Sony VGN-X505VP User Manual
Hardware Guide
VGN-X505 series
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Notice
© 2004 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved.
This manual and the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated, or reduced to any
machine-readable form without prior written approval.
Sony Corporation provides no warranty with regard to this manual, the software, or other information contained herein and hereby expressly disclaims any implied
warranties or merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose with regard to this manual, the software or such other information. In no event shall Sony
Corporation be liable for any incidental, consequential, or special damages, whether based on tort, contract, or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this
manual, the software, or other information contained herein or the use thereof.
Macrovision: This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by U.S.patents and other intellectual property rights. Use of this copyright
protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision.
Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
In the manual, the ™ or ® marks are not specified.
Sony Corporation reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time without notice. The software described
herein is governed by the terms of a separate user licence agreement.
Please note that the illustrations in this manual may not necessarily apply to your model. Please see the Specifications sheet for the specific configuration
of your VAIO.
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ENERGY STAR
As an ENERGY STAR Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
The International ENERGY STAR Office Equipment Program is an international program that promotes energy saving through the use of computers and their office
equipment. The program backs the development and dissemination of products with functions that effectively reduce energy consumption. It is an open system in
which business proprietors can participate voluntarily. The targeted products are office equipment such as computers, displays, printers, facsimiles and copiers. Their
standards and logos are uniform among participating nations.
ENERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.
Owner's record
The serial number, model number and product key are located on the bottom of your Sony computer. Record the numbers and refer to them if you call VAIO-Link.
See also the printed Specifications document.
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Safety Information
General
❑ Opening the unit, for whatever reason, could lead to damages that are not covered by the guarantee.
❑ To avoid electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
❑ To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose your VAIO computer to rain or moisture.
❑ If reporting a gas leak, do not use the modem or a telephone in the vicinity of the leak.
❑ Avoid using the modem during a severe electrical storm.
❑ To change the backup battery, please contact your nearest Sony Service Centre.
❑ Before you connect peripherals, turn off the computer and all peripherals.
❑ Connect the power cord only after connecting all cables.
❑ Turn on the computer only after turning off all peripherals.
❑ Do not move your computer while the system is in Standby mode.
❑ The magnetic properties of some objects can have serious consequences for your hard disk drive. They can erase the data on
the hard disk drive and cause the computer to malfunction. Do not place your computer near or on any objects which emit
magnetic fields, mainly:
❑ TV sets
❑ Speakers
❑ Magnets and magnetic bracelets.
Audio/video
❑ Audio and picture distortion may occur if this equipment is positioned in close proximity to any equipment emitting
electromagnetic radiation.
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Connectivity
❑ Never install modem or telephone wiring during a severe lightning storm.
❑ Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations.
❑ Take care when installing or modifying telephone lines.
❑ Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter. To disconnect your computer completely from mains voltage, unplug the
AC adapter.
❑ Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.
❑ Never touch uninsulated telephone wire or terminals unless the telephone line has been disconnected at the network interface.
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Caution
Your computer is a high-precision machine with unique characters. Although it is manufactured to withstand a lot of various stress
factors, great care must also be taken in how it is handled and operated.
❑ High temperature: The upper panel may become hot during operations. This computer has a special way of releasing heat from
the surface of the computer. The panel on the top part of the keyboard may become hot when the CPU is in heavy load stage.
This is not a failure.
Be careful! Please do not touch the panel for a certain period of time as it can cause burning.
Please try to cool it down by proceeding as follows:
1 Change the settings of System Thermal Control from Performance to Low Temperature on the VAIO Power Management
tab of Power Options Properties. Note: By default, System Thermal Control is set to Low Temperature.
If you need to lower the temperature further, change the setting of CPU Control to Battery Life on the VAIO Power
Management tab of Power Options Properties.
2 Disconnect all USB peripherals.
3 Disconnect the Wireless LAN PC Car or any other PC Card.
4 Set your computer to Standby/Hibernate mode when you are not using your computer.
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❑ Magnetic sensitivity: Do not expose the computer to any magnetic sources. The data recorded on the hard disk may be lost or
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the computer may breakdown.
❑ Weight: Do not place any heavy objects on the computer. A heavy weight may deform the internal parts which may lead to a
breakdown.
About additional software and screen savers
Your VAIO is equipped with one of the world's most compact high-performance processors. Its size makes it sensitive to the high
consumption demanded by applications such as screen savers. Please be aware therefore, that installing additional software, such
as screen savers that demand high consumption of the CPU, may reduce performance and life of the CPU.
Your VAIO is delivered without an active screen saver.
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Regulatory information
Sony hereby declares that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of European Directive 1999/5/EC (radio
equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment Directive).
Declaration of Conformity
The European Union is targeting the free movement of goods for the internal market and to prevent technical barriers to trade. This effort has resulted in several EU
Directives asking that manufacturers make their products comply with essential standards. Manufacturers are required to affix the "CE" mark on the products they
sell and to draw up a "Declaration of Conformity" (DoC).
Primarily, the Declarations of Conformity are intended for the market surveillance authorities as proof that products satisfy the required standards. Additionally, Sony
provides these EU DoC's on the website
You can search for all Declarations of Conformity available for a specific product by typing in the model name in the search box above. A list of matching documents
will be displayed and can be downloaded. Please note that the availability of declarations depends on the scope of the EU Directives and the individual product
specifications.
In case your model is equipped with Wireless LAN, please read the Wireless LAN Regulations leaflet before activating the Wireless LAN functionality.
Depending on the country, usage of the Wireless LAN functionality may be restricted. For country-specific details, please refer to the Wireless LAN Regulations
leaflet. The Wireless LAN PC functionality which is incorporated into this unit has passed Wi-Fi certification, and complies with the interoperability specifications
established by WECA (Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance).
http://www.compliance.sony.de as a service to our customers.
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Disposing of lithium ion batteries
❑ Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries. Dispose of promptly and properly at end-of-life.
❑ Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the
manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
❑ The battery pack used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not disassemble, heat above
60°C (140°F) or incinerate.
❑ Dispose of used batteries promptly and properly.
❑ Keep away from children.
❑ In some areas the disposal of lithium ion batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited.
❑ Use the public collection system.
Disposing of internal memory backup battery
❑ Your computer is equipped with an internal memory backup battery that should not have to be replaced during the lifetime of
the product. For changing this battery, please contact VAIO-Link.
❑ Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced.
❑ Dispose of properly at end-of-life.
❑ In some areas the disposal of lithium ion and other non-hazardous batteries in household or business waste may be prohibited.
❑ Please use the public collection system.
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Welcome
Welcome
Congratulations on purchasing a Sony VAIO computer. Sony has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing
and communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal computing.
Here are the main features you can enjoy:
❑ Exceptional performance.
❑ Portability - The rechargeable battery pack provides hours of use without AC power.
❑ Sony audio and video quality - A high-resolution LCD screen enables you to take advantage of today’s advanced multimedia
applications, games, and entertainment software.
❑ Multimedia features – Enjoy audio and video CDs/DVDs.
❑ Interconnectivity – Your computer has Ethernet, USB 2.0 (High-speed/Full-speed/Low-speed) and i.LINK functionalities. i.LINK
is a bidirectional digital interface for exchanging data. With the Multicard adapter (5 in 1) you can easily exchange and share
digital data with compatible products.
❑ Wireless technology – Thanks to the Wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b/g) technology, you can communicate freely, without cables
or wires.
❑ Windows - Your system includes Microsoft’s Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 1a operating system.
❑ Communications - Access popular online services, send and receive e-mails, browse the Internet.
❑ Excellent customer support - If you are experiencing any problems with your computer, please check the VAIO-Link website
for a possible solution: http://www.vaio-link.com
Before contacting VAIO-Link, please try to solve the problem by reading this guide, your printed Guide to Troubleshooting and
Recovering your VAIO System, or the manuals and help files for the peripherals or software.
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Welcome
Documentation pack
Your Documentation Pack contains printed information and user guides to read on your computer.
The user guides can be found on your desktop through the My Info Centre Icon .
From My Info Centre, click the My Documentation icon to see the guides.
Printed documentation
❑ A Getting Started brochure, where you will find a brief description of the items in your box, and how to setup your computer.
❑ A Specifications sheet, containing a table of specifications, a list of bundled software and an overview of all connectors.
❑ A Guide to Troubleshooting and Recovering your VAIO System, where you will find solutions to common problems, an
explanation of how to recover your computer’s system if you need to, and VAIO-Link information.
❑ Yo ur Sony Guarantee conditions.
❑ A Safety Regulations leaflet.
❑ A Wireless Lan Regulations leaflet.
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Non-printed documentation
Click on the desktop icon , then My Documentation to view the VAIO user guides.
❑ The Hardware Guide (this guide) explains the features of your VAIO in detail, how to use these features confidently and safely,
connect peripheral devices, upgrade your computer, and more.
❑ The Software Guide describes how to register your VAIO, the software features available with VAIO systems, how to change
settings, how to manage drivers and more.
My Documentation also gives you:
❑ Help files about reading the guides.
❑ Important information about your computer, in the form of notices and announcements.
My Info Centre also gives you:
My Software
Feeling creative? Click on this icon for an overview of your software and check out our upgrade options.
My VAIO essentials
Want to expand the capabilities of your VAIO? Click on this icon and have a look at your compatible accessories.
My Websites
Click on this icon and check out our most popular websites.
My ISP
Click on this icon to find out about the preferred offerings from our partners and access the world of the internet.
Further sources
1 Consult the Online Help files of the software you are using for detailed information on features and troubleshooting.
2 Go to http://www.club-vaio.com to find online tutorials about your favourite VAIO software.
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Welcome
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 to 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, pointer, or external mouse. Let your upper arms hang naturally at
your sides. Have breaks during sessions with your computer. Excessive use of the computer may strain 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.
❑ 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 setting of the display as well.
❑ Lighting – Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare and reflection on the display. Use indirect lighting to
avoid bright spots on the display. You can also purchase accessories for your display that help reduce glare. Proper lighting adds
to your comfort and work effectiveness.
❑ 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.
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Using your VAIO computer
Using your VAIO computer
Once you have read and followed the information in the printed Getting Started guide and Specifications sheet, you can start using
your computer safely and confidently.
Read on to get the most out of using your VAIO computer.
❑ Connecting a power source (page 14)
❑ Setting up your computer with Sony Notebook Setup (page 18)
❑ Shutting down your computer safely (page 20)
❑ Using the keyboard (page 21)
❑ Using the pointing device (page 24)
❑ Using the disc drive (page 25)
❑ Using PC Cards (page 33)
❑ Using the Memory Stick (page 37)
❑ Using Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 41)
❑ Using power saving modes (page 50)
❑ Managing power with VAIO Power Management (page 53)
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Using your VAIO computer
Connecting a power source
You can use either an AC adapter or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source. The supplied battery is not charged when you
receive your computer. To use your computer immediately, use the supplied AC adapter as the power source. While the computer
uses AC power, it automatically charges the battery if it is inserted. See
installing and using your battery.
Using the AC adapter
To use the AC adapter, proceed as follows:
1 Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter (1) into the DC
In connector (2) on the computer.
2 Plug one end of the power cord (3) into the AC adapter.
3 Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (4).
The LED indicator of the AC adapter turns green (5).
✍ Use your computer only with the supplied AC adapter.
To disconnect your computer completely from mains voltage, unplug the AC
adapter.
Make sure that the socket outlet is easily accessible.
✍ If you press unintentionnaly the power button while your computer is in use,
the system will go into Hibernate mode.
If you want to change this setting, proceed as follows:
1) Click Start and go to Control Panel.
2) Click the Performance and maintenance icon.
3) Click the Power Options icon.
The Power Options properties appear.
4) Click the Advanced tab and change the settings there.
Using the battery pack (page 15) for more information on
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Using your VAIO computer
Using the battery pack
You can use one battery as a source of power. The battery pack supplied with your computer is not fully charged at the time of
purchase.
Inserting the battery pack
To insert the battery, proceed as follows:
1 Turn the computer over, and slide the UNLOCK/LOCK latches on
the bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK computer.
2 Align the grooves on the battery with the tabs on the back of the
computer.
3 Slide the battery into the computer until it clicks into place.
4 Slide the UNLOCK/LOCK latches into the LOCK position.
✍ When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack inserted in the battery bay, it uses power from the AC outlet.
! Do not open the LCD screen too far. Do not allow the LCD screen to hit the stopper (1). If you open/close the display panel with force, the LCD may deform or break.
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Charging the battery pack
To charge the battery pack, proceed as follows:
1 Connect the AC adapter to the computer.
2 Insert the battery pack.
The computer automatically charges the battery (the battery indicator light flashes in a double blink pattern as the battery
charges).
Depending on your model, your computer has one or two battery indicator lights.
Battery indicator light status Meaning
On The computer is using battery power.
Single blink The battery is running out of power.
Double blink The battery is charging.
Off The computer is using AC power.
✍ When the battery is running out of power, both the battery and power indicators blink.
Keep the battery pack in the computer while it is directly connected to AC power. The battery pack continues to charge while you are using the computer.
If the battery level falls below 10%, you should either attach the AC adapter to recharge the battery or shut down your computer and insert a fully charged battery.
The battery pack supplied with your computer is a lithium ion battery and can be recharged any time. Charging a partially discharged battery does not affect battery life.
The battery indicator light is on while you use the battery pack as a power source. When the battery life is nearly depleted, both the battery and power indicators start
flashing.
For some software applications and some peripheral devices, your computer may not enter Hibernate mode even when battery life is low. To avoid loss of data when using
battery power, you should save your data frequently and manually activate a power management mode, such as Standby or Hibernate.
When the computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack inserted in the battery bay, it uses power from the AC outlet.
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Removing the battery pack
To remove the battery pack, proceed as follows:
1 Turn off the computer and turn the computer over.
2 Slide the UNLOCK/LOCK latches on the bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK position.
3 While holding the UNLOCK latches, slide the battery away from the computer.
Using your VAIO computer
✍ You can remove the battery pack without turning off the computer if it is connected to the mains voltage (AC adapter).
You may lose data if you remove the battery pack while the computer is on and not connected to the AC adapter or if you remove the battery while the computer is in Standby
mode.
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Setting up your computer with Sony Notebook Setup
The Sony Notebook Setup utility allows you to consult system information, specify preferences for system behaviour, and set up
password protection for your VAIO computer.
To use Sony Notebook Setup, proceed as follows:
1 Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar.
2 In All Programs, select Sony Notebook Setup and then click Sony Notebook Setup.
The Sony Notebook Setup window appears.
Tab Description
About This Computer Displays system information, including memory capacity, serial number, and BIOS version.
Initial Setting Selects the drive and device order you wish to use for loading the operating system. You can specify the
Power On Password Sets the password to secure your computer.
Device Disables ports or devices to release resources to the system. To change the port settings, select a port and
S Buttons
(depending on your model)
Plug and Display
(depending on your model)
hard drive as well as other drives inserted into your computer. You can change the volume of the sounds
played while the operating system is loading.
If you use this option, remember the password at all times. If you forget the password, you cannot change
this setting anymore, and you will not be able to start your computer.
click Settings in the Device tab.
You can link an action that you often perform to the S1 button (button next to the power button). In Sony
Notebook Setup there are some actions pre-defined: Standby, Hibernate, External Display, Launch
Application.
If the Bluetooth functionality is installed, another option appears in the drop-down list: Waiting for
receiving files (Bluetooth Communication).
By default, when you connect your computer to an external display, the external display is automatically
detected and Hotkey Utility automatically outputs to this display. If you want to disable this function or
change the settings, you can do this in this tab.
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Tab Des cr ip ti on
Automatic Brightness
(depending on your model)
Station/Port replicator
(depending on your model)
Bass boost
(depending on your model)
S1 S2 buttons
(depending on your model)
By default, the light sensor senses the brightness from outside and the display brightness is adjusted
accordingly. This setting only applies when the display is set to automatic brightness mode. Press the
brightness button to set the display to automatic brightness mode.
You can adjust the general level of the automatic brightness mode in this tab. There are 3 possibilities:
Brightest, Standard and Darkest.
You can select if you want the digital and/or analogue output to the speaker and the optical out on the
docking station/port replicator.
Turn s t h e Bass Boost function on/off (only with headphones). You can also check the effect of the Bass
Boost function by selecting a sound file sample and playing it.
Sets the functions from a drop-down list for the S1/S2 buttons located next to the keyboard. Select
External Display and click Advanced to set up the display options.
3 Select the tab for the item you want to change.
4 Once finished, click OK.
The item has been changed.
✍ For more information about each option, click Help on the Sony Notebook Setup screen to display the help file.
If you open Sony Notebook Setup as a limited user, then only the About This Computer tab will be visible.
Using your VAIO computer
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Shutting down your computer safely
It is important that you shut down your computer properly so you do not lose unsaved data.
To shut down your computer, proceed as follows:
1 Turn off any peripherals connected to your computer.
2 Click the Start button.
3 Click Turn Off Computer.
The Turn off computer window appears.
4 Click Turn O ff.
5 Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents or to consider other users and wait for your computer to turn off
automatically.
The power indicator turns off.
✍ See the printed Troubleshooting guide if you have problems shutting down your computer.
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Using the keyboard
Your keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer’s, but has additional keys that perform specific notebook-related tasks. For
more information on the standard keys, please go to the Windows Help and Support Center.
The VAIO-Link website (www.vaio-link.com) also contains glossary information to help you use the keyboard.
Combinations and functions with the <Fn> key
Combinations/Feature Functions
<Fn> + (F4): speaker volume Adjusts the built-in speaker volume.
To increase volume, press <Fn>+<F4> and then or .
To decrease volume, press <Fn>+<F4> and then or .
<Fn> + (F3): speaker volume Toggles the built-in speaker on and off.
<Fn> + (F5): brightness control
<Fn> + (F7)*: switch to the external
display
<Fn> + (F12): Hibernate Provides for the lowest level of power consumption. When you execute this command, the states of the system and
<Fn> + <B>: Bass Boost Activates Bass Boost. This means that the bass sound level is enhanced at all levels without distorting other
Adjusts the brightness of the LCD.
To increase lightness intensity, press <Fn>+<F5> and then or .
To decrease light intensity, press <Fn>+<F5> and then or .
Toggles between the LCD and external device. This function can only be used by the first user to log in. It will not work
under a second user account.
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 switch to turn on the power.
For details on power management, see the section Using power saving modes (page 50).
frequencies (only with headphones).
! * This function can only be used by the first user to log on. It will not work if you have switched to another user account. If another user wants to display on an
external monitor, use the monitor properties to switch to an external monitor or TV.
✍ Some functions are not available until Windows is launched.
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Using your VAIO computer
Troubleshooting sound
My speakers are not producing sound
❑ If your computer is powered by battery, check that the battery is inserted properly and that it is charged.
❑ If you are using an application that has its own volume control, check that the volume is turned up.
❑ Check the volume controls in Windows.
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Indicators
Indicator Functions
Power
Battery Indicates the status of the battery.
Light On Off
Hard disk
Num Lock
Caps Lock
Scroll Lock
Power on: lights green.
Standby mode: flashes umber.
Data is read from or written to the hard drive. The hard drive is not being accessed.
Turns on when the number keys in the numeric keypad
are active.
Turns on when the letters appear in uppercase as you
type. The <Shift> key lowers the case of typed
characters when Caps Lock is on.
Turns on when the screen scrolls differently (Not all
applications support this function).
Using your VAIO computer
Turns off when the alphanumeric character keys in the
keypad area are active.
Turns off when the letters appear in lowercase as you
type (unless you hold down the <Shift> key).
Turns off when the information moves across the
display normally.
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Using your VAIO computer
Using the pointing device
The keyboard contains a cursor-pointing device (1). You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the builtin pointing device.
Action Description
Point Press the pointing device (2) in a direction to place the pointer on an on-screen item or
Click Press the left button (3) once.
Double-click Press the left button twice.
Right-click Press the right button (4) once. In many applications, this action displays a shortcut
Drag Press the pointing device in a direction to place the pointer on an on-screen item or
Scroll Press the pointing device while pressing the centre button (5).
✍ The scroll function is available only with applications that support a scroll pointing device
feature. Pressing the pointing device too hard may damage it.
You can take off the pointing device cover (1) and replace it with the additional cover
supplied with your computer.
✍ Make sure the cover is tightly secured to prevent damage to the screen when you close the
computer.
object.
menu.
object. While holding the left button, press the pointing device in a direction, and then
release it at the desired point.
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Hardware Guide
Using the disc drive
Your computer is delivered with an external i.LINK optical disc drive.
Setting up the drive
The i.LINK drive is delivered with the following components:
1. Optical drive
2. VAIO peripheral cable
Using your VAIO computer
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Using your VAIO computer
Connecting the drive
Next to your computer’s S400 i.LINK connector is a VAIO peripheral original connector. The i.LINK drive’s cable has a two-pin plug
that has to be connected into both the S400 i.LINK connector and the VAIO peripheral original connector.
To connect the drive, proceed as follows:
1 Plug the four-pin end of the i.LINK drive’s cable into the optical disc
(1).
2 Scroll the LOCK wheel (2) to lock the i.LINK drive’s cable.
3 Plug the two-pin end of the i.LINK drive’s cable (3) into the
notebook’s S400 i.LINK connector (4) and the VAIO peripheral
original connector (5).
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