NEC Versa User Manual

Proprietary Notice and Liability Disclaimer

The information disclosed in this document, including all designs and related materials, is the valuable property of NEC Computers Inc. (hereinafter “NEC Computers”) and/or its licensors. NEC Computers and/or its licensors, as appropriate, reserve all patent, copyright and other proprietary rights to this document, including all design, manufacturing, reproduction, use, and sales rights thereto, except to the extent said rights are expressly granted to others.

The NEC Computers product(s) discussed in this document are warranted in accordance with the terms of the Warranty Statement accompanying each product. However, actual performance of each such product is dependent upon factors such as system configuration, customer data, and operator control. Since implementation by customers of each product may vary, the suitability of specific product configurations and applications must be determined by the customer and is not warranted by NEC Computers.

To allow for design and specification improvements, the information in this document is subject to change at any time, without notice. Reproduction of this document or portions thereof without prior written approval of NEC Computers is prohibited.

As an ENERGY STAR partner, NEC Computers Inc. has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark.

NEC is a registered trademark; Versa is a U.S. registered trademark; DayLite, VersaGlide and UltraLite are trademarks; and UltraCare is a U.S. registered service mark of NEC Corporation and/or one or more of its subsidiaries. All are used under license.

Microsoft, Windows and Windows 2000 are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Transmeta, Crusoe, and LongRun are trademarks of Transmeta Corporation.

All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective trademark owners.

First Printing - March 2001

NEC Computers Inc.

15 Business Park Way

Sacramento, CA 95828

Contents

Using This Guide

Text Setup ........................................................................................................................... vii

Related Documents ............................................................................................................ viii

1 Introducing Your NEC Versa

Before You Begin .............................................................................................................. 1-2

About Your NEC Versa Notebook.....................................................................................1-3

Around the Front of the System......................................................................................... 1-3

LCD Panel................................................................................................................... 1-4

Base Unit..................................................................................................................... 1-4

Keyboard Panel........................................................................................................... 1-6

Front Features ............................................................................................................. 1-8

Around the Back of the System..........................................................................................1-9

Around the Left Side of the System................................................................................... 1-9

Around the Right Side of the System............................................................................... 1-10

Power Button ............................................................................................................ 1-11

Around the Bottom of the System.................................................................................... 1-12

2 Getting Started

NEC VersaGlide Touchpad................................................................................................ 2-2

Making VersaGlide Adjustments................................................................................ 2-3

VersaGlide Tips .......................................................................................................... 2-3

Power Sources for Your NEC Versa Notebook................................................................. 2-3

AC Adapter ........................................................................................................................ 2-3

Connecting the AC Adapter........................................................................................ 2-4

Powering On Your System ......................................................................................... 2-6

Primary Battery Pack ......................................................................................................... 2-6

Secondary Battery Pack ..................................................................................................... 2-6

Determining Battery Status......................................................................................... 2-7

Low Battery Status...................................................................................................... 2-7

Returning the Battery to its Normal State................................................................... 2-8

Extending Battery Life................................................................................................ 2-8

Battery Handling......................................................................................................... 2-8

Replacing the Battery.................................................................................................. 2-8

Charging the Battery................................................................................................. 2-11

Battery Precautions ................................................................................................... 2-11

Precautions for Recharging the Battery .................................................................... 2-12

System Batteries............................................................................................................... 2-12

CMOS Battery ..........................................................................................................2-12

Optional Battery........................................................................................................ 2-12

System Care .....................................................................................................................2-12

Precautions for System Use ...................................................................................... 2-13

Storage Requirements ............................................................................................... 2-13

Routine Cleaning ......................................................................................................2-14

Contents iii

3 Using the BIOS Setup Utility

Introducing BIOS Setup ..................................................................................................... 3-2

Entering BIOS Setup..........................................................................................................3-2

BIOS Setup Main Menu..............................................................................................3-3

How to Use Setup........................................................................................................3-3

Main Menu..................................................................................................................3-5

Advanced Menu ..........................................................................................................3-8

Security Menu ........................................................................................................... 3-10

Boot Menu.................................................................................................................3-11

Exit Menu..................................................................................................................3-11

Managing System Power..................................................................................................3-12

Windows 2000 Power Options Properties.................................................................3-12

Windows 2000 Power Schemes................................................................................3-13

Windows 2000 Alarms..............................................................................................3-14

Windows 2000 Power Meter.....................................................................................3-14

Windows 2000 Advanced .........................................................................................3-15

Windows 2000 Hibernate..........................................................................................3-15

Windows 2000 Power Management States ...............................................................3-16

Recognizing the Windows 2000 Power Management States ....................................3-16

Updating the BIOS...........................................................................................................3-17

Obtaining the BIOS Update ...................................................................................... 3-17

Preparing the BIOS Update Diskette.........................................................................3-17

Performing the BIOS Update .................................................................................... 3-18

Configuring the Switch Settings.......................................................................................3-19

Accessing the DIP Switch.........................................................................................3-19

Identifying the Switch Settings .................................................................................3-20

4 Using the Operating System and Utilities

Microsoft Windows Introduction .......................................................................................4-2

Windows 2000 ............................................................................................................4-2

Desktop Icons.......................................................................................................4-2

Taskbar Icons.......................................................................................................4-3

Transmeta LongRun Utility................................................................................................4-4

Setting LongRun Properties ........................................................................................ 4-4

Product Recovery CD.........................................................................................................4-5

Guidelines for Using the Product Recovery CD .........................................................4-5

Product Recovery CD Options....................................................................................4-5

Full Disk Drive Restore...............................................................................................4-6

Partition Only Restore................................................................................................. 4-7

5 Using the System Drives and Bays

External Floppy Diskette Drive..........................................................................................5-2

Connecting the External Floppy Diskette Drive..........................................................5-3

Disconnecting the External Floppy Diskette Drive.....................................................5-3

External Variable-Speed CD-ROM Drive..........................................................................5-3

Using the CD-ROM Drive with your NEC Versa Notebook...................................... 5-6

Disconnecting the CD-ROM Drive............................................................................. 5-8

iv Contents

CD Care ...................................................................................................................... 5-8

Hard Disk Drive.................................................................................................................5-9

Memory Modules............................................................................................................... 5-9

Installing a Memory Module.....................................................................................5-10

6 Communicating with Your NEC Versa

PC Cards ............................................................................................................................ 6-2

Type II Cards .............................................................................................................. 6-2

Type II Extended Cards .............................................................................................. 6-2

Communication Cards ................................................................................................6-2

Storage Cards.............................................................................................................. 6-3

Other Cards................................................................................................................. 6-3

PC Card Slots.............................................................................................................. 6-3

Inserting a PC Card..................................................................................................... 6-4

Removing a PC Card ..................................................................................................6-4

Mini PCI LAN ...................................................................................................................6-5

Connecting the Mini PCI LAN................................................................................... 6-5

Internal Modem..................................................................................................................6-6

Connecting the Internal Modem..................................................................................6-6

Internet Connections .......................................................................................................... 6-7

IR Port................................................................................................................................ 6-7

Enabling/Disabling the IR Port in Windows 2000...................................................... 6-8

Using the IR Port ........................................................................................................6-8

7 Traveling Tips

Preparing for Travel........................................................................................................... 7-2

Packing for Travel..............................................................................................................7-2

Using Power Connections.................................................................................................. 7-3

Getting Through Customs.................................................................................................. 7-3

Connecting to the Internet.................................................................................................. 7-4

Connecting Using a Modem ....................................................................................... 7-4

Connecting Using a LAN............................................................................................ 7-4

8 Using Peripheral Devices

External Monitor................................................................................................................8-2

External Audio Options......................................................................................................8-3

USB Devices...................................................................................................................... 8-4

9 Using Multimedia

Audio ................................................................................................................................. 9-2

Recording.................................................................................................................... 9-2

Microphone................................................................................................................. 9-3

Mixing......................................................................................................................... 9-3

Playing Back............................................................................................................... 9-3

Using Headphones ...................................................................................................... 9-4

Using the Built-In Speaker.......................................................................................... 9-4

Using External Stereo Speakers.................................................................................. 9-4

MIDI Files................................................................................................................... 9-4

Contents v

Video..................................................................................................................................9-4

Using Digital Video Files............................................................................................9-4

Using Animation Files ................................................................................................ 9-5

Multimedia Applications.................................................................................................... 9-5

10 Solving System Problems

Problem Checklist ............................................................................................................10-2

Start-Up Problems ............................................................................................................ 10-3

Post Error Messages..................................................................................................10-4

Beep Codes ...............................................................................................................10-6

If You Need Assistance.................................................................................................... 10-7

11 Getting Service and Support

Service and Support Contact Information ........................................................................11-2

Web Site ........................................................................................................................... 11-3

FTP Site............................................................................................................................ 11-3

Support Services...............................................................................................................11-4

Email/Fax to Support Services.........................................................................................11-4

A Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment

Making Your Computer Work for You............................................................................. A-2

Arrange Your Equipment .................................................................................................. A-3

Adjust Your Chair ............................................................................................................. A-3

Adjust Your Input Devices................................................................................................ A-3

Adjust Your Screen or Monitor......................................................................................... A-4

Vary Your Workday.......................................................................................................... A-5

Pre-Existing Conditions and Psychosocial Factors ........................................................... A-5

B Specifications

System Components.......................................................................................................... B-2

Memory Map..................................................................................................................... B-7

Interrupt Controllers.......................................................................................................... B-8

C Frequently Asked Questions

External Mouse ................................................................................................................. C-2

Display .............................................................................................................................. C-2

PC Cards............................................................................................................................ C-3

Diskette Drive ................................................................................................................... C-3

Booting.............................................................................................................................. C-5

Power Management........................................................................................................... C-5

Miscellaneous.................................................................................................................... C-7

Glossary

Index

Regulatory Statements

vi Contents

Using This Guide

The NEC Versa® DayLite™/UltraLite™ User's Guide gives you the information you need to maximize the use of your NEC Versa notebook computer. Read this guide to familiarize yourself with the NEC Versa and its features. For specific information see

! Chapter 1, “Introducing Your NEC Versa,” to acquaint yourself with system

hardware.

! Chapter 2, “Getting Started,” for instructions on how to connect, power on, and care

for your system.

! Chapter 3, “Using the BIOS Setup Utility,” for details about modifying system

parameters and managing system power.

! Chapter 4, “Using the Operating System and Utilities,” for an understanding of your

Microsoft

! Chapter 5, “Using the System Drives and Bays,” to master procedures for

Windows® operating system.

connecting the external floppy disk drive, connecting the external CD-ROM drive, and installing a memory module.

! Chapter 6, “Communicating with Your NEC Versa,” for essential information about

using PC Cards and other communication features of the system.

! Chapter 7, “Traveling Tips,” for a variety of checklists to help you to prepare your

notebook computer for getting through customs and accessing the internet when you are on the road.

! Chapter 8, “Using Peripheral Devices,” to master procedures for connecting

external devices like an external monitor, headphones, a printer, or speakers.

! Chapter 9, “Using Multimedia,” for steps on integrating video and sound clips into

impressive presentations.

! Chapter 10, “Solving System Problems,” for simple solutions to common problems

that may arise while operating your notebook.

! Chapter 11, “Getting Service and Support,” for information about getting help when

you need it from NEC Computers Inc.

! Appendix A, “Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment,” for guidelines that help

promote a healthy work setting.

! Appendix B, “Specifications,” to review NEC Versa system specifications.

Using This Guide vii

Text Setup

! Appendix C, “Frequently Asked Questions,” (FAQs) for a look at questions that

users commonly ask and the answers to those questions.

To make this guide as easy to use as possible, text is set up as follows.

! Warnings, cautions, and notes have the following format:

Warnings alert you to situations that could result in serious

personal injury or loss of life.

Cautions indicate situations that can damage the system

hardware or software.

Note

! Names of keys are printed as they appear on the keyboard, for example,

! Text that you must type or keys that you must press are presented in bold type. For

Notes give particularly important information about whatever is being described.

Enter

example, type

Introducing Your NEC Versa

Before You Begin

About Your NEC Versa Notebook

Around the Front of the System

Around the Back of the System

Around the Left Side of the System

Around the Right Side of the System

Around the Bottom of the System

Before You Begin

This manual is the user’s guide for both the NEC Versa UltraLite and Versa DayLite notebook computers. All information applies to both units unless otherwise specified. The coloring of your NEC Versa may vary from the units shown in this guide. The colors of the systems used in this User’s Guide are for illustrative purposes only.

pose a risk of serious injury. To reduce your risk of injury, set up and use your computer in the manner described in Appendix A, “Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment.”

After completing the steps in the Quick Setup sheet that comes with your computer, your NEC Versa DayLite/UltraLite notebook computer is ready to go! To get started, do the following:

! Read Appendix A, “Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment,” for guidelines that

help you use your computer productively and safely. Information includes how to set up and use your computer to reduce your risk of developing nerve, muscle, or tendon disorders.

! Read through this guide to familiarize yourself with the NEC Versa.

Prolonged or improper use of a computer workstation may

1-2 Introducing Your NEC Versa

About Your NEC Versa Notebook

The NEC Versa notebook computer offers you a portable system filled with exciting resources for home, business, or travel. Standard features include a powerful Transmeta latest Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) architecture.

In addition, your system provides a high-performance hard disk drive, external CD-ROM and diskette drives, and PC Card support. As a multimedia system, your NEC Versa also provides the tools needed to create and present impressive images using video clips and sound.



Crusoe TM5600 600MHz microprocessor that works together with the

NEC Versa notebook computer

To get comfortable with your notebook, read the following sections and take a tour around your system!

Around the Front of the System

The NEC Versa is compact with features on every side. First, look at the front of the NEC Versa. The following sections describe front features, beginning with the liquid crystal display (LCD) panel.

Introducing Your NEC Versa 1-3

LCD Panel

Your NEC Versa comes with a 10.4-inch color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display that you can adjust for a comfortable viewing position. To adjust the viewing angle, gently tilt the LCD panel into position. The primary battery is located behind the display. The Versa UltraLite has an Extended Graphics Array (XGA) backlit panel. The Versa DayLite has a TFT Super Video Graphics Array (SVGA) reflective panel.

Base Unit

To adjust the LCD panel brightness press the

Fn-F8

and

Fn-F9

functions keys. For more details about using the system’s function keys, see the topic later in this chapter, “Keyboard Panel.”

The base unit of your NEC Versa offers the following features, described after the figure.

After extended use, the surface of the base unit, below the

keyboard, may become hot to the touch.

LCD panel and base unit

A – Operating Status LEDs D – NEC VersaGlide touchpad B – LCD Panel E – Speaker C – Microphone F – Keyboard

1-4 Introducing Your NEC Versa

! Keyboard — 86 keys with a country-specific QWERTY-key layout.

! LCD Panel — Provides a high-resolution display for sharp, effective visuals on

your NEC Versa.

! Microphone — A strategically positioned built-in microphone allows you to record

monophonic sound directly into your notebook computer. See Chapter 9, “Using Multimedia,” for details about recording.

! NEC VersaGlide touchpad — Works like a standard computer mouse. Simply move

your fingertip over the VersaGlide to control the position of the mouse pointer. Use the selection buttons below the VersaGlide to select menu items. VersaGlide settings and features are described in detail in Chapter 2.

! Speaker — Provides mono sound for your system when speakers are not plugged

into the speaker jack.

! Operating Status LEDs — Keep you informed of your NEC Versa notebook's

current operating status. See the following figure and list for each icon's meaning.

Operating status LEDs

A – Hard Disk Drive C – Scroll Lock B – Caps Lock D – Num Lock

— Hard Disk Drive — lights when the NEC Versa writes data to or retrieves data

from the internal hard disk drive.

— Caps Lock — lights when Caps Lock is on.

— Scroll Lock — lights when Scroll Lock is on.

— Num Lock — lights when Num Lock in on.

Introducing Your NEC Versa 1-5

Keyboard Panel

The NEC Versa notebook’s keyboard offers the following features, which are described after the figure.

A – Function Keys D – Cursor Control Keys B – Numeric Keys E – Control Keys C – Windows keys

Keyboard

! Function keys — Twelve function keys,

Versa keyboard. These keys work together with the functions. Several keys are preprogrammed with dual functions and some are printed in blue on the key.

Function keys are application-driven. See the specific application's user guide for information about how each function key works within the application you are using.

The following function key combinations are preprogrammed for the NEC Versa computer.

Fn-F3

— toggles between three video modes; LCD, CRT, or both (LCD and CRT).

Fn-F6

— sets the beeper volume to low, medium, high, or mute.

Fn-F8

— increases the LCD panel brightness.

Fn-F9

— decreases the LCD panel brightness.

Fn-F10

— increases the system speaker volume.

1-6 Introducing Your NEC Versa

through

F12

, are available on the NEC

key to activate special

Fn-F11

— decreases the system speaker volume.

Fn-F12

— toggles the scroll lock feature

Fn-Ins

—print screen

Fn-Del

— system request

Fn-Pause

— break

Fn-↑↑↑↑ — page up Fn-↓↓↓↓ — page down Fn-←←←← — end Fn-→→→→ — home

! Numeric keypad — Pressing NumLk on the keyboard activates the numeric keypad

numbers and functions printed in blue on the keys.

The keypad lets you type numbers and mathematical operands (+, -) as you would on a calculator. The keypad is ideal for entering long lists of numbers.

When you press NumLk again, the keys revert to their normal functions as typewriter keys.

! Cursor Control keys — Cursor control keys let you position the cursor on the screen

where you want. On the screen, the cursor is a blinking underline, block, or vertical line depending on the application. The cursor indicates where the next text typed is inserted.

! Windows keys — In Windows use the following two keys to facilitate your work.

Quick access to shortcut menus

Displays the Start menu

! Control keys —

Ctrl, Alt, Fn

, and

Shift

are controls used in conjunction with other

keys to change their functions. To use control keys, press and hold the control key

Ctrl c

while pressing another key. For example, “press

Ctrl

key and type the letter c. How the key combination works depends on the

” means to hold down the

application you are running.

Introducing Your NEC Versa 1-7

! Typewriter keys — The typewriter keys (also called alphanumeric keys) are used to

enter text and characters. Keys with blue printing on them behave differently when combined with control keys or the

Front Features

The front features of your NEC Versa notebook are described after the figure.

A – IR Port C – Power Status LED B – Battery Charging LED

key.

Features on the front of the system

! Power Status LED — This LED lights to indicate the following:

— Lights green when the system power is on.

— Blinks green when the system is in Standby mode.

— Lights yellow (blinks when in Standby mode) to indicate that battery power is at

8% capacity or less.

— Lights amber (blinks when in Standby mode) to indicate that battery power is at

3% capacity or less.

! Battery Charging LED — lights to indicate battery charging activity.

— Lights amber when the primary battery is charging. Blinks amber to indicate an

error. The primary battery is installed in the battery bay.

— Lights green when the secondary battery is charging. Blinks green to indicate an

error. The secondary battery is connected to the back of the system.

1-8 Introducing Your NEC Versa

! IR Port — Use this infrared (IR) port to transfer files between your NEC Versa and

an IR-equipped desktop or notebook computer or to print to an IR-capable printer.

Note

how to enable the IR port, see Chapter 6, “Communicating with Your NEC Versa.”

Your NEC Versa ships with the IR port disabled. For detailed instructions on

Around the Back of the System

The battery bay which contains the system's secondary lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery is located at the back of your NEC Versa computer. For more detailed information on the battery bay, refer to the “Getting Started” chapter of this user’s guide.

Around the Left Side of the System

The left side of your NEC Versa notebook offers the following features, which are described after the figure.

Left-side features

A – AC Power Port D – RJ-11 Jack B – Vent E – USB Port C – External Monitor (Video) Port F – LAN Cable Jack

! AC Power Port — Attaches the NEC Versa to a power source, such as the AC

adapter.

! Vent — Allows your system to cool properly and maintain a safe operating

temperature.

! External Monitor (Video) Port — Use this port to attach an external monitor to your

NEC Versa. You can run the LCD display and the external monitor simultaneously or run either alone.

! RJ-11 Jack — Connects the internal modem to an analog telephone line.

Introducing Your NEC Versa 1-9

! USB Port — The Universal Serial Bus (USB) port allows you to connect up to 127

USB-equipped peripheral devices (printers, monitors, scanners, etc.) to your NEC Versa.

! LAN Cable Jack (optional) — If your system has this feature, it will have shipped

with a LAN adapter cable to connect the jack to a local area network (LAN).

Always keep the vents unobstructed to allow proper system

cooling.

Around the Right Side of the System

The right side of the NEC Versa notebook offers the features, which are described after the figure.

Right-side features

A – Headphone Jack/External Speakers D – PC Card Slot B – External Microphone Jack E – USB Port C – Power Button F – Kensington

! Power Button — Slide the Power button forward to power on, power off, and to

resume from Standby mode.

For more information about the Power button, see the following topic, “Power Button.”

! Headphone Jack/External Speakers — Lets you connect external headphones or

speakers to your NEC Versa. Plugging in headphones disables the built-in system speakers.

! External Microphone (MIC) — Allows you to connect an external microphone for

monophonic recording or amplification through the unit. Plugging in an external microphone disables the built-in microphone.

1-10 Introducing Your NEC Versa

Lock Slot

! PC Card Slot — Accommodates one type II PC Card. These cards are often storage

or communication devices such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Flash Memory, LAN, and Small Computer System Interface (SCSI).

! USB Port — The Universal Serial Bus (USB) port allows you to connect up to 127

USB-equipped peripheral devices (printers, monitors, scanners, etc.) to your NEC Versa.

! Kensington Lock Slot — Provides a connection for an optional Kensington Lock.

Power Button

The Power button is a “smart” switch, meaning that it recognizes when the system is in Standby mode. If in Standby mode, you cannot power off until you slide the Power button to the right to resume operation. (The BIOS parameter “System Switch” must be set to “Sleep.”)

Put the unit in Standby mode when you need to be away from your system for a short period of time and want to return to where you left off. Standby mode shuts down all devices in the system while retaining data and system status. Go to Start, Shut Down, Standby to put your system into Standby mode.

Use the Power button in the following ways:

— Slide the Power button forward to power on.

— Slide the Power button forward to resume from Standby mode and proceed with

normal operation.

— Hold the Power button in place for four or more seconds to power off the system

(power override). Only use this option if you cannot power off your system using Start, Shut Down.

Introducing Your NEC Versa 1-11

Around the Bottom of the System

The bottom of the NEC Versa notebook offers the following features, which are described after the figure.

Bottom features

A – Memory Module Bay D – Secondary Li-Ion Battery B – System Feet E – Battery Release Latch C – Hard Drive Bay F – Vents

! Memory Module Bay — Stores an optional memory module.

! System Feet — Heightens the system to allow proper ventilation.

! Hard Drive Bay — Stores the system’s hard drive.

! Secondary Li-Ion Battery — Removable secondary power supply.

! Battery Bay Release Latch — Releases and removes the system’s secondary

battery.

! Vents — Allow your system to cool properly and maintain a safe operating

temperature.

Always keep the vents unobstructed to allow proper system

cooling.

1-12 Introducing Your NEC Versa

Getting Started

NEC VersaGlide Touchpad

Power Sources for Your NEC Versa notebook

AC Adapter

Primary Battery Pack

Secondary Battery Pack

System Batteries

System Care

NEC VersaGlide Touchpad

The NEC VersaGlide is an easy way to control the cursor with your finger. Lightly glide your finger across the NEC VersaGlide and the cursor follows. The NEC VersaGlide provides standard mouse functionality, plus more. VersaGlide features include the:

Single tap to the touchpad, equivalent to a single click of the primary mouse

button.

Double tap to the touchpad, equivalent to a double click of the primary mouse

button.

Click and hold, then drag your finger across the VersaGlide touchpad, equivalent

to a click and drag of the primary mouse button.

Slide your finger along the right side of the touchpad to scroll your document or

screen.

VersaGlide

A – Touchpad C – Right Button B – Left (Primary) Button

Try all of the features and decide which you prefer. If you find the double tap or any of the other features difficult to use, go to the next section for general directions about adjusting the touchpad properties.

2-2 Getting Started

Making VersaGlide Adjustments

The NEC VersaGlide offers a number of options that let you customize how it functions. The options let you control the cursor speed, select button orientation, enable or disable tapping, define auto jumps, enable easy-scrolling, and configure gestures to initiate selected functions by tapping in a designated area of the touchpad.

To access these options, locate the Control Panel and double click the mouse icon. Use the context-sensitive help to learn more about each option. Select the option, then press

to access the context sensitive help.

VersaGlide Tips

Follow these basic tips while working:

! Use a light touch on the VersaGlide surface.

! Set up the NEC Versa notebook with your keyboard and VersaGlide at a

comfortable height. Keep your forearms parallel to the floor. Your wrists should be relaxed and straight.

! While using the keyboard and VersaGlide, keep your shoulders and arms as relaxed

as possible.

! Take regular breaks from the computer to rest your eyes. Perform stretching

exercises to relax your fingers, hands, wrists, forearms, and shoulders.

See Appendix A, “Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment,” for more information.

Power Sources for Your NEC Versa Notebook

The NEC Versa notebook can be powered using three different sources, making it a truly portable system.

Operate your NEC Versa notebook just about anywhere using one of the following power sources:

! the AC adapter connected to an electrical wall outlet (using AC power)

! the primary and secondary batteries

Read the following sections for specific information about using the NEC power sources.

AC Adapter

Use the AC adapter and power cable that came with your NEC Versa notebook to run your computer on alternating current (AC) power, or to recharge the batteries. Use the AC adapter whenever a wall outlet is nearby.

Getting Started 2-3

Keep the adapter connected whenever possible. It charges the battery when it is connected, whether the NEC Versa notebook is powered on or off.

A – AC Adapter C – Power Cable B – Adapter Cable

adapter has no user-replaceable or -serviceable parts inside. Dangerous voltage in the AC adapter can cause serious personal injury or death. The AC adapter is intended for use with a computer and must meet EN609050 standards.

Connecting the AC Adapter

AC adapter

Do not attempt to disassemble the AC adapter. The AC

Note

where you are using it. Contact the local dealer to purchase the correct power cable.

Connect the AC adapter as follows:

Connect the AC adapter cable to the power port on the left side of your NEC Versa notebook.

2-4 Getting Started

The AC power cable type that your system uses depends on the country

Plug one end of the AC power cable into the AC adapter and the other end into a properly grounded 120- or 240-volt, 50- or 60-Hz wall outlet.

Connecting the AC adapter

A – Adapter Cable C – AC Adapter B – AC Power Port D – Power Cable

Do not cover or place objects on the AC adapter. Keeping the

adapter clear of objects lets the adapter cool properly during use.

Only use the AC adapter that comes with your NEC Versa notebook. Although other adapters look similar, using them can damage your system.

Getting Started 2-5

Powering On Your System

Power on the system as follows:

Locate the latch on the front of the unit, slide it to the right, and raise the LCD panel.

Locate the Power button and slide it forward to turn on system power. For additional information about Power control buttons and power LEDs, refer to Chapter 1, “Introducing the NEC Versa.”

Note

operating system, you may encounter a warning message suggesting that a problem exists with the hibernation file on your system. The warning message is inaccurate. To disable this message, simply enable hibernate support. See the section, “Windows 2000 Hibernate,” in Chapter 3, for details about enabling hibernate support.

When powering on your NEC Versa notebook running the Windows 2000

Primary Battery Pack

The NEC Versa notebook comes with rechargeable Lithium Polymer (Li-Poly) battery behind the LCD panel. This battery is not user-replaceable.

Secondary Battery Pack

The NEC Versa notebook comes with a secondary rechargeable Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery pack that is easy to install and remove.

Secondary Lithium-Ion battery

A – Battery Connectors B – Alignment Grooves

2-6 Getting Started

the following:

Keep the battery away from extreme heat.

Keep metal objects away from the battery connectors to prevent a short circuit.

Make sure the battery is properly installed in the battery bay.

Read the precautions printed on the battery.

Determining Battery Status

Your NEC Versa notebook system provides tools to help you keep track of the power levels of the primary and secondary batteries. If your system is configured to display the power icon on the taskbar (default setting), an electrical plug appears when the system is connected to an AC power source or a battery icon appears when the system is not connected to an AC power source.

Use the system’s power meter to determine battery status. Access the system’s power meter in the following ways:

! Move the cursor over the power icon on the taskbar to display the remaining battery

power for the system’s main battery.

! Right click the power icon on the taskbar to open the power meter or to adjust

power properties.

! Double click the power icon on the taskbar to display the remaining power for both

the main and secondary batteries.

To prevent accidental battery ignition or explosion, adhere to

! Go to Start, Settings, Control Panel, and double click the Power Management icon

and select the Power Meter tab.

Low Battery Status

When combined battery power is

! low (8% or less), the power LED lights yellow when in use, and flashes yellow in

standby.

! very low (3% or less) the power LED lights amber when in use, and flashes yellow

in standby.

When your system is in a low battery status, do one of the following:

! Power off the system, remove the secondary battery pack and replace it with a fully

charged battery.

Getting Started 2-7

! Leave the battery in the system and connect your NEC Versa notebook to the AC

adapter and a wall outlet. If you connect the system to AC power and keep the system within standard operating temperatures, the batteries recharge in approximately 4.5 hours when off, and 8 hours when on.

Returning the Battery to its Normal State

To return the battery to its normal state, try the following:

! Remove and then reinstall the battery

! Reinstall the battery in your NEC Versa notebook and fully recharge the battery (to

100%).

Extending Battery Life

While on the road, it is important to be aware of the simple things you can do to extend the life of the system's main battery. One way is to keep the brightness setting low. Use the

Fn-F8

and

Fn-F9

function keys to control the brightness.

Battery Handling

Keep the following in mind when removing or replacing a battery.

! Use only the battery designed for your NEC Versa system. Mixing other

manufacturers’ batteries, or using a combination of very old and new batteries can deteriorate battery and equipment performance.

! Turn off power to the system after use. Keeping system power on can degrade

battery performance and shorten battery life.

! Clean the battery connectors with a dry cloth when they get dirty.

! Keep the battery out of the reach of children.

Replacing the Battery

The following symptoms indicate that battery life is nearing an end. Replace batteries that display these symptoms.

! Shorter work times.

! Discoloration, warping.

! Hot to the touch.

! Strange odor.

2-8 Getting Started

Replace the secondary battery installed in your NEC Versa notebook system as follows.

Note

designed. Installing another manufacturer’s battery, or using a combination of very old and new batteries can deteriorate battery and equipment performance.

Use the batteries in the NEC Versa notebook computer for which they are

Save your files, exit Windows and turn off system power.

Close the LCD panel and turn over the system.

Slide the battery release latch toward the right side of the system and hold firmly.

Locating the battery bay release latch

A – Battery Release Latch

Getting Started 2-9

Continue to hold the battery release latch as you slide the battery out of the system.

Removing the battery

A – Battery Bay Connectors C – Secondary Li-Ion Battery B – Battery Bay Release Latch

5. Insert the new battery as follows:

! Locate the alignment grooves on the edge of the battery.

! Locate the alignment grooves inside the battery bay.

! Align the grooves on the battery with the grooves in the bay.

! Slide the battery into the bay until securely locked into place.

A – Battery Bay Connectors C – Alignment Grooves B – Battery Bay Release Latch D – Secondary Li-Ion Battery

6. Turn over the system.

2-10 Getting Started

Inserting the battery

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