Sony Vaio Z i5/i7 Official Owners Thread

I would never want a quad in Z, you will never utilize all the cores on this small machine.

 

Why would the size matter, outside of heat? Wouldn't the expansiveness of the programs be what dictates core use?

 

I would. Eye of the beholder kind of thing.

 

I noticed that any crackle originally present in the source is more pronounced when using noise cancelling. If source file is clean, however, there are no ill effects.

But I also find included noise cancelling headphones very uncomfy (they hurt my ears after 10-15 minutes of use). My Westone 3 are infinitely more comfortable and work just as well for outside noise isolation without noise cancelling function.

If you go to Sound in Control Panel, Properties for for the device, and then switch to Enhancements, try turning off "Immediate mode". That may help getting rid of crackle.

 

Just want to thank everyone for all the information. Just got the i7 Z and it is amazingly fast compared to the Z590 that I had. I like almost all the changes and the build quality seems even better. My only complaints are the screen is still the best but the LED is a bit less bright at maximum and the speakers aren't quite as loud.

 

Did your friend or Paris guys tell something about USB 3.0? If not could you clarify it with you friend?

 

did you turn of the automatic backlight dimming feature? And 2nd you can boost the speakers a bit in the configuration settings. Just enable the EQ and take all the bars just a bit higher, that will make the volume go up (not to high or you may damage the speakers / or it may sound bad hehe).

 

I just bought the Sony VAIO® Carrying Case VGP-CCB4/B and like it. It has side pockets to fit power supply, mouse and other accessories.

Price: $49.99 from Sony

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666082479#features

 

Im planning to order my Z series by the end of this week or starting next week
Model number: VPCZ11CGX/X but when I checked back I found out that its back ordered and the price went back up to 2499 when it was 2349 just 2 days ago I havent had the time yet to start reading this owners thread all the way through just wanted to ask few questions.....extremely sorry in advance for the noob questions:1. How are the speakers? Ive been neglected to buy a laptop for past year due to laptops having crappy speakers compared to my 2 1/2 yr old SZ, I usually use for general music listening or watching movies so need to be suitable for both
2. has anyone been able to get any discounts at all from sony? I called in over the weekend when they still had it at 2349 and the guy on the phone gave me a discount for being a student but also had another option which brought the price down to 2049 or 1949 using some kind of a discount but whilst i was about to order my battery died and by the time i called back it was too late, they were closed. i have been really busy for past couple of days, Im hoping that my local Sony has the model available but would I be able to get the same discount? Im the biggest idiot for not getting the guys name who applied the discount for me.
3. is the GT330 DDR3 or GDDR3?

 

I'm trying to decide whether I should go for the core i7-620m with 128gb ssd or the core i5-520m with 256gb ssd for the same price. Is the performance significant between the two cores?

 

Personally I would go with the 256GB drive. That's a difference you will definitely notice.
The i5/i7 difference you will only see in benchmarks. I don't think that subjectively you can tell the diff.

 

Regarding the speakers on the Z11, I think all on this board will agree with me, All together now! (cheerfully) Crappiest speakers ever on a laptop!

It's true though, DO NOT, whatever you do, buy this laptop for its amazing speaker awesomeness because you will be oh so sadly disappointed in that regard.

In most any other category, I would say, quite a wonderful machine.

 

It does not depend on a sound played. As soon as I activate the noise cancellation i get some noise and crackle, idenpendent of environmental or computer-generated sound and it persists if sound is played or the surrounding volume level goes up.

Experienced this too, but the pain vanishes as you wear
them more often. I'm still not quite sure if this should worry me

No difference.

 

i second this. I 1st got the one with 128 Gb SSD. Then I checked remaining space and it says 70 GB.... Knowing how SSD works (delete + recycle bin =/= real deleting/recycling bin), I sold it off and got the one with 256 GB SSD. Now i feel much much better

 

Well, no 8GB models have been available in France, and I guess in Europe. No model with Blu-ray either. Only available in CTO via the SonyStyle website.

Concerning the CPU, I have nothing to add. Maybe the information is wrong, maybe it's a new CPU that Intel hasn't released yet... I don't know. What's sure is that I wonder what this CPU can be! Even if I don't care about it, the i5 is already more than enough for my need!

Oh, and another note about this high-end model refresh: the expected price would be of about 500€ more. Makes me wonder even more about the mysterious CPU. Furthermore at the SonyStyle store one of the guys said the expected price of the new model would be at least 2500€-2800€, which fits with the +500€ info.

What CPU can increase the price by 400€? (I count 100€ for the 8GB upgrade from 6GB)

 

The problem is, I want desktop space estate, i.e. displaying more info at the same time on the display, not to get finer pictures and fonts.

In other words, if I can't sustain the standards fonts on the FullHD display, bumping the dpi by 125% means the FullHD display is useless for me. Which means I could have bought a much cheaper i5 Z with 1600x900 display instead. That's what gives me headaches and pre-purchase angers ;-)

 

Aren't you a little bit ironic?

I tried the speakers of the Z when I was at the SonyStyle shop, and I was pleasantly surprised. Sure the speakers may not be very good but still there were not that bad! I could actually hear pretty well the sound in the shop, without beefing up the volume all the way. For me it was reassuring to find that the speakers are OK; reading this thread I was really fearing it's gonna be really bad but not they are just OK.

Besides before falling in love with the Z I was giving a strong look at the Dell Vostro 3300 (because of the small size + anti-glare display + backlit keyboard) and then there IS the crappiest speakers ever on a laptop!!! Like only mono (yes, no stereo), muffled volume, and crappy sound all together.

Maybe what you wanted to say was "crappiest speakers ever on a $2000+ laptop"? ;-)

 

Sorry, no info on that. However that hypothesis was already suggested previously in this thread and USB 3.0 in the refreshed Z would be highly doubtful. Basically because the current Intel chipset does not provide it and probably won't before some time. And I don't see Sony adding an additional chip just to add USB 3.0 support...

However if not supporting USB 3.0 is the only downside in the Z for you, you should be aware that you can easily add USB 3.0 support via an ExpressCard.

 

I had the same concerns about the FullHD discplay and I still have. Maybe this link will clarify something for you http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/466172-sony-z-1080p-not-comparing-resolution-dpi.html.
I've even managed to look at the Z with fullHD at one shop. What I liked is a very crisp view - the pictures and text are not far from those printed on paper. But some nuances describend at the above mentioned thread worry me a little.
By the way, I already asked the question, did your contacts say something about usb 3.0 in the refreshed vaio Z? This is really important issue for me as if I can buy the one with usb 3.0 I'll better wait untill the end of May. If usb 3.0 anyhow is not available even in the refreshed one I'll buy right tomorrow.

 

Thank you for your answer.

 

Thanks for the link. It doesn't help me much, but for the fact that the Vaio P has an even higher DPI, which I have been able to see in action. It was definitely unbelievably crisp.

So I'm still on the same idea: I think the FullHD will fit my needs, but I'm not completely sure so it's stressing me.

On the upside, once I will have handled the extra cash to get the higher-end model, chances that I regret it are small. Even if the DPI is too high I guess I won't think again about this "waste" of money I did because I will be so happy with my new toy.

 

Hi James,

I completely understand your dilemma regarding full HD on the Z. I was in the same situation and decided to buy the Z with full HD after much agonising. My old laptop (which I still use) is the Dell m1530 15.4" with 1440x900 resolution. Since there was no Sony shop which had the Z that I could play with I ended up trying to find 1920x1080 screenshots and resizing them on the Dell. Not the ideal thing to do, but the only option I had (and I still couldn't find the screenshots I wanted).

When I received the Z I thought I had made a big mistake since for some reason I was not able to focus on the text. However, after using it for a while and disabling auto brightness, I got used to it---in fact I now use 100% font scaling instead of 125% font scaling. There are some cases where the text is too small, but squinting helps ;-)

In fact, after using the Z and going back to the Dell I find the Dell font way too large.

My laptop uses are as follows:
* General web surfing.
* Microsoft Office stuff.
* MS Visual C++ express edition.
* PuttY consoles.

Of course, YMMV.

Hope this helps.

 

Sure, USB 3.0 didn't come in the current edition because Intel didn't include it in the mainboard design, but the internals show that the change wouldn't be that large of a redesign.

Check the first and third pictures HERE.

The sub-boards can likely be updated to support USB 3.0. Of course, this doesn't mean Sony will do it but it seems doable.

 

Although my model does not have the noise cancellation headphones, I do have some other Sony noise cancelling headphones (MDR-NC33).

They get crackle and noise when they battery runs low. (the headphone's battery, not the Vaio Z's)

 

Well, thank you, this helps.

If I compare my case to yours:
* I'm already used to higher res than you were (I use an Asus T91, 1024x600 en 8.9" seems to provide around the same DPI than the 1600x900 Z display)
* I tried doing the same "screenshot resizing" technique than you and I found it OK
* My tasks are quite similar to yours, using Eclipse instead of Visual C++... A lot of Eclipse and surfing actually

I guess I'm just torturing myself. Let's order the FullHD display and live with it!

 

One of these days I will start using Eclipse for my linux dev. Until then, gdb will suffice...

 

It is DDR3.

 

In my opinion next refresh wil not offer USB 3.0.
However you should be aware that you can easily add USB 3.0 support via an ExpressCard.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/483123-usb-3-0-z11.html#post6242294

 

Hi,
I want to buy a Sony Vaio Z (Z11Z9E/B) with core i7 and 256GB SSD FULL HD (the preconfigured model in Germany, Lux, Switzerland etc...)

I contacted a premium reseller in Luxembourg and they told me a
new model "Z12" is coming +/- 15 June 2010.

Can anyone confirm this?

If this is true i'm probably waiting for the new model....

 

Yes the new model is due out in a couple of weeks. No major changes in specs. In fact, the only change is the integrated 3G on the top end model for us in Australia and New Zealand. No USB 3.0 and no processor upgrades.

 

Yes, I've been told the exact same thing, and the new model is named "Z12".

But it seems that this model will cost 500€ more for basically 8GB RAM instead of 6GB and (maybe? some people here don't believe it) a slightly more powerful processor.

If you're full of cash, then wait, but if you're like me take your number in the line for the current i7 Z11. That's what I'm doing, we'll see if the god of Vaio Z stocks smiles to me or not.

 

These posts by ZoinkS2K and zendar might be useful to you.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/6163940-post3789.html
http://forum.notebookreview.com/6164115-post3797.html

As far as discounts go, yes you can get a discount. They basically gave me a 15% discount without me even really trying for it. Managed to get them to go even a bit further. Just be persistant and NICE. Your salesperson will likely get annoyed, just stay positive and friendly; have the attitude that you want them to help you spend your money with Sony. Though some will disagree, I wouldn't mention that you "know" others have gotten a discount. Make it personal--make them feel they're doing something special for YOU. That's what I did, and I was pleased with the outcome.

 

Question - I got the 128 GB drive.... I need more space - yikes... will the SDHC cards work in the memory card slot? I'm thinking of plopping down between $80-120 for a 32 mb one. I know that they will degrade over time, but what other option do I have? Any recommendations?

As I see it there are several options for increasing memory -

The express card 34 slot
The SD slot
The magic Gate slot
a Rewritable DVD
a usb thumb drive -(will stick out of the machine so that's my least preferred method)
a usb - hard drive, already have one of those, but it's slow

 

I heard that the SSD will be updated as well.

 

You could replace your optical drive by a 2.5" HDD (or SSD, for that matter). Some people did it with success in this forum.

The downsides:
- must open the device and "hack" it
- potential problems if not done correctly (at least since you have the 128GB SSD you wouldn't be subject to the BIOS ACPI bugs!)
- no more internal optical drive (of course)

The upsides:
- really big, cheap and reliable additional storage; and also much better performance!
- completely internal
- you can still use all your memory card readers, Express card slot, USB ports

 

The refreshed Z1 is officially out in Australia.

VPCZ127GG : Z Series : VAIO Notebooks : Sony Australia

Same spec as VPC-Z117GG except no preimum carbon cover and AU$400 less

I suspect VPC-Z128GG might have, in addition to Z127GG spec, 3G, 512GB SSD and Premium carbon cover.

Confusing thing is that this new product flyer http://www.mmt.com.au/prodspec/15VAIO-VPCZ126GGB/VPCZ126_127_128.pdf contradicts the spec on the official Sony AU website.

 

nice fast info, thx!

 

Well, you know that you are not limited to 125%. In fact you can set it to anything you want.
The nice thing about going with the full display is that you have the option of dialing that in. Lets say you find that 100% is a tad to small, make it 105% or 108%... You will find the sweet spot for your eyes and for what you are doing and it will probably be less than 125%.

Another point: Even if the icons are scaled up to say 125%, it doesn't mean that you are at that resolution, pixel wise (i.e. you are not at 1536 pixels which is 1920/1.25) All it means is that the icons and text are larger. You're still at 1920 pixels across, which is sweet.

 

Even the headphone jack is in the same position.... I was just about to stand on the soapbox and rant loudly about how I had to wait two months for my Z, and less than a month later I find out it's going to be outdated.

I feel better now

 

Did you by chance hear what exactly will be updated concerning SSD?
Does anyone know what theoretically could be updated in SSD? Have any significant improvements in technology been made since the release of current vaio Z11 version?

 

I just heard that sony has a couple of problems with the current SSD. That's why they want to revise it.

 

Okay so, I called up my local Sony store in Virginia (Tysons Corner) and The guy i spoke to said he has 4 in stock of the pre-config model I want but he said that " We can only sell it at the price its been given to us so I can only sell it to you for $2499 sucks that just 2 days ago it was $2349.

Problem is Im in london right now and my dad is coming to usa this weekend but I dont know if my dad can be "extra nice" and "persistent" on getting the best deal out of them, I was hoping I can call them and get a deal out of them and tell them that ill be right over and send my dad when he's there.
I dont know what to do even if I get the 15% that would be fine for me, should I try calling Sony's Direct line(their 1800 number)? If anyone can give me some kind of advice on getting some kind of discount that would be awesome, cuz I have around $2000 to spend maybe a tad bit more so I wanna bring down that $2499 price. please help

 

The comments about discounts and such apply to the SonyStyle store where many of us were able to get discounts of 15% (and a few got a bit more early on )

The Sony brick and mortar store is a different matter entirely...

 

I think it will be tougher to get the discount from a store than if you were to order from Sony Style (which I believe is no longer selling the Z at the moment). But you can negotiate the price on any big ticket item. You'll definitely be at a disadvantage not being there physically though. Your physical presence in the store is a major bargaining chip in your favor (what are they going to do, throw you out?). Tell the salesperson you only have $1800 to spend (you know you have more, he/she doesn't). They'll laugh. Don't be afraid. "Help me spend my money here." If they don't budge, ask to talk to the manager. "If you don't help me find a way to buy this computer, my wife is going to spend this money on furniture." (You're married right? ). The furniture line I got from a website. If they offer you a lower deal but still not quite where you want, tell them you'll call them right back. Call back and say "Good news, my wife says I can spend $2000! So do we have a deal?" Be persistant. But be nice.

You might find this article useful.

Learn How to Haggle - Getting the Lowest Price on Most Everything You Buy

 

Thank you for the news about refreshed Z. Since there's no change, I'll just wait for my Z11 to be shipped...

 

thanks you for the replies, they are out of stock online since its showing backordered but they have 4 in stock at my local Sony store so is it possible i can talk to them online and pay for it over the phone and have it picked up from my local store somehow?

 

after a lot of thinking, i decided to buy the damn thing

got 10% student discount and comes out to be.. 1918$ ish or something for the basic model + carbon fiber

gonna sell my m11x. tired of the cramped up keyboard and super glare screen D=

 

If you're in the US, add 2 accessories + an extended warranty and you qualify for a 15% discount, then just cancel the warranty within 30 days, that's what I just did =p. and I got a pair of cheap earbuds for my sis and a kensington combo lock for my accessories.

 

Well, for expensive a notebook as this is, I wouldn't discount any possibility. It's worth a try asking the folks at SonyStyle if you can do it that way. But I would highly doubt they'll be able to do that. I just don't think they'll have the ability to coordinate that with the store. And I bet the way the stores and SonyStyle online price things is subject to some different variables. But try it and see what they say. It can't hurt.

 

I have connected an older bluetooth headset to the Z and while the connection works and the output audio is OK, recording is almost completely muffled by some sort of background noise.

Does anyone have any experience/recommendation here?