Vaio Duo 11 Owners Thread

Yes, I can switch between them from Windows 8 itself.
I mentioned iPhone, since Skype there still offers switch between cameras. Need somebody to test their Skype For Desktop on Windows 8 (not Pro) to have an exact reference.

 

Does anybody know whether Duo 11 will allow external HD (and USB 3.0 at that) as a "Recovery Media". Seems the manual does not say that. USB flash drive OK (not to be USB 3.0 though). Do not want to practice the recovery to find that out.
Thanks,
Serge

 

I haven't yet installed Skype for Desktop, however I can confirm that you can activate both cameras on the Metro Skype, if that's of any help to you.

I do not think you can create recovery media onto a HDD (or a DVD), however if you created the recovery media on a USB drive, you should be copy the image to whatever media you prefer and boot from that media.

 

There aren't any others I can try but I can't see it being an issue specific to my machine, if it was just the odd key or two that behaved this way it could be a fault but it's all of them and furthermore there's quite a few others have described exactly the same issue. It's a shame as I don't think there is any reason for the keyboard to be as it is (I agree with the post about the Z keyboard above) but on balance I still like the Duo 11, I don't like the Surface Pro for its keyboard kick stand design and the Dell XPS 12 and Lenovo Yoga are not just a bit bigger but lack ports as well surprisingly so you don't get much for that added size/weight. I also prefer the Vaio's convertible design, it's very quick and easy to convert it back and forth.

John

 

Would the following be an alternative option? I created a new Windows 8 refresh image using the recimg.exe command (after removing most of Sony's stuff -- I didn't realize that they have 5 GB of 1080p music videos in there!). I requested to store the image on a different partition on my primary drive. Afterwards, I tested and successfully refreshed the PC. All my installed programs were still there. Given these results, I would imagine that it would also work from an external drive... But with this method, there can only be one refresh image.

Meanwhile, I'm still hoping for the next best PDF annotator - I noticed that ezPDF's site now says that something for Windows 8 "will be available later." I'd really like something like ezPDF or GoodReader for Windows 8. My big issue with Microsoft Reader is that the bookmarks can't be collapsed, making it very frustrating to navigate through large PDF textbooks with hundreds of chapters. I still can't erase ink in that program, either. PDF X-Change seems to have the best scrolling out of the "desktop" PDF viewers (in my view), but the inking is horrible in that one...! PDF Annotator and BlueBeam Revu have great inking but feel really sluggish to me.

About the keyboard, I don't have missed letters after getting used to the keyboard, but I still get occasional double letters, even after increasing the repeat delay and decreasing the repeat rate. I can attest that it tends to happen when I quickly strike the side of the key rather than the middle of the key.

 

Do you have the same issue as me that if you tap the edge or the corner of the key rather than exactly in the centre, it does not always register the keystroke? I'm going to try another Duo in the shop this week to see if that too has the same issue.

 

I am going to do some Win 8 development, should I buy the DUO or my current SVZ model can do the job?
I didn't upgrade yet mine to Win 8, because I keep hearing that SVZ models not totally Win 8 compatible.
Your suggestion will be appreciated.

 

I would think that developing for Windows 8 without having your own touch screen to test things, might be a bit awkward? But then again, I've never developed much software besides a stint in HS back in 1999 and some web development over the years.

Why not get a cheaper Win8 tablet, and keep the Vaio Z? I sold my Z for a Vaio Duo, because I've been wanting a machine like this for a few years now. However, it was still difficult giving up the Z, and I suspect I wouldn't have done it, had I not wanted a powerful do everything tablet.

 

Can anyone point me to a UK repair centre for my Sony as I can't acquire a screen for it and the repair looks unfeasible for DIY. I took it to pieces to find this out sadly.

Thank you in advance for any assistance rendered.

 

Has anybody created recovery usb stick... My question is how big disk is needed 16 or 32.....


Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

 

It needs 32GB. The whole software is just larger than 16GB

Sent from my LT30at using Tapatalk 2

 

Thx m8

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

 

Thanks Sonus.
I think I will keep the Z and buy additional Win 8 machine with touch support.

 

I'm going to eBay the Sony.

I had a poor excuse to purchase and repair isn't going to be anytime soon.

It cost me 1500

At a guess screen will be 3-500 to get done.

I took it apart, put it together, speaker covers are naff now and the original drop damaged a corner.

Any buyer can see it working over FaceTime or vidcam before committing.

So offers for patient techies who aren't buying a gift.

 

Have you put it on ebay yet?

 

Hello Everyone,
It is my first post here, sorry if I ask a question which already has been discussed (I did a search on this thread but did not find any related information). I want to know some information about battery.
I have core i3/8gb European model. I have enabled 80% battery function for longer life and I get 3hrs on continuous youtube streaming video, and about 4 hours of normal daily use (programming, office, music, browsing etc).
I am looking for external battery sheet but I have another consideration too. Sony sheet battery is just 37wh and I found many good external power packs of better capacity in same price such as 60wh packs on ebay etc. Off-course they dont fit with duo 11 but still they are manageable. I also found HP BB09 Ultra Extended Life Notebook Battery 100wh ( HP BB09 Ultra Extended Life Notebook Battery QK640AA - Laptop & Tablet batteries - HP: QK640AA) in same price as duo 11 sheet battery but with almost 3 times the capacity. Does anyone know if we can use HP battery to make external power bank to be used with duo 11?
thanks

 

He's in the UK, so check ebay.uk

 

I've been looking but haven't seen it, unfortunately the Vaio Duo 11 name is essentially generic as it brings up all the Core Duo Vaios as well.

John

 

Try searching with quotes, "Vaio Duo 11", that forces the search engine to search for the text string as it written.

 

Hi John

Sorry about tardiness in posting.

Yes she's on ebay, here:

Sony Viao Duo 11 - Damaged Screen | eBay


Happy to provide vid/webcam of it working before anyone pays. I do need to figure out a good way to wipe clean but leave win 8 licensing intact; not done it yet in case she don't sell. Still quite functional regardless of glass.

 

Hi everyone,

I disappeared under a rock again, but wanted to provide some updates with my experience.

I recently encountered the "no operating system found" bug with my crucial M4 256 GB drive. It was a pain to fix. I had to open up the Vaio, take the drive back out, plug it into a mSATA-to-USB adapter and do the 'power cycle' thing with another computer until the drive was finally recognized again.

Although this is probably a rare occurrence, I switched back to the stock SSD; I don't think I can take a risk with the M4 again if I'm traveling. My M4 is supposedly using the latest firmware, according to the upgrade tool.

 

Hi,

I have ordered VAIO Duo11 - 256GB - i7 model. (wanted to go for 512 SSD model but the price difference was too high for me)
Now i m looking to add more storage thru SD / Memory Pro DUO slot.

Does DUO 11 support upto SDXC UHS I or UHSII also, biggest SDXC i found was 128GB UHS I ( SanDisk Extreme 128 GB SDXC Class 10 UHS-1 Flash Memory Card 45MB/s) @ $135

Can anyone confirm, it will be compatiable or suggest any other options like Memory Stick Duo ("Memory Stick PRO-HG")

 

I have created recovery media on my 32 gb usb and now want to delete the recovery data safely without harming my computer any ideas thanks in advance...

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You may do it in windows. However, if you can grab a windows 8 disc and make a fresh install.
During setup, you can delete all and let windows setup does the rest.

Sent from my Sony Tablet S using Tapatalk 2

 

Thanks m8 for the reply but installing all drivers will gonna be a pain...

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I am using a Lexar 128GB sdxc card and it works great!
Pity the slot can only only take one type of card.
I am used to using both memory stick slot and sd slot to maximize my storage.

 

just received mine today in the UK

i5/8GB RAM/512 SSD in Silver. First impressions are positive. (I have set it as Pen tablet rather than Touch tablet because I like using the stylus and it seems more accurate that way)

I need to figure out how to get a copy of all installed software/drivers and then I will be doing a clean install.

If anyone could kindly point me in the right direction, it would be much appreciated

 

Hi Ngvuanh,

I am keen to grab a windows 8 disc and make a fresh install. But I am wondering how can I pass the serial key step during installation? My Vaio Duo doesn't have any sticker with a valid serial.

 

Windows 8 key has been embedded into bios, so you don't need to enter it during installation. For drivers and utilities, I will post what need to make your Duo fully functional. It's not a pain like other laptops.

Sent from my LT30at using Tapatalk 2

 

Thanks, you've mis-spelt Vaio which is why it wasn't coming up in my searches and possibly why other people have missed it as well - may be worth correcting it if you can.

John

 

Thanks John

I was about to take it off as I'd had just low offers so far.

I'm probably going to repurpose it as a TV pc for the bed room. It can run two screens so a wireless kb and mouse will make it work just fine. It is nearly 500 for such a box so that works.

 

There was an option to remove the recovery partition when you created the recovery media. I'm guessing the option is still there in the windows utility.

 

Thanks m8 for your reply
Cannot find it anywhere can you please shed some light.....

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You can't remove recovery partition during creating recovery media.
This usually has to be done during recovery using media back with Windows 7 or earlier version, but I am not sure with windows 8. Did it sometime but didn't pay attention to it.

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so you can't use both the sd card slot and duo stick at the same time??

 

^
Nope...

Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2

 

Yes, you can and you should remove the backup partition from the same Windows 8 utility used to create the backup drive. This is how I've removed the backup partition>>>

How to Create a Recovery Flash Drive for Windows 8 (and Free Up Some Hard Drive Space)

 

im selling my vaio duo in the marketplace if anybody is interested. im sure you guys have it already, or if you have any friends that are lookoing to get it, its a great deal I have on it.
thanks!!

 

I got my Sony Vaio Duo 11 this morning from Japan (via sony.de) and can really say that I'm pleasantly surprised at this beautiful machine. It's extremely well-built and reminds me of the Sony of a much older generation -- that is pure quality from Japan.

Typing on the keyboard isn't as cumbersome as I had worried it would be.. but I do notice a flickering that others have mentioned only on the log-off screen which has a grey background.

The official case Sony sells is cheaply-made, though

 

To add, my model (SVD112A1SM) isn't recognized by Vaio Update nor is it in their online database yet.. *sigh* no updates for the BIOS yet :/

 

I've got a keen ebayer looking to buy mine, but I strongly do not want to send it with my data on it,

Is there a reliable way with these to set them back to factory install?

 

I'm not sure if this one has been posted here before (I own a S13P, but find the Duo 11 a really charming machine) but I just came across a short review of the Vaio Duo 11 by luminous-landscape.com. It's a well known photography website and he focuses a bit more on the screen and viewing angles. If you want to convince any photography friends of this cool little laptop just send them there.

 

Just did a BIOS update from R1061C7 to R1062C7.

 

Search "Remove" from the charms search bar under Settings and select "Remove everything and reinstall Windows"

 

anyone have a list of bloatware that can be removed?? I just joined the Duo 11 family today : )

 

After few months of light use of my Vaio Duo 11, always carried carefully in paded backback pocket with care but I noticed yesterday when I tried to pack my heavy loaded camera bag that the laptop will be too tight so I removed it quickly and gave up.
Coincidence or not, when looking from front view that my DUO is slightly curved right in the center trackpad area and extremity edges are tight enough that the small plastic bump are pressed. I don t remember having read review with this kind of odd shape. Can anyone confirm?

Looking carefully at the front when layed on a flat surface and gently press on the bottom case(aluminium and magnesium) and it doesn't bent at all and seems a lot sturdier than the screen surface itself.
I did the same on the screen section (plastic bezel) and it bent too easily that I give it back it position at it should have been from the start. So only the upper screen part is bent.

I may be wrong,can anybody share his picture when looking at front view.
Check below the pictures I took..

 

I must be the newest Vaio Duo club member
Got mine from Fry's last Friday. Very sweet laptop/tablet!

 

can somebody please PLEASE post some link/info on how to get rid of the sony partitions and keep a copy of drivers/software.

thanks

 

Open the charms bar (swipe in from side of screen), and search "create a recovery drive" in settings. Make sure to check the box that allows you to delete the recovery stuff when you are going through the dialog boxes.

 

anyone know?