Who else is returning their Vaio Z11 & Z12?

This is what separates Mac users from Windows users. The latter are willing to work out their problems, and in the meantime, they learn more about their OS and gain new the skills.

 

In that regard, Linux users would be head and shoulders above both.

 

Yeah, just replace "problems" with "compatibility issues".

 

Only the hardcore are willing to try to work out their problems.

Whatabout the girls buying laptops for school or chat/skype/etc. The ones that get some problem with their computer and end up returning it because they can't reinstall the OS.

 

I have two issues with mine: Substandard battery life (averages two hours, can probably squeeze a bit more) and sound quality. I love pretty much everything else, from the keyboard, which looks awesome, which is easy to type on and which is backlit, to the screen, which modifies brightness nicely and which I would compare in quality with my desktop LCD monitor. It loads programs several times faster than my desktop. I'm keeping it.

Though it really would be awesome if I could actually get those five and a half hours. Or at least three.

 

Do you leave it on speed mode or something? I always get > 4 hrs (standard battery) and I don't really do anything special.

I do have it automatically switch to 40Hz, 16 bit color, when on batteries, but I don't think that's the difference between 4.5h vs 2h.

 

I get around 5 hours without wireless on and half display brightness in stamina mode on my i7,fhd-z. with low brightness (almost usable in the dark) windows shows 7:30 when fully charged battery.

there must be something wrong with your power management settings.

 

Mine's always in Stamina mode unless I switch it to to speed mode - don't have it set to auto. And I have the corei5. I don't mess too much with power management, have the 1600x900 and let it autoadjust screen brightness (I never actually needed four hours yet). Most of the other options stayed the same as default.

One thing I did was set the background to switch every ten seconds between photos - can that actually have such a large effect on battery life?

 

The switching background does have an effect on battery life, and every ten seconds is VERY often and could definitely be contributing to your lower battery life. I would switch that to turn off when you're on battery. You can do that under "Change Advanced Power Settings" in the power plans. I would recommend customizing a power plan with conservative power options for when you switch to battery. Windows usually tells me I have between 3.75 and 4.5 hours of battery life when I first go to battery. And I have my battery set to only charge to 80% max.

 

Hrrm. Thanks. Played around with power plans, seem to have stretched it out to 3.7 hours or so at 100%. I'll see how it goes.

Well, anyway, now that it's more than three hours, I really don't have a major complaint.

 

Not sure if this is the right forum for this.

But i see many of you downgrade on the vaio z11.

Where do you guys get the sony downgrade disc, i didn't see any coming with it nor in the recovery discs. Is this extra?

I tried installing windows xp with a windows xp retail disc.. but always run into a bluescreen error before install?

Can anyone help me out? Thanks

 

With CTO orders on sonystyle you can select XP downgrade discs. I don't think you get them with the normal RETAIL products.

 

Also note that since the Z11/Z12 come with Windows Professional, that means you can install the Windows XP mode under Windows 7, for free.

Windows Virtual PC: Home Page

This runs windows XP, integrated into Win 7, using virtual-pc.
So that might be another option for you.

 

I'm pretty happy with my new Vaio Z, but so far I've been unable to use it well. The pointer jumps about pretty randomly. One moment it's great, the next (like while I was typing this) it jumps around. I don't rest my wrist or palms on the trackpad and when I use the trackpad to point, I use one fingertip. I've tried dozens of adjustments in the synpatics driver and finally I uninstalled the driver alltogether. This changes the behavior but does not eliminate it.

Has anyone else experienced jumpy mouse pad issues? Is there a thread here where someone resolved it?

 

Does it still jump after you turned off pinch zoom, tapping etc.?

Edit: woops didn't read that you'd uninstalled synaptics.

 

^Sounds like you may have a defect.

 

I think I figured it out! When I use the trackpad, my default hand position on the laptop is to rest my right thumb under the laptop's front edge. Just underneath the fingerprint reader (so looking down at the laptop from above, you would not see the tip of my thumb.)
It seems to be carrying a random capacitive touch signal to the trackpad from here! I've been using the system now with my thumb pulled away from the underside fo the case for a little bit now and have not had the mouse jump at all.

 

Okay so interesting situation;

Sonystyle Canada is offering 400$ off the CTO Z11...pretty sweet deal.

But! Im concerned... what are the differences between the Z11 and Z12...does the Z11 have problems that the Z12 resolved (whining noises, and what not).

Would you discourage me from purchasing the Z11?

Help me out! thanks!

 

Read what I posted to your identical question in the Owner's Lounge (and please try to avoid crossposting).

Also, try a search, as the differences have been discussed in multiple threads. The short answer, there is no significant difference between the Z11 and Z12.

 

I've had my Z11 since April. Best machine I've ever owned. Handles everything like a champ, and I can actually take it places and use it out of the house.

I have experienced not one of the issues the OP mentioned, nor really any problems, actually. I love this little machine. To me, it's perfect.

 

Yes i returned my vaio z12 but only to replace it for a better spec ^^
This laptop is amazing. It is the perfect companion for a collegian like me. Light weight, everywhere internet (in germany i pay only 8€=10$ for a 1 month flatrate without any contract) and gorgeous power.
@TS it is your fault with the resolution. Everyone knows that 1080P on a 13.1" screen is fuc**** small and why would you need 1080P on such a small screen?

 

Z series is far too expensive for average joe collegian. I'm working full time and I still couldn't justify the price of the base hdd model.

 

The poll results speak for themselves (and if anything the results are biased toward the type of person that is most likely to click on this thread due to the title -- those returning their notebooks)... this machine is outstanding!

 

I admire the engineering that went into my Z1290x (i7,6GB,256GB,1920x1280, etc.) but my display has been sadly disappointing. I received my notebook on September 4th, and by the 15th a problem had developed with colored vertical lines and multicolored letters (the latter being intermittent). Anyhow, I have gone the tech support route, finally reaching someone who really is bona-fide tech support professional. We did various experiments and determined that I need a new motherboard! Well, it turns out I need more than just a motherboard in fact, and that additional component has been on backorder for ten days with no ETD.

Given I spent nearly $3,700 on the notebook plus accessories, I have come to the decision that I want to return this unit. I would get another exactly like it, but I noticed this evening that Sony no longer is offering a 13.1" 1920x1280 display for the Z series -- so, I'll get one that is 1600x900.

I invite comments if anyone cares to contribute.

 

the 1080p screen on a 13.1" is the best things I have EVER bought! its amazing. its sharp, and colours? well you can adjust that if you really want to.

I love this beast! and it runs really cool when gaming! even with the 330m overclocked.