Nec VERSA LXI Brochure

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 “NECC”) and/or its licensors. NECC and/or its licensors, as appropriate, reserve all patent, cop yright and other pro prietar y 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 NECC 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 NECC.

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

As an ENERGY STAR partner, NEC Computers Inc. has determined that this product meets the ENERGY

STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.

NEC is a registered trademark, Versa is a U.S. registered trademark, VersaBay, VersaGlide, and PortBar are

trademarks, and UltraCare is a U.S . registered service mark of NEC Corporati on , and/or one or more of its

subsidiaries, used unde r licens e . ENERGY STAR is a U.S. registered mark. All other product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the trademarks or registered trademarks of

their respective trademark owners.

First Printing — October 2000

NEC Computers Inc.

15 Business Park Way

Sacramento, CA 95828

Contents

Using This Guide

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

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

1 Introducing Your NEC Versa

Before you Begin............................................................................................................... 1-2

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

Around the Front of the System.........................................................................................1-4

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

Base Unit.....................................................................................................................1-5

Operating Status LEDs ............................................................................................... 1-6

Power Button.......................................................................................................1-7

Keyboard.....................................................................................................................1-8

Front Features...........................................................................................................1-10

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

Around the Left Side of the System ................................................................................. 1-12

Around the Right Side of the System...............................................................................1-13

Around the Bottom of the System....................................................................................1-15

2 Getting Started

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

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

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

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

AC Adapter........................................................................................................................ 2-4

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

Powering On Your System .........................................................................................2-5

Main Battery Pack..............................................................................................................2-6

Determining Battery Status......................................................................................... 2-6

Battery Gauge LEDs...................................................................................................2-7

Low Battery Status......................................................................................................2-8

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

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

Conserving Battery Power.......................................................................................... 2-8

Battery Handling......................................................................................................... 2-9

Replacing the Battery..................................................................................................2-9

Battery Precautions................................................................................................... 2-13

Precautions for Recharging the Battery....................................................................2-13

System Batteries...............................................................................................................2-14

Main Battery.............................................................................................................2-14

CMOS Battery .......................................................................................................... 2-14

Bridge Battery........................................................................................................... 2-14

Contents iii

Optional Battery........................................................................................................2-14

System Care......................................................................................................................2-15

Precautions for System Use.......................................................................................2-15

Storage Requirements ...............................................................................................2-16

Routine Cleaning.......................................................................................................2-16

3 Using the BIOS Setup Utility

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

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

Pausing the Screen ......................................................................................................3-2

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

Looking at Screens......................................................................................................3-4

Using Keys..................................................................................................................3-5

Checking/Setting System Parameters.................................................................................3-5

Resetting System Parameters...................................................................................... 3-6

Standard CMOS Setup................................................................................................3-6

Advanced CMOS Setup..............................................................................................3-7

System Security Setup.................................................................................................3-8

Establishing System Passwords.................................................................................3-10

Hard Disk Drive Passwords......................................................................................3-10

Establishing Hard Disk Drive Passwords...........................................................3-10

Changing Hard Disk Drive Passwords...............................................................3-11

Using Hard Disk Drive Password Protection.....................................................3-11

Moving the Hard Disk Drive..............................................................................3-12

Power Management Setup.........................................................................................3-12

Boot Device Setup.....................................................................................................3-15

Peripheral Setup........................................................................................................3-17

Other BIOS Setup Options........................................................................................ 3-18

Managing System Power..................................................................................................3-18

Windows 2000 Power Options Properties.................................................................3-19

Windows 2000 Power Schemes................................................................................3-19

Windows 2000 Alarms..............................................................................................3-20

Windows 2000 Power Meter.....................................................................................3-21

Windows 2000 Advanced.........................................................................................3-21

Windows 2000 Hibernate..........................................................................................3-22

Windows 98 Power Management Properties............................................................3-22

Windows 98 Power Schemes....................................................................................3-23

Windows 98 Alarms..................................................................................................3-24

Windows 98 Power Meter.........................................................................................3-24

Windows 98 Advanced.............................................................................................3-25

Windows 98 Hibernate..............................................................................................3-25

Intel SpeedStep Technology......................................................................................3-26

Advanced Intel SpeedStep Technology Options................................................3-27

Windows 2000/98 Power Management States..........................................................3-27

Recognizing the Windows 2000/98 Power Management States...............................3-28

Windows NT Power Management States..................................................................3-28

iv Contents

Recognizing the Windows NT Power Management States.......................................3-29

Updating the BIOS...........................................................................................................3-30

Obtaining the BIOS Update......................................................................................3-30

Preparing the BIOS Update Diskette........................................................................3-30

Identifying the Switch Settings.................................................................................3-31

Enabling the BIOS Flash Switch .............................................................................. 3-32

Performing the BIOS Update.................................................................................... 3-35

4 Using the Operating System and Utilities

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

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

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

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

Windows 98 Second Edition.......................................................................................4-3

Desktop Icons......................................................................................................4-3

Taskbar Icons.......................................................................................................4-5

Windows NT............................................................................................................... 4-6

NEC Utilities...................................................................................................................... 4-6

NEC Customize Utility...............................................................................................4-6

NEC Customize Utility Screen............................................................................ 4-7

Using the NEC Customize Utility........................................................................4-7

HDPREPEZ Utility.....................................................................................................4-7

Using HDPREPEZ with Windows 98 .................................................................4-8

Using HDPREPEZ with Windows NT................................................................4-8

SpeedStep Applet............................................................................................................... 4-8

Application and Driver CD................................................................................................4-8

Launching the CD with Windows 98..........................................................................4-9

Launching the CD with Windows 2000/NT...............................................................4-9

Application and Driver CD Dialog Box......................................................................4-9

Installing the A&D Software ....................................................................................4-10

NEC Info Center..............................................................................................................4-10

Installing the NEC Info Center.................................................................................4-10

Uninstalling the NEC Info Center.............................................................................4-10

Partition Magic.................................................................................................................4-11

Product Recovery CD ......................................................................................................4-11

Guidelines for Using the Product Recovery CD.......................................................4-12

Product Recovery CD Options..................................................................................4-12

Full Disk Drive Restore............................................................................................4-13

Partition Only Restore...............................................................................................4-15

5 Using the System Drives and Bays

NEC Versa File Bay...........................................................................................................5-2

SuperDisk Drive.................................................................................................................5-2

Formatting Diskettes in the SuperDisk Drive............................................................. 5-3

NEC VersaBay III.............................................................................................................. 5-3

NEC VersaBay III Swap Utility.........................................................................................5-4

Contents v

Installing the NEC VersaBay III Swap Utility............................................................5-4

Using the NEC VersaBay III Swap Utility..................................................................5-5

Removing a Device from the NEC VersaBay III........................................................5-6

Installing a Device in the NEC VersaBay III..............................................................5-7

Other NEC VersaBay III Devices...............................................................................5-8

24X CD-ROM Drive..........................................................................................................5-9

CD Loading...............................................................................................................5-10

CD Care.....................................................................................................................5-10

Changing the Auto Play Setting................................................................................5-10

CD Read/Write Drive .......................................................................................................5-11

8X DVD-ROM Drive.......................................................................................................5-12

Hard Disk Drive...............................................................................................................5-13

Memory Modules.............................................................................................................5-18

6 Communicating with Your NEC Versa

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

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

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

Type III Cards.............................................................................................................6-2

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

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

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

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

Using the PC Card Slots..............................................................................................6-4

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

Removing a Card.........................................................................................................6-5

PC Card Modems........................................................................................................6-6

Mini-PCI Modem...............................................................................................................6-6

Mini-PCI LAN ...................................................................................................................6-7

Mini-PCI LAN/Modem......................................................................................................6-7

Installing the Online LAN/Modem Guides.................................................................6-8

Internet Connections...........................................................................................................6-8

Connecting to the Internet in Windows 2000..............................................................6-8

Connecting to the Internet in Windows 98..................................................................6-9

Connecting to the Internet in Windows NT ................................................................6-9

IR Port................................................................................................................................6-9

Using the IR Port.......................................................................................................6-10

Enabling the IR Serial Port in the System BIOS.......................................................6-10

Enabling the IR Port with Windows 2000.................................................................6-10

Transferring Files Using the IR Port with Windows 2000........................................6-11

Enabling the IR Port with Windows 98.....................................................................6-11

Transferring Files Using the IR port with Windows 98............................................6-11

vi Contents

7 Traveling Tips

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

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

Using Power Sources.........................................................................................................7-3

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

Using Your Modem ........................................................................................................... 7-4

8 Using Peripheral Devices

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

Printer.................................................................................................................................8-3

Parallel Devices .......................................................................................................... 8-3

Serial Devices.............................................................................................................8-4

External Keyboard/Mouse ................................................................................................. 8-5

External Television Connections .......................................................................................8-6

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

USB Devices......................................................................................................................8-9

NEC Versa Dock..............................................................................................................8-10

NEC Versa PortBar .......................................................................................................... 8-11

PortBar Ports............................................................................................................. 8-11

9 Using Multimedia

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

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

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

Optimizing the Sound Quality....................................................................................9-3

Line-In ........................................................................................................................ 9-4

CD-ROM Input...........................................................................................................9-4

Microphone................................................................................................................. 9-4

Mixing.........................................................................................................................9-5

Using Headphones...................................................................................................... 9-5

Using External Stereo Speakers.................................................................................. 9-5

Using the Built-In Speakers........................................................................................9-5

Digital Audio Output..................................................................................................9-5

MIDI Files...................................................................................................................9-6

Video..................................................................................................................................9-6

Using Digital Video Files ........................................................................................... 9-6

Using Animation Files................................................................................................ 9-6

Multimedia Applications....................................................................................................9-7

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

Contents vii

11 Getting Service and Support

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

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

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

NECC Support Services...................................................................................................11-3

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-9

Interrupt Controllers........................................................................................................B-10

C Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

Diskette Drive ...................................................................................................................C-5

Booting..............................................................................................................................C-7

Power Management........................................................................................................... C-7

Miscellaneous.................................................................................................................. C-10

Glossary Index Regulatory Statements

viii Contents

Using This Guide

The NEC Versa® LXi 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 power management.

! Chapter 4, “Using the Operating System and Utilitie s,” for an under standing of your

Windows operating system. You’ll also learn how to use the system utilities and CDs for loading applications, drivers, and the NEC Info Center.

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

VersaBay III devices, upgrading the hard disk drive and installing memory modules.

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

using PC cards, optional mini-PCI modems or LANs, 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 travel, getting through customs and using your modem 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. (NECC).

! Appendix A, “Setting Up a Healthy Wo rk Environme nt ,” for guidelines that help

promote a healthy work setting.

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

Using This Guide ix

Text Setup

! Appendix C, “Frequently Asked Que stio n s,” (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 dam age the sy ste m

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.

Ctrl, Alt

Enter

example, type

dir

and press

Enter

, or

x Using This Guide

Introducing Your NEC Versa

Before You Begin

About Your NEC Versa LXi 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

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 LXi 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 compute r productively and safely. Informat ion includes how to set up and use your computer to reduce your risk of developing nerve , muscle, or tendon disorders.

! Take the online Tour to get acquainted with the NEC Versa’s infor mation

resources. The Tour is part of the NEC Info Center. Use the Application and Driver CD that ships with your NEC Versa LXi syste m to install the NEC Info Center.

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 LXi Notebook

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

Intel

Pentium III 650-MHz, 700-MHz, 750-MHz, 800 MHz or 850 MHz with Speedstep™ microprocessor and AGP (advanced graphics port). Intel’s SpeedStep technology allows you to customize high-performance computing on your notebook system to optimize performance speed and conserve battery life. The 14.1-inch or

15.0-inch TFT XGA LCD panel provides high-resolution display for sharp, effective visuals.

In addition, your system provides a high-performance hard disk drive, a diskette drive or SuperDisk™ drive, PC card support, and a 24X CD-ROM drive, a CD Read/Write drive or an 8X DVD-ROM drive. To optimize your connectivity options, some models ship with an internal mini-PCI modem, internal mini-PCI LAN, or co mbination internal mini-PCI LAN/modem. As a multimedia system, your NEC Versa also provides the tools needed to create and present impressive images using video clips and sound.

NEC Versa LXi notebook computer

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

Introducing Your NEC Versa 1-3

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.

LCD Panel

Your NEC Versa LXi comes with a 1024x768, 16M color LCD panel that you can adjust for a comfortable viewing position. To adjust the viewing angle, gently tilt the LCD panel into position. Depending on the model, your system is equipped with a:

! 14.1-inch color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Extended Graphics Array (XGA) panel,

or a

! 15.0-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Extended Graphics Array (XGA) panel.

To adjust the LCD panel brightness press the more details about using the system’s function keys, see the section, “Keyboard,” later in this chapter.

Fn-F8

and

Fn-F9

functions ke ys. For

1-4 Introducing Your NEC Versa

Base Unit

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

LCD panel and base unit

A – Stereo Speakers D – Operating Status LEDs B – Keyboard E – Power Button C – LCD Panel F – NEC VersaGlide

! Stereo Speakers — Provide stereo sound for your multimedia presentations or

listening pleasure. The built-in sound system also supports 3D sound, which simulates the latest surround-sound technology.

! Keyboard — 85 keys with the standard QWERTY-key layout. (Models purchased

outside of the U.S. and Canada ship with country-specific keyboard layouts.)

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

your NEC Versa.

! Operating Status LEDs — Keeps you informed of your NEC Versa's current

operating status. See the following section for details about the operating status LEDs.

! Power Button — Press the Power button to power on, power off, and to resume

from Suspend (Windows NT) or Standby (Windows 2000/98) mode.

Introducing Your NEC Versa 1-5

! NEC VersaGlide — The NEC VersaGlide 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.

Operating Status LEDs

Operating status LEDs

A – IDE/VBIII Devices E – Num Lock B – Diskette Drive F – Microphone C – Caps Lock G – Power Button D – Scroll Lock

! IDE/VBIII devices — lights when the NEC Versa writes data to or retrieves data

from the internal hard disk drive, a SuperDisk drive in the file bay, or a device in the VersaBay III.

! Diskette Drive — lights when the NEC Versa accesses the floppy diskette drive. ! Caps Lock — li ghts when Caps Lock is in effect. ! Scroll Lock — lights when Scroll Lock is in effect. ! Num Lock — lights when Num Lock mode is active. ! 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.

1-6 Introducing Your NEC Versa

Power Button

The Power button is a “smart” switch, meaning that it recognize s when the system is in Suspend mode in Windows NT*, or in Standby mode in Windows 2000/98**. If in Suspend or Standby mode, you cannot power off until you press the Power button to resume operation.

Put the unit in Suspend or 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. Suspend mode in Windows NT and Standby mode in Windows 2000/98 shuts down all devices in the system while retaining data and system status.

! In Windows NT, press the Power button for less tha n 4 seconds to put your system

! In Windows 2000/98, go to Start, Shutdown, Standby to put your system into

! Use the Power button in the following ways:

* The BIOS parameter “System Switch” must be set to “Sleep.” ** The Advanced Power Management setting, “When I press the power button on

my computer,” must be set to Standby.

into Suspend mode. The BIOS parameter “System Switch” must be set to “Sleep.”

Standby mode.

— Press the Power button to power on. — Press the Power button to resume from Suspend (Windows NT) or Standby

(Windows 2000/98) mode and proceed with normal operation.

— Hold the Power button in place for 4 or more seconds to initiate power override

(powers off the system). Only use this option if you cannot power off your system using Start, Shutdown.

Introducing Your NEC Versa 1-7

Keyboard

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

Keyboard

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

! Function keys — Twelve functio n keys,

Versa keyboard. These keys work together with the functions. Several keys ar e preprogr ammed with dual functions, some of which 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 functio n key combina t ions are preprogrammed for the NEC Versa LXi computer.

Fn-F3

— Toggles between four video modes; LCD, CRT, both (LCD and CRT) or

TV out.

Fn-F4

— Sets Standby power management mode on, in Windows NT.

— In Windows NT, press any key to resume from Standby mode. — No function in Windows 2000/98. In Windows 2000/98, Standby is equivalent

to Windows NT Suspend mode. To resume from Windows 2000/98 Standby mode, press the Power button.

1-8 Introducing Your NEC Versa

through

F12

, are available on the NEC

key to activate special

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

— Toggles LCD expansion mode (DOS only).

Fn-F12

— Toggles the scroll lock off and on.

Fn-ESC —

Initiates a Save-to-Ram, in Windows NT. Saves your working

environment to memory.

Fn-Power

— Initiates a Save-to-File on demand, in Windows NT. Saves your

working environment to a reserved area on the hard drive.

An additional preprogrammed function key,

Fn-Left Ctrl

, simulates pressing the right

control key for support of IBM 327x connections.

! Numeric keypad — Pressing NumLock 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 NumLock again, the keys revert to their normal functions as

typewriter keys.

! Cursor Contr ol 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 the Windows environment, you can use the following two

keys to facilitate your work.

Quick access to shortcut menus

Displays the Start menu

Introducing Your NEC Versa 1-9

! Control keys —

keys to change their functions. To use c ontrol keys, press and hold the control key while pressing another key. For example, “press

Ctrl

application you are running.

! Typewriter ke ys — 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 are described after the following figure.

A – NEC VersaBay III C – Battery Charging LED B – Power Status LED D – LCD Lid Latch

Ctrl, Alt, Fn

, and

Shift

are controls used in conjunction with other

Ctrl c

” means to hold down the

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

key.

Features on the front of the system

! NEC VersaBay III™ — A 24X CD-ROM drive, a CD Read/Write drive, a

SuperDisk drive, or an 8X DVD-ROM drive comes installed in the NEC VersaBay III on the front of your system.

The VersaBay III lets you add options, including an optional second Li-Ion battery, or an additional hard disk drive. See “Other NEC VersaBay III Devices,” in Chapter 5.

! Power Status LED — lights green when the syst em is under AC power. When the

system is under battery power, this LED lights to indicate the following:

— Lights gre en when the system power is on. — Blinks green when the system is in Suspend (Windows NT) or Standby

(Windows 2000/98) mode.

— Lights yellow (blinks when in Windows NT Suspend mode or Windows

2000/98 Standby mode) to indicate that battery power is at 8% capacity or less.

— Lights amber (blinks when in Windows NT Suspend mode or Windows 2000/98

Standby mode) to indicate that battery power is at 3% capacity or less.

1-10 Introducing Your NEC Versa

Note

status LED indicates the total (primary plus secondary) battery status.

! Battery Char gi ng LE D — lights to indicate battery charging activity.

When both the primary and a secondary battery are installed, the power

— 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 (optional) battery is installed in the VersaBay III.

! LCD Lid Latch — Secures the LCD panel when closed.

Around the Back of the System

You'll find system ports for connecting optional devices (like a printer, a docking station, or an external monitor) on the back of your NEC Versa. These ports are described after the figure.

Ports on the back of the system

A – PortBar Notches E – External Monitor Port B – PS/2 Port F – Expansion Port C – Serial Port G – AC Power Port D – Parallel Port

! PortBar Notches — Secure the PortBar to the back of the system. ! PS/2 Port — Connects an external PS/2-style mouse or a PS/2 -style keyboard to the

system. With an optional Y-cable adapter, you can connect both a mouse and a keyboard at the same time.

! Serial Port — Connects an external modem or other serial device. ! Parallel Port — Connects a parallel printer or other p ar a llel device. The port is an

Enhanced Capabilities Port (ECP). The ECP standar d provides you with a greater processing speed than the conventional parallel port. It also supports Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP), bi-directional and uni-directio nal p rotocols.

Introducing Your NEC Versa 1-11

! External Monitor (Video) Port — Attaches an external monitor to your NEC Versa.

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

! Expansion Port — This port (also called the Docking port) p r ovides a connection

for NEC Versa LXi options including the NEC Versa Dock and the NEC Versa PortBar.

Only dock the NEC Versa LXi system on the NEC Versa Dock. The cover of the NEC Versa Dock is specially designed to allow for proper system cooling.

! AC Power Port — Use the power jack to attach the NEC Versa to a DC power

source, such as the AC adapter or the optional DC auto adapter.

Around the Left Side of the System

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

Left side features

A – TV Out (S-video) E – LAN Port (optional) B – TV Out (RCA) F – USB Ports C – Fan G – PC Card Slots D – Modem Port (optional)

! TV Out (S-video)Port — Lets you use a television set equipped with an S-video

input jack as an external monitor. This port supports both NTSC and PAL signals.

! TV Out (RCA) Port — Lets you use a television set equipped with a standard RCA

jack as an external monitor. This port supports both NTSC and PAL signals.

The TV Out ports do not support the SECAM signal used in some countries.

Note

1-12 Introducing Your NEC Versa

! Fan — Allows your system to cool properly and maintain a safe oper ating

temperature.

Always keep the fan vents unobstructed to allow proper

system cooling.

! Modem Port — Uses an RJ-11 cable to connect your internal modem to an analog

telephone line. (Available if optional mini-PCI modem or mini-PCI LAN/modem combo installed.)

! LAN Port — Uses an RJ-45 cable to connect your system to a local area network.

(Available if optional mini-PCI LAN or mini-PCI LAN/modem combo installed.)

! USB Ports — Each Universal Serial Bus (USB) po r t allows you to connect up to

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

! PC Card slots — Provide two slots for inserting two Type II PC cards or one Type

III PC card.

Around the Right Side of the System

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

Right side features

A – Volume Control E – IR port B – Headphones/External Speakers F – Kensington Lock C – Line-In G – File Bay D – External Microphone H – Battery Bay

! Volume Control — Allows you to control the speaker and headphone volume.

Introducing Your NEC Versa 1-13

! Audio ports

— Headphones/External Speakers — Connects external headphones or speakers to

your NEC Versa. Plugging in headphones disables the built-in system speakers. The headphone/speaker port supports SP/DIF.

— Line-In — Uses another audio system, like a 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 in stereo.

— External Microphone (MIC) — Connects an external microphone for

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

! 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

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

! Kensington Lo c k — Provides added security by installing an optional Kensington

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

Lock.

! File Bay — Your NEC Versa ships with a 3.5-inch, 1.44-MB diskette drive or the

SuperDisk drive installed in the file bay.

! Battery Bay — Contains the system's main, twelve-cell, Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)

battery.

1-14 Introducing Your NEC Versa

Around the Bottom of the System

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

Bottom features

A – Height Adjustment Feet E – NEC VersaBay III B – Memory Module Bay F – NEC VersaBay III Release Latch C – Battery Bay Release Latch G – Main Battery Bay D – NEC VersaBay III Release Lock H – Vents

! Height Adjustment Feet — Modifies the angle of the NEC Versa for easier viewing

and typing.

! Memory Module Bay — Stores the system’s memory modules. ! Battery Bay Release Latch — Releases and removes the system’s main battery. ! NEC VersaBay III Release Lock — Unlocks the VersaBay III for device removal. ! NEC VersaBay III — A 24X CD-ROM drive, a SuperDisk drive, a CD Read/Write

drive, or an 8X DVD-ROM drive comes installed in the NEC VersaBay III on the front of your system.

Introducing Your NEC Versa 1-15

The NEC VersaBay III lets you add options, including an optional second Li-Ion battery, or an additional hard disk drive. See the section, “Other NEC VersaBay III Devices,” in Chapter 5 for details about NEC VersaBay III options.

! NEC VersaBay III Release Latch — Releases a device from the NEC VersaBay III.

! Battery Bay — Contains the system's main, twelve-cell, Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)

battery.

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

environment.

1-16 Introducing Your NEC Versa

Getting Started

NEC VersaGlide

Power Sources for Your NEC Versa

AC Adapter

Main Battery Pack

System Batteries

System Care

NEC VersaGlide

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:

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 features

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 on the mouse icon. Use the context-sensitive help to learn more about each option. Select the option, then

press

to access context sensitive help.

VersaGlide Tips

Follow these basic ergonomic tips while working:

! Use a light touch on the VersaGlide surface. ! Set up the NEC Versa 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

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

Operate your NEC Versa 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 or an optional second battery pack ! the optional Auto adapter (For details about its use, refer to the accessory sheet that

ships with this option.)

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

Getting Started 2-3

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