Sony VAIO Pocket VGF-AP1L Pictorial

[Ishiyoshi]

The VAIO Pocket

If you missed my VAIO Pocket Pictorial by MDCF, I present to you all once more. Enjoy the pictures.

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The Pocket Remote | RM-VSC2 Remote

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Size Comparison | MZ-RH10 and VAIO Pocket

Size Comparison | VAIO Pocket and TDK BitClub

Size Comparison | D-777 and VAIO Pocket

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The Pocket Case | VGP-CKP1

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The VAIO Pocket | Part Numbers

* I will update this section by demand.

Internal Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery

* part numbers by region.

J: A-1070-173-A

US/Canada: A-1088-554-A

EU/Asia-Pacific: A-1088-555-A

Cradle Assy

* part numbers by type: 20GB and 40GB

J/EU/AO (AP1): A-1070-172-A

AM/EU (AP1L): A-1088-556-A

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The VAIO Pocket | Firmware & Music Move/Music Transfer Update

About this Firmware - 3.0.0.C171:

This new Firmware includes a total of 34 updates, from which some of the key updates are:

• MP3 playback feature which will allow MP3 transfer and playback without transfer to ATRAC

• Possibility to change the screen template. Skin features

NOTE: New skins are included, and you can copy additional skin data files to the "VAIO_Skin" folder.

• Faster performance: high speed scroll function

• New LCD backlight brightness and auto-power off settings

• Gapless play between tracks

• Album and group play enhancements

• Lyrics view

• Demo mode feature

• Various display enhancements

Japanese Firmware Version 3.0.0.C171J: click here.

English Firmware Version 3.0.0.C171F:

click here.

Important Firmware Installation Notes: read here.

About this VAIO Music Move/Music Transfer Update - 1.2.00:

In conjunction with the firmware update: 3.0.0.C171 for the VAIO Pocket, this utility allows you to transfer and play MP3 files,

without conversion, on the VAIO Pocket player.

VAIO Music Move (Japanese) Version 1.2.00: click here.

VAIO Music Transfer (English) Version 1.2.00:

click here.

Important VAIO Music Move/Music Transfer Installation Notes: read here.

Note to NW-HDx and NW-E500x/400x users:

For your convenience, the VAIO Music Move/Music Transfer v.1.1 utility is available for download: here; and its version 1.2 update can be obtain from the links above.

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[Max Spider X]

This just came up. Is RM-VSC2 the only compatible remote with this model?

[Ishiyoshi]

This just came up. Is RM-VSC2 the only compatible remote with this model?

←

Yes, the RM-VSC2 is the one and only 100% fully compatible remote for the VAIO Pocket. Notice its special pin configuration; unlike MD remote's 4 pins.

*Please note: some MD remotes can be paired with the VAIO Pocket, however, it's limited to only a few functions - not enough to deem compatible with the VAIO Pocket.

[auvi_joe]

I am looking for a 3rd party Sync/Charger cable(combined or separate) to replace the cradle for road trips. I don't necessarily need a line-out function so much. There is no chance Sony will come up with one but if there is enough demand, a 3rd party cable may be possible?

I may even try hacking a spare cradle to turn it into more portable size/shape if I can find one reasonably priced. $70 for a Vaio Pocket cradle is just nuts!

[Ishiyoshi]

I am looking for a 3rd party Sync/Charger cable(combined or separate) to replace the cradle for road trips.  I don't necessarily need a line-out function so much.  There is no chance Sony will come up with one but if there is enough demand, a 3rd party cable may be possible?

I may even try hacking a spare cradle to turn it into more portable size/shape if I can find one reasonably priced.  $70 for a Vaio Pocket cradle is just nuts!

←

I don't think we will ever see a 3rd party Sync/Charger cable for the VAIO Pocket. The main unit's cradle socket is truly of a proprietary design. But this does not imply we can't design a connector. As for “hacking” the cradle for such a task, you will obviously need to disassemble the cradle and review how the connector is linked to the AC Adaptor output. According to the VAIO Pocket’s service manual, there are only 6 screws to fully disassemble the cradle. So, you may want to give it a go and report back?

Check this Powerche-V1 battery pack! I think it will at least work with the VAIO Pocket and its cradle; and would prove to be useful companion for the VAIO Pocket while on the road.

[auvi_joe]

It doesn't look too complex to open up the cradle. I will take a peak and see(I may not rip the cables apart since I kind of need this to operate my Sony at the moment). If the connector piece can be isolated and there is a part number for it(Sony will sell it for modest cost) and pin assignments are published somewhere in the service manual, then we can possibly make ourselves a 3rd party cable. Perhaps Stay tuned.

The Powerche-V1 looks very slick. I was thinking of getting this (link) instead since I can also use it for my Dell Axim X50v as well as recharge AA batteries for other portable needs as well.

[Ishiyoshi]

It doesn't look too complex to open up the cradle.  I will take a peak and see(I may not rip the cables apart since I kind of need this to operate my Sony at the moment).  If the connector piece can be isolated and there is a part number for it(Sony will sell it for modest cost) and pin assignments are published somewhere in the service manual, then we can possibly make ourselves a 3rd party cable.  Perhaps     Stay tuned.

The Powerche-V1 looks very slick.  I was thinking of getting this (link) instead since I can also use it  for my Dell Axim X50v as well as recharge AA batteries for other portable needs as well.

←

Unfortunately, detailed schematics throughout the service manual are limited to the main unit. There's not much information on the cradle other than location of screws, foot pads and its respective part numbers. However, the service manual does have a diagram illustrating the connector being part of some circuit board. Perhaps, there's a separate service manual for the cradle - I will check with Sony. Regardless, do keep us informed of your endeavors.

The Powerche-V1 is sleek indeed. I am thinking of pairing it with my PSP; and of course will try it with the VAIO Pocket. Semsons' Pocket Power Bank looks very handy as well. Let us know if it works with the VAIO Pocket.

[auvi_joe]

Well..... Found a good place to buy extra cradle and the remote for the Vaio Pocket. It is at eCost again....

For $199 plus shipping(and applicable sales tax), you can get your spare cradle and the remote...... and it comes with a almost free 40gig Vaio pocket unit with a el-cheapo earplugs. Oh, almost forgot. I think you prob. get some 50 or so of free Connect music clips(worth $50) with the purchase also, if you don't mind the 132kbps singles from the Connect store.

If you didn't get the joke..... eCost is lowering the price of the complete kit to $199. Two weeks after I just paid $239. @#$%^&*

Here is the ..... LINK

[Ishiyoshi]

Heh.... I'd noticed that price tag as well. Well, you should be happy to know that when I acquired the VAIO Pocket last Christmas, I paid approximately $300 for it.

Anyhow, do you need the part numbers for the cradle?

[chenfurfur]

omg you have got to be kidding me with that $199 pricetag...ugh..

Also...does anyone know how well this device works with the Sony Pocket Vaio in the car?

LineX Wireless FM Transmitter (with PPL Technology)

Edited July 23, 2005 by chenfurfur

[Max Spider X]

Heh.... I'd noticed that price tag as well. Well, you should be happy to know that when I acquired the VAIO Pocket last Christmas, I paid approximately $300 for it. 

Anyhow, do you need the part numbers for the cradle?

←

Yeah, I am wondering how much would it cost to buy the cradle alone.

[Ishiyoshi]

The part number for the VAIO Pocket, VGF-AP1L (40G) version cradle:

A-1088-556-A (AP1L)

CRADLE ASSY (40G) (S)

Price: $76.15

Note: VGF-AP1 (20G version) cradle: A-1070-172-A.

[Ishiyoshi]

omg you have got to be kidding me with that $199 pricetag...ugh..

Also...does anyone know how well this device works with the Sony Pocket Vaio in the car?

LineX Wireless FM Transmitter (with PPL Technology)

←

It should with no problem.

[auvi_joe]

The part number for the VAIO Pocket, VGF-AP1L (40G) version cradle:

A-1088-556-A (AP1L)

CRADLE ASSY (40G) (S)

Price: $76.15

Note: VGF-AP1 (20G version) cradle: A-1070-172-A.

←

cradle VGF-AP1(20G version) is not listed on Sony DPAC parts webpage. Make sense since 20g version is not sold in US.

If you were to buy a spare cradle, a remote, and a replacement battery from Sony part store, it would easily be more or less $199. I am tossing a coin to make a decision to pick up another kit. Now, where is that coin?

[Max Spider X]

I have just received the PDair case in the mail today. It's not as amazing as ppl made it out to be. 2 major flaws: 1) The see-through part for the screen is empty...so it doesn't actually protect the screen. 2) the belt clip is screwed unto the case, but it's not nearly deep enough to secure it. I am gonna have to tighten it manually every 2 hours or so. I'd be even scared to ride a bike with this on my belt.

New problem found with the player! When the earbud is plugged to the player along with the remote, I can hear a faint hiss noise when the player is off. 2 other guys I have talked to had also realized this. Is this some kind of current leakage that drains battery?

Edited July 23, 2005 by Max Spider X

[chenfurfur]

I have just received the PDair case in the mail today. It's not as amazing as ppl made it out to be. 2 major flaws: 1) The see-through part for the screen is empty...so it doesn't actually protect the screen. 2) the belt clip is screwed unto the case, but it's not nearly deep enough to secure it. I am gonna have to tighten it manually every 2 hours or so. I'd be even scared to ride a bike with this on my belt.

New problem found with the player! When the earbud is plugged to the player along with the remote, I can hear a faint hiss noise when the player is off. 2 other guys I have talked to had also realized this. Is this some kind of current leakage that drains battery?

←

woah...the see-through part is empty? that kinda sucks...maybe i should buy like a screen protector sheet and stick it in there. PDAir sells screen protectors for the Nintendo DS for $8...perhaps I should buy one and cut the screen to the size of the Vaio Pocket. And how come in the siliconpop review of the case, it doesn't show the belt clip with the case in one of the pictures? It's not removable at all?

I also haven't noticed the hissing noise but i'm going to see if i hear it now. I hope this doesn't drain the battery. Thanks for letting us know though!

Edited July 23, 2005 by chenfurfur

[Max Spider X]

Yeah, it's fully removable, although I wish it wasn't.

[Max Spider X]

Hey Ishi, do you know if the Japanese firmware has the English language option, and will it work with English version of SS? I am thinking about flashing it to the J version simply for its sheer coolness and to give the player an import flavor. But I might need to revert back to the English language for referense during the case that I forget the use of each option.

Edited July 23, 2005 by Max Spider X

[Ishiyoshi]

Hey Ishi, do you know if the Japanese firmware has the English language option, and will it work with English version of SS? I am thinking about flashing it to the J version simply for its sheer coolness and to give the player an import flavor. But I might need to revert back to the English language for referense during the case that I forget the use of each option.

←

You can employ any regional version of the VAIO Pocket firmware - it's interchangeable so to speak. If you employ the Japanese firmware, naturally all its UI will be in Japanese; and yes, you can pair your VAIO Pocket - flashed with Japanese firmware - with SonicStage English version.

[Max Spider X]

Will the Japanese version have option for other languages, such as English and Chinese?

[Ishiyoshi]

Will the Japanese version have option for other languages, such as English and Chinese?

←

If I remember it correctly, only in Japanese.

[iori]

Hey all, I just got my Vaio Pcket and loving it so far.

I have a question regarding the song list. I have a bunch of songs without Album name under many Artists. When I try to browse through the list on my VAIO Pocket, it somehow combines all the untitled albums into the same list. For example, if I have untitled album under Artist A and B, both untitled album would list all the songs from both artists. I tried renaming the group from SS3.1, but it didn't help. Does anyone know how to get around this other than to name each songs with Album info?

Also, how do you rate each song in SS3.1? I know that there's a listing order by number of stars, but I don't know how to set them.

Thanks in advance!

PS: I just want to add that the latest English firmware supports Japanese Unicode (with simple chinese) for ID3 tag. I tried both Japanese firmware and English firmware, but decided that English one was easier to read for me (My hirakana skill is pretty bad).

[Max Spider X]

With 3.1, I found that you can't import each individual folder. Instead, it scans your harddrive for files and sorts it according to the album names and whatnot in the songs' ID3 tags. Your only other option is to import individual files, and then create the folder yourself. IMO, it's best that you go back to ver 2.3 for its easiness in importing the folders that you had sorted on the computer.

Edited July 25, 2005 by Max Spider X

[iori]

hmm... I'm a bit confused. Cuz right now with 3.1, it will import and create separate group for each album even if it has no name (it will just name it untitled), but when I browse by Artist or Album directly from the player, it will combine all the untitled albums together. This tells me that even if I create a special group, the player will resort it back by the ID3.

[Ishiyoshi]

Just a clarification for those still curious about the compatibility of MD remotes with the VAIO Pocket

MD remotes in general do not work properly with the VAIO Pocket because the connector is completely different even though you can connect MD remotes to the VAIO Pocket. Therefore, its compatibility is limited to only a few functions at best; not enough to deem it fully compatible.

The only MD remote that can somewhat navigate between tracks, select play/pause and volume control is the MC33EL; however, you can't utilize "stop" function on the remote nor can you enjoy LCD track info. display on the remote. As for other variation of MD remotes, you may navigate between tracks but that's it.

[Max Spider X]

hmm... I'm a bit confused.  Cuz right now with 3.1, it will import and create separate group for each album even if it has no name (it will just name it untitled), but when I browse by Artist or Album directly from the player, it will combine all the untitled albums together.  This tells me that even if I create a special group, the player will resort it back by the ID3.

←

That's because SonicStage had already grouped those songs for you according to their ID3 tags. What if a track in the album doesn't have the tag or a different tag cuz it was ripped by a different person? It will group that track to untitled or another album. If you wanna group them by your own groups, you have to import the individual files to the groups of your liking.

[iori]

That's because SonicStage had already grouped those songs for you according to their ID3 tags. What if a track in the album doesn't have the tag or a different tag cuz it was ripped by a different person? It will group that track to untitled or another album. If you wanna group them by your own groups, you have to import the individual files to the groups of your liking.

←

That I understand. What I was saying was that regardless of grouping, once you transfer songs to the Pocket, it will resort it depending on which sort mode you are in. When I sort my song list using "Artists" or "Albums", any songs that has no album name gets grouped together (regardless of which group/folder it was originally put in). Let me see if I can draw this out since I'm not doing very good job explaining this...

This is what I see on SS3.1 in the Transfer tab:

(folder) Untitled Album A(I could rename this later on to whatever, but below songs do not have album names)

- Song 1 by Artist A

- Song 2 by Artist A

...

(folder) Untitlted Album B

- Song 1 by Artist B

- Song 2 by Artist B

When I turn on the player, and browse the list using "Artists" list, I would see these 2 entries:

Artist A (2 songs)

Artist B (2 songs)

When I select Artist A, I would see the following:

(Blank Album name) 4 songs (It now says 4 songs even though one layer up it said 2)

- Song 1 by Artist A

- Song 2 by Artist A

- Song 1 by Artist B

- Song 2 by Artist B

The exact same list would show up when I pick Artist B as well. Funny thing is, when I use the "Groups" listing, they show up individually meaning that they were grouped correctly. This only happens when you use any other listing mode that uses album name.

I hope this makes sense. Thanks again for the help.

Edited July 25, 2005 by iori

[yoshimail]

Hey guys, well Ishiyoshi's review made me buy the VAIO pocket awhile ago and I am fairly satisfied with the device considering that at the same price I was prone to get a 20gb ipod with monochrome display. I also ordered the PDAir case as it is better than nothin' I like your idea of the cable, why did Sony expect us to use the player to transfer pictures from a digital camera (I have Panasonic FZ1 and FZ10) with the need to lug around a craddle? The Cowon X5 does not have a cradle and works as USB host. Hopefully some competent person will design and manufacture this cables... On a side note I found a little (but not significant) improvement on the Japanese firmware over the US/English firmware. When using the Photo viewer, the english version is restricted to the USER_001 folder while the japanese version works just as a file viewer allowing you to go to other folders.

I don't have much experience with portable players but I like good sound reproduction. When I went to my local Target store in McAllen, TX I tried the BOSE triport headphones and I was in shock from the quality of sound the VAIO delivered, compared to the pathetic stock headphones that come with it. Now, the BOSE headphones are 150+tax which is not within my budget since I already spent it on the player itself! Can someone recommend me a high quality set of headphones/earphones to use with the player without breaking the bank? Thanks a lot for your help and sorry for the long post.

[Ishiyoshi]

Welcome to ALC!

I'm glad you've enjoyed the VAIO Pocket. For headphones that will keep your wallet somewhat happy, I would highly recommend the Sony MDR-D66SL or one of the XD version reviewed by Damage. For further information, check out the 'phones section.

[Christopher]

You mean ALC, Ishii?

[Ishiyoshi]

You mean ALC, Ishii?

←

LOL Correction done, sorry folks.

[auvi_joe]

I like your idea of the cable, why did Sony expect us to use the player to transfer pictures from a digital camera (I have Panasonic FZ1 and FZ10) with the need to lug around a craddle? The Cowon X5 does not have a cradle and works as USB host. Hopefully some competent person will design and manufacture this cables... On a side note I found a little (but not significant) improvement on the Japanese firmware over the US/English firmware. When using the Photo viewer, the english version is restricted to the USER_001 folder while the japanese version works just as a file viewer allowing you to go to other folders.

I am all for a small footprint (USB data sync/charger) cable. But looking inside the cradle, it will be tough to do without a proper understanding of this circuit board and pin assignment to the interface connector. Proper circuit diagram detailing the circuit is almost a must me think.

For those interested, this is the inside of Vaio Pocket Cradle - Circuit Top and Bottom

Now, the BOSE headphones are 150+tax which is not within my budget since I already spent it on the player itself!  Can someone recommend me a high quality set of headphones/earphones to use with the player without breaking the bank? Thanks a lot for your help and sorry for the long post. 

←

While selection of proper headphones is highly personal, I can assure you that you can CERTAINLY do a lot better for $150 than "the BOSE" cans. I myself use Koss KSC 35/75 and Shure E2c for portability depending on need for isolation(the price of all these 3 headphones combined is still only about $100 for me, just to give you an idea). Be sure to take a look on headfi.org on this topic as possibilities are almost endless.

[Ishiyoshi]

Brilliant pictures of the VAIO Pocket cradle's interior! Now I can confirm that the circuit board for VGF-AP1L's cradle is indeed CNX-258 as vaguely outlined in the service manual. Thanks Joe!

[Max Spider X]

That I understand.  What I was saying was that regardless of grouping, once you transfer songs to the Pocket, it will resort it depending on which sort mode you are in.  When I sort my song list using "Artists" or "Albums", any songs that has no album name gets grouped together (regardless of which group/folder it was originally put in).  Let me see if I can draw this out since I'm not doing very good job explaining this...

This is what I see on SS3.1 in the Transfer tab:

(folder) Untitled Album A(I could rename this later on to whatever, but below songs do not have album names)

  - Song 1 by Artist A

  - Song 2 by Artist A

...

(folder) Untitlted Album B

  - Song 1 by Artist B

  - Song 2 by Artist B

When I turn on the player, and browse the list using "Artists" list, I would see these 2 entries:

Artist A  (2 songs)

Artist B  (2 songs)

When I select Artist A, I would see the following:

(Blank Album name) 4 songs  (It now says 4 songs even though one layer up it said 2)

  - Song 1 by Artist A

  - Song 2 by Artist A

  - Song 1 by Artist B

  - Song 2 by Artist B

The exact same list would show up when I pick Artist B as well.  Funny thing is, when I use the "Groups" listing, they show up individually meaning that they were grouped correctly.  This only happens when you use any other listing mode that uses album name.

I hope this makes sense.  Thanks again for the help.

←

That is why I avoid browsing the songs through any mode besides Groups, because I know my ID3 tags are unorganized. "Groups" listing is the exact way that you had your files in their respectives on your computer.

[auvi_joe]

Brilliant pictures of the VAIO Pocket cradle's interior! Now I can confirm that the circuit board for VGF-AP1L's cradle is indeed CNX-258 as vaguely outlined in the service manual. Thanks Joe!

←

Sure thing Ishi I was already inside anyway so took some quick snaps.

[atrain]

avoid importing all files on the disk, rather import files as each album with id3 tags fixed as such. you can make sure all files have apropriate 'album' names by right clicking on a group of them in the windows desktop & changing the 'summary' section of the properties. this way in both sonic stage & on your pocket you can navigate correctly by 'album' even if it's only an artificial album created to maintain good grouping.

[chenfurfur]

so i got my pdair case today in the mail (on my bday actually which was pretty cool)...and i have to say that aside from it having no screen protector (which really really sucks by the way)..i am pretty bothered by the smell of the case. It has this hugee pleathery/plastic smell to it and its soo strong. I really hope it'll eventually go away. I thought it was interesting that it came from Hong Kong..thought it was the Uk but who cares. Anyways..I'm just glad I finally have a case, and this is definitely better than nothing.

[auvi_joe]

so i got my pdair case today in the mail (on my bday actually which was pretty cool)...and i have to say that aside from it having no screen protector (which really really sucks by the way)..i am pretty bothered by the smell of the case.  It has this hugee pleathery/plastic smell to it and its soo strong.  I really hope it'll eventually go away.  I thought it was interesting that it came from Hong Kong..thought it was the Uk but who cares.  Anyways..I'm just glad I finally have a case, and this is definitely better than nothing.

←

Happy birthday m8

Ahhhh..... nothing like the smell of newly unwrapped leather. I am sure it will go away in time.

Screen protector sheets are fairly cheap. I am using one made for color PDA screen which I spend $10(for a pack of 12) some time back. Vaio screen looks a little sharper without but still very nice. As for the case, I go cheap with my old Zing neoprene camera bag. It fits like a glove. I will treat myself to a good set of headphones with the $ saved.

[Max Spider X]

LOL, that's the smell of the genuine leather, and I love it! Aren't you bothered by the belt clip screw mechanism tho?

[yoshimail]

I'm still waiting for the PDAir case. I won't see the lack of a screen protector as a fault of the case since I enjoy looking at the screens directly anyway. I had been reading the reviews on the headphones/earphones and I like the portability of the IEM, but they are expensive! I was thinking on spending about 40 dollars but they are way out of my price range. It seems from what I am reading that the Sony MDR-EX71SL are good especialy for its bass reproduction and frequency range (6Hz~23kHz) this sounds like good specs to me and add to that some sound isolation. What do you think should I click the Buy button? I like the included MDR-838 from the VAIO Pocket, they have good mids and highs, but in order to hear the lows you have to painfully stick them in your ears. Does anyone else have this MDR-EX71SL with the VAIO Pocket?