Sony TZ198 review, pictures, tips

I'm going to be posting my experience with my new TZ198 that arrived Friday, just in time for my trip to Singapore. Chris pulled out all the stops to make sure I got my lappy, which was due last week but inevitably got lost in customs somewhere.

I will post pictures in the morning but I thought I would get this started with a few key observations. First, I must say that Portable One's XP set-up disks were a total pleasure to use. Nothing could have been easier. It was so fast, I thought that nothing had happened at first, which also tells me that Microsoft's installers are woefully inadequate.

Second, Sony had the audacity to increase the size of the power supply. It's not as large as other bricks go, but it's definitely bigger than the previous TZ power supply I own. I wonder if Japanese models get smaller bricks, while we have to put up with larger ones.

Third, and this is one issue that disappoints me most, the TZ198's screen is significantly inferior to that of my previous two TZ90s. It's hard to tell when you have a full-color screen up, but when you look at mainly white backgrounds, like in browser windows or e-mail, you can definitely tell that the white is not paper-white but a yellowish color.

This is a huge negative in my view. While it's possible that it's just my particular model that's cursed with this particular defect, all TZ198 buyers should carefully check their screens against a store model. My sense is that Sony, perhaps due to supply constraints, is cutting corners and it shows.

Of course when you buy from a guy on eBay you don't have the privilege of returning, so another lesson learned. Will only buy from SonyStyle in the future.

 

Wow, I'm so sorry about that uber. Is it really anything you can do to return it?

Can other users of TZ198 report their experience with the screen? Is it fault of this particular model or is Sony's as uber things? If I remember good Bruce bought few weaks ago from Sonystyle the TZ198.

 

So the white colour is a bit yellow even at full brightness? I have TZ91 and doesn't seem to have this problem..

 

From where did you took it? Japan, US or Europe?

 

I heard of the SZ having yellow lines on their LCD screens LED Backlight, apparantly it was a defect in some of them and they had to be repaired.

If you can't get it replaced under warrantly, maybe some DIY with swapping the two LCD panels could work?

 

Yes, yellowish white. It's so easy to tell.

The TZ198 is a U.S. model. This one was shipped from Sony in San Diego directly, pictures to come.

When I looked at the screen last night, it kind of reminded me of my SZ from a year ago. That unit also had that "grain" this TZ has, although because of the 11-inch screen the grain is quite less pronounced, but that says this is an inferior screen. I wish I could take it apart and see who the manufacturer of the screen is.

 

Wow ubercool, thanks for your review and that really sucks. Interesting thing about the bigger PSU vs American models and worse screen.

Can other users chime in if Japanese TZ PSUs are smaller than international counterparts? Or maybe SSD-HDD models suck more power than SSD-DVD models and need a larger PSU? But you did have a SSD-DVD and SSD-HDD model to compare Ubercool.

I'd like to hear from the other TZ198 owner here, brucewilsonpa, how his TZ compares to his previous TZ190. The only manufacturer of these 11.1" WXGA screens I've seen is Toshiba-Matsu****a.

According to the Sony parts website with all the parts to the TZ198 below
http://servicesales.sel.sony.com/ecom/accessories/web/productSearch.do

The screen part is A1289824A LCD LTD111EWAX (S)


Maybe the inferior build quality shows why Colpic sold it for hundreds less than Sonystyle??? He has worse batches? Just throwing a hypothesis here.

 

awe man, are you guys serious? If i still didn't get my tz190 from Chris yet, its on delivery, can i get a full refund? Im piss/scared that the reason he sells it so much less than retail is because its somehow built different/inferior to normal retail ones. Man i hope its not true, what should i do? stick with the delivery or cancel it?

 

The graininess probably won't go away, but the yellow tint may be fixed with calibration.

 

Hmm. I don't know which power adapter I have (having only owned one TZ) but it's smaller than a normal one: about 2" wide and 1" thick. I also noticed that Sony sells a really tiny power adapter as an accessory. Looks like it's about a 1" square. Is that the one you had previously? If so, it may have been a mistake -- you're supposed to have to buy that one.

My TZ195 definitely does not have this issue. Very sorry to hear about it and I hope that, as you say, it isn't an issue with all of the new TZ198s... Did your Intel video drivers get properly reinstalled by the P1 discs? If not, this could be an issue...

True but Chris does say he guarantees satisfaction. If you get other TZ198 owners to confirm they do not have your issues, it might be worth contacting Chris again. If not, as others have suggested, Sony should take care of this under the warranty.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Ben

 

If you do have a problem, maybe you could take it to the Sony Style store at the Metreon and have them ship it back. That probably won't save you much trouble (if any) though. They don't really seem like they care too much at that place anyway.

 

I was shocked by ubercool's experience. My TZ198 (from SonyStyle USA) definitely has the great display my TZ190 had -- the white is white and there's no graininess. In fact, I still had my SZ670 when it arrived and I compared them side-by-side -- the SZ screen was definitely less sharp and its colors not nearly as full or crisp (and I consider the SZ6 screen among the best I've ever owned). So that would suggest ubercool's TZ198 is malfunctioning.

I can't remember how big my TZ190 adapter was but the one that came with my TZ198 "seems" to be as I recalled -- definitely smaller than the SZ adapter.

I love my TZ198 -- it fits my needs perfectly and I have no regrets..... other than paying Sony's outrageous price!

 

Good to see your TZ198 is fine Bruce. Could this possibly mean that Colpic has some worse batches, which would explain why he sells them hundreds lower than Sony?

I am interested by Ubercool's TZ198 PSU being larger than his previous Japanese models. Would the SSD-HDD models perhaps use more power and need a larger supply? Ubercool, your previous two TZ90s were SSD-HDD and SSD-DVD, did they have the same size PSU?

 

I'm curious too -- my TZ198 PSU is ~4 x 1.75 x 1 inches (approx) -- that's defintely smaller than the SZ670 adapter and, as I said, "seems" about the same as my TZ190 adapter. I also bought a "stick adapter" to use when traveling and it's ~1 inch square by ~8 in long, so it's really not much (if any) smaller but it has a very short dc cord and a much longer ac cord making it easier to pack.

 

ubercool, you definately need to get in contact with CHris COlpit man. Tell him what your experiencing. I hope Chris isn't selling reject merchandise for less than retail prices. Man this is starting to pisss me off and ima about to call him and end this transaction for a full refund because i've yet to take delivery of my tz190. ANyone else that bought from Chris on ebay and have already taken delivery can chime in on the product?

 

Aren't you jumping to conclusions? Nobody else that ordered from them has reported problems (besides shipping time).

 

If it was me I would call off right away. Why risk when someone else reported problems? Don't forget that you're paying a premium here. And you still thinking about it? It was strange after all his price...something is wrong for me.

 

I know, but for the high price paid, i think theres some jumping need to be done since Ubercool has much experience with the Tz because he already has a tz190 and now the tz198. His words are like scroll scriptures to me, he can tell minor details that others might not notice so ya im hopping up and down like a dog but thats cuz im scared sit less of getting less than premium products for what i paid for. I know its just fear but can u blame me if u were in my situation?

 

I understand. Try to relax though. The worst thing that could possibly happen is you have to send you notebook back for a refund, or send it to Sony for repair. Everything will work out.

 

ya, but the thing is, Chris doesn't give refunds. All sales are final and only returns of defective product for another same product. And frankly, i don't trust sony to keep my lappy scratch free when they repair it. kept thinking i shoulda gone with Portable One but at their prices i woulda have only been able to buy a tz170 which is not SSD. sucks.

 

colpic sucks, he delay my friend's refund again, and how have to wait one more week, he explain that his bank account is been stolen and he's now working with the cops to trace the thief. sound's WTF to me....

 

Are the computers he sells in Canada or US? If in US, does he get his Canadian customers warranty? I remember reading something about it in his earlier auctions. I would just like to know if I'm able to obtain warranty in Canada for a US bought SZ.

 

I am sorry to hear about your experience, ubercool, however, if you feel you have a defective screen, you can simply return it to Sony for repair. You don't have to return the TZ. I recommend you at least put in a phone call to Sony.

Also, please get a camera and see if you can take some pics, especially of the screen and show us what you are talking about. I am sure this will be hard to capture without a superduper SLR though.

 

nonamelol already said he doesn't trust Sony to keep his computer scratch free. I also don't, this is was the reason why I purchased an onsite warranty. And as nonamelol said buying the TZ already made him go broke, I don't think he has any more money for an extended warranty.

 

Colpic is located in Canada and the laptops come from there, Vancouver I think.

 

That's sound not real good.. Cause I was going to order a SZ691X or TZ. After I read here, it become worries.. I mean a laptop over 3000us is not that cheap..
What happens If I get a defect screen, the warranty from US dosen't cover here in EU. or what to do?? send it back? that's cost money and time..

 

Another bad new about TZ's!

I have been with my borther to take his Toshiba fixed after the motherboard had burned and he had to replace it! Guess which laptop was also there for the same exact reason? Sony Vaio TZ! The owner was a girl that she told me that she had it three weeks...for no reason she tried to boot windows and nothing...ALL BLACK THE SCREEN!
I'm starting to not trust Sony....I mean Qualia is right, we're paying here a lot of money and one takes a defective screen and another the motherboard get burned after three weeks!

 

Dude stop with the negativity about the sony tz, you putting down the tz after just 2 negativities about it? your just contributing to the bad atmosphere and mostly making me paranoid about cancelling my tz on delivery. Unless its a massive defective issues, don't put down the entire Tz model line because its just 2 units we are hearing about. I've decided to keep my order and take delivery of it when it comes and see if it is defective or not. If it is ill post about it and return the dam thing and buy directly from sony rather than Chris on ebay and see if it is still defective then. If it is, then I will denounce sony and 4get that company ever existed, but until then only 2 cases of defectivity we have heard so far.

 

Excellent point.

As I posted in another thread, I have. The shipping took forever but my TZ195 arrived in perfect condition, factory-fresh (really -- it was built about 90 days before I received it) and still sealed by Sony. I have not had any issues so far.

 

awesome reply voipben, it was just a case of paranoia i had. i feel alot more stable now lol. its schedule to deliver by tomorrow tuesday. base on his reputation, ima hope for the best that it will deliver atleast sometime this week.

 

That's what I read too from hes feedback long shipment.. How ever.. does He offer Vaio Oversea Warranty?? It would be good if I order one from him.. US warranty dosent cover in EU

 

Dam Dam dam, my baby is stuck in purgatory.
Just checked my ebay account and i got a message from Chris on the update of delivery.

so instead of this week, its NEXT WEEK!!! :wha: its like a heartbreak all over again.

 

Sorry for the even further delay, at least it will make finally getting it all the more sweeter.
You ordered the TZ195N right?

 

i wish i had the extra 400 but no, i ordered the lowest rank of the SSDrive. the 190. it sucks being poor

 

Yes, I did have an SSD/HD model to compare to and when I get back home I will take pictures to prove my point that the power brick is bigger. Bruce says his screen is great, so while I can try to take pictures that show the difference, I doubt a camera can capture the subtle difference.

 

No, it's the regular power supply. I estimate that the TZ198 power supply is about 0.75" longer than the older one, but don't quote me on that until I measure it formally. I have the small one with me here in Singapore, so if I run into a ruler, I will post its size.

My Intel 945 Express graphics driver is 6.14.10.4864 dated 8/24/07. Let me know if you have a newer one.

 

Well, first we all need to relax about Chris selling "substandard" units. That's a topic that Nahul broached and I wish he hadn't, it's not fair to Chris. He went above and beyond the call of duty to get me my unit and it shipped *directly* from Sony in San Diego, including formal packing slip.

The boxes were in perfect, sealed by Sony, shape, so there's no way this was a "seconds" or anything else. It simply is a manufacturing defect or a Sony decision to use a cheaper supplier now that this lappy is so hot.

I will contact Chris tonight and see if there's anything that can be done about it, but I've already grown accustomed to this screen, so I'm not noticing the difference as much anymore. Then again, it's nearly 3am here in Singapore, so my eyes may be jetlagged.

 

OK, as promised, here are the first batch of pictures.

 

And here's an update on my experience with Windows XP so far and Portable One's implementation of it.

First of all, if you're still on Vista, abandon it ASAP! You simply won't believe how much faster this lappy runs under the old OS. My acid test: Spider Solitaire plays so much faster!

I have it running with WindowBlinds and the VistaPlus theme and it looks as good as Vista itself, so you won't miss anything esthetically.

And like I mentioned in an earlier post, installation was a breeze and very fast. However, there are, unfortunately, a few problems, specifically issues that have been mentioned here before:

• Bluetooth -- Bluetooth would not discover my Logitech mouse. I just looked at the Bluetooth driver in device manager and it has a question mark next to it. It's asking me to reinstall the driver (BCM2046), but I did not bring my install disks, so does anyone know where I can download this driver?
  
• Intel PROSet Wi-Fi driver -- My lappy will not shut down or sleep unless Wi-Fi is on. First I thought it was the camera driver that caused this problem since I recollect a thread about that, so I disabled that. When it continued to hang on sleep and shutdown, I realized it might have something to do with Wi-Fi. I will try to find the thread about shutdown/sleep issues, but was hoping someone remembered the solution.

I will also ping Ivan at Portable One to let him know about these problems, perhaps he has a solution.

 

First off make sure BT is turned on and have system install BT locally all drivers are there; have you re-booted system since did the re-load? All OS's reloads require machine to re-boot to fully install all hardware and make sure BT is turn on when installing its driver.

 

Thanks, Ivan, I have rebooted many times, but will do so again after trying the above procedure.

BTW, XP boots in 37 seconds vs. 1:15 for Vista, so that makes this process far easier!

 

When I try to install locally it asks me if I want to reinstall from this location:

C:\Program Files\WIDCOMM\Bluetooth Software\bin

Then it says "The location you specified does not exist or cannot be reached."

 

That's because we use the Toshiba Bluetooth ones; if you want to use the WIDCOMM ones just download and install them from here:

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-download.pl?mdl=VGNTZ195N&upd_id=3054&os_id=7

 

Hi Ivan,

I sent an e-mail to PortableOne but no answer yet. Can you tell me if you shipp in Europe these Downgrade CD's with XP for the TZ?

 

MooRe Pics.

so fun to look at the pics, its as if im opening MY lappy in my head. gives the me chitters just thinking of ripping that box open and seeing my lappy all glowing with bright gold lights shining outwards and the theme da duh in the background.

 

OK, that's good to know and thanks for the link. I will try the WIDCOMM BT driver if I have time to do it during my trip, or wait until I get home and reinstall the Toshiba.

Hehe, the wonders of unboxing.

 

Sorry to burst your bubble... but thats the same sort of crap that he spun me with my TZ191. He kept telling me it was customs delays, then 3 coincidental fedex "stuff ups" and finally after 3 months and 1 week I ended up getting my TZ 195 after he promised an upgrade...

I'm sure you've read my post about my experience with chris... great laptop... saved hundreds of $$... but the constant disappointment due to "unforseen" delays made it a very anticlimactic experience

 

makaviel2g, so you send back the 190 and he upgraded u to 195? how long did that 195 take to deliver?

personally, i wouldnt mind getting an upgrade to the 195 myself. I figure its too late for any real usage for this semester cuz its gona end by dec 12th, so aslong as i have my tz by january 6th, i wouldn't mind waiting till then if it means he might upgrade mind 190 to a 195.

But in all seriousness, if he tells me theres another delay after next week, ima ask for the full refund.