Vaio Duo 11 Owners Thread

sometimes it does but hopefully it will be sorted soon mine is being built in japan atm getting it in first week of feb fingers crossed
anyways have you or someone else here tried to talk with sony about this??

 

The pics in this review tell the whole story:
Review Sony Vaio Duo 11 SV-D1121X9EB Ultrabook - NotebookCheck.net Reviews

The mSATA *may* be the only component you could even attempt to try to change, but finding a bigger mSATA module.

I can tell you if you get a good external SSD and use USB 3, you'll be fine. That is plenty fast for storage expansion (it's how I run VMs on the Duo).

Sony models for the most part over the years have been very user mod unfriendly.

 

Got mine last month, its i7 6gb ram 128gb, its the only version available here in Brasil. I've payed something around $2000 for it (God bless the third world countries ).,

Loved it.

Hadn't had any problems so far, until.....

Yesterday the mouse cursor started to behave insanely, it jumps alone to the top left corner and open the menu as if someone was touching continuously that point in the touchscreen. It does that every 5 secs or more. Typing this message is annoying. I didn't update any drivers, disabling the pointer didn't solve it. It also happens when I'm using an external USB Razer mouse with the pointer disabled. Cleaning didn't make it either.

Still on the run to solve this issue. Will try to disable the touchscreen and work with another display connected to see what happens.

Hope is not hardware issue.

 

I'm not worried about the storage. I got mine with the 256gb ssd and max ram. I should have went with the i5 instead of the i3 then :/
I'm new to ultrabooks and wasn't Aware that most of them (if not all) have soldered cpus. Should have done more Research :/

already contacted sony to ask if they can mod/change if I pay the difference +fee. They said that it's not possible.
I guess they would have to replace the whole logic board which probably also has the ram soldered on.

my cs21 is very user mod friendly (once you've managed to open the case). That's why it's almost running on par with my duo11, but it's kinda bulky and more than twice the weight of the duo.

 

Get your Vaio Assist button to run whatever you like

I think Vaio Care is the most useless piece of garbage installed on this machine. And its annoying that we have a dedicated hardware key that launches it. You can repurpose the "Assist" button by using the following thread:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/538942-how-use-all-your-vpc-zs-s-buttons-your-purposes-8.html

I reconfigured the button to launch Vaio Control, which gives access to much more important settings, and you could of course reconfigure it to launch whatever program you wish.

 

Hi everybody,

I wanted to post an update about my usage of Citrix Receiver (desktop version) under Windows 8. Our company switched to a new way of accessing applications that no longer uses Juniper Network Connect. Since then, I have no longer experienced any random disconnects when using Citrix receiver. I used the same version of Receiver as before, and this leads me to believe that Juniper Network Connect might be the underlying issue for network disconnects rather than Citrix Receiver. Under this new method, I noticed a lot less lag when using apps via Receiver, too.

The new method connects me to a site where I enter a one-time activation code and download a security certificate. The next time I log in, I no longer need an activation code and the server reads my certificate. From there, I get to my apps and open with Citrix Receiver without any issues. Unfortunately, I'm not well versed in programming but perhaps other users on this forum are well versed on how this method works...?

 

Thank you so much for providing those images! I would like to attempt to upgrade my ssd as well. You mentioned that ribbon was blocking access to the ssd and when trying to remove it you might have cracked one of the connectors. How would you suggest I remove this ribbon with out cracking any thing? Also, is there any other part we might have to move/unplug/disconnect temporarily to gain access to the ssd and replace it? Are there any other precautions you suggest I take while attempting this?

 

Anyone has his/her DUO 11 lock up on them by the Intel anti thief even when they did not report a lost or activated the lock on the web? What can one do next to unlock the unit since I did not set up a password for that yet. Using the computer password did not work. When it is lock up like that, can I still do a clean install and how?

Thanks.

 

I believe you have to unlock it before you use or even restore your DUO.
Anyway, how that happened to you? What did you do before it locked?


Sent from my LT30at using Tapatalk 2

 

All I did was to put the unit to sleep at night and the next day, when I started it up, it was locked.

That's the scary part. What if I am depending on the computer for my business. I will be losing days in that situation.

 

Can you post a picture?
Can you also go to bios?

Sent from my LT30at using Tapatalk 2

 

I am not sure if I am wrong. Duo Core i7 has been increased to $1599.
I believe it was $1499.

 

Has anyone else had any success creating recovery media on the Vaio Duo? Do you only get prompted if you put in the USB drive before you start VaioCare? I have not seen the option anywhere.

 

Yup. It went up. But I would wait - the new ones were announced in Japan, which means a refresh should hit here soon, too. In Japan they always had a higher max processor, but this time it's a bit more and you can get 512GB of SSD if you want.

 

If you want to see the internal guts in all their glory, check out:
Š®‘S•ª‰ð~ŠJ””é˜bi‘O•ÒjFuVAIO Duo 11v‚́gãŽ¿‚ȃXƒ‰ƒCƒhƒ{ƒfƒBh‚ðŠÛ—‡‚É‚·‚é (1/7) - ITmedia PC USER
and
Š®‘S•ª‰ð~ŠJ””é˜biŒã•ÒjFuVAIO Duo 11v‚ðg“O’ê‰ð–Uh‚µ‚ÄŒê‚ès‚‚· (1/7) - ITmedia PC USER

BTW, the 4th page of the news013 link has the stuff about the memory. Yes, it's one soldered and one module, but from what I can tell from two different translators, the DDR3L-1600 module Sony used here is a custom chip so it may not be replacable even if you do dig it out. Here's the best translation I found:
"But in the usual SO-DIMM slot, in order that thickness may come out, the thin exclusive module is used."

Compare this DDR3L-1600 SO-DIMM on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-1600...TF8&qid=1359523383&sr=8-4&keywords=ddr3l-1600

With the second one shown half way down here (which is shown half way down that 4th page I mention):
http://www.itmedia.co.jp/pcuser/articles/1212/21/news013_4.html

That's not a normal memory connector.

 

I know the refreshed model will be out soon, but what is the reason for increasing, I don't know.

Sent from my LT30at using Tapatalk 2

 

I can not boot up from NovaBackup recovery usb, but I can boot from win recovery disk.
Strange because NB recovery disk working fine on my Lenovo win 8 laptop.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

 

Just in case someone was looking for a sleeve


I had purchased a Hard Graft 13" Macbook sleeve and it fits the Duo 11 snugly there's a slight bulge if you include the sheet battery but that fits as well

I got this one specifically hard graft / MacBook Pro Retina Zip Sleeve / Heritage
but they've got a few options hard graft / Über Premium Leather and 100% Wool Felt. Authentically European.

just in case anyone else is interested, i didn't like the idea of the Sony sleeve and wanted something made with nicer materials and took a chance with the macbook sleeve

I didn't risk the 11" Air sleeve because i read it was too snug even for the macbook, good thing i went with the 13" (since its a snug fit)








Also the updated version of the duo11 is available on the japanese site now it seems if anyones interested in finding out what the specs are like

http://store.sony.jp/Special/Computer/Vaio/VD22/index.html?view=biz

Core i7-3687U (2.1 ghz)

Core i7-3537U (2.0 ghz)

Core i5-3337U (1,8 ghz)

Core i3-3227U (1.9 ghz)

512gb ssd (is a 60,000 Yen option!)

GPS

8gb ram

Front and Rear HD cam option

http://pur.store.sony.jp/Product/Computer/Vaio-biz/Duo11/SVD1122AJ/

 

HOLY CRAP 60.000 YEN!
imagine the costs it will have in europe!

you also got the Option to choose a WiMAX 4G adapter

 

I have the Sony sleeve, but have been considering some leather Mac Book Air sleeves as well. However, I feel that your choice is particularly risky, as a vertical slip case blocks the Duo's Air vents too much. You may want to choose a horizontal slip case that way the air vents are not as blocked.... just in case the Duo ever turns on or is accidentally put into the case while on.

Like so:
MONOGRAM Gorgeous NAPA leather Full case for Macbook by PicasoLab

 

Ya. I noticed that too. Was going to buy that version last week as it was $1499 then went on sale for $1349, I put it in the cart, got busy at work and by the time I got back to the page it was back to $1499. Called Sony and they said it was just a 24hr sale thing and they wouldn't give me the old price. Decided to wait, then saw it was sold out and price was now $1599. Called Sony up again to ask why the price fluctuation and got the blah blah blah response and was told that will probably be the price for a while. So now I'm thinking of just waiting for the new models.

 

i know that's an insane amount! i'm fine with just adding a SD card for now
ah yes the wimax silly me, its actually something i wish was included too on mine :/

never thought of that, definitely something to think about

 

It will probably gonna be even more ....

 

Since nobody has answered me yet

have done my research.
was told, by an engineer, that vaio duo 11 is a niche Toy but, as far as using it for Business purpose he'd rather go with a
Lenovo X230T
- excellent machine for digitizing
- hdd easily swappable
- up to 16gb ram

Any comment?
Which machine would you buy?

Thanks,
Emil

 

niche toy? yet he recommends a unit that is basically the same except its clunkier and has a worse screen etc... oh and it costs more to get similarly specced
if you dont mind the size and want a larger hd and more ram than i guess so but otherwise oO

 

I have a Vaio Duo 11 and also an X230 although it's the non-tablet version, I wouldn't say you can really compare the two machines as the Sony makes sacrifices to get the size and weight down so that means less ram, non-serviceable parts etc. The Lenovo is bigger and heavier so it's use is different, I admittedly wouldn't buy the Vaio as my only machine mainly because of the keyboard/touchpoint but I really like it for what I bought it for - a slim lightweight machine I could use as a tablet with a decent amount of power behind it plus the screen is just stunning. The Lenovo Yoga and the Dell XPS 12 both have better keyboards but I wouldn't want to go bigger or heavier than the Vaio as it's already at the upper limit for a tablet style machine.

John

 

​

Hi fabbasi,

I would get the SSD out without trying to remove the ribbon. I was able to get my hands around the ribbon and slowly wiggle out the SSD once the screw attaching the SSD to the motherboard was removed. It took me a good 5-10 minutes but I worked really slowly and patiently. So far, still no issues with Crucial SSD. Thanks again.

 

I see the US Sony site has the i5 version back in stock. Now I have a decision to make. Was gonna buy the i7 but not really sure if the i7, 2 more GB of ram and 128 gb more memory is worth an additional $400. I was gonna use it mainly for note taking, some photoshop...kinda a secondary system. For those uses would I be happy with the i5? How much HD space is available on the 128 gb version and does the SD card fit flush with the computer body so that I could just leave it in the computer? Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

I once owned i5 model which I returned for i7. Recovery partition is about 32GB, so there would be about 96GB remaining for Windows. However, Windows can grows to 30~40GB plus page file and hibernation file. So you will have about 50GB if you don't wipe out recovery partition. SD card will not completely flushed but it only stick out about 1mm (what I feel). You can leave it in the slot fine.
Before, the difference was $300, now it is $400, for 2GB RAM, 256GB and i7.
One important thing is if you get i5 you can't upgrade to 8GB RAM, since there is only 2GB on board.

Sent from my LT30at using Tapatalk 2

 

I am sorry send this message here but I have been unable to reach ngvuanh

could you please let me know if you have any remaining parts for VPCZ2? I'm looking for the whole touchpad assembly, SSD caddy, Power button FPC-232 with its plastic button cover, ssd and battery indicator light circuit board with its cable...

Thanks

 

I went for the i5/4GB/128GB model as it worked out at £450 or so cheaper than the i7/256GB version, so bigger difference but I don't regret going for the i5 as my use for the machine is a secondary one as well so the lack of capacity is unlikely to be an issue and the performance difference betwee the i5 and i7 isn't as big as it seems.

John

 

This is what I did I ordered i7 256gb but cancelled it as its not worth but I choose 8gb ram which can be helpful and doesn't cost too much ....

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

 

Sorry, I don't have parts for Z2 remaining.

Sent from my LT30at using Tapatalk 2

 

X230T is lower resolution 1366x768 for a bigger screen of 12" compared to DUO 1920x1080 in a 11"
but u get precision Keyboard and place holder for your stylus, also HSPA Wireless WAN

 

I had a higher resolution in my 4 year old first get vaio Z. There's no way I could go to using a 1366x768 screen... that would be a deal breaker for me.

 

Thanks for the advice. I think the Sony site is screwy cause when I went back it showed the i5 as sold out and the i7 model as in stock. Decided to just pull the trigger on the i7 model, its more than I had wanted to pay initially, but I figure I wouldn't be having second thoughts about if I should have just spent the money. Now I just can't wait for it to get here.

On a side note is the screen protector needed?

 

Well Sony US posted today refreshes for their whole lineup including the Duo. I think I will place an order soon.

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3 differences: i7 2.0GHz, 512GB, and Silver

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^
Yup. And the Z is gone...

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Didn't notice that. That's bad news as expected for Z fans.
Anyway, hope Sony won't retire it.

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Hey guys. I am new here and am getting the duo 11 next week. Just need a li'l help before I do that. Can someone tell me whether these ssd's are compatible with the duo 11, as I plan to get the i7, 128gb, 8gb model and replace the ssd.

1. Intel 520 Series 480GB SSD - SSDSC2CW480A3K5
2. Mushkin Atlas Series 480GB SSD - MKNSSDAT480GB

Performance wise, Intel SSD is better, & both are better than the toshiba one inside the duo 11. The upgrade direct from sony.com from 128gb to 512gb costs $870, whereas these are $450 each (give or take). Additionally, I plan to sell off the original 128gb ssd after replacement, which would get me say $100. So effectively i'll get 512/480 gb duo 11 for just $350 plus on the 128gb model. I'l be saving atleast $500.

I know the ssd can be replaced, just want to know if these are compatible. If these aren't, can someone point me to those that are compatible. Please help.

Thanks a lot in advance

 

Does anyone know what does it mean "New touchscreen model" on the Duo 11 newer models ? (At Sony´s Website)

I read the specs and it seems to be the same screen. Huh?

I bought mine LAST week on Sony.com. I got the i5 version, for 1079. (Student Discount). I prefer it in Black. IMO.

 

They are just the new models. The only difference is slightly upgraded processors. I got mine last week too and I'm glad I did because now for $1199 you only get an i3 and 4gb of ram.

 

"new touchscreen model" means they offer new models of their touchscreen laptops, not touchscreen itself.

Sent from my Sony Tablet S using Tapatalk 2

 

These drives are 2.5". They can't fit in Duo. Only mSATA or miniPCIe type fit.

Sent from my Sony Tablet S using Tapatalk 2

 

REALLY PISSED off and angry at SONY UK i was expecting my duo in next 2-3 days just called to ask any update on my order and was told that the production will start on in 28th feb and i will get it first week of march sake .....bull rubbish service when they heard me getting hot nothing else but said sorry and if you are not happy we can cancel your order LOL.......sorry if i am being offensive but i cant control myself.....

 

go buy one at pc world or similar

 

The Z series is still listed here with a free blu-ray upgrade which isn't much use for me, if it had a free screen, processor or SSD upgrade I'd be tempted since the machine probably won't be available for much longer. I've been keeping an eye on the clearance Z series as I got my current Z5 for a silly price but the clearance machines seem to cost more than the brand new ones.

John

 

Agreed as that's what I did, I'm not going to claim PC World are a great retailer but they shipped the Vaio promptly which is all I needed from them. Sony UK are a disgrace, I still cannot believe that several months after the laptop's release we still can't buy the case or battery from them despite it being freely available in the US and Japan. It's also bizarre the PC World were shipping the Duo 11's from day one when Sony weren't shipping any yet and wouldn't for a few weeks.

John

 

okay guys now tell me i am getting some discount about 150 pounds cheaper than pc world if i stick with sony and wait 1 month so is it worth the wait