Getting help and service

Getting help and service

If you need help, service, technical assistance, or just want more information about IBM products, you will find a wide variety of sources available from IBM to assist you. This section contains information about where to go for additional information about IBM and IBM products, what to do if you experience a problem with your computer, and whom to call for service should it be necessary.

Information about your IBM computer and preinstalled software, if any, is available in the documentation that comes with your computer. That documentation includes printed books, online books, README files, and help files. In addition, information about IBM products is available on the World Wide Web and through the IBM Automated Fax System.

For technical assistance with the installation of, or questions related to, Service Packs for your preinstalled Microsoft Windows product, refer to the Microsoft Product Support Services Web site at support.microsoft.com/directory/, or you can contact the IBM HelpCenter®. Some fees might apply.

Getting help on the Web

On the World Wide Web, the IBM Web site has up-to-date information about IBM Personal Computer products and support. The address for the IBM Personal Computing home page is www.ibm.com/pc

IBM provides an extensive Web site dedicated to mobile computing and to ThinkPad computers at www.ibm.com/pc/support

Research this Web site to learn how to solve problems, find new ways to use your computer, and learn about options that can make working with your ThinkPad computer even easier.

If you select Profile from the support page, you can create a customized support page that is specific to your hardware, complete with Frequently Asked Questions, Parts Information, Technical Hints and Tips, and Downloadable Files. In addition, you can choose to receive e-mail notifications whenever new information becomes available about your registered products.

You also can order publications through the IBM Publications Ordering System at

www.elink.ibmlink.ibm.com/public/applications/publications/cgibin/pbi.cgi

34ThinkPad® A21e Service and Troubleshooting Guide

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IBM A21e manual Getting help and service, Getting help on the Web

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.