Using the Port Replicator and Docking Station

Checking out the 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 adapter.

    Although devices can be attached directly to the ports on the notebook, 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.

Front

Left side

Component Icon Description

USB ports

Plug a USB device (such as a USB scanner) into one of these ports. When the notebook is docked, only the USB ports on the port replicator are available.

Dual-mode Kensington lock slots

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


Connect the lock here to secure only the port replicator (left slot).


Connect the lock here to secure both the port replicator and the notebook (right slot).

Back

Component Icon Description

Headphone jack

Plug amplified speakers or headphones into this jack.

Microphone jack

Plug a microphone into this jack. While the external microphone is connected, the built-in microphone is turned off.

Line in jack

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

Line out jack

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

Parallel port

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

Serial port

Plug a serial device (such as a serial camera) into this port.

Joystick/MIDI port

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

Monitor port

Plug an external VGA monitor into this port.

TV in jack

Not functional with your notebook.

TV out jack

Plug a standard RCA cable into this jack and the jack on a TV or VCR so you can view your notebook display on a TV using NTSC/PAL Composite Video.

S-Video out jack

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

S/PDIF jack

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

Power connector

Plug the AC adapter into this connector. Use only the AC adapter for your particular model.

Right side

Component Icon Description

PS/2 mouse port

Plug a PS/2 mouse into this port.

PS/2 keyboard port

Plug a PS/2 keyboard into this port.

Connecting to the port replicator

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

To attach your notebook to the port replicator:

    1. Connect external devices to the ports on the port replicator.

    2. Lift the release latch on the port replicator.

    3. Align the connector holes on the bottom of your notebook with the docking posts on the port replicator, then 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 port replicator:

      1. Click Start, then select Undock Computer. The Undock Computer menu item appears in the Start menu only while the notebook is docked.

      2. Lift the release latch on the port replicator until the notebook is disconnected, then lift the notebook away from the docking posts.

         

    Checking out the docking station

      The optional docking station gives you a convenient way to attach external devices such as a monitor, a full-size keyboard, or an external pointing device. Although devices can be attached directly to ports on the notebook, the docking station lets you make all of those connections in one step. It also provides additional ports and other expansion features.

    Front

    Left side

    Component Icon Description

    S/PDIF jack

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

    USB ports

    Plug a USB device into one of these ports. These ports and the notebook USB ports can be used at the same time.

    Dual-mode Kensington lock slots

    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

    Right channel analog audio out jack

    Plug a standard RCA cable into this jack for a right stereo channel audio connection to an audio device.

    Left channel analog audio out jack

    Plug a standard RCA cable into this jack for a left stereo channel audio connection to an audio device.

    TV out (Composite Video) jack

    Plug a standard RCA cable into this jack and the jack on a TV or VCR so you can view your notebook display on a TV using NTSC/PAL Composite Video.

    TV in (Composite Video) jack

    Not functional with your notebook.

    Parallel port

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

    Serial port

    Plug a serial device (such as a serial camera) into this port.

    Joystick/MIDI port

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

    Monitor port

    Plug an external VGA monitor into this port.

    S-Video in jack

    Not functional with your notebook.

    S-Video out jack

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

    Power connector

    Plug the AC adapter into this connector. Use only the AC adapter for your particular model.

    Right side

    Component Icon Description

    PC Card slots

    Insert Type I, II, and III PC Cards into these slots.

    Headphone jack

    Plug amplified speakers or headphones into this jack.

    Microphone jack

    Plug a microphone into this jack. While the external microphone is connected, the built-in microphone is turned off.

    Line in jack

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

    Line out jack

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

    PS/2 mouse port

    Plug a PS/2 mouse into this port.

    PS/2 keyboard port

    Plug a PS/2 keyboard into this port.

    Power button

    Use this as an alternate power button.

    Connecting to the docking station

      You can attach your notebook to the docking station while your notebook is off, on, or in Standby mode.

      Important

      When the notebook is docked, the docking station must be connected to AC power to function properly.

      To dock your notebook:

        1. Refer to the docking station's packing materials for first-time setup instructions.

        2. Connect external devices to the docking station.

        3. Lift the release latch on the docking station.

        4. Align the connector holes on the bottom of your notebook with the connector posts on the docking station, then press down on the release latch until it snaps into place.

           

      To undock your notebook:

        1. Click Start, then select Undock Computer or press the Docking Eject button on the front of the docking station. The Undock Computer menu item appears in the Start menu only while the notebook is docked.

        2. Lift the release latch on the docking station until the notebook is disconnected.

        3. Lift the notebook off of the docking posts.

           

      Adjusting audio settings

        Your notebook is configured to use only its internal audio jacks and speakers, even while docked. To turn on the docking station's external speakers and audio jacks, if you have Windows Me, you must change audio settings. The settings are changed automatically in Windows 2000 and Windows XP. You can also configure the notebook's internal speakers (analog audio) to pass through the digital audio jack to the docking station.

      To turn on the docking station's external speakers and audio jacks in
      Windows Me:

        1. Double-click the speaker icon on the taskbar. The Volume Control dialog box opens.

        2. Click Advanced. The Advanced Controls for Volume Control dialog box opens.

        3. Click Docked Speakers for analog audio. The docking station audio jacks are turned on.
          - OR -
          Click Enable S/PDIF for digital audio. The docking station digital audio jack is turned on.

           

      Installing a PCI card in the docking station

        You can install one standard half-length PCI card in your docking station.

        Important

        The PCI card bay cover is locked when the release latch is down and the docking station is secured using the Kensington lock slot.

        To install a PCI card:

          1. Remove your notebook from the docking station.

          2. Unplug all cables, including the power cord.

          3. Remove the screw on the back of the docking station.
          1. Lift the release latch on the docking station, then slide the cover straight back and lift it off.
          1. If your card requires access for cables, push out the side panel cover and store it in a safe place.

          1. Remove the retaining screw from the card bracket in the card bay.

          2. Install the PCI card in the card slot.

          3. Secure the card by replacing the retaining screw.

          4. Replace the cover by setting it flat on the docking station and sliding it forward into place. Do not tilt the cover.
          1. Replace the screw that secures the cover to the docking station.