Texas Instruments 900 User Manual

Extensa™ 900 Series Notebook Computers User’s Guide

9813630-0001

Extensa™ 900 Series Notebook Computer User’s Guide TI Part No. 9813630-0001 Original Issue: September 1996

First Revision: November 1996

Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual.

Record the serial number, purchase date, and model number in the space provided below. The serial number and model number are recorded on the label affixed to the case. All correspondence concerning your unit should include the serial number, model number, and date of purchase.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Texas Instruments.

Extensa Notebook Computer

Model_______Serial No.____________Purchase Date________

Contents

Extensa and livegear are trademarks of Texas Instruments. The icons in the Windows Notebook and Startup groups are copyrighted by Texas Instruments. AT and PS/2 are registered trademarks and OS/2 is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows and Xenix are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Kensington is a registered trademark of Kensington Microware, Inc. Synaptics is registered trademark of Synaptics, Inc. SimulSCAN is a trademark of Cirrus Logic, Inc. IrDA is a trademark of Infra Red Data Association. Phillips is a registered trademark of H.A. Phillips & Co.

This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This device generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this device does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the device off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

n Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna n Increase the separation between the device and receiver n Connect the device into an outlet on a circuit different from

that to which the receiver is connected

n Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television

technician for help

Notice: Shield Cables

All connections to other computing devices must be made using shielded cables to maintain compliance with FCC regulations.

Notice: Peripheral Devices

Only peripherals (input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.) certified to comply with the Class B limits may be attached to this equipment. Operation with non-certified peripherals is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception.

Caution

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority, which is granted by the Federal Communications Commission, to operate this computer.

FCC Notice

Use Conditions

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

Notice: Canadian Users

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

Remarque à l’intention des utilisateurs canadiens

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respected toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

Preface Chapter 1 Before You Begin

Creating Backup Disks.................................1-2

Features of the Computer .............................1-3

Environmental Specifications........................1-5

Using the Computer .....................................1-7

Power Saving Modes .....................................1-9

Securing the Computer...............................1-14

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

Chapter 2 Using Your Computer

Starting the Computer..................................2-3

Running the “About Your Extensa” Demo

Program ...................................................2-4

Using the Brightness and Contrast

Controls ...................................................2-6

Turning the Speakers On and Off..................2-7

Using the Microphone...................................2-8

Using PC Cards............................................2-9

Using Indicator Lights.................................2-12

Using the Touchpad....................................2-14

Using Disk Drives .......................................2-16

Adding Memory ..........................................2-22

Using the Keyboard ....................................2-25

Using the Internal Numeric Keypad.............2-29

Using Connectors and Ports........................2-31

Chapter 3 Using Battery Power

Guidelines for Battery Use............................3-2

Switching to Battery Power ...........................3-3

Responding to Low Battery Conditions ..........3-4

Recharging the Battery .................................3-6

Calibrating the Battery .................................3-7

Removing and Installing the Battery Pack ......3-9

Conserving Battery Power...........................3-12

Chapter 4 Options

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

PC Cards......................................................4-3

PS/2 Devices................................................4-4

External Monitor ..........................................4-5

External Mouse ............................................4-6

Memory........................................................4-7

Audio Options ..............................................4-8

Mobile Productivity Base Option....................4-9

Miscellaneous Options................................4-10

Chapter 5 Using Software

Using Supplied Software...............................5-2

Getting Online Help......................................5-3

Guidelines for Installing Applications............5-4

Using System Passwords ..............................5-6

Contents

Chapter 6 Mobility

Overview of Mobility .....................................6-1

Disconnecting from the Desktop ...................6-3

Moving Around.............................................6-4

Taking the Computer Home ..........................6-5

Traveling with the Computer.........................6-7

Traveling Internationally with the Computer..6-9

Chapter 7 Care and Troubleshooting

Cleaning the Computer.................................7-2

Troubleshooting Tips ....................................7-3

Startup Error Messages................................7-4

Appendix A Where to Get Help

vii

Preface

This manual describes features of the Texas Instruments Extensa™ 900 Series notebook computers. The Extensa series computers share similar appearance and incorporate such features as: CardBus with Zoomed Video support, 16-bit stereo audio, Fast Infrared and internal pointing device in an ultra-slim form factor and light weight package.

This manual should answer most of the questions you have about the day-to-day operation of your Extensa notebook computer.

Use the Just for Starters… instructions that came with your computer to get your computer running for the first time.

viii

You should also take advantage of the online help files that are available with almost all of the programs shipped with your computer.

Enjoy your Extensa computer. With proper care, your computer will provide you with years of productive service.

Before You Begin

After completing the instructions in Just for Starters…, read this chapter to learn about the

important functions of your computer. Some functions, such as Creating Backup Disks, should be performed as soon as possible after the purchase of your computer.

Contents

Creating Backup Disks................................ 1-2

Features of the Computer ............................ 1-3

Standard Features................................ 1-3

Customizing Features........................... 1-4

Environmental Specifications....................... 1-5

Using the Computer..................................... 1-7

Power Saving Modes .................................... 1-9

Power Savings Options ......................... 1-9

0V Suspend Mode............................... 1-11

5V Suspend Mode............................... 1-12

Standby Mode .................................... 1-13

Securing the Computer.............................. 1-14

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

1-1

Creating Backup Disks

You should create your backup system disks as soon as possible after purchasing your computer. The process you follow depends on the operating system you selected when you setup the computer for the first time.

Windows® 95

Backing up Windows 95 requires several boxes of formatted 3½-inch, 1.44 MB floppy disks. Labels for the floppy disks are included with the manual.

To create backup system disks, use the Create System Disk tool from Windows 95.

Windows for Workgroups

1-2

Backing up MS-DOS® and Windows for Workgroups requires several boxes of 3½-inch,

1.44 MB floppy disks. To create backup system disks, use the Make

Disk utility, located in the Main program group.

Features of the Computer

Standard Features

The following list displays the standard features of your Extensa computer:

q PCI Bus architecture q 16 MB EDO (Extended Data Out) memory q 256 KB Level-2 cache memory q 2 MB EDO video memory q Fast video graphics accelerator q 0-Volt Suspend, 5-Volt Suspend and

Standby power saving modes

q No-reboot setup function q STN or TFT color display q 16-bit stereo audio q Fast infrared communication q Li-Ion (Lithium-Ion) battery pack q 1.35 GB (or higher) capacity hard disk drive

with Local Bus

q Embedded touchpad pointing device q Small, lightweight AC adapter

1-3

Features of the Computer

Customizing Features

The following features allow you to customize your computer to fit your requirements.

q PS/2 port for connecting an external

keyboard, numeric keypad, or mouse q 9-pin serial port for connecting external

devices such as a modem or mouse

q Simultaneous display with external CRT q One Type III or two Type II or Type I

Cardbus PC Card slots; lower slot accepts

Zoomed Video port enabled PC Cards q Parallel port with EPP and ECP for

connecting to a printer or the floppy disk

drive module

1-4

q 8 MB, 16 MB and 32 MB EDO 64-bit type

small outline dual inline memory module

(soDIMM) upgrades q Docking module option for further

expansion

Environmental Specifications

This section provides information on the optimum operating environment for your Extensa notebook computer.

Temperature

Operating: 50° to 95°F

(10° to 35°C)

Storage: -4° to 140°F

(-20° to +60°C)

Relative Humidity (Noncondensing)

Operating: 20% to 85% Storage: 20% to 85%

Shock

Operating: Maximum 5g pulse in X,

Y, and Z orientations

Storage: Maximum 50g pulse in X,

Y, and Z orientations

Vibration

Operating: Sinusoidal 5 to 25.6 Hz

limited to 0.015 inch peak-to-peak maximum displacement

0.5g, 25.6 to 250 Hz

Storage: Sinusoidal 5 to 27.1 Hz

limited to 0.016 inch peak-to-peak maximum displacement

2.0g, 27.1 to 500 Hz

1-5

Environmental Specifications

Note: Your computer is equipped with a fan to keep the computer cool under extreme high temperature conditions. The fan will not normally operate, but may turn on when the computer’s internal components become warm. You will hear the fan when it turns on. This is nothing to be concerned about.

1-6

Using the Computer

q Never pick up or carry the computer by the

display. q Never use the computer in harsh

environments where it could be subjected to

rapid temperature changes or excessive

dust. q Never expose the computer to excessive

vibration. q Never expose the hard disk drive or floppy

disk(s) to strong magnetic fields, such as

those generated by audio system speakers,

telephone handsets, or hand-held metal

detectors. q To avoid overheating the computer, never

place anything on top of the computer when

it is operating or recharging the battery. q Before moving an active computer, close the

display, and wait for the system to go into

5V Suspend mode. q Do not try to force the display beyond its

fully opened position — about 180 degrees.

1-7

Using the Computer

Caution: In the rare event that you see or smell anything that indicates overheating (smoke or a strange smell):

1. Turn off the power.

2. Disconnect the AC adapter from the power source and the computer.

3. Remove the battery pack.

4. Contact your Texas Instruments dealer or service center.

1-8

Power Saving Modes

Power Savings Options

Your Extensa system offers several options for you to extend your battery life while you are not actively using your computer. These options turn off different sections of the computer that are not currently being used.

These options are listed in the POWER

MANAGEMENT page of the System Setup screen

(accessed via Fn+F1 anytime or F2 during boot up). They are described below:

Power Management

Standby Timeout

5V Suspend Timeout

This option sets when you want the time outs to take effect.

ALWAYS: Enables the time out settings regardless of whether the computer is on AC or battery power.

BATTERY ONLY: Only enables the time outs when the computer is running off the battery power.

DISABLE: Disables all power time out settings.

The length of time the computer needs to be idle before the computer enters Standby mode.

The length of time the computer needs to be idle before the computer enters 5V Suspend.

1-9

Power Saving Modes

0V Suspend Timeout

Hard Disk Timeout

Display Timeout

The length of time the computer needs to be idle before the computer enters 0V Suspend.

The length of time the computer needs to be idle before the hard disk drive’s motor is turned off.

The length of time the computer needs to be idle before the display back light is turned off.

The computer will not enter any of the power management time-out modes if the hard disk drive, floppy disk drive (or CD-ROM drive in the optional MPB docking module) is active.

Note: If the “Auto Insert Notification” option is enabled in the CD ROM setting, the computer will not time out on any of the power management time-outs because Windows 95 will constantly be looking for a new CD to be inserted. This option is set to a default of DISABLED by Texas Instruments.

1-10

0V Suspend Mode

0V Suspend mode saves the exact spot you are at on your computer, then shuts off all power without losing any data.

Power Saving Modes

In 0V Suspend mode, the computer saves the current computer state onto your hard disk drive then shuts off. When you turn the computer on again, it restores the computer to the saved state within about a minute.

Press the 0V Suspend hot key (Fn+F2) to enter 0V Suspend mode. To resume normal operation, press the power switch. 0V Suspend mode occurs automatically if the 0 VOLT SUSPEND

TIMEOUT parameter in Setup is enabled and

times out or if the BATTERY LOW SUSPEND option is enabled and your battery runs down to a critically low level.

Note: Your computer will not enter 0V Suspend mode if the 0V Suspend file is missing or is the incorrect size. Refer to Chapter 2, the Adding Memory section for further information.

5V Suspend Mode

5V Suspend mode consumes very little power when you are not using your computer, yet still resumes quickly. With a fully charged battery, your computer can remain in 5V Suspend mode for days.

Caution: If your computer loses power while

in 5V Suspend, you will lose all of your unsaved data.

1-11

Power Saving Modes

In 5V Suspend mode, the computer saves the current computer state onto your system memory then shuts off power to most of the devices except the system memory. The standby indicator flashes to indicate the computer is in 5V Suspend mode. When the computer resumes from 5V Suspend mode, it restores the computer to the saved state.

Press the 5V Suspend hot key (Fn+F3) or close the display cover to enter 5V Suspend mode. The computer also enters 5V Suspend mode if the 5V SUSPEND TIMEOUT parameter in Setup is enabled and times out.

To resume normal operation, press any key on the internal keyboard or press the power switch. The computer also resumes from 5V Suspend if the RESUME ON MODEM RING or RESUME ON ALARM options are enabled in the System Setup and a modem ring or alarm occurs.

1-12

Note: It takes the computer a few seconds to

resume from a 5V Suspend. You may see the screen blank a few times while the computer restores all of the system states.

Standby Mode

Standby mode saves some computer power by turning off a few of the unused devices and still allows you to resume your work instantly. The standby indicator lights up in Standby mode.

Power Saving Modes

Press the Standby hot key (Fn+F4) to enter Standby mode. The computer also enters Standby mode if the STANDBY TIMEOUT parameter in Setup is enabled and times out.

To resume from Standby mode, press any key or touch the touchpad. The computer also resumes from Standby if the RESUME ON MODEM

RING or RESUME ON ALARM options are enabled in

the System Setup and a modem ring or alarm occurs.

Note: The computer acts on the key you press. To prevent unintended results, press a nonprinting character such as Shift, Ctrl or Alt.

Refer to Chapter 3, Responding to Low Battery Conditions, for more ideas on how to conserve power.

1-13

Securing the Computer

Your computer comes with a Kensington® lock notch. If your computer store does not carry Kensington locks, you can buy one directly from Texas Instruments. To secure your computer, follow these steps:

1. Wrap the cable of a portable computer Kensington security lock (optional) around a table, desk drawer handle, or any immovable object.

2. Locate the Kensington lock icon at the right front side of the computer and insert the lock into the notch.

3. Turn the key to secure the lock.

4. Remove the key from the lock.

1-14

Notch

Securing the Computer

Using the AC Adapter

DC Connector

AC Adapter

Male

Plug

Female

Connector

AC Adapter

Charges the internal battery pack and operates the computer on AC power whether or not a battery pack is installed. The AC adapter can be operated anywhere where the outlet supplies between 100240 volts AC at 50 - 60 Hz. The AC adapter has a detachable AC power cord.

Caution: Use only the AC adapter supplied with your computer. Another adapter can

damage your computer and create a safety hazard.

1-15

Using Your Computer

Before beginning this chapter, ensure you have read and understood Chapter 1. Chapter 2 describes how to start and use your Extensa notebook computer.

Contents

Starting the Computer................................. 2-3

Running the “About Your Extensa” Demo

Program .................................................. 2-4

Contents of the Demo Program.............. 2-4

Running the Demo Program.................. 2-4

Deleting the Demo Program .................. 2-5

Using the Brightness and Contrast

Controls .................................................. 2-6

Turning the Speakers On and Off................. 2-7

Using the Microphone.................................. 2-8

Using PC Cards ........................................... 2-9

Inserting PC Cards................................ 2-9

Ejecting PC Cards............................... 2-10

Using Indicator Lights................................ 2-12

Using the Touchpad ................................... 2-14

Moving the Cursor.............................. 2-14

Configuring the Touchpad................... 2-15

Using Disk Drives...................................... 2-16

Hard Disk Drive Guidelines................. 2-16

2-1

Removing Your Hard Disk Drive.......... 2-17

Inserting Your Hard Disk Drive........... 2-19

Using the External Floppy Disk Drive.. 2-19

Floppy Disk Drive Guidelines.............. 2-20

Adding Memory ......................................... 2-22

Running PHDISK................................ 2-23

Using the Keyboard ................................... 2-25

Special Keys....................................... 2-25

Windows 95 Keys................................ 2-28

Using the Internal Numeric Keypad............ 2-29

Num Lock On..................................... 2-30

Num Lock Off..................................... 2-30

Using Connectors and Ports....................... 2-31

2-2

Starting the Computer

Power

Switch

Power Switch

Turns the computer on and off for both AC and battery operation; also resumes from 0V Suspend and 5V Suspend modes.

The power switch is software controlled to allow for a proper shutdown of the Windows 95 operating system. If the operating system locks up and cannot shutdown, press and hold the power switch for 1-2 seconds to force the computer to turn off.

2-3

Running the “About Your Extensa” Demo Program

Contents of the Demo Program

Your computer is loaded with an entertaining and informative demo program which includes the following information:

q The features of your computer and how to

use them q The livegear accessories available for your

computer

q The software loaded on your computer q How to get service and technical support q More about Texas Instruments

2-4

Running the Demo Program

To run the demo program, do one of the following:

In Windows 95

1. Double-click on the About Your Extensa icon

on the desktop.

2. Follow the directions to use the program.

In Windows for Workgroups

1. From the Program Manager double-click on

the Texas Instruments Multimedia group.

Running the “About Your

Extensa” Demo Program

2. Double-click on the About Your Extensa

icon.

3. Follow the directions to use the program.

Deleting the Demo Program

An uninstall program helps you delete all or part of the demo program to free up space on your hard disk drive.

In Windows 95

1. Double-click on the Uninstall Demo icon on

the desktop.

2. When the Uninstall window appears, you can

choose a complete or partial uninstall. If you want to keep some parts of the demo, you can deselect those parts, then click on Ok. To uninstall the entire demo, click on the large uninstall button, then click on Ok.

In Windows for Workgroups

1. From the Program Manager double-click on

the Texas Instruments Multimedia group.

2. Double-click on the Uninstall Demo icon.

3. When the Uninstall window appears, you can

2-5

Using the Brightness and Contrast Controls

You can adjust the screen brightness and contrast levels using hot keys.

Note: The hot keys for brightness and contrast are continuous keys. They will adjust as long as you hold them down.

Brightness Control

Contrast Control

Press Fn+↑↑ and Fn+↓↓ to increase and decrease the brightness of the display respectively.

The brighter the screen, the more power is used during battery operation.

Press Fn+→→ and Fn+←← to increase and decrease the contrast of the display respectively.

The higher the contrast setting, the more power is used during battery operation.

2-6

Turning the Speakers On and Off

Left

Your computer comes with 16-bit stereo audio. Two built-in speakers are located on the palmrest.

Right

Speaker

Built-in Speakers

You can turn the built-in speakers on and off using a hot key.

Speaker On/Off

Press Fn+PgUp (or Ctrl+Alt+S on an external keyboard) to toggle the speaker output on and off.

You can also enable or disable the speaker from your Setup screen. The setting in Setup determines whether the speakers are enabled when you reboot or turn on your computer. Pressing Fn+PgUp (or Ctrl+Alt+S on an external keyboard) overrides the setting.

2-7

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