Manual abstract:
ork window.
On selected models only. The storage device configuration of your computer may include a built-in flash memory storage drive depending on the model you purchased. See the online specifications to find out about your configuration.
n 24 N
Getting Started
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
1 2 3
Use only the supplied AC adapter for your computer.
To use the AC adapter
Plug one end of the power cord (1) into the AC adapter (3). Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet (2). Plug the cable connected to the AC adapter (3) into the DC IN port (4) on the computer.
! The shape of the DC In plug varies depending on the AC adapter.
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 133).
n 25 N
Getting Started
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
1 2 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid. Slide the battery LOCK switch (1) inward.
n 26 N
Getting Started
3
Slide the battery pack diagonally into the battery compartment until the projections (2) on either side of the battery compartment fit into the U-shaped cuts (3) on either side of the battery pack.
4
Push the battery pack down into the compartment until it clicks into place.
5
Slide the battery LOCK switch outward to secure the battery pack on the computer.
n 27 N
Getting Started
When your computer is directly connected to AC power and has a battery pack installed, it uses power from the AC outlet.
! 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.
n 28 N
Getting Started
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
1 2 Install the battery pack. Connect 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 30).
Charge indicator status
Lit in orange Blinks along with the green power indicator Blinks along with the orange power indicator Blinks fast in orange
Meaning
The battery pack is charging. The battery pack is running out of power. (Normal mode) The battery pack is running out of power. (Sleep mode) A battery error has occurred due to a failed battery pack or an unlocked battery pack.
! Charge the battery pack as described in this manual from your first battery charge.
n 29 N
Getting Started
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.
n 30 N
Getting Started
Using the Battery Charge Functions
You can customize the current battery charging method using the Battery Charge Functions. To make the life of battery longer, enable the battery care function.
To enable the battery care function
1 2 3 4 5 6 Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Control Center. Click Power Management and then Battery Charge Functions. Click Advanced. Click to select the Enable Battery Care Function check box. Select the desired maximum charge level. Click OK.
To check the battery charge capacity
Follow steps 1 to 3 in To enable the battery care function above and check detailed information. If the battery charge capacity is low, replace the battery pack with a new genuine Sony battery pack.
n 31 N
Getting Started
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
1 2 3 Click Start, All Programs, and VAIO Control Center. Click Display and then Long Battery Life Wallpaper Setting. Click Set Long Battery Life Wallpaper. At the confirmation prompt, click OK.
n 32 N
Getting Started
Removing the Battery Pack
! 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
1 2 3 Turn off the computer and close the LCD screen lid. Slide the battery LOCK switch (1) inward. Slide and hold the battery RELEASE latch (2) inward, put your fingertip underneath the tab (3) on the battery pack, and lift the battery pack in the direction of the arrow, and then slide it away from the computer.
n 33 N
Getting Started
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
1 2 3 Turn off any peripherals connected to the computer. Click Start, the arrow next to the Lock button, and then Shut Down.
Respond 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.
n 34 N
Using Your VAIO Computer
Using Your VAIO Computer
This section describes how to get the most out of using your VAIO computer. Using the Keyboard (page 35) Using the Touch Pad (page 36) Using Special-function Buttons (page 37) Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera (page 39) Using the Optical Disc Drive (page 42) Using the TV Function (page 52) Using the ExpressCard Module (page 61) Using the Memory Stick (page 64) Using the SD Memory Card (page 70) Using the CF Memory Card (page 73) Using the Internet (page 76) Using the Network (LAN) (page 78) Using the Wireless LAN (WLAN) (page 79) Using the Bluetooth Function (page 86)
n 35 N
Using Your VAIO Computer
Using the Keyboard
Your keyboard is very similar to a desktop computer keyboard, but has additional keys that perform model-specific tasks. The VAIO-Link web site (http://www.vaio-link.com) also contains glossary information to help you use the keyboard.
Combinations and Functions with the Fn Key
Some keyboard functions can be used only after the operating system is finished launching. Combinations/Feature
Fn + 8 (F5/F6): brightness control
Functions
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. Toggles among your computer screen, an external display, and simultaneous output to both. 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. 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 button to turn on the power. For details on power management, see Using the Power Saving Modes (page 130).
Fn + Fn +
/T (F7): display output / (F9/F10): zoom
Fn +
(F12): hibernate
n 36 N
Using Your VAIO Computer
Using the Touch Pad
You can point to, select, drag, and scroll objects on the screen using the touch pad.
Action
Point Click Double-click Right-click Drag Scroll
Description
Slide your finger on the touch pad (1) to place the pointer (2) on an item or object. Press the left button (3) once. Press the left button twice. Press the right button (4) once. In many applications, this action displays a shortcut menu. Slide your finger on the touch pad while pressing the left button. Slide your finger along the right edge of the touch pad to scroll vertically. Slide your finger along the bottom edge to scroll horizontally (the scroll function is available only with applications that support a touch pad scroll feature).
You can disable/enable the touch pad while a mouse is connected to your computer. To change the touch pad settings, click Start, All Programs, VAIO Control Center, Keyboard and Mouse and Pointing Device.
! Be sure to connect a mouse before disabling the touch pad. If you disable the touch pad before connecting a mouse, you will be able to use only the keyboard for pointer operations.
n 37 N
Using Your VAIO Computer
Using Special-function Buttons
Your computer is equipped with special buttons to help you use specific functions of the computer.
Buttons on the touch panel
Special-function button
S1/S2 buttons
Functions
By default, the S1 button launches the VAIO Control Center and opens the Color Mode Setting page. The S2 button launches the Dolby Control Center. The default button assignments may be different from the above. To change the S button assignments, press and hold either button or launch and navigate through the VAIO Control Center to display the setup window. See the help file included with the VAIO Control Center for the S button assignments.
u Play/Pause button
Starts or pauses playback of a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray DiscTM * media or a music/video file stored on the built-in storage device. Stops playback of a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray Disc* media or a music/video file stored on the built-in storage device. Plays the previous chapter/file during video playback or the previous song/file during audio playback. Plays the next chapter/file during video playback or the next song/file during audio playback. Launches the VAIO Launcher for selecting the desired software. You can change the default software options in the VAIO Launcher. To do so, press and hold the AV MODE button to display the setup window.
x Stop button . Previous track button > Next track button AV MODE button
*
Use the WinDVD BD software for playback.
n 38 N
Using Your VAIO Computer
Buttons above the numeric keypad
Special-function button
Muting button Decrease (-) and increase (+) the volume. Volume control buttons Drive eject button Ejects the optical disc drive tray. If this button does not work, try the substitute drive eject button on the optical disc drive.
Functions
Turns the volume on and off.
n 39 N
Using Your VAIO Computer
Using the Built-in MOTION EYE Camera
Your computer is equipped with a built-in MOTION EYE camera. The built-in MOTION EYE camera adds video functionality to instant messaging software and video editing software and enables you to capture still images and movies with the preinstalled image capture software. Turning on the computer activates the built-in MOTION EYE camera. Video conference is possible with the appropriate software. Launching or exiting your instant messaging or video editing software does not activate or deactivate the built-in MOTION EYE camera.
The built-in MOTION EYE camera cannot be shared by more than one software application. If another software application is using the camera, exit the application before using the built-in MOTION EYE camera with your desired application.
! The viewer window may show some noise, for example horizontal streaks, if you view a rapid-moving object. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.
You cannot operate the built-in MOTION EYE camera with the Microsoft Windows Movie Maker software.
n 40 N
Using Your VAIO Computer
Capturing Still Images
To capture a still image
1 2 3 4 Click Start, All Programs, ArcSoft WebCam Companion 2, and WebCam Companion 2 to launch the WebCam Companion 2. Click the Capture icon in the main window. Frame your subject in the viewfinder. Click the Capture button below the displayed image. The current image in the viewfinder is captured and its thumbnail image is added as a thumbnail in the left pane of the main window.
When capturing an image in a dark place, click the WebCam Settings icon after step 2 and select the low light or low light compensation option in the properties window. The WebCam Companion 2 provides many more features. See the help file included with the software for more information.
n 41 N
Using Your VAIO Computer
Capturing Movies
To capture a movie
1 2 3 4 5 Click Start, All Programs, ArcSoft WebCam Companion 2, and WebCam Companion 2 to launch the WebCam Companion 2. Click the Record icon in the main window. Frame your subject in the viewfinder. Click the Record Video button below the displayed image to start movie recording. When finished, click the Record Video button once again to stop movie recording. The first scene of the captured movie is added as a thumbnail in the left pane of the main window.
When capturing a movie in a dark place, click the WebCam Settings icon after step 2 and select the low light or low light compensation option in the properties window. The WebCam Companion 2 provides many more features. See the help file included with the software for more information.
n 42 N
Using Your VAIO Computer
Using the Optical Disc Drive
Your computer is equipped with an optical disc drive.
To insert a disc
1 2 Turn on the computer. Press the drive eject button (1) to open the drive. The drive tray slides out.
If the drive eject button does not work, try the substitute drive eject button on the optical disc drive. If the power supply to the optical disc drive is disabled by the VAIO Power Management, it will take a while to eject the drive tray. The substitute drive eject button is disabled when the optical disc drive is not powered. When recovering your system, turn on your computer and press the substitute drive eject button on the optical disc drive. Insert your recovery disc into the optical disc drive, turn off the computer, and then turn on the computer again to start the recovery process.
3
Place a disc in the middle of the drive tray with the label side facing upward and gently push it down until the disc clicks into place.
n 43 N
Using Your VAIO Computer
4
Close the drive tray by pushing it in gently.
! Do not remove the optical disc when your computer is in a power saving mode (Sleep or Hibernate). Doing so may cause the computer to malfunction.
If you use an external optical disc drive, connect the drive before you launch any preinstalled disc operation program.
n 44 N
Using Your VAIO Computer
Reading and Writing Optical Discs
Your computer plays and records CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Disc media, depending on the model you purchased. Check your specifications for the type of optical disc drive installed on your model. Use the table below to see which types of media your optical disc drive supports.
n 45 N
Using Your VAIO Computer
PR: playable and recordable P: playable but not recordable : not playable or recordable CDROM DVD±RW/ ±R DL/RAM Blu-ray Disc Combo Blu-ray Disc
*1 *2 *3 *4
Video CD P P P
Music CD CD Extra P P P P P P
CD-R/ DVDRW ROM PR PR*12 PR*12 P P P
DVDVideo P P P
BDROM P P
DVD-R/ DVD+R/ DVD+R RW RW DL PR*1 *2 PR*1 *2 PR*1 *2 PR PR PR PR*5 PR*5 PR*5
DVD-R DL PR*6 PR*6 PR*6
DVDRAM PR*3 *4 PR*3 *4 PR*3 *4
BD-R*8/RE*9 P PR*7 *10 *11
P P P
Supports writing data to DVD-R discs compliant with DVD-R for General Version 2.0/2.1. Supports writing data to DVD-RW discs compliant with DVD-RW Version 1.1/1.2. The DVD±RW/RAM disc drive on your computer does not support the DVD-RAM cartridge. Use non-cartridge discs or discs with a removable cartridge. Writing data to single-sided DVD-RAM discs (2.6 GB) compliant with DVD-RAM Version 1.0 is not supported. DVD-RAM Version 2.2/12X-SPEED DVD-RAM Revision 5.0 disc is not supported. Writing data to DVD+R DL (Double Layer) discs is available only on discs supporting DVD+R DL (Double Layer) recording. Writing data to DVD-R DL (Dual Layer) discs is available only on discs supporting DVD-R DL (Dual Layer) recording. Supports writing data to BD-R Version 1.1 discs (single-layer discs with the capacity of 25 GB, dual-layer discs with the capacity of 50 GB) and BD-RE Version 2.1 discs (single-layer discs with the capacity of 25 GB, dual-layer discs with the capacity of 50 GB). BD-R stands for Blu-ray Disc-Recordable in Version 1.1 format. BD-RE stands for Blu-ray Disc-Rewritable in Version 2.1 format. The Blu-ray Disc drive on your computer does not support BD-RE Disc media in Version 1.0 format and Blu-ray Disc media with a cartridge. BD-R LTH TYPE media is not supported on the models with certain types of the Blu-ray Disc drive. Writing data to Ultra Speed CD-RW discs is not supported on the models with certain types of the Blu-ray Disc drive.
*5 *6 *7
*8 *9 *10 *11 *12
n 46 N
Using Your VAIO Computer
! This product is designed to play back discs that conform to the Compact Disc Digital Audio standard specifications (CD Standard). A DualDisc is a two sided disc product with a DVD recorded layer on one side and a digital audio layer on the other side. Be aware that the audio side (non-DVD side) of a DualDisc may not play on this product because it does not conform to the CD Standard.
When you buy pre-recorded or blank discs for use with your VAIO computer, be sure to read the notices on the disc package carefully to check both playback and recording compatibility with your computer's optical disc drives. Sony does NOT guarantee the compatibility of VAIO optical disc drives with discs that are not compliant with the official "CD," "DVD," or "Blu-ray Disc" standard. USING NON-COMPLIANT DISCS CAN CAUSE FATAL DAMAGE TO YOUR VAIO PC OR CREATE SOFTWARE CONFLICTS AND CAUSE SYSTEM HANGING. For inquiries about disc formats, contact the individual publisher of the pre-recorded disc or the manufacturer of the recordable disc.
8 cm disc writing is not supported.
! To play copyright protected Blu-ray Disc media continuously, update the AACS key. The AACS key update requires Internet access.
As with other optical media devices, circumstances may limit compatibility or prevent Blu-ray Disc media playback. VAIO computers may not support movie playback on packaged media recorded in AVC or VC1 format at high bit rates. Region settings are required for some contents on DVDs and BD-ROM Disc media. If the region setting on the optical disc drive does not match the region coding on the disc, playback is not possible. Unless your external display is compliant with the High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) standard, you cannot play or view the contents on copyright protected Blu-ray Disc media. Some contents may restrict video output to standard definition or prohibit analog video output. It is strongly recommended that a digital HDCPcompliant environment be implemented for optimum compatibility and viewing quality. Do not use memory-resident utility software while the optical disc drive is playing a disc or writing data to a disc. This may cause your computer to malfunction.
n 47 N
Using Your VAIO Computer
Notes on writing data to a disc
Only use circular discs. Do not use discs in any other shape (star, heart, card, etc.), as this may damage the optical disc drive. Do not strike or shake your computer while the optical disc drive is writing data to a disc. Do not plug or unplug the AC adapter while the optical disc drive is writing data to a disc.
Notes on playing discs
To achieve optimum performance when playing discs, you should follow these recommendations. Some CD players and computer optical disc drives may not be able to play audio CDs created with the CD-R or CD-RW media. Some DVD players and computer optical disc drives may not be able to play DVDs created with the DVD+R DL, DVD-R DL, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, or DVD-RAM media. You may not be able to play some of Blu-ray Disc contents on your computer, or the computer may become unstable during Blu-ray Disc playback. To play such contents normally, download and install the latest updates for the WinDVD BD using the VAIO Update. To download and install the updates on the computer, it must be connected to the Internet. For information on how to connect the computer to the Internet, see Using the Internet (page 76). Depending on system environment, you may find sound interruptions and/or dropped frames during AVC HD playback. Do not place your computer into either of the power saving modes while your computer is playing a disc.
n 48 N
Using Your VAIO Computer
Region code indicators are labeled on the discs or packages to indicate in which region and on what type of player you can play the disc. Unless the region code indicates "2" (Europe belongs to region "2"), "5" (Russia belongs to region "5"), or "all" (this means that you can play this disc in most regions of the world), you cannot play the disc on your computer.
! If you change the region code while the WinDVD or WinDVD BD software is running, restart the software or eject the disc and re-insert it to make the new setting effective.
Do not try to change the region code settings of the drive. Any difficulties caused by changing the region code settings of the drive are not covered by the warranty.
n 49 N
Using Your VAIO Computer
Playing CDs
To play an audio CD
1 2 Insert a disc into the optical disc drive. If nothing appears on the desktop, click Start, All Programs, and the desired CD software to play the CD. If the Audio CD window appears, click to select an option.
Copying Files to CDs
To copy files to a disc
1 Insert a recordable disc into the optical disc drive. If the AutoPlay window appears, click Burn files to disc and follow the on-screen instructions until the empty disc folder appears. Open the folder that contains the file(s) you want to copy and drag them to the empty disc folder. Close the disc folder.
2 3
n 50 N
Using Your VAIO Computer
Playing DVDs
To play a DVD
1 2 3 Close all running software applications. Insert a DVD into the optical disc drive. If nothing appears on the desktop, click Start, All Programs, and the desired DVD software to play the DVD.
For instructions on how to use the software, see the help file included with your DVD software.
Copying Files to DVDs
To copy files to a disc
1 2 3 4 Connect the AC adapter to the computer. Close all running software applications. Insert a recordable disc into the optical disc drive. If nothing appears on the desktop, click Start, All Programs, and the desired DVD burning software to copy files to the disc.
For instructions on how to use the software, see the help file included with your DVD ...
= 8.15
= 1.96