Sony VAIO VGN-P29VN/Q, VAIO VGN-P21Z/G, VAIO VGN-P21ZR/Q, VAIO VGN-P21ZR/W, VAIO VGN-P21ZR/G User Manual

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User Guide

Personal Computer

VGN-P series

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Contents
Before Use..........................................................................	4
Finding More about Your VAIO Computer ....................	5
Ergonomic Considerations ............................................	7
Getting Started....................................................................	9
Locating Controls and Ports........................................	10
About the Indicator Lights ...........................................	15
Connecting a Power Source .......................................	16
Using the Battery Pack................................................	17
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely ........................	24
Updating Your Computer ............................................	25
Using Your VAIO Computer..............................................	26
Using the Keyboard.....................................................	27
Using the Pointing Device ...........................................	29
Using Special-function Buttons ...................................	31
Using the Instant Mode ...............................................	32
Using the Built-in Camera ...........................................	33
Using the Memory Stick ..............................................	34
Using Other Modules / Memory Cards........................	39
Using the Internet........................................................	43
Using the Network (LAN) ............................................	44
Using the Wireless LAN ..............................................	46
Using the Wireless WAN.............................................	53

Using the Bluetooth Function ......................................	57
Using the GPS Function ..............................................	62
Using Peripheral Devices..................................................	64
Using the Noise Canceling Headphones.....................	65
Connecting a Display/LAN Adapter .............................	71
Connecting an Optical Disc Drive................................	73
Connecting External Speakers or Headphones ..........	75
Connecting an External Display ..................................	76
Selecting Display Modes .............................................	78
Using the Multiple Monitors Function ..........................	80
Connecting a USB Device ...........................................	83
Customizing Your VAIO Computer....................................	85
Setting the Password...................................................	86
Using the VAIO Control Center ...................................	96
Using the Power Saving Modes ..................................	97
Using the VAIO Power Management.........................	102
Protecting the Hard Disk............................................	104

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Precautions.....................................................................	105
Handling the LCD Screen .........................................	106
Using the Power Source ...........................................	107
Handling Your Computer...........................................	108
Handling the Built-in Camera ....................................	111
Handling Discs ..........................................................	112
Using the Battery Pack..............................................	113
Using Headphones....................................................	114
Handling the Memory Stick .......................................	115
Handling the Built-in Storage Device ........................	116
Handling the Display/LAN Adapter............................	117
Troubleshooting ..............................................................	118
Computer ..................................................................	120
System Security ........................................................	129
Battery.......................................................................	130
Instant Mode .............................................................	132
Built-in Camera .........................................................	134
Networking ................................................................	136
Bluetooth Technology ...............................................	141
GPS...........................................................................	145
Display ......................................................................	146
Printing ......................................................................	149
Microphone ...............................................................	150
Speakers ...................................................................	151

Pointing Device..........................................................	152
Keyboard ...................................................................	153
Floppy Disks ..............................................................	154
Audio/Video ...............................................................	155
Memory Cards ...........................................................	157
Peripherals ................................................................	158
Trademarks .....................................................................	159
Notice ..............................................................................	161

Before Use >

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Before Use

Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the on-screen User Guide. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and communications to provide state-of-the-art personal computing experience.

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External views illustrated in this manual may look slightly different from those of your computer.

How to find specifications

Some features, options, and supplied items may not be available on your computer.

To find out about the configuration of your computer, visit the VAIO Link web site at http://www.vaio-link.com.

Before Use >
Finding More about Your VAIO Computer	n 5 N

Finding More about Your VAIO Computer

This section provides support information about your VAIO computer.

1. Printed Documentation

Quick Start Guide — An overview of components connection, set-up information, etc.

Troubleshooting and Recovery Guide

Regulations, Guarantee, EULA and Service Support

2. On-screen Documentation

User Guide (This manual) — Features of your computer and information about solving common problems. To view this on-screen guide:

1 Double-click the VAIO User Guide icon on the desktop.

2 Open the folder for your language.

3 Select the guide you want to read.

You can manually browse to the user guides by going to Computer > VAIO (C:) (your C drive) > Documentation > Documentation and opening the folder for your language.

Windows Help and Support — A comprehensive resource for practical advice, tutorials, and demonstrations to help you learn to use your computer.

To access Windows Help and Support, click Start and Help and Support, or press and hold the Microsoft Windows key and press the F1 key.

Before Use >
Finding More about Your VAIO Computer	n 6 N

3. Support Web Sites

If you have any problem with the computer, you can visit the VAIO-Link web site at http://www.vaio-link.com for troubleshooting.

Before contacting VAIO-Link by telephone, try to solve the problem by reading the supplied documentation and visiting other Sony web sites.

For more about VAIO and becoming part of the growing VAIO community, visit the web site at http://www.club-vaio.com.

For online purchases, visit the web site at http://www.sonystyle-europe.com.

For other Sony products, visit the web site at http://www.sony.net.

When you contact VAIO-Link by telephone, have the serial number of your VAIO computer ready at hand. The serial number is located on the bottom, the back panel, or inside the battery compartment of your VAIO computer.

Before Use >
Ergonomic Considerations	n 7 N

Ergonomic Considerations

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

Position of your computer – Place the computer directly in front of you (1). Keep your forearms horizontal (2), with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position (3) while using the keyboard or the pointing device. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Take frequent breaks while using your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain eyes, muscles, or tendons.

Furniture and posture – Sit in a chair with good back support. Adjust the level of 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.

Before Use >
Ergonomic Considerations	n 8 N

Viewing angle of the computer's display – Use the display's tilting feature to 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 level of the display as well.

Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not cause glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work efficiency.

Positioning an external display – When using an external display, set the 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.

Getting Started >

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Getting Started

This section describes how to get started using your VAIO computer.

Locating Controls and Ports (page 10)

About the Indicator Lights (page 15)

Connecting a Power Source (page 16)

Using the Battery Pack (page 17)

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely (page 24)

Updating Your Computer (page 25)

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 10 N

Locating Controls and Ports

Take a moment to identify the controls and ports shown on the following pages.

Front

A WIRELESS switch (page 46), (page 53), (page 57)

B WIRELESS indicator (page 15)

C SD memory card slot (page 39)

D Media Access indicator (page 15)

E Memory Stick slot* (page 34)

F Built-in MOTION EYE camera indicator (page 15)

G Built-in MOTION EYE camera (page 33)

H LCD screen (page 106)

I Built-in microphone (monaural)

J Keyboard (page 27)

K Power switch

L Power indicator (page 15)

M Charge indicator (page 15)

N Disc drive indicator (page 15)

* Your computer supports only the Duo-size Memory Stick.

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 11 N
	A Built-in speakers (stereo)
	B Pointing stick (page 29)
	C Left button (page 29)
	D Center button (page 29)
	E Right button (page 29)
	F Window arrangement button (S2 button) (page 31)
	G XMB (Xross Media Bar) button (S1 button) (page 31)
	H Num lock indicator (page 15)
	I Caps lock indicator (page 15)
	J Scroll lock indicator (page 15)

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 12 N

Back

A SIM card slot (page 53)

B Battery connector (page 17)

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 13 N

Right

A Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port* (page 83)

B I/O port (page 72)

* Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.

Getting Started >
Locating Controls and Ports	n 14 N

Left

A DC IN port (page 16)

B Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) port* (page 83)

C Headphones jack (page 65), (page 75)

* Supports high-/full-/low- speeds.

Getting Started >
About the Indicator Lights	n 15 N

About the Indicator Lights

Your computer is equipped with the following indicator lights:

	Indicator	Functions
	Power 1	Illuminates in green when the computer is on, blinks slowly in orange while the computer is in Sleep mode, and
		turns off when the computer is off or in Hibernate mode.
	Charge	Illuminates while the battery pack is charging. See Charging the Battery Pack (page 19) for more information.
	Built-in MOTION EYE camera	Illuminates while the built-in camera is in use.
	Media Access	Illuminates while data is being read from or written to a memory card, such as the Memory Stick and the SD
		memory card. (Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off when this indicator is lit.) When the
		indicator is unlit, the memory card is not in use.
	Disc drive	Illuminates while the built-in storage device is running to read or write data.
		Do not place the computer into Sleep mode or turn it off when this indicator is lit.
	Num lock	Press the Fn+Num Lk keys to activate the numeric keypad. Press it a second time to deactivate the numeric
		keypad. The numeric keypad is not active when the indicator is unlit.
	Caps lock	Press the Caps Lock key to type letters in uppercase. Letters appear in lowercase if you press the Shift key
		while the indicator is lit. Press the key a second time to turn off the indicator. Normal typing resumes when the
		Caps lock indicator is unlit.
	Scroll lock	Press the Fn+Scr Lk keys to change how you scroll the display. Normal scrolling resumes when the Scroll lock
		indicator is unlit. The Scr Lk key functions differently depending on the program you are using and does not
		work with all programs.
	WIRELESS	Illuminates when one or more wireless options are enabled.

Getting Started >
Connecting a Power Source	n 16 N

Connecting a Power Source

You can use either an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery pack for supplying power to your computer.

Using the AC Adapter

Use only the supplied AC adapter for your computer.

To use the AC adapter

1Plug one end of the power cord (1) into the AC adapter (3).

2Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (2).

3Plug the cable connected to the AC adapter (3) into the DC IN port (4) on the computer.

To disconnect your computer completely from AC power, unplug the AC adapter. Make sure that the AC outlet is easily accessible.

If you do not intend to use your computer for a long period of time, place the computer into Hibernate mode. See Using Hibernate Mode (page 100).

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 17 N

Using the Battery Pack

The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of delivery.

Installing the Battery Pack

To install the battery pack

1Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid.

2Slide the battery LOCK switch (1) inward.

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 18 N

3Fit the battery pack into the battery compartment.

The battery pack should be level with the bottom of the computer.

4 Slide the battery pack toward the front of the computer until it clicks into place.

5 Slide the battery LOCK switch outward to secure the battery pack on the computer.

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

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Certain rechargeable batteries do not meet Sony quality and safety standards. For safety reasons this computer only functions with genuine Sony battery packs designed for this model. If an unauthorized battery pack is installed, the battery will not be charged and the computer will not function.

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 19 N

Charging the Battery Pack

The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of delivery.

To charge the battery pack

1Install the battery pack.

2Connect the computer to a power source with the AC adapter.

The charge indicator light turns on while the battery pack is charging. When the battery pack charges close to the maximum charge level you selected with the battery charge functions, the charge indicator turns off. To select your desired maximum charge level, see Using the Battery Charge Functions (page 21).

Charge indicator status	Meaning
Lit in orange	The battery pack is charging.
Blinks along with the green power	The battery pack is running out of power. (Normal
indicator	mode)
Blinks along with the orange power	The battery pack is running out of power. (Sleep mode)
indicator
Blinks fast in orange	A battery error has occurred due to a failed battery
	pack or an unlocked battery pack.

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Charge the battery pack as described in this manual from your first battery charge.

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 20 N

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

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

Your computer is supplied with a lithium ion battery pack and can be recharged any time. Charging a partially discharged battery pack does not affect the life of battery.

While some software applications or peripheral devices are in use, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode even when the remaining battery life is short. To avoid loss of data when using battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as Sleep or Hibernate.

If the battery pack wears out when the computer enters Sleep mode, you will lose all unsaved data. Going back to the previous work state is impossible. To avoid loss of data, you should save your data frequently.

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

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 21 N

Using the Battery Charge Functions

You can customize the current battery charging method using the Battery Charge Functions: the battery care function and the quick charge function. The battery care function makes the life of battery longer, and the quick charge function allows you to charge your battery pack quickly.

The quick charge function is intended to speed up battery charging while your computer is in Sleep or Hibernate mode or off. It does not reduce the battery charge time while the computer is in Normal mode.

To enable the battery care function and the quick charge function

1Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Control Center.

2Click Power Management and then Battery Charge Functions.

3Click to select the Enable Quick Charge Function check box in the right pane and click Apply.

4Click Advanced.

5Click to select the Enable Battery Care Function check box.

6Select the desired maximum charge level.

7Click OK.

To check the battery charge capacity

Follow steps 1 and 2 in To enable the battery care function and the quick charge function above, click Advanced, and check detailed information. If the battery charge capacity is low, replace the battery pack with a new genuine Sony battery pack.

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 22 N

Using the Battery Life Conserving Wallpaper

You can conserve your battery life just by setting the specific wallpaper as your desktop background.

To set the battery life conserving wallpaper

1Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Control Center.

2Click Display and then Long Battery Life Wallpaper Setting.

3Click Set Long Battery Life Wallpaper. At the confirmation prompt, click OK.

Getting Started >
Using the Battery Pack	n 23 N

Removing the Battery Pack

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

To remove the battery pack

1Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid.

2Slide the battery LOCK switch (1) inward.

3Slide and hold the battery RELEASE latch (2) inward and slightly slide the battery pack toward the back of the computer.

4 Lift the back edge of the battery pack to take it out of the battery compartment.

Getting Started >
Shutting Down Your Computer Safely	n 24 N

Shutting Down Your Computer Safely

To avoid losing unsaved data, be sure to shut down your computer properly, as described below.

To shut down your computer

1Turn off any peripherals connected to the computer.

2Click Start, the arrow next to the Lock button, and then Shut Down.

3Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for the computer to turn off automatically.

The power indicator light turns off.

Getting Started >
Updating Your Computer	n 25 N

Updating Your Computer

Be sure to install the latest updates on your computer with the following software applications so that the computer can run more efficiently.

Windows Update

Click Start, All Programs, and Windows Update and then follow the on-screen instructions.

VAIO Update 4

Click Start, All Programs, VAIO Update 4, and VAIO Update Options and then follow the on-screen instructions.

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Your computer must be connected to the Internet to download the updates.

Using Your VAIO Computer >

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Using Your VAIO Computer

This section describes how to get the most out of using your VAIO computer.

Using the Keyboard (page 27)

Using the Pointing Device (page 29)

Using Special-function Buttons (page 31)

Using the Instant Mode (page 32)

Using the Built-in Camera (page 33)

Using the Memory Stick (page 34)

Using Other Modules / Memory Cards (page 39)

Using the Internet (page 43)

Using the Network (LAN) (page 44)

Using the Wireless LAN (page 46)

Using the Wireless WAN (page 53)

Using the Bluetooth Function (page 57)

Using the GPS Function (page 62)

Using Your VAIO Computer >
Using the Keyboard	n 27 N

Using the Keyboard

Your keyboard has additional keys that perform model-specific tasks.

Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key

Some keyboard functions can be used only after the operating system is finished launching.

Combinations/Feature				Functions
Fn + % (F2): speaker switch				Turns on and off the built-in speakers and the headphones.
Fn + 2 (F3/F4): volume				Changes the volume level.
				To increase the volume, keep pressing the Fn+F4 keys or press the Fn+F4 keys and then the
				M or , key.
				To decrease the volume, keep pressing the Fn+F3 keys or press the Fn+F3 keys and then the
				m or < key.
Fn + 8 (F5/F6): brightness control				Changes the LCD brightness of your computer screen.
				To increase lighting intensity, keep pressing the Fn+F6 keys or press the Fn+F6 keys and then
				the M or , key.
				To decrease lighting intensity, keep pressing the Fn+F5 keys or press the Fn+F5 keys and then
				the m or < key.
Fn +		/T (F7): display output		Toggles among your computer screen, an external display, and simultaneous output to both.
Fn +		/	(F9/F10): zoom	Changes the size of an image or a document displayed on some software.
				To make the view look smaller and further away (zoom out), press the Fn+F9 keys.
				To make the view look bigger and closer (zoom in), press the Fn+F10 keys.
				See the help file included with the VAIO Control Center for more information.

Using Your VAIO Computer >
Using the Keyboard			n 28 N
	Combinations/Feature		Functions
	Fn +	(F12): hibernate	Provides the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this command, the states
			of the system and the connected peripheral devices are saved to the built-in storage device and
			the system power is turned off. To return the system to its original state, use the power switch
			to turn on the power.
			For details on power management, see Using the Power Saving Modes (page 97).

Using Your VAIO Computer >
Using the Pointing Device	n 29 N

Using the Pointing Device

The keyboard contains a cursor-pointing device, the pointing stick (1). You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the pointing stick in combination with the buttons located below the space bar.

The pointer (2) moves in the direction that you push the pointing stick. The stronger you push the pointing stick, the faster moves the pointer.

Using Your VAIO Computer >

Using the Pointing Device			n 30 N
	Action		Description
	Point		Push the pointing stick to place the pointer on an item or object.
	Click		Press the left button (3) or tap on the pointing stick once.
	Double-click		Press the left button or tap on the pointing stick twice in a row.
	Right-click		Press the right button (5) once. In many applications, this action displays a shortcut menu.
	Drag		Push the pointing stick in your desired direction while pressing the left button. Alternatively, you can tap on the pointing
			stick twice in a row and, without taking your finger off the pointing stick on the second tap, push it in your desired
			direction. To drop the dragging object, take your finger off the pointing stick.
	Scroll		Push the pointing stick up and down or sideways while pressing the center button (4). (The scroll function is available
			only with applications that support a pointing stick scroll feature.)

The pointer may move on its own on rare occasions, which does not indicate a malfunction. Leave the pointing stick untouched for a while. The pointer will behave normally.

The tip on the pointing stick is a consumable. You can replace it with one of the supplied spare caps when necessary.

You can disable/enable the pointing stick while a mouse is connected to your computer. To change the pointing stick settings, use the VAIO Control Center.

!

Be sure to connect a mouse before disabling the pointing stick. If you disable the pointing stick before connecting a mouse, you will be able to use only the keyboard for pointer operations.