System Expansion

This chapter introduces the optional devices for your notebook and tells you how to install some of the devices.

I/O connectors on the notebooks rear and side panels allow you to connect external devices to your notebook. See Figure 1-1 and Figure 1-3 for connector locations and the descriptions that follow. This section provides notes on using some of the connectors.

If you want the benefits of a larger color display screen, you can connect an external VGA-compatible CRT monitor to your notebook. Follow these steps to connect a monitor to your notebook:

1. Make sure that your monitor is configured for analog operation and that the voltage setting corresponds to that of the electrical outlet. Consult the monitors manual for instructions.

2. Make sure the notebook is not turned on or connected to AC power.

3. Open the cover on the rear of the notebook. Plug the monitors D-type signal connector to the notebooks VGA port, marked as (Figure 1-3 #7).

4. Plug one end of the monitor's power cord into the power socket on the monitor and the other end to an electrical outlet.

5. To use the monitor, turn on the monitor before turning on the notebook.

6. The monitor should respond by default. If not, you can switch the display to the monitor by pressing [Fn]+[F5].

Supplied with your notebook are several video utilities and drivers which offer extended video modes. See Chapter 6 for information.

If you want the benefits of a full-size keyboard, you can connect a PS/2-compatible keyboard to your notebook. When an external keyboard is connected, you can use both the external keyboard and notebook keyboard at the same time.

To use an external keyboard, simply plug the keyboard cable to the PS/2 mouse/keyboard port, marked as (Figure 1-3 #8), on the rear of the notebook.

If you want the benefits of an external mouse, you can connect a PS/2-compatible mouse or serial mouse to your notebook. When an external mouse is connected, the internal touchpad is automatically disabled.

To use a PS/2 mouse, simply plug the mouse cable to the PS/2 mouse/keyboard port, marked as (Figure 1-3 #8), on the rear of the notebook.

To use a serial mouse, follow these steps:

1. Make sure the COM Port item is set properly in the SCU program. (See Advanced Menu in Chapter 5 for information.)

2. Make sure the notebook is not turned on or connected to AC power.

3. Plug the mouse cable to the serial port, marked as (Figure 1-3 #6) on the rear of the notebook.

On the rear of the notebook, you can find a serial port (COM1), marked as , and a parallel port, marked as . You can connect a serial device such as a serial mouse or modem, or a parallel device such as parallel printer, respectively.

In addition to following the instructions supplied with the device, take note of the following:

To use a serial device, make sure the COM Port item is set properly in the SCU program. (See Advanced Menu in Chapter 5 for information.)

To use a bi-directional or ECP/EPP-compliant parallel device, make sure that the LPT Extended Mode item is set accordingly in the SCU program. (See Advanced Menu in Chapter 5 for information.)

Portable modems which are powered by serial or parallel ports cannot be used with your notebook. Instead, use a modem which is powered by its own internal battery or external AC power.

The IR port (Figure 1-1 #2) on the right side of the notebook allows you to connect an IR device for wireless communications.

In addition to following the instructions supplied with the device, take note of the following:

The IR port of the device to be connected must face the IR port of the notebook within the effective range, i.e. within 15-degrees angle and 1-meter distance.

Make sure the COM Port and Ir Mode items are set properly in the SCU program. (See Advanced Menu in Chapter 5 for information.)

To take advantage of the IR communications, you need third party software.

The USB port, marked as(Figure 1-3 #3), on the rear of the notebook allows you to connect an USB device.

USB is specified to be an industry standard extension to the PC architecture. It features wide range of applications such as multiple connections (i.e., support for concurrent operation of many devices) and compound devices (i.e., peripherals composed of many functions).

Follow the instructions supplied with the device.

PC cards, available in the market, provide various functions. Examples are memory cards, fax/modem cards, LAN cards, and PCMCIA Type III 1.8-inch hard disk drive.

PC cards that conform to the PCMCIA 2.1 standard can be used with your notebook. Two advanced interfaces are also supported by the PC card slot: CardBus and ZV (Zoomed Video) port.

CardBus provides compatibility with 16-bit PC cards and extends performance and functionality by adding 32-bit data transfers, and by employing PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) concepts. Typical PC cards that utilize CardBus are graphic video, full-motion video, SCSI host bus, and high speed network cards. Typical PC cards that utilize the ZV port are MPEG and Video Capture cards.

Follow these steps to insert a PC card.

1. Install the PCMCIA software. (See Chapter 6.)

2. Locate the PC card slots on the left side of the notebook. Open the cover to access the slots. The upper slot is Slot 0 and the lower Slot 1.

3. Slide the PC card with its label facing up into the slot until the eject button pops out.

Figure 4-1. Installing a PC Card

(To remove a PC card, press the corresponding eject button.)

See the documentation supplied with your PC card for further instructions.

You can upgrade your notebook by changing the CPU or adding memory for a maximum of 160MB. If your model does not have the Fax/Modem/Voice Card option, you can have it installed. However, to avoid damage during the installation procedure, please ask your dealer for help. Do not install the part by yourself.