Micron Electronics MERIDIAN 850 NOTEBOOK MERIDIAN 850, Meridian 850 User Manual
Meridian 850
The
ROADSIDE
PORTABLE
GUIDE TO
MOBILE
COMPUTING
WITH YOUR
User’s Guide
MERIDIAN 850
NOTEBOOK
Limitation of remedies and liabilities
The vendor’s entire liability and customers’ exclusive and sole remedy for damages from any cause whatsoever
(including without limitation any nonperformance, misrepresentation, or breach of warranty) shall be limited to
returning the products pursuant to the thirty (30) day satisfaction guarantee, or to repair or replace specific
products or services that do not comply with the limited warranty given by the vendor. Any products or services
repaired or replaced pursuant to this paragraph shall be warranted as of the date of delivery in accordance with
the terms and conditions herein for the duration of the one-year term of Limited Warranty given by the vendor.
In no event will the vendor be liable for any damages caused, in whole or in part, by customer, or for any
economic loss, physical injury, lost revenues, lost profits, lost savings or other indirect, incidental, special or
consequential damages incurred by any person, even if the vendor has been advised of the possibility of such
damage for claims.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages for consumer
products, and some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above
limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
The vendor provides no warranties whatsoever on software.
Trademark Notices
Microsoft, MS, and MS-DOS, are registered trademarks and Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
IBM and PS/2 are registered trademarks and PC/AT and Video Graphics Array (VGA) are trademarks of
International Business Machines Corporation.
Intelligent Power Manager is a registered trademark of DIA Semicon Systems, Inc.
Pentium is a trademark of the Intel Corporation.
Sound Blaster Pro is a trademark of Creative Technology, Ltd.
SystemSoft is a registered trademark, CardSoft and CardView are trademarks of SystemSoft Corporation.
Other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
This document may not, in whole or in part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated or reduced to any
electronic medium or machine readable form without prior consent, in writing, from the vendor.
With this document the vendor makes no warranties or representations, either expressed, or implied, with
respect to the products described herein. The information presented herein is being supplied on an “AS IS”
basis and is expressly subject to change without notice.
© Copyright 1995
Micron Electronics, Inc.
All rights reserved
700-0219-00 M850
2
Customer Assurance Program
Thirty (30) Day Money-Back Guarantee on Most Products.
Any product (except for software, software disks, related
documentation and consumables) purchased from our company may
be returned within thirty days from the date it was shipped to the
customer for a full refund of the purchase price excluding original
shipping charges.
Returned products must be in as new condition, in original packing,
complete with all warranty cards, manuals, cables and other materials
as originally shipped; not modified or damaged.
Any returned product must be shipped prepaid and insured. Any
return must carry a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA)
number, obtained from us, on the outside of each carton. Returns
without RMA numbers will not be accepted. After thirty days from
shipment, all sales are final and credit or refunds will not be given.
3
Meridian 850 One Year Limited W arranty
All new Merdian 850 computer systems come with a One Year Limited
Warranty which provides that the products we manufacture or assemble,
other than items such as software, disks and related documentation, will
remain in good working condition, free from defects in material and
workmanship under normal use and service, for a period of one year from
the date of shipment. This warranty is limited to the original purchaser
and is not transferable. During this one year period, we will repair or
replace, at its option, any defective product or parts at no additional
charge to the customer, provided that the defective product or part is
returned, shipment prepaid, to us. All replaced products and parts become
the property of the vendor. Replacement parts shall be similar new or
serviceable used parts. This Limited Warranty does not extend to any
products which have been damaged as a result of accident, misuse, abuse
(such as incorrect voltages, power surges, improper or insufficient
ventilation, failure to follow provided operating instructions, “acts of
God” or other situations beyond our control), or as the result of service or
modification by anyone other than the vendor. Non-factory installed parts
or components are not covered, nor is damage to our components covered
as a result of their installation. This warranty does not cover work
performed by others, all warranty work must be performed by us.
4
FCC Compliance Statement
For US and Canadian Users
Warning!
Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15, Subpart B of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment on and off, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures.
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a different circuit.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The connection of a non-shielded equipment interface cable to this equipment will
invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels which
exceed the limits established by the FCC for this equipment.
This equipment is a Class B digital apparatus which complies with the Radio
Interference Regulations, C.R.C., c. 1374.
Cet appareil numèrique de la classe B est conformè au Règlement sur le brouillage
radioèlèctrique, C.R.C., ch. 1374.
5
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6
Contents
Contents
Welcome! .......................................................................................9
1. Unpacking Your System .........................................................11
Do I Have Everything?............................................................. 11
What's in the Box? ...................................................................12
Let Your Computer Acclimate Itself..........................................13
Keep the Box ...........................................................................13
Where to Work.........................................................................14
Beware Heat, Cold, Humidity, and Glare .................................14
2. The Big Picture........................................................................15
System Features......................................................................15
Front View................................................................................16
Side Views ...............................................................................18
Back View ................................................................................20
Using the Keyboard .................................................................24
Disk Drives...............................................................................2 9
PCMCIA Card Slot...................................................................31
3. Battery and Power Management............................................32
Installing the Battery for the First Time ....................................32
Turning On Your System ..........................................................35
Battery Endurance Tips............................................................35
Charging the Battery................................................................3 8
Power Management.................................................................4 0
Battery Precautions..................................................................43
AC Adapter Precautions...........................................................44
4. Using Your Meridian 850.........................................................45
Opening the Lid .......................................................................45
TruePoint™ Pointing Device....................................................46
LCD Display.............................................................................46
PS/2 Style Mouse ....................................................................47
Serial Mouse............................................................................47
7
Contents
External Video Monitor.............................................................48
External Keyboard ...................................................................48
Floppy Disks ............................................................................4 9
Dual PCMCIA Card Slot...........................................................51
5. Using SETUP ...........................................................................5 3
Running SETUP.......................................................................54
Startup .....................................................................................5 5
Memory....................................................................................59
Disks ........................................................................................60
Components ............................................................................62
Power.......................................................................................64
Exit...........................................................................................66
6. How to Install Options ...........................................................68
Installing More RAM ................................................................6 9
7. How to Maintain Your System ................................................71
Travel Precautions...................................................................71
System Hardware Precautions ................................................72
AC Adapter Precautions...........................................................73
Battery Power Pack Precautions .............................................73
System Specifications ................................................................74
Handy Cheat Sheet .....................................................................76
Glossary.......................................................................................78
Index.............................................................................................80
8
Welcome!
Welcome!
Welcome to the Meridian 850 User’s Guide! This guide is designed to
help you get the most out of your system and keep it running trouble free,
year after year.
The User’s Guide is divided into seven chapters.
Chapter 1, Unpacking Your System, explains how to safely open and set
up your new system.
Chapter 2, The Big Picture, gives an overview of a typical system
including information about buttons, connectors and LED indicators.
Chapter 3, Battery and Power management, gives information about
using your system for the first time and instructions for charging the
battery pack and connecting the AC adapter.
Chapter 4, How to Use Your Meridian 850, shows how to turn on the
system and begin working.
Chapter 5, Using SETUP, explains how to use the built-in SETUP
features to configure your system.
Chapter 6, How to Install Options, shows how to add system RAM,
PCMCIA cards, or an external floppy drive.
Chapter 7, How to Maintain Your System, explains how to care for
your hardware.
9
Welcome!
System Specifications lists technical details about your system.
The Handy Cheat Sheet gives a short summary of some of the most
needed or most forgotten commands.
The Glossary gives definitions of common computer terms.
10
Chapter 1 - Unpacking Your System
1. Unpacking Your System
Obviously, the first step towards using your new Meridian is getting it
safely to your door and unpacked.
Do I Have Everything?
The packing slip is one of the last items sealed into your computer box. It
lists everything we shipped you. As you unpack the box, check the
contents against the packing slip. If an item is listed on your packing slip,
but isn't in the box, it may be installed in your system, or shipped inside
one of the manuals or accessory bags. If you're sure something is missing,
call Customer Service right away. The Customer Service phone number is
listed on an insert to this book.
11
Chapter 1 - Unpacking Your System
What's in the Box?
Your box contains the packing slip, this manual, a plastic bag full of
cables and other manuals, a battery pack and AC adapter, and your
Windows & DOS manual.
This book shows you how to set up your system and keep it running.
Your Windows for Workgroups and/or your MS-DOS User's Guide has
introductory chapters to help you install and configure DOS and
Windows. Since we have already loaded and tested DOS and Windows on
your hard drive, you can probably skip those parts for now. Those
manuals will be useful if you need to reinstall DOS or Windows onto your
computer. For now, this book should get you up and running.
12
Chapter 1 - Unpacking Your System
Let Your Computer Acclimate Itself
Although your computer system can easily stand temperature extremes, it
doesn’t much like rapid changes in temperature, especially going from a
cold front stoop to a warm and comfy office, or from a steamy jungle mail
drop to an air-conditioned villa. Rapid changes in temperature can cause
condensation inside your case. If it is hot or cold outside when you receive
your system, let the computer gradually adjust to room
temperature before you plug it in.
When you first receive your computer you will certainly be
eager to get it going and start putting it to work, but be patient.
Take the time to let it grow accustomed to its new environment.
Keep the Box
It's a good idea to keep your Meridian’s box and packing materials. That
way, if you ever have to store the system or return it, your components
will be well-protected.
13
Chapter 2 - The Big Picture
Where to Work
Your Meridian 850 is a tough, rugged machine. Generally it will be
comfortable and run well wherever you are comfortable. Extremes of
heat, cold, and humidity can be challenging to your system's parts, but
usually if you can take it, so can the computer. There are, however, some
things you take very easily that the computer does not like at all. Static
electricity is one. Dust, water, steam, and oil are others. Wherever you
decide to pull over for roadside computing, choose a clean, comfortable
work area for your system.
Note: It’s best to place your Meridian near a wall socket for easier access.
Beware Heat, Cold, Humidity, and Glare
Pick a spot for your computer that’s not too - not too hot and not too cold,
not too dark and not too bright - glare can make it hard to read the
screen. Overheating can destroy computer components.
Allow plenty of room for air to circulate around the
case.
Also, be sure to use grounded electrical outlets. Although
your computer has its own electrical filters, fuses, and protections, and
even its own built-in surge suppressor, we strongly recommend using an
external surge suppressor to ensure your system is safe. An external surge
suppressor looks like an extension cord with several grounded outlets.
High quality surge protectors shield your computer from lightning strikes,
surges, shorts, and other electrical hazards.
14
Chapter 1 - Unpacking Your System
2. The Big Picture
Your Meridian 850 is designed to give you the speed and power of a
desktop system in a lightweight, portable package.
System Features
Every Meridian 850 includes:
• Intel Pentium microprocessor running at 75 or 90MHz
• 256K external (L2) system cache
• RAM expandable to 32MB
• 8 or 16MB standard; two memory slots fit 4, 8, or 16MB modules
• IDE hard drives: 528MB to 1.3GB
• PCMCIA slot fits two Type II cards or one Type III card
• High-speed local bus video with 1MB video RAM
• 800 X 600 10.3” diagonal dual-scan color display or
600 X 400 9.4” active matrix color display
• 84-key keyboard with embedded numeric keypad and
12 dedicated function keys, inverted “T”
• Eraser-shaped integrated TruePoint™ pointing device
• Replaceable, rechargeable NiMH battery
• Ports: Serial, Parallel supports Enhanced Parallel (EPP) and
Extended Capabilities (ECP), external VGA video, external
keyboard, PS/2 mouse, Mic-In, stereo Speaker-Out
• Audio: 16-bit stereo output, MIDI playback, Sound Blaster Pro
and Microsoft Sound System compatible
• EPA Energy Star compliant (APM Power Management)
• Flash BIOS upgradable by diskette
• AC-DC adapter
• Windows NT 3.50 certified
15
Chapter 2 - The Big Picture
Front View
Mouse Buttons
The two square buttons on top of the palm rest work just like the buttons
of a conventional PC mouse. Your right thumb clicks the buttons while a
finger moves the cursor with the TruePoint pointing device.
TruePoint™ Pointing Device
The TruePoint pointing device works much like a joystick. The onscreen
cursor moves whichever way you tilt TruePoint’s red button. The harder
you push, the faster the cursor moves.
Suspend/Resume Button
The Suspend/Resume button (coffee cup symbol) sets the system to the
power saving mode when you need to take a break. To use the Suspend/
Resume button you must check the Enable Power Saving option under
SETUP’s Power menu. See chapter 5, Using SETUP, for details.
16
Display Latches
LED indicator
lights
Chapter 2 - The Big Picture
Meridian 850, Front View
TruePoint™ Pointing
Device
Mouse Buttons
Security
Cable
Slot
Power Switch
Reset Switch
Suspend/Resume Button
17
Chapter 2 - The Big Picture
Side Views
Right side view
Security
Cable
Slot
Suspend/Resume
Button (must be
pressed for one
second)
PCMCIA Card
Compartment
Cover
PC Card
Eject Buttons
Floppy Disk
Drive Slot
Floppy Disk
Drive Eject
Button
Left side view
Power Button (must be
pressed for one second)
Reset Switch (a
ball-point pen
works fine)
Removable Hard
Disk Drive
18
Chapter 2 - The Big Picture
Power Button
To turn the system on or off, press and hold the power button for 1-2
seconds. When you turn the power on, the speaker beeps once (if sound is
enabled).
The Power Button will not work when the system is in suspend mode or
when the computer is being powered by battery only and the display panel
is closed. See Chapter 3, Battery and Power Management.
Reset Switch
W arning!
When the system is rebooted all information in random access memory (RAM) is lost.
The reset switch to the right of the floppy drive reboots the system. Insert
the tip of a ball-point pen into the opening to press the switch.
PCMCIA Card Eject Buttons
These buttons let you insert or remove PCMCIA cards in the PCMCIA
slots.
Note: PCMCIA cards can be removed and replaced while the system is on
19
Chapter 2 - The Big Picture
Back View
Mouse
Connector
DC Power
Connector
Keyboard
Connector
Field Ground
T erminal
Video
Connector
Serial
Connector
Parallel
Connector
Speaker-Out
(Stereo)
Mic-In
(mono)
Meridian 850 Rear Panel
Each connector at the back of the system unit is displayed below. You can
configure the parallel or serial ports from the SETUP menu. See Chapter
5, Using SETUP, for detailed instructions.
Caution:
Whenever you connect or disconnect cables, turn off all power
switches.
20
Chapter 2 - The Big Picture
Connector Description
Parallel port 25-pin parallel port for printers or other
devices. Configure the parallel port from
the SETUP program , Ctrl + Alt + S at
boot
Serial port 9-pin connector for a mouse, modem, or
other serial devices. Configure the serial
port from the SETUP program, Ctrl + Alt
+ S at boot
Video 15-pin connector for external VGA
monitor. The system will automatically
detect an external monitor at boot.
Mouse 6-pin mini-DIN connector used for
connecting a PS/2 style mouse.
Auto-detect at power up.
Keyboard 6-pin mini-DIN connector used for
connecting a 101/102-key external
keyboard. Auto-detect at power up.
DC Power Connect the AC adapter cable here.
Speaker-Out Mini-pin jack for stereo speakers
Mic-In Mini-pin jack for mono microphone
21
Chapter 2 - The Big Picture
Sound Features
Your Meridian 850 features 16-bit, Sound Blaster Pro and Microsoft
Sound-compatible stereo sound. The system’s signal output is designed for
amplified stereo speakers with 6-8ohm impedance.
This sound system works automatically with Windows, but when
installing DOS games or applications that use DOS Sound Blaster your
software must use the following three hardware settings:
I/O Address = 220, IRQ = 5, DMA = 1.
Indicator Lights: Where they are
Located just below your screen, the indicator lights show the status of the
power, battery pack, hard disk drive, Caps Lock, Num Lock and Scroll
Lock.
Power/Suspend Num Lock
LOWBATT Caps Lock Scroll Lock
CHARGE
Floppy Drive
Indicator Lights Location
Hard Disk Drive
22
Indicator Lights: What they mean
Indicator Appearance Description
Power/Suspend Glowing The power is turned on.
Blinking The system is in suspend
LOWBATT Slow blinking The battery power level is
Chapter 2 - The Big Picture
mode.
low. If enabled in SETUP,
the system beeps slowly
warning you to recharge or
replace the battery, or plug
in the AC adapter. See
chapter 3, Battery and
Power Management.
Fast blinking: Battery power is nearly
gone. If enabled in SETUP,
the system beeps quickly
warning you to connect the
AC adapter.
CHARGE Orange Battery is charging.
Green Battery is fully charged.
HDD Green System is using the hard
drive.
FDD Green System is using the floppy
disk drive.
Caps Lock Green Caps Lock is enabled.
Num Lock Green Num Lock is enabled
Scroll Lock Green Scroll Lock is enabled
23
Chapter 2 - The Big Picture
Using the Keyboard
Function keys
Escape
Tab
Alt
Fn key
Ctrl
Backspace
Enter
Shift
The keyboard is your primary means of giving your computer numbers
and words, and telling it what to do with them. The keyboard works much
like the keys on a typewriter, but computer keyboards have several
specialty keys. Most of today’s software packages have several standard
uses for the specialty keys. For example, in most software packages,
pressing the F1 key summons the online help feature.
The list on the next page explains the most important keys on the
keyboard.
24
Chapter 2 - The Big Picture
What the Keys Do
General Functions
Alternate (Alt) - used with other keys to perform special
functions defined by the application you are using. While holding
down the Alt key, press the other key.
Caps Lock - toggles on and off making the typewriter letter keys
appear in uppercase.
Control (Ctrl) - used with other keys to perform special functions defined by the
application you are using. While holding down the Ctrl key, press the other key.
Delete (Del) - deletes the character to the right of the insertion point.
Enter - tells the computer you’re done typing and want it to execute your command.
Some people call this the Return key. Also used as a paragraph return key when typing.
Escape (Esc) - generally allows you to escape a function without completing it.
Function Keys (F1 through F12) - the purpose of the function keys depends on the
application you are using.
Insert - toggles between insert and overtype mode. In insert mode, whatever you type
pushes any existing characters to the right, “downstream.” In overtype mode, new
characters simply overwrite existing characters, deleting them as you go.
Pause - typically suspends the application you are using. Not all applications use the
Pause key.
Print Screen - typically prints out the current screen on the printer. Sometimes used
with the Ctrl key. Some applications disable this function or require special drivers to
work properly with this key.
Scroll Lock - defined by the application software you are using. Not all applications
use the Scroll Lock key.
Shift - shifts the typewriter keys from lower to upper case or from the lower symbol to
the upper symbol on the key.
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