Sony VAIO PCG-735 User manual

®
Sony
Notebook Computer
User Guide
PCG-735/PCG-737

Notice to Users
©1998 Sony Corporation. All rights
reserved. This manual and the software
described herein, in whole or in part, may
not be reproduced, translated, or reduced
to any machine-readable form without
prior written approval.
SONY CORPORATION PROVIDES NO
WARRANTY WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL,
THE SOFTWARE, OR OTHER INFORMATION
CONTAINED HEREIN AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY
DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY
PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH REGARD TO THIS
MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE OR SUCH OTHER
INFORMATION. INNO EVENT SHALL SONY
CORPORATION BE LIABLE FOR ANY
INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR SPECIAL
DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON TORT,
CONTRACT, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF
OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS MANUAL, THE
SOFTWARE, OR OTHER INFORMATION
CONTAINED HEREIN OR TO USE THERE.
Sony Corporation reserves the right to
make any modification to this manual or
the information contained herein at any
time without notice. The software
described herein is governed by the terms
of a separate user license agreement.
Sony and VAIO are registered trademarks
of Sony Corporation. Windows and the
Windows 98 logo are registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation.
Intel, MMX, and Pentium are trademarks
of Intel Corporation.
All other trademarks are trademarks of
their respective owners.
As an ENERGY STAR Partner, Sony has
determined that this product meets the
ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy
efficiency.
Energy Star is an U.S. registered mark.
Safety Information
Owners Record
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.
Model Number: PCG-735/PCG-737
Serial Number:________________________
❏Audio and picture distortion may
occur if this equipment is positioned
in close proximity to any equipment
emitting electromagnetic radiation.
❏To prevent fire or shock hazard, do
not expose your Sony Notebook
Computer to rain or moisture.
❏To avoid electrical shock, do not open
the cabinet. Refer servicing to
qualified personnel only.
❏Never install modem or telephone
wiring during a lightning storm.
❏Never install telephone jacks in wet
locations unless the jack is specifically
designed for wet locations
❏Never touch uninsulated telephone
wire or terminals unless the telephone
line has been disconnected at the
network interface.
❏Use caution when installing or
modifying telephone lines.
❏Avoid using the modem during an
electrical storm.
❏Do not use the modem or a telephone
to report a gas leak in the vicinity of
the leak.
❏Plugable equipment: the socket-outlet
shall be installed near the equipment
and shall be easy accessible.
❏Use your notebook only with the
supplied AC adapter.
WARNING

Regulatory Information DISPOSAL OF LITHIUM ION
BATTERY.
This product conforms with the
following European Directives:
73/23/EEC (Low Voltage Directive)
89/336/EEC (EMC Directive)
93/68/EEC (CE-Marking Directive)
This equipment complies with
EN 55022 Class B and EN 50082-1
for use in following areas:
residential, business and light-
industrial.
This equipment has been tested and
found to comply with the limits set
out in the EMC Directive for using a
connection cable shorter than 3
metres (9,8 feet).
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.
✍In some areas the disposal of lithium
ion batteries in household or
business trash may be prohibited.
Please use the public collection
system.
Dispose of properly at end-of-life.
!Danger of explosion if battery
is incorrectly replaced. Replace
only with the same or
equivalent type recommended
by the manufacturer.
!The battery pack used in this
device may present a fire or
chemical burn hazard if
mistreated. Do not
disassemble, heat above 100
°
C
(212
°
F) or incinerate.
Dispose of used battery
promptly.
Keep away from children.
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
TO EN 60825-1

v
Contents
Welcome
Unpacking Your Notebook Computer.........................................2
Ergonomic Considerations.............................................................3
Using Your Notebook Computer
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.........................................................15
Using the Keyboard.......................................................................16
Using the Touchpad ......................................................................22
Using the Floppy Disk Drive .......................................................23
Using the CD-ROM Drive ............................................................26
Using the Headphone with Remote Control.............................29
Using PC Cards..............................................................................32
Using Infrared Communication Devices....................................34
Using Power Saving Modes.........................................................36
Using a Second Battery Pack........................................................38
Using the Weight Saver ................................................................40
Connecting Peripheral Devices
Connecting a PC card modem.....................................................42
Connecting the Docking Station..................................................44
Connecting a Printer......................................................................51
Connecting an External Display..................................................52
Connecting an External Mouse or Keyboard.............................55

Contents
vi
Connecting External Speakers......................................................56
Connecting an External Microphone...........................................57
Connecting a Digital Still Camera
or Other Serial Device....................................................................58
Connecting a Digital Video Camera Recorder...........................59
Connecting a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device ......................60
Using the Mediabar
Mediabar Functions .......................................................................62
Customizing Your Notebook Computer
Displaying the Sony Notebook Setup Screen ............................63
Controlling Power Management..................................................65
Displaying Battery Information ...................................................67
Selecting the Display Mode ..........................................................70
Getting Help
About Sony’s Support Options ...................................................73
Troubleshooting .............................................................................75
Using the System and Application
Recovery CD ...................................................................................79
Notes on Use.............................................................................83
Adding Memory.............................................................................88
Index..........................................................................................91

1
Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of the Sony Notebook Computer. Sony
has combined leading-edge technology in audio, video, computing, and
communications to provide you with state-of-the-art personal
computing.
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®Pentium®
processor with MMX™technology, a 24x (maximum performance)
CD-ROM drive, and a 56 kbps PC card modem.
❏Portability – The rechargeable battery pack provides two to five
hours of use without AC power.
❏Sony audio and video quality – High-quality, “Sony Tuned” MPEG1
video, which supports full-screen display (12.1-inch Active Matrix
LCD screen for the PCG-737 and 12.1-inch Passive Matrix LCD screen
for the PCG-735) and enables you to take advantage of today’s
advanced multimedia applications, games, and entertainment
software.
❏Multimedia features – Enjoy the stereo speakers or use the supplied
headphone to listen to audio and video CDs.The headphoneincludes
a remote control. You can even listen to audio CDs when your
computer is in suspend (sleep) mode.
❏Windows® 98 –Your system includes the latest operating system
from Microsoft.
❏Communications – Access popular online services, send and receive
e-mails, browse the Internet, and use the built-in speakerphone,
answering machine, and fax features.
❏Excellent customer support: VAIO Link – If you have some
problems with your computer, you can contact VAIO Link by
telephone, fax or e-mail (see your Customer Service Guide). Before
calling VAIO Link, try to solve the problem by reading your User
Guide (troubleshooting chapter) or the manuals and helpfiles of the
peripherals or software.

Welcome
2
Unpacking Your Notebook Computer
Remove the following hardware items from the box:
You can find the complete list of the items that come with your computer
in the About Your Sony Notebook Computer guide.
Main unit Floppy disk drive
Phone cable
Weight Saver
AC adapter Power cord
Rechargeable
Headphone
battery pack
Video cable
Floppy disk
drive cable
PC card modem
User manualsRecovery CD
Phone plug
(installed)
CD-ROM drive

Ergonomic Considerations
3
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.
❏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, touchpad,
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. 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 – Use the display’s tilting
feature to find the best position. You can reduce eye strain and muscle
fatigue by adjusting the tilt of the display to the proper position.
Adjust the contrast or brightness settings of the display also.
Wrists relaxed
and flat
Arms at desk
level
Computer positioned
directly in front of you

Welcome
4
❏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.
❏Tilt stand – You use the tilt stand to place the computer at an angle
that allows comfortable typing.
❏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.

5
Using Your Notebook Computer
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.
Locating the Controls and Connectors
Front
LCD screen (pages 20, 83) Power indicator (pages 12, 18)
Speakers (page 56) Hard disk drive indicator (page 18)
Keyboard (page 16) Battery 1/2 indicators (pages 18, 67)
Touchpad (page 22) Num Lock indicator (page 19)
Left/right button (page 22) Caps Lock indicator (page 19)
Microphone (page 57) Scroll Lock indicator (page 19)
12
Num
Lock Caps Lock Scroll Lock
1 7
2 8
3 9
410
511
612

Using Your Notebook Computer
6
Left
Power switch (page 12) Headphone connector (pages 29, 56)
Hard disk drive Microphone connector (page 57)
Battery bay (pages 9, 47) Line In connector
✍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.
1 4
2 5
3 6

Locating the Controls and Connectors
7
Right
Back
PC card slots (page 32)
Multi-purpose bay (page 23)
DC In (page 8) Monitor connector (page 52)
Serial COM1 connector (page 58) Docking station (page 44)
Infrared port (page 34) / FDD/Printer connector (page 51)
USB connector (page 60) Video Out connector (page 54)
/ Mouse/Keyboard connector (page 55)
2
1
1
2
cover cover
1
6
2
7
3
8
4
9
5

Using Your Notebook Computer
8
Connecting a Power Source
You can use either AC power or a rechargeable battery pack as a power
source.
Using the AC Adapter
1Plug the cable attached to the AC adapter into the DC In connector on
the computer.
2Plug one end of the power cord into the AC adapter.
3Plug the other end of the power cord into an AC outlet.
Notebook computer
DC in
AC adapter
(supplied)
Power cord (supplied)
1
23
SELV according to
EN60950
Hazardous Voltage
according to EN60950

Connecting a Power Source
9
Using Battery Power
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. Follow the steps below to insert and charge the
battery pack.
To insert the battery pack
1Open the cover of the battery bay.
2Insert the battery pack into the battery bay on the left side of the
computer.
3Close the cover of the battery bay.
To charge the battery pack
1Connect the AC adapter to the computer.
2Insert the battery pack if needed.
Battery pack
(supplied)
Label side facing down

Using Your Notebook Computer
10
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.
A fully charged battery pack supplies power for approximately 2.5 to 5.5
hours.The time may differ according to the conditions of use.
See “Displaying Detailed Battery Information” on page 68 for
information on checking the battery life.
There are two battery indicator lights on the computer:
Battery Indicator Meaning
1Indicates the status of the battery pack in the battery
bay on the left side of the computer.
2Indicates the status of the battery pack in the multi-
purpose bay on the right side of the computer.
Battery Indicator
Light Status Meaning
On The computer is using battery power.
Flashing with the
power indicator The battery is running out of power.
Flashing twice at a
slow interval The battery is charging.
Off The computer is using AC power.
12
Battery indicators
Battery pack (supplied)
Secondary battery pack
(not supplied)

Connecting a Power Source
11
To remove the battery pack
1Open the cover of the battery bay.
2Pull out the battery pack.
3Close the cover of the battery bay.
✍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.
When the remaining battery charge drops to 7%, the computer automatically
enters System Hibernation mode. This may result in data loss as the system
changes modes.
You can extend battery life by changing the power management modes in the
PowerPanel utility. See “Using Power Saving Modes” on page 36.
The battery pack supplied with your computer is a lithium ion battery and can
be recharged at any time. Charging a partially discharged battery does not
affect battery life.
The battery indicator light is on while you use the battery pack as a power
source. When battery life is nearly over, the battery indicator starts flashing.

Using Your Notebook Computer
12
Starting Your Computer
1Slide the LCD lock lever in the direction of the arrow, and lift the
cover.
2Slide the power switch on the left side toward the front of the
computer until the power indicator light turns on (green).
✍If you slide the power switch for more than four seconds, the computer turns
off.
✍Note on contrast (PCG-735 only): as the contrast of a LCD is variable, adjust
the contrast as follows:
To increase contrast, press Fn+F6 and then or
To decrease contrast, press Fn+F6 and then or ➜.
LCD lock lever
Power switch Power indicator
➜
➜
➜

Shutting Down Your Computer
13
Shutting Down Your Computer
1Click the Start button on the Windows 98 taskbar.
2Click Shut Down at the bottom of the Start menu to display the Shut
Down Windows dialog box.
3Select Shut Down.
4Click OK.
5Wait for your computer to turn off automatically.
6Turn off any peripherals connected to your computer.
!To avoid potential loss of data, follow these steps to shut down your
computer.
✍Respond to any prompts warning you to save documents.
✍If you are unable to shut down your computer using the steps described
above, press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys at the same time and select Shut Down
in the Task manager window to restart the computer. If you are unable to
restart the computer in this way, you can slide the power switch forward and
hold for four seconds. This operation may result in data loss.
During a period of inactivity, you can conserve battery life by using system
suspend mode. See “Controlling Power Management” on page 65.

Using Your Notebook Computer
14
Registering Windows®98
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.
The on-screen instructions guide you through the registration and
configuration process. The following is an overview of the process.
1Gathering information:
❏Enter your name.
❏Read and accept the License Agreement.
❏Enter your Certificate of Authenticity number located on the
cover of the Introducing Windows 98 manual.
2Windows 98 setup:
❏Click the Finish button on the Windows 98 Setup Wizard screen.
3Selecting your computer settings:
❏If necessary, change the Time Zone, Date and Time on the
Date/Time Properties screen.
4Learning about Windows 98:
❏If you want, take the tour of Windows 98.
✍You must register Windows 98 before you can use the computer.