you qualify for further discounts. Go here or here

 

The product key is in the box with all the other paper junk they send you

 

It does say that it includes the MS Office 2010 Starter, the add supported version.

I just bought the Office 2010 Professional.

 

Also, if you want cheaper prices you can get the Office 2010 key cards, but it has limitations, can only be installed on 1 pc.

 

Office starter doesn't include a key and only allows you to use office 45 times before you have to activate it.. if you purchased office as an option, there is a key included as stated above on a type of flyer that you'll have to activate it with when you first launch office so assuming your given a number of uses means you did not purchase office btw Sony upped the price on office home and business to 199.99 when initially it was 119.99 must have been an error but i was one of the lucky ones to pick it up before the change on a side note i was waiting for an on site rep to come to my house and change my 1080p display due to a dead pixel, but was told that the screen was on back order and had a feeling it would be for quite a while so i sent it back on friday at sony's expense and will be picking up another z12. I'm pretty sure they will honor my free 1080p upgrade but im hoping they wont give me any trouble with the pricing of office business since the price has been adjusted. the total will come out to about $80 more..

 

A thought on Office 2010...

There isn't much room left to innovate in the world of client-based word processing. A word processor is, regardless of how fancy you make the ribbon bar, a word processor. I've been happily using 2010 since early betas, but most updates look like they were done just to change things around so Microsoft can call it new. I honestly can't think of one stand out feature that makes 2010 better than 2007. I do like the "Show as Conversations" context option in Outlook, but I could live without it.

Microsoft needs to solidify it's place in cloud computing before Google takes over.

Businesses will continue to use fat client office packages for the foreseeable future, but there isn't anything compelling enough in 2010 to take the expense of upgrading from 2007 viable. Office 2010 may follow the path that Vista took; largely skipped over by businesses until the next big improvement.

 

Also, consider that OpenOffice (available from here) is free and it works great. Does everything that Word, Excel, and Powerpoint do but is open source.

 

I must say that I did not recommend OpenOffice that easily before because it's a bit slow to start (as is Firefox, for instance). But that argument goes away with Z11/12 because RAID0 SSD is screaming fast.

Actually, I observe someone next to me struggling every day with MS Office 2007 trying to find where and how things are done with that ribbon interface. Same person can quickly find his way in OpenOffice without using it before.

OO is still dog-slow with relatively large DOCX and XLSX though (don't know about PPTX), even on Z11/12. And these are file formats I am getting documents in - people assume that everybody uses the latest MS Office.

 

Try using Balanced or Performance modes.

I've been using Intel's 13.2.1.5 for the past few days and nothing bad has happened I've never had anything wrong with my wireless drivers. Then again, I have the Ultimate-N 6300 AGN, though I don't think there's that much difference from 6200 besides the third antenna...

 

OpenOffice is great as long as you don't need to exchange docs with people using Microsoft Office. It's almost fully compatible, but not quite. I would ballpark it at 99% compatible. Unfortunately, that other 1% can mess you up. So it's not good for sending out business docs or even resumes to people that are requesting Word docs.

 

Thought someone here might know., but is it possible that a Z whether it be the I5/I7 might be a little smoother with a 1600x900 screen when compared to a FHD screen considering that it doesn't take much processing power to render the lower resolution..? some may say its and I5/I7 so i wouldn't make much difference and i might agree! but I've owned a I5 z11 with 1600x900 and I've owned the z12 I7 with FHD and funny enough things felt a little snappier on the 1600x900. i don't think i've ever gotten the hour glass when right clicking on the desktop etc. And this isn't to debate which screen is better but rather to find out if it can make a slight diff in performance due to the lower resolution freeing up some of the cpu or gpu calculations?

 

That hour glass you see when right clicking doesn't have to do with the resolution. That was discussed somewhere in the thread, but I can't remember where. I thought it was like an intel driver or something? I'd have to search...

 

Besides the hour glass can it make a slight diff in performance due to the lower resolution freeing up some of the cpu or gpu calculations?

 

Totally a guess on my part...

I would say yes it can make a difference if you are, say, running a game at native resolution. Obviously the GPU won't be taxed as heavily with the 900 screen versus the 1080, so you should get generally smoother response. But if you are just web browsing, doing office work, or even watching a movie either on Speed or Stamina, I would guess that the screen resolution isn't going to make a noticeable difference on how smoothly things run, with either processor.

 

I think of it this way: suppose the GPU can do work at 10 units/sec. The FHD requires more pixels to be updated and so let's say web browsing requires 5 units/sec for FHD and 4 units/sec for HD. In this case, because 4 and 5 units/sec of work are both less than 10 (max GPU can handle), there's no difference in the 'snappiness' of the system.

However, if say I load an app that's graphics intensive, it may require 9 units/sec for HD, and 11 units/sec for FHD. The same GPU can handle 9, but it cannot handle 11. Hence, the frame rate will suffer for FHD but not HD.

 

Thanks for your responses! so TofuTurkey say you were to lower the resolution of the FHD to the same of the HD would it be able to handle the amount of units or is it based mainly on the amount of pixels seeing that that cannot be changed?