IBM ThinkPad 310E User manual

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Note
Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read the general information under Notices on
page E-1.
First Edition (August 1997)
This publication could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically made to the information
herein; these changes will be incorporated in new editions of the publication. IBM may make improvements or changes in the
products or the programs described in this publication at any time.
It is possible that this publication may contain reference to, or information about, IBM products (machines and programs),
programming, or services that are not announced in your country. Such references or information must not be construed to mean
that IBM intends to announce such IBM products, programming, or services in your country.
Requests for technical information about IBM products should be made to your IBM Authorized Dealer or your IBM Marketing
Representative.
No part of this publication may be reporduced or distributed in any form or by any means without prior permission in writing from the
International Business Corporation.
© Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 1997. All rights reserved.

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Thank You for Selecting
an IBM ThinkPad 310E or 310ED Computer
The IBM ThinkPad 310E or 310ED computer
is designed to be convenient for
your mobile computing needs.
We hope you enjoy its fast processing power,
brilliant and colorful DSTN or TFT LCD display,
and multimedia capabilities.

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Distinctive System Features
Note:
Not all models support all the
features shown here.
The following are the distinctive system features of the IBM ThinkPad
310E or 310ED computer:
Pentium Processor and PCI Bus.
The fast Intel** Pentium** processor with MMX** technology and PCI bus combine to give your
computer optimal speed and performance.
EDO Memory.
The built-in extended data out (EDO) memory chip enhances performance with fast memory access.
PCMCIA** Support: ☞Page 3-18.
The computer provides two Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA)
slots. PCMCIA software also is provided so that you can use PC Cards more easily and conveniently.

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Notebook Manager: ☞Page 3-3.
The Notebook Manager program allows you to set various parameters by using a graphical user
interface.
BIOS Utility: ☞Page C-1.
The built-in BIOS Utility let you configure hardware settings for your computer.
Security: ☞Page 5-1.
The computer provides security passwords for the computer. Locking capability is provided for the
computer. Personalization is also provided to make it easy to identify your computer.
Customer Support and Service: ☞Page 8-13.
Comprehensive service and support packages for your IBM ThinkPad 310E or 310ED computer are
available in most countries.
SVGA Color LCD: ☞Page 3-13.
The DSTN (dual-scan super-twisted nematic) display models offer 256 colors at 800-by-600 SVGA
resolution. The TFT (thin-film transistor) display models offer 65,536 colors at 800-by-600 resolution.
Audio Features: ☞Page 3-20.
The system-integrated Yamaha** Sound Chip provides stereo business audio (8 bit to 16 bit) with
Sound Blaster** Pro compatibility.
Power Management: ☞Page 4-12.
Power Management sets the computer to different modes to save battery power when you are not
using the full power of your computer. It also provides a resume function, which quickly returns you to
where you left off.
CD-ROM Drive: ☞Page 3-22.
The built-in CD-ROM model affords access to large databases and multimedia applications. It can
even play your favorite music CDs.
Fn Key Functions: ☞Page 2-13.
The combination of this Fn key with a function key is used to control display modes and battery power-
saving modes.
TrackPoint III: ☞Page 2-10.
Pointing and selecting all become part of a single process with no need to lift your hands from the
keyboard with the TrackPoint III.

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About This Book
Note:
The illustrations in this book may be
slightly different from your computer.
This book contains information that will help you operate the IBM
ThinkPad 310E or 310ED computer (hereafter called the
310E
,
310ED
, or
computer
).
Be sure to read Chapter 1 and
Chapter 2 before using the computer.
Chapter 1, “Getting Started,” provides information about how to set
up your computer.
Chapter 2, “Getting Familiar with Your Computer,” acquaints you
with the basic features of your computer.
Read the following chapters
whenever you need to.
Chapter 3, “Operating Your Computer,” provides information on
using your computer’s different features.
Chapter 4, “Using Battery Power,” provides power management
information and describes how to operate your computer with the
battery pack.
Chapter 5, “Protecting Your Computer,” provides information for
protecting your computer and internal devices.
Chapter 6, “Installing and Removing Options,” describes how to
install or remove IBM options.
Chapter 7, “Installing Software,” provides procedures for installing
operating systems and device drivers in your computer.
Chapter 8, “Solving Computer Problems,” describes what to do
when you have a computer problem.
Appendix A, “Avoiding Hardware Conflicts,” lists some steps you
can take to avoid problems when you add or remove options.
Appendix B, “Advanced Information for PC Cards,” provides
additional information when using PC Cards.
Appendix C, “BIOS Utility,” describes how to use the BIOS utility.

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Appendix D, “Features and Specifications,” describes the
features and specifications associated with your computer.
Appendix E, “Product Warranties and Notices,” contains the
warranty statements for your computer and notices for this book.
This book also includes a glossary, for the meaning of terms and
acronyms used in this book, and an index.
Information Notices
This book contains notices that relate to specific information or text.

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Treatment of Icons
This book contains the following icons (symbols):
•For procedures or information unique to the operating system
installed in your computer:
Information for IBM DOS users.
Information for Microsoft Windows Version 3.11 users.
Information for Microsoft Windows 95 users.
•For procedures or information unique to the computer model or
type: Information only for 310E models.
Information only for 310ED models.
•For information referred to:
☞Where to go for more information

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Ergonomics Information
This is important information to read before using your ThinkPad
computer in the virtual office.
Working in the Virtual Office may mean adapting to frequent changes
in your environment. Following some simple “rules of the road” will
make things easier and bring you the maximum benefits of your
ThinkPad computer. Keeping in mind such basics as good lighting
and proper seating, for example, can go a long way in helping you
enhance your performance and achieve greater comfort wherever
you are.
Note:
The example shown here of someone in a traditional setting. Even
when not in such a setting, you can follow many of these tips. Develop
good habits and they will serve you well.

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Chair
Use a chair that gives you
good back support.
Arms
Keep your forearms, wrists,
and hands in a relaxed and
neutral position. Don’t pound
the keys; type with a soft
touch.
Thighs
Keep your thighs parallel to
the floor and your feet flat on
the floor or on a footrest.
Head
Keep your head in a
comfortable and vertical
position.
View
Maintain a comfortable
viewing distance of 20-30
inches.
Display
Position the display to avoid
glare or reflections from
overhead lighting or outside
sources of light.
Keep the display screen
clean and set the contrast
and brightness to levels that
allow you to see the screen
clearly.
What if I am traveling?
It may not be possible to observe the best ergonomic practices when
you are using the ThinkPad computer while on the move or in a
“casual” setting, such as the seashore or on a mountaintop.
Sometimes, your lap may be the only “desk” around. Regardless of
the setting, try to observe as many of the tips for proper usage as
possible. Sitting properly and using adequate lighting, for example,
will help you maintain desirable comfort and performance levels.
Questions about vision?
IBM’s visual display screens are designed to meet the highest
standards and to provide you with clear, crisp images and large,
bright displays that are easy to see, yet easy on the eyes. Of course,
any concentrated and sustained visual activity can be tiring. If you
have questions on eye fatigue or visual discomfort, consult a vision
care specialist for advice.