TZ won't turn on unless screen is open

My boss just bought three VGN-TZ150N laptops (against my recommendation) to send out into the field. All three have docking stations. While in the docking station, they will be hooked up to external components, including external screens. This simple idea has caused me no end of headaches.

Say you have the laptop in the D/S (actually a port replicator, but whatever). If the screen on the laptop is closed, it WILL NOT turn on using the power button on the side. I can't find any BIOS setting or otherwise that prohibits this, it just will not do it.

Any workaround? Or is this just going to go on the big list of reasons why we shouldn't have bought these?

 

No thoughts?

 

Are you referring to the powebutton on the docking station or on the laptop. If it is docked correctly you should be able to power on using the power button on the docking station.

 

The only button on the docking station is the "Undock" button... or am I missing something?

 

I have not checked this out yet, but it does make sense that the TZ will not start by pushing the on-button when closed, because that means that the machine will not inadvertently (un-intentionally) be started up when carrying it or transporting it in a bag. Or have I missed something?

 

No, your absolutely right mandersen. Is there a way to turn a notebook on with the lid closed though?

 

That's understandable, but this thing is sitting in the docking station. With that in mind, it should know enough to let itself be turned on with the lid closed!

 

That's one way to look at it but another is that, even docked, you might not want to accidentally turn on your laptop (for instance if something accidentally hit the power button while you were moving things around on your desk). I understand that for your needs, being able to turn on the notebook with the display closed when docked makes sense but I think that, for most people, not being able to do so is more practical.

 

So instead this will be the new routine for my users returning to their office:

Dock laptop
Open screen
Push power button
Close screen

I can see the screen hinges wearing out prematurely already. Luckily, we bought the extended warranties.

Do these things have a monitor stand available like the Dell latitude D series do that would allow for an external power button to function? When you have an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse sitting in front of you, it seems silly to have to open the laptop just to turn it on!

 

jesus, you are whining like a woman

walk it off.

 

I'm just giving you a taste of what my users are going to be giving me from the day they get these things.

Also, if you have the laptop out of the dock, use it, shut it down, redock it, and boot it up, it won't pick up the external monitor until AFTER you've logged in.

 

and we care, why?

take it up with your boss.

 

I say the best is to forward this problem to Sony. With enough people requesting, a simple BIOS update can fix this. However, I don't think Sony care it much since they do not intend to compete in massive business market. Dell and IBM are pretty much dominated this population.

 

I'm glad someone brought this problem up - I am experiencing the same thing with my TX.

 

Glad to see it's annoying someone else! I'll be sure to open an official support request with Sony.

 

I can tell you how it works with TX and TXN,
When you first boot up, you have to open the lid and push start button. If you are using password or fingerprint security from bios you have to login before you close the lid. If you are using fingerprint utility from windows you have to wait until windows boots up to login, than you can close the lid. If you are using password for windows you can close the lid and just wait for external monitor to start. Now both TX and TXN can be lifted and placed back on dock w/o rebooting.















Rob

 

Hi All,

I dont have my TZ yet, but I can tell you about my M1330 lid/power experience (Very poor quality with the M1330. Returned it for maybe a TZ).

There are advanced power options in Vista. When you choose to set the power/battery/screen brightness options in the Vista power window, there is an advanced button. In the advanced screen, there were options for powering the computer down when the screen is closed, etc. I'm sure it is computer dependant but maybe there might some config. that the TZ users could use to solve the mystery. Hope that helps.