Sony VGN-X505ZP User Guide
Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony VAIO® computer, and welcome to the online VAIO® Computer User Guide.
This user guide provides detailed information on all aspects of using your new VAIO computer, from keyboard functions to
preinstalled software programs.
In the left navigation window, click the topics you want to learn more about, and that information will be displayed in this
main window.
View the Electronic Flyer, which provides updates and supplemental information about your computer.
Go to the Sony Computing Support Web site to view the VAIO® Computer Specifications, which list your computer's
hardware specifications and preinstalled software information.
For Sony software information, click Start and select Welcome to VAIO life.
Page 1
Ergonomics and Caring for Your Computer
This section provides information on how to safely use your Sony computer.
Page 2
Applying Ergonomics
Your computer is a portable device and can be used in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should apply the
following ergonomic considerations:
Position of your computer — Place the computer directly in front of you as you work. Keep your forearms
horizontal, with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position while using the keyboard, touch pad, or external
mouse. Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides. Take breaks during sessions with your computer.
Excessive use of the computer may strain muscles or tendons.
Furniture and posture — Sit in a chair with good back support and armrests. 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 backward.
Viewing angle of the computer's display — Tilt the display to find the best viewing angle. Also try adjusting the
brightness setting of the display. Following these suggestions can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue.
Lighting — Choose a location where windows and lights do not create glare or reflection on the display. Use indirect
lighting to avoid bright spots on the display. You can purchase accessories for your display that help reduce glare.
Proper lighting adds to your comfort and work effectiveness.
Placement of 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.
Page 3
Storing Your Computer
Do not use or store your computer in a location subject to:
Heat sources, such as radiators or air ducts
Direct sunlight
Excessive dust
Moisture or rain
Mechanical vibration or shock
Strong magnets or speakers that are not magnetically shielded
Ambient temperature higher than 95ºF (35ºC) or less than 40ºF (5ºC)
High humidity
Do not place electronic equipment near your computer. When running, the computer's electromagnetic field may
cause other electronic equipment in close proximity to malfunction.
Provide adequate air circulation to prevent internal heat buildup. Do not place your computer on porous surfaces
such as rugs or blankets, or near materials such as curtains or draperies that may block ventilation. Leave a space
of at least 8 inches (20 cm) behind the back of the computer.
If the computer is brought directly from a cold location to a warm one, moisture may condense inside your computer.
In this case, allow at least one hour before turning on your computer. If any problems occur, unplug your computer,
and contact your Sony Service Center.
The computer uses high-frequency radio signals and may interfere with radio or TV reception. Should this occur,
move the computer a suitable distance away from the radio or TV.
Do not drop the computer or place heavy objects on top of the computer.
Page 4
Using Cables and Connections
Use only specified peripheral equipment and interface cables.
Do not use cut or damaged connection cables.
If the telephone company makes a service call to your home or office and determines that your computer is
responsible for a problem, the telephone company may bill you for the service call. Also, if you do not disconnect
your computer when it is adversely affecting a telephone line, the telephone company has the right to disconnect
your service until you correct the problem.
Page 5
Cleaning Your Computer
Clean the computer with a soft, dry cloth or a soft cloth lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do not use
any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder, or solvent such as alcohol or benzine, as these may damage the finish
of your computer. You can use canned compressed air specifically for computers to remove dust.
If a solid object falls onto the computer or a liquid leaks into the computer, immediately turn off and unplug the
computer. It is best to have the computer checked by qualified personnel before you use it again.
Avoid rubbing the LCD screen as this can damage the screen. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the LCD screen or
canned compressed air.
Always disconnect the power cord before cleaning the computer.
Page 6
Handling the LCD Screen
Direct sunlight can damage the LCD. Be careful when using the computer near a window.
Do not scratch the LCD or exert pressure on it. This can cause a malfunction.
Using the computer in low temperature conditions may produce a residual image on the screen. This is not a
malfunction. When the computer returns to normal temperature, the screen returns to normal.
The screen becomes warm during operation. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.
The LCD is manufactured using high-precision technology. You may, however, see tiny black points and/or bright
points (red, blue, or green) that continuously appear on the LCD. This is a normal result of the manufacturing
process and does not indicate a malfunction.
Page 7
Caution Notes
Your computer is a high-precision machine with unique characteristics. 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. For general safety guidelines, see
Ergonomics and Caring for Your Computer.
Page 8
Sensitive areas
Temperature notes
Take care when touching the upper panel, above the keyboard. This area may become hot during computer operations.
High temperatures
The computer may become hot during use; this is normal, and not an indication of a malfunction. You can attempt to cool
down the computer by doing the following:
Change the power scheme settings. See Conserving Battery Power for more information.
Disconnect any USB peripherals that may be connected to the computer.
Disconnect a PC Card or Wireless LAN PC Card, if one is inserted into the computer's PC Card drive.
Set the computer to Hibernate mode when not in use.
Page 9
Sensitive areas
Temperature notes
Take care when touching the upper panel, above the keyboard. This area may become hot during computer operations.
High temperatures
The computer may become hot during use; this is normal, and not an indication of a malfunction. You can attempt to cool
down the computer by doing the following:
Change the power scheme settings. See Conserving Battery Power for more information.
Disconnect any USB peripherals that may be connected to the computer.
Disconnect a PC Card or Wireless LAN PC Card, if one is inserted into the computer's PC Card drive.
Set the computer to Hibernate mode when not in use.
Page 10
Magnetism notes
Do not expose your computer to magnetic sources, as internal components such as the hard disk drive may be damaged. If
exposed to magnetism, information stored on the hard disk drive may be lost, and other internal components may be
damaged as well.
Magnetic sensitivity
Page 11
Weight pressure notes
Do not put any pressure on the computer or place any heavy objects, such as books or other items, on top of the computer.
If the computer is subjected to heavy pressure from objects or mishandling, internal components may become damaged.
Pressure sensitivity
Page 12
Holding your computer
When moving your computer, always hold it securely with both hands.
Holding the computer
Page 13
Before transporting the computer
When preparing to transport your computer, place the computer into the supplied carrying case.
Using the carrying case
This carrying case is intended to protect your computer from scratches, and will not protect it from shock-related
malfunctions.
Before placing the computer into the carrying case, please remove the AC adapter and PC Card.
Page 14
Locating Controls and Ports
The following illustrations show locations for controls and ports on your computer.
Front
1 Keyboard 7 Num lock indicator
2 Pointing device 8 Caps lock indicator
3 Left, center, and right buttons 9 Scroll lock indicator
4 Power indicator 10 Built-in speaker
5 Battery indicator 11 Upper panel
6 Hard disk drive indicator 12 Computer screen (LCD)
Left
Page 15
1 DC In port 4 i.LINK® (IEEE 1394) port
2 Multipurpose port for VGA/Ethernet adapter 5 DC Out port for i.LINK® device
3 USB 2.0 ports
Only connect 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX cables to the Network (Ethernet) port. Do not connect any
other type of network cable or any telephone line to this port. Connecting cables other than those listed above may
result in an electric current overload and could cause a malfunction, excessive heat, or fire in the port.
Right
Page 16
1 PC Card eject button 3 Headphone jack
2 PC Card slot 4 Power switch
Bottom
1 Model number 2 Battery release latches
Page 17
Using the Pointing Device
The pointing device on the keyboard enables you to point to, select, drag, and scroll for, objects on the screen.
Page 18
Describing the pointing device
Locating the Pointing Device
Action Description
Point Press the pointing device in any direction to move the on-screen pointer toward an on-screen item or object.
Click Press the left button once.
Double-click Press the left button twice.
Right-click Press the right button once. In many applications, this action displays a shortcut menu of context-sensitive
choices.
Drag Press the pointing device in a direction to place the pointer on an on-screen item or object. While holding the left
button, press the pointing device in a direction, and then release it at the desired point.
Scroll Press the pointing device while pressing the center button.
The scroll function is available only with applications that support a scroll feature. Pressing the pointing device too
hard may damage it.
Page 19
Replacing the pointing device cover
Over time, the pointing device cover may wear out from extensive use. You can take off the pointing device cover and
replace it with the spare cover supplied with your computer.
Replacing the Pointing Device Cov er
Make sure the cover is tightly secured to prevent damage to the screen when you close the computer.
Page 20
Powering Your Computer
Your VAIO® computer comes with a battery and an AC adapter. This chapter explains how to install and use these supplied
accessories to power your computer. It also describes ways you can efficiently utilize the battery as a power source.
Page 21
Using AC Power
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 Using the Battery for more information on installing and using your battery.
Page 22
Connecting the AC adapter
To connect the AC adapter
1.
Plug the AC adapter cable into the DC IN port.
Connecting the AC Adapter to the Computer
2.
Plug the power cord into the AC adapter and an AC outlet.
Use only the supplied AC adapter with your computer.
Page 23
Turning on the computer
To turn on the computer
1.
Lift the lid of the computer by holding the bottom of the computer firmly with one hand and lifting the LCD screen
lid gently with the other hand.
Opening the Computer
2.
Press the power switch until the power indicator turns on.
Turning on the Computer
If you press and hold the power switch for at least four seconds, the computer will turn off.
If you press the power switch while the computer is turned on, the system will enter Hibernate, a power saving mode.
For more information on power saving modes, refer to Using power saving modes.
3.
If the computer screen is too dark or too bright, follow these steps to adjust the brightness:
To increase brightness, press the Fn and F5 keys, and then press the Up Arrow or the Right Arrow
key.
To decrease brightness, press the Fn and F5 keys, and then press the Down Arrow or the Left
Arrow key.
Page 24
Using the Battery
Your computer is equipped with a battery that enables you to work without AC power for some time. For information on
how to extend the life of the battery, see Conserving Battery Power for more information.
When operating your computer on battery power, your computer's CPU speed is reduced.
The battery that comes with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.
Page 25
Inserting a battery
To insert a battery
1.
Turn the computer over.
2.
Align the grooves on the battery with the tabs on the back of the computer.
Inserting a Battery
3.
Slide the battery into the computer toward the connector pins until the battery clicks into place.
Some programs and peripheral devices prevent the system from automatically entering Hibernate mode. If you are using
battery power, save your data frequently to avoid data loss and manually activate a power saving mode. See Using power
saving modes for more information.
Page 26
Removing a battery
If you are not using the computer for an extended period of time, remove the battery from the computer to avoid damaging
the battery.
To remove a battery
1.
Turn the computer over, and locate the release latches on the bottom of the battery.
2.
Slide the battery release latches in, toward each other and to the middle of the battery.
3.
While holding the release latches, slide the battery away from the computer.
Remov ing a Battery
Remov ing a Battery
Page 27
Locating battery information
You can display information for the battery installed in your computer.
To view battery information
1.
Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and click Control Panel.
2.
Click Performance and Maintenance, and click Power Options. The Power Options Properties window
appears.
3.
Select the Power Meter tab. The total remaining battery charge is listed as a percentage.
You may also use the power icon on the Windows® taskbar to quickly view battery information. See To display the
power icon on the taskbar for instructions on how to set up this shortcut.
To display the power icon on the taskbar
1.
Click Start on the Windows® taskbar, and click Control Panel.
2.
Click Performance and Maintenance, and click Power Options. The Power Options Properties window
appears.
3.
Select the Advanced tab, and then select Always show icon on the taskbar in the Options box. The power icon
appears on the taskbar. See the power icon descriptions below for more information.
You can rollover the power icon with the pointer (using either the pointing device or a mouse) to view the remaining battery
charge, and you can double-click the power icon to open the Power Meter window, which also displays the remaining
battery charge.
Power icon Power status
Computer is using AC power.
Computer is using AC power and charging the battery.
Battery is charging.
Battery is fully charged.
Battery is discharging.
No battery is inserted in the computer.
Page 28
Charging a battery
You will need to charge the battery if battery power drops below 10 percent or you have not used the battery for a long
time. The lithium-ion battery supplied with your computer may be recharged at any time, whether you wait until the battery
is completely or partially discharged. Charging a partially discharged battery does not affect battery life. If you charge the
battery and find that battery power is still low, the battery may be reaching the end of its life, and you may need to replace
it.
The battery supplied with your computer is not charged at the time of purchase.
To charge a battery
You can charge the battery when the computer is on or off. However, the battery will charge faster when the computer is
off. Charging the battery takes several hours.
Charge the battery at temperatures between 50°F and 80°F (10°C to 30°C). Lower temperatures require more time
to charge.
1.
Insert the battery.
2.
Connect the AC adapter to the computer. The computer automatically charges the battery as long as the
computer is using AC power.
The battery indicator blinks while the battery charges. The battery indicator stops blinking when the battery is fully
charged.
Battery Indicator
Battery indicator status Description
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.
Page 29
Notes on batteries
Never leave the battery in temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as under direct sunlight or in a car parked in the
sun.
While the battery is in use or being discharged, the battery heats up. This is normal and is not cause for concern.
Keep the battery away from all sources of heat.
Keep the battery dry.
Do not open or disassemble the battery.
Do not expose the battery to any mechanical shock.
Battery life is shorter in a cold environment because of decreased battery efficiency at low temperatures.
Page 30
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