Hi all,

I spoke to SONY yesterday (Sony Viao Link) on the phone.

I wanted an update on their thoughts before I send off my machine for them to checkout. I asked them if by now there were enough complaints for it to be getting to a recall stage and explained the screen hinge covering the (what i think is) the graphics card exhaust. They said that they cant simply consider it a design fault with (for example) 50 complaints and that they would need to examine each machine.

So I'll be sending mine off at the end of next week.

I have to say though that in the cooler weather that we have had recently the fan activity and thus noise hasnt been quite as extreme as it was when i first got the machine, but its still very poor.

I already played around with the settings using one of the Sony Viao preinstalled apps and put the machine into 'Silent' mode. It doesnt seem tot have made a world of difference.

To be clear about what this problem is though - this fan noise only happens when running graphic intensive tasks like running simple (2004) 3d games, multi-monitor (external and notebook screen) or firing up on occasion youtube on a web browser etc. Therefore I am personally convinved its to do with firstly the graphics card and its installation/positioning in the system.

From what i understand this seems to be affecting the custom spec SA's more than the off the shelf specs. The SB,s come with a AMD Radeon(TM) HD 6470M 512MB installed and i wonder if this downgrade is why they arent needing to use the fan so intensively?just my thoughts anyhow.

Whats so frustrating is the machine performs and looks fantastic if it werent for this unbearable fan noise.

I'll keep you posted with updates.

Phil

I would have returned mine but because it was ordered from a Sony Store and is a custom spec they wont take it back. Is yours custom spec?

This is also the case for me, I've only had the Vaio S a month, having picked it up at Singapore Airport as an emergency because my other laptop blew up while I was away.

In the first week or two, this was not too noticeable, However, now within 10 minutes of me starting up the laptop it heats to a very high temperature and the fan is extremely loud, too loud to be acceptable as 'normal'. I will also try contacting Sony to see if they will collect mine to look at. I'm worried about the health of the laptop with the overheating, especially since it is heating up at the most simplest of tasks. It feels like a design fault since the hinge of the screen is actually blocking the vent considerably and I do not want to accept that I need to have the screen partially open in order to cool it, surely that can't be fair when the Vaio isn't exactly a cheap laptop. I'm interested to see what Sony propose/suggest after they have collected your Vaio's to look at.

Exactly the same. I got my new VAUIO S series on monday VPCSB and im returning it today, just can't afford this extream over heat any longer... it even heats your fingers while tiyping!

this is my lat action with this VAIO

Hi Guys,

I am waiting for my CTO SA to arrive soon but I am a bit worried about these overheating and fan noise issues. Did yoiu get any positive action from Sony regarding these?

I can not talk about other countries, but people who bought this in UK can go on a small claims track if the product is not fit for purpose. "Customisation" clause in Sony's terms and conditions is a "shame" clause as by adding extra RAM or asking for a different operating system is very unlikely to be classed as unique product which was produced for you personally. Engraving may be a bit difficult to prove though.

Phil, same as above applies to the shop where you bought the SA from, I would suggest that if you are still having problems, think seriously about the above.

Thank you for replying ripat86.

Unfortunately my SA is already on order and I have passed the point on cancellation, so I have to wait and see if, when it arrives, my machine has same issues as discussed in this thread.

I was a bit lazy this time and didn’t do enough research before ordering as I have always had Vaio laptops and never had any issues (apart from the last one). If my machine has similar issues to what you have had, it will cost me time and effort and may be  court fees to get my money back.

I have read about some kind of guide that Sony were publishing regarding this issue, have you seen it? I have tried searching for it with no success.

My understanding is that they have made some subtle changes to the machine since all the fuss (nid you, I was told this by a Sony rep so it could be cods wallop).

I see that there are no more new posts about the fan/heating issue on any of the forums so either people have learnt to live with it, or the problem has been rectified.

Is it true that the so called guide says that users shouldn’t keep the lid open for prolonged times?

BTW, from your post, it appears you are thoroughly cheesed off with the Vaio SA.

I mentioned court because with my last laptop, I was getting no joy with their Egypt call centre, but once summons were issues, it was a different story. Consumers shouldnt be pushed from pillar to post if the product has a fault.