Alienware Area-51 m5550

Alienware Area-51 m5550 Technical Reference
1
Notice
The information in this user’s manual is subject to change without notice.
THE MANUFACTURER OR RESELLER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS
CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES WHICH MAY RESULT FROM THE PERFORMANCE OR USE OF THIS MANUAL.
The information in this user’s manual is protected by copyright laws. No part of
this manual may be photocopied or reproduced in any form without prior written
authorization from the copyright owners.
Copyright January, 2006
All rights reserved.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. DOS,
Windows 95/98/ME/2000/NT/XP/Vista are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of
their respective owners/companies.
The software described in this manual is delivered under a license agreement. The
software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by
U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights. Use of this copyright protection
technology must be authorized by Macrovision, and is intended for home and other
limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision. Reverse
engineering or disassembly is prohibited.
m5550-04-2007-techref.indd 1 4/6/2007 12:29:44 PM

Alienware Area-51 m5550 Specifications

General

Chipset	Intel 945PM
Memory Type	DDR2
Memory Capacity	Up to 2GB
Graphics Memory	256MB
Optical Drive	DVD±RW
Operating System	Windows XP Media Center Edition
Display Size	15.4 inch
Display Resolution	1680x1050 (WSXGA+)
Wireless	802.11b/g
CPU	Intel Core 2 Duo T7600 (2.33GHz)
Hard Drive	60GB

Summary

Chapter 1: Getting to Know the Basics

Performance Features

Details key hardware components and their capabilities for enhanced user experience.

System Components Overview

Covers Ethernet, Firewire, USB ports, and Wireless LAN connectivity options.

Notebook Features Overview

Identifies and describes external features like Top View, Front/Rear, Side, Bottom, Keyboard, and Touch Pad.

Graphics, Audio, and Modem

Explains the notebook's graphics subsystem, audio capabilities, and modem functionality.

Chapter 2: BIOS Setup and Security

BIOS Navigation and Keys

Instructions on entering, exiting, and using function keys within the BIOS setup.

Modifying BIOS Settings

Guides on changing main, boot, security, and power settings in the BIOS.

Password Protection

Details the implementation of Supervisor and User passwords for system security.

Chapter 3: Battery Power & Power Management

Battery Pack Management

Covers battery charging, low-power warnings, maintenance, and calibration for optimal performance.

Windows Power Management Features

Explains how to configure power schemes, plans, suspend/hibernate modes, and button actions in Windows.

Power Saving Modes and Alerts

Details suspend, hibernate modes, and configuring low battery notifications and alerts.

Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer

Hard Disk Drive Upgrade

Step-by-step instructions for replacing or upgrading the computer's hard disk drive.

System Memory Upgrade

Guidance on installing or replacing DDR2 memory modules (DIMMs) for improved performance.

Adding Optional Cards

Instructions for installing a wireless LAN card and accessing the Mini PCI socket.

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting

General Troubleshooting Steps

Provides initial checks and solutions for common hardware and software issues.

Specific Component Problems

Addresses issues with Audio, Hard Disk Drive, Display, Keyboard, Memory, and Modem.

Connectivity Troubleshooting

Solutions for modem connection difficulties and network adapter issues.

Performance and USBFirewire Issues

Troubleshooting for performance problems, USB/Firewire port issues, and PC card conflicts.

Appendix A: Product Specifications

Hardware Specifications Overview

Details specifications for processor, memory, display, audio, modem, and LAN.

Interfaces, Keyboard, and Battery

Covers ports, connectors, keyboard, touchpad, battery, and AC adapter specifications.

BIOS and Physical Characteristics

Outlines BIOS features and the physical dimensions and operating environment.

Appendix B: Agency Regulatory Notices

FCC Compliance and Modifications

Provides FCC compliance rules, modification guidelines, and peripheral connection standards.

Regional Notices and Power Requirements

Outlines European/Canadian notices and power cord specifications for various regions.

Safety Precautions

Details laser safety, lithium battery handling, and general battery pack safety guidelines.