Sony Vaio Z i5/i7 Official Owners Thread

not really,

ideally i would need both, fingerprint plus password to login. Unfortunately this isnt an option so, i wanted to set it up to ONLY need my fingerprint. But then i am able to switch user and just login via passord. whats the point of the fingerprint when i am able to switch to the password anytime?!
ofc there must be something like a SOS password if the sensor breaks and all of a sudden its not possible to login anymore

 

It will switch to password after several unsuccessful finger swipes (I believe the number is configurable). As to "what's the point?" swiping your finger is significantly easier (more convenient) than entering a password. You can even do it while holding laptop in your hands.

Personally, I uninstall fingerprint software and don't use that feature at all. But that's me. In the past, I had Acer with SmartCard reader which I never used as well.

 

I use it because sometimes when everyone's looking at my laptop, it's hard for me to tell them to look the other way if I have to key in my password. With the fingerprint reader, they can look all they want

 

I received my new i7 / 380GB Vaio Z11 and I love it! It's faster than the i5 / 256GB I am returning.

But most importantly, it is making less of that annoying high-pitched noise my other i5 / 256GB Z11 was producing.

(The fan is still loud, when the system is working hard, but that does not bother me.)

The Z11 is an incredible machine. I am a heavy multi-tasker and now I no longer have to wait for the computer. It's quite a productivity booster!

 

Congratulations on your new Z11.

I agree with you...the Z11 is awesome!

BTW...there are some updates on VAIO update....updating now...

 

Has anyone come across his Z coming out of sleep/hibernation while inside a case/bag?

It's happened to me a bunch of times lately and it's becoming pretty annoying...

 

I have called sonystyle to complain about this issue and they have asked me to send my Z to examine. I said Merci beaucoup (thank you very much)
I am not going to send my Z ever to them unless the ssd fail

 

Try this: Advanced Power Settings - Sleep - Allow Wake timers - Disable

 

Chalk one more in for the Black Screen of Death issue !

Never happens at work doing ordinary stuff, Only seems to happen when playing movies on Flash sites like YouTube, Pornhub, Megavideo

I've watched a few blueray movies on this Z and never had a Black Screen, just on these flash sites

And Yes Pornhub was in my list

 

For those suffering from black screen's, please visit this thread.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/473103-strange-crash-z1190.html

 

Black screen of Death doesn't just occur in these flash sites, I've also experienced it on Windows Media Player
Sony/Nvidia better release a new driver fast!

 

I have been reading through pages and pages of this thread, but i'm still confused. If I order this computer in the U.S with a 192b ssd is it a quad even though it says 128x1 + 64x1? Will the solid state drives read and write speed degrade over time on this computer? Also how bad is the high pitch sound on this computer... is it the type of sound that will give you a headache if in a quite room?

I was extremely excited to order and get this computer but between the complaints about the high pitched noise, the screen going black while watching videos, and the possibility of the ssd degrading over time, i'm not so sure about ordering this computer anymore... Any advice as what to do. am I over analyzing things?

 

If you get a 192GB it will be a triple 64GB.

the 128x1 and 64x1 refer to the physical cards in the computer. The 128GB card will comprise 2 64GB logical drives. The other card will have 1 logical drive.

Two physical cards, 3 logical drives.

 

I had same fears but I ordered anyway a custom configuration from SonySyle (allowing me to send back the Z11 in case I will not be satisfied).

Well, I received, since a week, the "beast" and I am completely satisfied.

1) for my ears not too high pitched noise, a moderate noise in case of heavy work for GPU.

2) no black screen under any of the evidenced situations.

3) no dead or fixed coloured pixels

4) about SSD no degradation, of course, due to very short period of running time, I will test this matter in a long period.

Few percent of battery drain, but on this matter I reserve to investigate deeply.

Globally I can say to be a satisfied user of Vaio Z11.

An awesome and spectacular machine.

P.S. I didn't understand if, on european models, GPS can be activated or not.

 

Your wise. Had you sent it in, you would've received it back like you had it for 5 years and were ready for the new replacement design. Why doesn't Sony pad their work stations and why don't those techs wear some sort of scratch proof work gloves? As for tools, why don't they use those tools made of rubber to lessen the severity of cosmetic damage? Its awful how you have to sign these waivers these days on things that require fixing. This is so common with cars.

 

Hi All,

I have an issue I can't resolve. I bought the Z series a few weeks ago and I can't use multiple monitors (dual monitors) for the life of me. I have two external monitors that I was using with my old desktop and only one of the two will work at a time with the Z series (If I disconnect one the other will work and vice versa).

If I go to the screen resolution settings in Windows 7 it recognizes both monitors are there. But when I try to "extend desktop to this display" it always comes back with a "unable to save display settings. I have even tried using the "connect to a projector", but that didn't work either.

I have rebooted the computer countless times. I have tried using DVI-D, HDMI and VGA cables...all with no luck. I even bought a DVI-D splitter, but that just made both screens show a display but it would not do a extended display. I have updated all drivers and waited 4 hours on the phone to talk to Sony support...and after an hour talking with them they had no clue. I have tried 3 monitors as well

Here are my specs
- Intel® Core™ i7-620M processor (2.66GHz) with Turbo Boost up to 3.33GHz
- 8GB (4GBx2) DDR3-SDRAM-1066
- Fresh Start
- Genuine Windows® 7 Professional 64-bit

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!

 

Maybe it will help someone.

I wasn't too happy about color saturation on my Z, so reduced it to -20 via Intel vcard control panel. But I noticed that every time computer locks up, enters sleep mode or hibernates - the settings won't stay and next time I log in I'm having default color settings again.

After some minor research I found "Do not apply color mode" option in VAIO Control Center -> Display -> Color Mode Setting, but it actually works only after reboot. The default value is "Change to optimal color mode automatically", which discards custom settings.

 

well, from what i know it is impossible to run 2 external displays with this (any) laptop. I talked to sony support too about this issue, since i am using dual monitors as well. They said the same, its not possible, only one at a time.

I am however greatly interested in this issue since i use a usb to dvi video adapter which is jsut a workaround and not eprfect at all.

 

"Refreshed" model of the new Z (Australia)

VPCZ126GGB
http://www.penta.com.au/template.php?seqid=71240

VPCZ127GGB
Template: SONY VAIO VPCZ127GGB 540M 2.53GHz, 6GB DDR3, 128GB SSD, 13.1, NV GeForce GT330M 1GB DDR3,DVD Burner, WLAN, BT, Cam, Win 7 Pro 64 bit [5N8N]

VPCZ128GGB
Template: Sony Vaio VPCZ128GGB ntel Core i7-620M 2.66 GHz, 8GB, 256GB, 13.1, Nv GeForce GT 330M Graphics, DVD, BT, Cam, Win 7 Pro 64 bit [5N]

VPCZ128GGXQ
Template: SONY VAIO VPCZ128GGXQ 620M 2.66GHz, 8GB DDR3, 256GB SSD, 13.1, NV GeForce GT330M 1GB DDR3, DVD Burner, WLAN, BT, Cam, Win 7 Pro 64 bit [8N]

No major change in comparison to the Z11x series. Only change is the VPCZ126GGB has 3G WWAN as standard.

 

Sony India says they're not selling the z117 anymore as there is a minor model refresh coming. Conics.net says they are out of stock on the Z117 with i7 CPU.

Not one Sony z117 to be found in Delhi and the largest Sony Style store in the city has a 12 person waiting list!!

Finally decide to spend all that money, after thinking for months, on what seems like the perfect laptop and I can't find it in stock.

Hope the SONY VAIO VPCZ128GGXQ which is supposed to be the new model has optima so it's worth the wait!

 

Im planning on buying a Vaio Z, should I buy it now or there will be another refresh soon

 

does the WWAN on the VPCZ128GGXQ unlocked?

 

Don't think it has WWAN, but the final spec might include it. Who knows?

SONY VAIO 13.1" VPCZ128GGXQ - BLACK - Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
* Intel Core i7 620M (2.66 GHz, up to 3.33 GHz with Turbo Boost)
* Memory 8GB DDR3 (Maximum - used both available slot)
* 13.1" VAIO Display Premium with LED Backlight (1920x1080) with 96% Adobe RGB Colour Gamut Coverage
* 256GB SSD (Raid 0, 4x 64GB SSD)
* DVD Burner
* NVIDIA GeForce GT330M 1GB DDR3 with CUDA Technology & Integrated Intel HD Graphics
* HDMI output
* Motion Eye Web Cam (640x480)
* Integrated Wireless LAN IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n
* Integrated Bluetooth Ver 2.1+EDR
* DLNA Certified
* 3x USB2.0 Ports
* Windows XP Pro Disc Supplied
* Noise Cancelling Headphones Supplied
* Media Card Slots: Memory Stick Duo (PRO-HG compatible) x 1SD (SDHC compatible)
* VAIO International Repair Service Included
* Weight: 1.41 kg (including supplied battery)
* Battery Life (included) : up to 5 hours of use with supplied VGP-BPS20/B (5200 mAh)
* Battery Life (with optional battery): up to 8 hrs (JEITA a) with optional VGP-BPL20 (7800 mAh)
* Dimension: 314x210x33mm
* Supplied Accessories: 19.5V AC Adaptor (VGP-AC19V32), 5200 mAh Lithium-ion battery (VGP-BPS20/B), Noise Cancelling Headphones (MDR-NC021LP/BM2), Windows®XP Professional Install Disc

 

I just checked. No new updaes for me . I only have these 2 updates:

VAIO® Event Service Update
Version :
5.1.2.03030
Last Modified :
03/19/2010
Size :
2.89 MB
Note: This utility is only for use with the products identified and sold in United States, Latin America, Canada, or Brazil. Not all models are sold in all countries.


VAIO® Peripherals Metadata Update
Version :
1.0.1.12090
Last Modified
02/12/2010
Size :
3.70 MB
Note: This utility is only for use with the products identified and sold in United States, Latin America, Canada, or Brazil. Not all models are sold in all countries.

Did you get any others?

 

@huberth

There's a bluetooth firmware upgrade.

 

Bit of a horror story this morning. I stripped one of the chassis screws on the Z11.

I tried the standard methods to remove the screw:

1. Put a heavy-guage rubber band in the hole and try to unscrew - no joy
2. Apply a drop of super glue on the screwdriver tip and stick to the afflicted screw - no joy

I debated on the next method; solder the screwdriver bit to the screw or drill it out. Drilling seemed the lesser of two evils, so that's what I did.



If you try to drill a screw out, hit the screw dead-on with a drill bit that has the same diameter as the threaded part. Drill in short bursts, blowing out the metal shavings. When it hits the threaded part, the head will pop right out.

Use some pliers to remove the remaining part of the screw.

Worked like a champ. I've ordered a few laptop screw kits from Ebay to replace the stripped one.

Words to the wise, be gentle. The screws in the Z11 appear to be softer than those in older models.

 

Phew thank god the refresh isn't anything special, really thought i would miss somekind of great feature >_>. Still glad i bought it ^_^.

 

Well, I see in the refresh a memory upgrade, which is a very good thing since I'm looking forward to buy a Z with the maximum memory available!

Before: i5 only 4GB RAM, must go i7 to get 6GB, no way to have 8GB but CTO
After: i5 can have 6GB, i7 can have 8GB

Since the "preconfigured" models can be found for much cheaper than by going the CTO route (even when stripping out features you don't need) it's a great news for people like me that needs memory.

 

...or buy the RAM form Newegg and save some $

 

I'm about to order my Z with Windows 7 Ultimate as opposed to Pro w/ Fresh Start. How easy will it be to reformat and install the necessary drivers? I've reformatted windows xp before, but am not that knowledgeable about these things. Are there instructions (step by step) anywhere on how to do it?

 

I've been asked to find a laptop under $800 for a woman's son. She seems to prefer Dell, but I was puzzled by all of the Inspirons that still have only Core 2 Duo CPUs and such low grade GPU's. I will keep researching Sony's also. I notice the S models were discontinued??? If anyone knows of a decent laptop 15" or under I would appreciate the help. I didn't know the M11x does not have an interior DVD. Wow, bummer. I know the kid wants to do some gaming; what kid doesn't. I'm coming away with more of an appreciative feeling for my new Z though. Compared to what I've researched, this laptop still has the best power to weight ratio the best hands down.

 

I've thought about this plan a lot, since upgrading RAM is the most easy of tasks; it's basically the only part of the Z that is designed to be user-sericeable. For all the rest, you have to dig into the device...

So I've searched for the price of 4GB DDR3 SO-DIMM and I find it hardly interesting. At least in France, where I am!

* The upgrade in CTO to get +2GB is 100€. +100€ for total 6GB, +200€ for total 8GB.

* In the shops I'm used to, the 4GB DDRM SO-DIMM is ~200€; ~400€ for a 2x4GB kit.

First observation, the SonyStyle upgrade is pretty cheap, given that the 2GB SO-DIMM costs less than 100€... (note that Dell provides the same range of price for this kind of upgrade)

Second observation, as much as the preconfigured models provides much more value for money, these 300€+ to go from 4GB to 8GB simply offsets the CTO premium price if I want/need these 8GB.

In the end I didn't know what's best for me:
- CTO with my 8GB and no stuff I don't need like the i7 CPU which, in my opinion, gives a minimal performance boost for a 200€ upgrade
- the high-end preconfigured model (that's the only one with the FHD display that I want more than anything else), with only 6GB but basically all the available features for an unbeatable price compared to CTO (i7, WWAN, fingerprint reader...) and also knowing that I could upgrade to 8GB later if really needed

So for me, since I still haven't bought my future Z, this refresh would be very welcome. I'd get the 8GB RAM in a preconfigured value for money.

Final note: am I completely off-the-chart compared to US prices like newEgg and the like? I could use eBay and the same, eventually... Maybe there's a way to get these DIMM for much cheaper?

 

I would personally recommend you get the laptop from Sony since Dell laptops are not that great when it comes to gaming, from what I know. Although I would give Dell 10/10 on techincal support and warranty. The E and CW series are both my favourites

 

Asus G, though I'm not sure if they can be discounted below $800.

Be careful, if it's a good gaming machine and the kid spends all his time playing, his mom might just come after you

 

Is anyone waiting for their Vaio Z to be shipped?
I ordered 4/14 and estimate shipping was 5/4 but status was still 'Processing.' When I called Sony about this they said I may have to wait for 3 more weeks(5/25) to receive it.
I was wondering if there's anyone who's having similar problem like me. Is waiting for 6 weeks to get a Vaio Z normal or am I just having a bad luck here?
Maybe I should just cancel it and buy a refresh model in June or July...

 

Thanks for the laptop recommendations.

 

Hmm what country did you order from? What were your specs? I ordered mine in the USA(California to be exact) on April 20th, and received mines on April 30th...(specs found in my signature)

 

Thanks for the reply. I live in U.S. too, Oakland California. Now I'm really disappointed.

My order was...
i5-540M | 4 gb | 128 gb SSD | Prem. Carbon Fiber

They must have made a huge mistake with my order I guess...
three more weeks....... (sigh)

 

Oh, i'm sorry to hear. That's weird, mines took "long", or so i thought, because the i7 was backordered... Yeah, i really don't see a reason why yours is taking so long... =/. Did you make your order by phone? That's what I did. Besides that, I can't see any other reason why mine arrived sooner... =/. But good luck anyhow.

 

I made the order online, after a long chat with a representative.
After I complained about this issue, I got a email from Sony CC saying that the reason for the delay is ' Due to the large number of requests....'

I was really pissed off since they didn't even gave me a notice that the shipping will be 3 weeks delayed till I called and asked what was going on. That was four days ago and my account order status still shows the estimate shipping date is 5/4. They're not even updating my order status so I can check...
Now I'm assuming they just omitted my order by mistake and faking it as 'delay due to high demand.'

 

I just registered to say THANK YOU for letting me now that.

It's been extremely annoying to have to reset the mouse every 10 minutes or so. From the update description:

 

Let me tell you my story guys.

I've been a Mac user for the past 5 years or so. Never thought I'd be back to Windows/PC world, well, not until I saw the Z series.

I was in Dubai for a business trip and went to Dubai Mall (it's amazing btw), and went to some electronics shops. My eyes landed on the VPCZ116 first, and it was a beauty, I was about to buy it but thought I'd check Sony showroom. While there, I saw the models prices, and when I looked at the VPCZ117, I was sold, but it was out of stock.

Non of the shops had it in stock, so I almost gave up. Until I opened my email and found a message saying that my order is in that shop and I should go pick it up. And so I did (and it's English keyboard!)

It's simply a masterpiece, love this machine. The FHD screen is just amazing (although viewing angles could be better).

I own a MacBook Air, 17" MBP, and an iMac. Haven't used them since buying the Z. This thing is a monster.

And oh, Windows 7 is not too bad after all!

 

Does Newegg sell RAM memory for the Sony Z 1190 that works? I've read in previous threads that the RAM was very difficult to get and other RAM was not compatible.

Is there a direct link for this ram to a websiste where I can pre-order.

Cheers.

 

That's quite cheap if you compare to the 4GB upgrade price for a 13" MacBook Pro: it used to be 500€ a month and a half ago (from the French Apple Store) and went down to 360€ since the latest modifications of the MacBook Pro serie (no procs upgrade for the 13" though ).

Anyway, I received my Z a couple weeks ago, and I'm very happy about it. The goal was to replace my desktop and be a lightweight laptop I could bring with me - Goals reached!

Btw, when I ordered it, there was a special offer: get an i5 540M for the price of an i5 520M - and now until the 10th of May it's 'get an extended battery for the price of the normal one'. Who knows, maybe they'll do something like 'get 8GB of RAM for the price of 6GB' next time

 

Yeah, I called the rep because the HDD model was not available anymore, and he tolds me that sometimes the special offer is on the memory, "next time maybe", so it's kind of my secret wish ;-)

I'm still wondering if I should take profit of the "free extended battery" by tomorrow... But I think Ill continue waiting a little more. Tuesday I'll go to the Paris SonyStyle shop just to see by my eyes how gorgeaous this thing is! And make sure that the FullHD display is good for me... I'm pretty sure it is but hey, this thing costs quite a lot of money so I guess it's OK to check out things before handing the cash

 

Very cool, another convert

Welcome

Difficult to remove and incompatible? That's ludicrous. Which threads?

The RAM is extraordinarily easy to swap out, even for first timers. Both SO-DIMMs are user-accessible via two screws on the bottom of the machine and use standard DDR3.

Take your pick:
1066 DDR3 - Newegg
1333 DDR3 - Newegg

Specifically, I put this kit in my Z11 the first day I had it.
NBM 4Gx2|MUSHKIN 996644 R - Retail

I've seen HP's where you have to remove the keyboard and HDD to get at the second RAM slot.

I'd feel comfortable walking my Grandmother through a RAM upgrade on the Z... over the phone.

 

From the perspective of a sony vaio z, what do you people think about the Envy 14?

 

As I am soon getting a vaio Z,I'm sick of all HP laptops recently, they just all become so alike, there is no distinct quality anymore. All have the same designs, now I cant even compare a what used to be a premium laptop to any other HP series. The new envy 14 is okay, it still weights 5 pounds tho

 

Anyone have pics of silver vs carbon fiber finish? Also anyone with carbon finish - does the material make your laptop sturdier or lighter? Is silver finish plastic or metal?

 

+1

I'd be happy to see those pics and know these answers too!