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Home | Laptop Support | Handling the ThinkPad
Handling the ThinkPad computer
By using common sense and by following these handling tips, you will get the most use and enjoyment out of your computer for a long time to come..
Notebook computers are precision machines that require careful handling. Though your computer is designed and tested to be a durable notebook computer that functions reliably in normal work environments, you need to use some common sense in handling it.
ThinkPad don'ts
- . Do not subject your computer to physical punishment, such as dropping or bumping.
- . Do not place heavy objects on your computer.
- . Do not spill or allow liquids into your computer.
- . Do not use your computer in or near water (to avoid the danger of electrical shock).
- . Do not pack your computer in a tightly packed suitcase or bag. Your LCD might be damaged.
- . Do not disassemble your computer. Only an authorized IBM ThinkPad repair technician should disassemble and repair your computer.
- . Do not scratch, twist, hit, or push the surface of your computer display.
- . Do not place any objects between the display and the keyboard or under the keyboard.
- . Do not pick up or hold your computer by the display. When picking up your open computer, hold it by the bottom (keyboard) half.
A scratchlike marking on your LCD might be a stain transferred from the keyboard (including from the TrackPoint stick) when the cover was pressed from the outside. Wipe such a stain gently with a dry soft cloth. If the stain remains, moisten the cloth with LCD cleaner and wipe the stain again. Be sure to dry the LCD before closing it.
- Do not modify or tape the latches to keep the display open or closed.
- Do not turn your computer over while the ac adapter is plugged in. This could break the adapter plug.
- Do not move the computer when the hard disk drive is accessing data (when the indicator is blinking).
- Do not use or store your computer where the temperature is below 41° F and 95° .
- Do not place your computer closer than 13 cm (5 in.) to any electrical appliance that generates a strong magnetic field, such as a motor, a magnet, a TV, a refrigerator, or large audio speakers.
- Do not put an operating cellular phone on the computer. The phone might cause a computer system malfunction.
- Do not hard-mount your computer in a vehicle or anywhere that it is subject to strong vibration.
- Do not crush, drop, or physically punish the external or removable hard disk, diskette, or CD-ROM drive when it is outside your computer.
- Do not press on the middle part of the diskette drive or the CD-ROM drive.
- Do not insert a diskette at an angle. Not inserting the diskette straight into the drive can damage the drive.
- Do not place more than one label on a diskette, and do not allow the label to be loose. Multiple or loose labels can detach or tear and then lodge in the drive.
- Do not touch the lens on the CD-ROM tray.
- Do not close the CD-ROM tray until you hear the CD-ROM click into the center pivot of the CD-ROM drive.
- Do not touch the surface of a compact disc; handle the compact disc only by its edges.
- Do not connect the modem to a PBX (private branch exchange) or other digital telephone extension line. Your computer can use only a public-switched telephone network (PSTN). Use of a phone line other than PSTN can damage your modem. If you are not sure which kind of phone line you are using, contact your telephone company. Many hotels or office buildings use digital telephone extension lines, so check before connecting the telephone cable in such places.
- Do not leave the base of your computer in contact with your lap or any part of your body for an extended period when thecomputer is functioning or when the battery is charging. Your computer dissipates some heat during normal operation. This heat is a function of the level of system activity and battery charge level. Extended contact with your body, even through clothing, could cause discomfort or, eventually, a skin burn.
ThinkPad do's
Treat your computer like precision electronic machinery.
- When installing your hard disk, diskette, or CD-ROM drive, follow the instructions in this online book and apply pressure only where needed on the device.
- When installing the CD-ROM or diskette drive into the UltraslimBay, make sure the ac adapter is disconnected from your computer.
- If you exchange drives in your computer, reinstall the plastic bezel faces (if supplied).
- Store your external and removable hard disk, diskette, and CD-ROM drives in the appropriate container or packaging when they are not being used.
- Choose a quality carrying case that will protect your computer.
- Store packing materials safely out of reach of children to prevent the risk of suffocation from plastic bags..
Cleaning your computer
Occasionally clean your computer as follows:
- Use a soft cloth moistened with nonalkaline detergent to wipe the exterior of the computer.
- Don't spray cleaner directly on the display or keyboard.
- Gently wipe the LCD with a dry, soft cloth.
Carrying your computer
When carrying your computer, follow these instructions to prevent possible damage to your computer and data:
1. Remove any media from the CD-ROM drive or diskette drive.
2. Turn off all attached devices.
3. Power off the computer, or enter suspend or hibernation mode; then close the LCD. Make sure the suspend indicator is on when the computer is in suspend mode, or the power indicator is off when it is powered off or in hibernation mode.
4. Unplug all external cables and cords connected to your computer.
5. Make sure all computer doors and covers are closed.
6. Use a quality carrying case that provides adequate cushion and protection.
Do not move the computer when the hard disk drive is accessing data—that is, when the indicator is blinking. Make sure the indicator is off before you carry the computer.
Extending the life of your computer's battery
The amount of battery power consumed by your computer depends on such conditions as the frequency of use, the operating temperature, and the period in storage (if unused). The following tips can help you to extend the life of your battery:
- Do not recharge the battery pack until all of its power is used. Recharging a battery pack that is not completely discharged can shorten battery life.
- Once you start charging the battery pack, do not use it until it is fully charged.
- Whenever possible, use the ThinkPad battery power-saving modes:
– Screen blank
– Standby
– Hibernation:
- Decrease the LCD brightness.
- Use power management. Each operating system comes with its own power management.
- If the internal serial devices—the modem, the serial port, and the infrared port—are not in use, stop the supply of power to them.
- If you will not be using the computer for a long period, remove the battery pack and keep it in a cool place.
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