Sony (or actually Mentor Media, the third-party company responsible for fulfilling the Windows 7 Upgrade Program) has finally decided to ship out the Windows 7 Upgrade Package to their customers. The whole process was somewhat confusing. I submitted by upgrade request through Sony on October 9, 2009. I filled in the online application, got an email instruction to send in a "proof-of-purchase". I emailed them a copy of the order confirmation, but nothing happened. No additional email confirmation or response of any kind until October 16, 2009, when I received another email stating that the "proof-of-purchase" had been verified. After that it's more waiting, until yesterday when a big yellow envelope suddenly appeared in my mailbox. I quickly torn it apart to reveal the Windows 7 Upgrade Disk from Sony.
The installation process was pretty much identical to that described in my previous post. I actually did not use the Windows 7 media from Sony, but used the one I got from MSDN instead. The good news is, the CDKEY works perfectly on the MSDN version (also the retail version). It allowed me to activate my Windows 7 online without any problems. Sony has already released some Windows 7 drivers for the FW490, so I recommend downloading them from Sony eSupport directly.
If you are still waiting for your yellow envelope, don't be frustrated, it's coming!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
I am Virtually Here
It's a good day to be a Sony VAIO FW490 owner. Sony has finally listened to its customers' request and re-enable hardware virtualization on many Sony VAIO laptop. If you haven't been following the story, here is the brief summary: the Intel Centrino 2 platform on your FW490 is supposed to support hardware virtualization, but for some bizarre reasons known only to God, Sony decided to disable this function on their machines. Most people couldn't care less about this obscure function, but with the arrival of Windows 7, this becomes quite relevant because virtualization allows one to take advantage of the Windows XP mode. A lot people have been complaining to Sony (someone even started a petition). Surprisingly, folks at Sony has actually heard this complain and released a BIOS update. Color me impressed Sony!
Now if you are a VAIO FW490 CTO owner like me, you will need to overcome one minor problem before you can enjoy the new update (yeah, if only life was perfect). The BIOS update file downloaded directly from Sony doesn't work on the CTO model. You will need to extract the actual update program (using a Universal Extractor) from the executable file and apply the update manually. If you don't want to go through the trouble, you can also download it from me here.
Run the program and click "Update". Your computer may appear unresponsive for a while (about 30-50 seconds) and the fan will be spinning at full speed. Once the process is completed, you will be asked to restart the system. Hit F2 to enter the BIOS setup page and navigate to the Advanced tab, you should see the new virtualization option.
Now if you are a VAIO FW490 CTO owner like me, you will need to overcome one minor problem before you can enjoy the new update (yeah, if only life was perfect). The BIOS update file downloaded directly from Sony doesn't work on the CTO model. You will need to extract the actual update program (using a Universal Extractor) from the executable file and apply the update manually. If you don't want to go through the trouble, you can also download it from me here.
Run the program and click "Update". Your computer may appear unresponsive for a while (about 30-50 seconds) and the fan will be spinning at full speed. Once the process is completed, you will be asked to restart the system. Hit F2 to enter the BIOS setup page and navigate to the Advanced tab, you should see the new virtualization option.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Are You Ready to Parrrtty...
It's finally here! The official Windows 7 launch day! Having been using Windows 7 for almost two months, I can attest to all those rumors about how awesome Windows 7 is. It is clean, pretty, fast, and just a joy to use. It works perfectly on my Sony VAIO FW490. If you are still debating whether to upgrade to Windows 7, then head out to your local computer store and experience it yourself!
To celebrate this very special day for Microsoft, I will be throwing a little Windows 7 launch party this evening. Yes, it's true. I am a Windows 7 launch party host. In case you don't know, Microsoft was nice enough to send out these cool Windows 7 launch party kits to people who are willing to host a Windows 7 launch party. The kit contains some posters, coupons, balloons, napkins, a Windows 7 puzzle, a deck of Windows 7 playing card, ten reusable shopping bags, and... wait for it... a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate. The registration is now closed, but if you want to get your hands on these goodies, look no further. I will be posting these items for sale here.
Here is a little sneak peek. See anything you like, just leave a comment.
By the way, there is still time to buy a genuine, legal, fully licensed copy of Windows 7 Ultimate at a significantly discounted price. Check out this post here.
To celebrate this very special day for Microsoft, I will be throwing a little Windows 7 launch party this evening. Yes, it's true. I am a Windows 7 launch party host. In case you don't know, Microsoft was nice enough to send out these cool Windows 7 launch party kits to people who are willing to host a Windows 7 launch party. The kit contains some posters, coupons, balloons, napkins, a Windows 7 puzzle, a deck of Windows 7 playing card, ten reusable shopping bags, and... wait for it... a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate. The registration is now closed, but if you want to get your hands on these goodies, look no further. I will be posting these items for sale here.
Here is a little sneak peek. See anything you like, just leave a comment.
By the way, there is still time to buy a genuine, legal, fully licensed copy of Windows 7 Ultimate at a significantly discounted price. Check out this post here.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Direction: Just Add Water
The unthinkable has happened! I drowned my beloved Sony VAIO FW490! I was working on some documents yesterday and my glass of water got entangled with the power cord. (It may sound weird in words but that's really what happened.) The next thing I know, I was staring at a huge pool of water all over my keyboard, next I heard some unsettling popping sound followed by an even more disturbing hissing noise. Within ten seconds, the laptop shut down.
So there you have it, the longest and most shocking ten seconds of my life (at least in the past 3 months). This is what happens when you pour water over your Sony VAIO FW490, in case you wonder. I will keep you guys posted.
P.S. I still have a couple copies of Windows 7 Ultimate left. Hurry up if you want to get yours at a significantly reduced price here.
[Update] After over 24 hours, I decided to put on a hazmat suit and hit the power button very carefully. Luckily, there was no explosion. As a matter of fact, everything seems to be working fine. The keyboard, the screen, the microphone, the speaker, and the touchpad all function properly, so are the USB ports, the card reader, and the bluetooth. I can still connect to the internet and I just finished several rounds of Call of Duty 4. I am going to test it for a few more days before I declare this incidence over.
So there you have it, the longest and most shocking ten seconds of my life (at least in the past 3 months). This is what happens when you pour water over your Sony VAIO FW490, in case you wonder. I will keep you guys posted.
P.S. I still have a couple copies of Windows 7 Ultimate left. Hurry up if you want to get yours at a significantly reduced price here.
[Update] After over 24 hours, I decided to put on a hazmat suit and hit the power button very carefully. Luckily, there was no explosion. As a matter of fact, everything seems to be working fine. The keyboard, the screen, the microphone, the speaker, and the touchpad all function properly, so are the USB ports, the card reader, and the bluetooth. I can still connect to the internet and I just finished several rounds of Call of Duty 4. I am going to test it for a few more days before I declare this incidence over.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Kill the Middleman
I have had it with eBay! After spending all the time and effort writing the description, taking pictures, painstaking verifying all the information on the listing, and answering questions from potential bidders, I was quite frustrated to see my Windows 7 listing removed by eBay for the THIRD time. How can "limited selling history" be a reason to justify removing my listing? How am I suppose to gain enough selling history if all of my listings are removed?
Anyway, I was trying to create a safe and fair environment to all my fellow readers when I posted the Windows 7 on eBay. Unfortunately, given the situation, I feel that eBay can no longer offer such an environment to my readers. I hate to see one of you bid on the item and only to find out a few hours later that the listing is removed again. I have decided to kill the middleman, and handle this matter myself. Therefore, if you are interested in obtaining a full retail copy of Windows 7 Ultimate edition, please read this carefully.
You will be getting a 100% genuine, authentic, and fully licensed copy of Windows 7 Ultimate in a factory sealed DVD package with a brand new, never-been-used product key inside the sealed package. I will also throw in some extra goodies, including the Windows 7 sticker, Optimized Datacenter Evaluation Kit trial software, and Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack.
Simply click on the following "Buy Now" button. Once I have received a confirmation from Paypal, I will send you a USPS Express Mail tracking number within 1-2 business days. I am asking for USD$100.00 (shipping included), which is what my eBay listings were going for before they were removed by eBay. Remember, the same version is currently selling for USD$319.99 at Microsoft. As soon as all of my copies of Windows 7 Ultimate are gone, I will remove the button immediately.
Here is the information from the original eBay listing:
Anyway, I was trying to create a safe and fair environment to all my fellow readers when I posted the Windows 7 on eBay. Unfortunately, given the situation, I feel that eBay can no longer offer such an environment to my readers. I hate to see one of you bid on the item and only to find out a few hours later that the listing is removed again. I have decided to kill the middleman, and handle this matter myself. Therefore, if you are interested in obtaining a full retail copy of Windows 7 Ultimate edition, please read this carefully.
You will be getting a 100% genuine, authentic, and fully licensed copy of Windows 7 Ultimate in a factory sealed DVD package with a brand new, never-been-used product key inside the sealed package. I will also throw in some extra goodies, including the Windows 7 sticker, Optimized Datacenter Evaluation Kit trial software, and Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack.
Simply click on the following "Buy Now" button. Once I have received a confirmation from Paypal, I will send you a USPS Express Mail tracking number within 1-2 business days. I am asking for USD$100.00 (shipping included), which is what my eBay listings were going for before they were removed by eBay. Remember, the same version is currently selling for USD$319.99 at Microsoft. As soon as all of my copies of Windows 7 Ultimate are gone, I will remove the button immediately.
Here is the information from the original eBay listing:
Windows 7 Ultimate - Enjoy maximum performance improvements, full Aero desktop features, Windows XP Mode, network backup and restore capability, BitLocker data security, and 35 language options with the most feature-rich edition of Windows 7.
100% Genuine - Protect your system with this 100% genuine, authentic, and fully licensed copy of Windows 7 Ultimate. You will be able to legally activate, validate, and register your Windows 7 and receive latest updates from Microsoft Windows Update.
100% Brand New - Receive brand new, sealed, hologram DVD and Product Key. The Product Key is located inside the sealed package, and has never been distributed or used. Guaranteed to pass activation and validation.
32/64 bit Support - Activate either the 32bit or 64bit version of Windows 7 Ultimate with the supplied Product Key. The supplied DVD contains the 32bit version only, but the Product Key is valid on both version.
Full Version - Perform either a clean, fresh install or an in-place upgrade with this full version. No Windows Vista or Windows XP required for a fresh install. This is NOT the Upgrade or the OEM version, but the full version distributed directly by Microsoft. The same version is currently selling for USD$319.99 at Microsoft.com.
Extras - Enjoy the bonus Windows 7 sticker, Optimized Datacenter Evaluation Kit trial software, and Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack.
Fast Shipping Worldwide - Get your brand new 100% genuine Windows 7 Ultimate before the Official Launch! You will receive your tracking number within 2 business days. You may also choose to have the Product Key email to you and start enjoying Windows 7 immediately after payment.
Friday, October 9, 2009
A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned
As the Windows 7 official launch date draws near, many companies are holding off their new products and promotions until after October 22, 2009. I have been thinking about getting another thin-and-light laptop as a companion to my Sony VAIO FW490, but it seems like there just aren't any good deals out there.
Fortunately, I came across this USD$150 off coupon for a Sony VAIO VGN-FW490 yesterday. The coupon code is FW490CTO150 and it is supposed to expire on October 12 or after 200 uses. This is definitely a rare, but attractive, deal; it's better than the deal I got when I purchased mine in August. If you are thinking about buying a VAIO FW490, act now!
By the way, if you want to get a copy of the full retail version Windows 7 Ultimate, you may want to check out my listing oneBay. The same version is currently selling for USD$319.99 at Microsoft.com, but you can get it through my eBay listing for a fraction of the price.
[Update] eBay is giving me a hard time by removing my listing repeatedly; their explanation is that I had "limited selling history". I admit I have never sold anything on eBay before, I got to start somewhere, right? Anyway, I will think of a good way to post the Windows 7 Ultimate up again on the internet. Please check back later.
Fortunately, I came across this USD$150 off coupon for a Sony VAIO VGN-FW490 yesterday. The coupon code is FW490CTO150 and it is supposed to expire on October 12 or after 200 uses. This is definitely a rare, but attractive, deal; it's better than the deal I got when I purchased mine in August. If you are thinking about buying a VAIO FW490, act now!
By the way, if you want to get a copy of the full retail version Windows 7 Ultimate, you may want to check out my listing on
[Update] eBay is giving me a hard time by removing my listing repeatedly; their explanation is that I had "limited selling history". I admit I have never sold anything on eBay before, I got to start somewhere, right? Anyway, I will think of a good way to post the Windows 7 Ultimate up again on the internet. Please check back later.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Everything is Better with Bluetooth
Here is a nice surprise that I discovered yesterday. Those of you who have read my Windows 7 Installation Guide would know that you only need to install the Sony® Firmware Extension Parser Device Driver after installing Windows 7 in order to the get all the hardware working properly. If you want to use the vertical scrolling function of the touchpad, you may choose to install the Alps® Pointing Device Driver as well. It turns out, you may also like to install the Broadcom® Bluetooth® Driver.
First, let's make it clear that the stock Windows 7 bluetooth driver works just fine. I can pair my LG Vu cellphone and my iMac to the Sony VAIO FW490; I can send and receive files without any problem. My only complaint was that I have to right-click on the bluetooth tray icon and hit the "Receive a File" button, every time I plan to receive a file from another device. And since my stupid LG phone can't send multiple files at the same time, that means I have to do the whole right-click-left-click sequence repeatedly.
After installing the Broadcom Driver, I no longer have to right-click on the bluetooth tray icon anymore. When I try to send a file from my cellphone, Windows 7 will popup a dialog prompting me to accept or reject the file. I can even choose to automatically accept files from the device for the next several minutes to hours. I can also browse files located on my cellphone directly.
In addition to file transfer, the Broadcom Driver supports several interesting functions as well. You can make phone call from the Windows 7 Control Panel (not sure why anyone wants to do that). You can stream music from your cellphone to your computer. You can use your laptop's microphone and speaker as a speaker phone. Here is the most important part, you can connect to the internet via your cellphone! Yes, bluetooth tethering works! Again, I am using the LG Vu on the AT&T network with the Unlimited mobile Web service. While the speed is definitely not as good as WiFi, it is certainly more than acceptable. Now, I can have internet access almost anywhere in the world using my Sony VAIO FW490 and my LG Vu. The downside is that there are 2 more processes running under the hood now.
If you have managed to get bluetooth tethering to work using a different cellphone and/or network, please let me know and I will post that result on this entry as well. Thanks a lot and have fun!
First, let's make it clear that the stock Windows 7 bluetooth driver works just fine. I can pair my LG Vu cellphone and my iMac to the Sony VAIO FW490; I can send and receive files without any problem. My only complaint was that I have to right-click on the bluetooth tray icon and hit the "Receive a File" button, every time I plan to receive a file from another device. And since my stupid LG phone can't send multiple files at the same time, that means I have to do the whole right-click-left-click sequence repeatedly.
After installing the Broadcom Driver, I no longer have to right-click on the bluetooth tray icon anymore. When I try to send a file from my cellphone, Windows 7 will popup a dialog prompting me to accept or reject the file. I can even choose to automatically accept files from the device for the next several minutes to hours. I can also browse files located on my cellphone directly.
In addition to file transfer, the Broadcom Driver supports several interesting functions as well. You can make phone call from the Windows 7 Control Panel (not sure why anyone wants to do that). You can stream music from your cellphone to your computer. You can use your laptop's microphone and speaker as a speaker phone. Here is the most important part, you can connect to the internet via your cellphone! Yes, bluetooth tethering works! Again, I am using the LG Vu on the AT&T network with the Unlimited mobile Web service. While the speed is definitely not as good as WiFi, it is certainly more than acceptable. Now, I can have internet access almost anywhere in the world using my Sony VAIO FW490 and my LG Vu. The downside is that there are 2 more processes running under the hood now.
If you have managed to get bluetooth tethering to work using a different cellphone and/or network, please let me know and I will post that result on this entry as well. Thanks a lot and have fun!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Get Your Windows 7 Face On!
I hope all of you have enjoyed my Windows 7 Installation video guide and have been successfully running Windows 7 on your Sony VAIO FW490. For those of you who don't have access to Windows 7 just yet, I have good news for you.
I recently returned from a Windows 7 launch event organized by Microsoft. It was surprisingly informative and was a great opportunity to meet with Windows software developers. Most importantly, I have received a copy of full version Windows 7 Ultimate from Microsoft. I am happy to announce that I will be "giving" this copy to one lucky reader. Between traveling expenses and lodging expenses, I estimate that I spent about USD$150-200 on this trip. I would, therefore, expect the person receiving this copy of Windows 7 to share part of that cost.
If anyone is interested in obtaining a copy of Full Version Windows 7 Ultimate in a factory sealed DVD forUSD$99, just leave a comment with your contact information here (please see update). Your comment will NOT be revealed and I will NOT use your information for any purposes other than contacting you regarding this matter. You will be receiving a DVD containing the 32bit version of Windows 7 Ultimate, and a brand new Product Key that has never been distributed or used. The Product Key works on both 32bit and 64bit Windows 7 and is guaranteed to pass activation and validation. This is NOT the Upgrade or the OEM version, but the full version distributed directly by Microsoft to Developers and IT Professionals. The same version is currently selling for USD$319.99 at MicrosoftStore.com. I will ship worldwide!
[Update] Turns out a lot of you are interested in obtaining my copy of Windows 7 Ultimate. I never knew this blog is so popular. Thank you very much for your support! I have decided to put the item up oneBay, so I don't have to choose who's getting the item and all of you can enjoy the Buyer's Protection from eBay. So please head on to eBay and bid generously. Remember, this is a full version of Windows 7 Ultimate that's worth USD$319.99.
[Update] eBay is giving me a hard time by removing my listing repeatedly; their explanation is that I had "limited selling history". I admit I have never sold anything on eBay before, I got to start somewhere, right? Anyway, I will think of a good way to post the Windows 7 Ultimate up again on the internet. Please check back later.
I recently returned from a Windows 7 launch event organized by Microsoft. It was surprisingly informative and was a great opportunity to meet with Windows software developers. Most importantly, I have received a copy of full version Windows 7 Ultimate from Microsoft. I am happy to announce that I will be "giving" this copy to one lucky reader. Between traveling expenses and lodging expenses, I estimate that I spent about USD$150-200 on this trip. I would, therefore, expect the person receiving this copy of Windows 7 to share part of that cost.
If anyone is interested in obtaining a copy of Full Version Windows 7 Ultimate in a factory sealed DVD for
[Update] Turns out a lot of you are interested in obtaining my copy of Windows 7 Ultimate. I never knew this blog is so popular. Thank you very much for your support! I have decided to put the item up on
[Update] eBay is giving me a hard time by removing my listing repeatedly; their explanation is that I had "limited selling history". I admit I have never sold anything on eBay before, I got to start somewhere, right? Anyway, I will think of a good way to post the Windows 7 Ultimate up again on the internet. Please check back later.
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