Apple PowerBook User Manual



Setting Up Your

PowerBook

Includes setup, expansion, and troubleshooting

information for PowerBook computers

K Apple Computer, Inc.

© 2000 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved.

Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Apple.
The Apple logo is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Use of the

“keyboard” Apple logo (Option-Shift-K) for commercial purposes without the prior written consent of Apple may
constitute trademark infringement and unfair competition in violation of federal and state laws.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate. Apple is not responsible for
printing or clerical errors.

Apple Computer, Inc.
1 Infinite Loop
Cupertino, CA 95014-2084
408-996-1010
http://www.apple.com

Apple, the Apple logo, AppleTalk, FireWire, Mac, Macintosh, and PowerBook are trademarks of Apple Computer,
Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

AirPort, The Apple Store, and Final Cut Pro are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
ENERGY STAR
PowerPC is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, used under license therefrom.
Other company and product names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective companies. Mention of

third-party products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a
recommendation. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the performance or use of these products.

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. “Dolby,” “Pro Logic” and the double-D symbol are trademarks

of Dolby Laboratories. Confidential Unpublished Works, © 1992–1997 Dolby Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved.

The product described in this manual incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method
claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other
rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation and is
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Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.

Apparatus Claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 4,631,603, 4,577,216, 4,819,098 and 4,907,093 licensed for limited viewing uses
only.

Simultaneously published in the United States and Canada.

®

is a U.S. registered trademark.

Contents

1 Getting Started 7

Plugging In the Computer 8

Connecting the Internal Modem 8
Opening the Display 9
Tu r ning the Computer On 10

Problems Turning the Computer On? 10
Moving Items on the Screen 11

Tips for Using the Trackpad 11
Adjusting the Internal Display 12

Adjusting the Brightness 12

Adjusting the Display Resolution 12
Where to Go From Here 13
Additional Information in Online Help and Apple Web Sites 14
What to Do When You Are Finished Working 16

Put Your PowerBook to Sleep 16

Shut Down Your PowerBook 16

2 Features of Your PowerBook 17

Basic Features of Your PowerBook 18
Additional Features of Your PowerBook 20
Internal Expansion Capabilities of Your PowerBook 22
Keyboard Controls, Hot Function Keys, and Numeric Keypad 24

Assigning Hot Function Keys 24

Using the Standard Function Keys 24

Using the Embedded Numeric Keypad 25

3

For More Information on Keyboard Controls 25

Universal Serial Bus (USB) 26

Connecting and Using a USB Device 26
USB Devices and Battery Power 26
Using Multiple USB Devices at the Same Time 27
For More Information on USB 27

FireWire 28

Connecting FireWire Devices 28
FireWire Devices and Battery Power 29
FireWire Target Disk Mode 29
For More Information on FireWire 29

AirPort Wireless Internet and Networking 30

How AirPort Provides Wireless Internet Access 30
For More Information on AirPort 30
Installing an AirPort Card 31

External Monitor Support (VGA and S-Video) 38

Connecting an External Monitor 38
Switching Between Extended Desktop and Video Mirroring Modes 39
Connecting a Television, VCR, or Other Video Device 39
Using Your PowerBook With the Display Closed 39
For More Information on Using an External Monitor 39

Battery and Dual Battery Support 40

Monitoring Battery Charge Level 40
Removing or Replacing a Battery 40
Charging a Battery 40
Battery-Saving Tips 41
For More Information on Your PowerBook Battery 41

Expansion Bay Modules 42

Determining Whether a Module Can Be Removed 42
Ejecting an Expansion Bay Module 43
For More Information on Expansion Bay Modules 43

DVD Drive 44

Inserting Discs 44
Ejecting a Disc From the DVD Drive 45

4 Contents

Playing DVD Discs 45

For More Information on Your DVD Drive 45
Infrared (IrDA) 46

Making an Infrared Connection 46

For More Information on Infrared 46
PC Cards 47

Inserting a PC Card 47

Ejecting a PC Card 47

For More Information on PC Cards 47
Ethernet (10/100 Base-T) 48

For More Information on Using Ethernet 48
Security Slot and Keyboard Lock 49
Installing Additional Memory 50

RAM Specifications 50

Maximum RAM Configurations 50

Installing RAM in the Upper RAM Slot 51

Checking to See if Your Computer Recognizes the New Memory 57

Replacing RAM in the Lower RAM Slot 58
Removable Hard Disk 60
PowerBook Specifications 62

3 Troubleshooting 65

Information in This Chapter 65
Problems That Prevent You From Using Your Computer 66
Other Problems 67

Appendix
Cleaning, Storage, Safety, and Ergonomic Information 69

Cleaning Your PowerBook 69

Cleaning Your PowerBook Display 69
Storing Your PowerBook 69
Safety Instructions for Setting Up and Using Your Computer 70

Plugging In the Power Adapter 70

Connecting a Phone Line to the Internal Modem 70

Using Your PowerBook 70

Contents 5

General Safety Instructions 71
Ergonomics 72
Communications Regulation Information 75
Laser Information 80
High-Risk Activities Warning 80
ENERGY STAR 80

6 Contents

CHAPTER

1

1

Getting Started

Your PowerBook has been designed so that you can set it up quickly and start using it right
away. If you have never used a PowerBook or are new to Macintosh computers, read this
section for instructions on getting started and where to get more information.

If you are an experienced user, you may already know enough to get started. Be sure to look
over the information in this book to find out about the new features of this PowerBook.

Macintosh monitor adapter

Phone cord

Power adapterPower cord

Composite-to-S-video cable Expansion bay weight-saving device

Important Read all the installation instructions and safety information (see page 70)

carefully before you plug your computer into a wall socket.

7

Plugging In the Computer

Plugging in the power adapter recharges the computer’s battery. You should plug in the
power adapter in case the battery has been drained during shipping or storage.

1 Plug one end of the power cord into the power adapter and the other end into an outlet.
2 Plug the power adapter plug into the power adapter port (marked with the icon ¯) on the

back of the computer.

¯ Power adapter port

Power adapter plug

¯

√

-

G

Æ

™

W

Internal modem

W

Telephone

cord

Power cord Power adapter

8 Chapter 1

Connecting the Internal Modem

If you want to get connected to the Internet right away, connect one end of the phone cord
to the internal modem port (marked with the icon W) and the other end to an analog
telephone line (the type of telephone line found in most residences).

Warning Do not connect a digital telephone line to the modem, because the wrong type

of line could damage the modem.

Opening the Display

1 Push the display release button.

2 Open the display and position it at a comfortable viewing angle.

®

Getting Started 9

Turning the Computer On

®

To turn on the computer, press the Power button (®) above the keyboard.

® Power button

You should hear a tone when you turn on the computer. It takes the computer a few
moments to start up.

Problems Turning the Computer On?

Nothing happens when you press the Power button.

m The battery may be drained. Make sure that you plugged in the power adapter, and

that the adapter is firmly connected to both the computer and a power source.

m If the computer still doesn’t start up when you press the Power button, use the tip

of a pen to press the reset button (see page 20) on the back of the computer. Wait a
few seconds and then press the Power button again.

m If the computer still doesn’t start up, see “If the computer won’t turn on or start up”

on page 67.

10 Chapter 1

After you press the Power button, there is a slight delay before the
computer starts up.

m This is normal. When you press the Power button, the PowerBook checks its

memory before it starts up. The more memory installed in the PowerBook, the
longer the delay.

You see a picture of a disk or a folder with a blinking question mark.

m This icon usually means that the computer can’t find system software on the hard

disk or any disks attached to the computer. You may need to reinstall system
software. See “If the computer freezes during startup or you see a flashing question
mark” on page 66.

Moving Items on the Screen

®

You use your PowerBook trackpad to move items and select items on the screen, much as
you use a mouse with a desktop computer. To move the arrow pointer on the screen, slide
your finger across the trackpad. To select, click, or double-click an item on the screen, use
the trackpad button.

Trackpad Trackpad button

The trackpad is sensitive to how quickly you move your finger. To move the pointer a short
distance across the screen, move your finger slowly across the trackpad. The faster you move
your finger, the farther the pointer moves on the screen.

Tips for Using the Trackpad

For best results when using the trackpad, keep in mind these tips:

m Use only one finger.

m Use only your finger on the trackpad. Do not use a pen or any other object.

m Keep your finger and the trackpad dry. If the trackpad becomes moist from

humidity or condensation, gently wipe it with a clean cloth before you use it.

m Never use any kind of cleaning solution on the trackpad.

For more information on using the trackpad, see Mac Help, available in the Help

menu.

Getting Started 11

Adjusting the Internal Display

®

Before you begin working with your new PowerBook, you may need to adjust your display so
that items on the screen are easy to see.

Adjusting the Brightness

Use the keys labeled with the ¤ icon to adjust screen brightness.

¤ Brightness controls

Adjusting the Display Resolution

You can increase the size of images on your display by switching from the standard resolution
to a scaled resolution. Click the Resolution portion of the Control Strip.

12 Chapter 1

Resolution icon

When you switch to a scaled resolution, items on the screen appear larger, making them
easier to see. However, scaled resolutions may not be as sharp as the standard display
resolution.

Where to Go From Here

That’s everything you need to know to get your PowerBook up and running for the first
time. The first time that you turn your computer on, the Macintosh Setup Assistant will take
you through the rest of the process of configuring your computer for the first time and
setting up for the Internet.

If you would like additional information, see the following:
m To learn about the additional information available in the onscreen help and on the

Internet, see “Additional Information in Online Help and Apple Web Sites” on page 14.
m For instructions on shutting down your computer or putting it to sleep, see “What to Do

When You Are Finished Working” on page 16.
m For information about what you can do with your PowerBook, see Chapter 2, “Features of

Your PowerBook.”
m If you have a problem with your PowerBook, see Chapter 3, “Troubleshooting.”

Getting Started 13

Additional Information in Online Help and Apple Web Sites

14 Chapter 1

Apple Web Site
www.apple.com

Links to everything Apple.

The Apple Store
www.apple.com/store

The latest Apple hardware, software,
and accessories.

Apple Support Web Site
www.apple.com/support

Need extra help? Visit here for product
support, software updates, and technical
information.

Apple PowerBook Web Site
www.apple.com/powerbook

News and information specifically for
PowerBook users.

Getting Started 15

What to Do When You Are Finished Working

When you have finished working with your PowerBook, you have two options.

Put Your PowerBook to Sleep

If you are only going to be away from your PowerBook for a short period of time, put the
computer to sleep. When the computer is in sleep, you can quickly wake it and bypass the
startup process. When the computer is in sleep, its screen is dark and appears to be off and a
small green light on the case pulsates.

To quickly put the computer to sleep, do one of the following:

m Close the display.
m Choose Sleep from the Special menu.

Warning Wait a few seconds until the Apple logo on the top of the case stops glowing

(indicating that the computer is in sleep and the hard disk has stopped spinning) before
you move your PowerBook. Moving your computer while the hard disk is spinning can
damage your computer.

To wake the computer:
m If the display is closed, open it. Your PowerBook will automatically wake from sleep when

you open the display. (You can turn off this option in the Energy Saver control panel.)

m If the display is already open, press the Power button (®) or any key on the keyboard.

16 Chapter 1

Shut Down Your PowerBook

If you are not going to use your PowerBook for a day or two, you should shut it down. To
shut down the PowerBook, do one of the following:

m Choose Shut Down from the Special menu.
m Press the Power button and click Shut Down in the dialog box that appears on the screen:

CHAPTER

2

2

Features of Your PowerBook

Your PowerBook has many built-in features and expansion capabilities you can use to
customize and expand your PowerBook to fit your needs. These include the following:

m Universal Serial Bus (USB) for connecting additional equipment to your PowerBook, such

as printers, scanners, joysticks, keyboards, digital cameras, and floppy drives.
m FireWire for connecting high-speed equipment, such as digital video cameras and external

hard disks.
m The latest in communications technologies such as a 56K modem, infrared, 10/100 Base-T

Ethernet, and optional AirPort wireless Internet and networking.
m The ability to use your PowerBook with an external monitor, video projector, or television,

including support for video mirroring and creating an extended desktop. Use your

PowerBook’s built-in video support to do presentations, work with an external monitor,

or play DVD-Video discs on your television.

m Long-lasting battery and the ability to use two batteries at the same time.
m Removable expansion bay modules, one Type II PC Card/CardBus slot, and user-

upgradable memory.

To learn about what you can do with your PowerBook, start with the information in this
chapter. Additional information can be found in Mac Help (see page 14) and on Apple’s many
Internet Web sites.

17

Basic Features of Your PowerBook

Microphone

Sleep indicator

Volume

-

controls

Brightness

¤

controls

Built-in
speaker

Keyboard
release tab

Function
key

Battery bay
release lever

®

Trackpad Expansion bay

Trackpad
button

Display
release button

release lever

Keyboard lock

Num Lock key

— Mute control

Keyboard
release tab

® Power button

Built-in speaker

Security slot

Expansion bay


18 Chapter 2

Brightness controls

¤

Increase or decrease the brightness of your PowerBook display using these keys on your
PowerBook keyboard.

Volume controls

-

Increase or decrease the volume of the sound coming from the built-in speakers and sound
output port.

Mute control

—

Tu r ns the sound from the PowerBook built-in speakers and sound output port off and on.

Expansion bay with a DVD-ROM drive module inserted

Dual-function expansion bay that accepts removable modules or a PowerBook battery. Use
the DVD-ROM drive to install and run programs, play music CDs, play DVD-Video discs, or
reinstall system software. To eject an expansion bay module, pull the expansion bay release
lever toward you.

Function (Fn) key

Hold down this key to activate the function keys (F1–F12).

Keyboard release tabs

When you need to install memory, install an AirPort Card, or remove the hard disk, pull
these tabs down to release the PowerBook keyboard.

Microphone

Record sounds directly on your PowerBook hard disk with this built-in microphone.

Num Lock key

Activates the numeric keypad embedded in the PowerBook keyboard.

Power button

®

Tu r ns your PowerBook on and off or puts it to sleep.

Security slot

Ç

Protect your PowerBook by connecting a security cable.

Sleep indicator

A pulsating green light indicates when the PowerBook is in sleep.

Trackpad

Moves the pointer on the PowerBook display. With the Trackpad control panel, you can set
the trackpad to double-click and select items directly instead of using the trackpad button.

Keyboard lock

Protect the internal components of your PowerBook (such as memory and the hard disk
drive) by preventing the keyboard from being easily removed.

Features of Your PowerBook 19

Additional Features of Your PowerBook

¯

√

-

¯ Power

√

adapter port

G

-

G

Æ

Battery
with LED
status lights

PC Card slot

Æ

™

W

™

W

PC Card
eject button

USB ports (2)

Sound

√

input port

- Sound

output port

Ethernet port

G

(10/100Base-T)

-

1

2

FireWire
ports (2)

TV out port

Æ

1

2

G

™

W

W

Internal

modem port

Infrared
window

™ External

monitor port

Reset
button

20 Chapter 2

External monitor port

™

Connect to any external monitor or projection device that uses a VGA-style connector or to
any older Macintosh monitor using the video adapter included with your PowerBook.

TV out port

Æ

Connect your PowerBook to a television, VCR, or other video device. You can use TV out
for presentations or to play DVD-Video on your television.

Ethernet port (10/100 Base-T)

G

Connect to a high-speed 10/100Base-T Ethernet network or connect to another computer
and transfer files.

Infrared window

Use infrared (IR) communication to send files to another IR-equipped computer, print on
an IR-equipped printer, or connect to an IR network that uses the IrDA standard. You can
also use IR to synchronize with certain handheld personal assistants and cellular
telephones.

PC Card slot

Expand the capabilities of your PowerBook using this Type II PC Card slot that supports
both PCMCIA and CardBus formats.

Internal modem port

W

Connect a standard phone line directly to the internal modem.

PowerBook reset button

Reset the computer with this button when you cannot shut it down using the Power
button.

Sound input port

√

Connect an external line-level microphone or other sound input device.

Sound output port

-

Connect external speakers, headphones, or other sound output device.

Two FireWire ports

Connect digital video and other high-speed external devices, such as digital video cameras,
printers, and external storage devices.

Two USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports

Connect additional equipment to your PowerBook, such as printers, external storage
devices, modems, keyboards, and joysticks. Up to 127 devices can be connected at the
same time using USB hubs.

Features of Your PowerBook 21

Internal Expansion Capabilities of Your PowerBook

AirPort
antenna
cable

Heat shield

Processor module

Optional
AirPort Card


Keyboard


Hard disk

Additional

memory

slot

Ethernet ID label

22 Chapter 2

Optional AirPort Card

Installing an AirPort Card in your computer allows access to a wireless network. After
removing the heat shield, connect the end of the antenna cable to the AirPort Card and
then insert the card into the AirPort Card slot. For instructions, see “Installing an AirPort
Card” on page 31.

AirPort antenna cable

The end of the built-in AirPort antenna attaches to the back of the optional AirPort Card.

Additional memory slot

You can install up to a 256 megabyte (MB) memory module in this slot (unless your
PowerBook already has additional RAM installed). For instructions, see “Installing
Additional Memory” on page 50.

Processor module with main memory slot

You can replace the memory located in the main slot on the bottom of the processor
module. To upgrade your PowerBook to the maximum memory (512 MB), remove the
memory and replace it with a 256 MB memory module. For instructions, see “Replacing
RAM in the Lower RAM Slot” on page 58.

Removable hard disk

You can remove the internal hard disk for service or security. To remove the internal hard
disk, you need to remove the processor module and then disconnect the hard disk cable
from the main logic board. For instructions, see “Removable Hard Disk” on page 60.

Features of Your PowerBook 23

Keyboard Controls, Hot Function Keys, and Numeric Keypad

®

You can quickly adjust settings such as volume and screen brightness using the keyboard
controls for volume and brightness.

Your PowerBook also has six additional keys that you can set up to open your frequently used
applications or documents. These keys are known as hot function keys. For example, you can
use hot function keys to open your Web browser, word processor, or favorite game. Once
applications are open, you can use the hot function keys to switch quickly between them.

¤ Brightness controls

Function (Fn) key

Assigning Hot Function Keys

- Volume controls Hot function keys

Assigning an application to a function key is simple. The first time you press one of the
function keys, a dialog box appears that lets you assign any of the function keys to an
application. After that, you can change function key assignments using the Keyboard control
panel.

Using the Standard Function Keys

You can quickly change a key from a control or hot function key to a standard function key by
pressing the Fn key while you press the other key. You can also use the Keyboard control
panel to reverse the keys so that the standard function keys are primary and the screen
controls and hot function keys are secondary. (You would hold down the Fn key to change
the screen brightness, for example.)

24 Chapter 2