New Vaio F Model

This is the first time that the north American market used a numbering system which in any way resembled that of Europe except for the first digit, which corresponded to the version of the refresh.

Fingers crossed. Personally, I doubt that there will be a universal model -- just a potential universal numbering scheme (or at least for the Western markets, so far).

P.S. Remember that when Sony issues a new series, it actually already has the refreshes on the drawing board. Most refreshes appeared on the FW line every three or four months.

So, some of what Sony may be doing is keeping some things out of some markets now so that they can be brought in as part of a refresh. And by tweaking each market a little differently you also get to do some research on what does and what doesn't go over so well with users.

Notice how the F Series shows all the signs of Sony marketing and engineering having read this and similar forums as most complaints have been addressed: the hinge barrel has been stabilized by being brought into the unit rather than tacked on, the number pad appeared (although I personally want a centered keyboard), and the track pad reportedly has also been improved. The backlit keyboard, the RGB, the ambient sensor, the ease of the transfer jet -- these are all things that come from marketing research driving innovation. And each refresh is Sony's opportunity to respond to the market....

 

The key question is, is the model numbering scheme EXACTLY identical ? If so, then the reason why the componentry beneath will also be identical, would be for ease of producing other materials like the product guides, documentation, after-sales purposes etc. They just need to have a SINGLE set of documentation, across the whole area, if not the globe, for a specific model line.

Now as far as warranty purposes, they very might build in the exact configuration of the model, into the serial number itself, which in turn could have other information like which market it was sold to, and so on.

 

That would annoy the hell out of me. If they're going to release a laptop that's all singing and all dancing - at least offer everything you've been promoting to everyone.

It annoys me to know that just because I'm in a different part of the world, I'm unable to get the same as someone else e.g. Backlit Keyboard.

I'll give it a week to see if things change because after all it only came out on Thursday.

 

Just curious for those of you who are getting the first batch of F models. Can you check on the touchpad if it has multitouch gestures? I have a previous FW390 model and tried the on-site pointing device driver for F series models. It installed fine and I see a "Multitouch Gestures" tab to enable pinch zoom, flick and pivot gestures. Unfortunately, it does not work on my FW390, just the usual functions but no multitouch. Could it be a hardware limitation or still software compatibility?

 

what does those button key does? Assist, S1, Vaio?

http://www.engadget.com/photos/sony-vaio-f-hands-on/#2594415

 

http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/sony-vaio-f-series.aspx

Review of the Vaio F. I will probably order one for myself.

 

Thanks, but this was posted several pages back. I did read through this before placing my order, which is expected to be shipped out on the 14th.

 

Hurrah, it is now listed on the Canada Sonystyle site. Prices look good, i have a question it seems to list the graphics card as a NVIDIA® GeForce® G211P GPU (1GB VRAM). Does anyone know what this one is, i am assuming it the same as the one listed on the US site?

They are listing of 3 different options, doesnt mention anything about CCFL or LED.

16.4" VAIO Display (1600x900) featuring the NVIDIA® GeForce® G211M GPU (512MB VRAM) [subtract $106.00]
16.4" VAIO Premium Display (1920x1080) featuring the NVIDIA® GeForce® G211M GPU (512MB VRAM) [subtract $53.00]
16.4" VAIO Premium Display (1920x1080) featuring the NVIDIA® GeForce® G211P GPU (1GB VRAM)

There is also the option of a backlit keyboard or not.

 

I love how the 500 GB hard-drive costs so much more than the 640 GB one:

# 320 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive [5400 rpm] [subtract $10.00]
# 320 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive [7200 rpm]
# 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive [7200 rpm] [add $10.00]
# 128GB (64GBx2) Solid State Drive with RAID technology [add $65.00]
# 640 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive [5400 rpm] [add $75.00]
# 256GB (256GBx1) Solid State Drive with RAID technology [add $225.00]
# 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive [5400 rpm] [add $645.00]
# 512GB (512GBx1) Solid State Drive with RAID technology [add $1,283.00]

Nice...

 

Looks like dual HDDs capable?

 

Where did you get the above, from ?

The following is displayed in the sonystyle site, against the F-series, in the CTO section:

# 320GB Hard Disk Drive (5400rpm)
# 500GB Hard Disk Drive (5400rpm) [add $55.00]
# 320GB Hard Disk Drive (7200rpm) [add $55.00]
# 500GB Hard Disk Drive (7200rpm) [add $105.00]
# 640GB Hard Disk Drive (5400rpm) [add $115.00]
# 256GB (256GBx1) Solid State Drive [add $655.00]

 

That second 500 GB drive is probably supposed to be labeled "Solid State" like the one above and below it...

 

We were talking about the Canadian website.

 

The 500GB option is obviously a mistake. Just send them an e-mail to find out what's wrong.

They make some errors on the sites. Just like the little Swedisch text which was on the Dutch website for some time.

I did consider SSD when I ordered mine, but I think the price performance does not really cut it. Especially with 8GB of RAM the advantages of a quick disk would not be that big (especially running linux). For me, there will probably be a midlife upgrade in about 2-3 years to SSD when the prices drop.

 

A dutch guy called with Sonystyle Netherlands. They said there is no difference between the normal Full HD screen and the premium Full HD screen.

Looks like the Full HD screen used on the F is the same double lamp CCFL screen as on the later FW series.

 

That would be consistent with the fact that all the RGB hype is from press releases and is not found on Sony Europe's or the U.S.' ordering Websites.

I do remain intrigued by the "scratch-resistant" nature of the "normal FullHD screen" -- could it be that that is the "premium-ness" of the "new" premium screen? Sure is puzzling because you have to go out of your way to devise and put up an icon about scratch resistance which was never a feature of any of the Sony CCFL screens -- but is a feature of Sony Duraview LED screens, cf. http://backstage101.learningcenter.sony.us/tutorials/transcript.jsp?courseId=91114) and notice the reference there, as well, to 100% "color saturation", another icon used on European Sony sites to describe the F Series display.

Guess we'll just have to wait and see -- with forum members' actual eyes. After all, Sony reps say all sorts of things. An American Level II tech told me months ago that the European screens were not the same as the American screens....

P.S. The case dimensions for F and FW are a little bit different, and a screen's diagonal can be the same yet be shaped slightly differently in height or length. From the U.S. Sony docs: F is 15.3" x 10.4" and the FW3 was 15.1"x10.3" -- so the screens are likely but not necessarily from the same production.

This side-by-side imaging on a European Sony site gives the impression that the screen on the F may be a bit different from the FW's screen (note the width of the rimming of the screen on the two models where more rimming is visible at the top of the FW series than on the sides while the rimming on the F appears slightly more uniform): http://www.sony.it/hub/vaio. But it is likely an optical illusion or a matter of the beveling of the case affecting the measurements.

 

Yeah Sony reps say lots of stuff. Let's wait and see.

 

Ah..I didn't read all 30+ pages of the thread considering how it started...so you will let us know how you like the F?

 

Sure, will do. If it ships out on the 14th, it could very well be in my grubby paws by the end of the week.

 

I've sent an email to Sony requesting more information about what features we can expect to see on the UK site sometime soon e.g. Backlighting, 820QM Processor, given the vast differences to what is being offered on the USA site.

I'll update those who are interested in due course.

 

Not sure if this has appeared in earlier posts but I just came across this youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miC8fYSyjV4 which shows a F series Vaio at CES 2010. Start at approximately 57 seconds in to see it. This may or may not answer some questions you may have. Looks to me like it is the gray version and it is running the Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 CPU Q 720 @ 1.60GHz - NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M. They are running a Street Fighter IV Benchmark demo that shows an average FPS of 44.23. I just ordered one of these with the upgraded processor, graphics card and 8GB RAM so now I'm even more excited after seeing this.

 

Yeah, this youtube video was posted several pages back but thanks for reiterating how powerful this new F-series is.

 

sorry for the repost. I agree, very powerful machine.
Newbie question: I ordered my laptop with the "Fresh Start" option. I understand this will delete all the trial and sony proprietary software. So what program will be in place to play blu-ray movies? Anything a novice like myself should be aware of with this "Fresh Start" option?

 

Am also wondering about this.

 

Just to check I also went to the Dell web site and configure a Dell Studio 17 laptop with similar specs as the one I ordered from Sony. And I came out approx. 100 EUR more expensive and didn't even get a blueray disc writer with it. I must say, the Sonys are really competitively priced.

 

Just got an email from Sony that my F series laptop is shipped.. wowww.. thats super fast


This is my configuration:

Product: US-VPCF1190X-LBOM
Component: Intel® Core™ i7-720QM processor (1.60GHz) with Turbo Boost up to 2.80GHz
Component: 16.4" VAIO Premium Display (1920x1080) with NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 330M GPU (1GB VRAM)
Component: 8GB (4GBx2) DDR3-SDRAM-1333
Component: Blu-ray Disc™ player/burner
Component: Keyboard Backlight
Component: Black
Component: Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Component: 500GB Hard Disk Drive (7200rpm)

 

Make sure to take lots of pictures and give us your impressions of it!

 

What's your location? Or... what is XXX in www.sonystyle.XXX?

 

Sure, will do

xxx -> USA

 

This is the 4th Laptop order that I've made in two months... HP DV6T Quad, HP DV7T Quad, & Dell 1645 SXPS. Actually the Dell had the most issues, keyboard malfunction, random crashes, & power throttling. So..., here's to hoping that this machine will actually be fully functional out of the box:

Model Number: US-VPCF1190X-LBOM

VPCF1190X Configure-to-Order

Customization Details

* No Additional Video Editing Software
* Intel® Core™ i7-720QM processor (1.60GHz) with Turbo Boost up to 2.80GHz
* 16.4" VAIO Premium Display (1920x1080) with NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 330M GPU (1GB VRAM)
* Fresh Start
* No additional Office Software
* No additional Photo Editing Software
* 6GB (4GBx1 + 2GBx1) DDR3-SDRAM-1333
* Blu-ray Disc™ player/burner
* No additional AntiVirus Software
* Keyboard Backlight
* Standard Capacity Battery
* Black
* No Engraving
* Genuine Windows® 7 Professional 64-bit
* 500GB Hard Disk Drive (7200rpm)

 

Mine too has been shipped.

Our configurations are the same, except that I have the i7-820 chip and Windows 7 ultimate.

 

That's pretty much identical to the machine I want to purchase... Looks like I'm going to have wait to see if the UK gets the Keyboard Backlight. Let me know how you get on.

 

what was wrong with the HPs?

 

Initially had the DV6T, and couldn't stand the lack of display resolution...then the DV7t had a very flexible "clicky" keyboard & the speaker screen wasn't flush & only partially attached, and the display viewing angle was very limited.

 

The software to run Blu-ray will be left intact. If you discover software that you'd like to have after the fact, you can download it or recover it from the recovery partition (per Sony support).

 

Just curious, for those who have received their shipping confirmation, what was the date that you initially placed your order? thanks!

 

Thanks, that helps ease my troubled mind.

 

Order placed on Jan 6th (as soon as the F-series was available via CTO).
Order shipped on Jan 11th (today).

 

roweraay, and anyone else getting one now; please, PLEASE report back about the heat around the palm wrest and underneath the unit. These two areas have always been my issues with my current Vaio AR series and both the 2 HP's I jumped ship to a few years ago.

Also please explain the colors; what your unit really looks like in hand. I am ready to order and really just waiting for more real user info before going ahead and placing my order.

 

I have posted some higher resolution pictures from the sony news site, in Post# 184 on this very thread. They illustrate both the black and the gray models pretty well.

But will post back my findings once I get mine delivered.

 

The only change I wish I had done to my CTO order was to pre-install the Vegas pro 9.0 software, during the CTO process. I debated about it a bit and finally decided to not have it installed.

After placing the order, I noticed that the software sells for well over $500 when purchased from outside (Amazon etc), while the Sony CTO process would have installed it for $399. Bummer !

 

Piece of cake, if you ordered it in the States. Here's how to do it (as long as it isn't an engraved model):

You call Sony and cancel the order and tell them you want to place a new order with the software pre-installed. If they say that the only thing they can do is have you return the computer after you receive it, you tell them that you will refuse the package -- and that sends it back to them automatically (at their cost). If you accept the package, then Sony will expect you to pay the return shipping but will otherwise accept the return with no stocking fees.

BTW You can call FedEx once you have the tracking number and tell them that you are refusing the package and to send it back to Sony. If you don't accept delivery, you won't be out a single penny. Sony will then sell the computer in the Outlet as a new clearance item CTO.

The worst that can happen is that you actually do pay shipping it back since Sony has a received back within 30-day no questions asked return policy. The shipping fee will be likely between $25 and $50 (send it via US Mail which is cheaper than Fed Ex) and you would have the opportunity to try out the computer to see if you like the model and still save money over the street price of the software.

BTW Did you see that ecoupon 4% cashback offer?

Good luck!

 

Finally got to see the F series (black) (low end specs) in the sonystyle store in NYC.
I have to say that it slightly reminds me on the GR series way back when. It's not as sleek as the FW. it's still somewhat slim like the FW but visually it looks bulkier. iF not bulkier, wider.
No barrel problems. Well, there is no barrel.
The black has a graphite finish to it. It's not a matte finish. slight shine/sparkle from the overhead lights due to that graphite look and also the lid is smooth.
The casing and palm rest does not look or feel cheap.
The screen is glossy.
That numberpad looks good. I did not experience problems with the placement of the touchpad when writing.
I wish they had the grey version. (ordered that a few days ago)

Specs on the model was 17-720Qm
4GB DDR3
Intel Geforce GT 310M
500GB 5400Rpm
1600x900 display

Windows Experience Index: (Out of curiosity)
Processor: 6.9
Ram: 7.4
Graphics (Aero): 4.9
Graphics Gaming: 6.0
Hard Disk Drive: 5.9
(i took a quick pic of the Win Experience index with my iphone how do i upload that?)

 

Yes, it can be done that way. But I am frankly a bit embarassed to refuse something that is perfect otherwise, except for this situation and especially since it was my fault.

What I am hoping for is that Sonystyle typically provide a 20% discount on accessories etc after the product is delivered, which in turn I will try and apply onto the software (Vegas is a Sony product after all !). We'll see.

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

Thanks, was there a 1920x1080 screen available in the store at all ? And if so, was that glossy too ? The hope here is that it would be a matte type screen.

 

sorry that was the only model they had and boy were those sales reps unhelpful Also I had a total of 2 minutes to play around with it. A lot were curious. By the way is 6.0 and 4.9 to be expected with the 310m Gpu? I know it's low end and this index isn't really a great way to determine performance but my 4650 does at least 6.5 and 5.9

 

I'd say keep an open mind on this and keep track of the days. Accept the package and try it out and yes, you can try the discount approach -- especially if you tell them within the 30-day period that you could return the computer and it would be a bigger hassle than granting you the discount!

(BTW Have you checked Outlet prices on CTOs in Clearance, i.e., new, not refurbs? They aren't reduced until several months later -- and sometimes not really at all. The FW290s in the Outlet used to cost more than the 490s! In fact, check the Outlet for the 590s people have turned in: http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...ctFilter=&minPrice=&maxPrice=&navigation=NULL. So, Sony won't really lose money, actually, since its contract with Fed Ex makes the shipping cost to Sony way below what an individual's shipping cost with Fed Ex would be and the profit from your add on perhaps evens the score.)

But the real issue is to find out if the new F is "perfect" -- and I'm not sure whether it is. The heat issues (yes, it's bulkier and has more vents, too, to try to compensate) might drive you nuts if you use it on your lap; FWs are famous for being cool. And the Nvidia GPU performance, being very close to that of the 4650 might inspire you to purchase an FW instead (stranger things have happened), especially if you prefer the centered keyboard without the keypad.

The real issue will be the FullHD screen, the so-called "premium" screen -- we don't know if it is the same or an improvement on the FW's FullHD. If it truly has a display light sensor, if it is brighter than the earlier FullHD, and if it is scratch-resistant and matte as described by the CES media hype -- well, then it will be a new and improved screen and you'll be thrilled.

But that's a lot of ifs....

Keep us posted. Good luck!

 

please let us know about the life of the battery usage, heat, how often does the fan kicks on, and sound of the fan noise level

 

Just not sure what purpose this post serves. BTW, I looked at the outlet....nothing there that's "perfect" by my estimation. Each represents a compromise.

 

Thanks for the thoughts. I truly appreciate it. Yes, I will give it a whirl to make sure that it is perfect (since this purchase has got to last me for several years) and will be certain to keep track of the days. Incidentally, when does the clock start ticking ? The day the order is placed or the day it is shipped or the day I receive the product ?

Yes, the screen is a point of (relatively minor) concern to me. My hope is that the "premium" is a matte screen but if not, then I might be willing to live with it, if it is not TOO glossy. The problem for me is that there is no Sonystyle store within 400 miles of where I am (Minnesota), which is a bummer, since there is no way that I could try these things out in person, before deciding.

I also agree that the CTOs in clearance is actually priced higher than the brand-new CTO price. I have no idea how or why they do so.

Either way, I will get the product, try it out and everything currently seem to point to my keeping it, since it has fixed every gripe I had about the older FW-series (which are related to the DDR2-800 RAM in the FW, and also the newer models moving into the next generation Intel chips).

PS: I still have a sneaking admiration for the Z-series, which is my "first love" among the Sony Vaios. If it could handle photo and video processing as well as the F-series, that is the one I would have gone with. As it stands, the F-series seems to have gotten the processing horsepower, via the Quad-core processors, along with the DDR3-1333 RAM, and thus should be able to handle everything that I toss its way (quite a bit of RAW file editing and video encoding etc), while the Z-series, being an ultra-portable, had to sacrifice some of that sheer power in favor of smaller dimensions in a light body and less heat susceptibility. This is an important factor for me, since I don't have a separate desktop and this will be my ONLY computer (have not had a desktop in over a decade !).