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Sony Vaio PCG-735 User Manual

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Sony

Notebook Computer

User Guide

PCG-735/PCG-737
®

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Summary of Contents for Sony Vaio PCG-735

  • Page 1: Notebook Computer

    Sony Notebook Computer User Guide PCG-735/PCG-737 ®...
  • Page 2 Energy Star is an U.S. registered mark. The model number and serial number are located on the bottom of your Sony Notebook Computer. Record the serial number in the space provided here. Refer to the model and serial number when you call your Sony Service Center.
  • Page 3 The CD-ROM is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT and complies with the Laser Products Safety Standard EN 60825-1. Repair and maintenance only by authorized Sony technicians. Improper repairs can create a safety hazard. CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT TO EN 60825-1 DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION BATTERY.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Contents Unpacking Your Notebook Computer ... 2 Ergonomic Considerations ... 3 Locating the Controls and Connectors ... 5 Connecting a Power Source ... 8 Starting Your Computer ... 12 Shutting Down Your Computer ... 13 ® Registering Windows 98... 14 Registering Your Computer ...
  • Page 6 Other Serial Device...58 Connecting a Digital Video Camera Recorder...59 Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device ...60 Mediabar Functions ...62 Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen ...63 Controlling Power Management...65 Displaying Battery Information ...67 Selecting the Display Mode ...70 About Sony’s Support Options ...73...
  • Page 7 Here are just some of the features your Sony Notebook Computer has to offer (read the details in your About Your Sony Notebook Computer guide). Exceptional performance –Your PC includes a fast Intel processor with MMX CD-ROM drive, and a 56 kbps PC card modem.
  • Page 8 AC adapter Power cord Phone cable Video cable You can find the complete list of the items that come with your computer in the About Your Sony Notebook Computer guide. Rechargeable battery pack Floppy disk drive Weight Saver Recovery CD...

  • Page 9: Ergonomic Considerations

    You will be using your notebook computer as a portable device in a variety of environments. Whenever possible, you should attempt to apply the following ergonomic considerations to both stationary and portable environments. Wrists relaxed and flat Arms at desk level Position of your computer –...
  • Page 10 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.
  • Page 11 This section describes how to start using your computer and how to use your computer’s internal and external devices, such as the touchpad, floppy disk drive, and CD-ROM drive. LCD screen (pages 20, 83) Speakers (page 56) Keyboard (page 16) Touchpad (page 22) Left/right button (page 22) Microphone (page 57)
  • Page 12 Power switch (page 12) Hard disk drive Battery bay (pages 9, 47) There is a ventilation slot located directly above the headphone connector. Do not cover the ventilation slot when your computer is on. All connectors for this notebook are: SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage), according to EN60950.
  • Page 13 PC card slots (page 32) Multi-purpose bay (page 23) cover DC In (page 8) Serial COM1 connector (page 58) Infrared port (page 34) USB connector (page 60) Mouse/Keyboard connector (page 55) cover Monitor connector (page 52) Docking station (page 44) FDD/Printer connector (page 51) Video Out connector (page 54)

  • Page 14: The Computer

    You can use either AC power or a rechargeable battery pack as a power source. Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC In connector on the computer. Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter. Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet.
  • Page 15 You can use one or two battery packs as a source of power. The second battery pack inserts into the multi-purpose bay on the right side of the computer. (See “Using Power Saving Modes” on page 36.) Additional battery packs are available as a separate option. The battery pack that comes with your computer is not fully charged at the time of purchase.
  • Page 16 The computer automatically charges the battery (the battery indicator light flashes twice at a slow interval as the battery charges). When the battery is 85% full, the battery indicator light turns off. This process takes approximately two hours. To charge the battery completely, continue charging for an additional hour.
  • Page 17 See “Using a Second Battery Pack” on page 38 for information on installing and charging a battery pack in the multi-purpose bay. 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.
  • Page 18 Slide the LCD lock lever in the direction of the arrow, and lift the cover. LCD lock lever Slide the power switch on the left side toward the front of the computer until the power indicator light turns on (green). Power switch If you slide the power switch for more than four seconds, the computer turns off.
  • Page 19 To avoid potential loss of data, follow these steps to shut down your computer. Click the Start button on the Windows 98 taskbar. Click Shut Down at the bottom of the Start menu to display the Shut Down Windows dialog box. Select Shut Down.
  • Page 20 The first time you turn on your computer, you need to complete a few steps to register and configure the Windows 98 software that is already installed on your computer. You must register Windows 98 before you can use the computer. The on-screen instructions guide you through the registration and configuration process.

  • Page 21: Registering Your Computer

    You can take advantage of Sony’s commitment to quality customer support and receive the following benefits by registering your computer with Sony: VAIO Link – You can contact VAIO Link by telephone, fax or e-mail (see your Customer Service Guide).
  • Page 22 Your keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer’s, the keyboard has additional keys that perform specific computer-related tasks. Escape Key Shift key Ctrl key Fn key Alt key Windows key Numeric keypad Contains the keys found on a typical calculator. area Use the numeric keypad area to type numbers or to perform mathematical calculations such as...
  • Page 23 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...
  • Page 24 + F1 Displays Windows Help. + Tab Switches the selected button on the taskbar. Displays Windows Explorer. Displays the Windows Find window to find a file or folder. This is the equivalent of selecting Find from the Start menu. + Ctrl + F Displays Find window.
  • Page 25 Num Lock Turns on when the number keys area in the numeric keypad are active. Caps Lock Turns on when the letters appear in uppercase as you type. The Shift key lowers the case of typed letters when Caps Lock is on. Scroll Lock Turns on when the screen scrolls differently.
  • Page 26 Puts the system into system suspend mode, a (ESC) power management state. To return the system System suspend to the active state, press any key or press the mode power switch on your computer. Displays the power status, as in the two (F2) examples below: Display power status...
  • Page 27 Disconnects from the docking station when the (F9) power is on, in case that the charged battery is inserted in the computer. Provides for the lowest level of power (F12) consumption. When you execute this command, System hibernation the state of the system and state of the mode peripheral devices are written to the hard disk and the system power is turned off.
  • Page 28 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 Left button Point Slide one finger on the touchpad to place the pointer on an item or object.
  • Page 29 If you connect the floppy disk drive externally while your computer is on, use the Sony Notebook Setup utility to select Floppy Disk Drive. See “Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen” on page 63 for details.
  • Page 30 Turn off the computer. If another device is in the multi-purpose bay, remove the device. See “To remove the CD-ROM drive” on page 28 or “To remove the second battery pack” on page 39. Insert the floppy disk drive into the multi-purpose bay with the VAIO label facing up.
  • Page 31 When you finish using the diskette, press the Eject button to remove the diskette. If you have difficulty removing a diskette from the floppy disk drive, remove the floppy disk drive from the multi-purpose bay. Turn off the computer. There is an Eject lever on the bottom of the floppy disk drive. Slide this lever in the direction of the arrow.
  • Page 32 Your computer comes with the CD-ROM drive in the multi-purpose bay. You can remove it so that you can use other devices in the multi-purpose bay. Turn on the computer. When the computer is in System Suspend or System Hibernation mode, you cannot insert a CD-ROM disc.
  • Page 33 Close the tray by pushing it gently. Be sure to seat the CD-ROM disc firmly over the CD-ROM drive hub fingers. Failure to do so could damage your CD-ROM drive. You may not be able to open the CD tray properly if you do not seat the disk firmly. When you finish using the CD-ROM, press the Eject button to remove the CD- ROM disc.
  • Page 34 Turn off the computer before removing the CD-ROM drive. There is an Eject lever on the bottom of the CD-ROM drive. Slide this lever in the direction of the arrow. Slide the drive out of the multi-purpose bay. Insert the weight saver. See “Using the Weight Saver” on page 40. Turn off the computer.
  • Page 35 Your computer includes a headphone, which you can use to listen to audio and video CDs. You can listen to audio CDs even when your computer is in system suspend mode. To use the remote control when your computer is active, you must use the Music/Movie Player software.
  • Page 36 Press the Eject button to open the CD-ROM drive. The CD Tray slides out. Place the audio CD in the tray and close the tray by gently pushing the tray. Press the Play button on the remote control. Playback begins. To stop playback, press the the CD-ROM drive.
  • Page 37 Hold (play) (AMS/search) Volume Find the beginning of the current track (AMS*) Find the beginning of previous tracks (AMS) Find the beginning of the next track (AMS) Find the beginning of succeeding tracks (AMS) Go forward quickly Go backwards quickly *AMS = Automatic Music Sensor **These operations are possible in both the play and pause modes.
  • Page 38 Your computer includes two PC card slots. PC cards allow you to connect portable external devices, such as a PCMCIA Modem Card, another hard disk drive, additional memory, or to connect a network. The PC card slots can accommodate (at the same time) two Type I, two Type II, or one Type III PC card.
  • Page 39 If you have difficulty inserting a card, check that you are inserting the card with the correct orientation (see PC card label). Some PC cards may require you to disable unused devices using Sony Notebook Setup (See “Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen” on page 63.).
  • Page 40 Your computer includes an infrared port, located on the back panel. You can use this port to communicate with other infrared-equipped devices with compatible protocols, such as a digital still camera or other computers. Align the infrared ports on the computer and the digital camera so that they are in a direct line.
  • Page 41 Check the Status tag of the Infrared Monitor in the Windows Control Panel to determine if the infrared device is detected. If the two devices are too far apart or too close together, data transfer may be interrupted or there may be noise in the transmission. Do not cover the infrared ports with your hand or any other objects.
  • Page 42 When you use a battery as the source of power for your computer, 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 computer has three distinct power saving modes: System Idle, System Suspend, and System Hibernation.
  • Page 43 Press Fn+Esc, or slide the power switch forward and hold it for three seconds. You can also use the PowerPanel utility to enter system suspend mode. Press any key. The state of the system is saved on the hard drive and power is turned off. The power indicator light is off in this mode.
  • Page 44 You can purchase a second rechargeable battery pack. With two battery packs, you can extend the time that you use your computer with battery power. When using two battery packs, the battery pack you insert first charges first. The battery pack you insert second charges when the first battery pack is 85% full.
  • Page 45 Keep the battery pack in the computer while it is connected to AC power. The battery indicator flashes while the battery is charging. See also “To charge the battery pack” on page 9 for more information. Battery pack (supplied) To determine the amount of time the battery lasts, see “Displaying Battery Information”...
  • Page 46 The weight saver protects the multi-purpose bay when it is empty. If another device is in the multi-purpose bay, remove the device. See “To remove the floppy disk drive” on page 25, “To remove the CD- ROM drive” on page 28, or “To remove the second battery pack” on page 39.
  • Page 47 You can add functionality to your computer by connecting any of these peripherals: PC card modem (page 42) Docking station (page 44) Printer (page 51) External display (page 52) External mouse or keyboard (page 55) External speakers (page 56) External microphone (page 57) Digital still camera or other serial device (page 58) Digital video camera recorder (page 59) Universal serial bus (USB) device (page 60)

  • Page 48: Using Pc Cards

    Use your PC card modem to connect to a phone line and access the WWW. You need to connect a phone line to take advantage of online services, the Internet, and VAIO Link. The phone line also enables you to register your computer and software online.
  • Page 49 This PC card modem can be connected to GSM and ISDN networks. Your PC card modem is ready for connection to the Sony CMD-Z1 GSM phone (cable not supplied). Plug the cable in the right connector of the PC card. Plug the other end into the GSM phone.
  • Page 50 Attaching an optional docking station enables you to connect additional peripherals as shown below. There are two types of docking stations: the Personal Docking Station and the Network Docking Station. The Personal Docking Station does not include the SCSI, Network (ethernet), and i.LINK (IEEE 1394 interface) connectors.
  • Page 51 To supply power to your computer while it is connected to the docking station, you can connect the AC adapter directly to the docking station. Turn off your computer and disconnect all peripherals. On the back of the computer, lift the cover that protects the docking station port.
  • Page 52 Make sure the docking station lever is in the Align the guide posts on the docking station with the openings on the back of the computer, and then slide the computer in the direction of the arrow until it stops. Docking station port Guide posts Slide the docking station lever into the...
  • Page 53 power indicator light turns green. Battery charger Docking station Turn on the computer. indicator light turns on. Open the cover of the battery charger bay. Insert the battery pack. Label side facing down Battery pack Battery In use Power charger Multi purpose bay...
  • Page 54 When the battery pack is fully inserted, close the cover. Connect the docking station to an AC outlet. The docking station automatically charges the battery. The charger indicator light is on while the battery is charging. When the battery is fully charged, the battery charger indicator light turns off. Do not move the docking station or place it on a slant while the battery is in the docking station charger bay.
  • Page 55 Pull out the battery pack. Close the cover of the battery charger bay. battery charger indicator is a reference for the battery charge. To check the accurate charging amount, insert the charged battery in the computer and use BatteryScope (See “Displaying Battery Information” on page 67.). You can use the CD-ROM drive or the floppy disk drive in the docking station.
  • Page 56 Slide the docking station lever forward into the disengage the computer from the docking station. Lift the computer away from the docking station. Close the docking station port cover on the back of your computer. You cannot remove your computer from the docking station when the power is on, unless the charged battery is inserted in the computer.
  • Page 57 See the manual that came with your printer for more information on installation and use. Before using the printer, you may need to change the FDD/Printer setting in the Sony Notebook Setup software. See “Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen” on page 63. Power cord...
  • Page 58 You can connect an external display to your notebook computer. For example, you can use the computer with a: Computer display (monitor) (page 52) Multimedia computer display (page 52) Projector (page 53) TV (page 54) symbol on the back of the computer shows the location of the Monitor connector.
  • Page 59 Microphone connector. Plug the microphone cable into this connector. Monitor You can use a projector as an external display, such as the Sony LCD Projector. Monitor RGB signal cable See the manual that came with your displays for more information on installation and use.
  • Page 60 You can connect a TV that has audio and video connectors by using optional A/V connecting cables. to VIDEO OUT See the manual that came with your TV for more information on installation and use. When you connect an external display to the monitor connector, you can toggle the output between the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), the external monitor, or both devices.
  • Page 61 You can connect an external mouse or keyboard to your computer. To connect both a mouse and a keyboard, use the docking station (see “Connecting the Docking Station” on page 44). The Mouse/Keyboard connector requires a PS/2-style plug or adapter. Use the symbol to locate the Mouse/Keyboard connector.
  • Page 62 You can enhance the sound quality of your computer by connecting external speakers. Make sure your speakers are designed for computer use. Turn down the volume of the speakers before you turn them on. Use the symbol to locate the Headphone connector. Plug the speaker cable into this connector.
  • Page 63 You can enhance the quality of sound input by using an external microphone. Make sure your microphone is designed for computer use. Use the to locate the Microphone connector. Plug the microphone cable into this connector. Microphone See the manual that came with your microphone for more information on installation and use.

  • Page 64: Using Infrared Communication Devices

    I/O connector on the digital still camera. to lOlOl Serial COM1 The Sony Digital Still Camera (DSC-F1) is pictured; your camera may need to be connected differently. See the manual that came with your digital camera or other serial device for more information on installation and use.
  • Page 65 Digital video camera recorder Sony’s digital video camera recorder (DCR-PC7) is pictured; your digital video camera recorder may need to be connected differently. See the manual that came with your digital video camera recorder for more information on installation and use.
  • Page 66 (device drivers) supplied with your USB device before using the USB device. To use your USB device, you must install the USB supplemental software using your Sony Application Recovery utility. See the manual that came with your USB device for more information on installation and use.
  • Page 67 The Mediabar allows you to play audio and video from a CD in the CD- ROM drive, or from audio or video files in various formats on your hard drive. To start the Mediabar Click the Windows 98 Start menu. In the Programs menu, select Mediabar.
  • Page 68 You can use the Mediabar to: Start and stop the playback of audio or video CDs or files. Navigate through files or selections on a CD. Pause and resume playback at the point where play left off. Set up automatic playback modes, including: Repeat all of the selections in order.
  • Page 69 You can customize the settings of your notebook computer. The following sections briefly describe how to change your computer’s default settings. You can also refer to the Sony Notebook Setup Help for more detailed information. To display the Sony Notebook Setup screen: Click the Start button on the Windows 98 taskbar.
  • Page 70 Descriptions About This Computer Display system information, including memory capacity, serial number, and BIOS version. Infrared Change the infrared communication settings depending on the infrared equipment your computer is using to communicate. Printer/FDD Switch between connecting a printer or floppy disk drive without turning off the power.
  • Page 71 The PowerPanel utility allows you to control the power management of your notebook computer 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 the PowerPanel Help for more detailed information.
  • Page 72 System Hibernation – 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 switch to turn on power. The system saves the data in the Save to Disk Partition on the hard drive.
  • Page 73 You can display detailed information for the batteries used in your computer and docking station. The following sections briefly describe how to display your computer’s general battery information. You can also refer to the BatteryScope Help for more detailed information. Click the Start button on the Windows 98 taskbar.
  • Page 74 Battery icon Battery status Discharging Charging Not in use No battery You can obtain detailed information about the batteries. Click the battery icon on the application bar to display the BatteryScope window. The screen appears displaying the General tab, which contains information such as the estimated time-to-empty and charging time.
  • Page 75 Click the Primary battery tab to display information for the battery in the bay on the left side. Click the Secondary battery tab to display information for the battery in the bay on the right side. You can display the information about each battery, such as estimated time-to-empty or product information.
  • Page 76 When you connect an external display, you can switch the display mode between the LCD on your computer and external displays: Click the Start button to open the Start menu. Point to Settings and click Control Panel. Double-click Display. Click the NeoMagic tab. Click Display Options.
  • Page 77 Select one of the options under Display Mode. Display modes Functions Monitor Displays only an external display connected to the Monitor connector on your computer. Displays only the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) on your computer. Monitor/LCD Simultaneously displays both an external display connected to the Monitor connector on your computer and the LCD.
  • Page 78 When you select TV as the display mode, you can adjust the TV display position and select the TV system you want to use. After you select TV in Step 6, select TV options. TV Options Function Image Filter Adjusts the flicker. Optimal TV Setting Adjusts the resolution for optimal TV viewing.
  • Page 79 This section describes how to get help and support from Sony, as well as troubleshooting tips for your computer. Sony provides several support options for your computer. When you have questions about your computer and the pre-installed software, check these places for answers: This guide explains how to use your computer, connect peripheral devices, use the utility programs, and perform basic computer tasks.
  • Page 80 The VAIO Link: for operating hours, see your Customer Service Guide. You can contact VAIO Link by telephone, fax or mail. The representative may call you back, using your modem to access your system if necessary. Be sure to connect your modem before you call, so that the representative can access your system.
  • Page 81 This section describes how to solve common problems you may encounter when using your computer. Many problems have simple solutions, so try these suggestions before you call VAIO Link. My computer does not start Check that the computer is plugged into a power source and that it is turned on.
  • Page 82 The screen image on my external display is not centered or sized properly Use the controls on your external display to adjust the image. See the manual supplied with your display for more information. The video image on my screen is too dark If an external display is connected to the Monitor connector, disconnect the display.
  • Page 83 Check that the diskette is properly inserted into floppy disk drive. My software program “locks up” or crashes Contact the software publisher or designated provider for technical support. See the About Your Sony Notebook Computer guide for a list of phone numbers. My speakers have no sound The built-in speakers are turned off.

  • Page 84: Connecting A Pc Card Modem

    Slide the power switch forward and hold for at least four seconds. My PC card is not working Make sure the PC card is compatible with Windows 98 Use the Sony Notebook Setup utility to disable devices you are not currently using.
  • Page 85 The system recovery will completely reinstall the originally configured system on your PC. You can only use this Recovery CD on the Sony notebook you purchased and not on any other Sony PC or other manufacturer's PC! Applying a system recovery means that you will lose all your data stored on the hard drive.
  • Page 86 “Introducing Microsoft Windows 98” guide. You will need this number to complete the recovery process. Turn on your computer (using AC power only) and insert the Sony Recovery CD in the CD-ROM drive. Shut down your computer (to do this, slide the power switch forward and hold it for more than four seconds).
  • Page 87 The application recovery utility allows you to reinstall individual applications. Reinstallation of a program can fix the problems encountered in a program that does not run correctly anymore. You must run the Recovery CD from Windows 98. The application will not run from DOS. Turn on your computer (using AC power only) and wait until Windows 98 is booted up.
  • Page 89 This section describes safety guidelines and precautions to help protect your computer from potential damage. On Handling the LCD Screen Do not leave the LCD facing the sun as it can damage the LCD. Be careful when using the computer near a window. Do not scratch the LCD or exert pressure on it.
  • Page 90 When the AC adapter is not used, unplug it from the AC outlet, to save energy. Use only the AC adapter supplied. Do not use any other AC adapter. On Handling Clean the cabinet with a soft, dry cloth or a soft cloth lightly moistened with a mild detergent solution.

  • Page 91: Adding Memory

    In this case, allow at least an hour before turning on your computer. If any problems occur, unplug your computer, and contact your Sony Service Center. On Upgrading the System The procedures described in “Adding Memory” on page 88 assume...
  • Page 92 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 a soft cloth to wipe 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.
  • Page 93 crossings. You should exercise extreme caution or discontinue use in potentially hazardous situations. Preventing hearing damage – Avoid using headphone at high volume. Hearing experts advise against continuous, loud and extended play. On Maintenance Make sure to disconnect the power cord before cleaning the computer.

  • Page 94: Typical Expansion Memory Configuration

    In the future you may want to install memory modules to expand the functionality of your computer. You can increase memory to 128MB by installing optional memory modules. There are two memory module slots in your computer. A 32MB and a 64MB Expansion Memory Modules are available as optional memory modules.
  • Page 95 To install a memory module Shut down your computer and disconnect all peripheral devices, such as your printer. Unplug your computer and remove the battery packs. Wait until the computer cools down. Then turn your computer upside down and open the cover on the bottom. Remove the memory module from its packaging.
  • Page 96 The System Properties screen appears. Click the Performance tab to view memory. If the additional memory is not shown, repeat steps 1-9. Performance tab To remove a memory module Shut down your computer and disconnect all peripheral devices. Unplug your computer and remove the battery packs. Turn your computer upside down and open the cover on the bottom.

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