Nec VERSA NOTE 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, Inc. (hereinafter “NEC CSD”) and/or its licensors. NEC CSD and/or its licensors, as appropriate, reserve all patent, copyright and other proprietary rights to this document, including all design, manufactur ing, reproduction, use, and sales rig hts thereto, except to the ex tent said right s are expr es sly granted to other s.

The NEC CSD 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 dat a, and op erat or contr ol. S ince i mplemen tat ion by cu stomer s of each p roduc t may vary, the suitability of specific product configurations and applications must be determined by the customer and is not warranted by NEC CSD.

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 w ithout prior written approval of NEC CS D is prohibite d.

As an ENERGY star partner, NEC Computer Systems Division (NEC CSD) has determined that this product

meets the ENERGY star guidelines for energy efficiency.

FaxFlash is a service mark of NEC CSD, Packard Bell NEC, Inc. NEC and Versa are registered trademarks of NEC Corporation, used under license. ENERGY STAR is a U.S. registered trademark. All other product, b r and, or t rade names used in this publication are the tr ademar k s or regi stered t rademarks of

their respective trademark owners.

First Printing — December 1998

NEC Computer Systems Division

Packar d Bell NEC, Inc.

1 Packar d Bell Way

Sacramento, CA 95828-0903

Using This Guide

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

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

1 Getting Started

Your NEC Versa Note ................................................................................. 1-2

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

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

Control Panel......................................................................................... 1-6

Status Icons..................................................................................... 1-7

Keyboard Panel and Base Unit............................................................... 1-8

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

Around the Left Side of the System.............................................................1-11

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

Around the Bottom of the System................................................................1-14

NEC Versa Note Power Sources .................................................................1-15

Using the AC Adapter...........................................................................1-15

Powering On / Off ..........................................................................1-16

Using the Battery Pack..........................................................................1-17

Replacing the Battery Pack.............................................................1-17

When Battery Power is Low...........................................................1-18

Battery Handling..................................................................................1-19

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

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

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

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

Battery Disposal...................................................................................1-21

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

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

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

Storage Requirements...........................................................................1-23

Routine Cleaning..................................................................................1-24

Important Safety Instructions ......................................................................1-25

Precautions...........................................................................................1-25

German Language Version of Important Safety Instructions........................1-28

Wichtige Hinweise Zur Sicherheit.........................................................1-28

Vorsichtsmaßnahmen............................................................................1-29

Contents iii

2 Understanding the Software

Windows Introduction.................................................................................. 2-3

Windows 98.......................................................................................... 2-3

Desktop Icons.................................................................................. 2-3

Taskbar Icons.................................................................................. 2-4

Windows 95.......................................................................................... 2-6

Active Desktop................................................................................ 2-7

Internet Explorer Channel Bar......................................................... 2-7

Taskbar Icons.................................................................................. 2-8

Windows NT......................................................................................... 2-8

Service Pack 4 ................................................................................. 2-9

Guide to Online Help..................................................................................2-10

Guide to NEC Utilities................................................................................2-10

Setup....................................................................................................2-11

NEC Customize Utility.........................................................................2-11

PHDisk.................................................................................................2-11

Other Software............................................................................................2-11

Adobe Acrobat Reader..........................................................................2-12

QuickLink MessageCenter III...............................................................2-12

eSafe Protect.........................................................................................2-12

Microsoft Office 97 Professional Edition (only on selected models)......2-12

World Wide Web Browsers.........................................................................2-12

Netscape Navigator...............................................................................2-13

Microsoft Internet Explorer...................................................................2-13

Applications and Drivers CD ......................................................................2-13

Launching the Applications and Drivers CD.........................................2-13

Installing the Software ..........................................................................2-14

3 Using Setup and Power Management

Setup Utility................................................................................................ 3-2

How to Enter Setup................................................................................ 3-2

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

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

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

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

Setup Menus.......................................................................................... 3-7

Main Menu...................................................................................... 3-7

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

Security Menu................................................................................. 3-8

Power Menu.................................................................................... 3-9

iv Contents

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

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

4 Using Your NEC Versa Note

LCD Panel................................................................................................... 4-2

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

NEC VersaGlide.......................................................................................... 4-5

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

VersaGlide Tips..................................................................................... 4-7

Integrated Drives.......................................................................................... 4-7

20X or 24X CD-ROM Reader................................................................ 4-8

CD Loading........................................................................................... 4-8

CD Care ................................................................................................ 4-9

Changing the Auto Play Setting............................................................. 4-9

56K Internal Modem ...................................................................................4-10

Connecting the Internal Modem............................................................4-11

PC Cards....................................................................................................4-12

Type II Cards........................................................................................4-12

Type II Extended Cards........................................................................4-12

Type III Cards ......................................................................................4-12

Communication Cards....................................................................4-12

PC Card Modems ...........................................................................4-13

Storage Cards.................................................................................4-13

Interface Cards...............................................................................4-13

Other Cards....................................................................................4-13

PC Card Sl ots.......................................................................................4-14

Inserting a PC Card........................................................................4-14

Removing a Card............................................................................4-15

IR Port..................................................................................................4-16

USB Port..............................................................................................4-17

Enabling and Disabling Devices ..................................................................4-18

Increasing System Storage and Memory......................................................4-19

Hard Disk Drive...................................................................................4-19

Memory Module Installation.................................................................4-19

Connecting Options ....................................................................................4-22

External Monitor..................................................................................4-23

Printer ..................................................................................................4-23

Parallel Devices..............................................................................4-24

Serial Devices ................................................................................4-24

External Keyboard/Mouse/Keypad........................................................4-25

External Audio Options ........................................................................4-26

Contents v

NEC PortBar........................................................................................4-26

Using the PortBar...........................................................................4-26

Updating the System BIOS...................................................................4-29

5 Using Multimedia

Audio........................................................................................................... 5-2

Recording.............................................................................................. 5-2

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

CD-ROM Input..................................................................................... 5-4

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

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

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

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

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

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

Using Digital Video Files....................................................................... 5-6

Using Animation Files........................................................................... 5-6

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

6 Traveling with Your NEC Versa Note

Power Connections...................................................................................... 6-2

Checklist Information...................................................................................6-2

What to Take......................................................................................... 6-3

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

7 Solving Problems

Problem Checklist........................................................................................ 7-2

Start-up Problems ........................................................................................ 7-3

POST Error Messages............................................................................ 7-4

If You Need Assistance................................................................................ 7-6

Product Recovery CD.................................................................................. 7-7

Full/Express Restore.............................................................................. 7-8

Partition Restore...................................................................................7-10

If You Need Assistance...............................................................................7-13

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-4

vi Contents

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

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

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

B Specifications

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

Interrupt Controllers.....................................................................................B-7

DMA Settings..............................................................................................B-8

C Getting Services and Support

Quick Reference Chart.................................................................................C-2

NEC NOW ..................................................................................................C-3

NEC CSD Web Site .....................................................................................C-4

NEC CSD FTP Site......................................................................................C-5

NEC CSD FaxFlash Service.........................................................................C-6

Email/Fax to Support Services.....................................................................C-8

NEC CSD Bulletin Board.............................................................................C-9

NEC CSD Support Services.......................................................................C-11

NEC CSD Customer Assistance Center......................................................C-11

Versa Laptop Fulfillment Hotline ...............................................................C-12

Glossary

Index

Content s vii

Using This Guide

The NEC Versa Note User’s Guide gives you the information you need to use your NEC Versa Note notebook computer. T he information in this guide refers to the Windows 98, Windows 95, and Windows NT operating syste ms. Read this guide to familiarize yourself wit h t he system and its features. For specific information, see

Chapter 1, “Getting Started,” acquaints you with the system



hardware.



Chapter 2, “Understanding t he Software,” summarizes the

applications loaded on your system. Software included lets you experience the full spectr um of the system, from creating vivid multimedia presentations to access ing t he Int er net .

Chapte r 3, “U sing S e tup and P owe r Manageme nt,” expl ains how t o



customize your notebook’s parameter and power management settings.

Chapter 4, “Using Your NEC Versa Note,” describes the NEC Ver sa



Note features and functions. Yo u’ ll also master pr ocedur es for connecting external options like a headphone, micro phone o r speakers.

Chapter 5, “Using Multimedia,” det ails how to integrate video and



sou nd clip s into impr e ssiv e pre s entatio ns.



Chapter 6, “Traveling with Your NEC Versa Note,” lists valuable tips

for getting the most out of your system while on the road.



Chap ter 7, “Solving Proble ms ,” prov ides si mple solutions to common

problems that may arise while operat ing your notebook .



Appendix A, “Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment,” provides

guidelines to help promote a healthy work setting.



Appendix B, “Specifications,” reviews NEC Versa Note system

specifications.

Using This Guide ix

Appendix C, “Getting Services and Support,” describes the variety of



services available for you when you need help with your system.

Text Setup

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

Warnings, caut ions, and notes have the following format:



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

Cautions indi c ate situations that can damage the system hardware or software.

informati on on whatever is being described.

Note:

WA RNING

CAUTION

Notes give particularl y important

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



example,



Text that you must type or keys that you must pr ess are pr esented in

bold type. For example, type

x Using This Guide

Ctrl, Alt

, or

Enter

dir

and press

Enter

Getting Started



Your NEC Versa Note



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

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NEC Versa Note Power Sources



Internal Batteries



System Care



Important Safety Instructions



German Language Version of Import ant S afety Instructions

Your NEC Versa Note

WA RNING

Prolonged or improper use of a c om puter workstation may pose a risk of serious injury. To reduce your risk of i njur y, set up and use your computer in the manner described in Appendix A, Setting Up a Healthy Work Envir onm ent.

After completing the st eps in the qu ick setup sheet that comes with your

computer, your NEC Versa Note system is ready to go! To get started:

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 co mputer to reduce your risk of develop ing nerve, muscle, or tendon disorders.



Read through this guide to familiarize yourself with t he NEC Ver sa

Note.

The NEC Versa Note notebook computer offers you a portable system

filled with exciting resources for home, business or travel. Standard

features include a powerful Intel® Pentium microproces s or that works

together with the latest Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)

architecture. Depending on the model, your NEC Versa Note is equipped

with one of the following processors: Pentium Tillamook or Pentium II.

1-2 Getting Started

In addition, your all-in-one system provides a hig h-performance hard disk drive, diskette drive, 20X or 24X CD-ROM, PC card slots, and a V.90-compliant 56 kilobits per second (Kbps) modem (modem only available on some models). As a multimed ia syst em, your NEC Versa Note provides the tools needed to create and present impress ive images using video clips and sound.

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

NEC Versa Note notebook computer

Getting Started 1-3

Around the Front of the System

The NEC Versa Note is compact with features on every side. First , loo k

at the front of the system. The following sections describe front featur es,

beginning with the liquid crystal display (LCD) panel.

LCD Panel

The NEC Versa Note comes with a color LCD panel that you can adjust

for a comfortable viewing position. The LCD panel can be a

12.1-inch Dual Scan Super-Twisted Nematic (DSTN) or Thin Film

Transistor (TFT), Super Video Graphics Array (SVGA) color display, or

a 13.3-inch TFT, Extended Graphics Arra y (XGA). The features of the

LCD panel are described after the figure.

LCD panel



Power and Suspend Status LE Ds — (identified by icons) are locat ed

just under the front of the LCD panel. The stat us LE Ds ar e duplicated on the back of the LCD panel to allow viewing when the panel is closed.

1-4 Getting Started

Power and Sus pend LEDs

❶

1. Power LED 2. Battery Charging LED 3. Suspend Mode LED



Power LED — lets you know that power to the system is turned

❷

❸

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 using the AC

adapter, battery, or Power Xtender™ Auto adapt er.

– Lights green when on a nd has normal ba ttery power. Lights

yellow when on and low (8% to 4%) battery power. Lights amber when in Suspend mode and very low (3% or less) battery power.



Battery Charging LED — lights to indicate batt er y charging status.

– Lights amber to indicate the battery is charging. – Lights off to indicate the battery is fully charged.



Suspend Mode LED — is on when the system is in Standby mode, blinks in Suspend mode and off in full on or Power off mode.

Getting Started 1-5

Control Panel

The NEC Versa Note control panel provides the features s ho wn in the

following figure. The control panel features ar e described after the

figure.

Control Panel

1. Status LEDs 2. Power Button



Status LEDs — keep you informed of your NEC Versa Note’s current operating status. Descriptions of the status icons appear in the following sect ion.



Power Button — press the Power button either to power on or power off the system.

system, use the power overr ide. Press the Power button and hold it in pl ac e until t he system power s off.

1-6 Getting Started

Note:

If you are unable to power off the

Status Icons

The NEC Versa Note syste m uses st atus lights marked with icons to communicate syst em status. See the following figure and list for each icon ’s me a nin g.

Status LED ic ons

❶

1. Hard Drive Access 2. Diskette Drive Access

3. Caps Lock 4. Scroll Lock

5. Num Lock

Hard Drive Access — light s when t he NEC Ver sa Note accesses the



❷

❸

❹

❺

hard disk drive .



Diskette Drive Access — lights when the NEC Versa Note writes data to or retrieves data from the diskette drive.



Caps Lock — lights when caps lock is in effect .



Scr oll Lock — lig hts when scr oll lo c k is in effect.



Num Lock — li gh ts wh en Num Lock mode is a ctive.

Getting Started 1-7

Keyboard Panel and Base Unit

The NEC Versa Note keyboard panel and base unit contain the following

features. The keyboard panel and base unit features are described after

the figure.

Keyboar d Pa nel an d Base Unit

❶

❷

1. Keyboard 2. NEC VersaGlide

3. Microphone 4. Built-in Speakers

Keyboard — standard QWERTY-key layout. See “Using the



Keyboard” in Chapter 4 for details abo ut control ke ys , fu nct ion ke ys , and keyboard features. (Models shipped outside of the U.S. are equipped with country-specific keyboard layouts.)

1-8 Getting Started

❸

❹

NEC VersaGlide — work s like a standard computer mouse. Simply



move your fingertip over the VersaGlide to co ntrol the pos it ion of the cursor. Use the selection buttons below t he VersaG lide t o select menu items. See “NEC VersaGlide” in C hapt er 4 for informat ion abo ut customizing Ve rsaGlid e settings .

Microphone — allows you to record monophonic sound directly into



your notebook computer. See Chapter 5, “Using Multimedia,” for details a bout reco rding.



Built-in Stereo S peaker s — provides st ereo sound for your

multimedia prese ntations or listenin g ple a s ure.

Around the Back of the System

You’ll find system ports for connecting your NE C Versa Note to optional devices (like a printer or exter nal monito r ) on the back of your NEC Versa Note. The ports are described after the figure.

Back system features

❶ ❷ ❸ ❶

1. PortBar Notches 2. AC Power Port

3. PS/2 Port 4. Parallel Port

5. USB Port 6. Expansion Port

7. Serial Port 8. Monitor (Video) Port

9. Audio Ports (From left to right): Microphone, Line In & Headphones



PortBar Not ches — Use t hese notches to secure the PortBar to the

❹ ❺ ❻ ❼ ❽

❾

back of the system. (There ar e t wo Port Bar notches located at the both ends of the rear side of the syste m.)

Getting Started 1-9

AC Power Port — Lets you attach the NEC Versa Note to the AC



power source using the AC adapter that comes with your system. Keep the system connected to AC power whenever poss ible to keep the battery pack and internal CMOS battery charged.

PS/2 Port — Use the standard PS/2 port to connect an external PS/2-



style mouse, PS/2-style keyboard, or PS/2 style Numeric Keypad to the system. With an optional Y adapter, you can connect up to two of these devices at the sa me time.



Parallel Port — Use this port to connect a parallel printer or other

parallel device. The parallel port default supports the Enhanced Capabilities Port (ECP) standard. The port also supports bi-directional and output only protocols.

Note:

on your NEC Versa Note is set to Enhanced Capabilities Port (ECP). Some older parallel devic es may not function with the ECP default setting. You may need to adjust the setting to accommodate your parallel devic e. F ollow the instructions in Chapter 3, “Using Setup and Power Managem ent,” to adjust the setting.

The default setting for the parallel port

USB Port — The Universal Serial Bus (USB) port allows you to



connect up to 127 USB-equipped peripheral devices (for example, printers, monitors, scanners) to your NEC Versa Note.

Expa ns ion Po rt — Use this port to connect the NEC PortBa r.



Serial Port — Use this port to connect a serial printer or other serial

device.



Monitor (Video) Port — Use this 15-pin port to attach an external

monitor to your NEC Versa Note. You can run the LCD display and the external monitor simultaneous l y or ru n either alone.

1-10 Getting Started

Audio Ports





Microphone — Allo ws you to conn ect an external mic rophone for monophonic recording or amplification through the unit. Plugging in an exte rnal micro phone disa bles the built -in microphone.



Line In — Lets you use 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.



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

Around the Left Side of the System

The left side of your NEC Versa Note pro vides the featur es sho wn in the following figure. The left side features are described after the figure.

Left side features

❶

❷

1. IR Port 2. Volume Control

3. CD-ROM Reader 4. Diskette Drive

❹

❸

Getting Started 1-11

IR Port — Use this port to transfer files between your NEC Versa



Note and an IR-equipped desktop or notebook computer. You can also print to an IR-equipped printer without using cables. Use the IRMON utility in Windows 98 with your IR-equipped printer. With Windows 95/NT, make sure the IR port is set properly in BIOS to use your system with an IR-equipped printer.

Volume Contr ol — Allows you to contr ol th e speaker volume



thro ugh the thumb wheel.



CD-ROM Reader — Allows you to load and start progr ams from a

compact disc (CD) and play audio CDs. See Chapter 4, “Using Your NEC Versa Note Computer,” for details about using the CD-ROM reader.



Diskette Drive — A 3.5-inch, 1.44-MB diskett e drive comes installed

in the NEC Versa Note system. The drive accepts 1.44-MB highdensity diskettes as well as 720-KB double-sided double-density diskettes.

Around the Right Side of the System

The right side of the NEC Versa Note offers the features shown in the

following figure. The right side features are described after the figure.

1-12 Getting Started

Right side features

1. Battery Bay 2. Modem Port

3. Fan 4. PC Card Slots

5. Kensington Lock

❺

❹

❸

❷

❶



Battery Bay — Depending upon the model, the battery bay contains a

rechargeable Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) or Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery pack.

Modem Port (modem only available on some models) — NEC



includes a 56K internal voice/fax/data modem. It keeps you connected to the outside world!



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

operating environment.

CAUTION

Do not block the fan while the NEC Versa Note is in use.

Getting Started 1-13

PC Card Slots — Two PC card slots allow you to insert two Type II



PC cards or one Type III PC card in the bottom slot. Card BUS cards are supported and Zoom Video is supported in the top slot.

Kensington Lock — Lets you provide added secur ity by installing an



optional Kensington Lock.

Around the Bottom of the System

The bottom of the NEC Versa Note offers the following features. The

features are descr ibed after the figure.

Bottom of the system

1. Battery Bay 2. Battery Release Latch

3. Memory Module Bay Cover 4. Tilt Foot



Battery Bay — Equipped with a rechargeable Nickel-Metal-Hydride

(NiMH) or (depending on the model) Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery.



Battery Release Latch — Slide the latch to the ot her end and hold it.

While holding the latch, slide the battery bay outwards to remove the battery.

1-14 Getting Started

Memory Module Bay Cover — Remove the screw to find two



SO-DIMM slots. One is inserted with SDRAM memory board configured by the factory. The other is empty for upgrade use.

Tilt Foot — Adjust to provide flexible keyboard angle.



NEC Versa Note Power Sources

The NEC Versa Note can be powered using different sources, making it a truly portable system. Operat e your NE C Ver sa Not e syst em 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.



the PowerXtender Auto Adapter.



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 Note to run your computer on alternating current (AC) power, or to recharge the battery pack. Use the AC adapter whenever a wa ll outlet is nearby.

WA RNING

Do not attempt to disassembl e the AC adapter. The AC 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 int ended for use with a computer. Both must meet EN60950 standards.

When connected, the AC adapter charges the battery whether or not the NEC Versa Note is powered on.

Getting Started 1-15

Note:

range of 100–240 Volt s AC. Verify that the cord and plug are appropri ate for your AC source.

The AC outlet voltage should be in the

Connect the AC adapter as follows:

CAUTION

Use only the AC adapter that comes with your NE C Versa Note system. Although other AC adapters may look similar, usi ng them can damage the system.

Connect the AC adapter cable to t he power port o n the rear side of your NEC Versa Note system.

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

WA RNING

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

Powering On / Off

To power on, locate the Po wer butto n on the left hand side of the co nt ro l

panel above the keyboard and press it. To power off the syste m, press

the Power button. In Windows, the computer auto mat ically shuts down,

when “Shut Down” is selected from the Start menu. That is, you do not

need to press the Power butto n to switch off the computer.

1-16 Getting Started

Using the Battery Pack

The NEC Versa Note system co mes with a rechargea ble N ickel MetalHydride (NiMH) or Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery pack. You can run your system on battery power for approximately 2.5 hours with power management features ena bled. Bat tery packs are easy to insta ll and remove.

Note:

the factory, transi t and shelf time may reduce the initial batt er y charge. We recommend that the first time you use your system, connect it to AC power using the AC adapter. This also rechar ges your battery.

When battery power drop s to the level where t he Batt er y Warning is activated, the power LED lights yellow.

When battery power reaches 8%, the power LED lights amber and the system beeps a warning and the system goes into Suspend/Save to File mode.

Although the battery is fully charged at

Replacing the Battery Pack

Install the battery pack in your system as follows:

Be sure to save your data before r eplac ing the battery pack or connecting the AC adapter. Failure to do so can result in data loss.

If your system is on, save your data, power down the system.

Close the LCD and turn the system over.

Release the batt er y bay latc h, slide the battery away from the system, and l i ft it o ff.

CAUTION

Getting Started 1-17

Align the terminals on t he new batter y with the ter minal co nnect or in

the bay. Insert the battery into the bay, until the battery bay latch locks the battery in place.

Press down on the batt er y to secure the ter minal connection.

Turn the system over and press the Power button to power on the system.

When Battery Power is Low

When battery power gets low, connect your syst em to the AC adapter. I f

an AC adapter is not available, change the battery pack using the

Replace Batt er y Pack procedure. See the section, “Replacing the Battery

Pack.”

To prevent accidental battery ignition or explosion, adhere to the following:

Keep the battery away f r om extreme heat. Keep metal objects away fr om the bat tery terminals

to prevent a short cir c uit.

WA RNING

Make sure the battery i s properly installed in the battery bay.

Read the precauti ons printed on the battery.

1-18 Getting Started

Battery Handling

Review the following before handling the system batt er y.

Use the NiMH or Li-Ion batteries only in the NEC Versa Note comput er for which they are designed. Mixing other NEC Versa Note batt er ies, other manufacturer’s batteries, or using a combination of very old and new batteries can det er iorate battery and equipment perf ormance.



Turn off power to the system after use.



Clean the battery terminals with a dry cloth if they get dirty.



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

The following symptoms indicate that battery life is nearing an end. Discard batter ies that disp la y these sy mpt oms:



shorter work times

CAUTION

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discoloration, warping

hot to the touch

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strange odor.

Battery Lif e

The NEC Versa Note NiMH or Li-Ion battery has an approximate life of

2.5 hours under the following co ndit ions: When it is new and fully charged.



When no peripherals are connect ed to your NE C Versa Note.

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When you have no options installed.

Enabling power management features increases battery life.

Getting Started 1-19

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 batter y. Turning down the screen brig htness ( Press

Fn + F7

to toggle through different power management modes and ext e nd batt ery life. Cha pte r 3 “Using Setup and Pow er Management” gives details about po wer management featur es and t he modes available.

Battery Charging

Charge time depends on whether or not you are using the system. There are two ways to charge your battery while it is installed in the NEC Versa Note:

When the system is off or in Suspend mode and the AC adapter is



connected, charge time is approximate ly 3 hours.



When the system is powered on and the AC adapter is connected,

charge time is approximately 4 hours.

For maximum battery performance, fully discharge the battery before recharging it. To do so, unplug the AC adapter, turn off power management features (throug h B IOS S e tup ( power management), and turn on the system. Once the battery is fully discharged, plug in the AC adapter and recharge the battery.

Fn + F9)

and contrast (

Fn + F11)

Fn + F7

extends battery life.

) and Windows

If you do not discharge the battery completely, it not only fails to accept a full recharge, but also sends inco r r ect information to the Battery Gauge utility. The utility may indicate that you have plenty of battery power when you actu ally have ve ry litt le. Th is c an re s ult in d ata loss w hen the battery suddenly dies.

The warning beep that sounds when battery power becomes critically low is always a true indicator that battery power is low. Be sure to save your data when you hear the beep and take proper steps to provide power to your system.

1-20 Getting Started

Battery Precautions

To prevent accidental battery ignition, rupture, or explosion, adhere to the following precautions.

There is a danger of explosi on if t he batt er y is incorrectl y replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type r ec ommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteri es accor ding to the manufacturer’s i nstr uc tions.

Keep the battery away f r om heat sources i nc luding direct sunlight, open fires, microwave ovens, and high-voltage containers. Temperatures over 60ºC (140ºF) may cause dam age.

Do not drop or impact the batter y . Do not disassembl e the batter y . Do not solder the battery . Do not puncture the batt er y. Do not use a battery that appears damaged or

deformed, has any rust on its casing, is discolored, overheats, or emits a foul odor .

WA RNING

Keep the battery dry and away fr om water. Keep metal objects away fr om batt er y termi nals.

Metal object s in cont act with the terminals can cause a short circuit and dam age.

If the battery leaks onto ski n or cl othing, wash the area immediately . Batt er y fluid can cause a skin rash and damage fabri c.

If battery fl uid gets in eyes, DO NOT rub; rinse with clear water immediately and see a doctor.

Battery Disposal

Before disposing of the battery, put adhesive tape on the terminals. Depending upon the NEC Versa Note model, the main battery is made of Nickel Metal-Hydride (NiMH) or Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion).

Getting Started 1-21

+ 129 hidden pages

Nec VERSA NOTE user Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Using This Guide

Getting Started