Vaio FZ Owners Official Owners Thread

Thanks for the link!

I couldn't find an FZ with a 8600GT in it by the way, only an AR with a 8600GT. Did you found that info somewhere else or did you perhaps misread the articel?

 

WoW won't really be a problem like Lyshen stated. But i don't think there will be that much difference in battery life between the X3100 and the 8400GT in practice. It probably won't get you more then an extra 10 to 20 minutes or so on a full charge.

 

but the performance difference i assume is massive....then again so is the price jump. ^^'

decisions decisions.

 

Quoted from the section talking about the FZ38M Vaio FZ31Z.
"The rest of the configuration remains almost unchanged compared to the previous series with a graphic compartment governed by an Nvidia GeForce 8400M GS, which only FZ31Z Vaio model is replaced by GPU Nvidia GeForce 8600M."

 

Battery life on the FZ31Z will probably be incredibly poor. With my FZ21s containing an 8600GS, I only get 2hrs on vaio optimised - and thats apparently lower than the FZ's containing an 8400GT

 

Definetly would not be surprised of poor battery life on FZ w/ 8600GT. Although for me that is not a problem, don't plan to use it on battery much.

Now to just wait til the official announcements come out to verify the actual specs for the refresh models.

 

Sorry, but ''GPU Nvidia GeForce 8600M'' just means a 8600GS. If it was a GT i'm sure it would say 'GT' in there somewhere.

But the overall info in the article isn't that accurate anyway, to begin with there never was an FZ with a 8400M GS in the first place.

 

I agree totally with you but it would make sense that at least one of the new FZ's would contain an 8600GT. The current FZ's contain an 8600GS.

UNLESS, they are just bringing out the new FZ's for support of the upcoming intel peryn chips.

 

Does anyone have any tips on how to increase the volume when watching a DVD using the AV mode past the normal maximum? I find it still too low to watch a movie with headphones comfortably, even once ive pressed the vol+ button to its max. Thanks.

 

Can you not also adjust volume in the program you watching the DVD in?

 

Where is Sony Shared Library shown on my FZ?

Sorry for reposting this, but maybe I will have better luck in the FZ thread. I am stuck on this problem and can't continue with laptop streamlining until resolved.

Having been reading a few threads on what Sony stuff can be deleted, I came to the conclusion Sony Shared Library was needed. I read somewhere that it was needed to reinstall items i.e. from recovery discs and Vaio Updates. That may be why it is the first Sony item downloaded after a Clean Install. Since I was planning to buy a PC Image Program, I checked my computer for Sony Shared Library. Couldn't find it anywhere. I saw another posters snapshot of his add/remove program screen and he didn't show it either, and he had not deleted anything yet. It just showed Sony Video Shared Library, which I have. I don't remember if I deleted this months ago or not. Anyway, I tried to download it from Sony Website manually, but like every other Vaio download from Vaio Update recently, it said program did not install correctly. (I think Vaio Update no longer works and can be deleted??) So, I reinstalled it from my Vaio Recovery Center. That install said everything went OK. (I did see a couple small screens flash briefly on my screen. They looked liked something wanted to load, then disappeared) But, still can't find it anywhere. I would hate to buy the Image Program just to find out I need Sony Shared Library to do recoveries. Also, if I can't download Sony Programs and Drivers, I'll never be able to do a Clean Install. Anyone know how I can verify if it is correctly installed? Where is it listed? Don't want to go back to older restore point and wind up with Norton and all the other junk I've gotten rid of. I haven't tried to run my recovery DVD's and see if I can put only Sony Shared Library back on . I don't think the recovery DVD's work that way.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Ken

 

You don't need sony shared library. I did a clean install and didn't even install this program.

 

Hi.
I'm thinking to buy a FZ laptop tomorrow, but I have a question about it.
I will buy without blue-ray disc option, but is it possible to put blue-ray disc later for option? Also I saw a lot of problem with media buttons above the keyboard, is it fixed yet? I was reading the replies, but no luck.
Please let me know.
Thanks.

 

Hi coolguy,

Have you downloaded any vaio updates or did any recoveries since you eliminated it. I still have the problem of not being able to download vaio updates, and don't know why. Like I said in original post, I would hate to image this hard drive to an HDD, do a clean vista install, then not be able to get any sony programs or drivers back onto the laptop. Not very computer proficient, so I would not want to get that deep into trouble.

Thanks for your quick reply,

Ken

 

Yes you did if you followed my clean install guide. It is the very first thing you loaded before the drivers. I am pretty sure it IS required. But I also don't think it shows up anywhere as a program in the control panel uninstall applet. It doesn't show up as a driver either.

To rugmankc, look at the attachment. Do you have this directory? If so I think you have the Sony Shared Library installed. The Sony Shared Video Library is contained within it, but I believe the OTHER directories are what constitute the Sony Shared Library.

Gary

 

Thanks ScuderiaConchiglia,

This really helps. Below screen shots show what I got. Based on those shots do you think I am OK? Still don't know why I can't download some Vaio Updates. I couldn't get the sony shared library to download from the web only through Recovery Center. Maybe that was because it didn't need updated?? I know the auto update site doesn't work. I'll try some updates off the website, if I think I need them. There are some new ones for December. Let you know what errors I get with the downloads, if any. Just want to make sure I have a 100% system before I start using Acronis with an HDD and do a clean Vista install. The library IS needed to do Vaio Updates and I believe recoveries.

Thanks Again, you've been very helpful,

Ken

 

I do think you have the Sony Shared Library, but the SECOND attachment is the Sony Shared VIDEO Library. The two are different things entirely.

You can't get them to download or you can't get them to install???

Wait a second, if you are going to do a clean install, what are you worrying about all of this? I am confused. If you do a clean install, you are going to install a brand new instance of the Shared Library anyway. So what difference doe it make if you have it installed now or not? And what does Accronis have to do with your plans for a clean install???

Gary

 

This is what I got. Are you guys talking about the sony utilities dll?

 

Nope, coolguy, the utilities DLL is something different entirely. To be honest I don't know which of the files are in the Sony Shared Library. But, I do know it is installed in the "Program Files\Common Files\Sony Shared" directory. And I know it is NOT the Utilities DLL directory or the VideoLib directory (which I notice you don't have). I think when you told rugmankc he didn't need the Sony Shared Library, maybe you meant the Sony Shared Video Library. Two different animals.

All the official instructions for installing any os on any Sony I have ever used (three of them) calls for installing the Sony Shared Library as the very first thing to do.

Gary

 

yeah you can add blu-ray player later, either external USB or internal. However plz note that blu-ray is not the only difference betwee FZ models.

Blu-ray equipped models have brighter and hi-brite lcd - HD1080. which you will not get even after buying blu-ray player separately later.

 

dude didnt you get the memo,..hehe.. they are supporting the new chips. However the real benefit doesnt come into play until montevina comes out. Soo theres probably no point of this chip upgrade if you've got an fz2.

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Penryn-Notebooks-Information-Leaked-Just-Before-the-CES-75112.shtml

 

The hi-brite lcd is available on models that do not have the BlueRay drive!

Gary

 

Thanks ScuderiaConchiglia and coolguy,

Looks like I have both. I do understand the difference between them and believe we do need both. My plan with the clean install and Acronis, was to have a working hard drive on my laptop, which I believe I do now. Thanks again. Then download Acronis and image my hard drive to an external HDD. That way if I have any problems, I still have my current hard drive available on the HDD to put back on the laptop. I felt that if my downloading of Sony items isn't working now it may not work after I do the clean install, and I won't be able to download the drivers. That's why I want everything working first. I may be making it harder than it is, not real good at this stuff.

Ken

 

Yes Gary, I meant the sony shared video library. I did install the sony shared library after the clean install.

 

Update to below post: Am now downloading updates, all seems OK




ScuderiaConchiglia,

Sorry I didn't answer your one question. I can download the updates but they don't install. Screen says "your program may not have installed correctly". I will try their latest update and pay more attention to everything. See if that one downloads and installs. Most my problems have been when using the Vaio Update software already installed on the laptop. I know now that program doesn't work anymore. I am also going to look at the updates out after my purchase date of the laptop and check the versions to see if I have the latest ones. Will only download if I am having the specific problem they address. Am I correct in assuming that if I can't download/install now that I may not be able to after a clean install. Or will what ever is prohibiting me now (if anything) will be gone after the clean install? That's my main concern, the rest I will eventually figure out.

Thanks,

Ken

 

I am a total noob to this so here goes:
I am gonna buy the FZ series with blue ray CTO but i have 2 questions.
I need to buy 1 2GB ram card. Can anyone provide a link for me to purchase the ram? Also I've noticed that it comes with a 120GB 5400rpm hard drive. IMHO that is TOO slow. I do not no which one of the following hard drive is
compatible:
http://www.buy.com/prod/seagate-momentus-7200-2-hard-drive-160gb-7200rpm-300mbps-serial-ata-ii/q/loc/101/204383665.html

OR

http://www.buy.com/prod/seagate-momentus-7200-2-hard-drive-160gb-7200rpm-150mbps-serial-ata/q/loc/101/204383667.html

 

When you do a clean install, everything on your machine right now will be gone. EVERYTHING! Therefore whatever software is giving you trouble now will be wiped out and reloaded and should no longer give you the troubles you are now having.

Gary

 

Thanks ScuderiaConchiglia,

I feel better knowing that. Also, I am now downloading/installing updates. Ran all the ones that are recent and the screens said all were installed correctly. Did all of them from "Run as Administrator" which I was not doing before. I still get the screen at the end that gives me the option of download went OK or it did not. I think that is a default screen and doesn't mean the download didn't go OK. Not running as administrator and not understanding that final screen was my problem, I hope.

Thanks Again for all the good advice,

Ken

 

Hi you guys,

since a few months i own a FZ11E sony vaio notebook and i must say a wonderful machine! Though, I do have a couple of questions:

- Is it completely normal that my sony gets warm at the bottom side at the front all the time (when te notebook is on off course)? (located a bit left from the touchpad, but then at the bottom side off course)
- When i play a dvd (from the hard disk though), is it normal that the movie shocks a bit when playin it with Vaio Maximum Battery on, and when Full performance it runs perfectly ?

 

Does this happen when the laptop is on a solid surface or only on a soft one? I ask this because I have noticed on soft surfaces it is quite easy to block some of the vents on the bottom of the machine.

RE: point #2, I think it does make sense that on max battery you would see some degradation in video playback.

 

well, always actually, an hour ago it was even as warm as it is now, back then It was standing on the table (solid surface) and now it's standing on me what should be a soft surface. The thing is I don't remember if this is something new or this has always been like this, i don't remember feeling in the beginning when i just got the notebook, so that's why I'm asking other people with the same notebook, because otherwise I would be worried. Not that it's extremely hot or so, it's just not cold, it feels warm.

also @ point 2, I don't remember if my movie was shocking a bit in the beginning @ maximum battery mode, I just don't remember testing it even. I just hope that I don't have to worry about all this.

oh and btw I even forgot to say that he completely got stuck while playing the dvd a few hours ago, only happened twice though since i have the notebook. there was no response anymore, had to shut him down by pressing the on/off button (holding it five seconds orso).

 

excuse me that Im interrupting your discussion. But i am going to buy the sony fz with blue ray. I just have 1 question, I will upgrade the hard drive. Anyone know which hard drive is compatible?

Your answers will be greatly appreciated

 

Get a copy of SpeedFan and install it. You will need to use the run as adminstrator trick on it, but then it will display the temps of your cpu cores. Let's get some real data before we decide if the machine is getting too hot or not.

Gary

 

Asked and answered here before. You should use the search box at the top of the page to find discussions on changing the hard drive on an FZ model. There are numerous discussions on this topic.

Gary

 

Quick question for anyone on this thread, unplug your FZ laptop and run something CPU intensive - does it run slower? I.e. is your CPU forced to run at a slower speed when you're on battery power?

 

after sitting a small hour on my computer while browsing some through the internet and stuff this is what speedfan gives me :
HD0: 37°
Temp1: 47°
Temp2: 47°
Core 0: 23°
Core 0: 24°

is there anything wrong? I must say that even after like ten minutes the left side where the GPU is located, that place already feels warm and i feel something spinning (the cooler probably) and i can't really remember that i felt this in the beginning orso, just since a few days i've noticed this.

I hope i have nothing to worry about, what explains the shocking view of the movies i played? (only having this problem with DVD-Files and not with normal avi files... very strange).

 

That would totally depend on how you've configurated your powers settings. I suggest you check those first, and adjust them if you feel the need to.

But yes, originally your Vaio will go into power save mode when you unplug it to save battery power, witch means it will be a bit slower.

 

Any news on the release dates for the new FZ series?

I'm seriously thinking of going in for the FZ21Z , but if the refresh is around the corner, and is off the same price, i'm definitely going for the new one...

Also, is it easy to upgrade the memory from 2 to 4GB for an idiot? lol

 

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921665308446

link for the FZ4000 CTO from sonystyle. pretty nice

 

Hey everyone. Im on my new FZ. I purchased one with a 2.2 ghz Duo2.. under control panel properties : it list two 2.2ghz processors

however when i go to device manage it list
two 1.8ghz processors!

whats the deal with this?

 

It is totally cosmetic. It has to do with the fact that Sony uses one image to populate the hard drives of several FZ models. The image was created on a machine with the 1.8ghz processor. It has NO affect on performance.

If I remember correctly there is an update on the SONY support site to fix this. (Here is the link on the FZ190 page, it is the very first item: CPU Device manager fix)

There is also a thread here on this topic. The solution in that thread was, I believe, to just delete the processors from device manager and reboot. You should locate that thread here FIRST before you try that method.

Gary

 

thank you sir

 

I got an FZ240 a few days ago, and so far I love it (I've been using a 4+ year old toshiba, so this is amazing to me). It was a surprise present though, and I was going to just make my recovery dvds when I get home in a few days with it. In the meantime, I used easy transfer to move everything from my old toshiba, got rid of some bloatware etc. Today I was poking around and realized that I can't find the vaio recovery tool to create my dvds. When I go into the Vista Backup and Restore center, my only options are to backup files and restore files, nothing about creating a sony recovery dvd. I also have options to the left for using system restore or creating a restore point.
Am I looking in the wrong place, or could I have somehow erased the restore program? I was pretty conservative with bloatware removal (just got rid of spiderman and the other items that clearly aren't useful) so I don't know how I could have removed it. Is there anywhere else I should be looking for the recovery dvd tool? I checked on the sony website to see if I could just dl it again but didn't see anything that looked like it would contain the tool.

 

I bought a FZ290 CTO with blue-ray about 1 month ago. The laptop died on me after only 1 week, so i decided to return the laptop back to sony and get a refund. i just received my refund today, and decided to give sony another chance, and went back to sonystyle.com to place another order. i was completely shocked when i saw that they had actually RAISED the price of the 290CTO with blue ray by 200 dollars.. the original price for the 290CTO with blue ray was 1098 dollars, but today when i checked, it had risen to 1298 dollars.. unbelievable, i never heard of a company actually RAISING prices on a product. i guess with the news that blue ray has gotten warner bros and paramount on the blue ray bandwagon, they thought they could make some money on the blueray tech..

sony is pathetic..

 

kraphound,

click on the start orb, then help and support, then backup and recovery. at the bottom of that page is launch recovery center. i pinned mine to the start menu for easier access.

ken

 

The original price you paid was during a pre-Christmas sale/promotion.

Gary

 

I also just got my FZ240 few days ago. Wondering to upgrade my ram to 4GB, will this ram be compatible or good with the FZ? (im a noob, sorry)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134578

OR This (i belive it is a faster speed)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820141340

 

The first set is the ram you need, any faster is a waste of money because your motherboard doesn't support it. You aware that you need a 64bit OS to support 4Gb..?

 

My Bluetooth is busted.

A few weeks ago I decided to turn off my bluetooth, and did so through the options on the icon displayed in the "my computer" window. Now I am trying to turn it back on and cannot figure out how. The external wireless switch is on but there is no blue light displayed nor a bluetooth icon on the task bar.

When I go to bluetooth options it says that the radio is disabled but does not give me the option to enable it. When I attempt to set up a new connection a prompt appears saying "Bluetooth is not ready" When I run a diagnostics on it in the bluetooth options it says "Check communication with Bluetooth device. Fail" When I go to device manager bluetooth does appear and claims that it is working properly.

I've tried a system restore to before the day when I deactivated the bluetooth.....it didn't work . I've tried reinstalling the driver but it then asks me to plug in the bluetooth devie. Since the bluetooth is internal I select "ok" but after a minute the same prompt just reappers. If I press cancel the installation quits. So I did a system restore to get my bluetooth driver back.

I talked to Sony support 3x and their last two suggestions was to download "Sony Shared Library" which I did and it didn;t solve it or then finally to do a complete system recovery. That sounds like serious overkill to me.

Whenever I restart the computer the bluetooth seems to work for about a minute but then turns off. That or the bluetooth light is just trying to fool me.

Does anyone else have a possible solution to this problem?

 

since my clean install iv been having some problems with the wifi, it turns off every so often and i have to reinstall the driver from the recovery for it to work again. PAIN

Also recently flash videos in firefox havnt been working, eg. youtube buffers the video and then only plays 2 seconds, however it works fine in IE

Also when i close the lid it doesnt go to sleep, just logs me out, even when i set it to go to sleep on the power management. wtf?!