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My FS series experience....

post #1 of 31
3/8/05 at 11:09am
Thread Starter 
Hardly a "bench mark test" but my initial thoughts of the Sony FS 500 series.

Keyboard: Solid, optimal travel, essentially zero flex.

Screen: Terrific... Great... I just can't tell you how fantastic this screen is. The screen is among the best I've ever seen.

Speakers: Poor, by any definition. Even worse, since the audio output jack is in the front of the laptop instead of the side.

Hard Disc Drive: Its a 4200 rpm drive... It works well...and is VERY QUIET... but ALL manufacturers should step up to 5400 rpm. That said, I have no HDD complaints.

TouchPad: Responsive...accurate.

Heat buildup: Minimal, if that...just gets slightly "warm" at most.

Connections: 3 USB ports on the right side of the machine.

Fan Noise: Quiet while websurfing... active while installing software... but never "objectionable".

Overall size: Perfect, light weight (6.1 pounds)

Build Quality: Excellent

First take: This is not a gamers machine. That said, it plays less GPU intensive games nicely. Applications open briskly, including 12+ mega-pixel photo images. DVD playback is well done (just watched "Hannibal" with nary a glitch).

Battery life is marginally acceptable. With screen brightness turned down 50% (which looked great, full brightness seemed too much), I got the following results websurfing with no other applications intentionally open.

9:15am - 100%
9:25am - 91%
9:35am - 85%
9:45am - 78%
9:55am - 73%
10:05am - 67%
10:15am - 59%
10:25am - 50%
10:35am - 41%
10:45am - 37%
10:55am - 28%
11:05am - 21%
11:15am - 18%
11:25am - 14%
11:31am - Popup: Change battery now or connect to AC power
11:35am - Battery dead

Status: I'm keeping it. I'm willing to accept 2+ hour battery life in favor of the LCD display and overall capability of this machine. It just works well for my needs. I've already ordered a high capacity battery to negate my only real complaint with this notebook.
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post #2 of 31
3/9/05 at 5:19pm
Did you get the NVidia option?


With the NVidia card, I've been playing both FarCry and HL2 with no visible frame per second stutter. I have both games on maximum video but no AA.

FarCry auto default set the video to low and rated the machine as medium. I wondered if it didn't realize it was on a Pentium M versus a Pentium 4. In any event, I just pushed up the video to "Very High".\

So far, it does make a decent game machine. The speakers have been fine for me, but HD could be faster.
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post #3 of 31
3/14/05 at 5:50am
howdy,

was considering getting one.. how playable is HL2/Far Cry? any Doom3 action on it?
Was just wondering how the Nvidia 6200 chipset does for gaming

thanks!
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post #4 of 31
3/17/05 at 12:53am
HL2 has been great with no visible degredation. It's as good as you would want it.

I haven't gone too far in FarCry at all, but the first 10 minutes runs very smoothly. I'm sure there are more demanding parts then the beginning.

I haven't played Doom3 at all since I do not have it.

Warcraft III has been very good too.



In all fairness HL2 runs the fastest of the three on most machines, and I suspect it's more of the quality of the software then anything. Because the graphics are top notch.
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post #5 of 31
3/17/05 at 4:17pm
does all the fs series have 6200 gpus with only 32mb onboard or are there some 6200 with 128mb dedicated. Only asking as I have seen an fs500 and it said dedicated graphics memory
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post #6 of 31
3/17/05 at 7:02pm
Yes, all. That's a Go 6200 limitation. We can only hope that eventually Sony will release a FS model with better graphics.
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post #7 of 31
3/24/05 at 4:29pm

Sony Fs115 Noise when LCD is not on full Brightness

Hi,

I have just got hold of the Sony fs 115 laptop and have noticed a buzzing noise when the xblack 2 screen is on any setting other than the brightest.

Have you found the same problem? If not, please could you listen to the laptop in a silent room when the brightness is lower than the max?

I am still deciding whether to take the laptop back for a refund.

Thanx
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post #8 of 31
3/24/05 at 5:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dezra
Hi,

I have just got hold of the Sony fs 115 laptop and have noticed a buzzing noise when the xblack 2 screen is on any setting other than the brightest.

Have you found the same problem? If not, please could you listen to the laptop in a silent room when the brightness is lower than the max?

I am still deciding whether to take the laptop back for a refund.

Thanx
Hi,
There have been several complaints about this problem with the FS series laptops. I have had (and exchanged) several identical units that have had this problem.
A fix has been posted on another forum - you can put brightness to max (where there is no humming), then lower the brightness by software (the NVidia utility) which would have the same effect.
I have since returned my laptop(s) as (1) I believe that having paid over GBP 1K for a Sony laptop I shouldn't have to rely on software fixes to a hardware problem, (2) it's not always convenient to use a software utility, (3) I have experienced further problems - a flickering screen (see link http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?p=756932) which makes this a completely unusable notebook (and again, not one, not two, not three, not four, but 5 units I have seen have the same problem)

In my view not acceptable, but it really is a great looking laptop that serves a good purpose with ok components for everyday use, and at the end of the day a good price.

For me, was not enough - your call.
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post #9 of 31
3/26/05 at 1:52pm
Thread Starter 

UPDATE on my experience with my FS 500 series

My FS500 series is silent at any screen brightness level. Actually, I never owned/used a laptop as quiet as mine is... this is something I really appreciate.

To recap, as far as game playing goes via my non Nvidia based GPU, it works just fine for me, although I will admit there are just a few games I play... Commanche 3 Gold, Commanche 4 (both helicopter warfare flight sims) and Falcon 4 (F-16 flight sim) and a few other games that don't require a huge amount of dedicated VRAM.

I do a lot of 12-14 mega-pixel digital photo image editing. And those files open up fast. Occasionally I have a DVD playing in a split screen and this does not seem to tax my system much at all... the cooling fans don't even activate, so the GPU suits my needs nicely.

I really appreciate the light weight and terrific LCD screen performance! The dual layer DVD burner is a plus as well.

I get a reliable 2.5 hour battery life (which, I admit, is not what it should be, but have an extended life battery on order). The speakers could have a bit more power but I really can't complain too much... aside from one subjective issue: I don't like the audio jack placed on the front of the laptop. No big deal there though.

For once, I didn't "overbuy" and waste money on a system with more horsepower than I needed. This laptop does everything I need it to with ease and speed, and very quietly!

All things considered, if this notebook happened to be stolen, I'd buy another... so I guess that says this laptop fits me like a glove and I'm pleased with my purchase.

Hope this helps those considering the FS series.
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post #10 of 31
3/28/05 at 9:07pm

screen hum; latch broke

I've owned my FS550 for a few weeks and have been generally happy with it, though on a recent trip I arrived at my destination (sony was stored in protective Timbuk2 bag) i found one of the latches had broken. i called sony and was told that i might have to pay for it. i then told them about the screen humming when set to less than max brightness (i had phoned a few weeks ago about this same problem and was told that the engineers were working on a fix)... this time they said that they now have a fix and would take care of it when they're replacing the broken latch. i will be sure to provide an update in a few days.

otherwise, i woudl like to add that a Clean install of XP makes a HUGE difference. also, i highly recommend a faster hard drive and 1 gig of ram - i ordered mine from mushkin since they had the best quality for the best price.
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post #11 of 31
3/28/05 at 10:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by murphyja

otherwise, i woudl like to add that a Clean install of XP makes a HUGE difference. also, i highly recommend a faster hard drive and 1 gig of ram - i ordered mine from mushkin since they had the best quality for the best price.
Do you or anyone else have the extended battery as of yet....I would like to know what times yall are getting on the extended battery life...
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post #12 of 31
3/29/05 at 1:20am
Murphy, my latch just broke too. I'm returning the system, I don't want to have any problems. Plus I'm only getting 1.5 hours on max battery, thats unacceptable.
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post #13 of 31
3/29/05 at 7:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by murphyja
i then told them about the screen humming when set to less than max brightness (i had phoned a few weeks ago about this same problem and was told that the engineers were working on a fix)... this time they said that they now have a fix and would take care of it when they're replacing the broken latch.
Thanks for this update - any ideas on whether they will ask for units to be recalled individually or whether they shall be replacing their units which are currently in stores nationwide?

Look forward to more news!
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post #14 of 31
3/31/05 at 11:51am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ironxcross
Murphy, my latch just broke too. I'm returning the system, I don't want to have any problems. Plus I'm only getting 1.5 hours on max battery, thats unacceptable.
1.5 hours of battery life would be unaccepable to me as well... and as such, grounds for return...of the battery.

I've encountered an odd situation with my FS 500 series... and a situation I can't quite explain.

The more I use it on battery power, (with screen brightness dropped to a 50% level), drain it down, recharge it and reuse it (on battery power)... the longer the battery lasts.

I've cycled the battery 4 times now and I'm getting 3 hours and 15 minutes... which is acceptable to me (but I'd sure prefer the 6 hours the Dell 6000 gets).

I think the best one can hope for with the standard FS 500 series battery is about 2.5 hours, on average, to 3.5 hours, if lucky.

I'm quite satisfied with my FS 500 series... and I'd buy it again.
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post #15 of 31
3/31/05 at 1:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by asdasda
Thanks for this update - any ideas on whether they will ask for units to be recalled individually or whether they shall be replacing their units which are currently in stores nationwide?
When I first reported this problem to Sony in early March, I was told the engineers were aware of the problem and working on a fix. The rep took my email address and said they would contact me to let me know when a fix is available. When I called a second time on March 23rd to report the broken latch, I inquired again about the screen buzzing and the rep said that my unit had to be sent to the San Diego repair depot in order to be fixed (rather than the on-site service included with the FS series.) Sony received my FS550 on monday and they're telling me that the repair will take 10 days, which to me is unacceptable, so I bought a Toshiba M45-S351 on eBay for $1330 and I plan to put my FS550 on eBay as soon as it arrives.
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post #16 of 31
4/1/05 at 3:39am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by murphyja
When I first reported this problem to Sony in early March, I was told the engineers were aware of the problem and working on a fix. The rep took my email address and said they would contact me to let me know when a fix is available. When I called a second time on March 23rd to report the broken latch, I inquired again about the screen buzzing and the rep said that my unit had to be sent to the San Diego repair depot in order to be fixed (rather than the on-site service included with the FS series.) Sony received my FS550 on monday and they're telling me that the repair will take 10 days, which to me is unacceptable, so I bought a Toshiba M45-S351 on eBay for $1330 and I plan to put my FS550 on eBay as soon as it arrives.
I'd have to agree that 10 days is unacceptably long for a repair. Sony should have just replaced your laptop.

I've seen the Toshiba M45-S351 and I believe its a pretty good machine. I think you'll be pleased.
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post #17 of 31
4/1/05 at 12:35pm

just received my M45

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack_L
I'd have to agree that 10 days is unacceptably long for a repair. Sony should have just replaced your laptop.

I've seen the Toshiba M45-S351 and I believe its a pretty good machine. I think you'll be pleased.
I just received my new M45-S351 and must say that I'm impressed. I immediately replaced the single 512 stick of samsung RAM with two 512 sticks of Mushkin, and then replaced the Fujitsu 4200rpm 100gb drive with a Samsung 80gb 5400rpm drive. I know it's not the fastest but it is EXTREMELY quiet! and performance seems great to me.

in comparison to the FS550, the Toshiba doesn't seem to be as well made - more flex, somewhat cheaper feeling, etc. (and one dead pixel!), but I just don't trust the Sony after my experience, and I love the keyboard on the M45.
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post #18 of 31
4/6/05 at 4:20am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by murphyja
I just received my new M45-S351 and must say that I'm impressed. I immediately replaced the single 512 stick of samsung RAM with two 512 sticks of Mushkin, and then replaced the Fujitsu 4200rpm 100gb drive with a Samsung 80gb 5400rpm drive. I know it's not the fastest but it is EXTREMELY quiet! and performance seems great to me.

in comparison to the FS550, the Toshiba doesn't seem to be as well made - more flex, somewhat cheaper feeling, etc. (and one dead pixel!), but I just don't trust the Sony after my experience, and I love the keyboard on the M45.
It seems you have essentially "rebuilt" a brand new laptop, and at considerable expense... and that the Toshiba, in your words, "doesn't seem to be as well made - more flex, somewhat cheaper feeling, etc".

Sorta sounds like an off-handed advertisment for Sony to me.... but the bottom line is this: Are you satisfied and does this "augmented" Toshiba perform the tasks you need it to at a cost effective basis?

If so, then ENJOY!
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post #19 of 31
4/6/05 at 10:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack_L
It seems you have essentially "rebuilt" a brand new laptop, and at considerable expense... and that the Toshiba, in your words, "doesn't seem to be as well made - more flex, somewhat cheaper feeling, etc".

Sorta sounds like an off-handed advertisment for Sony to me.... but the bottom line is this: Are you satisfied and does this "augmented" Toshiba perform the tasks you need it to at a cost effective basis?

If so, then ENJOY!
Jack - I'm actually not totally satisfied with the Toshiba M45 - the wireless connection has been flaky (also a problem on the Fujitsu N3510) and overall the M45 just doesn't inspire my confidence. I've decided to put this on eBay as well and I've already ordered an HP NC8230, which is a higher quality business-class machine. It was slightly more expensive ($1477 after rebate), but it includes a 3 year warranty and DDR2 memory, dedicated graphics, etc.

as a side note, Sony finally returned my FS550 and I must say that I am impressed with their service - they replaced the mobo and LCD, and replaced the two latches (one of which had broken). the turnaround time was exactly one week which seemed slower than I would have liked (i shipped it on monday and received it the following monday). I'm also not convinced that the Sony's bright screen is good for day-to-day work, and the keyboard is just too noisy for me, so that is also going on eBay.

I'll let you know how I like the NC8230 - from all the positive reviews I've read (pcmag, pcworld, another i can't remember, and an active thread at notebookreview.com), it looks like a keeper.
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post #20 of 31
4/6/05 at 11:18am
Murphyja....

Does the screen still make that buzzing noise a less than full brightness on the FS550?
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