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Mitsubishi Electric Apricot AL Series Owner's Handbook Manual

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Apricot
AL
SERIES
Owner's Handbook

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  Summary of Contents for Mitsubishi Electric Apricot AL Series

  • Page 1 Apricot SERIES Owner’s Handbook...
  • Page 2 QUICK START GUIDE APRICOT AL SERIES QUICK START GUIDE For your own safety Read through the Safety & Regulatory Notices section at the start of the Owner’s Handbook before using the computer for the first time.
  • Page 3 QUICK START GUIDE Fitting and charging the battery Fitting the battery Connecting to mains power The battery compartment is located on the underside of Plug one end of the adapter into the mains adapter socket the computer, as shown below. Make sure the system is on the rear of the computer and plug into the mains socket.
  • Page 4 QUICK START GUIDE Starting up Opening the display Gently push the display release button on the front of the computer, as shown in the following figure, and lift the display. Position it at a suitable angle for viewing. Switching the computer off To shut down the computer safely, click the Start button in the Windows taskbar, then click Shut Down.
  • Page 5 QUICK START GUIDE Using the Emergency shutdown button If the system develops a fault and you cannot access the Windows Shutdown command, you can quickly shut down your computer by using the Emergency shutdown button. This is located on the right side of the computer, as shown below.
  • Page 6 QUICK START GUIDE Power saving Suspend and Standby modes In order to keep running as long as possible when using the battery, the computer can be set to enter low power Suspend and Standby modes when not being used. Full details of using these modes are explained in Chapter 4, Battery and Power Management.
  • Page 7 QUICK START GUIDE Registering Windows 9x Your computer has the Microsoft Windows 9x operating system already in place or pre-installed, so that it is ready for you to set up when you turn the computer on. The first time you turn on the computer you must tell Windows 9x your name (and the name of the company for which you work, if applicable) and agree to the legal terms and conditions of the Windows 9x Licence...
  • Page 8 APRICOT AL SERIES OWNER’S HANDBOOK...
  • Page 9 Intel , Pentium and Pentium II are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the US and other countries. Other trademarks mentioned within this document and not listed above are the properties of their respective owners. Information contained in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Apricot Computers Limited.
  • Page 10 OWNER’S HANDBOOK SAFETY AND REGULATORY NOTICES General Electrical Laser products The system uses a safety ground and must be Any CD-ROM drive fitted in this system is classified earthed. as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT according to IEC825 Radiation Safety of Laser Products (Equipment The AC adapter and the AC power cord is a Classification: Requirements and User's Guide).
  • Page 11 OWNER’S HANDBOOK Use the CD-ROM drive only as described in this We recommend using a Special Handling Area (SHA) manual. Failure to do so may result in exposure to as defined by EN 100015-1: 1992. This means that hazardous radiation. working surfaces, floor coverings and chairs must be connected to a common earth reference point, and you should wear an earthed wrist strap and anti-static...
  • Page 12 OWNER’S HANDBOOK Maintenance Switch off and disconnect all cables before attempting to move the computer. In particular, do not try to Switch off and disconnect all cables before attempting move the computer while it is plugged into the AC to clean the computer. power supply.
  • Page 13 Lithium ion battery pack which it is sold. Using an incorrect battery can result in explosion; replace only with Mitsubishi Electric Type XB62674 battery. Electro-magnetic Compatibility (EMC) Return the used battery to your Mitsubishi dealer for This product complies with the following European proper disposal.

  • Page 14: Power Connection

    This system complies with the CE Marking Directive the following European Directives (and all subsequent and its strict legal requirements. Use only parts tested amendments): and approved by Mitsubishi Electric PC Division. Failure to do so may result in invalidating both the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC compliance and your warranty.
  • Page 15 OWNER’S HANDBOOK Checking the AC power supply Before connecting any components, ensure that the AC power supply is switched off or When this product is delivered, it is ready for the disconnected, and that the system unit, and any commercial AC power supply generally available in peripherals are turned off.

  • Page 16: Table Of Contents

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK CONTENTS 1 Welcome 4 Battery and power management Pictorial guide to the system unit ......1/2 Battery information ..........4/1 Backing up the pre-installed software....1/7 Power management ..........4/5 General advice............1/9 5 Optional devices 2 Using the computer’s controls Connecting external keyboard or mouse ....5/1 Using the trackpad ..........
  • Page 17 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 7 BIOS setup Trackpad...............8/7 External display ............ 8/8 What is the BIOS setup utility......7/1 Infrared port............8/9 Basic operation of the Setup utility ....... 7/3 Microphones, headphones, audio ......8/10 Summary of main options within Setup....7/5 USB connection ..........8/10 8 Troubleshooting Appendix System unit ............

  • Page 18: Welcome

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK WELCOME This first chapter gives you a quick tour of your new Features Apricot AL Series Notebook PC. It lists the special Pentium mobile processor features of the computer and has pictorial guides to 233MHz (AL700) help you identify the various parts.

  • Page 19: Pictorial Guide To The System Unit

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK Pictorial guide to the system unit 1. LCD unit 7. Left button 2. TFT display 8. CD-ROM/FDD drive 3. Power switch 9. PC card sockets 4. Trackpad 10. USB port 5. Internal speakers 11. LED indicators 6. Right button 1 / 2 W e l c o m e...
  • Page 20 OWNER’S HANDBOOK Underside of computer 1. Hard Disk Drive (HDD) 4. Internal battery (not fitted initially) 2. Ventilation grille 5. Internal battery lock 3. Lock for CD-ROM/FDD drive bay 6. System memory (RAM) compartment W e l c o m e 1 / 3...
  • Page 21 OWNER’S HANDBOOK Rear of computer 1. DC power input 4. External monitor connector 2. Parallel printer port 5. Television output connector 3. Serial port 1 / 4 W e l c o m e...
  • Page 22 OWNER’S HANDBOOK Left side of computer Right side of computer 1. Ventilation grille 1. USB port 2. PC card socket 2. Emergency power off switch - forces the computer 3. Security slot - fitting a locking device here will from normal, Standby or Suspend modes into a help to protect computer from theft full ‘off’...
  • Page 23 OWNER’S HANDBOOK Indicator Panel Note On the AL700, the CD-ROM/FDD indicator is activated by the drive in the internal bay - it does not work for the FDD when the FDD is connected as an external device. Caps lock indicator - this is lit when the Caps Lock key has been pressed Pad lock indicator - this is lit when the numeric pad is active...

  • Page 24: Backing Up The Pre-Installed Software

    To back up other pre-installed software (and Windows 9x. Additional software may be pre- your own files) use the Backup tool. Click the installed at the factory or by your Mitsubishi Electric Start button in the Windows taskbar, then PC supplier.
  • Page 25 OWNER’S HANDBOOK Click on the Startup disk tab in the Add/Remove programs Properties dialog. Insert a formatted floppy disk into the floppy disk drive. Click the Create Disk button. Label the floppy disk “Windows 9x startup disk” and keep in a safe place. Windows 95 or Windows 98 accordingly 1 / 8 W e l c o m e...

  • Page 26: General Advice

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK General advice As a portable computer, this machine is designed to Ensure that you maintain a healthy posture be used in various environments. The following when using the computer. Ideally, your feet paragraphs contain guidelines in caring for yourself should be on the floor and your legs at right and your computer.
  • Page 27 OWNER’S HANDBOOK When positioning the system unit, take into account any local or national regulations relating to ergonomic requirements. For example, you should ensure that little or no light is reflected off the monitor screen as glare, and that the keyboard is placed in a comfortable position for typing.

  • Page 28: Using The Computer's Controls

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK USING THE COMPUTER’S CONTROLS Using the trackpad The trackpad is the small square area located in front a large distance by quickly moving your finger across of the keyboard. The trackpad, together with the two the trackpad in the required direction several times. buttons in front of it, perform the same function as a For more accurate positioning of the pointer, much mouse, although if preferred, a conventional mouse...

  • Page 29: Using The Keyboard

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK Moving items around the screen This is similar to using a conventional mouse. First use the left button to select an item. If you now keep the button held down while moving your finger across the trackpad, the item will be dragged across the screen.
  • Page 30 OWNER’S HANDBOOK Prt Sc Pause Scr Lk Standby Suspend Num Lk Sys Rq Break £ & Home BackSpace -- - -- - Enter PgUp Enter Caps PgDn Lock < > Shift Shift Ctrl Alt Gr Ctrl U s i n g t h e c o m p u t e r ’ s c o n t r o l s 2 / 3...
  • Page 31 OWNER’S HANDBOOK Function Used in conjunction with the blue function keys Toggles between the LCD and external CRT displays Standby Puts the computer into Standby mode Suspend Puts the computer into Suspend mode NumLk Activates the numeric keypad ScrLk Activates the scroll lock feature Enter Enter Adjust brightness...
  • Page 32 OWNER’S HANDBOOK The Windows key Setting keyboard options using the Windows control panel The Windows keys have the Windows icon on them, and they can be found on each side of the From the Start menu, click Settings, then click spacebar (two keys along, next to the <Alt>...

  • Page 33: Use Of The Infrared Facility

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK Use of the infrared facility Your computer is fitted with an IrDA 1.1 compliant An Infrared Monitor utility has been pre-installed on infrared port which enables you to make wireless your computer. It allows you to control many aspects of communications with infrared devices such as IR infrared communication.
  • Page 34 OWNER’S HANDBOOK Generally, the infrared port continuously searches for IR devices within range, and when one is found, it is ready for use. Depending on the device however, you may need to install appropriate driver software before the device can be used. Refer to the documentation supplied with your IR device.

  • Page 36: Diskettes And Cds

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK DISKETTES AND CDS Your Apricot Notebook PC comes with a 1.44Mb system unit. These topics are covered in more detail floppy diskette drive (FDD) and a 20x/24x (max.) later in the chapter. CD-ROM drive. Either one of these drives can be The bay for the FDD/CD-ROM is in the front of the fitted inside the system unit at any one time.
  • Page 37 OWNER’S HANDBOOK Care of diskettes Each diskette has a rigid plastic cover, with a metal shutter that guards the disk surface. Never touch the exposed surface under the shutter – you could deform the disk or leave a fingerprint that might make the diskette difficult to read.

  • Page 38: Cd-Rom Drive

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK CD-ROM drive The CD-ROM drive can retrieve multimedia data Gently pull the drawer fully open in order to from CD-ROM discs and multi-session Photo-CD insert the CD. discs. It can also play normal music CDs. Keep CDs well away from dust and moisture, and avoid touching the surface of the CD.
  • Page 39 OWNER’S HANDBOOK Emergency removal of a CD To eject the platter manually (for example, during a power failure) use the emergency eject hole, located just to the right of the button. EJECT Shut down the computer, and turn it off. Insert a thin non-metallic rod into the emergency eject hole.

  • Page 40: Changing The Drive Configuration

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK Changing the drive configuration It is possible to interchange the FDD with the CD- Turn the computer upside down, with the front ROM drive. Whether you are replacing the CD- facing toward you. ROM drive with the FDD, or the FDD with the CD- Slide the drive securing button to the left while ROM drive the procedure is similar: gently pulling the drive outwards.

  • Page 41: Using The Floppy Diskette Drive

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK Using the floppy diskette drive as an external device If you need to use a CD-ROM drive and the FDD at Caution the same time, it is possible to use the FDD as an When using the FDD externally, ensure that you set external device.

  • Page 42: Battery And Power Management

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK BATTERY AND POWER MANAGEMENT Battery information The computer comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion Fitting the battery battery pack, which provides up to 2.5 hours usage for The battery is housed in a compartment on the the AL700, or 1.7 hours usage for the AL720. The underside of the computer.
  • Page 43 OWNER’S HANDBOOK pointer over the icon, and the charge progress will be displayed. This is in addition to the battery charge LED, located just above the power switch, which changes from yellow to green when the battery is fully charged. Note When using the battery, we recommend that you allow it to charge and discharge completely each time.
  • Page 44 OWNER’S HANDBOOK How to use the battery efficiently Ensure a good connection to the battery is maintained by keeping both terminals of the battery clean and dry. There are a number of factors which affect the lifetime of the battery. These include: If the parallel or serial port are not being used, disable them in Setup, as this will conserve some power.
  • Page 45 OWNER’S HANDBOOK Power level of battery Visible warning Audible warning Stage 1 (small amount of power left) Power LED flashes every A single beep second Stage 2 (almost no power left) Power LED flashes every 0.5 A single beep every minute second until power runs out.

  • Page 46: Power Management

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK Power Management In order to maximise battery life, this computer makes Turning Power Management on and off use of an advanced Power Management feature. It is All aspects of the Power Management features are recommended that you make use of the Power controlled from the Setup utility.
  • Page 47 OWNER’S HANDBOOK Standby mode Power Management keys To enter Standby mode, press the <Fn> There are two ways of entering Standby mode: <F4> keys. Standby timeout To exit from Standby mode, press any key, or Using the Power Management keys move your finger along the trackpad.
  • Page 48 OWNER’S HANDBOOK There are four ways of entering Suspend mode: Switching computer off Using the Power switch When using the Power switch in this way, hold the Power switch down for four seconds to switch the Using the Power Management keys computer off.
  • Page 49 OWNER’S HANDBOOK Set the Power Savings option to ‘Customized’ Suspend mode on a network Set the Auto Suspend timeout to the desired If using your computer on a network, do not use Suspend value. mode, otherwise your computer may not remain visible to other computers on the network.

  • Page 50: Optional Devices

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK OPTIONAL DEVICES It is possible to connect various optional devices to the computer. This chapter provides advice on the types of devices that can be connected, and how to connect them. Switching computer off For most of the procedures in this chapter, we recommend turning the computer off first.

  • Page 51: Connecting A Serial Device

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK Connecting a serial device Connecting an external monitor You can connect a serial device using the computer’s You can connect an external monitor to your RS-232-C port, located on the back of the computer, computer. It is possible to view both the computer as shown in the following diagram.

  • Page 52: Connecting A Television

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK Connecting a television CHIPS tab. In the options, click the ‘Both’ button to enable operation of two monitors. You can connect a television to your computer. It is possible to view the display and the television together. Click OK to exit Display Properties. Enter the Setup utility by pressing the F2 button Close the Control Panel (File menu).

  • Page 53: Universal Serial Bus

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK To disconnect the television, switch the television off, Before connecting any USB device, we recommend then shut down the computer, and turn it off. that you read all documentation provided with the device. Universal Serial Bus The USB is a new way of connecting peripherals, such as monitors, scanners and other input devices to your computer.

  • Page 54: Upgrading

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK UPGRADING Adding memory Your computer is shipped with 48Mb of memory Caution - electrostatic discharge (SDRAM) as standard. This will ensure that most Memory modules are extremely sensitive to electrostatic applications currently available will run quickly and discharge, and can easily be damaged by small amounts efficiently.
  • Page 55 OWNER’S HANDBOOK Inserting a SO-DIMM Caution Suspend and Standby modes are not the same as ‘off’; make sure the machine is properly switched off. When using the Power switch in Suspend/Resume mode (as described in the ‘Suspend mode’ section of Chapter 4, Battery and Power Management), you can switch the computer off by holding the Power switch down for four seconds.

  • Page 56: Fitting A Pc Card

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK Fitting a PC card PC cards (previously PCMCIA), are a useful way of Slot Cards which can be used adding functionality to your computer. Type I, Type II, ZV, Cardbus In general, there are three types of PC card. These all have the same length and width (85.6mm x 54.0mm), Bottom Type I, Type II, Type III, Cardbus...
  • Page 57 OWNER’S HANDBOOK PC cards may become fairly hot during normal use. This is normal, and does not indicate a fault with either the PC card or your computer. Note for Windows NT users Cardbus and ZV cards cannot be used with any version of Windows NT.

  • Page 58: Bios Setup

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK BIOS SETUP What is the BIOS Setup utility? The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) mediates Your computer arrives already configured, but may between the computer’s hardware – the processor, need to be configured again after you add or remove memory, and so on –...
  • Page 59 OWNER’S HANDBOOK Using the Setup utility is fairly straightforward; all of the options available are constantly displayed at the bottom of the screen, and there is item-specific help displayed on the right of the screen for whichever item is selected. The Setup utility contains the following main headings: Main Advanced...

  • Page 60: Basic Operation Of The Setup Utility

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK Basic operation of the Setup utility Starting BIOS Setup If BIOS Setup starts on its own To start the BIOS Setup utility: BIOS Setup might start on its own for three reasons: Turn on or restart your computer. The power-on self-test (POST) detects a configuration error or fault.
  • Page 61 OWNER’S HANDBOOK Control keys Press 1 or View a general help topic. Press Use the keys listed in the legend bar at the bottom of close the help window. the BIOS Setup screen to make your selections or exit the current menu. Exit the current menu.

  • Page 62: Summary Of Main Options Within Setup

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK Getting help in BIOS Setup You can get general help about the control keys at any time by pressing the 1 key. The Help window on the right-hand side of each menu displays help text for the currently-selected field.
  • Page 63 OWNER’S HANDBOOK Low battery beep Set supervisor password If this option is enabled, the computer will emit beeps This option allows you to set a password which can be when the battery is low, as described in ‘If the battery used by a supervisor to access the Setup utility.

  • Page 64: Troubleshooting

    Review the rest of this manual to make sure you are operating the computer correctly. Read the on-line Help. Consult your Mitsubishi Electric PC supplier or authorised maintainer. T r o u b l e s h o o t i n g...

  • Page 65: System Unit

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK System Unit Problem Possible solutions Cannot switch system on If using internal battery, it may need to be charged. If using AC adapter, check that it is connected properly and switched on. Floppy Diskette Drive (FDD) Problem Possible solutions Drive does not work Check that diskette is properly inserted.

  • Page 66: Hard Disk Drive (Hdd)

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Problem Possible solutions System does not boot from Check that the Setup settings are correct. (Refer to Chapter 7, BIOS disk Setup and the Setup utility itself). Certain Windows system files may have become corrupted. Use the Emergency Windows start-up diskette which you created during the ‘Backing up the pre-installed software’...

  • Page 67: Cd-Rom

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK CD-ROM Problem Possible solutions Drive does not work Check that the drive is properly fitted in the bay. Check that the CD is inserted correctly. Contents of CD cannot be Check that the CD is free from fingerprints and dust. read Battery Problem...

  • Page 68: Serial Interface

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK Serial interface Problem Possible solutions Serial device does not work Check the cable connection. Check that the Setup settings are correct. Refer to Chapter 7, BIOS Setup and the Setup utility itself. Check that required device drivers are installed. PC cards Problem Possible solutions...

  • Page 69: Expansion Memory

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK Expansion memory Problem Possible solutions System operates incorrectly Check that you have installed a SO-DIMM which is recommended by after fitting expansion Mitsubishi. For details contact your Mitsubishi dealer. memory Check that the SO-DIMM has been correctly inserted, as outlined in Chapter 6, Upgrading.

  • Page 70: Trackpad

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK Trackpad Problem Possible solutions Trackpad does not work at all Make sure the PS/2 mouse is “Enabled” in the Advanced menu in Setup. If a PS/2 mouse is connected as an external device, the trackpad is automatically disabled. You cannot use two pointing devices simultaneously.

  • Page 71: External Display

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK External display Problem Possible solutions Nothing appears Check that the display is powered up. external display Make sure the brightness and contrast controls are adjusted properly. Press <Fn> <F3> to change between the LCD screen and the external display. Cannot switch from the LCD Check that the display resolution and refresh rate settings are the same screen to the external display...

  • Page 72: Infrared Port

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK Infra-red port Problem Possible solutions The infra-red feature does not Make sure the IR Monitor in the Windows Control Panel is configured work correctly. Make sure the IR port is configured correctly in the Advanced menu in Setup. Make sure the correct IrDA driver software is installed.

  • Page 73: Microphones, Headphones, Audio

    OWNER’S HANDBOOK Microphones, headphones, audio Problem Possible solutions No sound comes from the Adjust the volume control. The location of the volume control is shown speakers in the Pictorial Guide in Chapter 1, Welcome. Check Sound is enabled in Setup. The Audio options menu is part of the Advanced menu.
  • Page 74 OWNER’S HANDBOOK APPENDIX I/O Address map Address Function Controller 0000 – 000F Interrupt controller 0020 - 0021 Timer 1 0040 - 0043 Keyboard controller 0060 Speaker 0061 Keyboard controller command and status 0062, 0064, 0066 Real time clock & NMI mask 0070 –...
  • Page 75 OWNER’S HANDBOOK Address Function Power control 00E4 – 00E7 Co-processor 00F0 – 00FF CD-ROM select 0170 – 0177 HDD select 01F0 – 01F7 Audio (default) 0220 – 022F Audio (default) 0240 – 024F Audio (default) 0260 – 026F Audio (default) 0280 –...
  • Page 76 OWNER’S HANDBOOK Address Function Serial port –3 03E8 – 03EF FDD controller 03F0 – 03F5, 03F7 HDD select 03F6 Serial port –1 (COM1) (default) 03F8 – 03FF DMA controller 040B DMA controller 0480 – 048F System control 04D0 – 04D1 Parallel port (Enhanced control port) 0778 –...
  • Page 77 OWNER’S HANDBOOK IRQ table Priority Interrupt type Power management unit NMI parity error / I/O channel error IRQ0 Timer / Counter 0 output IRQ1 IRQ1 keyboard IRQ2 IRQ2 reserved, cascade interrupt from slave PIC IRQ8 Real time clock IRQ9 PC card controller / USB IRQ10 Reserved IRQ11...
  • Page 78 OWNER’S HANDBOOK Priority Interrupt type IRQ4 Serial port –1 IRQ5 Audio IRQ6 IRQ7 Parallel port -3 DMA channel Channel Address Data width System resource 8-bit Audio 0087 8-bit 0083 8-bit 0081 8-bit 0082 Cascade Cascade 16-bit Audio 008B 16-bit 0089 16-bit 008A The DMA channel of audio can be changed in Setup.
  • Page 80 16405231 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC PC DIVISION PC DIVISION Apricot Computers Limited Apricot Computers Limited 3500 Parkside Niederlassung Deutschland Birmingham Business Park Gothaer Strasse 27 Birmingham B37 7YS 40880 Ratingen United Kingdom Germany Tel +44 (0) 121 717 7171 Tel +49 (0) 2102 4556...