This article contains frequently asked questions (FAQ) and answers about PowerBook 150 computers.

Answer: The PowerBook 150 features:

- Motorola 33-MHz 68030 microprocessor
- 9.5-inch (diagonal), backlit, passive-matrix, grey-scale display (four levels of grey)
- High-capacity internal IDE 120MB hard disk drive
- Slots for internal modem and additional RAM (up to 40 MB)
- Serial port for external devices and LocalTalk networking
- Built-in floppy drive
- External SCSI port for connecting up to six SCSI devices
- Integrated trackball and palm rests

Question: How much does my PowerBook 150 weigh?

Answer: The PowerBook 150 weighs 5.5 pounds.

Question: When I press the power button, my PowerBook does not start up, or flashes the display momentarily. What is wrong?

Answer: There are a couple of things that you need to try. Follow these procedures:

Plug in the AC Adapter

If the unit starts with the AC Adapter, but not with the battery in the battery compartment, you either need to charge the battery, or you may need to replace the battery.

Reset the Power Management Circuitry

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Remove the power adapter and battery from unit.

2. Push the reset button in the back of the unit with a paper clip and hold for 5 to 10 seconds.

3. Attach the power adapter and push the reset button in back again, but just briefly. You should hear a small pop from the speaker; do not be concerned.

4. Push main power button in back (large exposed button). The unit should power up.

5. We suggest charging the battery for at least 8 hours before running on battery power.

6. If the PowerBook powers on, the battery may be reinserted. If it fails to start, the PowerBook likely needs service.

7. If the machine does not start with a recharged or new battery, or does not start with the AC Adapter alone (with the battery removed), your PowerBook may need servicing. Please call 1-800-SOS-APPL or see your local Apple Authorized Service Provider.

Answer: Follow this procedure

1. Reset the power manager, following the procedure detailed in the previous question and answer.

2. Let the battery charge for eight (8) hours. This procedure should resolve the problem.

3. Completely discharge the battery after approximately 15 to 20 recharges.

Let the battery discharge until the PowerBook goes into sleep mode. Three battery warning dialog boxes appear before this occurs. This process "recycles" the nickel cadmium (NiCad) battery and eliminates a "memory effect," which makes the battery appear depleted when it is not.

Question: Since I installed a modem, the battery seems to get depleted very quickly. What can I do to save battery power?

Answer: Apple released the PowerBook 150 Update to correct this problem. When the PowerBook 150 has an internal modem, the modem continues to draw power when not in use. This shortens the battery life. The update is available through online services on which Apple publishes software updates.

Question: My PowerBook 150 does not always eject floppy disks; what is the problem?

Answer: The drive may not be properly aligned. If you can see the metal frame sticking up more than a couple of centimeters behind the floppy drive door, you should either have an Authorized Apple Service Provider adjust this, or call the Apple Assistance Center to arrange for this repair.

Question: I just bought my PowerBook 150 and the battery is missing. How can I get a replacement?

Answer: Check the packaging. The battery is in the accessory box. An extra door over the battery compartment keeps dirt out; the battery is shipped separately to prevent draining the battery charge during shipment.

Question: My PowerBook 150 display is blurry or sometimes has shadowing and ghosting effects. What can I do to correct this?

Answer: There are a number of methods to reduce shadowing. Among them, adjust the viewing angle, adjust the brightness and contrast levels, or adjust the desktop to a mostly white pattern. If those do not work, change to black and white in the Monitors control panel temporarily for your application.

Question: I try to use SCSI Disk Mode on my PowerBook 150, and it does not seem to work. What is wrong?

Answer: That mode is not supported on the PowerBook 150. It is supported in a lot of other PowerBook models, but not in the PowerBook 150.

Question: Can I hook up an external monitor to my PowerBook 150?

Answer: Apple does not provide a solution for external monitor support on the PowerBook 150. There may be third party vendors who provide devices to do this. Apple recommends checking with your Apple reseller or the trade magazines.

Apple Software updates can be found at: http://www.apple.com/swupdates .