Sony VAIO PCG-505FX User manual

About your
SonyNotebookComputer
PCG-505FX/LT - PCG-505FX/KT
©1998 by Sony Corporation Printed in Belgium 3-864-688-11
Information Technology
www.vaio.sony-europe.com

3
NOTICE
This product contains software owned by Sony and licensed by third
parties. Use of such software is subject to the terms and conditions of
license agreements enclosed with this product. Software specifications are
subject to change without notice and may not necessarily be identical to
current retail versions.
Updates and additions to software may require an additional charge.
Subscriptions to online service providers may require a fee and credit
card information. Financial services may require prior arrangements with
participating financial institutions.
Sony and VAIO are trademarks of Sony Corporation. The Intel Inside
logo, MMX, and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows 98 logo are trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.
As an ENERGY STAR Partner, Sony has determined that this product meets
the Energy Star guidelines for energy saving.
ENERGY STAR is an U.S. Trademark.
© 1998 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

VAIO About your Notebook Computer
4
About the Contents of Your
Notebook Computer
Your Sony notebook computer includes the following items:
Computer and Supplied Accessories
✍*According to the type of Sony Notebook you purchased, the PCGA-CD5 CD-ROM driver,
the COM1 PC card modem (and accessories) are optional. However, you need to have these
peripherals to enjoy some of the features described in this manual.
Plastic pen
Main unit Rechargeable battery pack
Port replicator
AC adapter
Floppy disk drive
Phone cable*
PC card modem*
Manuals
Product recovery
CD-ROM
Phone plug*
CD-ROM Drive*
and accessories*
Earphones
Power cord

Computer and Supplied Accessories 5
Manuals
❑About Your Sony Mini Notebook Computer provides descriptions of
your preinstalled software titles and the specifications for your Sony
notebook computer.
❑The Sony Mini Notebook Computer User Guide describes how to set up
your notebook computer, find help, upgrade your computer, and
accomplish basic computer tasks.
❑The Customer Service Guide gives you information about the service
and guarantee conditions you get when registering your Sony
Notebook Computer.
❑Setting up your Sony Mini Notebook computer (poster)
❑Introducing Windows®98 explains how to use the basic features of the
Windows 98 operating system.
Supplied Recovery CD
❑Product Recovery CD-ROM
✍Guarantee information and the owner registration card are located with the Sony user
manuals and in the Sony Service Pack.

VAIO About your Notebook Computer
6
About the Software on Your
Sony Notebook Computer
Your Sony notebook computer is ready to help you work, play, learn, and
communicate as soon as you turn it on. This section gives you an
overview of the activities you can perform with your software titles.
For general information, please refer to your Customer Service Guide.
Sony software
MD Editor
Sony Electronics
When you connect a Sony MD deck that includes a CONTROL A1 jack to your
computer, you can use this software to operate the MD deck from the computer. In
addition to the normal MD playback operations, you can: edit MiniDisks while
viewing the computer's display, input disc names and track names using the
computer's keyboard. In addition, if you connect a Sony CD Player that includes a
CONTROL A1 jack to the MD deck, you can also operate the CD player
(playback) from the computer and carry out drag and drop recording from a CD
to an MD. For questions, compatibility and technical assistance, please read the
MD Editor Help file or your Customer Service Guide.
Picture Gear
Sony Electronics
Create your own environment with the Digital Image Library (photos,
backgrounds, wallpapers, slide shows etc). Picture Gear is your companion to
imagine and realise your personal screen savers... You can even animate your
preferred gifs with Gif Animation Tools. For questions and technical assistance,
please read your Customer Service Guide.
DV Gate
Sony Electronics
Connect a digital video camera recorder to the i.LINK connector and you can
transfer the images you have captured to your hard drive. DV Gate makes it easy
to place your images into electronic albums and libraries. With the drop-and-drag
interface, you can quickly move and copy your images between albums. You can
also name each image and add a comment to help you find it later. For questions
and technical assistance, please read your Customer Service Guide.

About the Software on Your Sony Notebook Computer 7
Media Bar
Sony Electronics
The Media Bar allows you to play audio and video CDs in the CD-ROM drive or
play audio or video files in various formats on your hard drive.Video images
display in a separate Movie window, which you can move and resize (to
full screen). For questions and technical assistance, please read your Customer
Service Guide.
PPK Setup
Sony Electronics
PPK Setup sets the programmable Power Key (on the right side of your Notebook
Computer). The settings enable you to start any application you want, to establish
a dialup connection or read an e-mail by simply pressing the programmable
Power Key. See your User Guide for details.
Voice Memo
Sony Electronics
Voice Memo allows to record the voice and play it back easily and at any time for
reminder; for example, recording phone numbers or appointment times. It can
also be used as a normal memo with text. For questions and technical assistance,
please read your Customer Service Guide.
ScribblePad
Sony Electronics
Use ScribblePad to sign documents, such as faxes or letters. You can add
drawings to the clipboard or desktop by pressing the plastic pen directly
on the touchpad and drawing your image. For questions and technical assistance,
please read your Customer Service Guide.
Batteryscope
Sony Electronics
BatteryScope is a flexible battery management system that gathers critical
information from the battery in your notebook computer, processes it, and
displays the information on the screen in a way that is easy to understand. For
questions and technical assistance, please read your Customer Service Guide.
Sony Notebook Setup
Sony Electronics
Use the Sony Notebook Setup to confirm system information, specify preferences
for system behavior, and change hardware settings for your Sony Notebook
computer.

VAIO About your Notebook Computer
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You can also control the power control modes. For more information, refer to your
User Guide or click Help on the Notebook Setup screen to display the help file.
For questions and technical assistance, please read your Customer Service Guide.
Product Recovery CD-ROM
Sony ITE
The Product Recovery CD-ROM allows you to reinstall individual applications
and device drivers if they are corrupted or accidentally erased. It also allows you
to restore the software titles that were shipped with your computer if they become
corrupted or are erased accidentally. Reinstalling an individual device driver or
software title may correct a problem you are experiencing with your computer,
and you may not need to recover the entire contents of your hard drive.
VAIO Channel
Sony ITE
Click the VAIO Channel button on your Channel Bar to access Club VAIO, all on
line services and informations on Sony Europe web site.
Operating, monitoring and WWW software
Windows®98
Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft®Windows®98 makes your computer work better by integrating tightly
with the Internet and providing better system performance and easier system
diagnostics and maintenance. With Windows 98, your system plays better as well
with support for the latest graphics, sound, and multimedia technologies, easy
addition and removal of peripheral devices, and the convergence of the TV and
PC in your home. This exciting new operating system builds on the
groundbreaking features introduced with Windows 95. At the same time,
Windows 98 maintains the best support for older Windows-based applications
and technologies. For questions and technical assistance, go online to
http://www.microsoft.com/support/.
!The PCGA-CD5 CD-ROM drive must be connected to the computer to use the
System Recovery CD. If you purchased another model, please refer to your
retailer for more detailed information.
You can only use this Recovery CD-ROM on the Sony notebook you purchased and not on
any other Sony PC or other manufacturer's PC!

About the Software on Your Sony Notebook Computer 9
Internet Explorer 4.01
Microsoft Corporation
Internet Explorer is the Internet browser of Microsoft.The Setup Wizard
configures your computer to connect automatically to the service provider of your
choice. A full e-mail package enables you to send and receive mail—including
attached files—across the Internet. NetMeeting, Outlook Express and Microsoft
Chat are just some of the components bundled with Internet Explorer 4.01. A
complete online tutorial helps new users become comfortable using the Internet.
For questions and technical assistance, go online to
http://www.microsoft.com/support/.
Adobe®Acrobat®Reader 3.01
Adobe Systems Incorporated
Acrobat Reader software allows you to view, navigate, and print electronic
documents in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), an open file format that is
intended to preserve the fidelity of documents created on all major computer
platforms. Once Acrobat Reader is installed, you can open and view PDF files
from within your Web browser by clicking on a PDF file embedded in an HTML
file. You quickly see the first page while the rest of the document is being
downloaded. Use the Acrobat Reader to read the Sony Notebook Computer User
Guide online. For questions and technical assistance, go online at
http://www.adobe.com.
QuickTime 3.0
Apple
QuickTime is the Apple technology that makes video, sound, music, 3D and
virtual reality come alive for Windows. Now QuickTime takes your multimedia
capabilities to the next level - and the one beyond.
QuickTime 3.0: offering the best in video, sound, music, and voice compression
technologies, QuickTime 3.0 also lets you experience video and audio as soon as
they arrive.
QuickTime VR transports you to virtual reality. Rotate objects, zoom in or out,
look in any direction and navigate from one scene to another.
For further information, see the web site at http://www.apple.com/quicktime/

VAIO About your Notebook Computer
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Norton Crashguard Deluxe
Symantec Corporation
Norton CrashGuard Deluxe keeps your computer free of problems and errors so it
can run at peak performance. By default, Norton CrashGuard Deluxe runs
automatically in the background, continually monitoring your computer. It alerts
you when conditions arise that require your attention and can fix many problems
automatically.
Checks your computer for errors and problems with one click!
Helps you recover when computer problems occur, including crashes and freezes.
Improves your system performance and teaches you more about your computer.
What is LiveUpdate PRO (by Symantec)?
Many hardware and software manufacturers release free updates for the products
you have on your computer. Having up-to-date software programs and hardware
drivers means fewer crashes, so it is very important that you visit Norton Web
Services every month and run LiveUpdate Pro to keep your computer current.
LiveUpdate PRO is pre-installed on your VAIO Note but this service is not free of
charge.
How to Subscribe to LiveUpdate PRO:
LiveUpdate Pro requires an active Norton Web Services subscription. You can get
more information on the Symantec Web site:
http://www.nortonweb.com

About the Software on Your Sony Notebook Computer 11
Communication software
Phone Tools
BVRP Software
PhoneTools is a powerful communication tool which provides a full range of
features: fax, dialer, telephone directory through an user-friendly interface. In
addition, PhoneTools allows complete management of GSM cellular phone:
phone directories and short messages. Online manual and contextual help are
provided with PhoneTools.
COM One Platinium Card Loader
COM One Company
The Platinium Card loader allows users to upgrade or change the functionnalities
of the PC card modem (firmware of the card is changed).
The Platinium Card is delivered with PSTN56k, ISDN* and GSM Sony CMD-Z1*
functionnalities.
The upgrade or change can be made by selecting a new firmware (card
programming) in the list provided with the Loader software or by accessing
COM-ONE Web site (http://www.com1.fr). See the online Platinum Card
Manual.
✍*See your retailer for GSM and ISDN kits.

VAIO About your Notebook Computer
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Features offered by PhoneTools with your Platinium PC card:
Fax transmission:
Via PSTN:
Your notebook is delivered with PhoneTools and the PC card configured for fax
transmission.
Via GSM:
If you own a Sony GSM CMD-Z1 or CMD-Z1 Plus, you can purchase a cable to
connect your phone to the PC card: without modifying the settings, PhoneTools
will allow you to send and receive faxes through your mobile phone.
A connection cable for Sony GSM CM-DX1000 is also available.
In order to use this GSM, you must update:
- the settings of the PC card, thanks to the COM1 Platinium Loader program
(select the settings matching your mobile phone)
- the PhoneTools driver (see Configuration/Hardware Configuration/Select
modem): select the MC220 + ISDN + the mobile phone you are using.
For other GSM phones, the set of functions offered by Phonetools may be limited.
Via ISDN:
You can purchase an ISDN kit from COM1 company. It will allow you to send and
receive faxes via ISDN.
GSM Special Features:
If you own a Sony GSM CMD-Z1 or CMD-Z1 Plus, PhoneTools allows you to:
- send and receive SMS (depends on your GSM subscription)
- manage your GSM Phone Book for an easy update of your GSM telephone
directories.
Dialer function:
When a telephone is connected to the same line as your notebook modem (PSTN),
the dialer function allows you to dial from the telephone directory of PhoneTools.
However, the actual telephone conversation will be done via your regular
telephone.
Data transmission:
Microsoft HyperTerminal provided with Windows 98 allows you to transmit data
via PSTN, ISDN and GSM networks.

Specifications 13
Specifications
Model Number PCG-505 FX/LT PCG-505FX/KT
Processor 266 MHz Pentium®
with MMX™technology
Hard Disk Drive 4,3 GB
Standard RAM 32 MB SDRAM,
expandable to 96 MB
LCD Screen 10.4” SVGA TFT
L2 Cache Memory 256 KB Multibank DRAM
MPEG MPEG1 Digital Video
supports full-screen playback
Graphics 128-bit accelerator with 2 MB Video RAM
Sound Capabilities 16-bit CD-quality stereo sound*
Diskette Drive External 3.5” 1.44 MB
(cable included)
CD-ROM Drive*² External 14 x
PC card modem*² 56 kbps data
Infrared Supports 4 Mbps, 1.1 Mbps, and 115 kpbs IrDA Standard
Expansion Capabilities One PCMCIA type II Card
Zoomed Video and Card Bus support
Built-In Capabilities Microphone
Mono speaker
Touchpad with pen input and scrolling
Telecommunication
Capabilities
GSM connectivity*³
Fax send/receive
ConnectionCapabilities
on Port Replicator
Printer
VGA monitor
Mouse (PS/2-style)
Keyboard(PS/2-style)
Serial
ConnectionCapabilities
on Mini Notebook
PC Card
Port replicator
Floppy disk drive
External speakers
USB port
Audio line in
Infrared
i.LINK (IEEE 1394)

VAIO About your Notebook Computer
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* With the provided earphones or optional stereo speakers.
*²Optional with PCG-505FX/LT
*³For GSM compatibility, please refer to your User Guide.
‡ See your registration card for conditions.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Supplied Accessories Floppy disk drive with cable
Rechargeable battery
AC adapter
Earphone
Port replicator
Plastic pen
CD-ROM Drive with PC Card,
AC adapter and cable
56 kbps data PC Card modem
Floppy disk drive with cable
Rechargeable battery
AC adapter
Earphone
Port replicator
Phone cable
Plastic pen
Special Button PPK (programmable key)
Service 1(+2) year free VAIO Link Service‡
Guarantee 1(+2) year guarantee (parts and labour)‡
Power Requirements 33 watts maximum (16V DC/AC100-240V)
Power Management Energy Star compliant
Advanced power management (APM) version 1.2
Battery Lithium ion
Dimensions 259 (w) x 23.9 (h) x 208 mm (d) (10.2”x.94”x8.2”)
Weight 1.35 kg (2.97 lbs.) (with S battery)
1.53 kg (3.36 lbs.) (with L battery)
2.08 kg (4.58 lbs.) (with FDD, AC adapter, S battery, and port
replicator)
2.81 kg (6.19 lbs.) (with CD-ROM, AC adapter, S battery, and port
replicator)
Operating
Temperature
+5° C to 35° C (40° F to 95° F)
Model Number PCG-505 FX/LT PCG-505FX/KT
Last revision: 9/28/98
3 865 752 11