VAIO TZ Owner's Thread

Quick question to TZ owners. Anyone tried or already upgraded their Windows Vista to SP1? I know its only RTM at the moment but are there anyone out there who already tried it and finding it a worthwhile upgrade? Just curious ^^

Thanks ahead of time

 

Yup, I've been on SP1 for a while and find it worthwhile. My boot up time is actually slightly slower since I upgraded but overall operations are faster and more reliable.

 

Any link for a safe SP1 download?

 

I got it directly from Microsoft. I think there is now a public release of SP1 via Microsoft but I don't have the link. You should be able to find it via Google...

 

Oww nice to hear! Thanks. So nothing broke after the update? All buttons, functions and Sony battery management etc still works? Just making sure its a smooth transition :3

 

Yes! All the Sony utilities (and other programs, for that matter) that worked before SP1 still work. My connecting to my wireless LAN also seems faster than before SP1, as does transferring files to/from USB and other media.

 

Just got my new laptop a few days ago (VGN-FZ21E) switched it on Vista Home Premium installed of which Sony decided to include every bloat ware application possible once it fully installed I wasn’t happy I managed to uninstall Norton plus loads of other apps but it was still not running right, found the anytime upgrade folder on the HDD so downloaded Vlite and burned the contents to a disk I then reinstalled a fresh version of Vista HP, got everything working much much better than before however I cannot for the like of me get the Fn keys to work I can’t find any drivers etc?



Any body have any suggestions or can point me in the right direction?


Thanks

 

Yes, the amount of bloatware included by Sony is ridiculous! I think we all agree on that.

Pretty sure you can reinstall the FN keys via the Restore Center. I think the component you need to reinstall is the Vaio Event Service. Someone can correct me if I am wrong, as this has been discussed several times in the forum.

 

Thanks for the reply, seems I posted in the wrong thread The FZ is below lol sorry.

Whatever I try the Fn keys do not function, the mute does but the rest like brightness etc do not

 

Yes, I'm glad to have my TZ90 back. And its screen is still so much superior to the replacement TZ198, which I plan to sell ASAP.

 

Yes, and SP1 works slightly faster than the "regular" Sony-branded Vista Business, after about a week of "learning".

Warning: I installed ZoneAlarm Vista version because I wanted two way firewalling, and I got the blue screen of death! I uninstalled it, cleaned after it with Crap Cleaner v. 2.4, defrag the SSD, and replaced with Comodo...no problems so far, although Comodo is very "talkative" with many pop-ups...

To save space on the SSD drive, I am also using a Sony 8GB memory stick for all my work data, with no problem: I leave it inserted all the time and it does not protrude from the case. It's relatively fast and good enough for storing large files, and the occesional movie during flights...The 8GB memory stick cost $105 from Techonweb...

 

Two-way firewalling is very easy to enable in the Windows Firewall. Open it, click "change settings" and then put a check mark next to "block incoming connections."

Benjamin

 

Hi! Easy possible help me! I have TZ150 model. Install vista Ultimate x86 SP1.
All work great but always turn on bluetooth. I install wireless switching utility
And in the tray i see

I can`t turn on wlan, only bluetooth. Can you help me?

P.S. I have well small problem when i press on the XP Fn+F7 i see 2 modes(LCD only + Setup), but on Vista only LCD!

 

Have you installed all drivers correctly? I suppose when you use some of the manual on installing Vista/XP from this discussion, you should make it working..

 

Where is manual to install Vista? I only find XP install thread, for Vaio TZ on this forum. I`m install all aplication from vaio FTP.
And if i uninstall wireless switching utility, internet(wlan) work, but impossible turn off bluetooth!

 

Hi Guys,

Just got the TZ11XN.

Have read this thread from start to finish - eyes are nearly bleeding but still haven't got (cant find) the answers I need :

1. How do I safely remove Vista and install XP retaining full functionality?

2. What Sony Software/Drivers do I need to retain?

3. How do I (do I need to?) remove the partition - use ACRONIS? and are there any downsides?

Thanks Guys

 

1. Buy the XP Pro disks from P1:

http://laptopsinc.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=P1TZ1XP&Category_Code=

2. See 1.

3. See 1. P1's restore disks have all the right drivers and wipe out all partitions.

 

Do P1's restore discs work for all models or only North American models?

 

Ivan made his restore disks computer agnostic, as long as it's a TZ it will work. But it correctly installed Sprint's modem software on my TZ198.

 

Thanks for this but I already have Windows XP pro?

Best Wishes

Gary

 

Just found the instructions and utilities etc from the Sony support site for downgrading to XP - is it OK to follow these?

Are there any drivers yet for click to DVD?

Not bothered about the other rubbish!

 

st carlo SP1 messes up the wireless switcher so you can turn on wlan or wwan as with the case with me. Just install smartwi and use fn keys or have smartwi running in the system tray area although it does take 980380483 yrs to load i just use the fn keys

 

DanyBui81, i don`t want smartwi becouse in the program no automatic wlan turn(and connect) on startup... No other solution?

 

Is there any battery charger available that can charge the battery on a base station, that is not connected to the notebook? It is a pain to swap batteries in the middle of the night to charge both before a trip.

 

hey guys I need some help
does any body know if the leather case for the Tx will the Tz??
this is the leather case
VGP-CKTX2

http://vaio-online.sony.com/prod_info/accessory/vgp-cktx2/main.html

or do you think I should save money and buy the cheap but quite good neoprene one
this
VGP-CP11
http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/vaio/acc/acc.cfm?PD=27827

if I buy the latter then I could spend some dough in memory sticks or some other stuff

what do you think??

 

no not that i know of

 

Hi Guys
Had my TZ28 SSD for a week now and all OK but never got round to buying DVD's to make recovery disks but two days ago got them and tried without any luck - got through the initial recovery centre steps as far as choice of one or two disks than nothing..nada just reverts back to the main menu - contacted Sony and they acknowledged and passed my enquiry to SEC/CIC dept whereever and whoever that is but no direct response - any hints for me?
thanks

 

Hi Guys, this is the more expensive leather case for the TZ, the VGPCKTZ2.
Does anyone know whether you can actually use the laptop whilst it is still in the case - i.e does it fold open or is it just a carry case.

They do a cheaper one that definitely works this way but it is sold as a slip cover, doesn't look as good and comes in dark brown not black.

Anyone got either?

Thanks!

 

Okay, I completely understand the Vaio SZ's T9300 is much much faster than my Pentium 4 HT 2.6GHz desktop processor. What about the comparison between the U7700 (1.33 Ghz) and the P4 2.6GHz? Will the U7700 still outperform?

 

I have a new Vaio TZ 28 SSD with 2GB RAM. Can anyone advise how long the battery should remain charged for with the laptop completely shut down? I get around 8hours usable time now indicated on battery after several full discharge and recharges, however, doesnt appear to hold charge when shut down.

 

Just received my UK TZ32 1.33 SSD model - Looks great and I've got to be honest the performance isn't as bad as I thought it would be. The units great apart from the tons of Sony bloatware (now removed), the noise created by the optical reader (sounds as though it's about to take off when it spins up), and the really poor performance of the VCC7 webcam.

Quick question for those that have been buying the UK and US TZ's with similar spec - does this unit only use the Broadcom Bluetooth hardware and stack, or does this vary by territory?

Many thanks in advance.

Gazza

 

The VGP-CKTZ2 is a standard carry case. You can't use the computer while it's inside the case. It's meant for you to slip inside from one opening, in and out, and is held by a flap with two magnetic buttons.

Yeah, the cheaper one Sony sells (VGP-CVT1/T) comes in a brownish color and does let you use it while it's on, and the only thing (besides it being brown) that prevented me from buying it is the fact that you need to apply adhesive strips onto your TZ for it to stay on. -- Definitely a dealbreaker as far as I am concerned.

 

I have the VGPCKTZ2. It is a very well made and stylish case. I am happy with mine.

 

From a few days the TZ's battery is charging untill 99% and then stop. Also when I use Battery Care Funtion and I enable the charging until 50%, it charges untill 49%. Any idea guys?

 

this is interseting...I haven't gotten around to clearing out the bloatware...I'm running an ar790 and I'm getting cold start times under 50seconds also. I guess it could even be faster?

 

Considering my far weaker TZ150 (compared to your AR) system cold boots Vista Biz in an average of 35 seconds from power button to usable desktop, I would venture to say yes... Clean install + weekly defrags do wonders.

 

Hi,

Just wanted to say that I installed OS X leopard as a Vista dual boot setup on the TZ90S. Everything works very nicely, apart from mic and headphone jacks, and wifi. Bluetooth works flawlessly (and so alleviates the mac/headphone issue in my case). Ethernet works very well also. VGA output to 16:9 monitor is flawless, while the main display only manages to light up 1280x768 (black bar on right hand side). Even the webcam works natively with skype and AIM/Jabber.

Anyway, I work on both macs an pcs (read apple-built pcs and non-apple-built pcs), so this was a nice experiment. And for all the mac fanboys out there, leopard boots in 20s seconds, vs 30 seconds for vista! Both of those are very good numbers, but os x clearly loads faster (however the iatkos distro is probably optmized in the sense that it likely does not load a whole bunch of bloating libraries).

If anyone has any software ideas for screen resolution and wifi, I'd be interested. I am playing with switchresx, but can't seem to find one that works. And for wifi, switching hardware seems to be the best bet.

Don't get me wrong, I am not advocating the use of the TZ as an OSX machine, just the possibility of it is interesting, and enables to brag about my lighter than AIR hackintosh

cheers

j.

 

Been reading through this whole thread, which has confirmed my desire to go for a TZ, and especially the benefits of the SSD models. One issue I'm thinking about for future-proofing is to do with upgrading to blu-ray, which is currently only available on a larger Vaio. Anyone know if it will be possible in future to swap the internal DVD drive (I'm looking at an SSD/DVD combination) for one that would also do blu-ray?
Does the small size of the TZ have any likely implications for that, or is the DVD drive still a standard size.? I don't know whether blu-ray drives are larger at all.
I realize that the full benefit of HD won't be gained on a small laptop screen. My reason for thinking about wanting blu-ray at some point is that before long I'll be upgrading my TV and getting HD at home. That will mean when I buy new mainstream/Hollywood movies on disc, I'll want them in blu-ray and wouldn't also be able to play them on a non-blu-ray capable laptop, which might be frustrating. I think there's also a power-usage issue - blu-ray being very power hungry - which is likely to be bad news for battery life. But I am wondering if it's likely that a blu-ray capable TZ will come out sometime soon, or whether it will be possible to upgrade.
Any thoughts appreciated.

 

the tz currently doesn't have the video power or connections (hdmi or dvi) to output 1080p at full fps

 

Thanks, but I was thinking more about the likelihood of a near-future TZ having a blu-ray for internal use, rather than for outputting. Or the possibility, when that might be available, of upgrading if I buy now and would later want to swap the DVD drive for one that was blu-ray capable... Would be nice to know if that were likely to be possible. Presumably Sony will want to put blu-ray in more laptops, given that it's the company's own product and now that they've won the battle with HD DVD. But, then, I have heard that blu-ray is very power-hungry.

 

I'm sure that Sony sooner or later will include the blue-ray in the Sony TZ. Even if it discrease the battery life, Sony will manage to keep it in normal levels. When you don't use it you could disable in the Vaio Power Management. Imagine a Sony TZ with SSD, blue-ray, and Montevina chipset...a perfect ultraportable or what?

 

When I worked my way through the whole of this thread a while ago, there was something about a problem with the TZ touchpad - not being able to scroll using the pad, I think. Apologies for not going back and trying to find the original entry, but can anyone clarify the situation please? Is there a problem in using the touchpad to scroll? That would be an issue for me as I rely on being able to scroll that way. Was it something that's since been fixed, or is it an ongoing problem?
I'm visiting the US at the moment and was toying with picking up an TZ295N while I'm here, as the exchange rate makes it much cheaper than the equivalent model available in the UK (1.33 processor, 64GB ssd). Seems it's not quite in the shops yet, though!

 

my touchpad scrolls fine

 

the touchpad works fine for scrolling on my TZ manufactured 2007-07. you just need to make sure the Alps touchpad driver is loaded. it's normally c:\program files\apoint\apoint.exe

 

Thanks for those responses, which are encouraging!

One other question. If I buy a UK model can I buy an extended-life second battery from the US and use it in the same machine without any compatibility problem? I'd tend to assume that would be OK. It's almost twice the price to buy the battery in the UK at the moment, so I'd like to buy from the US.

 

Of course, batteries nor really any physical accessories have no region lock. You use any TZ battery in any TZ (but make sure its official. )

 

OK, please keep in mind,
I LIKE the TZ a lot, and am not in any way bashing it.
These are just questions for current TZ owners:

The TZ has a fabulous screen, perhaps one of the best of any notebook of any size, it is truly wonderful. The keyboard is, well, small, but I could get used to it, and this notebook, for me, would be for occasional use. I have desktops to use most of the time.

My question is about slowness, slow CPU, slow hard drives (other than SSD).
I have read threads about multi-hour OS restores on a TZ, and I would imagine that anything CPU or hard drive intensive is going to be very slow when compared to a desktop or faster notebook. My question is: how slow?
I insist on running VISTA, and will not go back to XP to gain some OS speed.
I am willing to bump the memory up to 4GB, get a newer model with faster, but still slow ULV CPU, but don't know if I can spend the extra for a SSD.

How easy will the speed that I will have (or not have) be to live with, in other words, how much will I be waiting on this little beast???

When I turn it on, I am going to want to use it, and I am not going to want to be waiting on it for minutes and minutes all the time. Is SSD the only answer?

Thanks a lot!

Andrew

 

TZ is 2GB max so no possibility og a 4GB option for this particular unit I'm afraid.

 

I'm very happy with the speed of my Tz195 running Vista. It's important to get rid of the crapware (P1 recovery disk is the best way). It is really snappy!

I'm less happy with the keyboard, which is a little awkward for fast touch typing.

 

It kind of bugs me that I had to re-install the Vista when I first got it, to clean all the crap off and speed things up, but I'm happy with the performance since that and the upgrade to 2GB. It does everything my IBM X30 did but better at everything to varying degrees (except for the keyboard).

Am I looking into SSD solutions? Sure; I don't mind a bit more speed, and I like tinkering. But that's this board's evil influence - if I'd never heard of SSDs here, I'd be happy enough with the 100GB drive it came with (which is 40GB more than I've ever had), slow speed or not. That's the bane of these forums - you're always tempted by something better.