Stamina Mode Problem!!

I recently bought a Sony SZ-450N/C, received it Friday afternoon (bought it online). I was very very happy with the laptop until I discovered a "flickering" problem when switched to stamina mode AND running on battery. The entire screen becomes jumbled with random lines and distortions. When the AC power is plugged back it, it runs fine. Also when using the GeForce card, it runs great (battery or plugged in). Anyone had a similar experience?

To me this sounds like defective hardware. I tried Sony CS and they had no idea, just said "send it back". I was hoping it was a driver problem, but haven't found any insight doing searching on line.

Does anyone have any ideas? I am just mad because I'm going to need to send this back and probably end up with a refurb, which is ridiculous...

 

Sounds like it's a driver problem. Try updating to the Intel drivers from Intel's site...those are the ones I'm using and they work fine.

The best way to test if it's a hardware problem is to try with a different OS. Easiest way to do that is to download a Linux liveCD (Ubuntu for example) and load it off the CD...if your Stamina mode works fine in that, you know it's a Windows driver issue.

 

Thanks for the reply. I did get the latest driver, but it didn't make a difference. I would consider installing Ubuntu, however I suspect it will have the same problems since even when that initial screen (when booting, before reading the bios) comes up random "lines" pop up.

Any other ideas?

I bought the computer from PC Connection and their return policy scares me:
"Due to restrictions placed upon us by the manufacturers, computers and printers are returnable in the first 30 days for repair only. " I need a working laptop for a trip I'm taking by this Wednesday. Ugh!

 

i agree witht he send it back. It should be fine out of the box. Maybe defective intel?

 

I'll also suggest sending it back for a replacement while you still can.

 

Again thanks for the replies. I'm going to try my luck with PC Connection tomorrow morning. They better send me a replacement, not attempt to fix it or send me a refurb.

 

My situation is resolved. It was definitely a defect intel graphics unit. Since I've had some bad experiences with web returns its nice to share a good one. After talking to the PC Connection cust. service, they sent me a replacement SZ 450 overnight and emailed me the return UPS label prepaid. Recieved the new unit today as well as sending out the defective one. Very professional experience.

I am sitting here typing on it and both graphics modes work. Thanks for the help.

 

It is great to hear that all are well now.