Using the Port Replicator

 

Checking Out the Port Replicator

    The optional port replicator for the Solo 3100 gives you a convenient way to attach external devices such as a monitor, a full-size keyboard, or an AC power adapter. Although devices can be attached directly to the ports on the notebook's rear panel, the port replicator lets you make all of those connections in one step. The port replicator also gives you access to additional ports not found on the notebook's rear panel.

    The replicator uses the following parts to securely hold your notebook:

    Component Description

    Notebook release buttons

    While pressing these buttons, lift the notebook off the replicator.

    Notebook securing tabs

    These tabs help secure the notebook to the replicator and help ensure a constant, strong connection between the two devices.

    Notebook elevating platforms

    When the notebook release buttons are pressed, these platforms rise and help release the notebook from the replicator.

    Docking connector

    This is the electronic connection between the notebook and the replicator.

    The replicator provides the following ports and connections:

    Component Icon Description

    Line in

    Allows audio input directly from sound playing equipment

    Line out

    Allows audio output directly to sound recording equipment

    Keyboard

    Allows attachment of a full-size keyboard (port also exists on your notebook)

    Mouse

    Allows any external pointing device to be attached (port also exists on your notebook)

    Video

    Provides output for an external monitor (port also exists on your notebook)

    Parallel

    Provides output for parallel devices (port also exists on your notebook)

    Serial

    Provides output for serial devices (port also exists on your notebook)

    Modem

    Connects your notebook's modem to your telephone line (port also exists on your notebook)

    USB (Universal Serial Bus)

    Allows attachment of any USB device

    NTSC TV/video out

    sends the monitor signal out as a standard video signal. You can send monitor images to a television or to a recorder.

    Headphone/speaker out

    Provides speaker output (port also exists on your notebook)

    AC power

    Attaches the AC power adapter to your notebook (port also exists on your notebook)

Attaching to the replicator

    You can attach your notebook to the port replicator while your notebook is off, on, or in Standby/Suspend mode.

    1. To attach your notebook to the port replicator, you should first connect the desired external devices to the replicator ports on the replicator's rear panel.
    2. Close the notebook's LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel, then align the interface connectors.
    1. Gently press the notebook down until the securing tabs lock into place.
    1. Open the notebook's LCD panel and resume your work.

Separating from the replicator

    1. To remove your notebook from the replicator, firmly press down on the replicator's notebook release buttons with your thumbs.
    1. While pressing the release buttons, use the other fingers to gently lift the notebook away from the replicator.

Setting up the video out port

    The composite video (TV) out port lets you view your notebook's display on a TV screen or record to a VCR. This option is typically used with large-screen TVs to give presentations and for other multimedia needs.

    To set up and connect the computer to a TV or VCR

    1. Click Start , Settings , then Control Panel . Double-click the Display icon and click the Settings tab in the Display Properties window.
    2. Change the desktop area (display resolution) by sliding the Desktop area slider to adjust pixel resolution to 640 x 480 .
    3. Change the font size to Large Font .
    4. Click Apply , then OK . Windows changes the display settings.
    5. Connect one end of a video cable to the Composite Video (TV) Out port on the port replicator and the other end to the Video In connector on the television or VCR.
    6. Press Fn+F3 to change the active display to LCD only, LCD and TV, or TV only.

    If the display is distorted on the television screen, check to see if the BIOS setting is correct for NTSC or PAL (NTSC is used primarily in the United States). See "About the BIOS Setup Utility" on page 72 for more information about changing the TV Mode.