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Getting to Know Your Computer

This chapter identifies and describes the industry leader features, components, controls, and indicators of your Compaq Armada 6500 notebook computer. It also describes how to use the integrated touch pad as well as how to replace the system battery.

Features

The Compaq Armada 6500 is a high-performance notebook computer designed for the mobile professional. It offers the best-in-class features for a notebook computer.

·Intel Pentium II Processor 300 MHz or greater.

·2X AGP support

·512KB Level 2 pipelined sync-burst cache.

·6GB or larger Hard Drive

·64MB onboard SDRAM memory - expandable to 192MB or greater using 3.3V SDRAM SO-DIMMs.

·14.1 inch TFT XGA Color LCD Display.

·4MB SGRAM Video memory.

·External monitor support up to 1600 x 1200.

·CardBus slots - Two Type I or Type II cards or one Type III card.

·Zoomed Video support using lower CardBus slot - using Zoomed Video PC Cards in this slot enables the viewing of full motion video applications, such as MPEG playback, video capture and TV.

·Hot Swappable Expansion Bay for Diskette, CD-ROM or Optional Drive Modules.

·LCD Status display provides operating status of the computer.

·Integrated Touch Pad pointing device.

·Integrated 10/100 BaseT Ethernet/56K Data/FAX modem combo PC Card.

·16-bit Stereo Audio - internal microphone and stereo speakers with connections for an external microphone and stereo head- phones, speakers, or an amplifier.

·Smart Lithium Ion (LiIon) battery.

·APM 1.2 compliant Power Management - customizes system power usage based on your needs.

·Fast Infrared (FIR) Interface - allows the transfer of information with devices that have an infrared or fast infrared (FIR) interface.

·Supports hot docking to Compaq Mobile 6500 Expansion Unit or Compaq Armada 6500 Convenience Base.

·Full sized 85 key Windows keyboard.

·USB support.

·Microsoft ACPI support for Windows 98

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Compaq 6500 manual Getting to Know Your Computer, Features

6500 specifications

The Compaq 6500, a significant entry in the realm of computing, emerged in the mid-1990s as a part of the Compaq Presario series. This desktop computer was designed to meet the demands of both home and small business users, offering a reliable and powerful solution for various computing needs.

One of the standout features of the Compaq 6500 was its robust performance. It was equipped with Intel's Pentium processors, which provided significant processing power for the time. Users could choose between different configurations, which made the 6500 versatile for tasks ranging from basic word processing to more demanding applications like graphic design and multimedia.

In terms of memory, the Compaq 6500 supported significant RAM upgrades, accommodating up to 64 MB of DDR RAM, which enhanced its multitasking capabilities. This was particularly useful for users who ran multiple applications simultaneously. The system also offered an array of storage options, featuring hard drives with capacities that ranged from 1 GB to 8 GB, allowing for ample space for documents, images, and software.

The Compaq 6500 showcased advanced technologies for its era, including support for Plug and Play devices, which simplified peripheral connections. This feature allowed users to easily add and remove devices like printers, scanners, and modems without extensive configuration, streamlining the user experience.

Another crucial characteristic was its graphics capabilities. The desktop came with integrated graphics technology, allowing for decent video output and enabling users to enjoy multimedia content. For more demanding users, the system could be equipped with dedicated graphics cards, enhancing its performance in gaming and graphics rendering.

In terms of connectivity, the Compaq 6500 was equipped with various ports, including serial and parallel ports, and later models introduced USB support, paving the way for a broader range of peripherals and external devices.

The design of the Compaq 6500 also deserves mention; it featured a compact and functional chassis that was relatively easy to access, allowing users to upgrade components as needed. Its attractively sleek design made it a fitting choice for both home environments and office settings.

Overall, the Compaq 6500 was a well-rounded desktop computer that balanced performance, usability, and upgradeability, making it a notable choice during its time. It exemplified Compaq's commitment to delivering reliable technology to consumers, solidifying its place in the annals of computing history.