Texas Instruments 900 Series - Manual

Contents vii Calibrating the Battery ................................. 3-7Removing and Installing the Battery Pack...... 3-9Conserving Battery Power ........................... 3-12 Chapter 4 Options AC Adapter................................................... 4-2PC Cards .............................

Preface viii 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 a...

1 Before You Begin 1-1 After completing the instructions in Just forStarters… , 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 Bac...

Creating Backup Disks 1-2 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 fo...

Features of the Computer 1-3 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 Su...

Features of the Computer 1-4 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 Simultane...

Environmental Specifications 1-5 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 8...

Using the Computer 1-7 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 dis...

Power Saving Modes 1-9 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 POW...

Power Saving Modes 1-10 0V SuspendTimeout The length of time the computerneeds to be idle before the computerenters 0V Suspend. Hard DiskTimeout The length of time the computerneeds to be idle before the hard diskdrive’s motor is turned off. DisplayTimeout The length of time the computerneeds to be ...

Power Saving Modes 1-11 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. T...

Power Saving Modes 1-12 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 Susp...

Securing the Computer 1-14 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 (opti...

Using the AC Adapter 1-15 AC Adapter ACAdapter Charges the internal battery pack andoperates the computer on AC powerwhether or not a battery pack is installed.The AC adapter can be operated anywherewhere the outlet supplies between 100-240 volts AC at 50 - 60 Hz. The ACadapter has a detachable AC p...

2 Using Your Computer 2-1 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 ................................. 2-3Running the “About Your Extensa” Demo Program ............

Starting the Computer 2-3 Power Switch PowerSwitch Turns the computer on and off for bothAC and battery operation; also resumesfrom 0V Suspend and 5V Suspendmodes. The power switch is software controlledto allow for a proper shutdown of theWindows 95 operating system. If theoperating system locks up...

Running the “About YourExtensa” Demo Program 2-4 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 live gear  accessories available for your compu...

Running the “About Your Extensa” Demo Program 2-5 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. Do...

Turning the Speakers On and Off 2-7 Your computer comes with 16-bit stereo audio. Two built-in speakers are located on the palmrest. Built-in Speakers You can turn the built-in speakers on and off using a hot key. SpeakerOn/Off Press Fn+PgUp (or Ctrl+Alt+S on anexternal keyboard) to toggle thespeake...

Using the Microphone 2-8 Your computer has a built-in microphone located in the LED display area to the upper right of the power switch. Built-in Microphone To use the microphone, face your computer from a normal distance and speak in a normal voice. You do not need to bend down to speak directly in...

Using PC Cards 2-9 Inserting PC Cards You can insert up to two Type I or Type II PC cards, or one Type III PC card, into the slots on the side of the computer. You can install PC cards while the computer is running. Inserting a PC Card In Windows 95 Windows 95 beeps to indicate it has detected a PC ...

Using PC Cards 2-10 In Windows for Workgroups Windows for Workgroups beeps to indicate it has detected the card. If a driver for the PC card has already been loaded, you can use the card immediately. If a driver has not been loaded, you must manually load the driver. Windows for Workgroups does not ...

Using Indicator Lights 2-12 The computer uses the following indicator lights. Indicator Lights Disk MediaIndicator Lights when the computer writes to orreads from the hard disk drive, orreads from the CD-ROM drive. BatteryChargingIndicator Lights when a powered AC adapterconnected to the computer is...

Using the Touchpad 2-14 Moving the Cursor The embedded touchpad offers a unique and efficient way of pointing and selecting in a Windows environment. The following figure shows the touchpad. Touchpad The touchpad responds to finger movements on its surface. To move the cursor, move your finger on th...

Using the Touchpad 2-15 Configuring the Touchpad You can personalize the control of the touchpad by configuring various settings using the Synaptics  Touchpad utility. Configure the touchpad using the Mouse utility located in the Control Panel window. Follow these steps to configure the touchpad: I...

Using Disk Drives 2-16 Hard DiskDrive The Extensa computer comes with a1.35 GB or higher capacity hard diskdrive. The hard disk drive is formattedand loaded with software duringmanufacture. Do not format the harddisk drive. Floppy DiskDrive The floppy disk drive can accessformatted 3.5-inch, double-...

Using Disk Drives 2-17 If the HARD DISK TIMEOUT parameter in Setup is enabled and expires, the hard disk drive will spin down to save power. ! Caution: If the hard disk drive is damaged, you can lose data. To reduce the impact of data loss, back up data frequently. Removing Your Hard Disk Drive You ...

Using Disk Drives 2-19 Inserting Your Hard Disk Drive Use the following instructions to re-insert a hard disk drive. Follow the instructions that came with your hard disk drive upgrade kit for inserting a new hard disk drive. 1. Connect the hard disk drive cable to the hard disk drive, making sure t...

Using Disk Drives 2-20 Connecting the External Floppy Disk Drive Floppy Disk Drive Guidelines Failure to observe the following precautions can damage both the floppy disk drive and the data on the floppy disk: q Insert the floppy disk into the floppy disk drive slot label side up and the metal shutt...

Adding Memory 2-22 Your computer has 16 MB of EDO dynamic random access memory (DRAM) for computer system memory. You can increase the amount of your computer system memory (up to 48 MB) by adding industry-standard, small outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (soDIMMs) into the memory upgrade slot. ! C...

Adding Memory 2-23 Remove the screw from the memory door. Lift up the memory door from the recess in the screw area, then remove the door. Follow the instructions that came with your memory upgrade option to install the additional memory. Whenever you change your memory size, you should run the PHDI...

Using the Keyboard 2-25 The computer has many special keys, most of which depend on an application for their functionality. Special Keys The following keys have special functions at the command level of MS-DOS and within many programs. Fn+Pause Stops a command or application; primarily used to stop ...

Using the Keyboard 2-28 Windows 95 Keys The keyboard also has two Windows 95-specific keys that allow you to perform special functions under Windows 95. Windows logo key Start button Combinations with this key perform special functions. The following are a few examples: Windows logo key + Tab Activa...

Using the InternalNumeric Keypad 2-30 Pressing Shift with a key generates the characters shown in the following figure. Num Lock On (with Shift) If you press and hold Fn in this mode, the keypad generates their normal characters. Num Lock Off When the Num Lock indicator is OFF, the keyboard acts as ...

Using Connectors and Ports 2-31 This section provides a description of connectors and ports on the Extensa notebook computer. Ports are found on the right, left and rear of the computer. Right and Rear Ports Right and Rear Ports PC Card The PC card slots supports oneType III or two Type II or Type I...

3 Using Battery Power 3-1 The primary difference between using battery power and AC power is the time you can operate before you must recharge the battery. This chapter covers charging the battery and maximizing the time between charges and assumes that you installed and charged the battery as direc...

Guidelines for Battery Use 3-2 ! Caution: Never dispose of exhausted batteries in a fire. Observe applicable environmental regulations and recycle if possible. The battery should be handled carefully to ensure maximum life. In particular: q Do not drop the battery or subject it to shocks. q Do not e...

Switching to Battery Power 3-3 To use battery power, install batteries as described in Installing the Battery Pack later in this section. As long as the battery has charge remaining, you can switch to battery power by removing the connection to the AC adapter, even if the computer is already on. You...

Recharging the Battery 3-6 ! Caution: Never recharge the battery differently from the procedure described in this manual. The following procedure is acceptable under most circumstances: 1. Install the battery pack into your computer (if not already installed). 2. Connect the AC adapter. To maintain ...

Calibrating the Battery 3-7 The Extensa system uses a smart Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) rechargeable battery. Your new smart batteries keep extremely accurate track of the battery capacity. However, all rechargeable batteries lose capacity over time due to different charging and discharging conditions, as ...

Removing and Installing the Battery Pack 3-9 Removing the Battery Pack Follow these steps to remove the battery: ! Caution: You will lose all power to the computer when the battery is removed unless an external AC source is attached. 1. Unlatch the battery locks on both ends of the battery by pushin...

Removing and Installing theBattery Pack 3-10 2. Grasp the grooves on the top and bottom of the battery pack and pull the battery out. Removing the Battery Installing the Battery Pack Follow these steps to install the battery: 1. Unlatch the battery locks on both ends of the computer. 2. Insert the b...

Removing and Installing the Battery Pack 3-11 Re-installing the Battery Locks The battery locks are designed to not break, but come off easily when they have been forced open too far. To re-install the battery locks, follow these instructions: Note: The left and right battery locks are not interchan...

Conserving Battery Power 3-12 The following tips can help you prolong the life of a battery charge: q Keep the display at the lowest comfortable brightness and contrast level. Reducing brightness and contrast even a small amount can significantly reduce power consumption and increase operating time....

4 Options 4-1 This chapter provides some basic information on options available for your Extensa computer. For more detailed information and instructions please refer to the installation instructions that come with your option. To get the most up to date list of options available with your Extensa c...

PC Cards 4-3 Your Extensa computer supports all PCMCIA and Cardbus PC cards. These PC cards are used to add functionality to your computer, such as communicating over a telephone or connecting to a network. The computer has built-in slots that support one Type III or two Type II or Type I PC cards. ...

External Monitor 4-5 Your Extensa computer supports standard analog external monitors with resolutions up to 1280 x 1024. The computer also supports DDC compatible monitors allowing you to use the “Green” monitors (those monitors that meet the Energy Star standards). When the computer is connected t...

External Mouse 4-6 Your Extensa computer comes with a pointing device already installed, but you can also use an external PS/2 or serial mouse. q To connect a PS/2 mouse, insert the connector into the PS/2 port in the rear of the Extensa. q To connect a serial mouse, attach the connector to the 9-pi...

Audio Options 4-8 Your computer comes with a set of built-in stereo speakers and a monaural microphone, but if you wish to use other stereo equipment, the computer comes with three audio jacks — Line-out, Line-in and Microphone-in. Connecting Audio Devices Line-out allows you to use a headset or amp...

Mobile Productivity Base Option 4-9 The Mobile Productivity Base (MPB) option is a full-featured docking module that duplicates all of the ports on your computer plus additional ports. In addition to replicating ports, the MPB docking option also has a removable modular bay that houses a CD-ROM driv...

Miscellaneous Options 4-10 Your Extensa computer can accept many additional options, and Texas Instruments is the best source for these options. Some of the additional options include: Batteries You can purchase spare Li-Ion batteries.For more information, call 1-800-TI-TEXAS.For information on thes...

5 Using Software 5-1 This chapter describes the software supplied with the computer and how to configure application software to run on the computer. Contents Using Supplied Software .............................. 5-2Getting Online Help ..................................... 5-3Guidelines for Install...

Using Supplied Software 5-2 Your computer is shipped with the following software installed on the hard disk drive: q Microsoft  Windows 95 q Power-saving utilities q PC-Doctor q About Your Extensa system demo program q Various third-party application software

Getting Online Help 5-3 The supplied software has online help files, which reduce the need to refer to printed manuals and provide you with help any time it’s needed. To obtain Windows 95 help, select the Start button and then select Help.

Using System Passwords 5-6 The computer has a two-password security system — Supervisor and User. The Supervisor password is used by system administrators who manage multiple notebooks and gives an extra level of security while still allowing users to set their individual Setup preferences in the sy...

Using System Passwords 5-7 Setting a System Password ! Caution: If you forget the system password, you will not be able to use your computer. To regain access, you will need to send your computer to Texas Instruments. This service is not covered by warranty. To set a password in Setup, follow these ...

6 Mobility 6-1 This chapter describes all the considerations to help you take advantage of your computer’s mobility. Contents Overview of Mobility .................................... 6-2Disconnecting from the Desktop................... 6-3Moving Around ............................................ 6...

Overview of Mobility 6-2 Disconnecting from the Desktop No matter where you are taking your computer, you need to disconnect it from your desktop accessories. Moving Around “Moving around” refers to using your computer at different locations within the same building, for example, taking it with you ...

Moving Around 6-4 Preparing the Computer Before moving the computer, press Fn+F3 to place it in 5V Suspend mode. After placing the computer in 5V Suspend mode, close and latch the cover. You can now safely take the computer anywhere you go within the building. To bring the computer out of 5V Suspend...

Taking the Computer Home 6-5 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 ...

Taking the Computer Home 6-6 q Minimize the effect of temperature changes by keeping the computer with you. q 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. q Chan...

Traveling with the Computer 6-7 Preparing the Computer Prepare the computer as if you were taking it home. Be sure the battery in the computer is charged. Airport security often requires you to turn on your computer when bringing it to the gate area. What To Bring with You Bring the following items ...

Traveling with the Computer 6-8 Special Considerations In addition to the guidelines for taking the computer home, follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling. q Always take the computer as carry-on luggage q Have the computer inspected by hand or X- ray machine. Do not put the ...

7 Care and Troubleshooting 7-1 This chapter tells you how to clean your computer safely and solve operational problems. Contents Cleaning the Computer ................................ 7-2Troubleshooting Tips ................................... 7-3Startup Error Messages .................................

Cleaning the Computer 7-2 To ensure trouble-free computing, regularly take the time to check your computer and clean the screen, keyboard, and case. ! Caution: Never use alcohol, benzene, thinner, or strong chemical agents that could damage the computer’s case, and never apply liquid directly to the...

Troubleshooting Tips 7-3 Computer does notturn off o The Operating System is locked up;press and hold the power switch for 2seconds to force the computer to turnoff. Computer does notcome on when powerswitch is pressed o Low battery; use AC adapter andrecharge battery. o Ensure AC adapter cable and ...

Startup Error Messages 7-4 Disk drive A error o Drive A: is present but fails theBIOS POST disk tests. Enter Setupand check that the drive is definedwith the proper disk type. Extended RAM Failed atoffset: nnnn o Extended memory is not working orconfigured properly at offset nnnn.Contact your dealer...

A Where To Get Help A-1 Technical Assistance Customer support for your computer is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please have your serial number ready when you call. Phone (US / Canada) (800) TI-TEXAS Option 3,2,2 Phone (International) (817) 771-5856 Fax (817) 774-6660 TDD (800) 735-2989 B...

Where To Get Help A-2 Ordering Notebook Products Phone (US / Canada) (800) TI-TEXAS Option 2,1 Phone (International) (817) 774-6969 Fax (800) 44FAX-TI TDD (800) 735-2989 BBS (817) 774-6809 Email [email protected] Mail TI ExpressP.O. Box 6102 MS 3255Temple, TX 76503-6102 World Wide Web http://www.ti.com...

Worldwide Sales Offices A-3 AustraliaTexas Instruments Australia Ltd. Unit 1B, 11-17 Khartoum Road North Ryde, NSW 2113 Tel: 61-2-99103100 Fax: 61-2-98051186 Belgique/België (Belgium)S.A. Texas Instruments Belgium N.V. 11, Avenue Jules Bordetlaan 1, 1140 Bruxelles, Brussel Tel: (32) 27 45 54 00 Fax:...