SZ thoughts + questions

Hello NR readers

I just got my SZ360 3 days ago, so far everything been above average. Did some massive uninstalling, redo partition with partition magic, and install some essential programs.

Pics

Box

Box again

Whats inside

Carbon top (With ugly sticker)

Sexy laptop



Things I ...

Like

• I really like the screen, but at full brightness, my eyes feels weird.
• I like the built in camera, but would be nice if higher mega pixel.
• I like wide screen, feels like I have more space.

Dislike

• I dislike the keyboard, I think the keys are very soft and fragile. The keys are a bit fat, and small hand like my means I need to stretch my fingers. The small little area around each key is not necessary.
• I don't like the stickers on the front and under the keyboard. Its not align which is really annoying. The "Built-In Camera and Microphone" is on a slant thats very noticeable.
• I don't like the 0.2mm gap on the sides and bottom of the keyboard.
• I don't like the 0.2mm gap betwen F4 - F5 and F8 - F9. The gap between F12 and NumLock is even bigger "0.3mm" Feels like Sony made these gap to collect dust and dirty stuff.

There are still some programs I am not sure if I should uninstall such as

• Click to DVD (No idea what that is)
• Image Converter 2 Plus (I guess this is useless right?)
• DVgate Plus (No idea what that is)
• InterVideo WinDVD (No idea what that is)
• Roxio (No idea what that is)
• SonicStage
• Sony Certificate PCH (What is that?)
• Sony Ericsson Wireless Modem (That is not Wifi, what is it?)
• Sony MP4 Shared Library (Explain please)
• TPM Tutorial (What does TPM stand for?)

I also uninstall Norton Internet Security 2006 but under the "Add and Remove Programs" list the name is still there. When I press remove, I get a error message "errrr". Anyone know how to clear that name off the list?


The biggest problem I have is

THE SCREEN when closing and opening

Everytime I close the laptop, I put my fingers in between the front and back of the screen. When I apply small amount of pressure near the top left "Around the My Computer icon area with My Doc above it" I hear this crack sound. There is a crack sound because there is a very very small gap in between the carbon top and the frame. Its really annoying.

I'm thinking if I should exchange for a new one cause of that issue.

Thanks for taking your time to read this.

Ch28Kid

 

InterVideo WinDVD is a dvd player;
Roxio is a cd/dvd burning program.

The fact that you cannot uninstall Norton Internet Security 2006 concerns me because the one installed is a trial version and will cease to function in 30 days. I would want to intall ZoneAlarm but the two (norton and zone) don't get along on the same computer.

 

i recommend you do a Semi-clean Install. with that, you'll get rid of all the bloatware. and all the necessary drivers will be installed.

just search for the thread on how to perform the semi clean install. it's just simple

 

When I get my new SZ360, I will probably try to uninstall first; if that does not go well, then semi-clean install is the way out.

 

Wow nice pics, please take some more with it on.Also do you get the electrical shock on the palm rest problem.

 

The power adapter looks really BIG, bro.

 

Yeah I want to do a semi-uninstall but the topic has like 24 page and there is so many different version of the semi uninstall, still not too sure about the process.

Not a big fan of Norton because it takes up a lot of memory. I use Kaspersky instead.

After 6 hours of typing my paper, I never felt any electrical shock problem. I guess that problem is really random.


I persoanlly really want to do a semi-install but way too confuse. Seems like people keep posting problems after problems with their usb, wifi, error message, plug in play etc etc

After reading all 24 pages, I am still not sure what to do.

 

Those stickers come off with little to no effort. I agree the camera sucks and I wish the touchpad was centered on the keyboard.


Edit: Oh and I have the full ZA Security Suite running no problems.

 

Looks great though.

 

this is a very good machine, save the electric pulses emanating from the plam rest area as extensively discussed in other threads. i'm thinking of returning mine for that reason.

isn't it better to wait for a couple of months and purchase the machines with Vista already installed? Windows XP is not a vey stable operating system and although i haven't used Vista yet, i hope that it is superior to XP.

given the plethora of problems that people have experienced doing a clean install, i think it's better to buy a laptop with Vista already installed by the manufacturer since (1) they iron out the bugs before the product is out and (2) you don't have to pay for Vista upgrade.

 

[1] The touchpad is off-center in order to make room for the ROM drive.

The entire touchpad mechanism is about 1/2" thick and would have to set on top of the end of the ROM drive in order to be centered. This would require that the computer case be an additional 1/2" or so thicker.

Considering that the SZ is a thin-n-light notebook, moving the touchpad off-center was a reasonable [and necessary] compromise IMHO

[2] The software bloat is insane - period.

[3] I wish Sony would sack it up and provide restore discs, even if they have to raise the price of the computer by $25 or so. The whole current partition/uninstall/re-install process is a PITA.

[4] Yes, the screen creaks. What you are experiencing is "normal". Considering how thin the Premium screen is I am surprised that it doesn't creak and flex even more than it does. If this really bothers you then you will have to find a new laptop because this isn't just a sample variation; they all have it.

[5] The web cam does suck but it is better than nothing [just]. I have actually used it a few times and I refuse to carry a separate web cam for weight/space reasons - so - I just consider it a bonus feature and not a primary reason for purchase.

[6] Most of the other 'negatives' are really nitpicking IMHO but to each his [or her] own.

 

I didn't know that about the touchpad, and it's not a huge complaint. I would have just prefered it to be centered.

You're right about the bloatware and as for the discs. You can run the program and spend about 20 minutes making your own restore discs and then wipe the partition from the HD.

I don't have a problem with electric pulses shocking me.

As for XP, XP pro is very stable and there isn't really much reason to upgrade anytime soon. Whether you buy Vista with your PC or buy it seperatly, you're still paying for it either way. XP is rather inexpensive now days.

Though, one could argue I should have waited for a DX10 video card.

 

hi all...

just got my vaio sz330 notebook.. thought i wud share my views...



well, to begin with, i really liked its looks.. has a great screen and amazing performance.. but the battery life kinda let me down.. about just 3hrs from a full charge!! is this normal or are there some ways to improve this??

well, i've been reading all the previous reviews and comments made by the members here, but luckily i feel i dont have any such out here.. it runs cool, no LCD buzz... the keyboard's great.. no tingling sensation in the touchpad area, etc. Seems to be good to me atleast. loLZ

On the feature front this is pretty nice, configuration-wise, its excellent... steep price though.. but vaios are meant to be that way.. i love its form factor.. slim and lightweight!! Will keep u posted on more...