Sony Vaio FJ quality issues

Hello,

I have recently purchased a Sony Vaio VGN-FJ10B (CELM-360(1.40GHz)/256MB-DDR2/HDD 60GB/CD-RW+DVD/56K+LAN+WLAN(b/g)/14.1WTFT(WXGA)).

It is the only FJ-series model currently being sold here in Japan. I have a couple other Sony Vaio notebooks (T, S and FS series). I must say I was always very satisfied with the Sony quality (T and S series are made in Japan, FS is made in China).

But the new FJ series seems much less precisely manufactured. The chassis is very flimsy (plastic), bends easily and the DVD drive door does not close properly. The screen is not as bright as on the FS series, but is still pretty bright comparing to other laptops.

I had to put my FJ to repair (it's not as easy to return a faulty laptop in Japan as for you guys in the US) - because the built-in speakers were making a strange hissing noise whenever any HDD or screen activity occured. I thought it was a windows driver problem, but the hiss was apparent even when entering the BIOS after a restart. Even when I plug the headphones, the hiss from speakers is still there, probably some kind of electromagnetic interference...

What's worse is that the Sony repair guys are probably completely deaf, since they called me a couple of times already saying they couldn't hear anything. When I wanted to talk to the technical person who was actually checking the computer, the guy on the phone promised that they would check again and politely finished the conversation. ))

I've talked to a salesperson in Yodobashi Camera computer department store who admitted that many FJ series computers are going to repair because of various problems. He accounted that to a fact the FJ is made in China. I never had any problems with my other FS series, which is as well made in China (maybe a different factory?).

Anyone else with FJ series problems?

I hope there are not too many...

Phil

 

Our test model is a little flimsy, the LCD panel bends a good deal. However, we're not seeing any of the other issues you indicated, you probably got a lemon.

 

I have almost no problems with mine thus far... Speakrs sound great, and while I admit there is some flex in the palm rests and the back of the screen, you still need to push rather hard to get ripples on the screen.

~ompa

 

I've got my FJ back the from Sony repair center. They are claiming that all FJ series make sounds when there is a screen (!) or a HDD activity. They have refused to send a technician with me to a department store where I could prove them otherwise by comparing to another FJ series computer.

Anyway guys - thanks a lot for your replies and good luck with your FJ computers - they look nice - and I wish you never had to use the sony repair. They are horrible.

I'll probably have to sell my "lemon" to somebody who doesn't mind the hiss sound.

Phil

 

Normal? BS. I don't seem to notice any hissing sound whatsoever. Sony support is partially why I bought an in-store warantee; to specifically avoid having to ever deal with Sony directly.

~ompa

 

sony has to have some kind of warantee for that, you should try to get it replaced, just pe a complete jerk to the service people and make them listen. use the posts in this thread as proof that they are wrong and get it replaced. seriously try, don`t waste your money.