Caring for your ThinkPad computer

vUse a quality carrying case that provides adequate cushion and protection. Do not pack your computer in a tightly packed suitcase or bag.

Handle storage media and drives properly

vIf your computer comes with a diskette drive, avoid inserting diskettes at an angle and attaching multiple or loose diskette labels, as these can lodge in the drive.

vIf your computer comes with a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, do not touch the surface of a CD or the lens on the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM tray.

vWait until you hear the CD- or DVD-ROM click into the center pivot of the CD- or DVD-ROM drive before closing the CD- or DVD-ROM tray

vWhen installing your hard disk, diskette, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM drive, follow the instructions shipped with your hardware, and apply pressure only where needed on the device. See Access ThinkPad, your on-board help system, for information on replacing your hard disk drive (open Access ThinkPad by pressing the ThinkPad button).

Take care in setting passwords

vRemember your passwords. If you forget a supervisor or hard disk password, IBM will not reset it, and you may have to replace your hard disk drive.

vIf you are an administrator, remember that setting a supervisor password can prevent unauthorized initialization or changing of hard disk drive passwords.

Other important tips

vYour computer modem may use only an analog telephone network, or public-switched telephone network (PSTN). Do not connect the modem to a PBX (private branch exchange) or any other digital telephone extension line because this could damage your modem. Analog phone lines are often used in homes, while digital phone lines are often used in hotels or office buildings. If you are not sure which kind of phone line you are using, contact your telephone company.

vYour computer might have both an Ethernet connector and a modem connector. If so, be sure to connect your communication cable to the correct one, so your connector is not damaged. See Access ThinkPad, your on-board help system, for information on the location of these connectors (press the ThinkPad button to open Access ThinkPad).

vRegister your ThinkPad products with IBM (refer to the Web page: www.pc.ibm.com/register). This can help authorities return your computer to you if it is lost or stolen. Registering your computer also enables IBM to notify you about possible technical information and upgrades.

Chapter 1. Overview of your new ThinkPad computer 7

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IBM A21e manual Handle storage media and drives properly, Take care in setting passwords, Other important tips
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A21e specifications

The IBM A21e is a notable entry in the realm of Lenovo's ThinkPad series, primarily aimed at the educational sector and consumers seeking a reliable, budget-friendly option. Released as a part of IBM's initiative to enhance educational technology, the A21e brings together essential features, practical technologies, and robust characteristics that cater to students and everyday users alike.

One of the most distinguishing features of the A21e is its display. The laptop typically comes with a 14.1-inch screen, offering a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. This size provides a balance between portability and usability, making it ideal for students who need to carry their devices between classes without sacrificing screen real estate.

The keyboard is another highlight of the A21e. Renowned for its tactile feedback and comfortable typing experience, the spill-resistant keyboard enables users to write long essays or perform programming tasks with ease. Additionally, the laptop's design includes function keys that make it convenient to perform common computing tasks swiftly.

Under the hood, the A21e is powered by Intel processing technology, typically featuring Intel Celeron or Pentium processors. This ensures that the device is equipped to handle daily tasks such as word processing, web browsing, and multimedia playback. The laptop usually features a discrete graphics option for users who may require a bit more graphical power, catering to casual gamers or multimedia creators.

The memory options for the A21e generally range up to 1GB of RAM, which supports smooth multitasking for basic applications. With a hard drive capacity extending to 40GB or more, users have ample storage for documents, media files, and educational resources. It also features a DVD-ROM drive, allowing for the playback of multimedia and installation of software from physical media.

Connectivity-wise, the IBM A21e supports a variety of ports, including USB 1.1 for peripheral connections, a multimedia card slot, and an Ethernet port for networking capabilities. This emphasis on connectivity ensures that users can integrate the laptop into diverse environments, whether for classroom use or home study.

The laptop's build quality contributes to its perceived durability. With rugged features designed to withstand the rigors of school life, the A21e stands as a practical choice for students and educational institutions alike. Overall, the IBM A21e combines essential features with flexible technologies, making it an enduring tool for learning and productivity.
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