Don't buy Laptops from Sony

im sure they have a team focused mainly on the vaio line.. Bottom line is , no one should defend Sony with the route they took on 0ct 22, 2009.

 

I dont think so.
They have enough people to handle this kind of tiny problem. People who work VAIO is different from other Sony products.
The thing here is they want us to dump our old laptop and get their new line of laptops
Sounds like "hey guys let's put all vistas away and get new sweetie windows 7 packed in new beauty line laptop, and let catch up new things and new technologies with us." BS
Unfortunately, No Sony. Lets give us a break now.
Guys, dont be a SOny victim.

 

Hope this speak up thread will somehow help others realize Sony is not a smart choice when it comes to buying a laptop.

 

Hi, i see that many people in this thread seem to have a certain degree of disappointment or even resentment in using the Sony's line of notebook and tries to urge that toward other users, which i have to disagree to this. Disappointment and frustration against a certain brand can be shared in a forum, its one way of trying to find, if possible, a good positive and constructive solution to the problem, not to expand a group resentment or disappointment toward other which will only prove to be counterproductive. simply put "if its not for you that does not mean that it is not for other"

I have no attachment to any notebook brands, I buy what I want and what i need with any possible consequences in mind i.e. for Sony their lousy customer support or Acer with their flimsy build quality.

Now talking about Sony, they are very well known for their bad support, purchaser should have this in mind when buying a Sony notebook. I understand this, but at the moment i cannot find any other notebook with 1366x768/1600x900 resolution, more than 4 hour of battery life, built-in 3G, 1.4kg weight with a P-series processor, dual raid SSD. Name me one manufacturer that can make a notebook like this and I'll buy it right now.

Even if Sony is to be blame for their worse to hideous support, we need to be a smart buyer by thinking every aspects of our purchase especially when money is an issue, preventing buyers remorse in the future.

nonetheless, I have to agree with vogelbung if Sony maintain their arrogant attitude, their days might just be numbered, although they seem to always have new innovation to notebook technology, other manufacturer are also catching-up with them and are better in understanding the customer needs.

Note: the best customer service i found so far would be fujitsu, their warrant service when i was using P7120 was superb. If only they could came up with a more stylish and lightweight (sub 1.4kg) notebook I'll buy it over a Sony anytime.

 

The M1330 is actually quite a good example of things in practice.

Yes - the machine is a travesty in my experience. Yes, the XPS support is - in a marked contrast to the Latitude and Precision support in my experience - also something of a travesty.

But you see, it's built out of widely available subsystems and as such, runs Windows 7 without a hitch. An upgrade was completely painless. And Dell support staff seem to be aware of that.

This is not the case with the majority of Sony gear, especially those higher up the line. So I would say that it is only fair of Sony to maintain driver support for as long as e.g. the maximum term of their extended warranty.

Apple may have the best support service in terms of their 'front', and a straightforward approach to lemons, but in my experience a repair turnaround that is bested by even Sony's support - and furthermore since I have encountered so many more lemons from Apple than from anyone else, if they had Sony's 'front' I'd probably go postal in one of their Stores.

 

I downloaded a driver last night for Vista 64 to try and use in Win7.
It was a nearly 4 year old laptop. They had fresh video drivers for the laptop.

They also had drivers for everything from windows 2000 to Vista64. Not all were fresh, but they had the drivers to get them working. You don't really need fresh drivers for everything. They offered them when needed though.

So yes, HP also does (at least sometimes) offer support for older hardware.



Miyabi, the people who do the Vaio line are not responsible for TV's and DVD payers. They are completely separate divisions. So separate that there are times where one branch of Sony hasn't a clue what another branch is doing and have even violated each others licensing agreements.

 

The problem isn't really windows 7 incompatibilities. It's the specific things that sony uses on their laptops, like the mode buttons, or special function keys used by sony software to work correctly.

For the most part, you can probably install windows 7 without any driver updates (just using whats on the win 7 dvd) and it will install mostly everything but these sony specific programs for special function, ect.

Sony's main problem is that many of these sony specific programs are used throughout their different model lines. But they protect the programs by wrapping it in an installer that checks to make sure you're have the correct model before installing. And that they only release these for models they specifically tested on. In many cases the they might be available for laptop A, while not available for laptop B which has the same hardware... cause sony hasn't gotten around to testing it on laptop B and making it's protective installer for laptop B.

People have been using the software for different models by extracting the software from the installer... the problem is finding the compatible models that have software available.. If sony changed the way they released drivers/software... and release it based on what hardware is in a laptop, rather then the million unique model #'s they have we would all be happy.

edit: I'm not happy myself, cause my 1 year VGN-SR130N says it's not supported... and trial and error of installing of different model software can mess up your windows and leave it unbootable if you install the wrong sony software. happened to me, luckily i was able to hit F8 at windows boot and chose last known config.. or i'd need to redo my windows again.

 

Just do what you do.

 

Sony changed their Windows 7 support page for older models. From mentioning hardware not supported, they changed it to "no support for Sony upgrade program" and give a link for Windows 7 upgrade advisor.
For my model : http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/os7upgrade.pl?mdl=VGNFZ190E

 

This change is been made like 2 days ago.

 

Which is an improvement, though still a bit frustrating.

 

that change does not help not one bit. It directs you to Windows 7 upgrade advisor which does not work in Windows 7

 

They just kind of give up their supporting by pushing us to Microsoft.

 

Only have a few posts here and have generally found these forums to be helpful. I am not loyal to any brand, though I bought my first Vaio laptop tonight despite reading this thread among other ones. Went to a local Sony store and bought the Z880G pre-configured with Windows 7. In-store purchases qualify for in home / onsite warranty service which was the deal maker for me (even CTO systems qualify if you order in-store), not sure how many people even know about this fact. If you have problems with software they offer some service you can get too for support. Not a single problem so far, runs like a champ and quite honestly the display is probably the best I've ever seen on a laptop. Store manager was great and everyone there was eager to help. Sorry some of you had bad experiences; I'm not turned off by the work I might have to do in 3-5 years if Windows 8 comes out and I need to upgrade. I'm loving this little laptop so far.

 

Read the system requirements. I ran it in Win 7 RC 64-bit.

 

maybe because your in RC?

 

coupdetat.

I have a vaio TZ that I am using rite now on Windows 7 with everything working. Its very nice. I even had a Windows 7 update that was Sony I/O parser, so they are doing something.

I'm a tad annoyed that I get more information and support from this site than Sony, but hey.. its the same with most companies.

Check the TZ users thread for details on installing windows 7.

CM

 

Yea you forgot to mention their friggen Touchpads. I spoke to Sony support today, and they just completely refues to admit the problem. They changed my touchpad once, and still its doing the samething, freezing, moving all over the screen. They insist its a software problem, keep making me do a Vaio Recovery to assure thats its not a fault in the Windows. I mean, common friggen sense, it doesnt matter what version of OS you have, aslong as its compatible drivers, theres should be no issue. Its clearly a touchpad issue. Anyways here the link for a Action Law Suit on that:

http://www.abingtonlaw.com/sony-VAIO-touchpad-class-action.html

 

All I can say that is, so far, my experience buying a Sony has been so far superior to buying a Dell that the two can't even be compared. Dell hates its customers, Sony actually seems to like its customers. When I called Sony customer support, a person actually answered. And she spoke perfect English and was friendly and helpful. At first I thought I got the wrong number, I could hardly believe it. I was extremely pleasantly surprised. You would think Dell would fix their customer support after all of the bad press, but it still sucks just as badly as ever, take it from me.

 

If you are having the problem I think you are, there are several guides on this problem. Usually it is a grounding issue on the touchpad. A bit of tape fixes it. A select few have managed to get Sony to admit to a problem.

Dell let their customer support slide, they are trying to correct it.

Dell has a nasty habit of evading standards. Like the ATX power connectors that they flipped two wires on. Or how some models burn up ram after a year unless it is Dell branded ram. I'm not impressed with their build quality unless you spend a fortune.

 

No one is 100% perfect. Sometimes someone get lucky with the support, and other times not. The core issue is about their LIE... Prior to Windows 7 release, they said, Win 7 driver will be available, when Win 7 officially releases... and guess what, on Oct 22, they said... guys we made FOOL out of you... hmmmm!!! lets see what's your problem is... Aha!!... Your system won't support the full functionality of Windows 7 BS...

Why we are pissed off ?
Because we never thought that SONY will ever do this at least with their customers i.e. LIE.. If they would have said the same thing, in the first place, people would not have spent those money for Windows 7 upgrade/new install media.

One good thing they did, by mentioning to shop for new laptops, and that's what I exactly did, and bought a new HP dv7t with i7 quad processor with Blu-ray drive, with discounts and coupons under $1200. Before you guys start bashing HP... let me tell you one thing, I myself never liked HP, but that's the best offer I found on the net... Moreover who cares, when most, if not all, notebooks are coming from CHINA... At least I saved almost $1000 for the same configuration I would have got from SONY in distant future.

 

No one is perfect is BS cop-out. My wife's 4 year old Toshiba has Windows 7 drivers made available by Toshiba in a nice, 30 Mb download. One-click install. Now THAT'S how u earn repeat customers.

 

They put a new message up on the UK website. Other EU websites might have the same message, i don't for sure as i've not checked.

So there will be no support for previous models like the SZ. If you own an earlier Z for example it looks like you're also out of luck for getting the drivers from Sony.

For Sony not to provide the drivers for all of the latest series of laptops (although a lot of drivers you can get from other models that is not the point) and for at this point refusing to provide the drivers for their own software like hotkeys, webcam etc for professional models like the SZ that are still under 2yrs old is a big discentive for me.

I had thought about getting a TT but this really puts me off.
Like i said before it is not so bad if you can find these drivers yourself but you may not find everything when it comes to Sony drivers and in some cases you're either stuck with Vista Business, have to put up a nearly working W7 or buy a new laptop. This is not a throw away camera here.

 

I would remain put off - don't bother with a TT. It's a definite regression in build and engineering direction compared to the TZ - it's more of an Apple than what I would have called a Sony before.

 

There are many brands to chose from. dont have to be sony

 

At least they were honest enough to mention that Vista drivers may work for 7 if your laptop came with Vista, unlike the North American website which says that your laptop doesn't meet the 7 minimum requirements.

 

That's kind of moot and actually possibly even more damaging to Sony, as any reasonably competent user will/ have try that out themselves. It's sort of Switchers-in-waiting who'll go "But you said it might work! Waaaaaaaa!"

While either is immensely sucky from the user's point of view, from Sony's point of view an outright 'no' followed by 'I beat the system' on the part of the user might in this case be better than 'maybe' and 'didn't work in the end... ****'

I dunno. From my point of view, if I ever need service for the SZ's, knowing Sony they're probably going to say that since I'm running 7, they can't support me. I'm quite tempted to ditch the SZ's now... but I don't see anything similar I like (the T400s was pretty much it, and actually I still prefer the SZ from a style perspective).

 

I wouldn't say it's moot. If they didn't want to support it, they never should have put up the message saying keep checking back for info, then yank the rug out from under our feet saying it doesn't meet the requirements. They even replied in email with the minimum specs, which ours met.

They don't have to support it, just don't lead people on, and don't lie. Which is exactly what they did.

Actually that market is doing better than it has in many years. You obviously have the Z, but there is also the HP Envy, Dell Adamo (yummy!), and on a bit lower scale the Asus UL30 (though at half the price, it's a killer deal) and though a bit smaller, the Asus A6V Bamboo (sooo pretty).

 

The Adamo - which I have passed onto someone else recently - is grossly overweight (mainly because it attempts to ape the Air's tactile experience for the user, but misguidedly attempts to imbue the design with durability/integrity that the Air doesn't have. You can't do that in machined alu and not expect to make it overweight over the other methods available) for what it is. The Envy is... well, it may be more durable than the Apples but why *not* just buy a Macbook - it's a more pure expression of the design that the Envy is channeling. I've seen and handled the U6V and I was like 'bleh'.

I have been hunting quite hard for a 13/14-inch machine which is sub-2Kg's, ideally includes an optical drive, (still) looks sharp, packs a spec and runtime that doesn't necessarily need me to field multiple niches of machines and isn't built/QC'd like a TT/Z (or an Apple for that matter, although that's even worse then the current crop of Sonys). Harder than I'd imagined, I have to say.

 

My sister bought me a Vaio VGN-BZ560P22 just after the first of the year. I did the chat with support about driver updates and they told me to download drivers at there site. When I did this the alternate keys such as F3/-volume and F4/+volume would not work and a few other problems. They could not figure it out. This is a XP PRO downgrade and the only way that I could get it to work was to hit f10 and put it to factory spec. So Sony did a rip job when they put this laptop with this system.
I was considering putting 7 on it and used the microsoft tool and the only problems it states are some drivers and graphics would not give full support on one of the 7 screen resolution programs. Even though Sony went from saying there would be driver support to saying it is not eligible for there upgrade program I called tec support and was told that sometime in the future there would be drivers. I am not going to hold my breath.

 

Sony nowadays sucks.
They making cheap laptop now. I used to have Sony laptop, but not anymore. Recently, my brothers' girlfriend has a fan noise problem with her CS series.
Now, anytime i hear SOny, i can smell stinky fish

 

I wondering who's leader of Sony supporting department.

 

Well - if we're talking about the UK, a guy who shouldn't be in the post. As personally evidenced, hasn't got the right attitude for this day and age for starters - he's one guy who Samsung would be ill-advised to poach

 

I am exactly on the same boat of thread initiator. I bought VGN-TZ390 on 9/9/2009 paying 900 bucks. Before purchasing the laptop, checked sony website. It had no info of Windows 7 support and free upgrade elibility. Since my model is listed in the drop down list, I went ahead and bought it.

On Oct 22 2009, sony updated the website that this model is not supported, no windows 7 drivers, no free upgrade kit with a reason that this laptop hardware is not compatible and it is not recommended.

I ran windows 7 upgrade advisor and it resulted with recommendation that: this model laptop is very good for upgrade.

I called sony and explained problem to 10 people and finally talked to Customer Relations dept. for two hours explaining all the practices other manufacturors doing and what sony did to us. I aruged on withheld of information, LIE and false and misleading business practices. Not single point she acknowledged.

She said no way on earth you will get upgrade kit or support to your laptop.

This is my 6th Sony Vaio and it is my last and never want to buy one and never want to do business with Sony again.

 

I don't know of a TT390, does anyone? That would be the only generation on sale as of Sep 09.

 

dont be fool by sony