WinBook Tech Article
For more information visit www.winbookcorp.com
Subject: Overview of ports, panels, switches and indicators on the WinBook GL30 and GL80 notebook
Keywords: Left, right, top, bottom, front, back, view, sides, ports, led, light, slots, connectors
Tech Article Number: WBTA0000360003

NOTE: You, the customer, are solely responsible for data security. WinBook strongly recommends that you perform a backup of all personal data contained on your system prior to performing this procedure. Warning: WinBook will NOT be held responsible for any data loss incurred during this process.


There are a number of different ports, panels, and switches located in various locations on the WinBook GL30 and GL80 notebook. This article will describe these items:

Click a view below to jump directly to it:

Top Open View:

  1. Camera
    The built-in camera allows picture taking or video recording. It can be used with video conferencing and other interactive applications.
  2. Microphone (Built-in)
    The built-in mono microphone can be used for video conferencing, voice narrations, or simple audio recordings.
  3. Display Panel
    The display panel functions the same as a desktop monitor. The Notebook PC uses an active matrix TFT LCD, which provides excellent viewing like that of desktop monitors. Unlike desktop monitors, the LCD panel does not produce any radiation or flickering, so it is easier on the eyes. Use a soft cloth without chemical liquids to clean the display panel. If using an LCD cleaning solution be sure to apply the cleaner to the cloth and never directly on the panel.
  4. Power Switch
    The power switch allows powering ON and OFF the Notebook PC and recovering from Suspend-to-Disk (Hibernation) mode. Use the switch once to turn ON and once to turn OFF the Notebook PC. In Windows, this button can be configured to safely turn OFF the Notebook PC. The power switch only works when the display panel is opened.
  5. Instant Keys
    Instant keys allow launching frequently used applications with one push of a button. Details are described in the "Switches and Status Indicators" section of the help.
  6. Keyboard
    The keyboard provides full-sized keys with comfortable travel (depth at which the keys can be depressed) and palm rest for both hands. Two Windows function keys are provided to help ease navigation in the Windows operating system.
  7. Touchpad and Buttons
    The touchpad with its buttons is a pointing device that provides the same functions as a desktop mouse. A software-controlled scrolling function is available after setting up the included touchpad utility to allow easy Windows or web navigation.
  8. Status Indicators (front)
    Status indicator details are described in the "Switches and Status Indicators" section of the help.
  9. Status Indicators (top)
    Status indicator details are described in the "Switches and Status Indicators" section of the help.

Bottom View:

WARNING! The bottom of the Notebook PC can get very hot. Be careful when handling the Notebook PC while it is in operation or if it has recently been in operation. High temperatures are normal during charging or operation. Do not use on soft surfaces such as beds or sofas which may block the vents. DO NOT PUT THE NOTEBOOK PC ON YOUR LAP OR OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY TO AVOID INJURY FROM THE HEAT.

  1. Memory (RAM) Compartment
    The memory compartment provides expansion capabilities for additional memory. Additional memory will increase application performance by decreasing hard disk access. The BIOS automatically detects the amount of memory in the system and configures CMOS accordingly during the POST (Power-On-Self-Test) process. There is no hardware or software (including BIOS) setup required after the memory is installed. Please see the "Memory Upgrade/Removal" section for details on accessing the memory. Only purchase expansion modules from authorized retailers of this Notebook PC to ensure maximum compatibility and reliability.
  2. Central Processor Unit (CPU) Compartment
    This is where the Central Processor Unit (CPU) is. Even though it is easily accessible, the CPU is not a user replaceable part.
  3. Cooling Fan
    The cooling fan is activated to remove excess heat depending on temperature threshold settings. The "Thermal Control" section describes the cooling in more detail.
  4. Hard Disk Drive Compartment
    The hard disk drive is secured in a compartment. Please see the "Hard Drive Upgrade/Removal" section for details on accessing the hard disk drive.
  5. Battery Pack
    The battery pack is automatically charged when connected to an AC power source and maintains power to the Notebook PC when AC power is not connected. This allows use when moving temporarily between locations. Battery time varies by usage and by the specifications for this Notebook PC. The battery pack cannot be disassembled and must be purchased as a single unit.
  6. Shutdown Button (Emergency)
    In case the operating system cannot properly turn OFF or restart, the shutdown button can be pressed with a straightened paper clip to shutdown the Notebook PC.
  7. Wireless LAN (WLAN) Compartment
    The WLAN compartment allows the installation of a wireless networking card in order to wirelessly connect to network access points or other wireless networking devices.

Front View:

  1. Audio Speakers
    The built-in stereo speaker system allows hearing audio without additional attachments. The multimedia sound system features an integrated digital audio controller that produces rich, vibrant sound (results improved with external stereo headphones or powered speakers). Audio features are software controlled.
  2. Display Panel Release Button
    Press the display panel release button to open the display panel.

WARNING! Opening the display panel too far may cause the hinges to break! Never lift the Notebook PC by the display panel!

Back View:

  1. Display (Monitor) Output
    The 15-pin D-sub monitor port supports a standard VGA-compatible device such as a monitor or projector to allow viewing on a larger external display.
  2. USB Port (2.0/1.1)
    The Universal Serial Bus is compatible with USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 devices such as keyboards, pointing devices, cameras, hard disk drives, printers, and scanners connected in a series up to 12Mbits/sec (USB 1.1) and 480Mbits/sec (USB 2.0). USB allows many devices to run simultaneously on a single computer, with peripherals such as USB keyboards and some newer monitors acting as additional plug-in sites or hubs. USB supports hot-swapping of devices so that most peripherals can be connected or disconnected without restarting the computer.
  3. LAN Port
    he RJ-45 LAN port with eight pins is larger than the RJ-11 modem port and supports a standard Ethernet cable for connection to a local network. The built-in connector allows convenient use without additional adapters.
  4. Modem Port
    The RJ-11 modem port with two pins is smaller than the RJ-45 LAN port and supports a standard telephone cable. The internal modem supports up to 56K V.90 transfers. The built-in connector allows convenient use without additional adapters.
    IMPORTANT!
    The built-in modem does not support the voltage used in digital phone systems. Do not connect the modem port to a digital phone system or else damage will occur to the Notebook PC.
  5. Power (DC) Input
    The supplied power adapter converts AC power to DC power for use with this jack. Power supplied through this jack supplies power to the Notebook PC and charges the internal battery pack. To prevent damage to the Notebook PC and battery pack, always use the supplied power adapter. CAUTION: THE POWER ADAPTER MAY BECOME WARM TO HOT WHEN IN USE. BE SURE NOT TO COVER THE ADAPTER AND KEEP IT AWAY FROM YOUR BODY.
  6. Kensington® Lock Port
    The Kensington® lock port allows the Notebook PC to be secured using Kensington® compatible Notebook PC security products. These security products usually include a metal cable and lock that prevent the Notebook PC to be removed from a fixed object. Some security products may also include a motion detector to sound an alarm when moved.
  7. Air Vents
    The air vents allow cool air to enter and warm air to exit the Notebook PC.
    IMPORTANT!
    Make sure that paper, books, clothing, cables, or other objects do not block any of the air vents or else overheating of the Notebook PC may occur.

Left View:

  1. Optical Drive
    The Notebook PC may come in various models with different optical drives. The Notebook PC’s optical drive may support compact discs (CD) and/or digital video discs (DVD) and may have recordable (R) or re-writable (RW) capabilities. See the marketing specifications for details on each model.
  2. Optical Drive Activity Indicator (location varies by model)
    The optical drive activity indicator shows when data is being transferred by the optical disk drive. This indicator will light in proportion to the data size transferred.
  3. Optical Drive Electronic Eject
    The optical drive eject has an electronic eject button for opening the tray. You can also eject the optical drive tray through any software player or by right clicking the optical drive in Windows™ “My Computer.”
  4. Optical Drive Emergency Eject (location varies by model)
    The emergency eject is used to eject the optical drive tray in case the electronic eject does not work. Do not use the emergency eject in place of the electronic eject.

Right View:

  1. Headphone Output Jack
    The stereo headphone jack (1/8 inch) is used to connect the Notebook PC’s audio out signal to amplified speakers or headphones.
  2. Microphone Input Jack
    The mono microphone jack (1/8 inch) can be used to connect an external microphone or output signals from audio devices. Use this feature for video conferencing, voice narrations, or simple audio recordings.
  3. USB Port (2.0/1.1)
    The Universal Serial Bus is compatible with USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 devices such as keyboards, pointing devices, cameras, hard disk drives, printers, and scanners connected in a series up to 12Mbits/sec (USB 1.1) and 480Mbits/sec (USB 2.0). USB allows many devices to run simultaneously on a single computer, with peripherals such as USB keyboards and some newer monitors acting as additional plug-in sites or hubs. USB supports hot-swapping of devices so that most peripherals can be connected or disconnected without restarting the computer.
  4. IEEE1394 Port
    IEEE1394 is a high speed serial bus like SCSI but has simple connections and hot-plugging capabilities like USB. The interface IEEE1394 has a bandwidth of 100-400 Mbits/sec and can handle up to 63 units on the same bus. IEEE1394 is also used in high-end digital equipment and should be marked “DV” for Digital Video port.
  5. ExpressCard Slot
    One 26pin Express card slot is available to support one ExpressCard/34mm or one ExpressCard/54mm expansion card. This new interface is faster by using a serial bus supporting USB 2.0 and PCI Express instead of the slower parallel bus used in the PC card slot. (Not compatible with previous PCMCIA cards.)
  6. Flash Memory Slot
    Normally a PCMCIA or USB memory card reader must be purchased separately in order to use memory cards from devices such as digital cameras, MP3 players, mobile phones, and PDAs. This Notebook PC has a built-in memory card reader that can read many flash memory cards as specified later in this manual. The built-in memory card reader is not only convenient, but also faster than most other forms of memory card readers because it utilizes the high-bandwidth PCI bus.

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