IBM ThinkPad i Series 1400 User manual

i

Note: Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read the general information under
“Safety Information” on page viii, and “Notices” on page 138. For ergonomics information, see the Online
User's Guide .
First Edition (August 1999)
The following paragraph does not apply to the United Kingdom or any country where such provisions are
inconsistent with local law:
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION PROVIDES THIS PUBLICATION "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY
WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE LIMITED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Some states do not allow
disclaimers or express or implied warranties in certain transactions; therefore, this statement may not apply to you.
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.
Requests for technical information about IBM products should be made to your IBM Authorized Dealer or your IBM
Marketing Representative.
 Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 1999. All rights reserved. Note to US Government
Users — Documentation related to restricted rights — Use, duplication, or disclosure is subject to restrictions set forth
in GSA ADP Schedule Contract with IBM Corp.

Thank You for Selecting an IBM ThinkPad i Series 1400/1500
Computer
We at IBM have developed this ThinkPad computer to meet both your technical requirements and your high expec-
tations. To help us continue to build products that address your mobile computing needs, please take a moment to
complete the ThinkPad Registration.
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 Copyright IBM Corporation 1999 iii

Functional Highlights
All-in-one design with core technology The well-balanced,
all-in-one design of the ThinkPad i Series 1400/1500
brings ease-of-use to your computing needs.
High-speed processor The Intel high-speed processor enables
high-speed data processing and provides advanced per-
formance.
Large-capacity hard disk drive The large-capacity hard disk drive
can respond to a wide variety of your business demands.
Large color LCD The large TFT (thin-film transistor) or HPA (high
performance addressing) display provides clear and bril-
liant text and graphics.
Lithium ion or nickel metal hydride battery pack The large-
capacity battery pack extends the operating time of your
computer, further enhancing its portability.
Audio with 3D Stereo Sound Your computer is equipped with
internal audio record and playback capabilities including
3D audio from four speakers. When you enable the 3D
stereo feature, sounds will appear to be generated all
around you.
The audio feature supports the following:
Wave audio recording and playback of up to 16 bits,
stereo, and 48 KHz sampling.
Music CD playback with the computer turned off.
For more information on using the audio function, see the
Online User's Guide .
ThinkPad Modem The ThinkPad modem enables you to send or
receive data and faxes over a telephone line.
For more information on using the ThinkPad modem, see
the
Online User's Guide .
TrackPoint with Enhanced Controls Your computer has an
enhanced TrackPoint function that enables you to make
selections merely by pressing on the TrackPoint. A new
iv

Functional Highlights
center button, the Internet Scroll Bar, converts the
TrackPoint into a scroll controlling device or a magnifying
glass on the screen.
For more information on using the TrackPoint, see
“TrackPoint” on page 10.
PC Card Support Your computer provides a PC Card slot that
accepts a 16–bit PC Card, CardBus Card, or Zoomed
Video Card.
For more information on installing PC Cards, see
“Inserting a PC Card” on page 72.
Keyboard Light (select models only) Your computer is equipped
with a light that illuminates the keyboard area for com-
puter use in dimly lit areas.
For more information on using the Keyboard Light, see
“Keyboard Light” on page 16.
Easy Launch buttons Your computer is equipped with four
customizable buttons that allow you to connect to the
Internet or to run programs at a single press of a button.
For more information on customizing the Easy Launch
buttons, see “Easy Launch Buttons Customization Utility”
on page 37.
Media Center Your computer is equipped with the Media Center,
consisting of a status LCD and playback buttons for CDs
or DVDs (for DVD models). You can also play music CDs
without turning on the computer.
For more information, see “Playing Music CDs” on
page 19.
v

About This Book
About This Book This book contains information that will help you operate the IBM
ThinkPad i Series 1400/1500 computer. Be sure to read the
ThinkPad i Series 1400/1500 Setup Guide and Chapter 1 of this
book before using the computer.
Chapter 2. "Extending the
Features ofYour Computer,"
provides information on installing
options and using your computer's
high-technology features.
Chapter 3.
"ProtectingYour Computer,"
provides information on using
passwords, and using locks.
Chapter 4. "Solving Computer Problems,"
Chapter 5. "Getting Service,"
describes what to do when you have a
computer problem. The chapter includes a troubleshooting guide and information on
how to recover lost or damaged software.
describes various options of IBM's support and
service.
Chapter 1. "Getting Familiar with
Your Computer," acquaints you
with the basic features of your computer
Appendix A, Features and Specifications describes the features
and specifications associated with your computer, including informa-
tion on power cords.
Appendix B, Product Warranties and Notices contains the war-
ranty statements for your computer and notices for this book.
vi

About This Book
The book concludes with an index.
vii

Safety Information
Safety Information
Electrical Safety Notice
Note: In the U.K., by law:
The telephone line cable must be connected after the
power cord.
The power cord must be disconnected after the telephone
line cable.
DANGER
Electrical current from power, telephone, and communi-
cation cables is hazardous. Reduce the risk of fire and
electric shock by always following basic safety precau-
tions, including the following:
Do not use your computer in or near water.
During electrical storms, do not connect the cable to
or disconnect it from the telephone outlet on the
wall.
To avoid shock hazard, connect and disconnect cables
as shown below when installing, moving, or opening the
covers of this product or attached devices. The 3–pin
power cord must be used with a properly grounded
outlet.
viii

Safety Information
DANGER
Do not disassemble, incinerate, or short-circuit the
rechargeable battery pack. Do not put it in trash that is
disposed of in landfills. Dispose of it as required by
local ordinances or regulations. In the United States, call
IBM at 1-800-IBM-4333 for information on disposal.
ix

Safety Information
DANGER
There is a danger of an explosion if the battery is incor-
rectly replaced.
The lithium battery (IBM P/N 02K6502 UL-recognized
component [file no. MH12210]) contains lithium and can
explode if it is not properly handled or disposed of.
Replace only with a battery of the same type.
Do not: (1) throw or immerse it into water, (2) allow it to
heat to more than 100°C (212°F), or (3) attempt to repair
or disassemble it. Dispose of it as required by local ordi-
nances or regulations.
CAUTION:
The fluorescent lamp in the liquid crystal display (LCD) contains
mercury. Do not put it in trash that is disposed of in landfills.
Dispose of it as required by local ordinances or regulations.
The LCD is made of glass, and rough handling or dropping the
computer can cause the LCD to break. If the LCD breaks and
the internal fluid gets into your eyes or on your hands, imme-
diately wash the affected areas with water for at least 15
minutes; then get medical care if any symptoms are present
after washing.
Laser Compliance Statement
The CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive of the ThinkPad i Series
1400/1500 computer is a laser product. The CD-ROM or DVD-ROM
drive's classification label (shown below) is located on the top of the
drive.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
LASER KLASSE 1
LUOKAN 1 LASERLAITE
x

Safety Information
APPAREIL A LASER DE CLASSE 1
KLASS 1 LASER APPARAT
The CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive is certified in the U.S. to conform
to the requirements of the Department of Health and Human Ser-
vices 21 Code of Federal Regulations (DHHS 21 CFR) Subchapter J
for Class 1 laser products.
In other countries, the drive is certified to conform to the require-
ments of EN60825.
CAUTION:
Do not open the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive; no user adjust-
ments or serviceable parts are inside.
Use of controls, adjustments, or the performance of procedures
other than those specified may result in hazardous radiation
exposure.
Class 1 laser products are not considered to be hazardous. The
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive has an internal, Class 1, 0.5-milliwatt,
aluminum gallium-arsenide laser that operates at a wavelength of
760 to 810 nanometers. The design of the laser system and the
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive ensures that there is no exposure to
laser radiation above a Class 1 level during normal operation, user
maintenance, or servicing conditions.
xi

xii

Contents
Thank You for Selecting an IBM ThinkPad i Series 1400/1500
Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Functional Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
About This Book ............................ vi
Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
Electrical Safety Notice ...................... viii
Laser Compliance Statement ................... x
Getting Familiar with Your Computer ............... 1
Identifying the Hardware Features .................. 3
Front View of the Computer .................... 3
Rear View of the Computer .................... 5
Bottom View of the Computer ................... 7
System Status Indicators ....................... 8
Distinctive Functions of Your Computer .............. 10
Keyboard Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive .................. 17
ThinkPad Utility Programs .................... 24
Online User's Guide ........................ 41
Reinstalling Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
ThinkPad Software Selections CD ............... 42
Recovery CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
ThinkPad Web Site or Bulletin Board .............. 42
Replacing the Battery Pack ..................... 43
Service Hints & Tips ......................... 44
Handling Your ThinkPad Computer ............... 44
ThinkPad Don'ts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
ThinkPad Do's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Carrying Your Computer ..................... 46
Cleaning Your Computer ..................... 46
Extending Your Battery Life ................... 47
Ruggedized Mobile Computers ................. 47
For More Information ....................... 48
Extending the Features of Your Computer .......... 49
Customizing the TrackPoint ..................... 50
 Copyright IBM Corporation 1999 xiii

Using the Press-to-Select Window ............... 51
Using the Sensitivity Window .................. 52
Using the Scrolling Window ................... 53
Increasing Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Attaching an External Mouse, Keypad or Keyboard ....... 59
Attaching an External Mouse or Numeric Keypad ...... 59
Attaching an External Keyboard and Mouse .......... 61
Disabling the TrackPoint ..................... 62
Attaching an External Monitor ................... 63
Display Output Location ..................... 64
Display Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Using the Dual Display Function ................ 67
Attaching a Television to Your Computer (select models only) . 69
Attaching a Printer .......................... 71
Inserting a PC Card ......................... 72
Removing the PC Card ...................... 73
Protecting Your Computer .................... 75
Using Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Setting a Password ........................ 77
Entering a Password ....................... 79
Removing and Changing a Password ............. 80
Using Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Solving Computer Problems ................... 83
Frequently Asked Questions .................... 84
Hints, Tips and Considerations ................... 89
Playing DVD Movies ....................... 89
USB Connector Considerations ................. 89
Using an External Condenser Microphone ........... 89
Troubleshooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Troubleshooting Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Error Codes or Messages .................... 92
No Error Codes or Messages .................. 94
Input Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Standby or Hibernation Problems ................ 97
LCD Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Indicator Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Battery Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Problems ................ 101
Audio Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
xiv

Universal Serial Bus (USB) Problems ............. 103
Modem Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
PC Card Problems ........................ 105
Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
External Monitor Problems .................... 107
Other Option Problems ...................... 109
Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Other Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Recovering Lost or Damaged Software .............. 112
Using the PC-Doctor Program .................. 112
Using the ThinkPad Software Selections CD ......... 112
Using the Recovery CD ..................... 113
ThinkPad Web Site or Bulletin Board .............. 114
Getting Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Information on Your Computer ................... 116
Option List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Identification Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Problem Recording Sheet .................... 117
Customer Service and Support ................... 118
Online Support Services ..................... 118
Fax Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Help by Telephone ........................ 119
EasyServ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Getting Help Around the World ................. 120
Purchasing Additional Services ................... 121
Enhanced PC Support Line ................... 121
Ordering Support Line Services ................. 122
Warranty and Repair Services .................. 122
Appendix A. Features and Specifications ........... 125
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
IBM Power Cords ........................... 130
Appendix B. Product Warranties and Notices ........ 133
Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Year 2000 Readiness and Instructions ............. 138
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Macrovision Copyright Protection Statement ......... 139
Electronic Emission Notices ................... 140
xv

Telecommunication Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Industry Canada Requirements ................. 143
Regions where ThinkPad i Series 1400/1500 has ThinkPad
Modem Integrated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Notice to European Users of the IBM ThinkPad Modem ... 146
Warning Notice to New Zealand Users of the IBM ThinkPad
Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
xvi

Getting Familiar with Your Computer
This chapter provides basic information about your computer.
Identifying the Hardware Features .................. 3
Front View of the Computer .................... 3
Rear View of the Computer .................... 5
Bottom View of the Computer ................... 7
System Status Indicators ....................... 8
Distinctive Functions of Your Computer .............. 10
Keyboard Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
TrackPoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Fn Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Easy Launch Buttons ..................... 14
Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Keyboard Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive .................. 17
Using the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive .......... 17
Handling CDs and DVDs ................... 18
Playing Music CDs ....................... 19
Playing DVD Movies ...................... 19
ThinkPad Utility Programs .................... 24
BIOS Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Notebook Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Sleep Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Easy Launch Buttons Customization Utility ......... 37
Online User's Guide ........................ 41
Reinstalling Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
ThinkPad Software Selections CD ............... 42
Recovery CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
ThinkPad Web Site or Bulletin Board .............. 42
Replacing the Battery Pack ..................... 43
Service Hints & Tips ......................... 44
Handling Your ThinkPad Computer ............... 44
ThinkPad Don'ts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
ThinkPad Do's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Carrying Your Computer ..................... 46
Cleaning Your Computer ..................... 46
Extending Your Battery Life ................... 47
 Copyright IBM Corporation 1999 1

Ruggedized Mobile Computers ................. 47
For More Information ....................... 48
2ThinkPad i Series 1400/1500 User's Reference

Identifying the Hardware Features
Front View of the Computer
1
12
1314 15 16 17 18 19
20
21
23
24
25 26 1
3
4
4
5
6
22
7
11
10 98
2
(1) The LCD latches release the LCD when pressed and allow it to
be opened.
(2) The Keyboard Light (select models only) illuminates the keyboard
area for computer use in dimly lit areas.
(3) The color LCD screen displays computer output.
(4) The left and right internal speakers generate stereo sound.
(5) The Keyboard Light switch turns the keyboard light on and off.
(6) The indicator panel consists of the system-status indicators and
their associated symbols.
(7) The CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
(8) The manual-eject hole is used to eject the CD-ROM or
DVD-ROM tray when it does not open with the eject button.
(9) The CD-ROM or DVD-ROM eject button ejects the CD-ROM or
DVD-ROM tray.
Getting Familiar with Your Computer 3

Identifying the Hardware Features
(10) The CD-ROM or DVD-ROM access indicator is on when data is
read from a CD or DVD in the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive.
(11) The battery pack is a built-in power source for the computer.
(12) The Media Center control panel allows your computer to function
like an audio CD player without turning on the computer. When the
computer is on, it also controls the playback of audio CDs, video
CDs and DVD movies.
(13) The previous track/chapter button jumps to the previous track in
the audio CD or video CD, or the previous chapter in the DVD
movie.
(14) The next track/chapter button jumps to the next track in the
audio CD or video CD, or the next chapter in the DVD movie.
(15) The audio volume control adjusts the volume of the
speakers.
(16) The Media Center status LCD displays the current track number
in the audio CD or video CD, or the current chapter number in the
DVD movie.
(17) The play/pause button plays or pauses audio CD, video CD or
DVD movie playback.
(18) The stop/eject button stops audio CD, video CD or DVD movie
playback. It also ejects the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM tray when play-
back is stopped.
(19) The Media Center power button turns the Media Center on and
off for audio CD playback when the computer power is off.
(20) The Internet Scroll Bar works with the TrackPoint (23) and func-
tions as a scroll controlling device to easily scroll through Web
pages or program windows.
(21) The TrackPoint buttons work with the TrackPoint (23) and func-
tion similar to the buttons on a mouse.
(22) The Fn key is used with the function keys to activate the Fn key
functions.
(23) The TrackPoint is a built-in pointing device that provides a func-
tion similar to that of a mouse.
(24) The Easy Launch buttons are four customizable keys that allow
you to run programs at a single press of a button. See “Easy
Launch Buttons Customization Utility” on page 37 for more infor-
mation.
(25) The built-in microphone captures sound and voice when it is
used with an application program capable of handling audio.
(26) The power switch turns the computer on and off.
4ThinkPad i Series 1400/1500 User's Reference