Nec VERSA 2600 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 Computer Systems Division, Packard
Bell NEC (NECCSD, PBNEC) and/or its licensors. NECCSD and/or its licensors,
as appropriate, reserve all patent, copyright and other proprietary rights to this
document, including all design, manufacturin g, reproduction, use, and sales rights
thereto, except to the extent said rights are expressly granted to others.

The NECCSD product(s) discussed in this document are warranted in accordance
with the terms of the Warr anty 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 NECCSD.

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 portion s thereof with out prior written approval of NECCSD is pr o­hibited.

NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation and Versa is a U.S. registered trademark of NEC

Technologies, Inc.; all are used under license by NEC Computer Systems Division (NECCSD), Packard
Bell NEC, Inc.

All other product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the trademarks or registered trade-

marks of their respective trademark owners.

First Printing — January 1997

Copyright 1997

NEC Computer Systems Division, Packard Bell NEC, Inc.

1414 Massachusetts Avenue

Boxborough, MA 01719

All Rights Reserved

NEC Computer Systems Division,

A Division of Packard Bell NEC, Inc.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

We, the Responsible Party

NEC Computer Systems Division

Packard Bell NEC, Inc.

1414 Massachusetts Avenue

Boxborough, MA 01719

[phone]

declare that the product

NEC V2600 Series

is in conformity with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation of this
product is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.

Using this Guide

The NEC Versa® 2600 Series User’s Guide gives you the
information you need to maximize the use of your NEC
Versa 2600 Series notebook computer. Read this guide to
familiarize yourself with the system and its features. For
specific information see:



Chapter 1, “Getting Started,” to acquaint yourself with
the system hardware.

Chapter 2, “Introducing the Software,” for a summary



of the applications loaded on your system. We included
software to let you experience the full spectrum of the
system, from creating vivid multimedia presentations to
simply enjoying an audio CD.



Chapter 3, “Using Setup and Power Management,” to
customize your notebook’s system parameters and
power management settings.

Chapter 4, “Using Your NEC Versa,” for an understand-



ing of NEC Versa features and functionality. You’ll also
master procedures for connecting external options like
headphones, microphone or speakers.

Chapter 5, “Using Multimedia,” for steps on integrating



video and sound clips into impressive presentations.



Chapter 6, “Traveling with Your NEC Versa,” lists
valuable tips for getting the most out of your system
while on the road.



Chapter 7, “Solving Problems,” provides simple solu­tions to common problems that may arise while operat­ing your notebook.

Using this Guide ix

TEXT SETUP

Appendix A, “Setting Up a Healthy Work



Environment,” provides guidelines to help promote a
healthy work setting.



Appendix B, “Specifications and Environment,” to re­view NEC Versa 2600 Series system specifications and
operating conditions.

Appendix C, “Using DOS Programs,” explains how to



use power management in DOS mode and how to set up
DOS mode games in Windows 95.

To make this guide as easy to use as possible, text is set up
in the following ways.



Warnings, cautions, and notes have the following
format:

!

Warnings alert you to situations that could result i n
serious personal injury or loss of life.

WARNING

x Using this Guide

!

Cautions indicate situations that can damage the
system hardware or software.

CAUTION

NOTE

Notes give particularly important information

about whatever is being described.

Names of keys are printed as they appear on the key-



board, for example,
Text that you must type or keys that you must press are



presented in bold type. For example, type

.

Enter

RELATED DOCUMENTS

See the following documents for additional information on
your NEC Versa 2600 Series notebook computer:



The NEC Versa 2600 Series Quick Setup sheet helps
you get your system up and running.

The NEC Versa 2600 Series Quick Reference card pro-



vides an easy-to-carry reference to LED meanings, con­trols, function key combinations, and NEC help
numbers.

Depending on the operating system installed, Microsoft



Windows 95 or Microsoft® Windows for Workgroups,
MS-DOS operating system online documentation comes
loaded on your NEC Versa computer.

Ctrl, Alt

, or

Enter

.

and press

dir

®

An online version of this user’s guide comes on your



hard disk drive. That way, you can leave the guide at
home and still have all the information you need at your
fingertips.

Using this Guide xi

Contents

Using this Guide

Text Setup................................................................ x

Related Documents ................................................... xi

1 Getting Started

Getting to Know Your NEC Versa 2600 ................... 1-2

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

Around the Back of the System ................................. 1-8

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

The Left Side.......................................................1-10

The Right Side.....................................................1-10

Around the Bottom of the System.............................. 1-11

NEC Versa Power Sources ......................................1-13

Using the AC Adapter..........................................1-13

Using the Main Battery Pack................................ 1-15

How to Recharge the Battery Pack .......................1-16

Battery Handling..................................................1-17

Battery Life .........................................................1-19

Extending Battery Life.........................................1-20

Battery Charging .................................................1-20

LCD Panel...................................................... 1-3

Brightness or Contrast Control........................ 1-4

Power Button and Status LEDs....................... 1-4

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

NEC VersaGlide............................................. 1-6

Microphone and Speakers ............................... 1-7

Battery Pack Bay............................................ 1-7

Drive Bays ..................................................... 1-7

Powering On...................................................1-15

Installing the Battery Pack ..............................1-16

Replacing the Battery Pack .............................1-18

Setting Up Your Computer iii

Battery Precautions..............................................1-21

Battery Disposal ..................................................1-22

Internal Batteries ......................................................1-22

CMOS Battery ....................................................1-22

Bridge Battery .....................................................1-22

System Care .............................................................1-23

Precautions..........................................................1-23

Storage Requirements ..........................................1-25

Routine Cleaning .................................................1-27

2 Introducing the Software

Windows Introduction............................................... 2-2

Windows 95 ........................................................ 2-3

Windows for Workgroups.................................... 2-3

DOS Introduction ..................................................... 2-4

Guide to Online Help ................................................ 2-5

Guide to the NEC Setup Utility................................. 2-6

Other Software ......................................................... 2-6

CardWizard™..................................................... 2-6

LapLink............................................................... 2-7

How to Use LapLink....................................... 2-8

McAfee AntiVirus Software................................. 2-9

VideoSaver..........................................................2-10

MediaMatics Arcade™ MPEG Player..................2-11

XingMPEG Player™...........................................2-11

Microsoft Works..................................................2-11

Microsoft Money .................................................2-12

Microsoft Sampler...............................................2-12

Microsoft Return of Arcade .................................2-12

PointCast Network...............................................2-12

Online Services.........................................................2-12

America Online....................................................2-14

AT&T WorldNet.................................................2-15

CompuServe and WOW! from CompuServe.........2-16

Microsoft Internet Explorer..................................2-17

Netscape Navigator Dial Up Edition.....................2-17

Official Airline Guide (OAG)...............................2-19

iv Setting Up Your Computer

3 Using Setup and Power Management

Setup Utility ............................................................. 3-1

How to Enter Setup.............................................. 3-1

How to Use Setup................................................ 3-2

The Setup Screen............................................ 3-2

Using Keys............................................................... 3-4

Checking/Setting System Parameters............... 3-4

Using Power Management.........................................3-13

Power Saving Modes ...........................................3-13

Power Management Settings ................................ 3-14

Using Fn-F3 ........................................................3-15

4 Using Your NEC Versa

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

Keyboard.................................................................. 4-2

Function Keys...................................................... 4-3

NEC VersaGuide...................................................... 4-5

Making VersaGlide Adjustments.......................... 4-6

Windows 95 VersaGlide Adjustments.............. 4-7

Windows for Workgroups VersaGlide Adjustments 4-7

VersaGlide Tips.............................................. 4-8

10X CD-ROM Reader.............................................. 4-9

CD Loading.........................................................4-10

Using Audio CDs in Windows for Workgroups 4-11

Adding the CD Audio Option..........................4-11

Playing Audio CDs.........................................4-11

Using Audio CDs under Windows 95..............4-12

Playing Entertainment CDs using Windows 95 4-12

CD Care..............................................................4-13

PC Cards..................................................................4-13

Type I Cards........................................................4-13

Type II Cards ......................................................4-14

Type II Extended Cards .......................................4-14

Type III Cards.....................................................4-14

Communication Cards.....................................4-14

PC Card Modems ...........................................4-15

Storage Cards.................................................4-15

Setting Up Your Computer v

Interface Cards ...............................................4-16

Other Cards....................................................4-16

PC Card Enablers................................................4-17

Disabling Preloaded PCMCIA Drivers.................4-17

PC Card Slots......................................................4-18

Inserting a PC Card ........................................4-19

Removing a Card............................................4-20

IR Port ................................................................4-21

Increasing System Storage and Memory ....................4-22

Hard Disk............................................................4-22

Removing the Hard Drive................................4-22

Inserting the New Hard Drive..........................4-23

Installing Memory Modules..................................4-24

Reviewing the Memory Map ...........................4-27

Installing Options......................................................4-28

External Monitor .................................................4-28

Printer.................................................................4-29

Parallel Devices..............................................4-30

Serial Devices.................................................4-31

External Keyboard or Mouse ............................... 4-33

Left Side..............................................................4-35

NEC Port Replicator 2600...................................4-36

Attaching the Port Replicator 2600 .................4-36

Port Replicator Ports ...................................... 4-36

Detaching the Port Replicator..........................4-37

5 Using Multimedia

Audio ....................................................................... 5-1

Recording............................................................ 5-1

Line-In ................................................................ 5-3

Microphone ......................................................... 5-4

Playing Back ....................................................... 5-4

Using Headphones .......................................... 5-5

Using the Built-In Speakers............................. 5-5

Using External Stereo Speakers....................... 5-6

MIDI Files........................................................... 5-6

Video........................................................................ 5-6

vi Setting Up Your Computer

Using Animation Files.......................................... 5-7

Multimedia Applications........................................... 5-7

VideoSaver.......................................................... 5-7

6 Traveling with Your NEC Versa

Power Connections ................................................... 6-1

Checklists................................................................. 6-2

What to Take....................................................... 6-2

Preparing Your NEC Versa for Travel ................. 6-3

7 Solving Problems

Problem Solving ....................................................... 7-1

Start-Up Problems.................................................... 7-3

POST Error Messages ......................................... 7-3

If You Need Assistance............................................. 7-5

Getting Help ............................................................. 7-6

Updating the System BIOS .................................. 7-7

Warranty/Non-Warranty Repair Service ................... 7-7

A Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment

Making Your Computer Work for You...................... A-1

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

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

Adjust Your Input Devices........................................ A-4

Adjust Your Screen of Monitor ................................ A-5

Vary Your Workday ................................................. A-6

Pre-Existing Conditions and Psychosocial Factors..... A-7

B Specifications

C Using DOS Programs

Glossary

Index

Setting Up Your Computer vii

viii Setting Up Your Computer

1

Getting Started

!

Prolonged or improper use of a computer work­station may pose a ri sk of serious inj ury. To reduce
your risk of injury, set up and use your comput er in
the manner descri bed in Appendix A, S etting Up a
Healthy Work Environment.

After completing the steps in the quick setup sheet that
comes with your computer, your NEC Versa 2600 Series
system is ready to go! To get started:

Read Appendix A, Setting Up a Healthy Work Envi-



ronment, 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 devel-

oping nerve, muscle, or tendon disorders.

WARNING



Read through this guide to familiarize yourself with the

NEC Versa 2600.

Getting Started 1-1

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR NEC VERSA 2600

The NEC Versa 2600 Series notebook computer offers you
a portable system filled with exciting resources for home,
business, or travel. Standard features include a powerful

®

Pentium 133-MHz or 150-MMx microprocessor that

Intel
works together with the latest 16-MB Extended Data Out
(EDO) Random Access Memory (RAM) for exceptional
performance.

In addition, your system gives you: a high-performance hard
disk drive, a 10X CD-ROM reader, a diskette drive, built-in
VersaGlide (like a mouse), and PC Card slots (Personal
Computer Memory Card International Association ­PCMCIA). As a multimedia system, your NEC Versa 2600
also provides the tools needed to create and present impres­sive images using video clips and sound.

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

1-2 Getting Started

NEC Versa 2600 Series notebook computer

Around the Front of the System

The NEC Versa 2600 is compact with features on every
side. First, look at the front of the system. The following
sections describe front features, beginning with the liquid
crystal display (LCD) panel.

LCD Panel
LCD Slide Bar

LCD Panel

Status
LEDs

VersaGlide

SpeakerSpeaker

Hard Drive

Diskette Drive

Microphone

Power
Button

Battery Bay

NEC

CD-ROM Reader

Front features

Your NEC Versa 2600 Series system comes with a color
LCD that you can adjust for a comfortable viewing posi­tion. The LCD is a 12.1-inch, cold cathode fluorescent tube
(CCFT), backlit Super Video Graphics Array (SVGA)
color display, of either the Dualscan Super-Twisted
Nematic (DSTN) or the Thin Film Transistor (TFT) type.
(TFT displays come only with models NEC Versa
2650CDT and 2655CDT models.)

Getting Started 1-3

Brightness or Contrast Control

Depending on the model of LCD panel the slide bar located
to the right of the LCD panel controls brightness or con­trast. Slide the bar up or down to adjust screen brightness,
if you have a TFT panel. Side the bar up or down to adjust
contrast for a DSTN panel.

Additionally models with DSTN-type screens, may use
key for the following results:





decreases LCD brightness.

Fn-F1

increases LCD brightness.

Fn-F2

Power Button and Status LEDs

NEC Versa systems offer the following features on the
hinge just under the LCD panel:

Power Button — The Power button turns NEC Versa 2600
power on and off. Press the button to turn power on; press
it again to turn power off. When power is on, the Power
LED lights. See “Setup Parameters” in Chapter 3 to use
this button as a Suspend/Resume buttom.

NOTE

After turning off the system, wait 5 seconds
before tur ning i t back on. Thi s gi ves system c om po­nents a chance to power down properly.

Fn

1-4 Getting Started



Power and Status LEDs (identified by icons) are found
to the right of the Power button, and inform you of the
status of your system and its components. Status LEDs
have the following meanings and light under the condi­tions noted:

Power Hard

Disk Drive

CD-ROM

Reader

Diskette

Drive

A

Caps

Lock

 Power – Lets you know that power to the system is

turned on. This LED is positioned so that you see
the power state whether the LCD panel is opened or
closed

– lights green when the system is powered on.
– lights yellow when battery power is below 10%.
– flashes yellow when battery power is below 5%.

Be sure to save your data immediately when the
Power LED turns to yellow, flashes yellow, or the
system beeps. Failure to do so can result in data
loss.

Num
Lock

!

CAUTION

Pad

Lock

Battery

Status LED icons

 Hard Disk Drive – Lights when the NEC Versa

2600 writes data to or retrieves data from the hard
disk drive.

 CD-ROM Reader – Lights when data is read from a

compact disc in the CD-ROM drive.

Getting Started 1-5

Keyboard

 Diskette Drive – Lights when data is written to or

retrieved from the 3.5-inch diskette drive.

 Caps Lock – Lights when Caps Lock mode is in ef-

fect.

 Num Lock – Lights when Num Lock mode is active.
 Pad Lock – Lights when the embedded numeric key-

pad lock is on.

 Battery Charging Status – Lights to indicate the

following:
– Green – the battery is fully charged.
– Orange – the battery is recharging.
– Light Off – the AC adapter is disconnected.

The NEC Versa 2600 Series system comes with an 86-key
keyboard, featuring an embedded numeric keypad and in­verted T cursor keys. See Chapter 4, “Using Your NEC
Versa,” for details about control keys, function keys, and
keyboard features.

NEC VersaGlide

The NEC VersaGlide works like a standard computer
mouse. Simply move your fingertip over the VersaGlide to
control the position of the cursor. Use the selection buttons
below the VersaGlide to select menu items. The left button
is configured to function like the left button on a mouse.
The right button is configured as a right-mouse button.

See “NEC VersaGlide” in Chapter 4 for information about
customizing VersaGlide settings.

1-6 Getting Started

Microphone and Speakers

A microphone is built into the keyboard's left palm rest
(beneath the small single hole), and lets you record mono­phonic sound directly into the NEC Versa 2600.

Two stereo speakers are also built into the keyboard's palm
rest, one on the left and one on the right, for your multime­dia presentations or listening pleasure.

Turn the volume control wheel (located on the left side of
the NEC Versa 2600) clockwise to increase, or counter­clockwise to decrease sound volume.

Battery Pack Bay

The NEC Versa (depending on the model) comes with either
a Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) or a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
rechargeable battery pack, located at the left front of the
Versa 2600.

Drive Bays

The NEC Versa 2600 comes with the following drives pre­installed as standard features:



CD-ROM Reader — A 10X CD-ROM lets you load and
start programs from compact discs, or insert and play
your favorite audio CDs. The CD-ROM reader is as­signed drive letter E.

NOTE

The CD-ROM reader ships with a plastic
shipping restrai nt installed. Remove the restraint by
lif ting on the pl astic edge near the center hole. Do
not insert CD with the restraint installed.

Getting Started 1-7

Diskette Drive — The 3.5-inch, 1.44-MB diskette drive



accepts 1.44-MB high-density diskettes as well as
720-KB double-sided double-density diskettes, and is
assigned drive letter A.

Hard Disk Drive — A removable hard disk drive ships



standard with your system and is located above the
diskette drive. Depending on your configuration, this bay
contains a 1.0-gigabyte (GB) or 1.44-GB hard disk
drive. It is assigned drive letter C.

AROUND THE BACK OF THE SYSTEM

System ports for connecting your NEC Versa 2600 to op­tional devices (like a printer or external monitor) are located
on the back of the system. For an understanding of each
feature, see the descriptions that follow the figure.

Port
Replicator Latch

IR Port

1-8 Getting Started

Serial
Port

AC Power
Port

Keyboard
Mouse Port

Expansion
Port

Monitor
Port

Parallel
Port

Back system features



Infrared (IR) Port — Use this port to transfer files be­tween your NEC Versa and an IR-equipped desktop or
notebook computer. You can also print to an IR­equipped printer without using cables. The IR port will
not function, when the NEC Versa 2600 is installed in
the Port Replicator. Transfer files by removing the Port
Replicator from the NEC Versa 2600.

Port Replicator Latches — Use these “ports” as latches



for securing the port replicator. A Port Replicator Latch
is located at each end of the back of the system.



Keyboard/Mouse Port — Use the standard PS/2 port to
connect an external PS/2-style mouse or a PS/2-style
keyboard to the system.

Expansion Port — This 200-pin port provides a connec-



tion for the NEC Port Replicator 2600.
Monitor (Video) Port — Use this 15-pin port to attach



an external monitor to your NEC Versa 2600. You can
run the LCD display and the external monitor simulta­neously or run either alone.

Parallel Port — Use this 25-pin port to connect a paral-



lel printer or other parallel device. This port provides
both ECP and EPP mode support. The ECP standard
provides you with a greater transfer speed than the con­ventional parallel port. It also supports bi-directional
and uni-directional protocols.

Serial Port — Use this 9-pin port to connect an external



modem or other serial device.
AC Power Port — This 4-pin AC power port lets you



attach the NEC Versa 2600 to the AC power source us­ing the AC adapter that comes with your system. Keep
the system connected to AC power whenever possible to
keep the battery pack and internal CMOS battery
charged.

AROUND THE SIDES OF THE SYSTEM

Your NEC Versa 2600 comes with features on both sides.
This section shows you where those features are located and
describes their use.

Getting Started 1-9

The Left Side

The left side of your NEC Versa 2600 provides the features
shown in the following figure. (Features are described after
the figure.)

Line In

Microphone Volume

Line In — Lets you use another audio system, like a



Headphones

Control Dial

Left side features

home stereo, as an input source. Use a cable to connect
to the Line-Out port on the other audio system to record
or play.



Microphone — Connects to an external microphone for
monophonic recording or amplification through the unit.
Plugging in an external microphone disables the built-in
microphone.



Headphones — Lets you plug in stereo headphones or
powered speakers.



The Right Side

The right side of the NEC Versa offers the features shown
in the following figure. (Features are described after the
figure.)

1-10 Getting Started

Volume Control Dial— Turn the volume control dial
clockwise to increase speaker volume, or counter­clockwise to decrease speaker volume.

PC Card

PC Card Slots — Two PC card slots let you insert one



Slots

or two Type II PC cards (formerly called PCMCIA
cards), or one Type II and one Type III PC card. See
“PC Cards” in Chapter 4 for more about PC cards and
their use.



Kensington Lock Port— Use this port (or slot) for added
security by attaching a Kensington Lock.

AROUND THE BOTTOM OF THE SYSTEM

The bottom of the NEC Versa 2600 is the location of the
system's memory module sockets, reset switch, battery pack
release latch, and support legs, as described next.

Legs

Kensington Lock
Port

Right side features

Battery
Release Latch

Expansion Memory
(RAM) Sockets

Battery
Reset
Switch

Bay

Bottom of the system

Getting Started 1-11

Expansion Memory (RAM) Sockets — Pop open the



protective cover to access two expansion RAM double
inline memory module (DIMM) sockets. Up to 64 MB
of RAM may be added to the standard 16 MB of RAM
that comes with the system, for a maximum total RAM
of 80 MB.

!

DIMMS must be added in pairs. When adding
memory always use DIMMS of the same capacity.
DIMMS with different capacity that are installed t o­gether will not work properly.

Battery Bay — Location of removable battery pack.





Reset Switch — This recessed switch lets you restart
your system. Use a pointed object, like a straightened
paper clip, to push in the Reset button. Use this button
only if your system hangs up, fails to respond to key­strokes, or fails to respond to the Power button.

CAUTION





1-12 Getting Started

Legs — Drop down the two support legs, and tilt your
NEC Versa forward for more comfortable keyboard op­eration.

Battery Release Latch — Lets you remove the battery
pack installed in the battery bay.

NEC VERSA POWER SOURCES

The NEC Versa 2600 can be powered using different
sources, making it a truly portable system. Operate your
NEC Versa system just about anywhere using one of the
following power sources:



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

the battery pack.



Read the following sections for specific steps on powering
on the system.

Using the AC Adapter

Use the AC adapter and power cable that came with your
NEC Versa 2600 to run your computer on alternating cur­rent (AC) power, or to recharge the battery pack. Use the
AC adapter whenever a wall outlet is nearby.

!

Do not att empt to disassemble t he AC adapter. The
AC adapter has no user-replaceable or serviceabl e
parts inside. Dangerous voltage in the AC adapter
can cause serious personal injury or deat h. The AC
adapter is intended for use with the NEC Versa
2600 only.

WARNING

The AC adapter, when connected, charges the battery
whether or not the computer is powered on. The AC adapter
LED lights a constant yellow when plugged into an electri­cal outlet.

Getting Started 1-13

!

Check that the AC outlet voltage registers in the
range of 100 – 240 Volts AC. Verify that the cord
and plug are appropriate for your AC source.

WARNING

!

Use only the A C adapter that comes wit h your NEC
Versa 2600 Series system. Although other AC
adapters may l ook simil ar, using t hem c an damage
the system.

CAUTION

Connect the AC adapter as follows:

1.

Connect the AC adapter cable to the power port on the
back of your NEC Versa 2600 Series system.

2.

AC

1-14 Getting Started

Power Cable

Plug one end of the AC power cable into the AC adapter
and the other end into a 120 or 240-volt wall outlet.

LED

AC

AC
Adapter

Power Port

Connecting the AC adapter

Do not cover or place objects on the AC adapter.
Doing so can cause the adapter to overheat.

Powering On

To power on, locate the power button on the hinge beneath
the LCD screen and push it in. To power off the system,
push the power button a second time.

Using the Main Battery Pack

The NEC Versa 2600 Series system comes with either of
two rechargeable batteries:

 a Nickel Metal-Hydride (NiMH) battery pack, or
 a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery pack (models

2650CDT and 2655CDT only).

!

WARNING

NOTE

Although the battery is fully charged at the
factor y, transit and shelf ti me may reduce the ini tial
battery charge. We recommend that the first time
you use your system, you connect it to AC power
using the AC adapter. This will also recharge your
battery.

Your NEC Versa 2600 Series system provides two tools to
help you keep track of the main battery's power level:



Battery Status LED (located at the right side of the
hinge beneath the LCD), described earlier in this chapter



Battery Gauge utility, which lets you quickly identify
how much battery power you have available.

Getting Started 1-15

When remaining battery power falls to 10%, the system
emits a single beep; when battery power falls to 5%, the
system beeps once every 60 seconds.

Installing the Battery Pack

Install the battery pack in your system as follows. (For in­formation about replacing a battery pack, see “Replacing
the Battery Pack,” later in this section.)

Be sure to sav e your data bef ore replaci ng the bat­tery pack or connecting the AC adapter. Failure to
do so can result in data loss.

1.

If your system is on, save your data, close any applica­tions running, and power off the system.

2.

Align the battery pack with the Battery Pack bay. Make
sure the battery contacts are aligned properly with the
connector inside the bay. Install the battery pack only in
this bay.

!

CAUTION

3.

Push the battery pack into the bay until the locking latch
on the bottom of the system clicks into place.

How to Recharge the Battery Pack

When battery power gets low, proceed as follows:

1.

Connect your system to the AC adapter and AC power
to recharge the battery pack . Your system is again
ready for use and will recharge as being used. The re­charge time will be about the same, no matter if powered
“on” of powered “off.” (see "Using the AC Adapter")

or

1-16 Getting Started

Place your system in Suspend Mode.

2.

Install a charged battery pack (see "Replacing the Bat-

3.

tery Pack").
Press the power switch to resume your system.

4.

To prev ent accidental battery igni tion or ex plosion,
adhere to the following:









Battery Handling

Review the following before handling either an NiMH or an
Li-Ion battery.

!

Keep the battery away from extreme heat.
Keep metal object s away from the batt ery termi -

nals to prevent a short circuit.
Make sure the battery is properl y install ed in the

battery bay.
Read the precautions printed on the battery.

WARNING



Use batteries only in the computer for which they are
designed. Mixing other manufacturer’s 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 terminals with a dry cloth if they get
dirty.

When not in use, store the battery in a cool dry area.



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

Getting Started 1-17

shorter work times




discoloration, warping
hot to the touch



strange odor.



Replacing the Battery Pack

Replace the battery pack installed in your NEC Versa 2600
system as follows.

Save your files, exit Windows, and turn off system

1.

power.
Close the LCD and turn the system over.

2.

Press the battery release latch and slide the battery out

3.

of the system, as shown next:

Battery
Release Latch

4.

1-18 Getting Started

Battery
Pack

Insert the new battery into the bay, pressing it firmly
until the release latch clicks (see next).

Battery Life

Battery
Pack

Turn the system over, open the LCD panel, and power on
the system.

The NEC Versa 2600 battery life, on a single charge, is as
follows.



For NiMH batteries

 2 − 4 hours, with power management enabled
 2 hours, without power management

for Li-Ion batteries



 2 − 3 hours, with power management enabled
 1 hour and 40 minutes, without power management.

These estimates are made under the following conditions:



When the battery is new and fully charged.



When no peripherals are connected to the NEC Versa.

Getting Started 1-19