Maintenance & Service Guide

Presario 1600 Series

Models: 1650 and 1655

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Preliminary Steps

Before running POST, complete the following preliminary steps:

1.If a power-on password has been established, type the password and press the Enter key. If the password is not known, clear the password.

2.Run Computer Checkup.

3.Turn off the computer and its external devices.

4.Disconnect any external devices that you do not want to test. Do not disconnect the printer if you want to test it or use it to log error messages.

If the problem only occurs when an external device is connected IMPORTANT: to the computer, the problem may be related to the external

device or its cable. Verify this by running POST with and without the external device connected.

5.Install loopback plugs in the serial and parallel connectors if you would like to test these ports.

6.Ensure the hard drive is installed in the computer.

7.Ensure that the battery pack is inserted in the computer and the computer is connected to an external AC power source.

When the preliminary steps are completed, you are ready to run POST.

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Compaq 1650, Presario 1600 Series, 1655 manual Preliminary Steps, Run Computer Checkup

1650, 1655, Presario 1600 Series specifications

The Compaq Presario 1600 Series was a range of laptop computers introduced in the late 1990s, catering to users seeking performance and portability at an affordable price. Among the most notable models in this series were the Compaq Presario 1650 and 1655, which offered a combination of usability and innovative features that appealed to both casual users and professionals.

These laptops were characterized by their sleek design and relatively lightweight build, making them practical for users on the go. Weighing approximately 6.5 to 7 pounds, they were still manageable for regular travel. The displays featured a 15-inch diagonal screen with a resolution of 800x600 pixels, a respectable offering for that era, providing clear visuals for productivity tasks and multimedia consumption.

Powering these laptops, users found a choice between Intel Pentium II and III processors, allowing for enhanced performance. With speeds ranging from 300 MHz to 450 MHz, these processors ensured that users could run various applications efficiently, whether for business or entertainment. The Presario 1655 provided options for more advanced graphics with an integrated S3 Savage graphics card, enhancing its capability for 3D applications and casual gaming.

In terms of memory, the 1600 series laptops typically came equipped with 32 MB of RAM, which could be upgraded to accommodate the increasing demands of software and multitasking. Additionally, the units included a hard drive capacity ranging from 4 GB to 12 GB, providing ample storage space for documents, multimedia files, and applications.

Connectivity options were also a significant focus for the Presario 1600 Series. Featuring both Ethernet and modem ports, users could easily connect to networks and the internet. The laptops included USB and parallel ports, catering to a variety of peripheral devices, including printers and external storage solutions.

Another notable aspect of the Compaq Presario 1600 series was its emphasis on multimedia features. The presence of a built-in CD-ROM drive allowed users to access software and media easily, while integrated speakers offered decent audio output for video playback. Some models even came equipped with a 56k modem for dial-up internet access, keeping users connected during an era when internet use was expanding rapidly.

Overall, the Compaq Presario 1600 Series, including the 1650 and 1655 models, represented a significant step in portable computing during the late 1990s. With their combination of performance, portability, and multimedia capabilities, these laptops were well-received and laid the groundwork for future advancements in the laptop industry.