Sony VAIO PCG-GRZ600 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 turn on the computer
1. Lift the lid of the computer by sliding the front switch to the right and lifting the lid. You may need to hold the
bottom of the computer firmly to lift the lid.
Opening the Computer
2. Press the power button until the power indicator turns on.
Turning on the Computer
If you hold the power button down, 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, depending on the model you purchased, may come equipped with one battery bay and one multipurpose
bay that supports a second battery. If your computer comes with two bays, you can purchase a second rechargeable
battery to extend your computing time. For information on how to extend the life of the battery, see Conserving Battery
Power for more information.
Inserting a battery
Removing a battery
Using a second 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.*
*O n selected models.
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. Lift the lid of the computer.
2. Push the battery bay cover down to open it. The battery bay cover swings out but does not detach from the
computer.
Opening the Battery Bay
3. Slide the battery into the battery bay. If the computer is on, it automatically detects the battery.
Inserting a Battery
4. Push the battery bay cover up until it clicks into place.
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. You can remove the battery when the computer is on or off.
If the computer is on, connect the AC adapter and exit a power saving mode before you remove the battery.
To remove a battery
1. Push the battery bay cover down to open it.
2. Pull the battery out of the battery bay.
Remov ing a Battery
3. Push in and lift up the battery bay cover until it clicks into place.
Page 8

Using a second battery
To insert a second battery
1. If another device is in the multipurpose bay, remove that device.
2. Insert the battery into the multipurpose bay. When the computer uses the second battery, the Battery 2
indicator turns on.
Inserting the Second Battery
3. Slide the weight saver in the direction of the arrow until it clicks into place. The weight saver stabilizes the
battery.
Inserting the Weight Saver
4. Lock the weight saver RELEASE switch.
To remove the second battery
1. Make sure the Battery 2 indicator is off and the Battery 1 indicator is on or the computer is connected to AC
power. If the Battery 2 indicator is on:
1. On the Windows®taskbar, double-click either the CPU icon or Profile icon , depending on the
model you purchased. The Power Panel dialog box appears.
2. On the Battery tab, click Primary Battery in the Battery Switch box.
3. Click OK.
2. Turn the computer over, and unlock the weight saver and the multipurpose bay.
Unlocking the Second Battery
Page 9

3. Pull the weight saver and battery gently from the multipurpose bay.
4. Insert the weight saver into the multipurpose bay to protect the bay. See Using a second battery for more
information.
Page 10

Locating battery information
You can view the remaining battery charge and other miscellaneous battery information on the Battery Information toolbar
and/or the Battery Information window.
To view the Battery Information toolbar
1. Right-click the center of the Windows®taskbar.
2. Select 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. Click and 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 2 hours and 02 minutes of battery charge left.
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 taskbar.
To view the Battery Information window
On the Windows®taskbar, double-click either the CPU icon or Profile icon , depending on the model you purchased.
The Power Panel window appears.
Power Panel Window
Page 11

Power Profile —Displays the power management settings for various devices on your system. You can change the
settings to conserve power.
Battery tab —Displays the total charge remaining in the battery. You can click Advanced for specific information on
the battery.
Alarms tab —Displays the alarm settings, which notify you when the battery is fully charged or too low. You can
change your computer's alarm settings on this window.
Click Help in the lower right corner of the window for more information.
The battery icons that appear on the Battery Information toolbar and the Battery Information window indicate the
current status of the installed battery.
Battery icon Battery status
Charging
Fully charged
Discharging
No battery
Page 12

Charging a battery
You will need to charge the battery if battery power drops below 10 percent or you have not used the battery for a long
time. The lithium-ion battery supplied with your computer may be recharged at any time, whether you wait until the battery
is completely or partially discharged. Charging a partially discharged battery does not affect battery life. If you charge the
battery and find that battery power is still low, the battery may be reaching the end of its life, and you may need to replace
it.
The battery supplied with your computer is not charged at the time of purchase.
To charge a battery
You can charge the battery when the computer is on or off. However, the battery will charge faster when the computer is
off. Charging the battery takes several hours. See your VAIO®Computer Specifications on the Welcome page for the
approximate time needed to charge your battery.
Charge the battery at temperatures between 50°F and 80°F (10°C to 30°C). Lower temperatures require more time
to charge.
1. Insert the battery into the battery bay. If you want to charge more than one battery, insert the second battery
into the computer. See To insert a second battery for more information.
2. Connect the AC adapter to the computer. The computer automatically charges the battery as long as the
computer is using AC power.
The battery indicator blinks while the battery charges. The battery indicator stops blinking when the battery is fully
charged.
When using two batteries, the battery you insert first charges first. The second battery you insert begins charging
when the first battery is 85 percent charged.
Battery Indicators
Battery indicator status Description
On The computer is using battery power.
Single blink The battery is running out of power.
Double blink The battery is charging.
Off The computer is using AC power.
Page 13

Notes on batteries
Never leave the battery in temperatures above 140°F (60°C), such as under direct sunlight or in a car parked in the
sun.
While the battery is in use or being discharged, the battery heats up. This is normal and is not cause for concern.
Keep the battery away from all sources of heat.
Keep the battery dry.
Do not open or disassemble the battery.
Do not expose the battery to any mechanical shock.
Battery life is shorter in a cold environment because of decreased battery efficiency at low temperatures.
Page 14

Frequently asked questions
How do I know when the battery is charged?
To determine the remaining battery charge, see Locating battery information.
When is the computer using AC power?
When the computer is directly connected to the AC adapter, it uses AC power, even if a battery is installed.
When should I recharge the battery?
When the battery level falls below 10 percent.
When both the battery and power indicators blink.
When you have not used the battery for a long time.
When should I replace the battery?
If the battery power is still low after charging it, the battery may be reaching the end of its life and should be replaced.
Should I be concerned that the installed battery is warm?
No, it is normal for the battery to be warm when it is powering the computer.
Page 15

Conserving Battery Power
You may use the power saving modes and PowerPanel utility or power schemes to conserve battery power. Conserving
battery power may significantly extend your computing time, depending on how you use your computer.
Using power saving modes
Using PowerPanel utility
Frequently asked questions
Page 16

Using power saving modes
In addition to the normal operating mode, which allows you to turn off specific devices, your computer has two distinct
power saving modes: Standby and Hibernate. Use the Standby and Hibernate power saving modes to override a power
profile setting or initiate immediate action.
Standby —Saves the state of the system and peripheral devices in memory (RAM). Power consumption is reduced
to a minimum. The system remains on, and the computer screen (LCD) is off.
Hibernate —Saves the state of the system and peripheral devices to the hard disk. Power consumption is reduced
to the lowest possible setting without being completely off. Hibernate mode consumes the lowest level of power.
Your computer enters Hibernate mode when the remaining battery charge drops below 5 percent, regardless of the
setting you select.
Since some software programs and peripheral devices prevent the system from entering Hibernate mode, save your
data frequently to avoid data loss.
To activate Standby mode
1. Press the Fn and Esc keys. The power indicator blinks in this mode.
2. Press any key to return to normal mode.
To activate Hibernate mode
1. Press the Fn and F12 keys, or press the power button and release it immediately. Do not move the computer
until the power indicator turns off.
2. Press the power button to return to normal mode.
If the computer does not activate Hibernate mode, see Frequently asked questions for more information.
Page 17

Using PowerPanel utility
The PowerPanel utility enables you to select and customize a predefined power management profile to conserve battery
life. The following table describes all the predefined power management profiles in PowerPanel. Your computer is set to
Automatic Profile Selection by default. You can customize the settings for all the following profiles, except the Disable Power
Management profile.
Profile
Icon Description
Maximum Performance
Provides the best system performance but conserves minimal power.
Maximum Battery Life
Provides power saving features to give you maximum battery life and good performance. It slows the computer and puts it
into Standby mode after a specified time.
Power Management Off
Disables all power management settings, such as Standby and Hibernate modes. You cannot change the settings of this
profile.
AC Power
Indicates when AC power is in use. Similar to the Power Management Off setting. Power Management automatically loads
the AC profile unless you disable this feature.
Games
Disables the display and the Hard Disk Standby timer.
Presentation
Keeps the display on at all times while conserving power. This option is ideal for slide show presentations. You can
establish settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby mode to optimize power management for your
system.
Camera
Optimizes performance and power requirements for camera usage.
DVD
Optimizes performance and power requirements for DVD usage.
Word Processing
Optimizes power management with longer time-outs on the hard disk and display screen. You can also establish settings
for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby mode to optimize power management for your system.
Spreadsheet
Optimizes performance and power requirements for spreadsheet programs.
Communications
Extends battery life by initiating a quick display time-out. The Internal modem remains powered on. You can also establish
settings for LCD (Video) Standby, Hard Disk Standby, and Standby mode to optimize power management for your system.
Automatic Profile Selection
Automatically selects a profile suitable for active software programs.
Do not choose the Automatic Profile Selection when connected to AC power.
Page 18

To select a profile
1. On the Windows®taskbar, right-click either the CPU icon or Profile icon , depending on the model you
purchased.
2. Select Profiles, and click the profile name on the shortcut menu. The profile settings are implemented instantly.
See Using PowerPanel utility for descriptions of available profiles.
When you use the battery to power your computer, your system automatically selects the Maximum Battery Life power
management profile by default. If you select a different power management profile while using battery power, that profile is
selected automatically the next time you use the battery to power your computer.
See PowerPanel Help for information on customizing the power management profiles.
To customize your profile settings
You can customize your profile settings to sustain enough power for a particular computing function.
1. On the Windows®taskbar, right-click either the CPU icon or Profile icon , depending on the model you
purchased.
2. Select Edit/Create Profiles from the shortcut menu.
3. In the left panel, select the profile you want to change.
4. Right-click the setting under System, LCD(Video), Hard Disk, or Other Devices that you want to change. See
the following table for a description of each power profile.
5. Make your changes from the drop-down menu.
6. Click File, and click Save.
Power profile Description
CPU Control1
(on selected models) Controls the processor speed. You can select either Performance, Adaptive, Battery Life, or More
Battery Life. These selections are listed in order from the greatest to least amount of power consumed.
System
Standby Timer Controls the time it takes the system to activate the Standby mode when it is idle. The longer you
allow the computer to sit idle while it is not in a power saving mode the more power the computer consumes.
Hibernate
Timer Controls the time it takes the system to activate the Hibernate mode when it is idle. The longer you allow the
computer to sit idle while it is not in a power saving mode the more power the computer consumes. Hibernate mode
conserves more power than Standby mode.
Thermal
Control Strategy* (On selected models) Controls the speed of the processor fan. You can set the fan speed to Quiet,
which conserves the most power, or Performance.
Lid Close Action Controls the state of your system when you close the computer's lid. You can select either Standby
or Hibernate mode, or you can select LCD Off. Hibernate or LCD Off conserves the most power.
Page 19

Hibernate on Low Battery Controls the state of your system when the battery power is low. You can turn this setting
On or Off. Selecting On conserves the most power when the battery is low.
LCD
Brightness Controls the brightness of the computer screen (LCD). You can select a brightness level of one to nine, with
one being the darkest setting. The darker you set the computer screen the more power you conserve.
LCD Standby Timer Controls the time it takes the system to turn off power to the computer screen (LCD) when the
system is idle. The system itself still functions on full power.
HDD Standby Timer Controls the time it takes the system to turn off power to the hard disk drive when the system is
idle. This setting only turns off power to the hard disk drive.
1Slows the processor speed.
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