Ian & Stuart's Australian Mac 1993 September/clonecd/September 93.img/Archives/Mac FAQ/Duo.FAQ

Internet Message Format | 1993-10-11 | 35.1 KB

From [e-mail] Thu Sep 16 19:55:43 1993
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.portables
Subject: FAQ on Duo's - pt I (Freq. Asked Ques.)
Date: 14 Sep 93 21:41:17 GMT
Organization: Univ of Pgh, Chemistry




FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) about Macintosh Duo's - pt I



In October of 1992 Apple released an entirely new kind of computer,
the Macintosh Duo.  The Duo, being such a strange beast, has left a
lot of people in confusion.  This file summarizes the Duo
information I've collected to date - hopefully it will end some of
the confusion.  This information is accurate as of 9/14/93 to the
best of my knowledge, but I make no warranties.  I'd appreciate any
corrections or updated information being mailed to me and I'll
post updates to this FAQ on comp.sys.mac.portables every two weeks
or whenever there is an important change or addition.

                                            [e-mail]



Part I
======

 * Introduction: What is a Duo?

 * The Models: What Duo models are/will be available?

    Duo 210  : Economy Duo
    Duo 230  : Standard Duo
    Duo 250  : Active Matrix Duo
    Duo 270c : Color Duo
    Duo 290c : 040 Duo
    Duo ???  : PowerPC Duo

 * Dockless Duos: Do I have to buy a Dock?

    File Transfers
    Ram Disks

 * Optimizing Duos: How can I squeeze the most out of my Duo?

    Systems
       Why don't my title bars have that "3-D" affect?
       How can I get that "3-D" affect in my title bars?
       How do I install a RAM system disk?
    Batteries (Hardware)
       What's that switch on the battery for?
       What do the numbers on my battery mean?
       Which battery do I have?
       Do I need to completely discharge (condition) my batteries?
       What's the *right* way to insert a batter?
    Batteries (Software)
       Why should I turn off my modem when I'm not using it?
       How can I get more life out of my battery?
    Hard Disks
       Why should I reformat my drive?
       Why does my 80 meg drive say it's 75 megs?
       What's the problem with reformatting 120 meg drives?
       How do I reformat my drive for maximum capacity?
       What's the largest internal HD available? (520 MB)
       Where can I get it?
    Displays
       What are those vertical dark lines on my screen?
       How can I get rid of them?
    Software Recommendations: Useful programs
    Hardware Recommendations: Useful accessories

--------------------------



Introduction: What is a Duo?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



What is a Duo?  A Duo is Apple's smallest lightest notebook computer.
Unlike other notebooks it has no floppy drive, no SCSI, and no direct
way of attaching an external HD or floppy drive.  What it does have
is a serial port, phone jack (with internal modem), and a 32-pin
PDS slot in the back (called a PowerLatch connection).  This is true
for all models as of today.

So what's that PDS (processor direct slot) for in the back of the
Duo?  It's what makes the Duo unique - the PDS is a wild card.  It
allows adapters (called Docks) to connect directly and intimately
with the Duo's motherboard.  These adapters let you add features to the
Duo at the most fundamental level - something you can't do with
any other powerbook.  You can add ethernet, new video capabilities,
SCSI-2, accelerators, and other options that haven't even been
invented yet.

This expandability lets you tailor the same computer to entirely
different environments: at home, coupled with a floppy adapter and
external drive it's a stand alone home computer; on the train it's
the smallest, most portable powerbook; in the office, with a full
Duo dock, it's a business machine with 1 gig drive, ethernet, and
16" monitor - or whatever *you* choose to add.

What is a Duo?  It's whatever you want it to be.


--------------------------



The Models: What Duo's are/will be available?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



The Duo 210 and 230 were released in October of 1992.

The powerbook Duo 210 has a 25 MHz 68030 CPU with no FPU. It weighs
4.2 pounds (with battery) and measures 1.4 inches thick. It has an
internal microphone, speaker, standard size keyboard, and a
recessed internal 11 mm diameter trackball (smaller than
the powerbook standard of 19 mm diameter).  The 210 can accept a
maximum of 24 Mbytes of ram.  The internal monitor is a 9" 4-bit
greyscale (16 greys) supertwist (passive matrix) with a resolution
of 640x400. There are four ports on the back: power in (*not*
compatible with other powerbook AC adapters), serial din-8 (for
appletalk, printers, external modems, etc.), RJ-11 modem (only if
internal modem is installed), and the powerlatch PDS slot on the
back.  There is no internal floppy drive.

The Duo 230 is identical to the 210, except it has a 33 MHz clockspeed.

The Duo 250 and 270c are expected to be released in October of 1993.
Apple is offering upgrades of previous Duo's to the 250 or 270c
(expect it to be expensive).

The Duo 250 is identical to the 230, except it offers a 4 bit
greyscale (16 greys) *active* matrix monitor (sharper images) and
uses type II Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery.  According to
Apple it should run the 250 for 2.5 to 6 hours.  There has also
been rumor that the active matrix monitor will cause the 250 to
be thicker than the 230, thus necessitating a different "hood"
on the duo docks (see docks below).

The Duo 270c offers three major improvements over the 250: color,
a maximum of 32 Mbytes of ram, and a FPU.  The 8.4" active
matrix color display is slightly smaller than all previous
duo displays, and offers two choices of resolutions: 16 bit
(thousands of colors) color at 640x400 (duo standard) or 8 bit
(256 colors) color at 640x480 (standard for all other Macs).
The type II NiMH battery is supposed to power the Duo for
2 to 4 hours.

An 040 (unofficially referred to as the Duo 290c) and PowerPC (603)
version of the Duo are expected in 1994.

--------------------------



Dockless Duo's: Do I have to buy a Dock?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



No.

I got one of the first Duo 230's off the line, and went six months
without so much as a floppy adapter.  I saw the Duo first and foremost
as the smallest, lightest, powerbook available (and besides, I couldn't
get a dock/adapter for love or money - they just didn't exist).

However, there are some things to keep in mind.  You have no floppy
drive, no SCSI connection, and no way to replace corrupt system
files - you're gambling.  If you're new to the Mac, or if the
Duo is your only Mac, I'd suggest you buy at least the floppy
adapter and external drive.  If you have access to a second Mac, the
SCSI adapters (Lapis, or Newer Tech - see dock section) are the
cheapest option for installing a new system (via SCSI-HD mode),
and (IMHO) a wiser investment than the floppy adapter/external
drive.

If you do go without a net (and even if you don't) here are a few
tricks that come in handy.  First, buy an apple image writer cable
(a cable with a DIN-8 connection on both ends).  If you plug,
one end into the Duo's serial connection and the other into a second
Mac you have an appletalk equivalent of a null-modem.  By turning
on appletalk on both machines (via the chooser) you can transfer
files in and out of your Duo.  This is slower than SCSI transfers,
but the only way you'll be able to install new software.  If your
system is shot though - you can't use appletalk.

A ram disk is great.  In addition to increasing your battery life,
running a system on a ram disk lets you have a redundant system
on your hard disk.  If one gets corrupt you have the second as
backup.

If you do loose your system (I lost mine twice), start calling
stores in your area.  Most will let you plug your Duo into their
showroom Dock long enough to install a new system.

--------------------------



Optimizing Duos: How can I squeeze the most out of my Duo?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



System:
=======

Have you noticed that the title bars on your document windows
are the old black and white, 2-D type (as opposed to that neat
3-D affect in system 7).  The reason for this, is the sytem
4-bit greyscale Duo monitors do a strange thing with those
3-D bars.  They make them look like a current of liquid is
running under them - constantly in motion.  It's a neat affect
but Apple thought it would be distracting.

So the system enabler for your Duo replaces the standard
WDEF (window default) resource with the old black and white
version.  If you want to get the 3-D affect you need to remove
this "patch."

To do this make a copy of your system enabler, and open
it with res-edit (if you don't know what res-edit is,
you probably don't want to be doing this) and remove the
WDEF resource.  Move your active system enabler out of the
system folder (save it - you might want to go back) and
put your "edited" version in it's place.  Then restart
the computer.  I've never heard of any conflicts resulting
>from this hack - but I doubt it's Apple aproved.  You've
been warned.

(Information about RAM disks will be included in the next
  version of the FAQ - any recommendations on software for
  making them would be appreciated)


Battery (Hardware Information):
==============================

When Apple introduced the Duo, they included a new kind of battery.
The Duo uses a Nickel Metal Hydride battery (NiMH) that has a
longer life than the Nickel Cadmium batteries (NiCAD) of the
earlier power books.  With the release of the Duo 250 and 270c,
Apple is including a second kind of Nickel Metal Hydride battery,
called "type II" (NiMH II) - it's supposed to last longer than
the type I's, but no information has been released yet as to
whether it will be compatible with the Duo 210 and 230's.
People are betting it will.

On the side of the Duo battery is a 2-position switch.  It doesn't do
anything.  It's just an easy way to mark your battery as "full" or
"empty" - so you can store a couple of 'em in the same bag and
easily find a full one when you need it.  The number on the side is
a serial number - it's unique to your battery.  The first four
digits though tell you if it's a type I or type II Nickel Metal
Hydride battery.  The prefix "0010" is for type I batteries,
the prefix for type II batteries is unknown.

NiCAD batteries have a problem.  If you don't discharge them
completely they start remembering when you regularly plug in the
charger, and start dying at that point.  To prevent this you need
to regularly completely discharge them (often called "conditioning"
the battery).  The Duo's use only NiMH batteries, which don't have
this problem, so you never need to condition (completely discharge)
a Duo battery.

To insert a battery, Apple recommends you first slide the latch open
until it "click's" and becomes rigid (note: it is possible to slide
the latch too far.  If you do so just slide it back). Then insert
the battery into the drive and slide the latch closed while holding
down the button.  Then release the button. If you don't slide the
latch all the way open before inserting it in the Duo your battery
might not make proper contact with the battery leads, and cause
problems.



Battery (Software):
===================

The Duo is a Portable computer - you can use it in planes,
trains, and automobiles - so long as your battery holds
out.  The basics of increasing your battery life boil down
to:

* Turn off your modem when not in use

* Use a ram disk for your system and applications

* Spin down your hard disk as much as possible

* Turn off appletalk when not in use

* Set your processor to 16 MHz

* Allow processor cycling


(this section under construction, details will be included in later
  versions of the FAQ)

Hard Disks:
===========

Have you looked at your 80 meg drive recently?  Odds are it's
formatted to about 75 megs.  Stranger still, if you look at it with
a hard disk utility (APS Powertools for example) you'll notice that
there is still unformatted space on it.

Apple buys drives from many different sources, and they come in all
types - and sizes.  To standardize them Apple formats all it's
drives to smallest maximum size available.  That means your 80 meg
drive could be a 75 meg drive - or larger.  This is true for all
drives - not just the 80 meggers.

So it's possible - even likely - you can get an extra couple of megs
out of your drive.  To do this you have to reformat your drive -
totally erase and rebuild it.  Only you can decide if the process
of *backing up* the entire contents of your drive, reformatting the
drive, and then returning all the data to the drive - is worth 3
extra megs of disk space (that's what I got out of my first 80 meg
drive).  Depending on the size of your drive and how you're backing
up this process could take minutes or hours.

IMPORTANT: reformatting the drives to certain disk capacities can
can cause the computer to not recognize the drive.  This problem
has only been observed with the Apple Duo powerbooks using 120 meg
IBM drives. I don't have all the details here (if you do please send
them to me for inclusion!) but I'd simply suggest you *not*
reformat the 120 meg drives unless it's to repair a disk problem -
and that if you do contact Apple SOS (800-SOS-APPL) first.  I hope
to have more details in the next version.  To my knowledge, there
never been a similar problem with the 40, 80, 160, or larger
drives.

(more details will be included in future releases, please mail
  recommendations for reformatting software and any details to
   me for inclusion)

The largest internal hard disk for the Macintosh Duo is a toshiba
520 meg drive.  It's just been announced, but hasn't hit the market
yet.  A 324 MB and 213 MB version of the toshiba drive are available
>from APS Technologies.  Expect about $800 and $500, respectively.
The Toshiba drives are *not* easy to install in the Duo's (as opposed
to the 40, 80, 120, & 160 quantum GO drives - also available at
APS and other sources) - but it is possible.  Tech installation
recommended.

[APS Technologies, 800-354-1213, FAX [phone], Intn'l 816-483-6100,
  6131 Deramus, PO Box 4987, Kansas City, MO, 64120-0087]

Displays:
=========

Have you noticed dark vertical lines on your display?  They're a
result of the passive matrix display, and extend from vertical lines
>from your windows or desktop pattern.

Your display is very sensitive to ambient light.  You can get
rid of these lines but adjusting the contrast on your display,
but if you move to another location - with different light -
they'll be back.  If the lines bother you, make a habit of adjusting
the contrast whenever you set up your Duo.  You might also
want to consider the soon to be released Duo 250 or 270c, whose
active matrix displays won't have this problem.


Recommended Software:
=====================



(this part still under construction, please send any recommendations you
  think would be valuable)

Recommended Hardware:
=====================

* APS SCSI Boy:  If you have a Dock (Micro, Mini, or Full) that uses an
Apple HDI-30 pin SCSI port - you want this.  It's a small metal adapter
that inserts into your HDI-30 SCSI port and converts it to a standard
DB-25 SCSI port.  That means for $29, you can use all your existing
cables on your powerbook.  It's also a lifesaver if you're on site,
forgot a powerbook specific cable, and need to scrounge.

[APS Technologies, 800-354-1213, FAX [phone], Intn'l 816-483-6100,
  6131 Deramus, PO Box 4987, Kansas City, MO, 64120-0087]

* Imagewriter (Appletalk) Cable:  An essential.  This $11 cable is
available
at any computer supply store.  It has a DIN-8 connection on both sides.
Plugging one end into your Duo's serial port and another into the serial
(printer or modem) port of another Mac lets you Appletalk between them
- to transfer files or use the other computers floppy drive.  If you
have a "Dockless" Duo you can't survive without it.



(this part still under construction, please send any recommendations you
  think would be valuable)

--------------------------

(con't in Part II)




FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) about Macintosh Duo's - pt II



In October of 1992 Apple released an entirely new kind of computer,
the Macintosh Duo.  The Duo, being such a strange beast, has left a
lot of people in confusion.  This file summarizes the Duo
information I've collected to date - hopefully it will end some of
the confusion.  This information is accurate as of 9/14/93 to the
best of my knowledge, but I make no warranties.  I'd appreciate any
corrections or updated information being mailed to me and I'll
post updates to this FAQ on comp.sys.mac.portables every two weeks
or whenever there is an important change or addition.

                                            [e-mail]




Part II
=======

 * Expandability/Docks: What do I need a Dock for?

    Features: what can a dock do?
    Micro-Docks:
       Apple's Floppy Adapter
       Newer Tech SCSI Microdock
       Newer Tech Color Microdock
       Lapis SCSI Dock
    Mini-Docks:
       Apple's Mini Dock
       E-Machines Powerlink Presenter
       E-Machines Desknet/Etherdock
       RasterOps DuoMate 8
       RasterOps DuoMate 16sc
    Full-Docks:
       Apple's Dock
    Coming Attractions

 * Modems

 * Bugs/Problems: Help! My Duo just...

    Keyboard: keys unresponsive
    ADB: keyboard/mouse freezes up
    Buzz: makes noise while asleep
    HD gone: duo in dock won't recognize pb HD
    Missing Battery: duo can't find it's battery

 * Opening Duo's: How do I install...?

    Install ram       : easy for tech savvy people
    Install HD/modem  : mega hard - not recommended

--------------------------



Expandability/Docks: What do I need a Dock for?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



The Duo is a great powerbook - light, fast, small, and powerful.
Additionally it is the only expandable powerbook.  With the right
peripheral you can add external monitors, floppy drives, SCSI-2,
accelerators, ethernet, or features that haven't even been thought
of yet.

Below is a list of the Docks currently available, and the features
they offer.  MacWorld recently published a table of these docks and
their features (page 34 of MacWorld, Oct. 1993).  If you haven't
read it, don't look it up.  If you have - be warned there are
numerous mistakes.

Features:
=========

- Floppy: a port for connecting an external floppy drive.

- SCSI(): a port for connecting SCSI devices (HD's, CD drives, etc.).
    In parenthesis I've indicated whether the SCSI is Apple's new
    30-pin powerbook SCSI (30) or the standard DB-25 SCSI connector (25).

- SCSI-HD: lets you use your SCSI port (above) to connect your
    Duo to another Mac as if it were a hard disk on that computer.
    Very useful for fast file transfers and installing new
    operating systems or other software.

- Serial: a port for connecting external modems, printers, or
    using an appletalk connection to other Macs (works only if
    your operating system is running)

- ADB: apple desktop bus for connecting external keyboards, mice,
    10 key pads, and other input devices.

- RJ-11: a phone jack for the (optional) Duo internal modem.

- Video(): a DB-15 port for connecting external monitors, some
     devices offer greater numbers of colors, or access to larger
     monitors.  The number in parenthesis is the depth of the
     video in bits.  1-bit is 2 colors, 2-bit is 4 colors,
     4-bit is 16 colors, 8-bit is 256 colors, 16-bit is
     thousands of colors, 24-bit is millions of colors.

- PAL: composite video out, lets you connect a European TV as
     an external monitor.

- NTSC: composite video out, lets you connect an American TV as
     an external monitor.

- Sound: a sound out connector, lets you add external speakers.

- Ethernet: an ethernet card, allowing you to connect at very
    fast transfer rates on ethernet networks.

- nu-bus: a nu-bus socket for adding cards for SCSI-2 connections,
    second external monitor, faster video, multimedia, etc.

- Open(): my own notation.  This means the device does not cover
    the Duo's internal ports (in parenthesis), allowing
    you to use these as well as whatever the dock offers.

The following is a description of those peripherals I'm
aware of (10 as of today).  Following each is a quick summary
of the features offered.

Micro-Docks
===========

1) Apple's Floppy Adapter: For about three months after the release
of the Duo's this was the only dock.  It leaves the modem and serial
ports of the duo uncovered, and has a floppy and ADB port.  Manufactured
by E-machines, sold by Apple computers, expect about $80.
={Floppy, ADB, Open(Serial, RJ-11)}

[Apple Catalogue (warning: high-prices, if you're in school
  contact your EDU source first) 1-800-795-1000]

2) Newer Technologies SCSI Microdock: A great idea.  Same form factor
as the Floppy adapter, thus leaving serial and modem ports open.
It has a SCSI and ADB port - only.  Supports SCSI slaving of the
Duo to a second Mac for data transfer (special cable required).
This device was developed by Computer Care and is licensed exclusively
to Newer Tech.  Runs about $175.
={SCSI(30), SCSI-HD, ADB, Open(Serial, RJ-11)}

[Newer Technologies, 1-800-678-3726; 316-685-4904; FAX [phone]
  7803 E. Osie, Suite 105, Wichita Kansas 67207]

[Computer Care, 612-371-0061, FAX [phone]]

3) Newer Technologies Color Microdock: Same form factor as the
Apple floppy adapter it's under 8 ounces and offers 8-bit color
on monitors under 16" in size (4-bit color above that).  In addition
to the monitor port, the color microdock adds a sound out and
ADB port.  Note this might be the same product "BookView Duo"
>from Computer Care, but I have not been able to confirm this.
Retails at $345.
={Video(8-bit), ADB, Open(Serial, RJ-11)}

[Newer Technologies, 1-800-678-3726; 316-685-4904; FAX [phone]
  7803 E. Osie, Suite 105, Wichita Kansas 67207]

4) Lapis SCSI Dock: Same idea as the Newer tech SCSI microdock,
and it beat 'em to market.  Form factor identical to the Apple
floppy adapter.  You can use SCSI disk mode with a standard 30x25
or 30x50 cable by holding the control key on startup, rather
than using the hard to come by SCSI HD mode 29x50 or 29x25
cables.  Expect about $175.
={SCSI(30), SCSI-HD, ADB, Open(Serial, RJ-11)}


Mini-Docks
==========

5) Apple's Mini Dock:  The standard by which all others are judged.
It connects to the back of the duo, and most closely resembles a
three hole punch.  Covering the Duo's internal modem and serial
ports, if offers a serial port, a RJ-11 port, an ADB port, floppy
port, sound out, and video out (8-bit up to 16" monitors).  This
device is manufactured for Apple by E-Machines.
={Floppy, Video(8-bit), SCSI(30), SCSI-HD, RJ-11, Serial, ADB, Sound}

[Apple Catalogue (warning: high-prices, if you're in school
  buy from your EDU source first) 1-800-795-1000]

6) E-Machine's Powerlink Presenter:  One of the first duo docks, the
Presenter is designed for (surprise!) presentations.  It does not
cover the duo's phone jack or serial port, and offers a floppy
port, ADB port, sound out, video out (8-bit up to 16" monitors),
and PAL and NTSC video out.

NOTE: The Presenter is substantially larger than the microdocks
but has no support.  It hangs on the Powerlatch.  Some people
have reported periodic system freezes, and suggest this is due
to the strain on the connection.  This is speculation.

={Floppy, Video(8-bit), PAL, NTSC, ADB, Sound, Open(Serial, RJ-11)}

[E-machines, 503-646-6699, FAX [phone], FaxBack 800-541-4787
  9305 SW Gemini Dr., OR 97005, USA]

7) E-Machine's Desknet AKA Etherdock: Same form factor as the
Apple's mini dock, the Etherdock (also billed as Desknet) has the
same connections - almost.  Accoding to E-Machines specs you loose
the RJ-11 pass through for the internal modem, and gain ethernet.
This means you have to disconnect your Duo to use the internal
modem (you can use an external modem, via the serial port though).
It comes with a 10BaseT ethernet connection, and support 8-bit
video on screens up to 17".
={Floppy, Video(8-bit), SCSI(30), SCSI-HD, Ethernet, 2 Serial, ADB,
  Sound}

[E-machines, 503-646-6699, FAX [phone], FaxBack 800-541-4787
  9305 SW Gemini Dr., OR 97005, USA]

8) RasterOps DuoMate 8:  It does not cover the Duo's internal
serial and RJ-11 ports, and adds 8-bit video, NTSC, PAL,
ADB, Floppy and sound out ports.  It's shaped a lot like the
E-Machines presenter, but a "foot" has been added to support
the dock.  This foot makes the dock a little safer for your
connection, but also makes it the thickest Mini Dock.
It has a 32 bit video data path that is supposed to result
in faster screen refreshes than any other dock (I haven't
tested this claim yet).  Expect about $350.
={Floppy, Video(8-bit), PAL, NTSC, ADB, Sound, Open(Serial, RJ-11)}

[RasterOps, 408-562-4200, FAX [phone], FaxBack 800-SAY-COLOR
  2500 Walsh Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95051 USA]

9) RasterOps DuoMate 16sc:  This is the one I bought.  It adds
16-bit video on monitors under 16" (8-bit after that) and a
standard DB-25 SCSI connection to the DuoMate 8.  Short of the full
dock, this is the only dock to offer better than 8-bit video, and
across the board it's the only one that has a normal SCSI connector
(which means you don't have to buy a whole new set of cables for
your powerbook alone).  It supports SCSI-HD mode with a standard
25x25 or 25x50 cable.  Expect about $545.
={Floppy, Video(16-bit), PAL, NTSC, SCSI(25), SCSI-HD, ADB, Sound,
  Open(Serial, RJ-11)}

[RasterOps, 408-562-4200, FAX [phone], FaxBack 800-SAY-COLOR
  2500 Walsh Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95051 USA]

Full-Docks
==========

10) Apple's Dock:  The works.  Simply put, if you want everything
(except portability) you want the full Dock.  It offers all
the above connections, plus a bay for a hard disk, and slots
for two (small) nu-bus cards.  The video ram is expandable up
to 24 bit on 16" monitors, and you can add a FPU to the dock.
This is the only way to add a FPU to non-270c Duo's, and you
only have use of it while the Duo is docked.  The full dock
is about the size of a IIci, and you insert the duo into a
bay in the dock, totally enclosing the Duo (unlike the mini
docks) so you cannot use the Duo's internal display and keyboard
with this dock. There is a floppy drive built into the dock
(different from a port for an external floppy drive).
={Floppy *Drive*, Video(expandable), SCSI(30), ADB, Sound,
  nu-bus, Serial, RJ-11}

Coming attractions:
===================

Apple will be releasing a second generation full dock with
built in ethernet.

Two versions of the hood on the full dock will be available.
The current model, that will let you use Duo 210 and 230's,
and a larger one, that will let you insert Duo 250 and 270c's.
Note, you will be able to use either hood, with either full
dock.

RasterOps is working on a third mini dock.  All they'll
say is it will have "enhanced video capabilities" - my guess
is 24 bit video.  DuoMate 24sc?


--------------------------



Modems:
~~~~~~~



As of today you only have one choice for an internal modem: the
Apple Express Modem.  (The Duo's serial will let you connect any
standard external modem.)

In a standard modem, the computer sends signals out to the modem,
which converts them to a form that can be transmitted over the
phone lines, and then the modem sends them on their way.  The process of
translating this information occurs on the modems processor - not
the computers.  The express modem is different.  It is an adapter
for the computers motherboard, that lets the computer send signals
that are phone line compatible, so the process of converting the
signals occurs on the computers CPU.  The disadvantage of this is:
a) it's new technology, so has some bugs; b) since the translation
occurs on the motherboard, the modem processes (downloading in
the background for example) take up CPU time, slowing the computer
while you're trying to do other things at the same time.  The
advantages are: since the CPU *is* your modem, you have a
programmable modem - with future software you can upgrade your
transmission protocols (maybe v.fast?) or use your Duo as a telephone,
for example.

The current versions of the express software are v1.0.4
(available via ftp from ftp.apple.com in the /dts/sys.soft/netcomm
directory) and v1.1.2 (currently only available if you have
access to AppleLink).  Older versions than 1.0.4 should be
replaced.  Global Village has released a commercial version
of the Duo modem software - I have no information on this yet.


(this section under construction, all input appreciated)

--------------------------



Bugs/Problems: Help! My Duo just...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



The following are known bugs with the Apple Duo's and some
easy solutions.  Standard disclaimer: if you're not hardware
savvy, have a tech do all the hardware work - a $2,000 computer
is generally worth a $30 repair by a pro.  If you find bugs
not described here, or these solutions don't help, call
Apples support line (800-SOS-APPL).


Keyboard:
=========

Problem:  Your space bar or return key or delete key are
unresponsive (you have to hit 'em two or three times to
work, or they don't work at all).

Solution:  There's more than one.  You could have the old
rev A keyboard.  It could also be due to the 3 screws under the
keyboard being too tight, or just dirty contacts.  You can
remove the keyboard (see "opening the duo: ram") and look at the
serial number on the bottom.  If it ends in "a" you have the
bad keyboard - get it replaced while your warranty still exists
- no charge.  If it ends in "b" you have a rev B keyboard -
the new one.  If you still have problems loosen the three screws
under the keyboard.  If you still have problems have a tech
clean the connections.

ADB Port:
=========

Problem:  While using an ADB device with a docked Duo the screen
freezes up.  The mouse and keyboard are unresponsive but, background
processes continue unabated (file transfers, calculations, screen
refreshes, modem downloads/uploads, etc.).

Solution:  Apple is working on a fix, they think it will be in the
form of software.  Temporarily, they suggest unplugging the ADB
device for 10 seconds then plugging it back in.  This has never
worked for me.  If you're experiencing this problem, the only
useful suggestion I can offer is saving regularly, and when
working on very important documents, disconnect your ADB device and
use the Duo's internal trackball.  Restarting solves the problem,
but of course, all open *unsaved* changes to documents are lost.

Buzz:
=====

Problem:  After you put your Duo to sleep, you hear a buzzing
coming from the back of the duo.

Solution: You don't have a problem.  This is normal for the Duo,
it's just the powermanager recharging your battery.  The sound
has also been described as a "hum".

HD gone:
========

Problem:  Your Duo is fine by itself, but when you insert it
into a Dock with a hard disk, your powerbook Hard disk doesn't
appear.  Tools like SCSI probe find the Duo drive and can
mount it - it just won't appear on it's own.

Solution:  If you format a Duo drive with Apple's SC HD Setup
program version 7.2 or later, or update your disk drivers with
this program you get this bug.  Apple suggests reformating
the drive with an older version of the SC HD Setup program,
or a third party program (like APS Powertools).  A patch solution
is to hold down the command key on startup (this forces the
computer to bypass the drive designated as the startup disk
and startup off the other available drive).

Missing Battery:
================

Problem:  Your Duo won't recognize the battery as being in -
even though you know it is.

Solution:  First, make sure you've installed the battery
correctly (see above section on batteries) - your battery
might not be making contact with the battery leads.  If
you know you've installed it correctly, another possibility
is that the power manager needs to be reset.  To do this,
shutdown your duo and remove both the battery and AC adaptor.
Then hold down the hardware reset button (on the back of
the Duo - there's only one button so it's hard to miss)
for about 5-10 seconds.  Insert the battery (make sure
you do so correctly) and restart the computer.


(this section under construction, information appreciated)

--------------------------



Opening Duo's: How do I install...?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Hardware upgrades on standard powerbooks are often easier than on
desktop models - this isn't true with Duo's.  Working on a Duo is a
b*tch. Details follow.

Ram Installation:
=================

The one exception to this is ram upgrades.  You can add ram to
your duo easily, and without voiding your warranty.  Before you
do this you'll need two tools: a static ground and a torx-8 screw
driver.  Don't try this without both.

* Shut down the duo and remove the battery.

* Ground yourself with your static ground (the bracelet kind is the
    best).  Keep yourself grounded through the whole procedure, while
    it's unlikely you'll build up a static charge you could get one
    from the duo's plastic case and ram is *very* susceptible to static
    discharge.

* With the lid closed, turn your duo upside down.

* Remove the three torx screws on the bottom of the duo, under the
    keyboard (note there is no need to remove the fourth one, under the
    trackball)

* Open the Duo slowly (still upside down) - the keyboard will come
    free but will have a ribbon cable still attaching it to the inside
    of the duo.

* Holding the Keyboard, turn the Duo right side up, and careful set
    the keyboard aside (no need to disconnect the ribbon cable).

* The ram socket is in the lower right hand side of the recess that
    the keyboard was in.  Drop the ram in and slide it across till it
    snaps in place (this will be obvious - note there's a notch on the
    ram socket to prevent you from inserting the ram upside down).

* Replace the keyboard, close the lid, turn over the duo.

* Replace the screws.  Note if some of your keys don't respond well
    afterwards, you may have put the screws in too tight.  Just loosen
    them a little until they're in firm, but don't affect typing.

* Replace the battery, power up.  Check "about this Macintosh"
    under the apple menu to make sure the ram is added correctly.

* If your total ram is greater than 8 megs - you need to turn on 32
    bit addressing in the "memory" control panel and restart before
    your extra ram will all be available (if you don't the "about this
    Macintosh" will show your total ram correctly, but it will appear
    that all ram above 8 megs is being used by your system).


HD and Modem Installation:
==========================

Things to keep in mind: you will blow your warranty and it's very
easy to damage the soft molded plastic parts (Apple considers many
of these parts *disposable* in the process of opening the Duo).
You're better off paying a pro $30 bucks to install these unless,
you're *very* hardware savvy.  I jacked in my own ram, but opted
for a tech installation of my modem and bigger HD - I recommend same.

A detailed description of how to open the Duo, is available via
ftp at sumex-aim.stanford.edu in the information directory, and the
second edition of the powerbook companion goes step by step through
the process - with pictures.

(this section under construction, more details will be included in
  future releases)



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