Sony VPC-Z11 - Frequently Asked Questions

You have read all this never-ending threads about the new Z11 and you are not quite sure what all this stuff means to you? Read on!

UPDATE: Hybrid grahpics drivers available (190.24/2021 and 260.63/2022). See 23.

1. Question: I have read an article about the i7 using way more power than the i5. Should I stick with the i5?
Answer: The rumors about i7 using significant more power have been proven wrong. Intel has confirmed that the i7 will have just a slightly increased power consumption (according to the higher clock speed), which will result in a slightly decreased battery life (in terms of minutes).

2. Question: Is the large capacity battery either heavier or bulkier than the standard?
Answer: Both. See this thread for detailed information and part numbers.

3. Question: Will the SSD wear out quickly and will I suffer from performance degradation and stuttering?
Answer: Usually it won't and you won't. Read this thread for further information.

4. Question: Do the SSDs support TRIM?
Answer: Yes they do, but the (drivers for the) RAID controller don't. This means that there is no TRIM support for the built-in SSD yet. As soon as there is TRIM support for the Intel RAID drivers (which is expected) there will be TRIM support for the built-in SSD.

5. Question: Oh my gosh - no TRIM - i'm doomed.
Answer: No you aren't. The SSD has an internal mechanism (garbage collection) to maintain performance which seems to work pretty good.

6a. Question: I do not even know what TRIM is.
Answer: Don't worry. In case you do, read this article.

6b. Question: Are there any tweaks for the SSD to improve / maintain performance and lifetime?
Answer: See this thread.

7. Question: Will I get dual, triple or quad RAID?
Answer: It depends on the overall capacity and the place you have ordered your notebook. See this thread.

8. Question: I need more storage. Can i replace the optical drive to add another SSD / HDD?
Answer: Yes, you can - with some limitations. See this and this thread.

9. Question: So this won't work for me. Can i at least upgrade the built-in SSD?
Answer: Yes, you can - but only with another Sony SSD. They use a proprietary form factor and connector and there aren't any known third-party drives that fit. You can get the drives (besides other replacement parts) via Sony Parts or your local Sony service provider. Be aware that you have to disassemble the notebook to replace the SSD.

10. Question: Can I upgrade the memory by myself?
Answer: Yes, you can - there are two memory slots available which can be accessed without disassembling the notebook. Be aware that your 4 GB memory might be either 1 x 4 GB or 2 x 2 GB; in the latter case you will have to replace both modules to get 8 GB. For tested modules see this thread.

11. Question: Where can i find the advanced options in the BIOS menu?
Answer: You have to reflash a modified BIOS to access the advanced options. See this thread for detailed information.

12. Question: Is there USB3 support? Will we see it somewhen?
Answer: There is currently no USB3 support out of the box. If you need USB3 connectivity you have to get an USB3 ExpressCard adapter. Nobody knows if and when there will be USB3 support - but you should not expect it within the next year.

13. Question: I have found some defect / dead pixels on my screen. Is there anything I can do?
Answer: Sony states that displays having less or equal than 7 (1600 x 900 displays) resp. 10 (1920 x 1080 displays) dead pixels cannot be seen as 'defect', i.e. they are not covered by warranty and they won't be replaced. You can try to fix the pixels by yourself, return your notebook within the deadline for returning goods or try to find an individual agreement with Sony (unlikely). However there are very few reports about dead pixels, so you do not have to expect having dead pixels when buying this notebook.

14. Question: Why does my TPM not work?
Answer: Models pre-Z13 sold in the US do not have a TPM (Z13 do), but there are models with TPMs available in other countries (Europe for example). The US models do have at least a socket for a TPM on-board, but there is no known working solution for user-added TPMs by now.

15. Question: Can I use multitouch gestures with the built-in touchpad?
Answer: Yes, you can by using Synaptics multitouch drivers (in case you did a fresh install) and/or two-finger-scroll.

16. Question: Can i run Linux on this notebook?
Answer: Yes, you can. Except brightness control using the hotkeys everything should work fine. See this thread for more details.

17. Question: Will the palmrest wear out quickly? I have even seen pictures on that.
Answer: Usually it won't - at least not more quickly than any other palmrests out there. The complaints you have heard are mostly due to exceptional use.

18. Question: I'm still unsure about this wear out stuff - what can I do?
Answer: Get some kind of protective cover. The most mentioned product here is a DIY set from BestSkinsEver, which has to be custom made to fit the notebook itself and the palmrests. You can find a step through guide on how to apply them here. You can find custom-tailored covers for example here.

19. Question: I'm looking for a case for my Z and I'm not sure if the chosen one fits. Can you recommend one?
Answer: See the sleeves, bags and cases thread.

20. Question: How do i remove those nasty stickers?
Answer: Just pull them off gently by using something that won't scratch (fingernails, dental floss) and use the sticker itself to remove the adhesive left behind. The definition of "won't scratch" of course contains "pressure" and "intensity". Never ever use some kind of abrasive or an eraser for example. It might also help to warm the stickers a little bit using a hairdryer. You'll find some guidance here or here.

21. Question: Is the fan really that annoying?
Answer: It depends on your definition of 'annoying'. Most people don't find it that nasty - others can't live with the slight noise you can hear. You won't find it out for yourself without trying it.

22. Question: Will there be a refresh within the next ... months?
Answer: There is was minor refresh in mid june (Z12), but no hardware changes, just different preconfigured models and additional CTO options. There was another refresh in end sep ( Z13) with updated CPU options. Likely there might be a refresh within the next 3 to 6 months and no 'new' Z within the next 36 months, but keep in mind that these numbers might turn out to be completely wrong.

23. Question: Where can i find updated graphics card drivers supporting hybrid graphics?
Answer: With the release of the Z13 the drivers got updated to 190.24 / 2021. In addiontion, there are community-build 260.63 / 2022 drivers, which can be considere fully working for most users. You can find further information in this thread.

24. Question: Where can i find updated graphics card drivers to have Optimus support? Will there ever be working drivers?
Answer: There aren't any fully working drivers yet. But you can support the efforts in creating one by joining this thread. The Z11 complies with all the hardware requirements for Optimus, so - yes, we might see Optimus support somewhen.

25. Question Are there any differences in the chassis material used for the various color options (especially premium carbon fiber)?
Answer: No. The premium carbon fiber is still plastic. The only difference you're paying for is the finish.

26. Question Is there an recommended installation order when doing a clean install?
Answer: Yes, follow this thread.

27. Question Are there any disassembly guides?
Answer: Yes, follow this thread.

Question: I think the answer to one of your questions is just not correct. Should I tease you for that?
Answer: You can if want to, but it would be better to post what you think is correct so i can update this article.

Question: I'm reading the same stupid question over and over again in one of the other threads. I wish it would be listed somewhere.
Answer: Just post it (preferably including the answer) here so i can update this article.

Question: Must have been a hard time to find out all that stuff. You are awesome!
Answer: I'm just collecting and summarising. I do not claim any credit to all the stuff written here. There are a lot of people trying to work out stuff - these are the awesome guys you should thank. I'm sorry that i do not list them here, because as soon as you start to you are going to forget someone and i do not want someone to feel offended.

 

(reserved)

 

(reserved)

 

Excellent post. A sticky for sure

 

yuppers, thumbs up & +1, added to my faves ^^

 

Mind if I ask a question?

How long does Sony refresh the Z model and how long for a complete revision?

 

There are no facts on that, just rumors. Summing them up: there might be a refresh within the next 3 to 6 months, and a complete new revision in about 36 months (heavily depending on technology leaps).

In my humble opinion you won't see any refresh worth mentioning as long as there is still no competition and the notebook sells that good.

But maybe we can get more profound facts on that.

 

On the sticker removal item, fingernails CAN and DO cause scratches in the plastic.

Best course of action is to pick at the sticker itself and keep from "digging" into the plastic to get the stickers off. You can remove any left over goop with the sticker itself.

 

Alternatively, get an hair dryer and blow till surface is warm then pill of slowly. It gonna be prefect

 

Anyway, this is a good post for newbie like me to understand. +1 Rep.

 

... unless you're a cat and your human slave bought you a Z instead of an iPad (see http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=476190). In which case kitten mittens might help.

 

Here are two questions for you. Will the Z alter my reality so much that my other two perfectly good, dual core, HDD, laptops (which are souped up hotrods for most) will no longer seem adequate? And can this need for speed kill?

 

Depending on what you do on it, quite possibly. The SSD's are a sight to behold.

 

Back to the sticker question. The general rule is to apply rubbing alchohol and then wipe it off after you finish cleaning the remainings.

 

Oh no. Never use rubbing alcohol on plastic.

 

It's made of plastic? That's news to me .

(don't have one yet)

 

Parts of the palm rest is plastic on the new Z, but not the old.

But don't use rubbing alcohol on metal either, if the metal is covered by a layer of lacquer, like it is on the Vaio Z.

 

You can add:

Q: Does the new Vaio Z have a multitouch-capable touchpad?
A: Yes, it does have a Synaptics multitouch touchpad and therefore it should support two-finger-scroll.

 

CHeck out this site for palm rest skins and other stuff!
http://stores.ebay.com/Polar-Bear-H...19QQ_sidZ684371949QQ_trksidZp4634Q2ec0Q2em322

 

Added. Thanks.

There is also a request on "... how to maintain the Z to prolong the life and looks. ex. battery, software configuration, screen cleaning, etc.". Fire away!

 

A few more questions that I posted in a separate thread but I'd love to see answered. This is a straight copy paste so the questions are kind of specific to my situation but please feel free to genericize them for use in the FAQ:

1. Is the actual chassis material different between "Silver" and "Premium Carbon Fiber"? I assume it is since the PCF is $50 more but I know that Dell for instance charges more simply for a color swap on some of their models. Is the PCF indeed a more durable material and therefore worth the premium?

2. Is the large capacity battery either heavier or bulkier than the standard? Also if I were to buy it later as a standalone part, how much would that run me?

3. I'm having trouble deciding between the i5 and i7. My main concern with the i7 is that I might take a battery life hit due to the more powerful processor. Does anyone have any experience and/or data on the difference between the two with regard to battery life?

4. Is the RAM slot easily accessed? I'm leaning toward the 1x4GB option which I can then supplement on my own with a 4 GB stick. Any particular limitations or can I just purchase any DDR3-SDRAM-1066 stick?

 

As far as i know, no. But it would be nice to have confirmation on that.

Added to the FAQ.

Added to the FAQ.

Added to the FAQ.

 

It sticks down at the the bottom. Which has the unfortunate side effect that the whole laptop tilts, and you can't use a long plug in the unfortunately placed headphone jack. Oh, and some cases won't fit.
As for buying later: With Sony, make sure that "later" isn't "much later". A few months after a release, they'll generally stop selling parts through normal channels (stores, web-store, Sony outlets), and to get a part, you have to order a repair part at a much higher price.

 

How long does a standard battery last, and under what circumstance and which battery saving profile? How about extended battery?

 

I think that one is a thread in itself, ozbimmer. You're it

 

There are rumors of a refresh in May. However from what the guy said it seems like there won't be really any spec changes. Is this normal for a mid refresh?

 

Is there a good guide out there for which bloatware can be removed easily? Thanks.

 

I haven't heard the rumor, but don't see why not.

I'll go ahead and say it, USB 3.0 is coming at some point. Yes, I'm pulling this directly from my rear-side with no evidence what so ever.

I think this because of the way the main board is configured.

I postulate that Sony can replace either of the PCB sections I have highlighted with a USB 3.0 part. There is plenty of room for the extra chips required to make it go.

 

No. The premium carbon fibre is still plastic (with - usually secondhand - shredded carbon fibre dumped in it). The only difference you're paying for is the finish. In either case it's the 'poor man's carbon fibre'.

I see the rest is FAQ'd

 

Thanks, I can confirm this from what the sony style sales rep said to me in the store today. Add this to the FAQ when you guys get a chance!

 

Thanks everybody..

This thread is a 'must-read' for future/current Z owner.

Nicely done!!

 

This is called Garbage Collection and is mentioned in my SSD thread. Also, while I haven't done it yet, some users have reported that they have run SECURE_ERASE commands with the feature enabled BIOS. This makes degradation a non-issue.

The default Sony touchpad drivers include multitouch. No need for a clean install or new drivers. Just go into the advanced options and turn the functions on.


Lastly, might be a good idea to number the FAQ's so people can refer to them more easily.

 

This please?

 

Awesome work here man...keep it up!

Did this earlier this afternoon and worked like a charm! Much appreciated!

 

I work in a factory removing stickers before so I know it but caution do not do this on weak plastic but on Z is not a problem.

So if i enable SECURE_ERASE, SSD wont go degradation? How and where can I enable this in function in Vaio Z series?

 

HI,
Very good FAQ, a few questions for dummies...
I dont know a lot about TRIM and RAID. For a dummy, what does it mean that the SSD does not have them?
I also read that you can not use Acronis True Image or Norton Ghost to rebuild the computer at one point, is that true? If it is, how do you then do a complete rebuild of the computer?
On the SSD degradation, for a normal user (will not fill up the SSD in a few years, use the laptop for some email, internet and personal phots a few days a week etc,) will I notice degradation after 1 month, 1 year, 3 years?
I love the Z11 so I must buy one soon, unless it will only work for a few years then get painfully slow.
Best,
C

 

Thanks for the great QandA thread. I do have one question about this point:

I have been searching through the owner's thread, as I understand this topic was discussed at length, but I can't find the discussion! There was some exchange in the 360s/370s (pages) and references to a previous discusison on the topic, but I just have had trouble locating that original back and forth. I'd be curious to read it, as I am trying to decide between the i5 and i7. My source has been the notebookcheck review which apparently not everyone is that thrilled about?

Thanks.

 

Done. Some text to satisfy the 10-characters-post-limit.

 

I have tried to do this numerous ways and trying numerous methods in the stock form on the quad SSD model. I feel comfortable stating this is not possible in stock form on this model.

One would need to "trick" the BIOS in order to mitigate the lock out of the drives.

I have tried:
- Stock BIOS and Modified BIOS
- RAID, AHCI, IDE modes
- DOS, DR-DOS, WINPE
- Varieties of LINUX from Gentoo, SUSE and Ubuntu running from LiveCD, Pendrive, Pendrive R/W (could not get an external hard drive to boot), installing to SSD (single drive)
- Every combination possible (roughly 80 hours) of the above

The best I can manage when installing 7 is a diskpart clean all.

I can provide details or converse if anyone wants to chat about it in another thread.

 

I think perhaps having a link to the installation sequence of programs would be useful:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=6155868&postcount=96

It'll also help distinguish between what's bloatware and what's not.

 

ozbimmer provided a great list!

For those with GOBI or GOBI+Verizon there is a slight modification to the installation order (As per directions on Sony's site).

The sequence looks like this:

...
21. VAIO Power Management
22. GOBI Drivers
23. VZ Utility (Verizon)
24. VAIO Smart Network
...

 

I got a question. I read that all SSD has an life expectancy. Does formatting my laptop frequently damage the SSD? Also,

from the SSD performance degration possible formatting to gain performance back?

Running SECURE_ERASE reduce SSD life expectancy?

 

No.

https://ata.wiki.kernel.org/index.php/ATA_Secure_Erase

 

Zoinks, which one you refering "No". Sorry i didnt catch that.

 

Could someone give an overview of the SDD options on the Z, outlining the PROS and CONS for each?

I'm not really sure which one to should go for. I really don't know which one suits me. They all seem to mash together.

 

Amazing summary of questions and answers. Thanks very much for that.

Could I ask a question about TPM?

I have read that it is to do with encrypting the laptop and making it secure, but how necessary is it? I currently have a very old TX3 which has TPM and I have never used it. I am thinking of upgrading to a Z11

A Z11 with TPM+fingerprint costs £30 on sonystyle customisation.
Fingerprint I would kind of like but it's not worth that much to me. So I'm trying to work out if it is worth buying customised since I can get a standard Z11X9E for cheaper at another online store.

So what are the requirements for actually using the TPM if it is installed. Is Windows 7 Ultimate required (since I heard Bitlocker is available only on ultimate)?
What practical use does TPM have to an average user? I'm not planning on storing state secrets on my laptop so would you say it's pretty redundant? Only for the paranoid user?

I appreciate any advice you have!

 

In another example of the confusion with these modules, the support site for the VPCZ11FHX/XQ lists the TPM package for download.

Sony eSupport - VPCZ11FHX/XQ - Software Updates & Drivers

Somebody made a boo-boo

 

I see no practical use to an average user. You don't need Windows 7 Ultimate / Enterprise to use the TPM, you only need it if you want to use full disk encryption aka Bitlocker. Nevertheless, Bitlocker does not explicitly need a TPM.

 

about the hard-drive...i understand the 'standard' configuration is a proprietary raid-0 quad-ssd solution.* what i need to know is the performance/storage of this setup, and whether or not i can fit in a 2.5" drive instead.


also, where the hell is the 1080p model?


*form what i understand, there are only TWO PCBs, but each side is built as a complete drive.

 

3. Question: Will the SSD wear out quickly and will I suffer from performance degradation and stuttering?
Answer: Usually it won't and you won't. Read this thread for further information.

9. Question: So this won't work for me. Can i at least upgrade the built-in SSD?
Answer: Yes, you can - but only with another Sony SSD. They use a proprietary form factor and connector and there aren't any known third-party drives that fit. You can get the drives (besides other replacement parts) via Sony Parts or your local Sony service provider. Be aware that you have to disassemble the notebook to replace the SSD.