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4 Using the Notebook PC
A CD drive letter should be present regardless of the presence of a CD disc in the drive. After the CD is
properly inserted, data can be accessed just like with hard disk drives; except that nothing can be
written to or changed on the CD. Using the proper software, a CD-RW drive or DVD+CD-RW drive
can allow CD-RW discs to be used like a hard drive with writing, deleting, and editing capabilities.
Vibration is normal for all high-speed optical drives due to unbalanced CDs or CD print. To decrease
vibration, use the Notebook PC on an even surface and do not place labels on the CD.
Listening to Audio CD
The optical drives can play audio CDs, but only the DVD-ROM drive can play DVD audio. Insert the
audio CD and Windows™ automatically opens an audio player and begins playing. Depending on the
DVD audio disc and installed software, it may require that you open a DVD player to listen to DVD
audio. You can adjust the volume using hotkeys or Windows™ speaker icon on the taskbar.
DVD-ROM Drive Information
The Notebook PC comes with an optional DVD-ROM drive or a CD-ROM drive. In order to view
DVD titles, you must install your own DVD viewer software. Optional DVD viewer software may be
purchased with this Notebook PC. The DVD-ROM drive allows the use of both CD and DVD discs.
Definitions
DVD, which stands for Digital Versatile Disc, is the next generation of optical disc storage technology.
The DVD specification supports discs with capacities from 4.7GB to 17GB and access rates up to
22.16MBytes/s. The Notebook PC’s DVD-ROM drive is only single-sided; double-sided DVD (8.5GB
and higher) requires manually reversing the disc in order to access the reverse side.
DVD is essentially a bigger, faster CD that can hold video as well as audio and computer data. With
these capacities and access rates, DVD discs can provide you with dramatically-enhanced high-color,
full-motion videos, better graphics, sharper pictures, and Dolby® Digital Surround for a theater-like
experience. DVD aims to encompass home entertainment, computers, and business information with a
single digital format, eventually replacing audio CD, videotape, laserdisc, CD-ROM, and perhaps even
video game cartridges. DVD has widespread support from all major electronics companies, all major
computer hardware companies, and most major movie and music studios.
Using the Optical Drive
Optical discs and equipment must be handled with care because of the precise mechanics involved.
Keep in mind the important safety instructions from your CD suppliers. Unlike desktop optical drives,
the Notebook PC uses a hub to hold the CD in place regardless of the angle. When inserting a CD, it is
important that the CD be pressed onto the center hub or else the optical drive tray will scratch the CD.
WARNING! If the CD disc is not properly locked onto the center hub, the CD can be
damaged when the tray is closed. Always watch the CD closely while closing the tray
slowly to prevent damage.