NEC Versa Note Series User manual

Contents iii
Contents
Preface ....................................................................................................................................ix
Abbreviations..........................................................................................................................xi
Section 1
Overview of the Versa Note ...............................................1-1
Introduction...........................................................................................................................1-2
Feature Highlights .................................................................................................................1-3
System Configuration............................................................................................................1-4
Quick Tour of the Notebook ..................................................................................................1-6
The Front of the Notebook...........................................................................................1-6
Power and Suspend Status LED...................................................................................1-6
Control Panel...............................................................................................................1-8
Cover Switch...............................................................................................................1-9
Keyboard Panel and Base Unit...................................................................................1-10
Internal Hard Disk Drive............................................................................................1-14
The Right Side of the Notebook.................................................................................1-15
Battery Compartment.................................................................................................1-15
Modem Port...............................................................................................................1-16
CPU Fan Exhaust ......................................................................................................1-16
PCMCIA Slot Compartment......................................................................................1-16
Security Lock Latch...................................................................................................1-17
The Left Side of the Notebook...................................................................................1-17
IR Port (FIR/SIR)......................................................................................................1-17
Thumb-Wheel Volume Knob Controll.......................................................................1-18
Built-in CD-ROM......................................................................................................1-18
Built-in Diskette Drive...............................................................................................1-18
The Rear Side of the Notebook ..................................................................................1-18
PortBar Notches.........................................................................................................1-18
AC Power Port ..........................................................................................................1-18
PS/2 Port...................................................................................................................1-19
Printer Port (LPT1)....................................................................................................1-19
USB (Universal Serial Bus) Port................................................................................1-19
Expansion Port ..........................................................................................................1-19
Serial Port (COM 1) ..................................................................................................1-20
VGA Port (CRT).......................................................................................................1-20
Audio Port.................................................................................................................1-20
The Under Side of the Notebook................................................................................1-21
Memory Compartment...............................................................................................1-21
Battery Bay Latch......................................................................................................1-21
System BIOS Program.........................................................................................................1-22
Using the Main Menu................................................................................................1-24
Using the Advanced Menu.........................................................................................1-27
Using the Security Menu............................................................................................1-29
Using the Power Menu...............................................................................................1-31
Using the Boot Menu.................................................................................................1-34
How to Exit the Setup Program..................................................................................1-34
Notebook Accessories and System Options..........................................................................1-35
AC Adapter and Power Cord......................................................................................1-35

iv Contents
Battery Pack..............................................................................................................1-35
Internal Modem Module Card....................................................................................1-36
PortBar......................................................................................................................1-36
Installation and Upgrade....................................................2-1
Overview...............................................................................................................................2-2
Notebook Drivers and Utilities...............................................................................................2-2
Notebook Drivers Installation Flowchart......................................................................2-3
Running the PHDisk STD Utility.................................................................................2-4
Installing the CD-ROM Driver.....................................................................................2-5
Installing the VGA Device Driver................................................................................2-6
Installing the Audio Device Driver...............................................................................2-7
Installing the Glidepad Mouse Driver...........................................................................2-9
Installing the Fast IrDA Driver (Windows 95 only)....................................................2-10
Installing the USB Driver ..........................................................................................2-12
Installing the Intel PCI Bridge Driver (Windows 95 only)..........................................2-13
System Upgrades.................................................................................................................2-14
Jumper Settings .........................................................................................................2-14
CPU Upgrade Procedure............................................................................................2-15
Memory Upgrade Procedure......................................................................................2-16
Hard Disk Upgrade Procedure....................................................................................2-18
System BIOS Upgrade Procedure ..............................................................................2-19
Software Functional Overview ..........................................3-1
Overview...............................................................................................................................3-2
Summary of the BIOS Specification.......................................................................................3-2
Subsystem Software Functions...............................................................................................3-3
Key Chipset Summary.................................................................................................3-3
System Memory...........................................................................................................3-4
Video...........................................................................................................................3-4
Enhanced IDE..............................................................................................................3-7
Audio ..........................................................................................................................3-7
Super I/O.....................................................................................................................3-7
PCMCIA.....................................................................................................................3-8
LED Indicator..............................................................................................................3-8
Customer ID Support...................................................................................................3-9
Hot Keys Definition.....................................................................................................3-9
Port Replicator (Docking Station)..............................................................................3-10
Plug and Play.............................................................................................................3-11
PCI Device................................................................................................................3-12
SMBus Devices.........................................................................................................3-13
Resource Allocation...................................................................................................3-13
Power Management.............................................................................................................3-15
General Requirements................................................................................................3-15
System Power Plane ..................................................................................................3-16
Power Management Mode Definitions.......................................................................3-18
Device Power Management .......................................................................................3-21
ACPI...................................................................................................................................3-23
General Requirements................................................................................................3-23
Global System State Definitions.................................................................................3-24
Sleeping State Definitions..........................................................................................3-24
Power States..............................................................................................................3-25

Contents v
Power States Transition Event....................................................................................3-26
Battery Management............................................................................................................3-26
Battery Subsystem.....................................................................................................3-26
Battery Warning ........................................................................................................3-27
Battery Low...............................................................................................................3-27
AC Adapter ...............................................................................................................3-27
PIC16C62 – uP....................................................................................................................3-27
System Communication with PIC16C62....................................................................3-27
PIC16C62 Command List..........................................................................................3-29
Miscellaneous......................................................................................................................3-32
Security.....................................................................................................................3-32
SMBIOS Support ......................................................................................................3-33
CMOS Setup Utility ............................................................................................................3-33
Hardware Functional Overview..........................................4-1
Overview...............................................................................................................................4-2
System Hardware Block Diagram..........................................................................................4-3
Chipset Summary ..................................................................................................................4-4
System Processor (CPU)........................................................................................................4-4
Mobile Pentium II Features..........................................................................................4-4
System Core Logic ................................................................................................................4-6
82443BX Features (for Pentium-II)..............................................................................4-6
82371EE (PIIX4) Features...........................................................................................4-8
Clock Frequency Generator .................................................................................................4-10
Cache Memory....................................................................................................................4-11
System Memory...................................................................................................................4-11
System Memory.........................................................................................................4-11
Video Memory ..........................................................................................................4-11
System BIOS.......................................................................................................................4-11
Video Subsystem.................................................................................................................4-11
Video Chip Controller ...............................................................................................4-12
Video Clock ..............................................................................................................4-13
I/O Subsystem .....................................................................................................................4-14
PCMCIA Controller.............................................................................................................4-15
Audio Subsystem.................................................................................................................4-17
Keyboard and Pointing Device.............................................................................................4-18
Disk Drives Subsystem........................................................................................................4-19
Power Subsystem.................................................................................................................4-20
AC Power Adapter.....................................................................................................4-20
Internal Battery Pack .................................................................................................4-20
DC-DC Module of Motherboard................................................................................4-20
LCD Inverter Board Assembly...................................................................................4-20
Micro-P Subsystem (PIC-16C62).........................................................................................4-20
Maintenance and Disassembly..........................................5-1
Preventive Maintenance.........................................................................................................5-2
Cleaning the Computer................................................................................................5-2
Protecting the Disk Drives ...........................................................................................5-2
Maintaining the LCD Quality.......................................................................................5-2
Maintaining the Hard Disk Drive.................................................................................5-2
Handling the Computer Battery Packs..........................................................................5-3
Required Tools and Equipment..............................................................................................5-3

vi Contents
Field-Replaceable Parts and Assemblies ................................................................................5-4
Cover-Display LCD Assembly.....................................................................................5-4
System Unit Assembly.................................................................................................5-5
Parts Removal and Replacement Procedures..........................................................................5-9
Removing the Battery Pack..........................................................................................5-9
Removing the Glidepad .............................................................................................5-10
Removing the Keyboard and Heat Plate.....................................................................5-10
Removing the LCD Panel ..........................................................................................5-11
Removing the System Upper Case.............................................................................5-12
Removing the Internal Hard Disk Drive.....................................................................5-12
Removing the IO Board and Charger Board...............................................................5-13
Removing the CPU Module.......................................................................................5-14
Removing the CD-ROM Module ...............................................................................5-15
Removing the FDD Module.......................................................................................5-16
Removing the DC/DC Board .....................................................................................5-17
Removing the Internal Speaker..................................................................................5-17
Removing / Replacing the Motherboard.....................................................................5-18
Troubleshooting and Repair..............................................6-1
Introduction...........................................................................................................................6-2
Helpful Starters ...........................................................................................................6-2
System BIOS Related Problems.............................................................................................6-3
POST Messages...........................................................................................................6-3
Informational Messages...............................................................................................6-5
Beep Codes..................................................................................................................6-5
Explanation of test terms for beep code table .........................................................................6-6
Beep codes for system board errors........................................................................................6-6
Run-time Error Messages...........................................................................................6-10
Quick Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................6-10
Component-Level Troubleshooting......................................................................................6-14
General Overview......................................................................................................6-14
ADC Test Check........................................................................................................6-15
Starting Check...........................................................................................................6-16
Memory Interface Check ...........................................................................................6-16
CRT Interface Check.................................................................................................6-17
FDD Interface Check.................................................................................................6-17
HDD Interface Check ................................................................................................6-18
Internal Keyboard Check ...........................................................................................6-18
Glidepad Interface Check...........................................................................................6-19
CD-ROM Interface Check .........................................................................................6-19
Charger Board Interface Check..................................................................................6-20
Serial Port Interface Check ........................................................................................6-20
External Keyboard Check..........................................................................................6-21
PS/2 Mouse Interface Check......................................................................................6-21
Printer Port Interface Check.......................................................................................6-22
Audio Port Interface Check........................................................................................6-22
PCMCIA Interface Check..........................................................................................6-23
USB Port Interface Check..........................................................................................6-23
FIR Interface Check...................................................................................................6-24
LCD Panel Interface Check........................................................................................6-24
Suspend Function Check............................................................................................6-25
LED Indicator Function Check ..................................................................................6-26
Cover Switch Function Check....................................................................................6-27

Contents vii
Cover Close Function Check......................................................................................6-27
Internal Fax/Modem Port Check ................................................................................6-28
Notebook Specification......................................................7-1
System Specification..............................................................................................................7-2
Display Specification.............................................................................................................7-7
Floppy Disk Drive Specification............................................................................................7-8
CD-ROM Drive Specification................................................................................................7-8
Keyboard Specification..........................................................................................................7-9
Touchpad Specification..........................................................................................................7-9
Power Supply ......................................................................................................................7-10
Mechanical Specification.....................................................................................................7-11
Environmental Requirements...............................................................................................7-11

Preface ix
Preface
This service and reference manual contains the technical information necessary to set up
and maintain the Versa Note ® notebook computer.
The manual also provides hardware and interface information for users who need an
overview of the system design. The manual is written for customer engineers, system
analysts, service center personnel, and dealers.
The manual is organized as follows:
Section 1, Overview of the Versa Note, provides an overview of the hardware and interface
components.
Section 2,Installation and Upgrade, provides information on setup and installation of
drivers, utilities, and system upgrades.
Section 3,Software Functional Overview, provides information on BIOS, power and
battery management, and other settings.
Section 4,Hardware Functional Overview, shows the system boards and the peripheral
devices.
Section 5, Maintenance and Disassembly, provides detailed instructions on how to
disassembly the notebook and preventive maintenance.
Section 6, Troubleshooting and Repair, provides the most common problems encountered
with the Versa Note notebook computer and some troubleshooting checklists.
Section 7, Notebook Specifications, lists physical dimensions, video modes, pin
assignments, connector locations, memory map and interrupt controllers.
An Index is included for convenience.

xi
Aampere
AC alternating current
AT advanced technology
(IBM PC)
BBS Bulletin Board Service
BCD binary-coded decimal
BCU BIOS Customized Utility
BIOS basic input/output system
bit binary digit
BUU BIOS Upgrade Utility
bpi bits per inch
bps bits per second
Ccapacitance
Ccentigrade
Cache high-speed buffer storage
CAM constantly addressable
memory
CAS column address strobe
CD/ROM compact disk-ROM
CG character generator
CGA Color Graphics Adapter
CGB Color Graphics Board
CH channel
clk clock
cm centimeter
CMOS complementary metal oxide
semiconductor
COM communication
CONT contrast
CPGA ceramic pin grid array
CPU central processing unit
DAC digital-to-analog converter
DACK DMA acknowledge
DC direct current
DIP dual in-line package
DLAB Divisor Latch Address bit
DMA direct memory access
DMAC DMA controller
DOS disk operating system
DRAM dynamic RAM
ECC error checking and correction
EDO extended data output
EGA Enhanced Graphics Adapter
EPROM erasable and programmable
ROM
EVGA Enhanced Video Graphics
Array
FFahrenheit
FAX facsimile transmission
FCC Federal Communications
Commission
FG frame ground
FM frequency modulation
FP fast page
FRU field-replaceable unit
GB gigabyte
GND ground
HEX hexadecimal
HGA Hercules Graphics Adapter
Hz hertz
IC integrated circuit
ID identification
IDE intelligent device electronics
IDTR interrupt descriptor table
register
in. inch
INTA interrupt acknowledge
IPB illustrated parts breakdown
IR infrared
IRR Interrupt Request register
ISA Industry Standard
Architecture
ISR In Service register
I/O input/output
Abbreviations

xii
IPC integrated peripheral
controller
ips inches per second
IRQ interrupt request
Kkilo (1024)
kkilo (1000)
KB kilobyte
kg kilogram
kHz kilohertz
lb pound
LED light-emitting diode
LSB least-significant bit
LSI large-scale integration
Mmega
mA milliamps
max maximum
MB megabyte
MDA Monochrome Display Adapter
MFM modified frequency
modulation
MHz megahertz
mm millimeter
ms millisecond
MSB most-significant bit
NASC National Authorized Service
Center
NC not connected
NMI Non-maskable Interrupt
ns nanosecond
NSRC National Service Response
Center
PAL programmable array logic
PCB printed circuit board
PCI Peripheral Component
Interconnect
PDA personal digital assistant
PFP plastic flat package
PIO parallel input/output
pixel picture element
PLCC plastic leaded chip carrier
PLL phase lock loop
p-p peak-to-peak
PPI programmable peripheral
interface
PROM programmable ROM
QFP quad flat pack
RAM random-access memory
RAMDAC RAM digital-to-analog
converter
RAS row address strobe
RGB red green blue
RGBI red green blue intensity
ROM read-only memory
rpm revolutions per minute
Rread
RTC real-time clock
R/W read/write
Sslave
SCSI Small Computer System
Interface
SG signal ground
SIMM single inline memory module
SPM standard page mode
SRS Sound Retrieval System
SVGA Super Video Graphics Array
SW switch
TAC Technical Assistance Center
TSC Technical Support Center
TTL transistor/transistor logic
tpi tracks per inch
USB universal serial bus
Vvolt
Vac volts, alternating current
Vdc volts, direct current
VESA video electronics standards
association
VFC VESA-compliant feature
connector
VGA Video Graphics Array
VRAM video RAM
Wwatt
Wwrite

1
Overview of the Versa Note
nIntroduction
nFeature Highlights
nSystem Configuration
nQuick Tour of the Notebook
nSystem BIOS Program
nNotebook Accessories and System Options

1-2 Overview of the Versa Note
Introduction
This chapter provides the outline features and operation of the Versa Note Series
including the BIOS setup program and other system options.
The Versa Note all-in-one notebook offers the latest in advanced portable
computing and multimedia technology that even outperforms most desktop
computers. The notebook includes a powerful and upgradable Intel Mobile
Module (IMM) microprocessor, high-speed IDE CD-ROM drive, 16-bit stereo
audio capabilities, large screen colour display, high-capacity disk drive, and a
PCI local bus video graphics accelerator. It comes with a built-in Windows
95/98 keyboard, glidepad pointing device, PCMCIA slots, and advanced power
management. It also includes most of the I/O ports found in today’s desktop PC
including USB (Universal Serial Bus), FIR (Fast Infrared), and a docking port.
Versa Note Notebook Series Notebook Computer

Overview of the Versa Note 1-3
Feature Highlights
The Versa Note Series notebook includes a variety of innovative features.
Feature Highlights
Features Description
CPU Intel Mobile Module (IMM) using MMC1 packaging:
Tillamook IMM at 233 MHz; or
Pentium-II IMM at 233/266 MHz
Cache Memory IMM integrated L1 and L2 (512KB) Cache PBSRAM (pipelined-
burst)
Bus Architecture 32-bit PCI/PCI-to-ISA Bus Architecture
System Memory •Two memory slots for 144-pin SO-DIMM SDRAM (64-bit)
•Upgradable to 128MB using 16MB / 32MB / 64MB SO-
DIMM
Display •12.1”-SVGA TFT Colour LCD at 800x600 pixel resolution
•13.3”-TFT XGA Colour LCD at 1024x768 pixels resolution
•Maximum 64K (16-bit High Colour) colour display
•Brightness and Contrast controls via hot-key function
VGA •128-bit (internal) NeoMagic NMG4 PCI local bus VGA
controller and Windows graphics accelerator with 2MB
video memory
•Up to 1024x768 resolution for external CRT monitor at 64K
colours (16-bit) or 800x600 pixels at 16 million colours (24-
bit True Colour)
HDD •Built-in (internal) 2.5-inch Enhanced IDE hard drive
•3.2GB disk size with options for 2.1/4.0/6.4GB disk drives
•Supports Bus Mastering Ultra-DMA feature
Diskette Drive •Built-in 3.5-inch 1.44MB diskette drive with 3-Mode support
CD-ROM •Built-in ATAPI IDE 20X or 24X-speed CD-ROM drive
•Dummy case provided if system is without CD-ROM
Keyboard •Built-in 87-key (90-keys for Japan) Windows 95/98 keyboard
with 12 programmable function keys and 11 hot-key
functions
•Compatible with IBM enhanced 101/102-key keyboard
Pointing Device •Integrated glidepad with 2 select click buttons
•PS/2 mouse interface
PCMCIA Slot Double-deck PCMCIA 2.1 card slots that support two Type II or
one Type III PC cards
32-bit CardBus PCI local bus technology / Supports mixed
voltage PC cards (5V and 3.3V)
Integrated ZV (Zoomed Video) Port function on top PC slot

1-4 Overview of the Versa Note
Features Description
I/O Port Includes the following standard I/O ports:
1 x 9-pin Serial Port (COM1)
1 x 25-pin Printer Port (LPT1)
1 x mini-DIN PS/2 Port (K/B or Mouse)
1 x 15-pin VGA Port (CRT)
1 x standard USB Port
1 x FIR Port (COM2) – up to 4Mbps
1 x Docking Port
Audio System Integrated 16-bit full-duplex sound controller with software
wavetable function and FM stereo synthesizer
Compatible with Sound Blaster Pro
Integrated 2-way stereo speakers and mono microphone
Includes the following:
•Microphone-in jack (MIC-IN)
•Audio line-out jack
•Audio line-in jack
•Volume thumb-wheel knob control
Power System Universal Auto-switching 50W AC Adapter (100V – 240V) /
Auto-charging capability
Rechargeable Li-Ion (2800mAh/14.4V) Battery Pack
Over 2 hours of usage / 3 hours quick charge (computer off)
Power Management Windows APM 1.2 Compliant
ACPI and DMI 2.0 BIOS Ready
Suspend-to-RAM and Suspend-to-Disk feature / Auto Suspend
hot-key function / Battery Low Auto Suspend
Cover Switch (Suspend/CRT-only) function
LED Indicator 8 x LED Status Indicator for Power Source, Battery Charge,
Power Management, IDE, diskette drive, Caps Lock, Scroll
Lock, Num Lock
Optional Module 56Kbps Fax/Voice/Data Internal Modem with V.90 support
System Configuration
System Configuration Diagram

Overview of the Versa Note 1-5
IMM
Pentium II or
Tillamook
233/266/300 MHz
with integrated
512KB L2 cache
BIOS
Flash ROM
0MB on-board
Upgradeable to
128MB RAM
Color LCD
SVGA/XGA
DSTN / TFT
PCI Video
Controller
(VGA)
Touchpad
Pointing
Device
Serial Interface
(RS-232C)
Parallel
Interface
Memory Slot 0
8/16/32/64MB
SODIMM
Built-in HDD
PCMCIA Card
Slot x 2
PS/2 Keyboard
Keyboard PS/2 Mouse
RS-232C
Peripheral
Printer
Built-in
3.5" FDD
16-Bit
Audio System
FIR Port
External VGA
Monitor
or
Memory Slot 1
8/16/32/64MB
SODIMM
Buillt-in
CD-ROM
Internal Modem
or Internal LAN
Docking Port
Removable
Battery PCMCIA Card
Ext. Mic
Audio Line-In
Audio Line-Out
Game/MIDI
IR Equipped
Device
Phone Line or
Network Line
Docking Station
USB Interface USB Devices

1-6 Overview of the Versa Note
Quick Tour of the Notebook
Please take a moment to become familiar with the location and purpose of the
controls, LED status panel, connectors and ports, which are illustrated in this
section. Refer to the Versa Note User’s Guide for further information on
features.
The Front of the Notebook
Open the notebook by pushing the latch in the centre to the right to release and
tilt the LCD cover up. The following sections describe the front features
including the LCD display panel, keyboard, glidepad, status LED, and power
switch.
Colour LCD Display Panel
The LCD panel can be SVGA (800x600) or XGA (1024x768) or active-matrix
TFT colour liquid crystal display (LCD). You can adjust and tilt (up to 180°) the
LCD screen panel to your desired viewing position.
The Versa Note Series uses a 128-bit PCI bus VGA graphics controller with
2MB of video memory. All TFT SVGA or XGA Colour LCD models can
support up to 64K colours (65,536 colours) or 16-bit high colour. The notebook
also supports simultaneous display of the LCD with the external VGA monitor.
The LCD screen also uses CCFT (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Tube) backlighting
which consumes much of the electrical power of the notebook. To save battery
power, the system has an advanced power management feature that switches off
the LCD when there is no system activity for a predetermined amount of time.
Adjust the brightness and contrast level of the LCD by pressing the display
control hot-keys. The hot-keys are activated by pressing the Fn key in
conjunction with another key:
Fn + F8 Key = Increases the brightness of the LCD display
Fn + F9 Key = Decreases the brightness of the LCD display
Power and Suspend Status LED
Three LEDs at the bottom of the LCD front panel indicate power and suspend
status and are visible even when the cover is closed.
Power and Suspend Status LED

Overview of the Versa Note 1-7
A- Power LED B- Battery Charging LED
C- Suspend Mode LED
nPower LED – Lets you know if power to the system is turned on. This
LED is visible when the LCD panel is opened or closed. The LED turns
green when the system is powered on using the AC Adapter, battery,
Xtender Auto Adapter. The LED turns amber when the battery power is
low.
nBattery Charging LED – Indicates the battery charging status. The LED
turns amber when the battery is charging. The LED is off when the
battery is fully charged.
nSuspend Mode LED – Blinks green when the system is in Suspend
mode.

1-8 Overview of the Versa Note
Control Panel
The control panel of the notebook, located in front of the keyboard assembly,
contains the Power button and the Status LED panel.
Power Button and Status LED Panel
A- Power Button B- Status LED Panel
nPower Button – Press the Power button to power on or power off the
system. The Power button is also a “Smart” switch, meaning that it
recognizes when the system is in Suspend mode. Pressing the Power
button while in Suspend mode will bring it out of Suspend mode rather
than power it off.
Note: If you are unable to power off the system, use
the power override. Press the power button and hold it in
place for four seconds. The system will then power off.
nStatus LED Panel – Keeps you informed of the operating status. Each
LED is marked with an icon to designate a system status.

Overview of the Versa Note 1-9
Status LED Panel Icons
A- Hard Drive Access B- Diskette Drive Access
C- Caps Lock D- Scroll Lock
E- Num Lock
nHard Drive Access - Flashes when the system is accessing the hard disk
drive.
nDiskette Drive Access - Flashes when the system is accessing the
diskette drive.
nCaps Lock - When lit indicates that the Caps Lock key on the keyboard
is activated and all alphabet keys are in upper case letters.
nScroll Lock - When lit indicates that the Scroll Lock key on the
keyboard is active.
nNum Lock - When lit indicates that the Num Lock key on the keyboard
is active. The embedded numeric keypad (blue print numeric keys) is
enabled.
Cover Switch
The Cover switch is near the left hinge of the LCD panel. Whenever the LCD
cover is closed, it activates the Suspend mode or switches the display to CRT if
there is an external monitor connected.

1-10 Overview of the Versa Note
CAUTION
When Suspend mode is activated, do not let the system run
for a long period in battery mode. The battery continues to
drain power even in Suspend mode. If the notebook is not
going to be used for several hours, save all files and shut
down the power instead.
Keyboard Panel and Base Unit
The keyboard unit, glidepad, internal microphone, and the system speakers are
located on the keyboard panel and base unit. Below is a short description of
each feature.
Keyboard Panel and Base Unit
A- Keyboard B- Versa Glide
C- Internal Microphone D- Internal Speakers
nKeyboard – Standard QWERTY-key layout. The notebook keyboard has
87-keys that provides complete emulation of a full-sized enhanced
desktop keyboard. It includes Windows 95/98 hot-keys, 12 function
keys, inverted “T” cursor keys, embedded numeric keys, separate page
screen control keys, and special function hot-keys.

Overview of the Versa Note 1-11
Keyboard Layout
A- Function Keys B- Control Keys C- Windows 95/98 Key
D- Windows Short Cut Key E- Cursor Control Keys
The notebook keyboard is a little bit different from a standard desktop keyboard.
Aside from the normal alphanumeric characters and the standard keyboard
function keys, the notebook keyboard includes an embedded numeric keypad
and special function keys that become active by pressing the Fn key together
with another key. These special function keys or hot-keys allow you to control
and adjust some of the functions of the notebook like display controls, power
saving features, and others.
Function Keys Twelve function keys, F1 through F12, are available on the
Versa Note keyboard. These keys also work together with the Fn key to activate
special functions. Eight keys (printed in blue) are pre-programmed with dual
functions.
The following function-key combinations are pre-programmed for the Versa
Note:
Function Key Combinations
Function Keys Function Description
Fn + F3 Toggles between three video modes, LCD, CRT, or
simultaneous display on both.
Fn + F4 Sets standby power management mode to On. Press any key to
turn off standby mode.
Fn + F5 Stretches the display when running a low resolution mode on a
high resolution LCD panel.
Fn + F6 Turns the system speaker On or Off.
Fn + F7 Sets the power saving mode.
Fn + F8 Increases the LCD’s brightness.

1-12 Overview of the Versa Note
Function Keys Function Description
Fn + F9 Reduces the LCD’s brightness.
Fn + F10 Increases the LCD’s contrast.
Fn + F11 Reduces the LCD’s contrast.
Fn + Suspend Save to File on Demand immediately saves your system’s
working state to a reserved area on the hard disk drive.
Fn + SysReq System request is used in terminal emulation applications.
Fn + Break Sends a Break command.
nControl keys – Ctrl, Alt, Fn, and Shift are used in conjunction with other
keys to change their functions. To use Control keys, press and hold the
Control key while pressing another key. For example, “Press Ctrl C”
means to hold down the Ctrl key and type the letter C.
nWindows 95/98 keys –Use this key to activate the Start menu of
Windows 95/98.
nShortcut/Application key – Provides quick access to shortcut menus.
(This key acts like a right mouse button.)
nCursor Control keys – Cursor control keys move the cursor on the
screen. The cursor indicates where the next typed text is inserted and
can be blinking underline, block, or vertical bar depending on the
application.
nTypewriter keys – Typewriter keys (also called alphanumeric keys) are
used to enter text and characters. Keys with blue print on them behave
differently when combined with control keys or the Fn key.
nNumeric Keypad – Pressing Num Lock on the keyboard activates the
embedded numeric keypad numbers and functions printed in blue on top
of the keys. When you press Num Lock again, the keys revert to their
normal functions as typewriter keys.
Embedded Numeric Keypad