6-8Upgrading Your Mobile Internet PC

Vendor-Provided PC Card Software

PC Card vendors provide the following types of PC Card software:

Card-specific device driver – If needed, install a card-specific device driver in Windows. It is important to be certain you are installing only a card-specific device driver. Installing the wrong software can limit the card’s ability to work properly. If diskettes are not clearly labeled or the instructions are unclear, call your PC Card vendor for more specific information.

Direct or point enabler – An enabler is proprietary software, which means it is designed to support only the card it comes with. An enabler can prevent your computer from working with other PC Cards. When an enabler is used, you lose the benefits of your existing PC Card software. You lose features such as Power Management, Sleep, Hibernation, support for other PC Cards, and the ability to hot plug (to insert cards without restarting your computer).

Enabler software should only be installed by an experienced user. In fact, an enabler is rarely needed.

NOTE: An enabler can disable your computer’s ability to function with another PC

Card. As a precaution, copy your important files to a diskette before installing an

+enabler.

NOTE: All Compaq computers with PC Card slots already have PC Card software loaded. Do not install vendor-provided Card and Socket Services.

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Compaq 1800 Series manual Vendor-Provided PC Card Software
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1800 Series specifications

The Compaq 1800 Series, introduced in the late 1990s, was a significant line of portable computers that catered to the growing demand for mobile computing. This series was designed to provide a blend of performance, portability, and a range of features that appealed to both business professionals and tech enthusiasts.

One of the key features of the Compaq 1800 Series was its robust design, which ensured durability while maintaining a sleek profile. The laptops came equipped with a 15-inch active matrix display, offering bright colors and good visibility, making it ideal for presentations and multimedia use. The machines were powered by Intel processors, particularly the Pentium III and Pentium 4, which delivered commendable performance for the applications of that era.

In terms of memory and storage, the Compaq 1800 Series supported substantial RAM configurations, often accommodating up to 1 GB, which allowed users to run multiple applications smoothly. Storage options included hard drives with capacities of up to 30 GB, providing ample space for documents, multimedia files, and software.

The series also emphasized connectivity, featuring multiple ports, including USB, serial, and parallel ports, along with PC Card slots for expansion. This made it easier for users to connect various peripherals such as printers, mice, and external storage devices, thus increasing the laptop's functionality. Additionally, built-in network options included 10/100 Ethernet and modem capabilities, allowing for internet connectivity in both home and office environments.

Another standout characteristic of the Compaq 1800 Series was its user-friendly interface and software bundle, which included the Windows operating system along with various productivity applications. This made it convenient for users to get started right out of the box.

Battery life was also a consideration for the 1800 Series, as it aimed to provide several hours of usage on a single charge, making it suitable for users who needed to work remotely or while traveling.

Overall, the Compaq 1800 Series represented a significant step forward in laptop technology during its time, combining reliable hardware, user-friendly design, and essential features to meet the demands of a diverse user base. Its legacy persists as a reminder of the evolution of portable computing and the growing importance of mobile technology in everyday life.
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