VAIO Z (Z1-2010-Z13) Anniversay. So Here she is...

So how does she look?

She has logged over 4300 hours of Power-On-Time over a year.

A few minor scratches here and there, she has cross international waters couple of times and been on some treks.. but mostly docked in other times.

Standard battery wear: 13%


Pics:: click-through images to enlarge to maximum 8 MegaPixel quality

 

My Z11 has almost 2 years and looks like a new. Only keyboard has a little worn keys. Battery wear is 6%. I use battery care (50% charge).

You have strange color of metal part... is slightly green. My is grey like a palm rest.

 

XTACTIC

You should have got the leather cover, it's overpriced but my Z13 is a year old and looks A1 minus the stickers.

 

Cool. I thought mine was new, but damn, guess alot of people take care of their pretties!

What metal part are you refering to? The keyboard frame/top housing? It's gunmetal grey i think.. i doesn't look green in person at all. it's very grey.. could be the camera and/or lighting in the pic. nothing is green except the powerlight and some leds on the face

The palm rest is fading though... it shows exactly where your paws are resting.


@carlos_milos

I don't really want to add protection.. it's good as it is.. when it wears it will, technology preceeds itself so fast that it will be a brand-new klunker in no time!
I peeled out the big sticker and just kept the other nice little ones. The Core i7 Sticker is so high quality! and then the nvidia sticker. The windows 7 sticker is standard.....
all backside stickers peel with the heat though.
I had to remove the plastic coating on some of them because they were like 30% off already..

 

XTACTIC

Apart from my old TZ, I have not found a laptop that comes anywhere near to the Z, which is why I'm a little over protective. Your Z surpasses mine and yes I am very very envious, so I assumed incorrectly that you may be as overprotective as me. Here in England we pay rip off prices for everything. My Z was 2,500.00 GBP at current exchange rates 3,933.00 USD.

 

lol my VGN-Z was at current exchange rate around $5200, but I never regret it. Wouldn't sell it for much less ) Still looks like new and still brings (a little too much) attention from others. It's also a big traveler...being settled in Europe, it traveled all around it + US, Canada and Japan more than two times a year. I'm not kind to the battery at all (never used battery care) and the battery wear is 35%. My wife is jealous of my Z-chan though...

 

Hats off to you meyn.. that's what I call dedication.

 

I really agree that the Vaio Z1 is in its own class..

The Z2 may be lighter and smaller in form, but the lack of dGPU is indeed a drawback that many Z1 owners seem to hate..

 

How do you find the hours of usage? Is it in the BIOS?

Leather skins are tacky IMO.

 

Boot to a Linux,

smartctl -a /dev/sda

In the smart values you'll find power on hours of the first hard drive/ssd. If the originally equipped drive is being used, this number represents the laptop age.

 

everything looks good on mine except for the palmrest. anyone have any suggestions to get rid of the sweat stains?

 

If you had realized how poorly Sony products are made, it never would have lasted so long.

 

That's not fair - now that you can't get the clear ones anymore,

You can also get all the SMART info from this .

 

ANY tool to read the SMART values of the SSD... I used AIDA64 on Windows.
You could generally see how much times you rebooted or powered on/rebooted the laptop too (Power Cycle Count, SMART value). At time of posting I have over 3000.


Does anyone have 2+ SSD's in their Z1's with sequential serial numbers?
Mine is the same number sequence except one is a 5 and the other is 7... wonder if someone got my 6.

TOSHIBA THNSNC128GMMJ (X0FS10A5THEZ)
TOSHIBA THNSNC128GMMJ (X0FS10A7THEZ)

 

Although mine is not a Z but a TZ and alo CF I have it for over 3 years and the lid is intact scratch free..

 

Mine has a few minor scratches on the lid and I did peel off some of the non-warranty related sticks (e.g. Microsoft).

The palmrest is relatively preserved as at home, I type on a logitech solar keyboard (nice, light, thin and easily taken on/off the desk) whilst the laptop sits on a slightly elevated position on a logitech laptop stand.

The LCD (1080p) had a vertical line of pixels which took half a day at the Sony service centre to completely replace, the screws had loctite applied (at my request).

It's a little slower than it was when I first purchased it - probably a remnant of SSD degradation over 12 months but otherwise still going well - fingers crossed!

 

Any chance you could run CrystalDiskMark or one of the other disk speed benchmarks? Just curious as to how far they have to fall for you to notice a difference. BTW, there is a way you can restore them to as-new condition - after carefully backing them up, of course - but it will take someone with more knowledge than i to describe the method.

 

My Z11 is closing in on 2 years old. Most of it looks minty. They palmrest has darken. I have a silver model. The left side far more than the right. My left mouse button is trashed though. The silver paint has worn completely away. The hinge is loose and creaky and I got over trying to tighten it last year. I was afraid it would loosen to the point to falling off at first, but it seems to reach a maximum point of looseness and then stop.

Compared to my Thinkpads, the Sony is fragile. I've baby'd it. I never baby'd my Thinkpads and after two years they all still looked brand new. After 6 years one of mine developed a crack, it got hit by a crate in the hold of a bus.

 

I'll agree. I baby my Vaios, something never done on Dells (though I've only had the old latitudes for the most part) IBMs (pre Lenovo), even Alienware (when they were still made by Flextronics and designed by the XPS team). Though the fact that my m11xr1 and r2 fell apart frequently was more to do with engineering flaws (hinges), rather than poor build quality.

The two times I didn't baby a Vaio, I ended up with wristwear.

 

My Z11 is over 1.5yrs old, perfect condition (not a single scratch, keys got shiny a little bit, no palmrest discoloration due to protection film), no SSD degradation, no cracking hinges. 5% battery wear. This is the best laptop I ever owned, that's why I baby it so much that it's rather ridiculous.

 

How can I determine battery wear? I am pretty careful with my battery, but I don't know how much wear I have done to it.

Ever since the purchase on March 2010, my Vaio Z still looks and works like new. My desktop is still clean as always with only a Recycle Bin icon. Keys have a bit of wear in it, especially the A, S and D. Touchpad still looks like new since I almost always use a mouse. Three very tiny scratches on the lid and one tiny scratch at the bottom next to my battery. Everything else in the Z looks like it was taken out of the box. Hinges are still perfect. Yes, I also baby my Vaio Z to pieces.

I haven't recorded a single Blu-Ray disc so far.

 

They're going to start marketing the Z3 with Smeogul from LOTR I think. My presshuuZ

 

My Z13 is 5 weeks old and it looks like...it's 5 weeks old! (Sorry, couldn't resist.)

I do plan on covering the lid, palm rests and touchpad next week (materials coming) and am going to try using a keyboard protector, but I have never found them remotely comfortable. I think cleaning the keys of oil regularly should keep them from developing that creepy shine.

 

I checked it in SIW 2011.

 

The keyboard pisses me off the most because of all the oil it attracts. I have to clean it daily in order to prevent them from becoming shiny permanently. I have both a silicone and a TPU keyboard protector, but find that the silicone takes away from the beauty of the Z and the TPU degrades my wpm drastically. A naked Z makes me smile whereas a covered up one doesn't.

 

My Vaio Z... is past 1.5 years (May of 2010). Few scratches on the lid from sliding in and out of a backpack for a year and a half of college. Palmrest was worn... but Sony graciously replaced it so now it looks new since I got a desktop May 2011, my main computer is now my desktop so I only use my laptop on the go, but between that, my Sensation 4G and my Kindle Fire... it doesn't get that much use anymore (not to say it's not good!)

oh, keyboard keys look worn out, fan rattles like no tomorrow (annoys my roommate), hinges a bit loose, and heatsink is probably loose (my temps are horrendous). But nevertheless still functional and a hell lot faster than most laptops out there

 

So basically after one year and half it's complete trash?

 

Not to impugn your hygiene, but I have found that if I wash my hands before using it when possible - just as I was taught when learning piano - far less grease gets on the keys. Also, as annoying as it is, do you find that if you clean the keys regularly they do stay un-shiny?

 

My Z12 is 1.5 years old. It's in an impeccable condition, like new. No scratches, no palm rest fade, low battery wear. It's mostly because I handle my laptops with more care than typical people, and because I don't use it much. I blame my MacBook and Windows/Sony drivers for that.

 

Stickers are SO FUGLY, you guys are crazy for keeping them.

 

Way to be open minded and accepting of other opinions.

 

There's no acceptance for keeping ads on such beautiful machine Or do you keep stickers on your TV as well?

 

Stickers are tacky.

 

At first, I thought this was an amusing comment. After seeing all the Z fanboy comments... its true.... my presshuuZ.

A curse and pox on anyone who makes disparaging comments on the Z1x series. (Say what you want about the Z2 though)

 

Man, is this ever a tough bunch! With the exception of the "award" stickers (PC Editors Choice, Laptop Editiors Choice) I would consider a used Z with the original stickers indicating the premium configuration of the computer (Core i7, 1080p, Wireless Mobile Built-in), if maintained (ie, covered) in as-delivered condition to add a certain "mint" sense to the Z if I was buying it, as wel l as indicating the nonstandard features, which only CTO models would have. Sure, the only proof is if you run an SIW-type program to confirm that what the stickers show is actually inside, but that's got nothing to do with maintaining a collectible. Moreover, as tanalasta seems to be suggesting, it's the stickers on the underside of the computer that vouch for its authenticity - everything from serial numbers to MS Product Key to original manufacture date (I just got a new Z13 CTO with a manufacture date of April 2011, likely one of the last to roll off the line) - that, if perfectly preserved, are part of what makes a collectible item more valuable. (If you collect other items, such as cars, you'd know that absolutely everything that came with it when it was new enhances the value years hence.

I think this ^ says it all! Chill, guys!

 

Mine is clean:

But statements of opinion where "I'm right and you're wrong" have always bothered me.

 

A collectible? I thought a laptop was a computing device -- a tool, you know, a device you use to help accomplish a task. If I wanted a collectible, I would go find a baseball card or something.

 

W.t.f? Is that vasaline on your palmrest?

 

The only thing i'm having some issue with is the trackpad sucks *** when my fingers are anywhere close to remotely moist. compared to my hold cheapskates hp pavillion dv6000 super smooth cheap plastic trackpad with no tactility what so ever, this is a letdown. so yeah i just devaluated mine a bit by punching it, but it started working like it should again, without a reboot, so that should teach it..

 

Anything can become a collectible - including a device that functions, not just has aesthetic appeal, if it comes to be known as a "classic" of it's time and if by preserving it you also can continue to get excellent service out of it long after newer models have functionally outmoded it. This is especially true if it is manufactured in relatively low volumes. From reading the Sony Forums I have come to learn that people are really attached to their old products - seems like the TT and TZ have quite a following long after their technological obsolescence. The value is in the eye of the beholder and, sometimes, one who would buy a well-preserved one down the line. Ok, so computers and electronics are among the most self-obsoleting products on the planet, but the whole point of this thread seems to be the pride people feel in maintaining their Z1s so there's something to it.

Tell him, Generic! After getting me all excited only to be disappointed that it's no longer available, lol! (I did find similar film, but I will have to rely on my own cutting skill, and there will be no cut-out to let the Vaio logo on the lid push through.)

Long story short, he had researched many options when he first bought his Z1 and found an auto customizing shop that had precision machinery that they agreed to create these custom cut "invisible shield" clear coat applicques that gave even non-CF models that high gloss finish while protecting the delicate surface. I only wish the shop would still make them custom cut for the z.

 

True. Yet disturbing nonetheless.

 

Any grease on the keys will just make me mad, so i don't even bother washing my hands every time i use the laptop. Yeah cleaning the keys regularly does keep the keys un-shiny, but you have to make sure by having some light source shine on the keys for potential grease that are left over. What i mean by left over is that the keys aren't clean thoroughly. If you just simply wipe the keys it wont do much, you have to actually scrub the keys. I use a ammonia free Windex solution & a microfiber cloth to wipe the keys down as someone suggested in the forum, just in case you're thinking of going this route.

 

I bought my Z in 2010 as an refurbished one in the Sony Outlet. From the first day i love my Z and it is my everday companion in the university and at home I bought a 1.5 TB external HDD and a 24 inch display for doing some SPSS and R stuff

My Z is covered with the Sony Leatherskin and I think it is looking very very nice, compared to the net(mac)books other students use!

 

I'm probably in the same boat as Metsn is. VGN-Z2. Bought brand new back in late 2008. Been in Sony's Service Center 3x times (LCD, optics, fan). And have numerous mods planned for it (yes for those familiar with my aims; still planning on all those mods).

As it is right now. Two hair-line scratches on screen which apparently only I can see (just), a wee dent on the palmrest where the optics drive opening is, and a 3cm scratch on the barrel which the Sony Service Center inflicted (and didn't apologise for). And the keys are getting shiny.

I bought this fella because of its size and performance ratio. The only alternative at the time was an Asus N10 (which is technically a netbook despite what ASUS maintained), or a Macbook Pro (though I never was a fan of Apple products).

Ever since Sony released the PCG-Z (which I think was when the 'barrel' form-factor started taking form), I was hooked. Too bad Sony don't do those no more though. The Z is my first Sony, and if it lasts me two more years without issue, I'll definitely consider another Z down the line. These deserve to be babied like mad for all I care. Heck, I tell off my mates if they touch the LCD (which apparently is normal on all other brands).

Though if it decides to go belly-up before then, I'm gonna opt for a Gigabyte M1405 (or maybe the M2432), which I think is where Sony got their docking inspiration from for the VPC-Z2. Prefer Gigabyte's cable-free implementation better imo. And the M1405 was announced back at the 2010 CES if memory serves correct.

 

Thanks, good advice. I have to confess, I am becoming fanatical about maintaining the physical condition of my new Z13. I've been using an anti-static product that came with Photodon screen protectors from a convertible tablet I once owned. It's made for a screen and specifically says it's good for "semi porous surfaces."

BTW, is ammonia harmful to the keys? How about Witch Hazel?

 

?? Anytime you make an item a "collectible," you don't dump it into a landfill; how can that be bad, much less curious, much less disturbing? As for treating Z's like collectibles, for many the cost alone merits treating them very carefully and protecting them for both long service and because who likes to look down onto a palm rest with smeared off paint or a touchpad and keys that are full of greasy skin residues?

Here's a radical concept: why can't more computers be made like desktops - able to upgrade them nearly indefinitely by replacing (not-soldered) components and circuit boards? I think we know the reason, but it is a shame. If we paid the "environmental" cost of disposing computers, the economics might force upgradeable parts into the market. (And yes, I know the difficulties of doing this as incompatible components are manufactured, but even laptop motherboards could become upgradeable if there was sufficient economic incentives. Upside: force Sony not to put plastic parts with crappy paint on $4,000 laptops!

 

With all this about grease and the keys, is it possible that someone could optically scan and reproduce your fingerprint on medium to hijack your Z assuming you aren't using two-factor auth?

 

Actually, you can do this yourself. I did that with my palmrest... i used clearprotector and I did this by myself. Consider this easy as you simply just cut two squares. I've made little screen protectors for my Sensation 4G (edges are a little crooked and stuff) and for my sister's ipod touch (the stupid home button was a PITA! and it came out not that good, but she didnt mind ). It'll take additional work if you want to also do the little bridge thingy above the touchpad. I didn't do that as I thought it'd be worse cuz then now there'd be a larger ledge when you're going up off the touchpad and it'd catch my finger (like my current Sensation, I always catch my thumb on the darn speaker... I guess that's what I get for having small bezels)

 

While I like making fun of people who still own Z1s as much anyone, I got to tell you, that's pretty cool.