Sony PCG-GR250, PCG-GR250P, PCG-GR270, PCG-GR270K, PCG-GR270P User Guide

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Welcome.......................................................9

Using Your VAIO Notebook......................11

Using the Keyboard...................................................12

Combinations and functions with the Windows key .........14

Indicators ...........................................................................15

Indicator lights...................................................................16

Combinations and functions with the Fn key ....................17

Using the Touchpad ..................................................19

VAIO Action Setup...................................................21

Using the Center Jog Dial Control............................22

Using the center Jog Dial control ......................................22

Launcher mode ..................................................................23

Guide mode........................................................................24

Center Jog Dial back button...............................................24

Using the center Jog Dial control with Sony software ......25

Using the center Jog Dial control with other software ......25

Using the Removable Hard Disk Drive.....................26

Using the Optical Disc Drive ....................................27

To insert a disc...................................................................27

To eject a disc ....................................................................28

To play a DVD...................................................................29

To play an audio CD..........................................................30

Notes on CD and DVD discs .............................................31

To write data to a CD-RW or CD-R disc...........................31

Using PC Cards .........................................................33

To insert a PC Card............................................................33

To remove a PC Card.........................................................34

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Using Memory Stick Media ....................................36

Types of Memory Stick media.......................................... 36

Write-protecting Memory Stick media ............................. 38

Formatting Memory Stick media...................................... 38

Notes on using Memory Stick media................................ 39

Using a Second Battery Pack....... .............................41

To insert a second battery pack......................................... 41

To charge the second battery pack.................................... 42

To remove the second battery pack................................... 43

Using the Weight Saver............................................44

To attach the weight saver ................................................ 44

To remove the weight saver.............................................. 45

Using Power Saving Modes......................................46

Normal mode..................................................................... 46

Standby mode.................................................................... 46

Hibernate mode................................................................. 46

Connecting a Phone Line .........................................48

Connecting to a LAN................................................49

Setting up your Ethernet connection................................. 49

Connecting Peripheral Devices ...............51

Connecting an External Floppy Disk Drive..............52

To connect an external floppy disk drive.......................... 52

To insert a floppy disk ...................................................... 53

To remove a floppy disk ................................................... 53

Removing an external floppy disk drive when the notebook

is on................................................................................... 53

To carry an external floppy disk drive.............................. 54

Handling floppy disks....................................................... 54

Connecting a Port Replicator ....................................55

To attach your notebook to the port replicator ..................55

To remove your notebook from the port replicator ...........57

Connecting a PS/ 2 External Mouse or Keyboard......59

To connect an external mouse or keyboard .......................59

Connecting an Audio Device ....................................60

Connecting a CD player, active speaker, or an amplifier..60

Connecting an AV Device.........................................62

Connecting a Parallel Port Printer.............................66

To connect a printer ...........................................................66

Connecting a USB Printer.........................................67

To connect a USB printer ..................................................67

Connecting an External Display................................68

To connect a computer display ..........................................68

To connect a multimedia computer display.......................70

To connect a projector .......................................................70

To select a display..............................................................70

Connecting a USB Device.........................................72

To connect a USB device...................................................72

Connecting an i.LINK Device...................................73

To connect a digital video camera recorder.......................74

Connecting with another VAIO co mputer ................76

Connecting External Speakers ..................................77

Before connecting external speakers .................................77

To connect external speakers.............................................77

Connecting an External Microphone.........................78

To connect an external microphone...................................78

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Expanding Your Notebook Capabilities...................79

Personal Digital Assistant................................................. 79

Wireless LAN Access Point.............................................. 79

Wireless LAN PC Card..................................................... 80

Customizing Your VAIO Notebook..........81

Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen...........82

To display the Sony Notebook Setup screen: ................... 82

Sony Notebook Setup tabs................................................ 83

Controlling Power Management...............................84

Viewing the Power Management status icons .................. 84

Power Management profiles ............................................. 85

Power Management commands ........................................ 88

Conserving battery power................................................. 88

Displaying Battery Information................................89

Battery icon descriptions................................................... 89

Displaying detailed battery information ........................... 90

Selecting the Display Mode......................................92

Changing the window design of Sony software................ 94

Adding Memory.........................................95

Precautions and Procedures ......................................96

Typical expansion memory c onfiguration................97

Models with 256 MB Memory.......................................... 97

Removing a memory module....................................98

Installing a memory module ...................................100

Viewing the amount of memory.............................101

About the Software on Your Notebook .103

Software Overview..................................................104

Application, Driver, and System Recovery CDs.....110

Using Your Recovery CDs......................................111

To use the Application Recovery CD(s)..........................111

To use the Driver Recovery CD(s) ..................................112

To use the System Recovery CD(s).................................115

Troubleshooting......................................117

Troubleshooting Your Notebook ............................118

My notebook does not start..............................................118

My notebook starts but a BIOS error appears..................118

My notebook starts, but the message “Operating system not

found” appears and Windows does not start....................119

My notebook stops responding or does not shut down....120

The power management setting is not responding...........120

The sound of my notebook’s fan is too loud. ..................121

Why does the System Properties dialogbox displaya slower

CPU speed than advertised? ............................................121

Troubleshooting the LCD Screen............................122

My LCD screen is blank. .................................................122

My LCD screen continues to show the previous screen..122 The image on my connected external display is not centered

or sized properly. .............................................................122

I want to change the video resolution of my display. ......122

I cannot switch the LCD display to TV, and vice versa. .122

Troubleshooting the Mouse and Touchpad.............123

My mouse does not work.................................................123

My touchpad does not work properly..............................123

The pointer does not move while using the Touchpad or

Mouse...............................................................................124

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Troubleshooting Drives, PC Cards and Peripheral De-

vices ........................................................................125

My floppy diskdrive (optional) cannotwrite to afloppy disk. 125 My optical disc drive is not playing my CD or DVD proper-

ly...................................................................................... 125

My optical drive tray does not open................................ 126

I cannot use Digital Video (DV) devices. The message “DV equipment seems to be disconnected or turned off” appears. 126

My PC Card is not working. ........................................... 126

Troubleshooting Software.......................................127

My software program stops responding or crashes......... 127

When I click an application icon, the message “You must insert the application CD into your optical drive” appears and

the software does not start............................................... 127

I cannot use the DVgate™ software. .............................. 127

My computer’s start-up time seems longer after I have in-

stalled AOL. What can I do?........................................... 127

Troubleshooting the Modem...................................128

My modem does not work. ............................................. 128

My modem connection is slow. ...................................... 128

Troubleshooting Audio...........................................129

My speakers make no sound........................................... 129

My microphone does not work. ...................................... 129

Troubleshooting the Printer ....................................130

I cannot print................................................................... 130

Troubleshooting i.LINK devices ............................131

I cannot establish a connection between two VAIO comput-

ers when using an i.LINK cable...................................... 131

Getting Help.............................................133

Support Options.......................................................134

Software Support Information.................................136

Sony Service Center.........................................................137

Index.........................................................139

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Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO computer, and welcome to the VAIO User Guide. This User Guide provides detailed information on all aspects of using your new VAIO computer, from keyboard functions to preinstalled software applications. In the left navigation window, click the topics you want to learn more about, and that information will be displayed in this main window.

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Using Your VAIO Notebook

This section describes the following aspects of your new computer:

❑ Using the Keyboard ❑ Using the Touchpad ❑ Using the Center Jog Dial Control ❑ UsingtheRemovableHardDiskDrive ❑ Using the Optical Disc Drive ❑ Using PC Cards ❑ Using Memory Stick Media ❑ Using a Second Battery Pack ❑ Using the Weight Saver ❑ Using Power Saving Modes ❑ Connecting a Phone Line ❑ Connecting to a LAN

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Using the Keyboard

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

Keyboard

Alt key

Function keys

Numeric key p ad

Print Screen key

Applications key keys

Navigation

Correction keys

Escape key

hift key

Ctrl key

Fn key

Windows key

Key Description

Numeric keypad 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 be on.)

Navigation keys Several keys are d evoted to moving the cursor on the screen.

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

corrections in your documents.

Using the Keyboard

Key Description

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

used to 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.

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

Operator keys (Shift, Ctrl, Alt keys)

Several keys are alwaysused with at least one other key: Ctrl, Alt, and 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 operates the same way as on a typewriter; it is used to produce capital letters or special symbols such as @ and $.

Windows key The key with the Windows logo displays the Windows Start

menu; it is the equivalent of clicking the Start button on the taskbar. See “Combinations and functions with the Windows key” for more information.

Fn key The Fn key is used i n combination with other keys to issue

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

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

sensitive choices. Pressing this key is the equivalent of clicking the right mouse button.

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Combinations and functions with the Windows key

Combination Function

+ F1 Displays VAIO® Help and Support Center.

+ Tab Switches the selected button on the taskbar.

+ D Displays the desktop.

+ E Displays Windows Explorer.

+ F Displays the Windows Find: All Files window tofind 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.

Using the Keyboard

Indicators

Indicator Function

Power Light is green when the power to the notebook is turned on,

flashes amber in Standby mode, and turns off when the notebook is in Hibernate mode or powered off.

Battery 1 Indicates the status of the battery inserted in the battery bay

Battery 2 Indicates the status of the battery inserted in the multipurpose

Memory Stick Indicates that the Memory Stick® slot is in use.

Hard disk This indicator will light when data is being read from or

on the right side of the notebook.

drive bay on the left side of the notebook.

written to the hard disk. Do not enter Standby mode or turn off the notebook when this indicator is on.

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Indicator lights

Light On Off

Num Lock

Caps Lock

Scroll Lock

The number keys in the numeric keypad are active.

The letters appear in uppercase as you type. The Shift key lowers the case of typed letters when Caps Lock is on.

The screen scrolls differently. (Exactly how it scrolls dependson the specific application. It has no effect in many applications.)

The alphanumeric character keys in t he keypad area are active.

Letters appear in lower case as you type (unless you hold down the Shift key).

Information moves across the display normally.

Using the Keyboard

Combinations and functions with the Fn key

✍ If you switch user identities during a computing session, the Fn+F7 and Fn+F8 key

functionality (if available on your computer) will be interrupted. To switch to an external display or monitor, see “Selecting the Display Mode” for more information.

Combinations/ Feature Function

Fn+ (F3) Mute On/Off

Fn+ (F4) Speaker volume

Fn+ (F5) Brightness control

LCD

Fn+ / (F7) Switch to the external monitor/LCD

Toggles the built-in speaker off and on.

Adjusts the built-in speaker volume. To increase volume, press Fn+F4, then or . To decrease volume, press Fn+F4, then or .

Adjusts the brightness of the LCD. To increase light intensity, press Fn+F5 and then or . To decrease light intensity, press Fn+F5 and then or .

Toggles through the LCD, external display (connected to the

Monitor connector) and both LCD and external display.

Only LCD

LCD and external display

Only external display

Connect the cable before youturn on the notebook, otherwise Fn + F7 will not work.

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Combinations/ Feature Function

LCD

Fn+ only/

(F8)

Control AV out

Toggles between LCD-only and dual LCD/TV display modes.

Only LCD

LCD and external display

Only external display

Connect the cable before youturn on the notebook, otherwise Fn + F8 will not work.

Fn+ (F12) Hibernate

Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. When you runthiscommand,the state of the system and state of the peripheral devices are written to the hard disk and the system power is turned off. To return the system to its original state, use the power button to turn on power.

Fn + Esc Standby

Puts the system into Standby mode, a power management state. To return the system to the active state, press any key.

✍ Some functions are not available until Windows launches.

Using the Touchpad

The keyboard contains a cursor-pointing device called a touchpad. You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the built-in touchpad.

Touchpad

Pointer

Touchpad

Left and Right buttons

Action Description

Point Slide one finger on the touchpad to place the pointer on an

item or object.

Click Press the left button once.

Double-click Press the left button twice.

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Action Description

Right-click Press the right button once. In many applications, this action

displays a shortcut menu of context-sensitive choices.

Drag Slide one finger while pressing the left button.

Scroll Move your finger along the right edge of the touchpad to

scroll vertically. Move your finger along the bottom to scroll horizontally. (The scroll function is available only with applications that support a touchpad scroll feature.)

See Mouse Properties for information on touchpad features, s uch asclickingboth buttons simultaneously, adjusting touchpad speed, and Easy Launcher functions. To access Mouse Properties,open the Start menu, point toControl Panel, Printers and other Hardware, and then click the Mouse icon in the Control Panel.

VAIO Action Setup

VAIO Action Setup manages the settings for your notebook’s center Jog Dial™ control, Memory Stick® media, and i.LINK®

interface. An overview of some of the functions controlled by VAIO Action Setup is provided in this section. For more information on changing the settings using VAIO Action Setup, right-click the Jog Dial Utility icon or in the taskbar and click Help Topics.

* i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 con-

nection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software applications, operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an i.LINK connector may not communicatew ith each other. Refer to thedocumentation thatcamewithyour compatible i.LINK device for information on operating conditions and proper connection. Before connectingcompatiblei.LINK PC peripherals to your system, such as a CD-RW or hard disk drive, confirm theiro perating system compatibility and requiredoperating conditions.

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Using the Center Jog Dial Control

Your notebook is equipped with a center Jog Dial control located below the left and right buttons. The center Jog Dial control enablesyou to open an application, folder,or document from a predefined list by rotating and pressing the center Jog Dial control. In addition, when you press the center JogDial control, you can turn on your notebook automatically and start the selected application or document.

Center Jog Dial Control

Turn

Back button

Press

Center Jog Dial Control

The center Jog Dial control window always appears in the display. It is either in the launcher mode or in the guide mode.

Using the center Jog Dial control

This section explains how to use the center Jog Dial control. For information on how to change the settings of the center Jog Dial control, right-click the Jog Dial Utility icon or in the taskbar and click Help Topics.

Using the Center Jog Dial Control

Launcher mode

The center Jog Dial control window is in launcher mode until a software application is launched or the Jog Dial control window becomes active. When you select an item in the Jog Dial control window and it is displayed between orange bars, you can press the center Jog Dial control to view a submenu of that item.

Using Launcher mode

To use the center Jog Dial control, click the Jog Dial control window or the Jog Dial Utility icon in the taskbar. Alternatively, you can press the Ctrl key and the center Jog Dial control while the Jog Dial control window is active to switch to launcher mode.

Jog Dial Launcher

To select a desired item, proceed as follows:

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1 Rotatethe center Jog Dial control to select the item you want, and then press

the center Jog Dial control. The Jog Dial Launcher window switches to guide mode and shows the function of the center Jog Dial control.

Jog Dial Guide

2 Rotate or press the center Jog Dial control to use the desired function. 3 To select another item, repeat steps 1 through 3 above.

Guide mode

The Jog Dial control window is in the guide mode when software is in use and the software window is active. Depending on thesoftware you are using, you can select items from t he displayed list using the center Jog Dial control. You can switch between guide mode and launcher mode by pressing the Ctrl key and the center Jog Dial control.

Using Guide mode

The Jog Dial control window displays the function of the center Jog Dial control.

Center Jog Dial back button

The center Jog Dial control includes a back button located to the right of the control. Pressing this button brings you back to the previous screen.

Using the Center Jog Dial Control

Using the center Jog Dial control with Sony software

If Sony software that supports the center Jog Dial control is active, you can use the functions of the center Jog Dial control that are allocated to that software. For more information on functions allocated to software, see the software application’sHelp.

Using the center Jog Dial control with other software

If the software you are using supports the center Jog Dial control, you can still use the center Jog Dial control to scroll the window or adjust the window size.

Using a Dialog box

When a window such as Screen Properties is active, the Dialog box is displayed in the Jog Dial window. You can select an item in the window by rotating the center Jog Dial control. Pressing the center Jog Dial control is the equivalent of pressing Enter or Select.

Jog Dial Guide Dialog Box

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Using the Removable Har d Disk Drive

Your notebook is equipped with a removable hard disk drive, located on the right side next to the battery bay.

The hard disk drive is preformatted and readyto let you take full advantageof all Sony VAIO® features. You can upgrade to a higher-capacity hard disk drive as your computing needs warrant.

✍ Sony does not g uarantee interoperability with removable hard disk drives other than

the one provided with your VAIO® notebook.

Removing the hard disk drive

1 Shut down your notebook and locate the latch for the hard disk drive. 2 Loosen and remove the screw on the bottom of the notebook thatsecures the

hard disk drive. Use an appropriate screwdriver.

3 Slide the hard disk drive out of the drive bay.

Installing the hard disk drive

1 Slide the hard disk drive into the drive bay until it clicks into place. 2 Replace and tighten the screw that secures the hard disk drive.

Using the Optical Disc Drive

Your notebook comes with a removable optical disc drive located in the multipurpose bay. Depending on the system you purchased, your optical disc drive is either a CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive or a DVD-ROM drive.

The optical disc drive is removable when the power is on, but do not remove the drive when your notebook is in a power saving mode. Any attempt to do so may result in malfunction and/or data loss.

To insert a disc

1 Turn on the notebook.

✍ When t he notebook is in Standby or Hibernate mode, you cannot insert a disc. See

“Controlling Power Management” for more information on Standby and Hibernate modes.

2 Press the Eject button to open the optical drive.

The tray slides out.

Ejecting the tray

Eject button

✍ Avoid using adhesive labels to identify your discs. Adhesive labels may come off while

the disc is in use in your opt ical drive, and may cause damage to the unit.

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3 Placean optical disc on the tray with the label side facing up. For DVDs that

can played on both sides, the side of the disc facing up is the side that plays.

4 Press the disc onto the hub until the disc clicks securely into place.

Inserting an optical disc

Label side facing up

5 Close the tray by pushing it gently.

To eject a disc

When you finish using a disc, wait until the LED indicator turns off, and then press the Eject button to remove the disc.

When the notebook is in a power saving mode, you cannot remove an optical disc. See “Controlling Power Management” for more information about power saving modes.

Using the Optical Disc Drive

If the optical disc does not slide out when you press the Eject button, turn off the notebook and insert a thin, pointed object (such as a paper clip) into the manual eject hole.

Make sure to seat the disc firmly ov er the hub fingers. If you do not seat the disc firmly, you could damage your optical drive and you may not be able to open the tray.

Manual eject hole

To play a DVD

To play a DVD, you may use the optical disc drive and the preinstalled WinDVD® application. For more information, see the Help menu in the WinDVD application.

✍ Before you use the optical disc drive to p lay a DVD, quit any open applications.

Your optical drive can read most DVD-R media. When you are ready to play a DVD, read the suggestions below to maximize your video viewing experience.

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❑ When playing a DVD onbatterypower, set the powermanagementprofileto

DVD. You can also set the power management profile to Automatic Profile Selection if the display is not clear when using other profiles.

✍ Automatic Profile Selection sets the power management profil e to DVD whenever a

DVD is inserted. See “Controlling Power Management” for more information.

❑ If you connect your notebook to a TV display, you may need to adjust the

display resolution. Read the suggestions below to set the display resolution to the proper dimensions. Also see “Selecting the Display Mode” for more information.

❑ If the notebook is set to the default display setting, part of the video screen

will not appear. To view the entire screen, adjust the display resolution to 640 x 480.

Some discs recor ded at 20 or 24 bits may produce noise while playing. If you have audio device s connected, this may cause damage to your hearing and the speakers. Reduce the volume before playing a DVD.

You c annot use the Fn + F8 func tion to switc h betwee n LCD and TV once a DVD is inserted into the optical drive.

Do not switch between LCD and the external display while the DVD is playing. This may cause a malfunction, and you may need to restart the DVD software.

Do not switch the power sav i ng mo de s while you are playing the DVD. Change the settings to disable the screen saver and the virus checker. Do not use memory-resident utility software to speed up disc access. This

may cause the notebook to malfunction.

To play an audio CD

To play an audio CD, make sure the audio function is turned on. To do this, complete the following procedure.

✍ The optical disc drive must be installed in the mul tipurpose bay before you begin.

Using the Optical Disc Drive

1 Openthe Start menu, point to Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance,

and then click System. The System Properties window appears.

2 Select the Hardware tab and then click Device Manager in the Device

Manager box. A window appears, listing your notebook hardware devices.

3 Double-click DVD/CD-ROM drives. From the drop-down list, double-click

the drive name. A properties window appears.

4 Click the Properties tab. 5 Select the “Enable digital CD audio for this CD-ROM device” check box if

it is not already selected and then click OK.

Notes on CD and DVD discs

❑ Do not drop or bend the disc. ❑ Do not touch the surfaceof the disc. Fingerprints and duston the surface of a

disc may cause reading errors. Proper care of the disc is essential to maintain its reliability. Do not use solvents such as benzine, thinner, commercially available cleaners or anti-static spray, as they may cause damage to the disc.

❑ For normal cleaning, hold the disc by its edge and use asoft cloth towipe the

surface from the center out.

❑ If the disc is badly soiled, moisten a soft cloth with water, wring it out well,

and use it to wipe the surface of the disc from the center out. Wipe off any remaining moisture with a dry, soft cloth.

To write data to a CD-RW or CD-R disc

You can use Sony SonicStage and Microsoft® Windows® XP to write data to a CD-R or CD-RW disc. To create a CD-R disc that is readable in a CD-ROM drive, make sure that you finish the writing process before ejecting the disc. For more information, see the instructions included with with Windows® XP.

Notes on writing data to a CD-RW or CD-R disc

❑ For optimal writing speed, deactivate the screen saver and exit anti-virus

software before writing data to a disc.

❑ For best results, use CD-Rs that are compatible with 8x speed.

* For notebook models equipped with a CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive.

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❑ Your notebook does not support 1x writing speed. ❑ Memory-resident disc utilities may cause unstable operation or data loss.

Deactivate these utilities before writing data to a disc.

❑ If your notebook computer has preinstalled Microsoft® Office applications,

such as Excel, Word, and Outlook, turn off the FindFast application.

Using PC Cards

Do not strike or shake the notebook whi le writing data to a disc. Always use the AC adapter as the power source for your notebook if you are

writing data to a CD-RW or CD-R disc. Using battery power may result in data transfer failure.

Your notebook includes two PC Card slots. PC Cards enable you to connect portable external devices such as another hard disk drive, or a PC Network Interface Card (NIC) to connect to a network.

✍ The PC Card slots can accommodate two Type I/II PC Cards, or one Type III PC Card.

These slots are compatible with CardBus. Use the lower slot for Type III PC Cards. You do not need to shut down your notebook before inserting or removing a PC Ca rd.

To insert a PC Card

1 Insert the PC Card into the PC Card slot. Make sure the front label of the PC

Card is facing up.

Inserting a PC Card

Insert with the

arrow facing toward

the slot

PC Card

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2 Push the the PC Card gently into the slot. The PC Card is automatically

detected by yoursystem. The Unplug or EjectHardware icon appears in the taskbar.

Do not force a PC Card into the s lot as this may damage the connector pins. Do not carry your notebook while touching the head of a PC Card (such as a

wireless LAN card ), as pressure or shock may damage the connec tor pins.

To remove a PC Card

The following procedure describes how to remove the PC Card while the notebook is on. If you want to remove the PC Card while the notebook is off, perform steps 4, 6, and 7 below.

1 Double-click inthe taskbar. The “Safely remove ... PC Card” dialog box

appears.

2 Click the PC Card’s name or drive. The message, “Safe to Remove

Hardware” appears.

3 Click to close the message. 4 Push the Release button. The Release button pops out. 5 Click OK again and then click Close. 6 Gently grasp the PC Card and pull it out of the slot. 7 Insert the PC Card slot protector into the empty slot.

Notes on using PC Cards

❑ For some PC Cards, if you alternate between normal power operation and

the Standby or Hibernate power management modes while the card is inserted, you may find that a device connected to your system is not recognized. Restart your system to correct the problem.

❑ Some PC Cards may require that you disable idledevices when using the PC

Card. You can useSony Notebook Setup to disable devices. See “Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen” for more information.

❑ Be sure to use the most recent software driver provided by the PC Card

manufacturer.

Using PC Cards

❑ If an exclamation mark (!) appears on the Device Manager tab in the System

Properties dialog box, remove the software driver and then reinstall it.

❑ YoumaynotbeabletousesomePCCardsorsomefunctionsofthePCCard

with this notebook. If you have difficultyinserting a card, check that you are orienting the card correctly. See the manual that camewith your PC Card for more information on its use.

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Using Memory Stick Media

This compact, portable, and versatile recording medium has a data capacity exceeding that of a floppy disk. The medium is specially designed for exchanging and sharing digital data with compatible products. Because it is removable, the media can be used for external data storage.

Types of Memory Stick media

The following two types of Memory Stick media can be used with your notebook:

❑ MagicGate™ Memory Stick media (hereafter called MG Memory Stick

media), which is provided with copyright protection

❑ Memory Stick media, which does not have the same copyright

protection as MagicGate Memory Stick media

Some music files with secure copyright protection may be stored on MG Memory Stick media but not on regular Memory Stick media.You can also use MagicGate media-compatible devices to record and playback music when they are connected to your notebook.

You can store mixed data on the Memory Stick media. For example, you can copy an ordinary file onto a MG Memory Stick media that already contains music files.

What is MagicGate Memory Stick media?

MagicGate Memory Stick media provides copyright protection that consists of authentication and encryption technology. Authentication technology ensures that protected content is only transferred between compliant devices and media. Protected content is recorded and transferred in an encrypted format to prevent unauthorized duplication or playback.

✍ MG Memory Stick media has the MG mark .

Using Memory S tick Media

To insert Memory Stick media

1 Insert the Memory Stick media with the arrow facing up and toward the

Memory Stick media slot.

✍ Inserting the media in the wrong direction may damage the connector pins.

2 Carefully slide the Memory Stick media into the slot until it clicks in place.

Inserting Memory Stick media

Memory Stick media

Insert Memory Stick media with the arrow facing toward the Memory Stick media slot.

✍ At the default setting, the Visual Flow application starts automatically when you insert

a Memory Stick media. You can change this setting in VAIO Action Setup.

To view the contents of Memor y Stick medi a

1 Click Start in the Windows taskbar and then click My Computer 2 Double-click the Removable Disk icon to view the contents of the Memory

Stick media.

To remove Memory Stick media

1 Check that the access light is off. 2 Push the Memory Stick media in toward the notebook.

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LOCK

LOCK LOCK

3 When the Memory Stick media ejects, pull it out.

✍ Be careful when removing the Memory Stick media, as it may eject completely from

the slot.

Write-protecting Memory Stick media

Memory Stick media is designed with a write-protect tab to protect valuable data from accidental erasure or overwriting. Move the tab to the right or left to set or release write-protection.

Write-protect off Data can be saved on the Memory Stick media. Write-protect on Data can be read from but not saved on the Memory Stick

media.

Using the Write-protect tab

Write-protect off

(Back of Memory Stick Media)

Write-protect on

Formatting Memory Stick media

Memory Stick media is formatted for immediate use when you purchase it. If you need to reformat Memory Stick media, follow the procedures below.

Reformatting erases all current data that is stored on Memory Stick media. Before you reformat, confirm that the media does not contain files you want to keep.

Using Memory S tick Media

1 Insert the Memory Stick media into the notebook. See “To insert Memory

Stick media” for more information.

2 Click Start in the Windows taskbar and then click My Computer. The My

Computer window appears.

3 Under “Devices with Removable Storage,” right-click Sony Memory Stick -

MG, and then select “Format...” from the drop-down list. The Format Sony Memory Stick - MG dialog box appears.

4 Select the appropriate options, and then click Start to format the media.

Notes on using Memory Stick media

❑ When the write-protect tab of the Memory Stick media is set to LOCK, data

cannot be recorded or erased.

❑ Before using Memory Stick media, back up important data. ❑ Wait a minimum of 10 seconds after the Memory Stick media finishes

reading or writing data before removing the media.

❑ If the media is removed prematurely, a blue screen with an error message

appears, prompting you to continue or exit. Reinsert the media into the slot and press Enter to continue. This enables the media to finish reading or writing data.

❑ You can view video clips that you have recorded with Memory Stick media-

compatible video camera recorders.

❑ The media slot can accommodate one Memory Stick media at a time. ❑ You may copy images from a digital video camera using Memory Stick

media.

❑ Only MagicGate Memory Stick media can be used with copyright protected

data such as music.

❑ Copyright protected music cannot be checked-out to any Memory Stick

media other than MG Memory Stick media.

❑ Recorded music is limited to private use only. Using recorded music for any

other purpose requires permission of the copyright holders.

❑ Sony is not responsible for music files that cannot be recorded from a CD or

downloaded from other sources.

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❑ Formatting Memory Stick media erases all data (including music data)

previously saved to it. Before you format Memory Stick media,confirm that the media does not contain files you want to keep.

Do not use the media in locations that are subject to static electricity or electrical noise.

Do not touch the media connector with your finger or metallic objects. Do not attach labels other than the supplied label to a media. Do not bend, drop, or apply strong shock to the media. Do not disassemble or modify the medi a. Do not allow the media to get wet. Do not use or store the media in a location that i s subject to:

❑

Extremely high temperatures, such as in a car parked in the sun

❑ Direct sunlight ❑ High humidity or places with corrosive substances

To prolong the life of the media , use the supplied s torage case. See the instructions that come with your med ia for more information on its use.

Using a Second Battery Pack

You can purchase a second rechargeable battery pack. With two battery packs, you can extend the time that you use your notebook with battery power. When using two battery p acks, the battery pack you insertfirst charges first. The battery pack you insert second begins charging when the first battery pack is 85 percent full. You can monitor which battery pack is charging by observing the battery indicators.

To insert a second battery pack

1 If another device is in the multipurpose bay, remove that device. 2 Insert the battery pack into the multipurpose bay.

If the battery is being used, the battery 2 indicator turns on.

Second battery in multipurpose bay

Multipurpose bay

Battery pack

VAIO logo facing up

3 Attach the weight saver to the notebook to stabilize the b attery pack. See

“Using the Weight Saver” for more information.

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Using weight saver for second battery cover

Battery pack

Weight saver

Keep the battery pack in the notebook while it is connected to AC power. The battery indicator flashes while the battery is charging. See also “To charge the battery pack” in the printed Quick Start for more information.

To charge the second battery pack

Charging the second battery

Battery indicator s

✍ To determine the amount of time the battery lasts, see “Displayi ng Battery

Information” for details.

Using a Second Battery Pack

To remove the second battery pack

If you attach two battery packs, you can remove either of them without shutting down the notebook. When removing one battery pack, make sure that the other battery pack’s indicator is on. If the indicator of the battery pack you are removing is on, right-click the battery icon on the taskbar and click the “Switch discharge battery” option.

1 To remove the battery pack, first slide the multipurpose bay Release lever in

the direction of the arrow to unlock the weight saver.

Multipurpose bay Release lever

Release lever

2 Remove the weight saver, and then pull out the battery pack. 3 Reinsert the weight saver. See “Using the Weight Saver” for more

information.

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Using the Weight Saver

The weight saver protects the multipurpose bay when it is empty, and secures the secondary battery when it is installed in the multipurpose bay.

To attach the weight saver

1 If another device, such as a battery pack, is in the multipurpose bay, remove

that device. See “To remove the second battery pack” for more information.

2 Slide the weight saver in the direction of the arrow until it clicks into place.

Inserting the weight saver

Weight saver (supplied)

Using the Weight Saver

To remove the weight saver

1 To remove the weight saver, first slide the multipurpose bay Release lever in

the direction of the arrow.

Multipurpose bay Release lever

Release lever

2 Remove the weight saver.

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Using Power Saving Modes

When you use a battery as the source of power for your notebook, you can take advantage of power management settings to conserve battery life. In addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices, your notebook has two distinct power saving modes: Standby and Hibernate. When using battery power, be aware that the notebook automatically enters Hibernate mode when the remaining battery charge drops below5 percent, regardless of the power management setting you select.

✍ If the battery level falls below 10 percent, you should either attach the AC adapter to

recharge the battery or shut down your notebook and insert a fu lly charged battery.

Normal mode

Normal mode is the normal stat e of your notebook when it is in use. The power indicator displays green when your notebook is in this mode. To save power, you can turn off a specific device such as the LCD or the hard disk drive.

Standby mode

In Standby Mode the notebook saves the current state of the system in RAM and switches off power to the CPU. The amber power indicator flashes in this mode.

To activate Standby mode

Press the key combination Fn + Esc.

To return to Normal mode

Press any key to return to Normal mode.

Hibernate mode

In the Hibernate mode, the state of the systemis saved onthe hard disk drive and power is turned off. The power indicator is offin this mode.

Using Power Saving Modes

To activate Hibernate mode

To activate Hibernate mode, pressthe power button and releaseit immediately,or press the key combination Fn+F12.

✍ The “Save to Disk Manager” screen appears, and then the notebook enters Hibernate

mode. Do not move the notebook until its pow e r indicator turns of f.

To return to normal mode

To return to normal mode, turn on the notebook by pressing the power button. The notebook returns to its previous state.

✍ When ret urning from Hibernate mo de, the system status stored on t he hard disk is

erased and the notebo ok starts normall y if you press the power button and hold for more than four seconds.

❑ Time required to return to normal mode

Standby requires less time than Hibernate to return to normal mode.

❑ Power consumption

Standby uses more power than Hibernate.

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Connecting a Phone Line

You need to connect a phone line to take advantage of online services and the Internet.

✍ In orde r to register your Sony VAIO notebook, register your software online, and use

Sony Customer Support, you must connect to a phone line.

1 Plug one end of the phone cable i nto the modem jack on the notebook.

Connecting phone cable

Modem jack

Wall jack

Phone cable (optional)

2 Plug the other end of the phone cable into the wall jack.

✍ Your notebook does not work with party lines, cannot be connected to a coin-operated

telephone, and may not work with multiple phone lines or a private branch exchange (PBX). Some of these connections may result in excess electrical current and could cause a malfunction in the internal modem.

If you connect a phone line coming through a splitter, the modem or connected device may not work proper l y.

Connectin g to a LAN

Connecting to a LAN

You can connect your notebook to 10Base-T and 100Base-TX-type Local Area Networks (LANs). For the detailed settings and devices needed to connect to the network, ask your network administrator.

Connecting to LAN

Ethernet jack

Warning: Only connect 10Base-T and 100Base-TX cables to the Ethernet jack. Do not connect any other type of network cable or ph one cable. Connecting cables other than those listed above may result in an elect ric current overload and could cause a malfunction, excessive heat, or fire in the port. To connect the unit to the network, contact your network administrator.

Setting up your Ethernet connection

To connect to the network 1 Click Start, select My Computer, and then click My Network Places under

the “Other Places” heading.

2 Click “Add anetwork place” under theNetwork Tasks heading, or click “Set

up a home or small office network,” depending on your configuration.

3 Depending on your choice, either the “Add Network Place Wizard” or the

“Network Setup wizard” is displayed.

4 Follow the step-by-step instructions that appear on the screen.

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Connecting Peripheral Devices

You can add functionality to your notebook by connecting a variety of peripherals, as discussed in the following sections:

❑ Connecting an External Floppy Disk Drive ❑ Connecting a Port Replicator ❑ Connecting a PS/2 External Mouse or Keyboard ❑ Connecting an Audio Device ❑ Connecting an AV Device ❑ Connecting a Parallel Port Printer ❑ Connecting a USB Printer ❑ Connecting an External Display ❑ Connecting a USB Device ❑ Connecting an i.LINK Device ❑ Connecting with another VAIO computer ❑ Connecting External Speakers ❑ Connecting an External Microphone ❑ Expanding Your Notebook Capabilities

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Connecting an External Floppy Disk Drive

You can connect a SonyUSB floppy disk drive (notsupplied)to the USB port on your notebook.

To connect an external floppy disk drive

✍ You do not need to shut down your notebook before connecting or disconnecting a

floppy disk drive.

Plug the USB cable from the optional floppy disk drive into the USB port on the back panel of the notebook. The VAIO logo on the disk drive should be facing upward.

Connecting an External Floppy Disk Drive

Floppy disk drive (optional)

Attached USB cable

USB port

Connecting an External Floppy Disk Drive

To insert a floppy disk

1 Hold the floppy disk with the label side facing upward. 2 Gently push the floppy disk into the drive until it clicks into place.

Inserting a Floppy Disk

Floppy disk

Floppy disk drive

To remove a floppy disk

❑ When you finish using the floppy disk, wait until the LED indicator turns off

and then press the Eject button to remove the floppy disk.

Removing a Floppy Disk

Eject button

LED indicator

Removing an external floppy disk drive when the notebook is on

✍ If your notebook is turned off, you do not have to follow these instructions.

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1 Double-click in the taskbar. The “Safely remove ...” dialog box appears. 2 Click the dialog box. The message, “Safe to Remove Hardware” appears. 3 Click to close the message. 4 You can now safely remove the external floppy disk drive.

To carry an external floppy disk drive

Fold the floppy disk cable into the side compartment on the floppy disk drive.

Carrying an External Floppy Disk Drive

Handling floppy disks

❑ Do not open the shutter manually and touch the surface of the floppy disk. ❑ Keep floppy disks away from m agnets. ❑ Keep floppy disks away from direct sunlight and other heat sources.

Connecting a Port Replicator

Your notebook supports the use of the Sony PCGA-PRG1 port replicator (optional). Attaching the port replicator enables you to connect additional peripherals to your notebook.

Port replicator

1 DC In port 6 Network port

(Ethernet 10Base-T/100BaseTX)

2 USB ports 7 VGA port 3 / Mouse/Keyboard (PS/2) port 8 S-Video out jack 4 Serial port 9 Video out jack 5 Printer port 10 Line-In jack

✍ The port replicator can be powered only with an AC adapter. Do not remove the AC

adapter from the port replicator or the AC outlet when using the port replicator; this may cause data damage or hardware malfunctions.

To attach your notebook to the port replicator

To supply power to your notebook while it is connected to the port replicator, connect the AC adapter directly to the port replicator.

✍ When attaching your notebook to the port replicator, do not attempt to insert or

remove the battery pack. Lifting and turning the notebook with an attached port replicator could cause a temporary loss of power.

When connecting the video cables to S Video and Video Out simultaneously, only the S Video port can be used.

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1 Turn off the notebook and disconnect all peripheral devices. 2 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC IN port on the port

replicator. Plug the power cord into the AC adapter and an AC outlet.

Connecting AC adapter to port replicator

AC adapter

Power cord

The power indicator on top of the port replicator turns green.

✍ Use the AC adapter that comes with your notebook or the optional Sony adap ter.

Power indic ator

ease lever

Port replicator connector

Power

3 Close the tilt stands before attaching the notebook to the port replicator.

Connecting a Port Replicator

4 Align the bottom connector of the notebook with the connectors on the port

replicator and push down until it clicks into place.

Attaching notebook to port replicator

Noteboo

Port replicator

5 Turn on the notebook.

To remove your notebook from the port replicator

1 Turn off your notebook and the connected peripherals. 2 Pull the l evers on each side of the port replicator to release the notebook

from the port r eplicator.

Releasing notebook from port replicator

Levers

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3 Lift the notebook away from the port replicator.

Removing notebook from port replicator

Connecting a PS/2 External Mouse or Keyboard

You can connect an external mouse or k eyboard to the optional port replicator using a similar type PS/2® plug or adapter.

✍ Before you connect or disconnect th e mouse or keyboard, turn off the notebook.

You can only connect one external device at a time. Therefore, it is imp ossible to connect both a PS/2 mouse and PS/2 keyboard simultaneously.

To connect an external mouse or keyboard

❑ Locate the mouse and keyboard port on the port replicator identified by the

/ symbols.

❑ Plug the mouse or the keyboard cable into this port with the arrow facing

upward.

Connecting external mouse or keyboard

✍ See the manual that came with your mouse or keyboard for more information on its

installation and use.

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Connecting an Audio Device

You can connect an audio device to the optional port replicator or the notebook. See the manual and online help that came with your audio device for detailed instructions.

✍ To connect an audio device, use mini-plug cables shorter than 2 meters and with no

resistance .

Connecting a CD player, active speaker, or an amplifier

Use the optional port replicator to connect a CD, MiniDisc, or audio cassette player to the LINE IN jack and experience higher quality audio. You may also take advantage of audio output sources and connect an active speaker or an amplifier to the Headphone jack on the notebook.

Connecting an Audio Device to the Port Replicator

To LINE IN jack

To Headpho n e jack

Audio cable (optional)

Active speaker, amplifier, etc.

CD, MiniDisc, or audio cassette player

Connecting an Audio Device

Withouttheoptional port replicator, simply connect an audio outputdevice to the Headphone jack on the notebook.

Connecting an Audio Device to the Notebook

To Headphone jack

Audio cable (optional)

Active speaker, amplifier, etc.

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Connecting an AV Device

You can connect an audio-video(AV) device, such as a TV ora video deck, to the optional port replicator or the notebook.

✍ Prior to attaching a video device, unplug the connecting cable from the Monitor jack.

To connect an AV device to the optional port replicator, use the S-video jack and the Headphone jack, which require a S-video cable and an audio cable. To connect an AV device to the notebook, use the AV out jack, which requires an

Connecting an AV Device

audio-video cable. Remember to switch the TV input channel to external input and set up the TV configuration system. See “Selecting the Display Mode” for more information.

Connecting a TV to the Port Replicator S-video Jack

To S-video

To S-video jack

To Headphone jack

Audio cable (optional)

S-video cable (optional)

1 Audio (R)

2 Audio (L)

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If you connect an AV device to the S-video jack, you must use the Audio (L) and the Audio (R). Also, the S-video jack and the AV out jack are not designed to be used simultaneously. If you connect cables to both jacks, only the S-video jack will function.

Connecting a TV to the Notebook

Power cord (supplied with TV)

To AV out jack

Audio-video cable (optional)

✍ See the manual that came with your peripheral device for more information on its

installation and us e.

If you insert a DVD in youroptical drive to watcha video on your TV, the Fn+F8 key combination might not activate the function to toggle between your LCD and TV. Do the following steps:

1 Connect the TV to the notebook. 2 Restart the notebook and wait until it finishes.

Connecting an AV Device

3 Toggle between your LCD and your TV with the Fn+F8 key combination.

Your image is now displayed on both LCD and TV. Re-insert your DVD to launch your DVD software.

✍ A part of the image cannot be displayed on your TV display if the resolution of your

notebook is more than 1024 x 768 dots .

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Connecting a Parallel Port Printer

You can connect a Windows XP operating system-compatible printer to your notebook to print documents.

To connect a printer

❑ Locate the Printer port identified by the symbol. Plug the printer cable

(supplied with the printer) into this port on the notebook.

Printer connector

Power cord

To Printer

Printer

Printer cable (supplied with the printer)

✍ See the manual that came with your printer for more information on its installation and

use. If your printe r stops functioning after resuming from a power saving mode, see

“Troubleshooting the Printer” for more information. Before using the printer, you may need to change the Printer setting in the Sony

Notebook Setup software. S ee “Displaying the Sony Not ebook Setup Sc reen” for more information.

Connecting a USB Printer

You can connect a Windows XP operating system-compatible Universal Serial Bus (USB) printer to any of your notebook’sthree USB ports to print documents.

✍ To use a printer, first install the driver software that came with your printer.

To connect a USB printer

Plug the optional USB printer cable into one of the t hree USB ports on your notebook and the USB port on your printer.

Connecting a USB Printer

Power cord

USB connector

Printer

USB printer cable (not supplied)

To USB port

✍ See the manual that came with your prin ter for more information on its instal lation

and use.

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Connecting an External Display

You can connect an external display to your notebook. For example, you can use the notebook with any of the following:

❑ Computer display (monitor) ❑ Multimedia computer display ❑ Projector

✍ Connect the external display before you turn on the notebook.

To connect a computer display

❑ Locate the Monitor jack identified by the symbol on the back of the

notebook. Plug the display cable (not supplied) into this port.

Connecting an External Display

❑ If necessary, plug one end of the display power cord into the display, and the

other end into an AC outlet.

Connecting an external computer display

Computer display

Power cord

Monitor port

Display cable (optional)

✍ See the manual that came with your computer display for more informat ion on its

installation and use.

Connecting a multimedia display

Multimedia display

Power cord

Audio In

Video In

To AV Out jack

Display cable (optional)

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To connect a multimedia computer display

You can connect your notebook to a multimedia computer display that includes built-in speakers and a microphone.

✍ See the manual that came with your multimedia computer display for more

information on its installation and use.

To connect a projector

You can use a projector, such as the Sony LCD Projector, as an external display.

Connecting a projector

Projector

Power cord

Monitor port

Display cable (optional)

To Headphone jack

Audio cable

(optional)

✍ See the manual that came with your projector for more information on its installation

and use.

To select a display

When you connect an external display to the Monitor port, you can toggle the output between the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), the external monitor, or both devices.

Connecting an External Display

Use the

Fn+F7 keys to select a display. See also “Selecting the Display Mode” for

more information.

To Press Result

Switch to an external display

Fn+F7 Toggles between the LCD, the external display

connected to the Monitor port, or both the LCD and external display.

Only LCD

LCD and external display

Only external display

✍ Connect the cable befor e you turn on the notebook, otherwise Fn + F7 will not work.

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Connecting a USB Device

You can connect a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device such as an external mouse, keyboard, speaker, and microphone to your notebook.

To connect a USB device

✍ The following steps describe the pr ocedure for connecting a USB mouse to your

notebook. Refer to the manual that ca me wit h your USB device for specific installation

instructions.

❑ Locate the USB device identified by the symbol. Plug one end of the USB

cable into this port and the other end into the USB device.

Connecting USB device to USB port

USB device

USB connecting cable

(optional)

To USB

You can use an optional Sony USB mouse PCGA-UMS1 series (not supplied) with this notebook. Since the USB mouse software driver is preinstalled in the notebook, you simply plug the USB mouse into the USB port to use it. One USB port supports one USB device.

✍ See the manual that came with your USB device f or more information on its

installation and use.

Connecting an i.LINK Device

You can connect an i.LINK enabled digital video camera recorder to the i.LINK®

S400 (IEEE1394) port.

✍ You can purchase compatible i.LINK cables from yo ur local retailer, from the Sony

VAIO® son ys ty le Web site (http:/ / ww w.sonystyle.com/vaio/), or by ca ll ing 1-888-3157669 (toll free).

* i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used to designate that a product contains an IEEE 1394 con-

nector. The i.LINK connection may vary,depending on the software application, operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an i.LINK connection may not communicatew ith each other. Refer to thedocumentation thatcamewithyour compatible i.LINK device for more information on operating conditions and proper connection. Before connecting compatible i.LINK PC peripherals to your system, such as a CD-RW or hard disk drive, confirm theiro perating system compatibility and requiredoperating conditions.

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To connect a digital video camera recorder

❑ Plug one end of the i.LINK cable (not supplied) into the i.LINK port on the

left side of the notebook and the other end into the DV In/Out port on the digital video camera recorder.

Connecting digital video camera recorder to i.LINK port

Digital video camera recorder

To i.LINK port

To DV In/Out

i.LINK cable (optional)

✍ The above figure displays a connection to a Sony digital video camera recorder; your

digital video camera recorder may need to be connected differently. Only Sony digital video camera ports labeled “DV In/Out” or “i.LINK” are i.LINK-

compatible. See the manual that came with your digital video camera recorder for more

information on its installation and use. Do not connect more than one digital video camera at a time. The software supplied

with your notebook will not recognize multiple cameras. The i.LINK port on the notebook does not supply power to external devices. If the

external device requires power from the i.LINK port, you cannot use the device with the notebook.

The notebook supports t r ansfer rates up to 400 Mbps; howev e r, the actual transfer rate is the lowest transfer rate of th e external device.

The i.LINK features available may vary depending on the softw are applications you use. See the documentation that accompanied your software for more information.

Connecting an i.LINK Device

i.LINK cables compatible with your VAIO notebook include cables with the following part numbers: VMC-IL4415 (a 1.5-meter cable with a 4-pin connector at each end) and VMC-IL4615 (a 1.5 meter-cable with a 4-pin connector at one end and a 6-pin connector at the other). You can purchase these cables from your local retailer, through the Sony VAIO® sonystyle Web site (http://www.sonystyle.com/vaio/),or by calling 1-888-315-7669 (toll free).

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Connecting with another VAIO computer

You can use an optional i.LINK®*cable to connect your VAIO® notebook to another VAIO computer that has the preinstalled Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system or the Sony Smart Connect software. You may use an i.LINK cable (not supplied) to connect the two systems and then use one computer to edit, copy, or delete files on the other computer. You can also print from a printer that is attached to either computer.

Connecting with an i.LINK cable

i.LINK cable (optional)

✍ When you connect two VAIO computers, you must assign each computer a unique

name. The computers can be identified by this unique name when the two computers are networked together.

If you have previously purchased a VAIO computer or notebook that does not have Smart Connect 3.0 software prei nstalled, consult the Sony Web site f or support options (http://www.sony.com/pcsupport).

* i.LINK is a trademark of Sony used to designate thata product contains an IEEE 1394 con-

nection. The i.LINK connection may vary, depending on the software applications, operating system, and compatible i.LINK devices. All products with an i.LINK connector may not communicate with each other. Refertothedocumentation that came with your compatible i.LINK device for information on operating conditions and proper connection. Before connecting compatible i.LINK PC peripherals to your system, such as a CD-RW or hard disk drive, confirm their operating system compatibility and required operating conditions.

Connecting External Speakers

You can enhance the sound quality of your notebook by connecting external speakers. See the manual that came with the speakers for more information on their installation and use.

Do not place floppy disks on the speakers; the speakers’ magnetic field may damage the data on the floppy disks.

Before connecting external speakers

❑ Verify that the speakers are designed for computer use. ❑ Turn down the volume of the speakers before you turn them on.

To connect external speakers

1 Locate the Headphone jack identified by the symbol on the back panel of

the notebook.

2 Plug the speaker cable into this jack.

Connecting speakers to the headphone jack

To Headphone jack

Speakers

Speaker cable (supplied with speakers)

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Connecting an External Microphone

You can enhance the qualityof sound input by using anexternal microphone. See the manual that came with the microphone for more information on its installation and use.

✍ Make sure the microphone is desi gned for notebook use . The microphone should be

compliant with the plug-in power microphone.

To connect an external microphone

1 Locate the Microphone jack identified by the symbol on the b ack panel

of the notebook. A protruding dot above the Microphone jack further distinguishes this jack from other jacks and ports.

2 Plug the microphone cable into the Microphone jack.

Connecting microphone to microphone jack

Microphone (optional)

To Microphone jack

Expanding Your Notebook Capabilities

The following peripheral devices can be connected to your notebook, to expand the capabilities of your computer and enhance its versatility to meet your various business or personal needs:

❑ A Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) ❑ A Wireless LAN Access Point ❑ A Wireless LAN PC Card

✍ For more information on available Sony products, go to http: //www.sonystyle.com/vaio.

Personal Digital Assistant

A handheld PDA is the quintessential personal planner and entertainment center that fits in your pocket. With a PDA, you can easily perform the following functions:

❑ Enter your schedule details in the calendar and view them by the day, week,

or month, and even set an alarm to remind you of important events.

❑ Keep your contact names,addresses,phone numbers, and other details in the

address book, and find them when you need them.

❑ Add tasks to the To Do List, prioritize them, and assign them due dates. ❑ Synchronize your data with the software on your notebook,to back up your

data.

❑ Track expenses when you are out of the office, then transfer the data to your

notebook.

❑ Exchange data with your notebook.

Wireless LAN Access Point

The Wireless LAN Access Point is designed for building a wireless Local Area Network (LAN) environment. The Access Point comes with the Wireless LAN PC C ard and required software. You can easily build a wireless LAN environment by pluggi ng the Access Point into an AC power outlet, installing the Wireless LAN PC Card in your notebook, and using the provided software. Because a wireless LAN configuration requires no wiring, you can operate multiple computers more freely than ever before.

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You can also connect your Access Point to a telephone line, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) router,cable modem, or Digital SubscriberLine (xDSL) modem to share access to the Internet among multiple computers.

Wireless LAN PC Card

The Wireless LAN PC Card, which comes with the Wireless LAN Access Point, can be purchased separately and is designed for building a wireless LAN environment. The Wireless LAN PC Card can be used withor without the Access Point. With the Access Point, you can build a wireless LAN between computers that are equipped with the Wireless LAN PCCard and gain access to the Internet. Without the Access Point, you can achieve direct communication (Peer to Peer mode) between computers.

✍ For information on available Sony products, go to

http://www.sonystyle.com/wirelesslan.

Customizing Your VAIO Notebook

The following sections briefly describe how t o change your notebook’s default settings.

❑ Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen ❑ Controlling Power Management ❑ Displaying Battery Information ❑ Selecting the Display Mode

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Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen

To display the Son y Notebook Setup screen:

1 Click the Start button on the Windows® taskbar. 2 Select Programs, Sony Notebook Setup, and then click Sony Notebook

Setup.

Sony Notebook Setup Screen

3 Select the tab for the item you want to change. See “Sony Notebook Setup

tabs” for more information.

4 After you finish making your changes, click OK.

Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen

Sony Notebook Setup tabs

Tab Description

About This Computer Display system information, including memory

capacity, serial number, and BIOS version.

Printer Select printer port mode settings.

Initial Setting Change the volume of the sounds that play while the

operating system is loading. Select the order of drives and devices from which you want to load the operating system. You can specify the hard drive as well as other drives inserted into your computer.

Touchpad When you connect an optional mouse to your

notebook, you can make your touchpad inactive. You can also customize the settings of your mouse using the mouse utility.

Power On Password Set the password to secure your computer.

Enable Ports Enable or disable ports. Disabling ports releases

resources to the system. To change the serial settings, click Advanced on the Basic/Advanced tab.

Basic/Advanced Switch between Advanced mode (additional screens

with advanced settings) and Basic mode of display.

✍ For more information about each option, click Help on th e Sony Notebook Setup

screen to display the Help file.

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Controlling Power Management

The PowerPanel™ utility allows you to control the power management of your notebook and provides key information about system activity and battery life. The following sections briefly describe how to conserve your computer’s battery power. You can also refer to PowerPanel Help for more detailed information. To activate a profile or command, see “Displaying Battery Information” for more information.

Viewing the Power Management status icons

The Power Management status icons are displayed in the taskbar at the lowerright corner of your screen. Move the pointer over the Batteryicon to see the tool tip that displays information about the active profile. Double-click the icon for additional information.

To activate the Power Management toolbar

1 Right-click the taskbar at the bottom of the screen. 2 Select Toolbars from the pop-up menu, and then click Power Management.

The Power Management toolbar appears on the taskbar.

The current profile icon is highlighted on the Power Management toolbar. It is the first icon farthest to the left, and its appearance changes depending on which power management profile is currently selected. To change the power management profile, click the current profile icon, and then select a profile from the pop-up list. See “Power Management profiles” for a description of available options. To select another power management profile, click that icon in the Power Management toolbar.

✍ When you u se the battery pack to power your notebook, your system selects the

Maximum Battery Life power management profile by default. If you select a different power management profile while using battery power, that profile is selected automatically the next ti me you use the battery pack to power your notebook.

Refer to the PowerPanel Help for informat io n on custom izin g th e Power M ana gem ent toolbars.

You can change the powermanagementsettings, such as the system timer and the brightness of the screen.

Controlling Power Management

To customize Power Management settings

1 Click the Current Profile icon on the Power Management toolbar. 2 Select Edit/Create Profiles from the menu. 3 Click a profile whose setting you want to change from the list in the left

field.

4 Double-click an item whose setting you want to change from the list in the

right field.

5 Clickthedesiredsetting. 6 Click the File menu, and then click Save. 7 Click the File menu, and then click Exit.

Power Management profiles

The PowerPanel utility provides several predefined power management profiles. Each profile consists of a g roup of power management settings that are designed to meet specific power management goals — ranging from maximum power management to no power management. You can change the settings for any of

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the predefined profiles (except for the Disable Power Management p rofile), or you can create your own profile to suit your portable computing needs. The predefined profiles are:

Icon Description

Maximum Performance

Provides the best system performance while still conserving power.

Maximum Battery Life

Provides power saving features to give you maximum battery life and good performance. It slows the notebook and puts it into Standby mode after a specified time period.

Disable Power Management

Turns off all power management features such as Standby and Hibernate modes. You can not change the settings of t his profile.

AC Power

The power management state when AC power is in use. Similar to the Power Management Off setting. Power Management automatically loads the AC profile unless you disable this feature.

Games

Disables the display and the Hard Disk Standby timer.

Presentation

Keeps the display on at all times while it conserves power. This option is ideal for slide show presentations. You can establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby mode to optimize power management for your system.

Camera

Optimizes performance and power requirements for camera usage.

DVD

Optimizes performance and power requirements for DVD usage.

Icon Description

Word Processing

Optimizes power management with longer timeouts on the hard disk and display screen. You can also establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby mode to optimize power management for your system.

Spreadsheet

Optimizes performance and power requirements for spreadsheet applications.

Communications

Extends battery life by initiating a quick display tim eout. The Internal modem remains powered. You can also establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby mode to optimize power management for your system.

Automatic Profile Selection

Automatically switches to a profile suitable for active applications.

Controlling Power Management

✍ Do no t choose the Automatic Profile Selection when connected to AC power.

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Power Management commands

PowerPanel also provides power management commands that you can use to activate specific power managementfunctions and to control power for a specific device. You can use these commands to override a profile setting or initiate an immediate action.

Icon Description

Standby

Puts the system into Standby mode, a power management state that saves the state of the system and peripheral devices in memory (RAM). Power consumption reduces to a minimum, and the system remains on. To return the system to the active state, press any key on your computer. Your notebookis preset to enter Standby mode after 25 minutes.

Hibernate

Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. The system writes the state of the system and peripheral devices to the hard disk and turns off the system power. To return the system to the original state, use the power button to turn on power.The system saves the data in the Save to Disk Partition on the hard drive.

Conserving battery power

When using your notebook with a battery, the LCD display and the hard drive can be set to switch off automatically to conserve battery power.

See “Power Management profiles” for more information.

Displaying Battery Information

You can display information for each of the batteries in your notebook. The following sections briefly describe how to display your notebook’s general battery information. Refer to PowerPanel Help for more detailed information.

To activate the Battery Information toolbar

1 Right-click the taskbar at the bottom of the screen. 2 Select Toolbars from the pop-up menu, and then click Battery Information.

The Battery Information toolbar appears on the taskbar.

To view the total charge remaining in the battery, place the pointer over the battery status icon in the taskbar on the lower-right corner of the screen.

Battery Information Toolbar

❑ Percentage indicator — Displays the percentage of the remaining charge. ❑ Time indicator — Displays estimated time (hours : minutes) remaining

before the battery fully discharges, also known as the time-to-empty.

Battery icon descriptions

Battery icon Battery status

Charging

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Battery icon Battery status

Fully charged

Discharging

No battery

Displaying detailed battery information

Double-click the battery icon on the taskbar to display the Battery Information window. The Battery tab contains information such as battery charging time and duration of the battery ch arge.

Battery Information Window

Displaying Battery Information

Customizing the Battery Information toolbar and alarm system

You can customize the Battery Information toolbar and modify the alarm settings, to suit your portable computing needs. Refer to PowerPanel Help for more information.

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Selecting the Display Mode

This notebook usesthe ATI video controller. You can select which display is used when the notebook is connected to an external monitor. When you connect an external display, you can switch the displaymode between your notebook’s LCD display and the external monitor.

1 Click the Start button and then point to Control Panel. 2 Click Display to access the Display Properties window. 3 Click the Settings tab, and then click the Advanced button. The “(Multiple

Monitors) and Mobility Radeon Properties” dialog box appears.

(Multiple Monitors) and Mobility Radeon Properties screen

Selecting the Display Mode

4 Click the Displays tab and select the display settings by clicking the icon

on the panel of your display choice. For more information, click the Help button.

✍ If you cannot see your movie or DVD on the external display, change the monitor or TV

setting by clicking on the Secondary icon and changing it to Prim ary .

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✍ You may not be able to display the notebook LCD screen and an external display or

projector at the same time, d epending on the types of computer displays and projectors you are u sing.

Turn on the notebook after you connect the external display.

Changing the window design of Sony software

To change the window design

1 Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel. 2 In the left window pane of Control panel, click “Switch to Classic View.” 3 Double-click UI Design Selector. 4 Click << or >> and select the desired design. 5 Click Apply. The “UI Design Selector” window design changes. The

window design for your Sony software will match the “UI Design Selector” window.

6 To try another selection, click << or >> and then click OK to close the UI

Design Selector.

✍ This fe ature is available with UI Design Selector-compatible software only.

Adding Memory

In the future you may want to install memory modules to expand the functionality of your notebook. The amount of memory on your notebook will vary depending on t he model you purchased. See the Specifications flyer t hat came with your notebook for the amount of memory preinstalled. Expansion memory modules are available as options. For memory upgrades, use only PC133 (CL2) SDRAM SO-DIMMs (gold lead contacts). This section describes how to replace memory modules in your computer:

❑ Precautions and Procedures ❑ Typical expansion memory configuration ❑ Removing a memory module ❑ Installing a memory module ❑ Viewing the amount of memory

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Precautions and Procedures

The procedures described below assume that you are familiar with the general terminology associated with personal notebooks and with common safety practices required for using and modifying electronic equipment. Personal injury or equipment damage may result from failure to take these precautions.

Make sure you observe the proper safety precautions when you install memory modules in your notebook. See the bull eted list belo w. Be careful when adding memory. Mistakes made when ins ta llin g o r rem ov in g a mem o ry module may cause a malfunction.

❑ Disconnect your system from its power source and from any

telecommunicationslinks, networks, or modems before you open the system or follow any of the procedures described below. Personal injury or equipment damage may result from failure to take these precautions.

❑ Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage memory modules and other

components. Perform the procedures described below only at an ESD workstation. If such a station isnot available, do not work in a carpeted area, and do not handle materials that produce or hold static electricity (cellophane wrappers, for example). Ground yourself by maintaining contact with an unpainted metal portion of the chassis while performing the procedure.

❑ Do not open the memory module package until you are ready to install the

module. The package protects the module from ESD.

❑ Use the special bag for preventing ESD or usealuminum foil when you store

the memory module.

Typical expansion memory configuration

Models with 256 MB Memory

Total System Memory (MB)Slot 1 (MB) Slot 2 (MB)

256 256

384 256 128

512 256 256

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Removin g a memory module

1 Shutdownyournotebookand disconnect all peripheral devices, such asyour

printer.

2 Unplug your notebook and remove the battery pack(s). 3 After your notebook has cooled, loosen and remove the screw that secures

the cover of the memory bay on the bottom of your notebook. Use an appropriate screwdriver.

Removing the memory module cover

Screwdriver

Screw

4 Touch a metal object (such as the connector panel on the back of your

notebook) to discharge any static electricity.

5 Remove the memory module.

Removing memory module

Removing a memory module

1 Pull the tabs in the direction of the arrow

The memory module is released .

2 Pull the memory module in

the direction of the arrow.

6 Tightenthescrewonthememorybaycover.

✍ Your notebook comes with a memory module installed in the memory slot. To upgrade

your memory, removal of this module may be necessary before installing your upgrade memory module(s).

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Installing a mem or y module

1 Follow steps 1 to 4 of “Removing a memory module” for removing the

preinstalled memory.

2 Remove the new memory module from its packaging. 3 Install the memory module by sliding it into the memory module slot. Press

the module into place until it clicks.

Installing memory module

1 Slide the memory

2 Press the module into place

until it clicks.module into the slot.

4 Tighten the screw on the cover of the memory bay.

100

Sony PCG-GR250, PCG-GR250P, PCG-GR270, PCG-GR270K, PCG-GR270P User Guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Welcome

Using Your VAIO Notebook

Using the Keyboard

Combinations and functions with the Windows key

Indicators

Indicator lights

Combinations and functions with the Fn key

Using the Touchpad

VAIO Action Setup

Using the Center Jog Dial Control

Using the center Jog Dial control

Launcher mode

Guide mode

Center Jog Dial back button

Using the center Jog Dial control with Sony software

Using the center Jog Dial control with other software

Using the Removable Har d Disk Drive

Using the Optical Disc Drive

To insert a disc

To eject a disc

To play a DVD

To play an audio CD

Notes on CD and DVD discs

To write data to a CD-RW or CD-R disc

Using PC Cards

To insert a PC Card

To remove a PC Card

Using Memory Stick Media

Types of Memory Stick media

Write-protecting Memory Stick media

Formatting Memory Stick media

Notes on using Memory Stick media

Using a Second Battery Pack

To insert a second battery pack

To charge the second battery pack

To remove the second battery pack

Using the Weight Saver

To attach the weight saver

To remove the weight saver

Using Power Saving Modes

Normal mode

Standby mode

Hibernate mode

Connecting a Phone Line

Connectin g to a LAN

Setting up your Ethernet connection

Connecting Peripheral Devices

Connecting an External Floppy Disk Drive

To connect an external floppy disk drive

To insert a floppy disk

To remove a floppy disk

To carry an external floppy disk drive

Handling floppy disks

Connecting a Port Replicator

To attach your notebook to the port replicator

To remove your notebook from the port replicator

Connecting a PS/2 External Mouse or Keyboard

To connect an external mouse or keyboard

Connecting an Audio Device

Connecting a CD player, active speaker, or an amplifier

Connecting an AV Device

Connecting a Parallel Port Printer

To connect a printer

Connecting a USB Printer

To connect a USB printer

Connecting an External Display

To connect a computer display

To connect a multimedia computer display

To connect a projector

To select a display

Connecting a USB Device

To connect a USB device

Connecting an i.LINK Device

To connect a digital video camera recorder

Connecting with another VAIO computer

Connecting External Speakers