W-series sony vaio official owners thread

You just created it. I would have started it with a more memorable quote myself...

Being a proud F11 owner, I might consider the W for a "disposable" netbook to take to work..

 

w211ax
Keyboard is held in place with 2 screws.
thats all that needs to be removed after you take
the back hdd cover off.


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

Nice picture! One question, does it support 2G memory? I thought it should, but sony website indicates 1G max.

 

Yes, thats what I did, I installed 2gb ddr2 800hz memory, then overclocked with setfsb. Now I'm just waiting for my antenna, I'm going to install an intel 6300 wifi with 3 antennas.

 

Can you tell me how to remove the keyboard? What bad about the build in wifi?

 

Have you guys found a solution to the annoying fan noise? I was hoping that Sony would solve this with a bios update but no such luck so far...

 

I have no fan noise, if you fan is loud like on some other netbooks, then try lubricating your fan, here is a link to give you an idea. It worked on my eee.
EeeUser Forum / Possible fix for noisy fan?

 

YouTube - Sony Vaio W Netbook RAM upgrade, keyboard removal

 

Have you guys purchased a case for this? I really liked the official Sony one, but all the online reviews say that it doesn't fit with the battery bulge on newer models.

 

Any owners found a case?

 

Here's some pictures for the sleeve with the extended battery
that comes with the latest w-series. Its a bit of a pain to squeeze it,
and looks funny as this sleeve wasn't designed for the funky battery. Sony forgot to update their accessories, and states this fits properly. I contacted Sony, but their response is I'm using the wrong battery!


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

Here is another pic, as you might be able to see, theres a bulge on one
side where the battery is. It also makes it difficult to slide in the netbook.


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

Here's a pic of the insides, I applied artic silver, it dropped my temps down by 5 degrees. I also installed an intel 6300 with 3 antennas. Also note that there is an empty mini pci-e slot/wwan for the optional cellular card, no preinstalled antennas either! to bad we can use it for something else.


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

I removed and replaced the keyboard to upgrade the memory. Now the space bar and left tab key do not work. Is there something I can check, or should I just try to remove and replace the keyboard again?

 

thats very strange, check that your keyboard ribbon cable is all the way in.

 

intel 6300, with 3rd antenna in the bezel. I used a tyco dual band 2.4/5ghz antenna. Easy install !


Uploaded with ImageShack.us


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

Just got one of these as a travel companion - Loaded it up with 2GB RAM and deleting a few programs and bloat that came with it - so far happy - nice screen (biggest selling point).
Runs nicely and should perform the tasks I'm expecting of it.

Later Update = also installed a budget SSD now. Makes the system more responsive. Went with the budget version knowing going into it the chipset would be the bottleneck. Regardless boot time improved, apps launching much improved and essentially turned this into a capable travel partner for my trips.

 

I use a Samsonite Cross-Over 11.6" -- enough space for the W, its power supply brick, and some USB keys.

It's not very well-padded so I'd recommend putting the whole bag (it's quite small) inside, say, your backpack, when traveling.

 

Had an old carrying bag that don't use anymore - used the padded laptop sleeve built into it to protect the netbook (simply cut the retaining straps that held it in place in the old bag). The netbook fits snugly and has room for the power brick and cord on the side and then the whole thing slides into my new shoulder bag. Works well - been using for about 3 months without any issues and protects the machine.