Sony PCG-Z1A VAIO User manual

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.
View the VAIO®Computer Specifications, which lists your computer's hardware specifications and preinstalled software
information, such as descriptions and contact information.
Page 1

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.
Using AC Power
Using the Battery
Conserving Battery Power
Page 2

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.
Connecting the AC adapter
Turning on the computer
Page 3

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 4

Turning on the computer
To open and turn on the computer
1. Lift the cover while holding the bottom of the computer firmly.
Opening the Computer
2. Press the power button on the right until the power indicator turns on.
Turning on the Computer
If you continue to press the power button, the computer turns off.
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 5

Using the Battery
Your computer comes equipped with one battery bay. For information on how to extend the life of the battery, see
Conserving Battery Power.
Inserting a battery
Removing a battery
Locating battery information
Charging a battery
Notes on batteries
Frequently asked questions
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.
The brightness of your computer screen automatically dims when you switch from AC power to battery power. To
increase the brightness, press the Fn and F5 keys, and then press the Up Arrow or Right Arrow key.
Page 6

Inserting a battery
To insert a battery
1. Turn the computer over, and slide the LOCK/UNLOCK latch on the bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK
position.
2. Align the grooves and tabs on the battery with those on the back of the computer.
Inserting a Battery
3. Slide the battery into the computer until it clicks into place.
4. Slide the LOCK/UNLOCK latch into the LOCK position.
If a port replicator is attached to your computer, do not insert or remove the battery. Lifting and turning the
computer with a port replicator attached could cause a temporary loss of power.
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 7

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. Remove the battery when the computer is off.
To remove a battery
1. Turn the computer over, and slide the LOCK/UNLOCK latch on the bottom of the computer to the UNLOCK
position.
2. Push and hold the RELEASE latch.
3. While holding the RELEASE latch, slide the battery away from the computer.
Remov ing a Battery
Page 8

Locating battery information
You can view the remaining battery charge and other miscellaneous battery information on the Battery toolbar, PowerPanel
window, and Power Meter window.
The battery icons that appear on the Battery toolbar, PowerPanel window, and Power Meter window indicate the current
status of the installed battery.
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.
To view the Battery Information toolbar
1. Right-click the center of the Windows®taskbar.
2. Point to Toolbars from the shortcut menu, and click Battery Information. The Battery Information toolbar
appears on the taskbar.
If the Battery Information toolbar is hidden behind the taskbar icons, right-click the taskbar and click to cancel Lock
the Taskbar. Drag the edge of the Battery Information toolbar to the left until it is in clear view.
The total charge remaining in the battery is listed in percent and real-time values. The following toolbar indicates there is
100 percent or approximately 4 hours and 19 minutes of battery charge remaining.
Battery Information Toolbar
Percentage indicator —Displays the percentage of the remaining charge.
Time indicator —Displays estimated time (hours : minutes) remaining before the battery fully discharges, also
known as the time-to-empty.
To close the Battery Information toolbar
1. Right-click the Battery Information toolbar.
2. Select Toolbars from the shortcut menu, and click to cancel Battery Information. The Battery Information
toolbar disappears from the toolbar.
To view the PowerPanel window
Double-click the CPU icon on the Taskbar Notification area. The PowerPanel window appears.
PowerPanel
Page 9

To view the Power Meter window if you are using battery power
Double-click the battery icon in the Taskbar Notification area. The Power Meter window appears.
Power Meter
Page 10