NEC Versa LX User manual

VERSA LX & VERSA SX
NEC Versa®LX/SX Series of Noteboook Computers
PRODUCT GUIDE

PROPRIETARY NOTICE AND LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
The information disclosed in this document, including all designs and related
materials, is the property of Packard Bell NEC, Inc. (PBNEC) and/or its licensors.
PBNEC and/or its licensors, as appropriate, reserve all patent,copyright and other
proprietary rights to this document, including all design,manufacturing,reproduc-
tion,use and sales rights thereto,except to the extent said rights are expressly
granted to others.
Any specifications or performance data disclosed herein are subject to change
without notice to allow for design improvements.
The software described in this guide is furnished under a license agreement.
The software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the
agreement.Some software may differ from the retail version,if applicable,and
may not include all program functionality or user manuals.
Availability dates are approximate and based on information available at time of
publication.
NEC and PowerMate are registered trademarks,Versa a U.S. registered trademark and UltraCare a U.S. registered
service mark of NEC Corporation. VersaBay,VersaGlide and PortBar are trademarks of NEC Corporation.All are
used under license.VersaTools is a trademark of Packard Bell NEC,Inc. Microsoft,Windows andWindows NT are
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Pentium and LANDesk are registered trademarks and MMX a
trademark of Intel Corporation.All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.©1998 NEC Computer Systems Division,Packard Bell NEC,Inc.Printed in U.S.A.
NECVERSA LX SERIES
NECVERSA SX SERIES
Product Guide
May 1998
Order Number L-VERSALXSX-PG
MVER98
NEC COMPUTER SYSTEMS DIVISION
Packard Bell NEC,Inc.
1414 Massachusetts Avenue
Boxborough, MA 01719-2298

3
NEC Versa LX/SX
Overview
A Notebook for Every User. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Pentium®Processing Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
New NEC Display Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Built to Suit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Ultimate Convenience Via VersaBay™III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Operating Systems—Now and for the Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
To Install or Not to Install . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
UltraCareSM Warranty Protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Versa Tools™
: Accessories & Solutions
Versa Dock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Versa PortBar™. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
External Diskette Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
PC Card Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
DC Airplane and Auto Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Carrying Cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
List of Accessories and Part Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Features & Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Questions & Answers
The Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
VersaBay III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Peace of Mind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
PC Card Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Multimedia Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Battery Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
User-Friendliness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
NEC Versa LX Series Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
NEC Versa SX Series Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
NEC Versa LX vs.NEC Versa SX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Table of Contents

1
NEC Versa LX/SX
Overview
With theVersa LX Series andVersa SX Series,NEC Computer Systems Division
provides a family of notebook computers to fill the needs of a variety of users in your
company—from the telecommuter to the sales rep and all the way up to the CEO.
In addition,to lower your total cost of ownership,all accessories for these notebooks
(except the primary batteries) are compatible across both product lines and will
work with the next generation ofVersa offerings. Other features include:
• Choice of the new mobile PentiumII processors or a Pentium processor
with MMX™technology
• 14.1" XGA,13.3" XGA or 12.1" SVGA active-matrix color display
supporting up to 16.8 million colors
• User-expandable storage and memory
• VersaBay III slot to hold a variety of plug-in storage and power computing tools
• Three years of UltraCare Essential service,including,with product registration,
one free year of UltraCare Preferred service
A NOTEBOOK FOR EVERY USER
The NECVersa LX Series is designed to be a corporate standard, with models that
cover the spectrum from high-end to value. For example, your power users and
presenters can opt for the blazing speed of a mobile Pentium II processor, giant
14.1" display and uncompromised functionality of theVersa Dock for the office.
Versa LX performance models are ideal for any employee who uses a computer
because they eliminate the need for two systems—notebook and desktop.
No computing compromises are necessary with theVersa LX. Whether working
in the office, at home or around the corporate campus, your users benefit from a
powerful processor, large color display,choice of storage devices and fast communi-
cations capability. Plus something desktops can’t provide—portability.
The NECVersa SX Series is designed for road warriors who place a high premium
on portability—i.e.,size,weight and inclusive design—but at the same time refuse
to sacrifice power and functionality. TheVersa SX is under five pounds,even with a
14.1" XGA display. Back at the office,users can share the sameVersa Dock,Versa
PortBar and other accessories used by theVersa LX.
PENTIUM PROCESSING POWER
The new NECVersa notebook family offers a choice of mobile Pentium processors,
as shown on the chart below. The super-charged Pentium II with MMX technology
is for users who require what is currently the fastest possible performance from a
mobile processor—30 to 35 percent faster, according to Intel,than the Pentium pro-
cessor with MMX technology. All processors feature 32KB internal cache,512KB
Level 2 cache,32-bit PCI 2.1 (peripheral component interconnect) bus architecture
and 64-bit CPU architecture.

2
NEC Versa LX/SX
Overview
NEC Versa LX Series NEC Versa SX Series
266MHz mobile Pentium II XX
233MHz mobile Pentium II XX
233MHz mobile Pentium MMX X
The NECVersa LX andVersa SX, as well as NEC PowerMate®desktops,support
the Wired for Management 1.1A (WfM) initiative. This means the systems are
compatible with industry-standard and proprietary system management technologies
without sacrificing performance.
Coupled with the LANDesk®Client Manager 3.2 software that comes with the
notebooks and compliance with the Desktop Management Interface 2.0 (DMI),
WfM enables the systems to be centrally managed over the corporate network.
That means reduced operating costs because all of these essential tasks can be
handled remotely:
• Asset management and inventory control
• Service, support and maintenance functions
• System setup and software distribution
• Support for wake on LAN remote boot and remote control capabilities via
theVersa Dock and 10/100Versa Dock PCI Card
NEW NEC DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Both theVersa LX andVersa SX boast the new thin and light active-matrix color
displays from NEC Corporation. At just one-quarter inch thick, the screens are 33
percent thinner than previous LCDs,and they weigh up to 20 percent less. Other
features of this new display technology:
•Low power consumption promotes longer battery life.
•Fast refresh rate allows multimedia presentations to be viewed without the
skips and jumps typical of slow-refreshed screens.
•Wide viewing angle enables side-angle viewing for presentations and
small group discussions.
•Integrated backlight and high contrast ratio allow for easier viewing in
a variety of lighting conditions.
The NECVersa LX andVersa SX Series come with a choice of display sizes and,
with theVersa LX, a choice of resolutions:

3
NEC Versa LX/SX 3
Overview
NEC Versa LX Series NEC Versa SX Series
4MB SGRAM 2MB DRAM
16.8 million colors 64K colors
14.1" XGA (1024 x 768) XX
13.3" XGA (1024 x 768) XX
12.1" SVGA (800 x 600) X
To help make these notebooks the equivalents of desktop computers, the new
NECVersa models incorporate up to 4MB of video RAM and high-speed graphics
accelerators with power management features for extended battery life.
The NECVersa LX has an ATI 3D RAGE™LT PRO graphics accelerator, and
theVersa SX includes aTrident®Cyber9388™. These graphics accelerators support
ZoomedVideo, DVD playback (with optional DVD Drive Accelerator PC Card),
videoconferencing (ProShare®videoconferencing kit from Intel required) and dual
image display on one LCD or two separate display devices (Windows®98 models).
In addition,theVersa LX includes hardware wavetable support and three-image
display capability for the LCD, CRT andTV (S-Video and NTSC/PAL).
BUILT TO SUIT
In their standard configurations the NECVersa LX andVersa SX come with 32MB
of memory and a 2.1GB SMART (Self Monitoring and ReportingTechnology)
hard disk drive (HDD). The drive is“SMART” because it warns users of possible
hard drive failure, thus giving them time to back up their data.
Of course,standard configurations won’t suit everyone. That’s why users can have
their notebooks built to their own specifications and, as their needs change, easily
expand the systems themselves viaVersaBay III (see page 4) and the slide-in memory
card slots.
NEC Versa LX Series NEC Versa SX Series
Pre-installed HDD 6.0GB (available July 1998),5.0GB, 4.0GB (available July 1998),3.2GB
4.0GB (available July 1998),3.2GB or 2.1GB
or 2.1GB
Maximum HDD 12.0GB with 6.0GB primary HDD 10.0GB with 4.0GB primary HDD
(available July 1998) and optional (available July 1998) and optional
6.0GB HDD (availableAugust 1998) 6.0GB HDD (availableAugust
inVersaBay III slot 1998) inVersaBay III slot
Pre-installed memory 128MB, 96MB, 64MB or 32MB 128MB, 96MB, 64MB or 32MB
Maximum memory Via 128MB Memory Card (available Via 128MB Memory Card
September 1998) up to 256MB on (available September 1998) up to
Pentium II models,192MB on 256MB
Pentium MMX model

4
NEC Versa LX/SX
ULTIMATE CONVENIENCE VIA VERSABAY III
NEC was the first notebook computer vendor to offer a modular device bay—
calledVersaBay—and has been expanding on its capabilities ever since.For the
multitasking demanded in today’s workplace,VersaBay III offers the ultimate in
flexibility and convenience. Users can swap devices to perform various jobs and,
when they travel,keep luggage weight down by carrying only the essentials.
TheVersaBay III slot on the front of the NECVersa LX and right side of theVersa
SX is home to any one of theVersaBay III Paks described below. The CD-ROM is
standard,but users can opt for the DVD drive instead. All the devices (except the
CD-ROM) are available as options. The Paks can be warm swapped on the NEC
Versa LX,hot swapped on theVersa SX.
1. The 24X maximum variable-speed CD-ROM drive,currently the fastest
available for notebook computers,allows users to give multimedia presentations,
load software,access large databases and reference tools or listen to music CDs.
2. The DVD drive promises to deliver exciting new multimedia applications for
business with MPEG-2 decoding,3-D graphics,TV-quality video and Dolby®
digital sound when coupled with the DVD Drive Accelerator PC Card. DVD
(for digital video or versatile disk) holds seven times as much data as a CD-ROM,
making it ideal for archiving massive files. In addition,the drive is backward
compatible with users’existing CD-ROMs.
3. The SuperDisk™LS-120 drive can read and write to conventional 1.44MB
floppies as well as to 120MB diskettes that store up to 80 times more data. This
backward compatibility means there’s no obsolescence,no conversion costs and
no learning cycle. When 120MB diskettes are used, access is five times faster than
with a standard floppy disk drive. With 1.44MB diskettes,the SuperDisk drive is
three times faster.
4. Because the Zip Built-In™drive (available September 1998) is a new standard
for high-capacity storage, it allows users to easily share information with their
customers and vendors. The 100MB Zip diskettes hold 70 times more data
than a 1.44MB floppy. This new Zip drive for notebooks is a full 40 percent
faster than the original desktop or external parallel Zip drive inWindows 95.
5. The 6.0GB (available August 1998) or 5.0GB Hard Disk Drive with Cradle
Pak allows users to easily expand storage capacity (see chart on page 3) or to
access two different operating systems,one on the primary hard drive, another
on theVersaBay III hard drive.
6. The lithium ion battery forVersaBay III supplements the one that comes
with the system,providing an extra power source for long trips.
A weight-saving module, included with each notebook,covers theVersaBay III
slot when no device is installed. This module reduces the total travel weight by
almost half a pound.
Overview

5
NEC Versa LX/SX
The NECVersa LX comes with a 1.44MB diskette drive or SuperDisk LS-120 drive
pre-installed internally (i.e.,not in theVersaBay III slot). The NECVersa SX ships
with a 1.44MB diskette drive in theVersaBay III slot. An optional SuperDisk
drive can be ordered for theVersaBay III slot on both notebooks.
All theVersaBay III devices, except theVersa SX diskette drive,can also be used in
the Versa Dock equipped with the optional VersaBay III Adapter (see page 7).
TheVersaBay III battery is recharged when placed in theVersa Dock.
OPERATING SYSTEMS—NOW AND FOR THE FUTURE
The emphasis on user choice and versatility continues with the software that comes
with theVersa LX andVersa SX. NEC Computer Systems Division does not dictate
the operating system and software that MIS managers and individual users must
accept on their notebooks.
One of these three operating systems is specified when the notebook is ordered and
installed at the factory:
•Windows 95 (A coupon redeemable for an upgrade toWindows 98 for $29.95
U.S.is included withWindows 95 systems shipped between June 1 and
September 30,1998.)
•Windows 98 (available after July 15,1998)
•Windows NT®Workstation 4.0
Agaté®Tíoman™is pre-installed on all NECVersa LX andVersa SX models to
enable swapping ofVersaBay III devices without shutting down the system.
Models with theWindows NT operating system have this software pre-installed:
SystemSoft®CardWizard™for PC Card plug and play capability and SystemSoft
PowerProfiler™for power management.
The NECVersa LX andVersa SX are compliant with the PC98 and ACPI
(Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) standards. ACPI is the basis
for OnNow,an industry initiative for“instantly available”computer systems, systems
which appear off but are always on and responding to user or network commands.
What this means for users is that the NECVersa LX orVersa SX they purchase
today will be able to take full advantage of features built into upcoming Microsoft®
operating systems (i.e.,Windows 98 andWindows NTWorkstation 5.0).
TO INSTALL OR NOT TO INSTALL
The software included with the NECVersa LX andVersa SX, aside from that
mentioned above, comes on a CD-ROM. This saves MIS departments and
individual users the trouble of removing software they don’t want.
A complete list of the software that comes with theVersa LX andVersa SX is on
page 22,but here are a few of the titles:
5
Overview

6
NEC Versa LX/SX
Overview
•Intellisync®for Notebooks for sending and receiving via the infrared port
•LANDesk Client Manager 3.2 (see page 2)
•McAfee®VirusScan™to protect the notebook against computer viruses
•Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 and Netscape™Navigator 3.0 for easy
web browsing
•PartitionMagic®for NEC to reclaim wasted disk space,organize and
protect data and manage partitions and file structure
ULTRACARE WARRANTY PROTECTION
The UltraCare service program is designed to keep downtime to a minimum,pro-
tect the user’s notebook investment and promote optimum system performance.
The NECVersa LX andVersa SX come with a three-year return-to-factory limited
warranty on all parts and labor. This warranty, called UltraCare Essential service,
provides in the U.S. and Canada:
• Toll-free hardware support number,24 hours a day,seven days a week
• Transferable warranty
• Same-country, next-city forwarding
• Overnight parts exchange
• Virus detection and notification
• Five-year limited warranty on CPU chip, graphics accelerator chip and
main memory
• Repair within three business days and return prepaid freight
In addition,by completing and submitting theVersa LX orVersa SX product
registration, users receive one free year of UltraCare Preferred service,
which offers:
• International coverage
• Free door-to-door courier pickup and return
• Repair within one business day in the U.S.and Canada after arrival at the service
depot,within two business days in other countries where coverage is provided
Users can extend their UltraCare Preferred service for up to five years or upgrade
to other service plans. The top-of-the-line program is UltraCare Premium Plus,
which provides all of the features listed above plus three years of No-Fault Screen
Assurance. This entitles users to two screen replacements per year, if needed,and
subsequent replacements at a 50 percent discount.
Full details on all the UltraCare service plans and pricing are available by calling
1-800-632-4525,or users can go to http://support.neccsdeast.com/
warranty/versa_ultra_s2.asp.
More information onVersa notebooks is available from your NEC Computer Sys-
tems reseller or by calling 1-888-863-2669. For detailed,up-to-the-minute product
information, visit our website at www.nec-computers.com.

7
NEC Versa LX/SX 7
Versa Tools: Accessories & Solutions
The accessories for the NECVersa LX andVersa SX notebooks are compatible
across both product lines and will work with the next generation ofVersa offerings.
The only exceptions to this rule—because theVersa SX requires a thin form
factor—are the primary lithium ion batteries.
Cross compatibility lowers the total cost of ownership because:
• Accessories can be shared among many individuals no matter which
notebook they’re using.
• There’s no more confusion as to whether this option will work with that
notebook.
• The MIS department has just one family of accessories to maintain.
• When the next generation of NECVersa notebooks arrives,the existing
accessories can still be used.
All the accessories available for the NECVersa LX andVersa SX are listed on page 9.
Here’s a rundown on some of the major ones. VersaBay III Paks are described on
page 4.
VERSA DOCK
With theVersa Dock, the NECVersa LX orVersa SX becomes the basis for a
desktop multimedia system. This docking solution, like the notebooks, includes
PCI architecture for faster data throughput and provides:
• Two easy-access PCI slots (one full length, one half length)
• Two external half-height bays to hold industry-standard add-ons orVersaBay III
Paks (optionalVersaBay IIIAdapter required)
• Motor-assisted docking with manual override for ease of use
• Keylock protection from “undocking”to help prevent notebook theft
• Hot docking of NECVersa LX andVersa SXWindows 95/Windows 98 models
• Full port replication (printer, serial, monitor,mouse and keyboard) plus a
MIDI/game port and combination USB and PS/2®port.
• Three audio ports—line in/out,headphone and microphone
• When coupled with the 10/100Versa Dock PCI Card,support for wake on
LAN remote boot and remote control capabilities
• Integrated monitor stand that supports up to 55 pounds
VERSA PORTBAR
TheVersa PortBar offers one quick connection to peripheral resources. Users keep
a monitor,keyboard,printer, etc.attached to it,and when they’re in the office, they
have only one hookup to make to the NECVersa LX orVersa SX. Designed to
look like part of the notebook when connected, theVersa PortBar has an easy,
mechanically supported locking mechanism and supports warm docking.