Advent 5493 Laptop
Specification
| CPU | Intel Pentium III 933MHz |
| Memory | 128MB PC133 SODIMM (2 memory slots. Max 512MB) |
| Hard Drive | 18GB |
| CD Drive | QSI SDR-081 8x DVD ROM * |
| Floppy Drive | Floppy disk drive fitted |
| Screen | 14.1" TFT (Native Res.1024x768) |
| Video Card | Trident Blade 3D 8MB |
| Sound Card | VIA AC97 PCI audio (WDM) |
| Modem | Generic Soft 56K modem (Lucent Winmodem V.90) |
| PC Card | Will take either 2x Type I/II or 1x Type III |
| Ports | 1x Headphone 1x Microphone 1x Audio Out 1x VGA 1x Modem/LAN 2x PCMCIA 1x PS/2 1x S-Video (TV Out) 1x Serial 1x Parallel 2x USB 1x Kensington Lock |
| Made By | Gericom 1stSupersonic A440 |
* Some models have a Toshiba SD-C2502 8x CD/DVD fitted instead.
Drivers
Your laptop should have been supplied with a utility CD which contains a backup copy of all the drivers.
The 5493 is basically a rebadged Gericom 1stSupersonic A440 (you should see this printed on the underside of the laptop) so you can download the drivers from Gericom's website.
Memory Upgrades
This laptop has two memory slots. To access the memory compartment -
- Make sure the computer is switched off and everything unplugged
- Turn the laptop upside down and remove the screw holding the memory compartment cover (see "Bottom of Laptop" section below)
- Removing the cover will give you access to the memory compartment which contains both memory slots.
Adding RAM is the most cost effective way to boost your computer's performance.
Bottom of Laptop
- Battery Compartment
- Battery Release Latch
- Memory Compartment
- Stand, use to improve keyboard angle
Function Keys
Fn+F3 - Toggle the display between LCD, CRT, and LCD+CRT
Fn+F4 - Toggle between suspend/resume state
Fn+F5 - Expand LCD display. Only works in 640x480 resolution
Fn+F6 - Turn audio on/off
Fn+F7 - Energy Saving Mode, there are four settings -
- 1 beep - Disable energy saving
- 2 beeps - Personalised setting
- 3 beeps - Maximise system performance
- 4 beeps - Maximise energy saving
Fn+F9 - Decrease screen brightness
Fn+F10 - Increase screen contrast (DSTN screens only)
Fn+F11 - Decrease screen contrast (DSTN screens only)
In the Box
Disks Supplied
- Advent recovery CD
- Driver utility CD
Items Supplied
- Advent 5493 notebook
- Mains power adapter
- Mains power cable
- UK modem cable
- S-Video cable
Documentation Supplied
- Advent notebook user's manual
- Gettings started with Microsoft Windows Me
- Freeserve leaflet
- User guide for fax modem
Recovery
Warning: this process will erase all files from your computer. It is important that you save any personal files to disk before you begin.
A bootable recovery CD is supplied with these machines. To recover the system:-
- Insert CD (and floppy disk if supplied) into the drive.
- Reboot the PC.
- A warning message prompting you to backup data before proceeding.
- Press Y to continue.
- A final warning that all data will be erased is displayed.
- Press Y to continue.
- Finally a message "Remove CD-ROM when prompted" is displayed.
- Press Y to continue.
- The image file will load. Once complete you will be prompted to remove the CD and press CTRL + ALT + DEL to restart.
Useful Links
Repairs and Spares
All official service and support is handled by Knowhow (basically "The Tech Guys" under a new name), their website is http://www.knowhow.com/. If you laptop is covered under warranty then you need to contact them for repairs.
There are also plenty of other companies that do repairs or supply spare parts, here is a selection -
TechnoMart - http://www.techno-mart.co.uk
DriveMyLaptop (replacement drives) - http://www.drivemylaptop.co.uk
Laptop Solutions UK - http://www.laptopsolutionsuk.co.uk
PartMaster (spare parts) - http://www.partmaster.co.uk
FAQ
Blank screen or EMM386 error after recovery
Once the recovery has completed the screen goes blank or an EMM386 error message is dispalayed. This happens because the laptop is having problems displaying the message to remove the CD and restart. Simply remove the CD from the drive and restart the laptop, first time setup will begin as normal.