Using the Solo Port Replicator

    The optional port replicator 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 connectors on the notebook rear panel, the port replicator lets you make all of those connections in one step. The port replicator also gives you access to additional connectors not found on the notebook rear panel.

Front

Component Description

A

Release latch

B

Docking connector

C

Docking posts

Left side

Component Icon Description

A

USB connectors

Plug a USB device (such as a USB scanner) into one of these connections. When the notebook is docked, only the USB connectors on the docking station are available.

B

Dual-mode Kensington lock slot

Secure your notebook and docking station to an object by connecting a Kensington cable lock to these slots.



Connect the lock here to secure only the docking station (left slot).



Connect the lock here to secure both the docking station and the notebook (right slot).

Back

Component Icon Description

A

Speaker Out/Headphone connection

Plug external speakers or headphones into this connection.

B

Microphone connection

Plug a microphone into this connection. While the external microphone is connected, the built-in microphone is disabled.

C

Line In connection

Connect an external audio source (such as a stereo) to this connection so you can record sound on your notebook or play sound through the notebook speakers.

D

Line Out connection

Connect an external audio device (such as a stereo) to this connection so you can play your notebook audio through that device.

E

Parallel connection

Plug a parallel device (such as a printer) into this connection.

F

Serial connection

Plug a serial device (such as a serial mouse) into this connection.

G

Joystick/MIDI connection

Plug a game joystick or an electronic MIDI musical instrument into this connection. This connection provides both MIDI in and out capabilities.

H

VGA (monitor) connection

Plug an external monitor into this connection.

I

Composite Video In (TV In) connection

Plug a standard RCA cable into this connection and the connection on a TV, VCR, or camcorder so you can record video or capture an image on your notebook. Functionality depends on your notebook.

J

Composite Video Out (TV Out) connection

Plug a standard RCA cable into this connection and the connection on a TV or VCR so you can view your notebook screen on a TV.

K

S-Video Out connection

Plug a standard S-Video cable into this connection and the connection on an S-Video device.

L

S/PDIF digital audio output connection

Plug a standard RCA cable into this connection and the connection on a digital audio device.

M

Power connection

Plug the AC power adapter into this connection. Use only the Solo 9300 power adapter.

Right side

Component Icon Description

A

Mouse

Plug a PS/2 mouse into this connection.

B

Keyboard

Plug a PS/2 keyboard into this connection.

Attaching to the replicator

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

To attach your notebook to the replicator:

    1. Connect external devices to the connectors on the replicator.

    2. Lift the release latch on the replicator.

    3. Align the connector holes on the bottom of your notebook with the docking posts on the replicator.
    1. Press down on the release latch until it snaps into place.

    Important

    The notebook may detect additional devices and add drivers after being attached to the port replicator. This process must be completed for components to work properly. Follow any on-screen instructions, if necessary.

    To separate the notebook from the replicator:

      1. Click Start, then select Eject PC.

      2. Lift the release latch on the replicator until the notebook is disconnected from the docking connection on the replicator.

      3. Lift the notebook away from the docking posts.

    Using composite video or S-Video

      The Composite Video Out connection lets you view your notebook display on a TV screen using a standard RCA video cable. The S-Video Out connection lets you view your notebook display on a TV screen using a standard S-Video cable.

      Important

      To enable external video by default, connect the TV (or other external viewing device) before starting your notebook.

        The Composite Video In connection (functionality depends on your notebook) lets you view video or still images from a VCR or video camera using a standard RCA video cable. The MGI VideoWave III video capture program lets you capture video or still images and store them on your hard drive. For information on using MGI VideoWave III, see Using composite video.

        Important

        DVD playback to a VCR will be scrambled by copyright protection technology.

        To connect your notebook to a TV:

          1. Connect one end of a standard RCA video cable to the Composite Video Out connection on the port replicator, or connect one end of a standard S-Video cable to the S-Video Out connection on the port replicator.

          2. Connect the other end of the cable to the Video In connector on your television or VCR.

          3. Switch the display to Composite Video Out or S-Video Out by pressing Fn + F3.

          4. Reset your display screen area setting to 640 × 480 with large text fonts for best viewing.

        To connect a VCR or camera to your notebook:

          1. Connect one end of a standard RCA video cable to the Composite Video In connection on the port replicator.

          2. Connect the other end of the cable to the Video Out connector on your VCR or camera.