Sony PCG-8491 User Manual

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

PCG-X29

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Notice to Users

2000 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved. This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machine-readable form without prior written approval.

Sony Corporation provides no warranty with regard to this manual, the software, or other information contained herein and hereby expressly disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose with regard to this manual, the software or such other information. In no event shall Sony Corporation be liable for any incidental, consequential, or special damages, whether based on tort, contract, or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this manual, the software, or other information contained herein or to use thereof.

Sony Corporation reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time without notice. The software described herein is governed by the terms of a separate user license agreement.

Sony, DVgate, i.LINK VAIO logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation. Windows, the Windows 98 and the Windows 2000 logos are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Intel, MMX, Celeron and Pentium are trademarks of Intel Corporation.

All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

, Mavica, PictureGear, Memory Stick and the Memory Stick logo, VAIO and the

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Safety Information

Owner’s Record

The model number and serial number are located on the bottom of your Sony notebook computer. Record the serial number in the space provided here. Refer to the model and serial number when you call VAIOLink. Serial number:________________________ Model number:

PCG-8491

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Regulatory Information

This product conforms to the following European Directives: 73/23/EEC (Low Voltage Directive) 89/336/EEC, 92/31/EEC (EMC Directives) 93/68/EEC (CE Marking Directive)

This product complies with EN 55022 Class B and EN 50082-1 for use in following areas: residential, commercial and light-industrial.

This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using connection cables shorter than 3 metres (9.8 feet)

Depending on the model: The DVD-ROM / CD-ROM is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT and complies with the Laser Product Safety Standard EN 60825-1. Repair and maintenance only by authorized Sony technicians. Improper repairs and use can create safety hazards.

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

WARNINGS

General

❏

Opening the unit, for whatever reason, could lead to damages that are not covered by the guarantee.

❏

To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.

❏

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your VAIO notebook computer to rain or moisture.

❏

Avoid using the modem during an electrical storm.

❏

Do not use the modem or a telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.

CD-ROM/DVD-ROM

❏

The use of the optical instruments intalled in your notebook computer will increase eye hazard. As the laser beam used in this product is harmful to eyes, do not attempt to disassemble the cabinet. For servicing, refer to qualified personnel only.

DVD-ROM ( for models equipped with a DVD-ROM drive)

❏

There are visible and invisible radiations when the DVD-ROM drive is open : avoid direct exposure to the laser beam.

Audio/Video

❏

Audio and picture distortion may occur if this equipment is positioned in close proximity to any equipment emitting electromagnetic radiation.

Connectivity

❏

Never install modem or telephone wiring during a lightning storm.

❏

Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations

❏

Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines.

❏

Use your notebook only with the supplied AC adapter. To disconnect your notebook completely from mains voltage, unplug the AC adapter.

❏

Please make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.

❏

Never touch uninsulated telephone wire or terminals unless the telephone line has been disconnected at the network interface.

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

✍

Disposal of Lithium ion batteries

Dispose of properly at end-oflife. In some areas the disposal of lithium ion batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited. Please use the public collection system.

DISPOSAL

Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium ion batteries. Dispose of promptly and properly.

Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions (see below).

The battery pack used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not disassemble, heat above 100°C (212°F) or incinerate. Dispose of used battery promptly.

Keep away from children.

Your notebook is equipped with an internal backup memory battery. For changing this battery, please contact VAIO-Link .

OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY

Welcome

Congratulations on purchasing a Sony VAIO notebook computer. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing. Here are just some of the features your VAIO notebook computer has to offer (read the details in the Specifications chapter of this guide).

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Exceptional performance

❑

DVD-ROM drive and a PC card modem (depending on the model).

Portability

❑

power.

Sony audio and video quality

❑

take advantage of today’s advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment software.

Multimedia features

❑

Windows®

❑

Communications -

❑

browse the Internet...

Excellent customer support

❑

can contact VAIO-Link by Internet and e-mail (see your Customer Service Guide for addresses). Before contacting VAIO-Link, you may try to solve the problem by reading your User Guide (troubleshooting chapter) or the manuals and Help files for the peripherals or software.

- The rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without AC

- Your system includes the latest operating system from Microsoft.

- Your PC includes a fast Intel® processor, a fast

- A high-resolution LCD screen enables you to

- Enjoy the stereo speakers to listen to audio and video CDs.

Access popular online services, send and receive e-mails,

- If you have any problem with your computer, you

Welcome

About the User Guides

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

About the User Guides

Your Documentation Pack contains paper and on-line user guides on a Documentation CD-ROM:

Printed Documentation:

Setting Up

❑

Guide

, where you will find all the basic information to start using your notebook

computer;

A complete Regulatory and safety information poster;

❑

Your Sony Guarantee conditions.

❑

poster in colour and a

On-line Documentation:

This User Guide:

Getting Started

brochure; a

Customer

Using Your Sony Notebook Computer

❑

components of your system.

Connecting Peripheral Devices

❑

connecting various peripherals.

Getting Help

❑

troubleshooting tips.

Notes on Use

❑

Specifications

❑

Refer to your

Sony applications.

explains the support options available to you, and offers basic

provides facts and advice about using your notebook computer.

provides details on your computer, drivers and accessories.

Software Guide

shows you how to use the standard

explains how you can add functionality by

for information on the bundled software and the

Welcome

About the User Guides

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

About the Software

❑

installed on your system.

Customizing your notebook

❑

management with Sony Notebook Setup, VAIO Action Setup, PowerPanel, BatteryScope, etc. Learn how to set your display with NeoMagic Display option (Windows

Consult the

information on features and troubleshooting.

On-line Help

is a short description of the features of the software pre-

explains how to set your system and power

98 only).

files of the software you're using for detailed

and enjoy the Dual Screen

Welcome

Unpacking Your Notebook Computer

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

✍

*Depending on the type of Sony notebook computer you have purchased, some accessories may be optional. However, you need to have these peripherals to enjoy some of the features described in this manual.

Unpacking Your Notebook Computer

Remove the following hardware items from the box:

DVD-ROM drive

(installed at factory)

Documentation Pack

Phone cable

Main unit

PC card modem

Rechargeable battery pack

AC adapter

Product Recovery CD-ROMs

Floppy disk drive

FDD stand for docking station

Phone plug (country specific)

Power cord

Floppy disk drive connecting cable

Weight Saver

Docking Station

Welcome

Ergonomic Considerations

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Ergonomic Considerations

You will be using your notebook computer as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should attempt to take account of the following ergonomic considerations to both stationary and portable environments:

Computer positioned directly in front of you

Arms at desk level

Wrists relaxed and flat

Position of your computer –

❑

Place the computer directly in front of you as you work. Keep your forearms horizontal, with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position while using the keyboard, touchpad, or external mouse. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Take breaks during sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain muscles or tendons.

Welcome

Ergonomic Considerations

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Furniture and posture –

❑

the chair so your feet are flat on the floor. A footrest may make you more comfortable. Sit in a relaxed, upright posture and avoid slouching forward or leaning far backwards.

Viewing angle of the computer’s display –

❑

find the best position. You can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position. Adjust the brightness setting of the display as well.

Lighting –

❑

reflection on the display. Use indirect lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. You can also purchase accessories for your display that help reduce glare. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.

Placement of an external display –

❑

display at a comfortable viewing distance. Make sure the display screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor.

Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare and

Sit in a chair with good back support. Adjust the level of

Use the display’s tilting feature to

When using an external display, set the

Using Your Notebook Computer

Locating the Controls and Connectors

✍

AC adapter mains connector and power cord: hazardous voltage, according to EN 60950.

All other connectors for this notebook are SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage), according to EN 60950.

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Using Your Notebook Computer

This section describes how to start using your computer and how to use your computer’s internal devices, such as the touchpad, the disk drives and the battery...

Locating the Controls and Connectors

Left

PC card slots

1 3

S400 i.LINK

connector

(page 48)

(page 78)

Battery bay

(page 20)

Using Your Notebook Computer

Locating the Controls and Connectors

Front

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Power indicator

Battery 1 and 2 indicators

Hard disk drive indicator

Num Lock indicator

(page 24)

(page 21)

(page 31)

Caps Lock indicator

Scroll Lock indicator

LCD screen

Keyboar d

(page 31)

(page 32)

(page 28)

Speakers

Touchpad

Left/right buttons

(page 32)

(page 39)

Using Your Notebook Computer

Locating the Controls and Connectors

Right

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Power button

(page 24)

Jog Dial

(page 28)

Headphone

connector

(page 83)

Multi-purpose bay

(page 44)

Microphone

connector

(page 83)

Intercooler flap

Using Your Notebook Computer

Locating the Controls and Connectors

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

✍

There are ventilation slots on the sides and the back of your computer. Do not cover the ventilation slots when your computer is on.

Back

Docking station / FDD

1 3

connector

Monitor connector

2 4

(page 62)

(page 72)

USB connector

DC In

(page 85)

(page 18)

Using Your Notebook Computer

Locating the Controls and Connectors

Bottom

Intercooler flap lever Drive RELEASE lever

1 2

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Using Your Notebook Computer

Connecting a Power Source

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

✍

Use your notebook only with the supplied AC adapter.

To disconnect your notebook completely from mains voltage, unplug the AC adapter.

Please make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.

✍

AC adapter mains connector and power cord: hazardous voltage, according to EN 60950.

All other connectors for this notebook are SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage), according to EN 60950.

Connecting a Power Source

You can use either AC power or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source.

Using the AC Adapter

Slide the LCD lock lever in the direction of the arrow, and lift the cover.

The bottom part is lifted automatically and the connector part on the back appears.

Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC In connector on the

computer.

Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter.

Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet.

Notebook computer

AC adapter

(supplied)

DC in

SELV according to EN 60950

Power cord (hazardous voltage according to EN 60950)

(supplied)

Using Your Notebook Computer

Connecting a Power Source

Using Battery Power

You can use one or two batteries as a source of power. You can insert the second battery pack into the multi-purpose bay on the right side of the computer (See “ Using a Second Battery Pack”). Additional battery packs are available as a separate option.

The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase. Follow the steps below to insert and charge the battery pack.

To insert the battery pack

Open the cover of the battery bay.

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Insert the battery pack into the battery bay on the left side of the computer.

Battery pack

(supplied)

Label facing down

Close the cover of the battery bay until it clicks.

Using Your Notebook Computer

Connecting a Power Source

To charge the battery pack

Connect the AC adapter to the computer.

Insert the battery pack.

The computer automatically charges the battery (the battery indicator light flashes in a double blink pattern as the battery charges). When the battery is 85 percent full, the battery indicator light turns off. This process takes approximately two hours. To charge the battery completely, continue charging for an additional hour.

A fully charged battery pack supplies power for approximately 2 to 3 hours. The time varies according to your system configuration. See your Software guide,in “Displaying Battery Information" for information on checking the battery life.

There are two battery indicator lights on the computer:

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Battery indicators

Battery pack

(supplied)

Secondary battery pack

(not supplied)

Using Your Notebook Computer

Connecting a Power Source

Battery Indicator Meaning

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Battery Indicator Light Status Meaning

Indicates the status of the battery pack in the battery bay on the left side of the computer.

Indicates the status of the battery pack in the multi-purpose bay on the right side of the computer.

The computer is using battery power.

Single blink

Double blink

Off

The battery is running out of power.

The battery is charging.

The computer is using AC power.

Using Your Notebook Computer

Connecting a Power Source

✍

For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your computer may not enter system hibernation mode when battery life is low. To avoid loss of data when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as system suspend or system hibernation.

When the battery is running out of power, both the battery and power indicators blink. To determine the time the battery lasts, please refer to "Displaying Battery information" in your Software Guide.

Keep the battery pack in the computer while it is directly connected to AC power. The battery pack continues to charge while you are using the computer.

If the battery level falls to below 10%, you should either attach the AC adapter to recharge the battery or shut down your computer and insert a fully charged battery.

You can extend battery life by changing the power management modes in the PowerPanel utility. See your

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Software guide, in “Controlling Power Management".

The battery pack supplied with your computer is a lithium ion battery and can be recharged at any time. Charging a partially discharged battery does not affect battery life.

The battery indicator light is on while you use the battery pack as a power source. When battery life is nearly depleted, the battery indicator starts flashing.

When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack inserted in the battery bay, it uses power from the AC outlet.

Using Your Notebook Computer

Connecting a Power Source

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while the computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery while the computer is in system suspend mode.

To remove the battery pack

Open the cover of the battery bay.

Pull out the battery pack.

Close the cover of the battery bay.

Using Your Notebook Computer

Starting Your Computer

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

✍

If you hold the power switch in the on position for more than four seconds, the computer will turn off.

Starting Your Computer

Slide the LCD lock lever in the direction of the arrow, and lift the cover.

The bottom part is lifted automatically and the connector part on the back appears.

LCD lock lever

Press the power button of the computer until the green power indicator light

turns on.

Power indicator

Power button

If necessary, adjust the brightness controls for the LCD display with Fn+F5. To

increase the brightness, use the up or right arrow keys. To decrease use the down or left arrow keys.

Using Your Notebook Computer

Shutting Down Your Computer

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

To avoid potential loss of data, follow these steps to shut down your computer.

✍

Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents.

✍

If you are unable to shut down your computer using the steps described above,

-close all software in use,

-remove the PC cards if inserted,

-disconnect any USB devices, then shut down the computer.

If the previous steps do not work, see the Troubleshooting section of this User Guide.

During a period of inactivity, you can conserve battery life by using System Suspend mode. See "Controlling Power Management" in your Software Guide for further details.

Shutting Down Your Computer

Click the Start button on the Windows® taskbar.

Click Shut Down at the bottom of the Start menu to display the Shut Down

Windows dialog box.

Select Shut down.

Click on OK.

Wait for your computer to turn off automatically. The power indicator will turn

off.

Turn off any peripheral connected to your computer.

Using Your Notebook Computer

Closing the Front Panel

Close the front panel by holding the clip on the left top of the front panel. If you touch the LCD screen, you will leave fingerprints on the LCD screen. Use the supplied filter cleaner to wipe the LCD screen. See "Notes on Use" for more information.

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

The bottom part of the computer does not close automatically. Close the bottom part as illustrated below.

Clips

Intercooler flap

Intercooler flap lever

Using Your Notebook Computer

Registering Your Computer

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

✍

You must connect your phone line before using any online services, including the online registration service. Please refer to “Connecting to a phone line”.

✍

To access the on-line Registration web page, you must have a connection to the internet.

✍

You need to plug in the PC Card Modem* and the phone line to use the communication features described in this manual.

*Depending on the model, this accessory could be optional.

Registering Your Computer

You can take advantage of Sony’s commitment to quality customer support and receive the following benefits by registering your computer with Sony:

VAIO-Link –

❑

Customer Service Guide for addresses).

Guarantee –

❑

conditions and please refer to your Customer Service Guide for more information.

Follow these steps to use the Sony Notebook Computer’s online registration service:

Click on the Welcome button on your Desktop,

Click Next,

Click Internet,

Fill in your Registration card fields,

Scroll down to the bottom of the form and click Send,

Click OK.

You can contact VAIO-Link by Internet or e-mail (see your

Protect your investment. See the Guarantee sheet for the terms and

Using Your Notebook Computer

Using the Keyboard

Your keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer’s, but the keyboard has additional keys that perform specific notebook computer-related tasks.

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Print screen key

Application key

Correction keys

Fn key

Navigation keys

Shift key

Ctrl key

Fn key

Escape key

Windows

key

Function keys

Alt key

Numeric keypad area

Keys Descriptions

Numeric keypad area

Contains the keys found on a typical calculator. Use the numeric keypad area to type numbers or to perform mathematical calculations such as addition and subtraction. Note that you must press the Num Lock key to activate the numeric keypad. (When you do so, the Num Lock light will illuminate.)

Navigation keys Several keys are devoted to moving the cursor on the screen.

Using Your Notebook Computer

Using the Keyboard

Keys Descriptions

Correction keys The Insert, Back Space, and Delete keys enable you to make

Function keys The twelve function keys along the top of the keyboard are used to

Escape key The Esc (Escape) key is used to cancel commands.

Print Screen key The Print Screen key takes an electronic snapshot of the screen and

Operator keys Several keys are always used with at least one other key: Ctrl, Alt, and

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

Win dows

corrections in your documents.

perform designated tasks. For example, in many applications, F1 is the Help key. The task associated with each function key may vary from one application to the next.

places it in the Windows Clipboard. You can then paste the screen shot into a document and print it.

Shift. When held down with another key, the Ctrl (Control) and Alt (Alternate) keys offer another way to give commands. For example, in many applications, instead of choosing the Save command from a menu, you can hold down Ctrl and press S (referred to as Ctrl+S). The Shift key is used to produce capital letters or special symbols such as @ and $.

key The key with the Windows® logo displays the Windows® Start menu;

it’s the equivalent of clicking the Start button on the task bar. See "Combinations and functions with the Windows details.

key" for further

Fn key The Fn key is used in combination with other keys to issue

commands. See “Combinations and functions with the Fn key”.

Using Your Notebook Computer

Using the Keyboard

Keys Descriptions

Applications key The Applications key displays a shortcut menu of context-sensitive

Combinations and Functions with the Windows® Key

Combinations Functions

+ F1 Displays Windows Help

+ Tab Switches the selected button on the taskbar.

+ E Displays Windows Explorer.

choices; pressing this key is the equivalent of clicking the right mouse button.

Sony Notebook Computer User Guide

+ F Displays the Windows Find: All Files window to find a file or

folder. This is the equivalent of selecting Find and then Files or Folders from the Start menu.

+ Ctrl + F Displays the Windows Find: Computer window where you can

locate other computers. This is the equivalent of selecting Find and then Computer from the Start menu.

+ M Minimizes all displayed windows.

Shift + + M Returns all minimized windows to their previous size.

+ R Displays the Run window. This is the equivalent of selecting Run

from the Start menu.

Fn + + Insert Displays the Properties window. This is the equivalent of double-

clicking the System icon in the Control Panel.

+ 94 hidden pages