Dell Precision M90 User Manual

DellPrecision™MobileWorkstationM90User'sGuide
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see Glossary.
IfyoupurchasedaDell™nSeriescomputer,anyreferencesinthisdocumenttoMicrosoft® Windows®operating systems are not applicable.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
©2006DellInc.Allrightsreserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
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Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any
proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Model PP05XA
January2006P/NND244Rev.A00
Finding Information
About Your Computer
Transferring Information to a New Computer
Using a Battery
Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad
Using the Display
Using Multimedia
Using Networks
Using Cards
Securing Your Computer
Troubleshooting
System Setup Program
Reinstalling Software
Adding and Replacing Parts
Dell™QuickSet
Traveling With Your Computer
Getting Help
Specifications
Appendix
Glossary
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

Dell Precision M90 Specifications

General

Battery	9-cell Lithium-Ion
Processor	Intel Core 2 Duo
Chipset	Intel 945PM Express
RAM	Up to 4GB DDR2
Storage	Up to 160GB HDD
Display	17-inch WUXGA (1920x1200) or WSXGA+ (1680x1050)
Graphics	NVIDIA Quadro FX 1500M
Optical Drive	DVD+/-RW
Operating System	Windows XP
Ports	USB 2.0
Wireless	Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG

Summary

Using a Battery

Battery Performance

Checking the Battery Charge

How to check the current battery charge level and status.

Conserving Battery Power

Tips and methods to maximize the computer's battery operating time.

Power Management Modes

Configuring Power Management Settings

Steps to adjust power management settings via software.

Charging the Battery

Replacing the Battery

Step-by-step guide for removing and installing the battery.

Using Cards

ExpressCards

Using the Display

Adjusting Brightness

Switching the Video Image

Setting Display Resolution

Getting Help

Obtaining Assistance

Procedures for contacting Dell support for technical issues.

Online Services

Support Service

Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad

Key Combinations

Lists shortcuts using Fn key and other special key combinations.

Touch Pad

Covers touch pad operation, gestures, and customization options.

Using Multimedia

Playing CDs or DVDs

Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device

Using Networks

Physically Connecting to a Network or Broadband Modem

Instructions for connecting the computer to a network via cable.

Network Setup Wizard

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

Explains WLAN technology and requirements for setup.

Connecting to a WLAN

Procedures for establishing a wireless network connection.

Mobile Broadband

Adding and Replacing Parts

Before You Begin

Safety precautions and prerequisites before performing hardware tasks.

Recommended Tools

Turning Off Your Computer

Steps to properly shut down the computer before servicing.

Before Working Inside Your Computer

Essential safety guidelines for working inside the computer chassis.

Dell™ QuickSet

Securing Your Computer

Security Cable Lock

Smart Cards

Information on smart card usage for enhanced security.

Installing a Smart Card

Passwords

Explains primary, administrator, and hard drive password types.

Trusted Platform Module (TPM)

Information on the TPM hardware security feature.

If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen

System Setup Program

Overview

Explanation of system setup utility and its uses.

System Setup Screens

Commonly Used Options

Changing the Boot Sequence

How to configure the order in which the computer boots devices.

Reinstalling Software

Drivers

Explains the role of drivers and when they might need installation.

Restoring Your Operating System

Guides on using Windows XP System Restore and the OS CD.

Specifications

Processor

Details about the CPU type, cache, and bus frequency.

System Information

ExpressCard

Memory

5-in-1 media memory card reader

Transferring Information to a New Computer

Traveling With Your Computer

Troubleshooting

Dell Diagnostics

How to run diagnostic tests to identify hardware problems.

Dell Support Utility

Drive Problems

Memory Problems

Network Problems

Power Problems

Steps to diagnose and resolve issues related to power and battery.

Sound and Speaker Problems

Touch Pad or Mouse Problems

Video and Display Problems