Sony Vaio Z i5/i7 Official Owners Thread

What's the difference between Hard Disk Defragmenter and Hard Disk Cleaner? I have no idea, was wondering that myself.

Yes, leave the rest, but uncheck the hard disk defragmenter

 

I think the cleaner just cleans up unused files, docs, etc. The defrag consolidates fragmented files. Just a guess.

 

TG2500 mentioned this in another thread, but I think this should be here.
As soon as I saw the Z12's SIM card slot, I had the suspicion that it wasn't really as locked. This confirms it, for any one that travels alot and when to use a SIM on 3G GSM network. This is great news.
Btw this is for US VAIO Z with Verizon.

 

I just had my first black screen of death. I'm typing along and wham!!! The screen goes dark. I try switching to speed. Nothing. I had to powerdown and reboot.

 

I guys I so much need your help:

I want to buy the VPC-Z12XX WITH THE FOLLOWING SPECS:

i7 620M
128GB SSD
Premium Carbon Fiber
4GB RAM
Backlite KB
DVD-RW

What online Stores provide them with good prices.

I can't order from SonyStyle for some reasons

PortableOne does not have what I want.

Internet Savvies here, can you help me locate a reputable online dealer?

eBay.com = NO, I don't have paypal

Amazon.com, I searched but found nothing.

the Specs are humble, but I know that the Z12 is a new release.

I'm dying to get help, as I just sold my VGN-Z (in my Signature)

PLEASE I BEG YOU HELP ME.

 

Woah that's dramatic

Have you tried calling Sony and ordering via the phone?

 

We heard your cry for help and now me must comply
Here you go: Sony VAIO Z - PortableOne.com

I bought mine there, GREAT service.

 

I'm simply away from the US now on a Business Contract, I'm in KUWAIT, and when I tried to place my order through SonyStyle, and after placing my order, They CANCELED it, because the shipping address was for my Aramex Address in the US, which is ((((freight forwarding company))).

They said I must provide a different address in the US, and I don't have. Or no one is in my home to forward it to me, my wife is with me here in KUWAIT.

Please any Ideas where to buy Online?

 

Can you at least guys give me a VCP-Z12xxxxxx that I can search for, putting in mind the Specs I want, Sony Model codes is so confusing to me.

 

Closest models with your specs I could find:

VAIO VPCZ12MGX/X 13.1in Notebook, i7-620M 2.66GHz, 4GB, 256GB SSD, DVD, Win7 Pro

Sony VAIO VPCZ122GX/B 13.1

Sony VAIO VPCZ125GX/B 13.1

VAIO VPCZ12MGX/X 13.1in Notebook, i7-620M 2.66GHz, 4GB, 256GB SSD, DVD, Win7 Pro

 

Hi Guys

I have the VPCZ1290X
i7/128GB SSD/6GB Ram/Full HD screen.
I hav the following programs pre installed in
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----------------------------------------------

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Can any of you guys Please help me out in removing the unnecessary ones safely without affecting the system.
Just list out the ones I shouldnt remove (which may be linked with mousepad/wifi/bluetooth etc) . I have original MS office disc with me so wont be needing the trial versions.
I have installed Mcafee original version and Advanced system care.

I dont use outlook/movie editing etc

Thanks a lot guys.

 

Man, P1 does not have what I want, plus my budget was $2300 which is the case with SonyStyle, I purchased from P1 before.

Returning to the main question...

How can I search online for a Premium Carbon VPC Z12 (newest release) with i7?

I dont care about the SSD being more than 128 GB, and no need for FHD LCD as well.

 

Oooohhh, I see Try Conics.net, which is fully configurable, or, as mechguy would say, try User Side (you can tell them the configuration you want). Mechguy would also say that the overhead of ordering from User Side is lower. I bought from Conics and the service is very good.

 

From Conics.net:

Sony Vaio Type Z VPCZ12 [2.66GHz Core i7, quad SSD option]
[VPCZ12] $2,092.17USD



Pre-order now, click for info

Ship date {{{{{{{{{{ approx 5 weeks }}}}}}}}} following your order

Total Failure, plus the Links from Blue13-Thank you so much btw- on P1 are for Machines that are OUT OF STOCK

 

is there any review on the 128gb SSD performance?

 

mani:



Holy CRAP that's a lot of junk. I am considering getting one of these babies eventually (as much as I can't stand Sony's philosophy on a lot of stuff), and it's a darn good thing I'm a computer tech I guess... heh!

I'll bite. I'm not going to be much help with a lot of this list as I do not own the system, and thus am not familiar enough to recommend removal of any Sony-branded software.

First off, though, a couple notes about the software you installed:

As a security pro, McAfee, well, sucks. It's slow, heavy, and laden with false positives. I would highly recommend you ditch it for something lighter weight (free even!) such as Microsoft Security Essentials, which will be much nicer for battery life, speed, and even detection. Pair it with Spywareblaster for registry inoculation and Firefox w/ AdBlock Plus and WOT for added browsing security.

Next up, IOBit Advanced SystemCare is no longer a recommended product within security circles. Most informed antimalware specialists remove it on sight thanks to the fact that the company actually stole virus definitions from Malwarebytes' a while back.

OK, now that that part's finished, here are the others that stick out at me for removal ( keep in mind I am ignoring Sony software as I am not familiar with its functionality, since I don't have this system):

Accuweather.com
Google Toolbar
McAfee everything (see above)
IOBit everything (see above)

I would disable these apps (via an app such as Autoruns), and if you notice something missing which you'd like, reenable them later:

Sony Home Network Library
Adobe Reader Speed Launch

There's probably a ton of other items which can probably also be disabled, too, but in the interest of safety I won't venture into uncharted territory until/if I own a system of this variety for myself.

 

I have a question about VAIO Update:

Does VAIO Update do a pretty good job of telling me which updates I need? Because when I go to the Sony Support website, and enter the model # of my computer, there are so many updates that I can't really keep track of which versions I've already installed.

I'm wondering whether I really need to go to this website often, or whether VAIO Update will take care of me.

 

I did! I have a US VAIO Z12 and with it's 3G I thought it would be locked to Verizon.

I'm right now in the Caribbean surfing on a local 3G network with a local SIM.

All I did was go to Sony UK, download Oneclick, install and go to settings and set the Firmware to Generic UMTS. It has firmware for various cariers including Verizon, Orange Vodaphone.

Conclusion: ALL VAIO Z's with a 3G are unlocked and are artificially locked, with Sony's own software you can set it wideeee open

You can download it from Sony UK, or any euro site of Sony: VAIO : Sony Europe

Download the "WWAN Software"

Big thanks to TG2500

Here the proof (Only that doesn't work is the Share connection thing):

 

Thanks a lot Steve!!!

I have McAfee enterprise paid version for free as a student. So was/is using it. Systemcare worked like a charm in removing stuff in my previous Z which spyware dr and some other s/w I had cudnt detect.

Anyways I am little nervous in removing the huge list of Vaio/sony apps. I use the vaio care to tune up my system...but other things i hav never used.

Any Vaio Z owners??? Please help!!!!

can the Z owners pls Just tell me which s/w I can remove or shud keep.

Thanks

 

Do all the Z's with verizon broadband come with the 3G Sim slot, or only certain models?

 

Does anybody know what type of SSD drive is this laptop compatible with? I'm thinking of buying Crucial RealSSD C300 256GB 2.5" SATA III MLC but not sure if this laptop takes SATA III...

 

Not sure, I was surprised that mine even had a SIM card holder. Because as you know verizon does not use sim cards.

But they all have the Qualcomm Gobi 2000, which supports most if not all 3G bands.

 

The uses proprietary SSDs made specifically for them, it won't work, not even standard laptop SSDs.
For this reason it is best buy the highest SSD you can afford when buying the Z.

 

Or just do the DVD swap.

 

can some one tell me whether the sd card slot in z126 has sdxc capability ? since i have only 128GB SSD in it, i am planning to permanently insert a 64gb sandisk ultra and a 32gb duo in it. and also advice me on the best way of increasing the memory other than this?
Thank You

 

@arun111:

Brilliant Idea, lets not forget the Express Slot as well.

Please any one can elaborate / experiment on this?

Will

 

I'm reaching way back into this thread for this quote, but it is somewhat related to the recent comments/questions about additional storage...

I am looking at external hard drives to plug into the Z to help increase space. I'm leaning toward purchasing a drive and an enclosure separately, so I can buy an enclosure that supports both USB and eSata connections. Then, I'll buy an eSata adapter for the express card slot.

My question though has to do with the drive size. Hollywood, you still around? Did you ever find a way to get Windows 7 to forget its 1.15TB requirement on your external drive? It seems crazy to need a drive that big to handle the system image when you're only using a small amount of your SSD space. Did anyone else experience this? I want to buy a 500GB external drive and am hoping this will be enough to do back ups, etc.

 

I got a new Z for my daughter in April and she has had the same error message. Now the laptop has started freezing up after hibernating. The computer does not wake up. One time it required a system restore to get it going again. This happens even with the switch set to performance mode so that video is not getting switched. Appears to be a video driver or hardware issue. NVIDIA has newer drivers (have not tried them), but Sony says they are not approved so we did not install them.

Nice computer but NOT reliable in video.
======================
Many times after reboot I get this error message:



Of all the laptops I've owned this Sony Z had been the most problematic, which I really wasn't expecting for such a high end unit. Of course, there are good points but the bad points are very very frustrating and annoying and unfortunately as of yet no way for me to fix.[/QUOTE]

 

Hello everyone!

I'm a new prospective customer for the Vaio Z.

If anyone owns a Vaio Z / got theirs with a discount, please help me out here;

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/504130-vaio-z-worth-price-any-discounts.html

Also, for the person earlier on the page uninstalling bloatware, ( mani234)
I recommend;

Revo Uninstaller Pro - Uninstall software, remove programs, solve uninstall problems

It's free, it gets rid of all files associated, and it creates a back up before every uninstall , just in case something goes haywire

 

I have only tried 16GB SD card yet, but with the Windows Update of KB976422 ( Help and Support), I believe you can easily use a SD card with capacity greater than 32GB.

 

@ahsan.mughal
I am not able to install the update.. getting an error message -> "The update is not applicable to your computer"

 

Really? that's strange
Check your Windows Update history, maybe you have already installed it ?

In my Windows Update history it has been successfully installed.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if that's the signature series but I hope the CTO mobile broad bands have them too

 

Are you sure you grabbed the correct version? x86 64 bit Windows 7, non-server?

That message usually indicates that it's the wrong version for your configuration.

 

Its not a Signature, but it's a fully loaded ready build models. Only diff with the premium is that it has premium carbon, instead of glossy premium carbon.

I think all verizon models are the same and just need the software to fully unlock.

 

Yes I solved that problem and thank god for that, it was coming up endlessly asking for 1.15T. I ended up running disk cleanup for Windows. Then check marked most boxes that I didn't need and hit "Clean up system files".

Once that was done I also ran "CCleaner" a nice free tool you can get from their site to clean up temp folder and internet files and any other garbage that may lingering around from the factory install.

After rebooting Windows finally didn't required the incredible 1.15T size for the image.

I placed the image easily on to a small external drive with an encasing just like yours and I think it came out to something like under 50GB. but I would have to recheck for you tomorrow as I'm in bed now.

Hope this helps solve your problem.

Cheers.

 

[/QUOTE]


I still have these problems since day one and now after changing some drivers as per Sony request, what I get now is the whole system freezing during hibernation and when closing the lid. I have the lid close function in power management to never turn off.

But when I lift the lid the whole system is black and completely frozen, then of course the error message with the Nvidia driver pops up. So I will be contacting Sony tomorrow requesting a full refund due to this issues or a brand new Z.

The bottom line is mine is a lemon. Don't forget the palm rest is rubbing off and Sony excuse is that its a cosmetic issue. My lawyer ask me to file a small claims court and sue he says "cosmetic damage" has no meaning and it comes down to science as to what is causing the problem its either the user or the manufacturer. But when I gave Sony my $3600 for the Sony Z.......it wasn't cosmetic.

Imagine buying a brand new car and the paint wearing out after one month and the car manufacturer telling you its "cosmetic damage" sorry not covered. What a load of BS is that!

In any event I've been to small claims court I've never lost yet I'm 3 and 0 and my friend who is a lawyer will help my case as well should Sony not resolve my issues....that can be a for sure thing.

 

Sorry to hear about your troubles. I hope you get them resolved to your satisfaction. With any luck you will convince Sony to get you an aluminum palmrest (for all your trouble), in which case don't forget who your friends are and put in a good word for us as well.

I assume you have tried just doing a fresh install from the recovery partition and without any driver mods? That is essentially what I'm running (other than the Intel Raid controller upgrade to 9.6). I've had mine about 4 mo. I have not had a single freeze using sleep regularly and hibernation occasionally (knock on wood).

 

the Dilemma between the head and the heart:

I bought the Black VPC-Z, now I'm pulling my hair out for not getting the Premium Carbon.

Where is the link for that LID in the Sony Parts Store?

can I buy it and replace the ugly Black LID?

Link?

I don't care even if it costs $100

 

Part Number might help as well

 

I really doubt you can change the lid finish. Never saw such extra on sony styles site. You can search for broken laptops and ask to have lid from them

Is Black finish really so ugly? Can you do a photo please. I have carbon fiber but don't find it extremely cool.

 

Carbon Fiber gives the Dull back a Shine of execuisitness, Class, Black is just as ordinary as the X / S / SR Series (MADE IN CHINA) = CHEAP LOOKING

I envy you (lol)

Still, Guys can you confirm regarding the LID Please?

 

I've had my Z12 (see my sig for config) for two days now, and it is fantastic! It was very expensive, but I have been saving for a laptop for quite a long time, and with models like the Z12, notebooks seem to be finally at a point where you can purchase a machine without having to compromise much on any particular aspect. Although if you are willing to compromise (on screen quality for example), you can save a LOT of money. In my case, I decided to spend the extra money and buy something I really would enjoy. And FYI, if you are willing to buy an extended warranty (I said NO to that) or are willing to buy a couple of accessories that cost more than $25 each (I bought a carrying bag and a memory stick), then a Sony phone rep can give you a discount if you ask nicely. In my case they knocked 10% off the price of the laptop.

What about the laptop do I enjoy, you ask? Well, I'll tell you. But before I do that, I should mention again that I'm only two days in, so I haven't even fully deployed all my software or moved all my files from my desktop. This is also my first time using Windows 7, so configuring things and adjusting to the new environment has slowed me down a tad. When I get fully settled I'm going to make a YouTube review, because I know that people enjoy those. For now, however, I'm going to focus on user experience impressions.

First of all, I am really glad that I got the Blu Ray drive and the 1080p display. I'm still relatively young, and my eyesight is good enough that yes, I can see that full level of detail when watching a Blu Ray movie. And it looks absolutely fantastic. The amazing crispness and brightness of the Z12 screen reminds me of the wonderful screen on my iPod Nano (5th Generation), except of course the Z12 screen is much larger. I like how the eject button is above the keyboard, gone are the days when I had to grope around the side edge until I found the button. The disc tray that comes out seems a bit delicate, but I suppose in such a small computer that's to be expected. What I do is hold the edges of the tray carefully and firmly with my right hand, whilst I seat the disc on the spindle carefully with my left hand until the disc clicks into place on the spindle.

The touchpad is nice, and I'm SO glad they gave me REAL mouse keys, I don't like those virtual keys on the touchpad that are featured on models like the HP Envys. As for the keyboard, I'm accustomed to full size desktop keyboards (it's been 10 years since I've last owned a laptop), so it's been an adjustment, but I definitely like the keyboard. The feel of the keys is nice and I like the configuration in which they were placed. One minor quibble about the keyboard is that I wish I could force the keyboard backlight to turn on, the only way it will turn on is if the ambient light sensor decides that it's dark enough (or if you put your finger over the sensor to block the light).

Speaking of fingers, I love the fingerprint reader. It's so nice to have the option to log on with a swipe rather than having to type a password. And yes, it reads my finger correctly on every swipe as long as I do the motion the right way (long straight swipe at normal movement speed).

Also, I'm so glad I got the 256GB SSD. If I had the 128, I'd might have to think about doing a "wipe" and reinstall of windows so as to get rid of the recovery partition and free up any additional space that could be mustered. However, that sounds like a WORLD OF PAIN to me (time, effort, danger of screwing something up, etc). Also, I don't have a spare copy of Windows 7 just lying around to perform that reinstall. So I spent the extra money to get the 256GB. Also I got a 8GB memory stick from Sony (for the laptop discount) and I picked up a 32GB SD card from Microcenter. So with all that, I should be in good shape on space, and I didn't have to nuke my system to do it.

The speed of the laptop is very pleasing, but I don't have any numbers for you, you can get those elsewhere. The standard battery life seems all right, although for trips I've been kicking around the idea of getting the large battery. You can get it for $250 from Sony or $206 on Amazon. Although, that is a LARGE amount of money for an accessory... especially since I've seen pictures of the large battery; it bulges out like a tumor. I'm gonna have to give that decision some further thought.

The light weight of the laptop is SO nice, and I also like how the AC adapter is relatively small. When I've got the laptop and the AC adapter and even a few other things in my bag, it's really easy to carry. And let me assauge your fears on the system fan, it doesn't make a noticeable sound.

The speakers are another matter, they are NOT GOOD. I'm an audiophile, I enjoy quality sound output and these are not that. It doesn't make sense to me that they would go to the effort of making such an amazing screen and pair it with such crappy speakers. If you are listening at max volume they can sometimes distort. If you are watching a DVD or Bluray in which the sound was mixed at a low level, you can get in a situation where the volume cannot be set high enough to hear everything clearly. The only good way around this problem is to use headphones. I use Grado SR80i headphones, they're amazing. For times I want compact headphones, I don't use buds, I use Sennheiser PX 100-II. They fold into a small compact size. I don't know how good those included noise cancelling buds are, but I doubt they are that great, there are limits to how much quality you can get out of buds. The upside of buds is that they are very small. And if you're worried about how well great headphones will be "driven" by the notebook's headphone out, you can bypass them by using a Headroom Total BitHead. It connects to the USB port and immediately and automatically becomes your notebook's sound card, and the quality is incredible. It's also really good with mp3 players like the iPod.

As for my Z12's look, I really enjoy the silver color. I visited a SonyStyle store and compared the silver to the black. The black (and by extension the "Premium Carbon Fiber") seemed boring to me, so lacking in visual distinctiveness. I maybe would have gotten the mosaic if it was offered, but that option is not available to the USA market. That's ok though cause the silver has a clean, elegant aesthetic that I like. And I like the ports they chose, all useful and nothing useless. Overall you can pretty much say the style of the computer is near-perfect. I'll add a link to my youtube review when I get around to making it.

PROS: Speed, size, amazing screen, weight, available special options like 1080p, i7 and Blu Ray drive, great keyboard, actual mouse buttons, fingerprint reader, great ports

CONS: poor speakers, and you pay a premium price for this premium product.

 

Does anyone know how the read/write speeds of anS D Card compares to SSD/ HDD?

 

Thanks for your reply. Like you said i did a mistake by installing x86 update. Now i have successfully installed the update using the 64bit version.

 

Thank you for your reply. Planning to keep that slot empty for USB 3.0 use in the future

 

Willy330Ci, ahsan.mughal & Oscar2.. thanks for your inputs and ideas on answering my question

 

You can also use your express card slot to increase memory.

 

I question whether the CTO's are more problematic than preconfigured models.

Has anyone with the Silver finish encounter the finish of the palmrest rubbing off?

 

Geeee, I'm glad you see you revised your post so that it didn't quote that guy with delusions of persecution. That guy was a little unhinged.

Mine's silver and CTO, but I just got it the other day so of course it still looks and performs perfectly. If the palmrest does start rubbing off, would it be to a whiter color? What color do the rubbed off areas change to on the black model?