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Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9550 |
If you purchased the Gateway Solo 9500, go to "Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9500".
To access the contents of this guide while you are traveling, download an electronic copy from www.support.gateway.com/s/manlib/.
Top
Component Icon Description 
Radio frequency wireless communication can interfere with equipment on commercial aircraft. Current aviation regulations require wireless devices to be turned off while traveling in an airplane. Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11b (also known as wireless Ethernet or WiFi) communication devices are examples of devices that provide wireless communication. For instructions to turn Bluetooth on and off, see "Multi-function buttons".
If your system came equipped with an internal radio frequency wireless device, see "Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information" for general wireless regulatory and safety guidelines. To find out if your system has an internal wireless device, check the label (see "Identifying your model").
Front
Component Icon Description Open the notebook cover by sliding the release latch to the right.
Provide audio output when headphones or speakers are not plugged in.
Control the built-in CD player. For more information, see "Using Audio DJ on the Solo 9550".
Lights up when the notebook is turned on and shows notebook power status:
Indicates when it is safe to remove the 5.25-inch bay module.
- LED green - it is safe to remove the 5.25-inch bay module.
- LED orange - it is not safe to remove the 5.25-inch bay module.
For more information, see "Changing 5.25-inch bay modules".
Left side
Component Icon Description 
Plug a 10/100 Ethernet network cable into this jack. For more information, see "Connecting to an Ethernet network" and "Networking Your Notebook".
Helps cool internal components. Do not block or insert objects into these slots.
Insert one Type I, II, or III PC Card into this slot. For more information, see "Adding PC Cards".
Install a standard 3.5-inch diskette drive, an additional hard drive, or a second battery into this bay. For more information, see "Installing a second battery" and "Changing 3.5-inch bay modules".
Right side
Component Icon Description 
Connect an external audio input source (such as a stereo) to this jack so that you can record sound on your computer or play sound through the notebook speakers.
Plug a microphone into this jack. The built-in microphone is turned off when a microphone is plugged into this jack. For the location of your built-in microphone, see "Using the keyboard".
Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a USB IomegaTM ZipTM drive, printer, scanner, or camera) into these ports.
Plug an IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire or i.Link) cable into this jack.
Install a CD/DVD or an additional hard drive into this bay. For more information, see "Changing 5.25-inch bay modules".
Back
Component Icon Description 
Plug a PS/2 device (such as a keyboard or mouse) into this port.
Helps cool internal components. Do not block or insert objects into these slots.
Connect the docking station or port replicator to this port.
Warning! Power is passed through this port. This docking connection is UL certified for use only with Solo 9550 docking stations or port replicators.
Plug a serial device (such as a digital camera) into this port.
Plug a TV into this jack so that you can view your computer screen on a TV using NTSC/PAL composite video. For more information, see "Viewing the display on a television".
Secure your computer to an object by connecting a Kensington cable lock to this slot.
Bottom
Component Icon Description Insert a straightened paper clip into this hole to manually restart the system.
Install a CD, DVD, or an additional hard drive into this bay. For more information, see "Changing 5.25-inch bay modules".
Install a memory module in this bay. For more information, see "Installing memory".
Insert the main battery into this bay. For more information, see "Changing batteries".
Helps cool internal components. Do not block or insert objects into these slots.
Install a standard 3.5-inch diskette drive, an additional hard drive, or a second battery into this bay. For more information, see "Installing a second battery" and "Changing 3.5-inch bay modules".
Identifying your model
The label on the bottom of your computer contains information that identifies your notebook model. Gateway Technical Support will need this information if you call for assistance.
The label shown below is for informational purposes only. Label information varies by model.
Accessories
Batteries and automobile/airplane power adapters
If you run your notebook on battery power for extended periods, you may want to buy an additional battery so that you can swap batteries when necessary.
With an automobile/airplane power adapter, you can save battery power by plugging your notebook into an automobile cigarette lighter or an airplane in-flight power receptacle.
Carrying cases
Docking stations and port replicators
Although you can attach external devices directly to your notebook, a docking station or port replicator lets you make all of those connections at once. When you travel with your notebook, you merely disconnect from the docking station or port replicator instead of unplugging all the external devices.
A docking station or port replicator also provides additional ports and other expansion features not included with your notebook.
External devices
You can attach external devices such as a keyboard, mouse, printer, or monitor to your notebook, docking station, or port replicator.
Memory
Large programs, such as multimedia games or graphics programs, use a lot of memory. If your programs are running more slowly than you think they should, try adding more memory.
Printers
You can attach many types of printers to your computer. The most common types are inkjet and laser printers, which print in color or black and white.
Inkjet printers and cartridges are relatively inexpensive, but usually they are slower than laser printers. Using an inkjet color printer, you can print pictures, banners, and greeting cards, as well as documents.
Laser printers and cartridges are more expensive, but usually they print much faster than inkjet printers. Laser printers are better than inkjet printers when you are printing large documents.