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General discussion

Sony Vaio S460 Flickering Backlight when dimmed

by crunchy Jun 29, 2005 12:59AM PDT

I have seen two Sony Vaio S460 laptops that when the backlight is set to less than full, it will ocasionally flash to full intensity. It is very annoying and looks like it may be a design flaw in the product.

To test it out, try runing your laptop and press FN-F5 a few times so the backlight is less than full bright. It will randomly flash to 100% brightness and then back to normal.

Jim Christensen
www.uwphoto.net

Discussion is locked

7 Posts
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How old are they?
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jun 29, 2005 1:04AM PDT

I've seen it on 2 year old (or older) laptops. Seems to be an aging issue.

-> Another reason to get a long warranty.

Bob

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Actually they are new!
by crunchy Jun 29, 2005 10:47AM PDT

Actually this is on a pair of new laptops. It may be a software/bios issue. If I find anything new, I will post it here.

Jim Christensen

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Just 2 things.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jun 29, 2005 10:51AM PDT

1. Up the refresh rate a bit.

2. It's not something you have to live with. Make it a warranty item to be fixed or else ask for the full refund.

Bob

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This has been fixed with the VAIO update
by lipidicman Oct 7, 2005 12:50AM PDT

I think this is the same laptop as the VGN-S4XP (UK model) The solution is a driver update for the graphics card which is listed at the bottom of the page on the VAIO update (see your taskbar). I was about ten minutes from returning my unit when my colleague found the fix (we both had them and they both flickered) I found it hard to believe this wasn't a hardware fault, but now all is well!

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ouch
by Qosmio Oct 7, 2005 12:52PM PDT

I bought the sony s460 when it first came out and it went back to comp usa a week later.when owning the S460 for that short time i noticed that the flicker of the screen was a major issue as was the fan noise all the time and heat it put off.The notebook would get so hot that the mother board would shut down.best bet===if your with in the return date get your money back.if there is a update for the screen issue it,s just the beginning of your proublems with this notebook.Good luck

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read this
by Qosmio Oct 7, 2005 1:10PM PDT
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S-series..
by ikenfixit Oct 8, 2005 8:20AM PDT

Another just informational posting... These are surfacing issue's similar to RAM slots in the older models.. Get the picture? Problems seem to be consistent w/insufficient solder on various parts of the systemboard w/ Sonys. Screen flickering could also be a switching IC or, AIC circuit,(Adapter interface circuit). Battery to adapter back and forth. Set your screen brightness settings to the same on both and see if the problem is resolved. Its temporary but will buy you some time. Good luck.

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