Wistron MS2146 User Manual

PC Card

The computer has a built-in CardBus PC Card slot that can accommodate one type
II PC Card. Please consult your dealer for PC Card options available that you can
purchase for your computer.

PC Card slot

The type II CardBus PC Card slot found on the left panel of the computer accepts
credit-card-sized cards that enhance the usability and expandability of the
computer.

PC Cards (formerly PCMCIA) are add-on cards for portable computers, giving
you expansion possibilities long afforded by desktop PCs. Popular type II cards
include flash memory, SRAM, fax/data modem, LAN and SCSI cards. CardBus
improves on the 16-bit PC card technology by expanding the data path to 32 bits.

Note: Refer to your card’s manual for details on how to install and use the
card and its functions.

Inserting a card

Insert the card into the slot and make the proper connections (e.g., network cable),
if necessary. See your card manual for details.

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Ejecting a card

Before ejecting a PC Card:

• Exit the application using the card.

• Left-click on the PC Card icon on the taskbar and stop the card operation.
Press the slot eject button once to pop it out; then press it again to eject the PC

Card.

USB devices

The computer has two USB (Universal Serial Bus) (2.0) ports that allow you to
connect peripherals without occupying too many resources. Common USB
devices include a mouse, keyboard, and digital camera.

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IEEE 1394 devices

The computer's fast IEEE 1394 port allows you to connect IEEE 1394 supported
devices like a digital video camera or optical drive. The computer comes with 2
kind of IEEE 1394 ports, 4-pin and 6-pin for more flexibility.

See your peripheral's documentation for details.

Miscellaneous options

Additional power packs

You can order an AC adapter and spare batteries.

Battery pack

It is a good practice to have a spare battery around, especially when you travel.
The Li-ion battery, coupled with the power management features of your
computer, supplies you with more power on-the-go.
You can also purchase a secondary battery pack to install in the module bay.

AC adapter

The compact AC adapter charges your battery pack and supplies power to your
computer. You can order a spare AC adapter so you do not need to carry it from
the office to your home or destination.

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Key component upgrades

Your computer delivers superior power and performance. However, some users
and the applications they use may demand more. This computer allows you to
upgrade key components when you need increased performance.

Note: Contact your authorized dealer if you decide to perform a key
component upgrade.

Memory upgrade

This notebook computer comes with two DDR-266 SoDIMM (Small Outline Dual
Inline Memory Module) sockets that accepts 128/256/512 MB Synchronous
Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM) module. Please consult your dealer
if you need to add more memory.

Hard disk upgrade

It is possible to upgrade your hard disk with a higher capacity drive when you need
more storage space. The computer uses a 9.5mm 2.5-inch Enhanced-IDE hard
disk. Please consult your dealer if you need to upgrade your hard disk.

4 Moving with your

computer

This chapter gives you tips and hints on things to
consider when moving around or traveling with
your computer.

Disconnecting from the desktop

Follow these steps to disconnect your computer from external accessories:

1. Save your work in progress.

2. Shut down the operating system.

3. Turn off the computer.

4. Disconnect the cord from the AC adapter.

5. Disconnect the keyboard, pointing device, printer, external monitor, and other
external devices.

6. Disconnect the Kensington lock if you are using one to secure the computer.

Moving around

when you are just moving within short distances, for example, from your office
desk to a meeting room

Preparing the computer

Before moving the computer, close and latch the display cover to place it in
Standby mode. You can now safely take the computer anywhere you go within the
building.
To bring the computer out of Standby mode, open the display.

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What to bring to short meetings

A fully charged battery runs the computer for 4.5 hours under most circumstances.
If your meeting is shorter than that, you probably do not need to bring anything
with you other than the computer.

What to bring to long meetings

If your meeting will last longer than 4.5 hours or if your battery is not fully
charged, you may want to bring the AC adapter with you to plug in your computer
in the meeting room.
If the meeting room does not have an electrical outlet, reduce the drain on the
battery by putting the computer in sleep mode. Press Fn-F2 or close the display
cover whenever you are not actively using the computer. Then tap any key or open
the display to resume.

Taking the computer home

when you are moving from your office to your home or vice versa

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Preparing the computer

After disconnecting the computer from your desktop, follow these steps to prepare
the computer for the trip home:

1. Remove all media from the drives. Failure to remove the media can damage
the drive head.

2. Pack the computer in a protective case that can prevent the computer from
sliding around and cushion it if it should fall.

Caution: Avoid packing items next to the top cover of the computer.
Pressure against the top cover could damage the screen.

What to bring with you

Unless you already have some items at home, bring the following items with you:

• AC adapter and power cord

• The printed user’s manual

Special considerations

Follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling to and from
work:

• Minimize the effect of temperature changes by keeping the computer with
you.

• If you need to stop for an extended period of time and cannot bring the
computer with you, leave the computer in the trunk of the car to avoid
exposing the computer to excessive heat.

• Changes in temperature and humidity can cause condensation. Allow the
computer to return to room temperature, and inspect the screen for
condensation before turning on the computer. If the temperature change is
greater than 18°F (10°C), allow the computer to come to room temperature
slowly. If possible, leave the computer for 30 minutes in an environment with
a temperature between outside and room temperature.

Setting up a home office

If you frequently work on your computer at home, it may be worthwhile to
purchase a second AC adapter for use at home. With a second AC adapter, you
can avoid transporting the extra weight to and from home.

If you use your computer at home for significant periods of time, you might also
want to add an external keyboard, monitor, or mouse.

Traveling with the computer

when you are moving within a larger distance, for instance, from your office
building to a client’s office building or traveling locally

Preparing the computer

Prepare the computer as if you were taking it home. Be sure the battery in the
computer is charged. Airport security may require you to turn on your computer
when bringing it into the gate area.

What to bring with you

Bring the following items with you:

• AC adapter

• Spare, fully charged battery packs

• Additional printer driver files if you plan to use another printer

Special considerations

In addition to the guidelines for taking the computer home, follow these guidelines
to protect your computer while traveling:

• Always take the computer as carry-on luggage.

• If possible, have the computer inspected by hand. The computer can safely
pass through security X-ray machines, but never expose the computer to a
metal detector.

• Avoid exposing floppy disks to hand-held metal detectors.

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Traveling internationally with the
computer

when you are moving from country to country

Preparing the computer

Prepare the computer as you would normally prepare it for traveling.

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What to bring with you

Bring the following items with you.

•AC adapter

• Power cords that are appropriate to the country to which you are traveling

• Spare, fully charged battery packs

• Additional printer driver files if you plan to use another printer

Special considerations

Follow the same special considerations as when traveling with the computer. In
addition, these tips are useful when traveling internationally.

• When traveling in another country, check that the local AC voltage and the
AC adapter power cord specifications are compatible. If not, purchase a
power cord that is compatible with the local AC voltage (e.g., power rating).
Do not use converter kits sold for appliances to power the computer.

• If you are using the modem, check if the modem and connector is compatible
with the telecommunication system of the country you are traveling in.

5 Software

This chapter discusses the important system utilities
bundled with your computer.

System software

The computer comes preloaded with the following software:

• Windows operating system

• DMI (Desktop Management Interface)-compliant hardware BIOS utility

• System utilities, drivers and application software

Note: To access Windows software applications, click on the Start button and
select the application folder. Then click on the application icon to run the
selected application. To learn about the software and utility, make use of the
online help provided by the software.

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Launch Manager

Launch Manager allows you to set the four launch keys and the wireless button
located above the keyboard. See “Launch keys” on page 23 for the location of
these keys.
You can access the Launch Manager by clicking on Start, Programs, and then
Launch Manager to start the application.