Sony X Series Official Owners Thread

According to Amazon UK "This item is due to be released on October 30, 2009."

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-11-1-i...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1256830834&sr=8-1

Perhaps our machines will be shipped to us after this date, if indeed this is the actual launch date?

The level of customer service I received today has been nothing short of diabolical. The lady I spoke to was a joke then she said she will ask a manager to call me back, still nothing.

I am patient, I just don't like being messed around. If she said I won't get it until next week then that's fine - at least I know what's going on.

 

X are already on stock at some sellers...why dont you buy elsewhere than, no need for sonystyle if they dont have stock yet.

 

They've already taken my money. It was hard enough getting them to accept my order (after I proved who I was), I can only imagine the pain I will have to go through getting a refund!

 

Ask them to throw in an official accessory, like the slim case, for the hardship suffered due to the delayed delivery.. you never know

 

If it's any help, the Japan Sonystyle site is currently listing the Owner Made X for a delivery of mid-late November. I was actually surprised to see this in stock at one of the major electronics retailers so early.

 

Just wish I could make a trip down to Japan...

 

I believe they sell a "worlwide warranty" in Japan and USA, which can then be used in Europe. So people can just order via Internet and add the worldwide warranty and it will be fine...

 

I notice there is a custom order for 256GB SSD. Any idea if the performance of the 256GB SSD is better than the 64 and 128GB SSDs?

 

We know that 64GB version is hooked via PATA, why...to cut down a few grams of weight and its only used in the US version of X, so they could get the super duper low weight.

128 and 256 are both SATA.

But as we seen a few benchmarks, SSDs are slow duo to poor Intel chipset performance.

 

Pretty sure 64GB version is also available in Asia, in addition to Japan which has the most customization options. But You are bottlenecked at the PATA on the chipset (the SATA 128/256GB SSD still "down-convert" to PATA before it goes in the chipset), so you don't really get noticeable performance increase.

 

Had been wondering, is it cos of the 128/256GB SSD that causes the models with these to be heavier and have shorter battery life than those with the 64GB SSD?

 

It is heaver, because it needs the SATA to PATA converter. About the battery life, i am not sure, but probably...

 

Well in Singapore we only got the 64GB version now. The 128GB version coming in Nov 09.

Somehow the Pineview roadmap talks only about the new N450 and N470. No news about new Z series .. But Pineview supposed to have SATA support so hopefully that will alleviate the bottleneck for SSDs.

 

I'm uninstalling so many pre-installed software on my X that I would like to do a Windows 7 clean install on it.

I have a few questions :

- How to do a clean install and keep the restore partition ? Reinstalling the Sony restore center software will let me then use the restore partition ? Or your advice is perhaps not to keep the restore partition ? (I have burnt the 2 restore DVD)

- Which Windows 7 version would you install on the Vaio X ?

I'll try the " Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool" which allows Windows 7 to be installed from a USB stick.

Thanks for your time and help

 

I did a complete clean install myself. Before that, I burned 3 DVDs and they are supposed to restore the Restore Partition too (this is what I understood from the texts when I was burning the discs).

The MS USB Tool only works with official Windows 7 ISO download from microsoft. I followed this extremely simple guide to create an USB install...
http://kmwoley.com/blog/?p=345

 

Strange, it is the second time that I read in this thread that 3 DVDs are needed to backup the system but in my case I only needed 2 DVDs or a 1 DVD-DL.
Perhaps less crapware is installed on the european model ?

 

I am trying to get hold of the vaio backgrounds for win 7 logon screen that are in the same style as the new wallpaper. Someone in this thread has already posted the wallpaper and I am extremely greatful for that (gives my tt a fresh new look). Would you be so kind and post those matching logon screen backgrounds please?

 

Well I've gone ahead and put in an order for the basic European model of the X. Found it here for what seems to be a pretty good price (relatively!). Not sure if they really have it in stock or if I'll be waiting a week or two but I thought I'd try. Bought a VAIO from these guys last year for my wife and it was great value.

Would have liked to have customised it for a 2Ghz CPU but unfortunately Sony UK are not willing to accomodate those on the other side of the Irish Sea. And besides, the Sonystyle store seems to be a bit more expensive.

@dimension6: One thing I've still not been able to suss out 100%; is the "carbon fibre" lid option the shiny option? and the "black" option the matte one? I've seen a few youtube videos where there is either a shiny and fingerprint-attracting X, or a nice dark matte black X. However none of these videos identify the exact model or type of lid. Which one is yours? Judging by your photos you have the black matte one. Really hoping the one I've ordered won't be shiny.

 

I guess that the extra DVD on the Japanese model is for the included GPS mapping software (it has street-level maps of Japan stored on the disk).

I do have the matte version of the X, and can confirm that it is an absolute fingerprint magnet like you wouldn't believe. My Owner Made Z has the premium carbon fibre lid, which is a bit shinier but has no problems with fingerprints whatsoever. Presumably, the X has the same material for its premium carbon lid (I saw it at the store, but can't remember exactly how it looked). Actually, the smudging problem on the X is really around the keyboard/palmrest area rather than on the lid, so your lid decision shouldn't matter too much. Perhaps the "champagne" color is best?

Now that I have my Z back, I can compare the machines a bit. One major criticism I have about the X is its abysmal Atheros AR9285 wireless chipset. It's extremely slow, with only a single stream. I have not surpassed 1MB/sec. speeds yet, and normally transfer files from my server at a dismal 300-400KB/sec. Furthermore, it only supports the 2.4Ghz band and not the faster (though shorter range) 5.0Ghz band. This is terrible in my home because there are 30-40 visible wireless networks within range, all but one of which are sitting in the 2.4Ghz range. Given that there are only 3 nonoverlapping channels in the 2.4Ghz band, this leads to massive congestion on my local airwaves. In comparison, my Z transfers at a reliable 10MB/sec. up and down (half duplex, of course) with its 3-antenna Intel 5300AGN wireless chipset. Unfortunately, with the X (and VAIO P) we see another case of a manufacturer taking advantage of the fact that the 5Ghz band is only optional in the 802.11N specification (until recently, most home "Draft-N" wireless routers also did not support a/n networks).

For those that are interested in getting better networking speeds, I'd suggest buying the WiMax model of the X if you don't need WWAN. According to Sony's site, it provides support for 5Ghz a/n networks, and is probably either the good Intel 5150 or 5350 chip.

 

dimension6 If and when you have time, can you post a photo of the X and Z side-by-side. Thanks.

 

Just called Sony again, they still can't tell me where my order is. Aparently they are all on 'hold' as the machine hasn't been officially released and could be dispatched November 5th-10th.

Yet the likes of Amazon and laptopsdirect have them in stock ready to be dispatched....

 

Hi, just bought the european model X11S1E from Greece.
1.8ghz Atom z540, 128GB SSD
I disassembled it to take a quick look at the internals.
the 128GB Samsung SSD has uSATA printed on it which is a microSATA connector.
Physical dimensions are W:50mm, L:75mm, H:4mm
It is very SLLLOOOOOOWWWWW so I looked up online and the best option (and way faster) is one by runcore http://www.runcorestore.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=800000AF-1249410497
it is an exact fit (once you remove the casing)

BTW, I tried playing HD.mkv files (720 and 1080p) from the internal SSD and from an attached USB stick and the ones from the stick played smoothly as opposed to the ones from the internal drive.
I placed an order for the Runcore SSD and we will see how that goes.

FYI, the disassembly of the X is fairly easy.
Philips screws at the bottom, one was covered by a round sticker (easy to remove and replace) and then a transparent film covering the mainboard and all circuitry, then 1 philips screw for the SSD bracket and be careful with the BIOS battery.

I will take photos when I install the faster SSD.

 

The SSD is slow not because of the drive, but because of the fact that the US15W chipset does not have any SATA headers. The drive you took apart uses an adapter to connect the uSATA drive to the single-channel PATA motherboard header. Details on the chipset are here. Unfortunately, there's no way to significantly increase the speed. Are you sure the movies don't play slowly because of the CPU overhead from reading from the SSD? The SSD in mine is certainly capable of transferring a sustained 2-3MB/sec., which is the most any of my video files require.

I would like to see photos of the internals, if possible!

 

I just found these from original post.
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2009/10/08/hands_on_sony_vaio_x/



Some mores photos at http://www.pcauthority.com.au/News/155912,sony-marks-top-secret-vaio-laptop-with-x-for-mystery.aspx

 

I have a SZ3VP with premium carbon lid and neither the lid nor the aluminium palmrest attract much fingerprints, but I suppose I'll just have to keep that lint cloth handy for the X!

Shame about the poor wireless performance, but judging by ngvuanh's photos I wonder if the WWAN module is easily replaced? I know for the SZ range it was easy enough to replace the b/g WWAN card with a b/g/n card. Certainly dimension6 I would say the high number of wireless networks in your home is not helping the situation. I'm lucky enough to be only competing with one other wireless network, I'll report back the wireless performance once I get my X.

 

try conics.net

 

It's possible the WWAN module can be replaced. However, part of the problem stems from the fact that it has only a single stream (single antenna). The Intel 5300AGN has three antennas, by comparison. I don't think there would be any easy way to cram the additional antennas in the X's case (I'm sure the Sony engineers tried this!).

In my apartment, the 2.4Ghz band is very congested, but the 5Ghz band is almost completely open. I attached a quick scan of the insane amount of networks in my mixed-use building. Why more people don't use the 5Ghz band, especially in small Japanese apartments and offices, is beyond me.

As for the X smudging, I'd recommend the VAIO VGP-CG100 cleaning kit if you can find it. I'm not sure if it's available outside Japan, but I've been using mine for almost a year and it's a great way to keep the finish looking decent on any laptop.

 

thanks dimension6 for your continuous reporting! It really helps with the decision!

 

No problem at all! I've got two weeks left of downtime before my new job starts here, so I have plenty of time to respond to any questions people have as well.

 

Just phoned Sony again ... having received an email confirming factory despatch .....

Apparently, despite the email saying delivery on 3rd, they believe nearer the 10th ! ....

Just what is the point of their emails then?

It apparently takes 2-3 days to get from Japan and then a further 3-4 days to get to me from somewhere else in the UK !

 

Mine is with the courier at the moment, apparently I might get it tomorrow or Wednesday or "sometime this week".

I'm far from impressed with Sony Style UK, they couldn't be more vague if they tried!

 

I've emailed customer services querying why the discrepancy between what is quoted on email versus verbal!

Interesting that Sony don't have an email address for complaints .... apparantly you have to write to them via 'snail mail' with complaints ... amazing for an IT firm ... funnily enough you can 'buy' from them online easily enough !

 

Thanks much. If you or anyone else has higher resolutions of these like 1680x1050 and 1920x1080 I would love to be able to add those to my website as well.

 

It's part of the experience when purchasing from SonyStyle online. Same scenarios occurred from those that purchased the Z when it was first offered for pre-sale. Delays after Delays. And when you thought it was ready for shipment, it wasn't. It's almost expected to happen.

 

It's not just Sonystyle in fairness, laptopsdirect can't be more specific than "sometime this week" for receiving their first supply of the X, even though they were initially due in stock last week.

It's not the storefronts at fault really, it's the supply chain behind it. Looks like I won't be seeing mine for a week or two yet anyhoo. But it gives me some time to find a suitable (and slim) laptop case

 

Mine is with UPS and will be delivered today! Only I won't be at home to sign for it! Doh!!!! *facepalm*

 

Cant you call UPS and re-route the package?

 

I haven't called UPS directly, it's not a big issue, they will just put a card through the door and I can go to their depot this evening to collect - just hope they don't lose it!

 

According to UPS mine is now showing arrived in Barking for delivery to Bristol tomorrow ! ..... how can Sony get their estimates so wrong?

Interesting you are going to the X from the Z11 as I am going from the Z21 .... will be interesting to compare the performance ...

 

According to UPS, my neighbour signed for it, so I won't have to go to UPS's depot tonight

I plan to keep my Z11, the X will be mainly used on my travels. I will only use the X for internet access (via WLAN & WWAN), Office 2007 and a few other basic applications so the lack of horsepower doesn't really bother me. Can't wait to unbox it tonight!

 

Exactly, I have a three year old SZ3VP which does a great job, but the X will fulfill it's role as my internet / travelling / living room / remote desktop laptop. I won't expect to encode Bluray => MKV.

I expect we'll see a couple of photos at some stage? enjoy

 

We've seen enough photos, share with us with user experience

 

Can never have enough pics! Especially posing side by side with my Z. I'll be sure to give my experience using it. I must warn you, I am brutally honest with my appraisals...

 

My friend just got his Vaio X yesterday (UK version) and I've been having a little play with it. It's so amazingly slim and light - now, I want one too!


Vaio X next to a Vaio TX. Bigger pic: http://i35.tinypic.com/213j7nt.jpg

Playing iPlayer, youtube and Tvcatchup (UK viewers only) wasn't that great as others have mentioned but TS files (mpeg2) recorded from a Humax Freesat box played very nicely.



Here's a 30 second clip of the Vaio X playing a TS file of the Gadget Show.
38mb, choose one only:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=D56ILIRK
http://www.badongo.com/vid/1324184
http://depositfiles.com/files/qekwfh4cm
http://rapidshare.com/files/301871429/M2U00012.MPG.html
http://www.zshare.net/video/67903566be23531a/

 

Blimey, there's a load of bloatware installed! Took a fair while to remove the junk....

 

Steve78, did you get your leather case yet? My mate is thinking of getting it.

 

Yep, I have the case, it arrived a week earlier than the laptop! It fits inside, but it's very snug. I am hoping that the leather will get a bit of slack with some use as the laptop fits inside a bit too tightly for my liking.

 

I hope Sony (at least) implements this processor in the near future (see: link & link).

This processor (VIA Nano 3000 series) has seamless 1080p playback, wow! This processor is shipping to OEMs now, and is expected to go into mass production in Q1 2010. The manufacture claims a 20 percent increase in performance, and a 20 percent less power consumption.

I hope Sony uses this processor for later models of the Sony VAIO X or a c2d, either way.

EDIT~ Or if nVidia comes out with the ION2

 

The 2GHz Atom in the X seems to run ok. If people want power and performance, then don't buy an X as this series is all about stamina and portability.

 

what about battery, how much can you get out of it and still working on it?