Sony :: Configure My Z690
Feb 1, 2009
Im trying to decide on a few options, if they are worth it or not.
1. should I spend $50 more on the 2.53 or will the 2.4 be enough... I would like the 2.66 because of the L2 Cache, but $250 seems like a steep price. I will primarily be doing photoshop image editting as my most intensive application.
2. standard 160 gb 5400, or upgrade to 320 gb 7200 for $90? I am leaning toward the upgrade because its reasonably priced. Buying a drive myself and upgrading will cost between 60-80 and I will void the warranty.
3. 2gb ram or 4gb? I feel like I could probably buy another 2 gb on my own for $50 through my brief websearches. I dont think the $100 premium is worth it. Plus I wont void the warranty by upgrading the ram myself.
4. Just a question... Does the premium carbon fiber add anything in terms of strength to the housing, or is it purely an aesthetic thing?
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Mar 14, 2010
How to Setup - RAID Volumes
BEFORE CONTINUING WITH THIS POST, BACKUP YOUR DATA AND CREATE RECOVERY DISKS IF YOU DECIDE TO DO THIS!! DID I MENTION MAKING RECOVERY DISKS AND BACKUPS? GOOD!
RAID 0 as defined from this Wikipedia Article
Quote:
RAID 0
RAID 0 (striped disks) distributes data across multiple disks in a way that gives improved speed at any given instant. If one disk fails, however, all of the data on the array will be lost, as there is neither parity nor mirroring. In this regard, RAID 0 is somewhat of a misnomer, in that RAID 0 is non-redundant. A RAID 0 array requires a minimum of two drives. A RAID 0 configuration can be applied to a single drive provided that the RAID controller is hardware and not software (i.e. OS-based arrays) and allows for such configuration. This allows a single drive to be added to a controller already containing another RAID configuration when the user does not wish to add the additional drive to the existing array. In this case, the controller would be set up as RAID only (as opposed to SCSI only (no RAID)), which requires that each individual drive be a part of some sort of RAID array...............
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Feb 14, 2009
I haven't been keeping up-to-date on the latest Sony products since I've been happy with my current SZ, but I was taking a look at SonyStyle and noticed the Vaio Z6xx is out.
I configured (for a test) a Z690 with 2.53 GHz, 4 GB RAM, 400 GB HD, and premium carbon fiber weave lid, and it came to about $2050. This seems pretty good (although the last time I checked the Z was really expensive because it had just come out)
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Mar 7, 2009
My z690CTO is on it's way and I purchased a SONY 3 years extended warranty.Now if I do decide to upgrade myself let's say the HDD will this
void the warranty or not?
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Feb 4, 2009
I know this might be a bit early to ask, but I have one last (hopefully) quick question and advice to ask from all of you.
Once I get my new Z690 in hand, any advice on which way to turn with the OS?
XP SP3 (32-bit) or Vista SP1 (64-bit)?
I've used both and I'm comfortable with both, and have no issues using either or any of their features.
My main question is with performance... are they equal? Will I see any improvements with Vista in 64-bit mode using all 4GB of my system memory vs 3GB in XP
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Apr 9, 2009
any backlight leakage in you Z690 screen?
If I set the (1600x900) screen black on my 2 days old Z (this can be done with the "blank" screen saver under Vista) the upper and bottom parts of the screen are brighter than the central part. I knew that *some* leakage was unavoidable with TFT panels but I don't about LED panels so I can't realize if it is normal or a defect.
I've only tested this on a vaio in a sonystyle store and it seems to be totally black but I can't be sure because there was a lot of ambient light in there.
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Mar 20, 2009
I'm about to try - just wanted to know if there was anything I should know. For the moment I've given up on trying to get Windows XP on it.
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Feb 15, 2009
I just ordered a Sony vaio z 690 configure to order notebook through their website(USA). When I configure vaio z690, there wasn’t an option to select my Wireless LAN (wifi) card,
so I thought there is a wifi receiver comes with this laptop by default (As it says on their product home page). Few minuets later, I got my order confirmation, and it says:
LCD 13.1" (XBRITE-DuraView™)
Black
Microsoft® Windows Vista® Home Premium 64-bit
Trusted Platform Module / Biometric Fingerprint Sensor
Microsoft® Works
QuickBooks Simple Start
SuperMulti Drive
Windows® Live OneCare 90-Day Trial
Integrated Wireless Wide Area Network .....
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Jul 17, 2009
how to get this working in XP? I can't find any tutorials online. I installed a IFX-498 in my Sony Vaio motherboard, but when I launch GlobeTrotter Connect it comes up with Device not found.
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Sep 13, 2009
I've reinstalled my system recently, I've gone from Vista Home Premium 64bit to Vista Business 32bit on my Z690, using all the drivers available on Sony's support & drivers website. Everything was fine here and there until I've realized, the camera isn't working properly after having the Arcsoft webcam companion 2 installed.
The trouble is, I get this message: Bluetooth video waiting for connection...
I can imagine, some of you guys might have entered this issue, which is quite easy to resolve, saying this I found the following tip:
[url]
However, under Arcsoft settings the only video device listed is the bluetooth video listed. This most probably means, the Sony visual communication camera missing equals the missing camera driver on my Z690, right? I mean, having a look at device manager, under Imaging devices I've got only xerox scanner listed (installed myself through control panel/hardware and sound/scanners and cameras).
Anyway, I've even tried to install the XP camera drivers for Z690 instead, they installed smoothly (using administrator rights and XP compatibility mode), but Vaio camera capture utility shows blue screen with no input, and the Sony visual communication camera for XP provided doesn't seem to work (I know, I know it's supposed to be used for XP only, but I'm desperate here
I've tried uninstall and reinstall over & over again, restarting etc.
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Mar 20, 2009
I have a valid volume licence XP CD that will let me install on other laptops. I attempt to install on the VGN-Z690 and I get a bluescreen before it gets to the disc detection /f8 to continue part. I put the sata drivers on a floppy, selected them and I still get the BSOD.
I've had this on some dell workstations and you had to change the controller in the bios but I don't see that in the Sony bios.
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May 23, 2009
which SSD make/model is in a Z690? I assume they would be similar, but I am interested in the 256GB option in particular.
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Jul 22, 2009
I have a Sony Vaio VGN-Z690 with windows vista home premium 64-bits. I created the recovery DVD's and delete the recovery partition after that. Today I needed to format my HD and reinstall everything, and find out that my Recovery DVD's are nor working... well, not all them, just the second one (I copy the DVD's do my HD, and there is an error when I try to copy the archive "p27.sny" in the second DVD... it was bad recorded or something, because the DVD are not scratched...). Can anyone have a similar recovery DVD from sony Z series with this archive?
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Jun 3, 2009
I have a VGN-Z690. I'm trying to install XP on it. It bluescreens before I even get as far as selecting the disc to install XP on - anyone have this experience and a way around it? I've tried four xp install discs.
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Jan 13, 2010
the glass of wine poured onto my laptop, right where the plug inserts into the laptop. I heard a crisp snapping "zzz" sound, and all went blank.
I quickly opened up the laptop, and dabbed as much wine up as possible. Unfortunately, I saw the liquid swish around the CPU / Fan and about the motherboard. After drying out the motherboard as much as possible, I plugged it back in, and hit the power button.
At first, the laptop turned on! (thank god) Then the green power light on the hinge started to blink, and the laptop hibernated, and turned on again... repeatedly. I turned the computer off... and that was its last breath of life (i hate you god).
Since then, I have not been able to turn it on. Does this spell the end? Is this a massive short in the motherboard? Is it even worth repairing? I called Sony and 'Water damage' repair costs at the minimum, $700.
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Feb 1, 2010
I bought a z690 with a blu-ray recorder for $1550 at SonyStyle. The problem: it connects to my high def Vizio Television, but there is no sound coming out of the television speakers, only the Sony speakers.
It says there is an HDMI audio driver but it is not connected, even though it is. Keep in mind - I did upgrade to Windows 7. It was working with Windows Vista
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Apr 7, 2009
I just received my z690 cto and I'm doing all the tests I can think of to check that everything is working properly.
I have one question about the memory.
I ordered it with 4GB ddr3 working at 1066Mhz and when I run the program cpuz the memory is recognized as DDR3 PC3-8500F but the "DRAM Frequency" is reported as 532 Mhz (instead of 1066).
Can anyone tell me if it is normal or if it should report 1066?
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May 12, 2009
Is there a a guide or a faq for brining Z698Y from Vista Ultimate 64bit to Vista Ultimate 32bit? I'm looking to do a clean install but with out loosing any key VAIO controls / drivers
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Jul 5, 2009
What's the difference among these three?
I configure(CTO) the same spec (color, CPU, Harddrive and so on) for all these three. But the prices are a little bit different. They have same graphic card 256MB too. Does anyone know about the difference?
Another question is... Are Sony SR series good? I configure them as Z series, the only difference is DDR2(SR) and DDR3(Z) and SR even has 512 graphic memory.
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Apr 13, 2009
Bought the 64bit Z690... I have one program that is only able to run on a 32bit OS.. Are there any solutions?? Maybe creating a partition and installing a copy of 32bit XP... Would that work or is 64bit a hardware issue meaning nothing could be done.
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May 8, 2009
I running a z690 with win7, and my blu ray drive isn't visibile, don't have the correct driver for the Mata bd-mlt uj232as, and the z590 driver from sony's site won't install because its not a z5-series. Any advice? or anyone have the driver from there Vista64bit?
If anyone is curious, Windows7 is really smooth and quick compared to the Vista64bit, and only running 60 processes after everything got installed.
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Mar 10, 2009
My question:
I will be going to mainland China in 2 weeks. I bought a electrical converter. I am confused as to use the "High" or "Low" setting on the converter for my Z690?
Nothing on the Sony charger on wattage! I see a 19.5V Output and Input of 100-240V /1.5A and 50-60Hz
The converter/transformer has a high switch for appliances between 50 and 1650 watts and a low switch for equipment under 50 watts.
So if the Z690 charger is over 50W, I set the switch to High? I am just concerned that I will damage the laptop since the High goes up to 1650 watts?
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Jan 12, 2009
I understand the z690 is available for our friendly neighbors to the north, but apparently, the z690 CTO is still unavailable through sonystyle.com.
Just wondering if anyone has heard any rumors or anything on the retail availability of the z540 / z590 refresh. That's one of two things keeping me from settling on a notebook to order.
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Feb 21, 2009
I am on the verge of buying a Vaio Z690 CTO but have one final questions, if you had to choose between black, or premium carbon fiber, which would you pick? I am nervous that with black, I would feel as if I should have opt'd for Premium and if I get premium, I am nervous the notebook won't look as classy. I have seen black at the Sony style store however and it looked very classy.
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Feb 4, 2009
which drive is the better choice between the 128GB SSD (MLC) vs 320GB 7200rpm options currenlty on the Z690.
I've heard the MLC SSD's are fast in certain areas, but arent always the best options vs the 7200rpm drives yet... and have some issues with multi-tasking, etc. So basically, my question is how is the 128GB Samsung MLC rated vs the 7200rpm drives Sony uses?
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Jan 18, 2010
Have looked at hours worth of posts regarding the camera, win7, etc. Does anybody have a direct link to the proper camera driver for a z690 running windows 7 x64? Also, if you have a link for 32 bit that would help with the 'ole
lady's laptop too.
Anybody else install an Intel SSD into their Z? Just installed a G2 160gb drive a few days ago and holy s. it flys, but I do have some concerns about *low (200-205MBPS Max Seq Read) benchmark scores in HD Tune. We should start a seperate thread on the Z and aftermarket SSD drives.
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Mar 26, 2010
well my signature series Z11 with everything but the kitchen sink was delivered today. A little over 6 weeks from order to delivery but I'm not complaining as it is here right now !
So, without too much further ado, here are some pics and opinion and what is supposed to be the ultimate new Vaio Z
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May 9, 2009
It seems for some reason my Z690 does not work well in the speed setting. This results into videos that seem to refresh a lot, games that are slow and have jagged edges and in general slow video performance.
Whats funny is that on stamina setting, all my graphics actually do quite well. Videos play fine as do the games /w smooth edges
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Apr 6, 2009
I recently purchased the new VGN-Z690 and thought i would save some money by ordering it with the Home Premium (64bit) OS since I already had Vista Ultimate disks. I went to do an upgrade by installing the Ultimate disks, but the option to upgrade was greyed out.
The only option was to do a clean install, which I want to avoid due to all the other software that is on it already.
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May 13, 2009
I ran Intels Processor Identification Tool, and it shows VT as enabled. I haven't installed VMWare yet, but I will shortly. Also, I haven't updated my Bios, but the VGN-Z690 bios update might be a possible solution for other(just a wild guess, I have no way of varifying).
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