How do I install a Panasonic (KXD-720) PCMCIA CD-ROM drive?
To install the Panasonic PCMCIA CD-ROM driver in MS-DOS 5.0 (or higher), follow the manufacturer's instructions.
To install the CD-ROM in Windows 95, download the Windows 95 driver available from Panasonic (ftp://ftp.panasonic.com) or MidWest Micro's (ftp://ftp.mwmicro.com) Ftp site. Extract the file and follow the directions in the README file. For optimal performance, remove any real mode PCMCIA drivers.

What devices are tested to work in my parallel port?
Any standard parallel device The SoundBook Plus, SoundBook II and SoundBook IIp are equipped with ECP/EPP compatible parallel ports so any ECP/EPP compatible devices should work. Below is a list of just a few devices tested to work with your notebook.

• Colorado Memory Systems' External Parallel Port Tape Backups-250, 350, 700 and HP Travan T1000
• Infotel Pocket Ethernet Adapter
• MicroSolutions Backpack CD-ROMs-on 486 Notebooks (Non-SoundBook)

What does my notebook's IrDA interface hook up to?
The IrDA interface operates like any other serial device (infrared light is used instead of a cable) and connects to any IrDA compliant device. Many of today's high-end printers have IrDA interfaces built into them.

What is on the I/O Port Replicator?
The I/O Port Replicator is equipped with:

• 1 personality module bay
• 2 PS/2 ports
• 2 serial ports
• 1 parallel port
• 1 game/midi port
• 1 VGA port
• Microphone in, line in, line out
• Built-in stereo speakers

What is on the Docking Station?
The docking station is equipped with:

• 2 PS/2 ports
• 2 serial ports
• 1 parallel port
• 1 VGA port
• Microphone in, line in, line out
• 1 3.5" floppy drive
• 1 5.25" drive bay
• 2 16-bit ISA sockets
• Built-in stereo speakers

What battery life should I expect? How can I lengthen it?
The expected battery life varies from notebook to notebook, although it averages between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. To lengthen battery life, use power management. The default power management settings aren't always the most beneficial, however, because usage varies from one user to the next. Try experimenting with the settings-most users prefer "Medium" (which runs approximately 4 minutes before shutting down) or "Minimum" (which run approximately 15 minutes before shutting down).

NOTE: It's recommend to run down the battery once a month. To do this, disable the power management settings and leave the notebook running until the battery runs out. Once the battery is completely drained, fully recharge it. Repeat this step twice to ensure that the battery cells will retain a charge.

How can I adjust the resolution on my notebook?
For Windows 3.x, run the SETUP.EXE program found in the Windows sub-directory. Select Chips and Technologies (C&T) driver you desire and follow the on-screen instructions.

For Windows 95, select the "Display Properties" to adjust the resolution, then right-click on the Windows 95 background and choose "Properties" to bring up the "Display Properties" menu. Select the desired resolution from the on-screen menu.

NOTE: Changing to a resolution that is higher than what the notebook supports will cause it to project a virtual display on the LCD. However, this does not effect external monitors in any way.

What is a virtual display? How can I get a virtual display in Window 95?
A virtual display provides a work area that is larger than what can be represented by the screen. Most LCDs work area are limited to 640 x 480. With a virtual display, however, the work area can be extended to the maximum resolution, allowing you to view areas not displayed on screen. To get a virtual display in Windows 95, set the resolution higher than what is supported by the notebook's LCD. Although the visual area is still 640 x 480, a virtual display lets you use the pointer to scroll to off-screen areas.

What refresh rates are supported for external monitors, and how can I change them?
The refresh rate for external monitors is fixed at 60 Hz for all resolutions.

What PCMCIA devices (PC Cards) can I use on my SoundBook?
Most PCMCIA 2.0 devices will work. Our notebooks take advantage of either the Cirrus Logic or Databook chipsets, both meet the PCMCIA 2.0 standard.

Why doesn't my PCMCIA device (PC Card) work?
Most likely, it won't work because of outdated PCMCIA drivers. If you are using Windows 95, see if the manufacturer has updated the drivers. If you are using MS-DOS 6.x, download the latest version of the PCMCIA device drivers at ftp://ftp.mwmicro.com/pub/bbs/notebook. If are using the latest version of the PCMCIA drivers and the card still doesn't work, the PCMCIA device may be incompatible. Check with the manufacturer for troubleshooting advice. For troubleshooting tips, consult our infoFax fax-on-demand service or our WWW site located at http://www.mwmicro.com.

I want to upgrade my hard drive. What do I need?
The original 486 Notebook, 486 Sub Note, 486 SoundBook and P5 SoundBook Plus all feature user replaceable hard drives, so all you need is a new 2.5" IDE hard drive.

For the TS-38, SoundBook and SoundBook Plus, remove the panels on the bottom and then remove the black heat spreader. The Sub Note's hard drive is located under the bottom panel, opposite the battery.

NOTE: The 486 SoundBook II and P5 SoundBook IIp do not feature user replaceable hard drives. However, they do have Personality Module hard drives that can be used in addition to the original hard drive.

How do I install a Personality Module?
To install a Personality Module, refer to the user's manual. Turn the notebook off before attempting to insert or remove personality modules.

Are the Personality Modules on the SoundBook II and IIp hot-swappable?
The SoundBook II and IIp's Personality Modules are not hot-swappable. Inserting or removing a Personality Module with the notebook on can damage both the notebook and the personality module, voiding the warranty for both.

What sound chip does my notebook have? What is it compatible with?

• The 486 SoundBook uses the ESS-488 audio chipset. It is compatible with the "Microsoft Windows Sound System" standard and uses the resources: Address 220, DMA 1 and IRQ 5.
• The SoundBook Plus and SoundBook II use the ESS-688 audio chipset. It is compatible with both the "Microsoft Windows Sound System" and "Sound Blaster Pro" standards and uses the resources: Address 220, DMA 1 and IRQ 5.
• The SoundBook IIp uses the ESS-1688 audio chipset. It is compatible with both "Microsoft Windows Sound System" and "Sound Blaster Pro" standards. The resources for the Address, DMA and IRQ are selectable in the BIOS.

What video chipset does my notebook have and where can I find the latest drivers for it?

• The original 486 Notebook and 486 SoundBook use the Chips & Technologies 65540 video chipset.
• The P5 SoundBook Plus, 486 SoundBook II and P5 SoundBook IIp (640 x 480 model) use the Chips & Technologies 65545 video chipset.
• The P5 SoundBook IIp (800 x 600 model) uses the Chips & Technologies 65548 video chipset.

The drivers for these video chipsets can be found on our Ftp site at ftp://ftp.mwmicro.com/pub/bbs/video and BBS at (513) 368-3741.

Where can I find the latest flash BIOS and system files for my notebook?
The latest flash BIOS and system files for all of our notebooks can be found on our Ftp site at ftp://ftp.mwmicro.com/pub/bbs/bios and BBS at (513) 368-3741.

What operating systems have been tested with my notebook and what drivers are available?
All of our notebooks have been tested to work with MS-DOS 5.0 and above. All of the SoundBooks, SoundBook Plus', SoundBook IIs and SoundBook IIps operate with Windows 95. However, your notebook only supports the operating system it was shipped with. As a benefit to you, we offer video drivers for some of our notebooks for OS/2 2.x, OS/2 Warp, Windows NT and Linux/Xfree86. PCMCIA drivers for Linux are also available.

How can I get my PCMCIA sockets to work in OS/2?
We can not guarantee that our PCMCIA notebooks' sockets will work with OS/2. OS/2 Warp ships with drivers for the Cirrus Logic chipset and should be used with the "Matshushita" option. Please contact IBM for support issues.

How can I get my PCMCIA sockets to work in Windows NT?
We can not guarantee that our PCMCIA notebooks' sockets will work with any version of Windows NT. Windows NT 3.51 was the first to ship with PCMCIA support. Please contact Microsoft for support issues.

What's the maximum amount of RAM my notebook supports?

• 386 Notebooks (NB5620/5625) are upgradeable to 5 Mb.
• 386SL Notebooks (NB5500/5600) are upgradeable to 8 Mb .
• 486SL/SLC Notebooks (TS-34/35) are upgradeable to 8 Mb.
• 486 SubNote (TS-37/30VS) is upgradeable to 12 Mb.
• 486 Notebook (TS-38) is upgradeable to 20 Mb.
• 486 SoundBook is upgradeable to 20 Mb.
• 486 SoundBook II is upgradeable to 36 Mb.
• P5 SoundBook Plus is upgradeable to 40 Mb.
• P5 SoundBook IIp is upgradeable to 40 Mb.

What is a DSTN display? What is a TFT display? Which is better? Why?

• A DSTN (dual-scan or passive) display is a color display that uses backlighting to illuminate the LCD display.
• A TFT (Thin Film Transistor or active) display is a color display that uses individually lit transistors to illuminate the LCD display.

TFT displays often a faster refresh time and sharper image than DSTN display.

Are there lithium ion (Li-ION) batteries available for my notebook?
Li-ION batteries are not available for any model of SoundBook notebook. Our notebooks use either NiCAD or NiHH batteries.

Which notebooks have been approved by Microsoft and carry "Designed for Windows 95" logo?
The SoundBook II and SoundBook IIp have been approved by Microsoft and carry "Designed for Windows 95" logo.

Can I run power management and a screen saver at the same time?
Do not run power management and a screen saver at the same time. Screen savers keep the system active and can prevent the power management from working correctly.

I cannot connect or have trouble after connecting when using my PCMCIA modem with certain communication packages (i.e. America On-Line and PC Anywhere). What can I do?
To correct this problem, disable the power management features. Power management continually checks the notebook for activity and causes conflicts with some software packages. If the problem persists, contact the software manufacturer.

I want to upgrade to Windows 95. What should I do?
Before upgrading to Windows 95, we recommend following these steps before installing the new operating system.

• Make a complete backup of your hard drive using an MS-DOS based software package.
• Update the notebook's BIOS to the latest flash BIOS revision. The latest BIOS revisions can be obtained from our Ftp site at ftp://ftp.mwmicro.com/pub/bbs/bios or BBS at (513) 368-3741.
• Disable all power management features. (They can be enabled after the installation is completed.)
• Remove any Windows 3.x programs that relate to real-mode PCMCIA drivers. For example, CardWiz and CardView.
• Rename the CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files to CONFIG.BAK and AUTOEXEC.BAK.
• Disable any anti-virus programs.

NOTE: Due to the large number of Windows 95 installation diskettes, we recommend letting the floppy drive cool down 5 minutes after every 4-5 diskettes.

Some floppy disks won't read in my notebook's floppy drive but work fine in other computer's, why?
The head alignment on floppy drives varies from one floppy drive to another. Try formatting a diskette in the notebook and copying the file from the other computer onto the newly formatted disk.

My floppy drive becomes disabled when I am using a "Supervisor" password. Why?
The floppy drive is disabled when a password is being used for security purposes. This prevents someone from copying private information or installing a virus on the notebook. To access the floppy drive, simply remove the password.