Alienware M15x Core i7 User manual

Alienware Area-51® m15x
Note: Specifications and information found in this manual are subject to change
without notice. Any changes therefore will be incorporated in future editions. The
manufacturer assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in this document.
Reproduction of this manual in any manner without the prior written
permission of Alienware Corporation is strictly prohibited.
Windows™ Vista is the trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Bluetooth® is the trademark owned by its proprietor.
This product incorporates copyright protect technology that is protected by U.S.
patents and other intellectual property rights. Use of this copyright protect technology
must be authorized by Macrovision, and is intended for home and other limited
viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision. Reverse engineering or
disassembly is prohibited. Other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.
Rev 1.0 OCTOBER 2007

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CONTENTS
Introduction, 5
Chapter 1 System Preparation and Setup, 7
Overview, 8
Standards, 8
Knowing the Parts, 8
Basic sides of the Mobile System, 8
Top Side, 9
Integrated Dual Microphone Array (Built-inDigital), 9
Integrated Camera (on selected models), 9
Display Panel, 10
Power Switch, 10
Instant Keys, 10
Audio Speakers, 10
Keyboard, 10
Touchpad and Buttons, 10
Status Indicators (top), 10
Bottom Side, 11
Component Access Compartment, 11
Battery Voltage Indicator Button, 12
Battery Voltage Indicator, 12
Battery Lock, 12
Rear Side, 12
Battery Pack, 12
Left Side, 13
Power (DC) Input, 13
Audio Output (SPDIF/Digital/Analog/Headphone) Jack, 13
Audio Input/Output Jack (auto sensing), 13
Hi-Speed USB Port (2.0/1.1), 14
Smart Bay Swap Mechanism / Handle, 14
Smart-Bay Optical Disk Drive, 14
Optical Disk Drive Emergency Eject, 14
Gigabit LAN Port, 14
Right Side, 15
Flash Memory Card Reader Slot, 15
ExpressCard Slot, 15
HDMI Port, 15

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IEEE1394B Port (Bilingual), 16
Hi-Speed USB Port (2.0/1.1), 16
Security Lock Port, 16
Chapter 2 Getting started, 18
Switches and Status Indicators, 19
Switches, 19
Bluetooth Key, 19
Wireless LAN Key, 19
Alien Command Center Key, 20
Stealth Mode Key, 20
Status Indicators, 20
Capital Lock Indicator, 20
Number Lock Indicator, 20
Scroll Lock Indicator, 20
Chapter 3 Using the Mobile System, 22
Pointing Device, 23
Using the Touchpad, 23
Moving The Cursor, 24
Scrolling, 24
Touchpad Usage Illustrations, 25
Clicking/Tapping, 25
Double-clicking/Double-tapping, 25
Dragging, 26
Expansion Card, 26
Expansion Card, 26
Inserting an Expansion Card, 26
Removing an Expansion Card, 27
Chapter 4 Declarations and Safety Statements, 29
DVD-ROM Drive Information, 30
Regional Playback Information, 30
Region Definitions, 31
Overview, 32
Federal Communications Commission Statement, 33
FCC Radio Frequency Interference Requirements, 34
FCC Radio Frequency (RF) Exposure Caution Statement, 34

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FCC RF Exposure Guidelines (Wireless Clients), 34
R&TTE Directive (1999/5/EC), 35
CE Mark Warning, 35
Wireless Operation Channel for Different Domains, 35
France Restricted Wireless Frequency Bands, 36
UL Safety Notices, 37
Power Safety Requirement, 37
Nordic Lithium Cautions (for lithium-ion batteries), 38
Optical Drive Safety Information, 39
Laser Safety Information, 39
Service Warning Label, 39
CDRH Regulations, 39
Macrovision Corporation Product Notice, 39

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INTRODUCTION
Dear Valued Alienware Customer,
Welcome to the Alienware family. We are thrilled to include you among the growing
number of savvy high-performance mobile users.
The Alienware technicians who have crafted your machine have made certain that
your high-performance mobile is properly optimized and performs to its fullest
potential. We build machines with one single unwavering purpose: Build It As If
It Were Your Own. The technicians will not rest until your new machine meets or
exceeds our very demanding criteria!
We have tested your machine extensively in order to ensure that you enjoy the
highest levels of performance. In addition to a standard burn-in period, your
system has been evaluated using real-world tools such as synthetic performance
benchmarks.
We invite you to share your experience with your new high-performance mobile
with us, so please do not hesitate to either e-mail or call Alienware with any
questions or concerns. The entire staff shares your enthusiasm for new technology
and we hope that you enjoy using your new Mobile System as much as Alienware
enjoyed building it for you.
Sincerely,
Alienware Staff

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CHAPTER 1: SYSTEM PREPARATION AND SETUP

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CHAPTER 1: SYSTEM PREPARATION AND SETUP
Overview
Congratulations on the purchase of your Alienware Area-51® m15x!
Standards
The following standards are adopted throughout this manual:
• Mobile System refers to the notebook computer that you have purchased.
• Boldface type is also used to highlight important information in this
document.
• Whenever extra caution is called for, the information will be boxed in a frame
preceded by “NOTE:” or “WARNING:”
Knowing the Parts
Basic Sides of the Mobile System
NOTE: Photos and icons in this manual are used for artistic purposes
only and do not show what is actually used in the product itself.

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Top Side
Refer to the diagram below to identify the components on this side of the Mobile
System.
Integrated Dual Microphone Array (Digital) (1)
The built-in mono microphones can be used for video conferencing, voice narrations,
or simple audio recordings.
Integrated Camera (2)
The built-in camera allows picture taking or video recording. It can also be used with
video conferencing and other interactive applications.
NOTE: The keyboard will be different for each region.
NUM
CAPS
SCRN

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Display Panel (3)
The Mobile System uses an ultra-clear flat panel which provides excellent viewing like
that of desktop monitors without any harmful radiation or flickering, so it is easier on
the eyes. Use a soft cloth without chemical liquids (use plain water if necessary) to
clean the display panel.
WARNING: The display panel is fragile. Do not bend or press on the panel.
Power Switch (4)
The power switch turns the Mobile System ON and OFF and can also put the Mobile
System into sleep or hibernation modes. Actual behavior of the power switch can be
customized in Windows Control Panel “Power Options.”
Instant Keys (5)
Instant keys allow you to launch frequently used applications with one push of a
button. Details are described in section 2.
Audio Speakers (6)
The built-in stereo speaker system allows you to hear audio without additional
attachments. The multimedia sound system features an integrated digital audio
controller that produces rich, vibrant sound (results improved with external stereo
headphones or speakers). Audio features are software controlled.
Keyboard (7)
The keyboard provides full-sized keys with comfortable travel (depth at which the keys
can be depressed) and a palm rest for both hands. A Windows function key is provided
to help ease navigation in the Windows operating system.
Touchpad and Buttons (8)
The touchpad with its buttons is a pointing device that provides the same functions as
a desktop mouse. A software-controlled scrolling function is available after setting up
the included touchpad utility to allow easy Windows or web navigation.
Status Indicators (top) (9)
Status indicators represent various hardware/software conditions. See indicator
details in section 2.

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Bottom Side
Refer to the diagram below to identify the components on this side of the Mobile
System.
Component Access Compartment (1)
The component access compartment provides access to configurable components
such as hard drive, video graphics card, cpu, and memory. Visit an authorized service
center or retailer for information on component upgrades for your Mobile System. Only
purchase expansion memory modules from authorized retailers of this Mobile System
to ensure maximum compatibility and reliability.
WARNING! The bottom of the Mobile System can get very hot. Be
careful when handling the Mobile System while it is in operation or
after it has recently been in operation. High temperatures are normal
during charging or operation. Do not use on soft surfaces such as beds
or sofas which may block the vents. DO NOT PUT THE MOBILE SYSTEM
ON YOUR LAP OR OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY TO AVOID INJURY FROM
THE HEAT.

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Battery Voltage Indicator Button (2)
Press this button and release to see the battery pack’s remaining power.
Battery Voltage Indicator (3)
The battery pack voltage indicator estimates how much battery power is remaining.
Press the button once and release. One to five LEDs will illuminate. No illumination
indicates no power (not charged) and five illuminated LEDs indicate full power
(completely charged). Note: This indicator will also illuminate once you insert the
battery pack.
Battery Lock (4)
The battery lock is used to keep the battery pack secured. When the battery pack is
inserted, it will automatically lock. To remove the battery pack, slide this spring lock
until the battery pack lifts up slightly and then lift the battery pack out.
Rear Side
Refer to the diagram below to identify the components on this side of the Mobile
System.
Battery Pack (1)
The battery pack is automatically charged when the Mobile System is connected to
an AC power source and maintains power to the Mobile System when AC power is not
connected. This allows use when moving temporarily between locations. Battery time
varies by usage and by the specifications for this Mobile System. The battery pack
cannot be disassembled and must be purchased as a single unit.

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Left Side
Refer to the diagram below to identify the components on this side of the Mobile
System.
Power (DC) Input (1)
The supplied power adapter converts AC power to DC power for use with this jack.
Power supplied through this jack supplies power to the Mobile System and charges
the internal battery pack. To prevent damage to the Mobile System and battery pack,
always use the supplied power adapter.
Audio Output (SPDIF/Digital/Analog/Headphone) Jack (2)
The stereo headphone jack (1/8 inch) is used to connect the Mobile System’s audio
out signal to amplified speakers or headphones. Using this jack automatically
disables the built-in speakers.
Audio Input/Output Jack (auto sensing) (3)
The stereo input/output jack (1/8 inch) can be used to connect stereo audio into the
Mobile System or out to a multimedia device. This feature can be used to add audio to
Mobile System applications or output audio to stereo audio equipment. This port also
detects SPDIF audio as well.
CAUTION: MAY BECOME WARM TO HOT WHEN IN USE. BE SURE NOT TO
COVER THE ADAPTER AND KEEP IT AWAY FROM YOUR BODY.

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Hi-Speed USB Port (2.0/1.1) (4)
The USB (Universal Serial Bus) port is compatible with USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 devices
such as keyboards, pointing devices, cameras, hard disk drives, printers, and scanners
connected in a series up to 12Mbits/sec (USB 1.1) and 480Mbits/sec (USB 2.0). USB
allows many devices to run simultaneously on a single computer, with some peripherals
acting as additional plug-in sites or hubs. USB supports hot-swapping of devices so that
most peripherals can be connected or disconnected without restarting the computer.
Smart Bay Swap Mechanism / Handle (5)
The optical drive swap handle allows easy removal of the optical drive. Press and
release to extend the handle. Then pull on the handle to remove the drive.
Smart-Bay Optical Disk Drive (6)
The Mobile System comes in various models with different smart bay drives. The
Mobile System’s smart bay drive may support compact discs (CD), digital video discs
(DVD), recordable (R), writable (W), secondary batteries or an additional hard drive.
See the marketing specifications for details on each model. To eject the smart by drive,
press the button on the bottom right of the drive to extend the latch. Once the latch is
extended, gently pull the smart bay out of the opening.
Optical Disk Drive Emergency Eject (location varies by model) (7)
The emergency eject is used to eject the optical drive tray in case the electronic eject
does not work. Do not use the emergency eject in place of the electronic eject.
Gigabit LAN Port (8)
The RJ-45 LAN port supports a standard Ethernet cable for connection to a local
network. The built-in connector allows convenient use without additional adapters.

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Right Side
Refer to the diagram below to identify the components on this side of the Mobile
System.
Flash Memory Card Reader Slot (1)
Normally, an external memory card reader must be purchased separately in order to
use memory cards from devices such as digital cameras, MP3 players, mobile phones,
and PDAs. This Mobile System has a built-in high-speed memory card reader that can
conveniently read from and write to many flash memory cards as mentioned later in
this manual. This slot will support MMC, SD, MS and MS Pro media.
ExpressCard Slot (2)
One 26pin Express card slot is available to support one ExpressCard/34mm or one
ExpressCard/54mm expansion card. This new interface is faster by using a serial bus
supporting USB 2.0 and PCI Express instead of the slower parallel bus used in the PC
card slot. (Not compatible with previous PCMCIA cards.)
HDMI Port (3)
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is an uncompressed all-digital audio/
video interface between any audio/video source, such as a set-top box, DVD player,
and A/V receiver and an audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV).
HDMI supports standard, enhanced, or high-definition video, plus multi-channel
digital audio on a single cable. It transmits all ATSC HDTV standards and supports 8-
channel digital audio with bandwidth to spare to accommodate future enhancements
or requirements.enhancements or requirements.

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IEEE1394B Port (Bilingual) (4)
IEEE1394 is a high speed serial bus like SCSI but has simple connections and hot-
plugging capabilities like USB. The interface 1394A has a bandwidth up to 400 Mbits/
sec and 1394B up to 800 Mbits/sec. They both can handle many 1394 devices on the
same bus. IEEE1394 is also used in high-end digital equipment and should be marked
“DV” for Digital Video port. This is a bilingual port so it can function with both 1394A &
1394B devices at the speeds listed above respectively.
Hi-Speed USB Port (2.0/1.1) (5)
The USB (Universal Serial Bus) port is compatible with USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 devices
such as keyboards, pointing devices, cameras, hard disk drives, printers, and scanners
connected in a series up to 12Mbits/sec (USB 1.1) and 480Mbits/sec (USB 2.0). USB
allows many devices to run simultaneously on a single computer, with some peripherals
acting as additional plug-in sites or hubs. USB supports hot-swapping of devices so that
most peripherals can be connected or disconnected without restarting the computer.
Security Lock Port (6)
The Kensington®lock port allows the Mobile System to be secured using Kensington®
compatible Mobile System security products. These security products usually include
a metal cable and lock that prevent the Mobile System from being removed from
a fixed object. Some may also include a motion detector to sound an alarm when
moved.

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Alienware Area-51® m15x
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CHAPTER 2: GETTING STARTED

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CHAPTER 2: GETTING STARTED
Using AC Power
Using Battery Power
Switches and Status Indicators
Switches and Status Indicators
Switches
Bluetooth Key (1)
The Bluetooth key toggles the internal Bluetooth ON and OFF. An on-screen display
and relevant status indicator will show that the Mobile System’s built-in Bluetooth (BT)
function is activated.
Wireless LAN Key (2)
This is only applicable on models with internal Wireless LAN. The Wireless LAN key
toggles the internal Wireless LAN ON and OFF. An on-screen display and relevant
status indicator will show that the Mobile System’s built-in Wireless LAN function is
activated.
NOTE: Photos and icons in this manual are used for artistic purposes
only and do not show what is actually used in the product itself.
Minus Icon (touch panel):
Decreases the speaker audio volume.
Plus Icon (touch panel):
Increases the speaker audio volume.

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Alien Command Center Key (3)
Press this key to start the Alien Command Center application.
Stealth Mode Key (4)
Press this key to go into stealth mode. In stealth mode your system will not exceed
65w of power draw which will allow your system to operate in power limited
environments (e.g. airplanes, DC/AC convertors). While in stealth mode your system
may not have all of the functionalities available.
Status Indicators
Capital Lock Indicator (1)
Indicates that the keyboard is in capital mode. Capital mode allows you to type letters
in uppercase. Capital or lowercase mode is toggled using CAPS LOCK on the left of the
keyboard.
Number Lock Indicator (2)
Indicates that the keyboard is in number lock mode. Number lock allows you to enter
numbers using the number keys on the right of the keyboard. Num¬ber lock mode is
toggled using NUM LOCK on the right of the keyboard. When the number lock indicator
is OFF, the number keys on the right of the keyboard act as up/down/left/right
navigation keys.
Scroll Lock Indicator (3)
Indicates that the keyboard is in scroll lock mode. Scroll lock allows you to use the
keys on the keyboard as up/down/left/right for navigation within a group of items or
cells. Scroll lock mode is toggled using [FN] [SCR LK] on the keyboard.