Alienware Sentia 3450 Technical Reference
Notice 
The company reserves the right to revise this publication or to change its contents 
without notice. Information contained herein is for reference only and does not 
constitute a commitment on the part of the manufacturer or any subsequent vendor. 
They assume no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may 
appear in this publication nor are they in anyway responsible for any loss or damage 
resulting from the use (or misuse) of this publication. This publication and any 
accompanying software may not, in whole or in part, be reproduced, translated, 
trans¬mitted or reduced to any machine readable form without prior consent from the 
vendor, manufacturer or creators of this publication, except for copies kept by the user 
for backup purposes. Brand and product names mentioned in this publication may or 
may not be copyrights and/or registered trade¬marks of their respective companies. 
They are mentioned for identification purposes only and are not intended as an 
endorsement of that product or its manufacturer. ©May 2006 
Trademarks 
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by 
method claims of certain U.S. pat¬ents and other intellectual property rights owned 
by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection 
technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for 
home or other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision 
Corporation. Reverse engineer¬ing or disassembly is prohibited. AMD Turion™ is a 
trademark of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
  is a trademark of SRS Labs, Inc. WOW technology is incorporated under license 
from SRS Labs, Inc. 
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Alienware Sentia 3450 Technical Reference
Preface
FCC Statement (Federal Communications Commission) 
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class 
B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed 
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential 
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy 
and, if not in¬stalled and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause 
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that 
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause 
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined 
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the 
interference by one or more of the following measures: 
 
• Re orient or relocate the receiving antenna. 
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. 
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to  
  which the receiver is connected. 
• Consult the service representative or an experienced radio/TV technician for    
  help. 
 
Use only shielded cables to connect I/O devices to this equipment. You are cautioned that changes or 
modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer for compliance with the above standards could void 
your authority to operate the equipment.
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Alienware Sentia 3450 Technical Reference
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Follow basic safety precautions, including those listed below, to reduce the risk of fire, 
electric shock, and injury to persons when using any electrical equipment: 
lightning. 
1. Do not use this product near water, for example near a bath tub, wash bowl,   
  kitchen sink or laundry tub, in a wet basement or near a swimming pool. 
2. Avoid using this equipment with a telephone line (other than a cordless type)  
  during an electrical storm. There may be a remote risk of electrical shock from  
 
3. Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak. 
4. Use only the power cord and batteries indicated in this manual. Do not  
  dispose of batteries in a fire. They may explode. Check with local codes for  
  possible special disposal instructions. 
5. This product is intended to be supplied by a Listed Power Unit (DC Output  
  20V, 11A minimum). 
 
 
 
 
CAUTION 
Always disconnect all telephone lines from the wall outlet before servicing or 
disassembling this equipment. 
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, USE ONLY NO. 26 AWG OR LARGER, 
TELECOMMUNICATION LINE CORD 
This Computer’s Optical Device is a Laser Class I Product 
 
 
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Alienware Sentia 3450 Technical Reference
Preface
Instructions for Care and Operation 
The notebook computer is quite rugged, but it can be damaged. To prevent this, follow 
these suggestions: 
 
1. Don’t drop it, or expose it to shock. If the computer falls, the case and the  
  components could be damaged. 
2. Keep it dry, and don’t overheat it. Keep the computer and power supply away  
 
from any kind of heating ele¬ment. This is an electrical appliance. If water or  
  any other liquid gets into it, the computer could be badly damaged. 
3. Avoid interference. Keep the computer away from high capacity transformers,  
  electric motors, and other strong magnetic fields. These can hinder proper  
 
  performance and damage your data. 
4. Follow the proper working procedures for the computer. Shut the computer    
  down properly and don’t forget to save your work. Remember to periodically   
  save your data as data may be lost if the battery is depleted. 
•  Do not expose it to excessive heat or direct sunlight. 
•  Do not leave it in a place where foreign matter or moisture may affect the  
  system. 
•  Don’t use or store the computer in a humid environment. 
•  Do not place the computer on any surface that will block the vents. 
•  Do not turn off the power until you properly shut down all programs. 
•  Do not turn off any peripheral devices when the computer is on. 
•  Do not disassemble the computer by yourself. 
•  Perform routine maintenance on your computer. 
 
5. Take care when using peripheral devices.
•  Use only approved brands of peripherals. 
•  Unplug the power cord before attaching peripheral devices. 
 
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Alienware Sentia 3450 Technical Reference
Power Safety 
The computer has specific power requirements: 
 
 
 
install one. 
requires a steady, uninterrupted power supply. If you are unsure of your  
local power specifications, consult your service representative or local  
• Only use a power adapter approved for use with this computer. 
• Your AC/DC adapter may be designed for international travel but it still  
 
 
  power company. 
• The power adapter may have either a 2-prong or a 3-prong grounded plug. The  
third prong is an important safety feature; do not defeat its purpose. If you do  
 
  not have access to a compatible outlet, have a qualified electrician    
 
 
• When you want to unplug the power cord, be sure to disconnect it by the plug  
  head, not by its wire. 
• Make sure the socket and any extension cord(s) you use can support the total  
  current load of all the connected devices. 
• Before cleaning the computer, make sure it is disconnected from any external  
  power sup¬plies (i.e. AC/DC adapter or car adapter). 
•  Do not plug in the power cord if you are wet. 
•  Do not use the power cord if it is broken.  
•  Do not place heavy objects on the power cord. 
Power Safety Warning
Before you undertake any upgrade procedures, make sure that you have turned off 
the power, and disconnected all peripherals and cables (including telephone lines). 
It is advisable to also remove you battery in order to prevent accidentally turning the 
machine on.
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Alienware Sentia 3450 Technical Reference
Battery Precautions 
•  Only use batteries designed for this computer. The wrong battery type may  
  explode, leak or damage the computer. 
•  Do not continue to use a battery that has been dropped, or that appears  
 
  damaged (e.g. bent or twisted) in any way. Even if the computer continues to   
  work with a damaged battery in place, it may cause circuit damage, which  
 
  may possibly result in fire. 
•  Recharge the batteries using the notebook’s system. Incorrect recharging may  
  make the battery explode. 
•  Do not try to repair a battery pack. Refer any battery pack repair or  
 
•  Keep children away from, and promptly dispose of a damaged battery. Always  
  dispose of batteries carefully. Batteries may explode or leak if exposed to fire,  
  or improperly handled or discarded. 
•  Keep the battery away from metal appliances. 
•  Affix tape to the battery contacts before disposing of the battery. 
•  Do not touch the battery contacts with your hands or metal objects. 
 
replacement to your service representative or qual¬ified service personnel. 
 
 
 
Battery Disposal & Caution
The product that you have purchased contains a rechargeable battery. The battery is 
recyclable. At the end of its useful life, under various state and local laws, it may be 
illegal to dispose of this battery into the municipal waste stream. Check with your local 
solid waste officials for details in your areafor recycling options or proper disposal.
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or 
equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used battery according to 
the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Alienware Sentia 3450 Technical Reference
Cleaning 
Do not apply cleaner directly to the computer; use a soft clean cloth. 
Do not use volatile (petroleum distillates) or abrasive cleaners on any part 
of the computer.
 
Servicing
 
Do not attempt to service the computer yourself. Doing so may violate your warranty 
and expose you and the computer to electric shock. Refer all servicing to authorized 
service personnel. Unplug the computer from the power supply. Then refer servicing to 
qualified service personnel under any of the following conditions: 
• When the power cord or AC/DC adapter is damaged or frayed. 
• If the computer has been exposed to rain or other liquids. 
• If the computer does not work normally when you follow the operating instructions. 
• If the computer has been dropped or damaged (do not touch the poisonous    
  liquid if the LCD panel breaks). 
• If there is an unusual odor, heat or smoke coming from your computer. 
Removal Warning
When removing any cover(s) and screw(s) for the purposes of device upgrade, 
remember to replace the cover(s) and screw(s) before turning the computer on.
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Alienware Sentia 3450 Technical Reference
Travel Considerations 
Packing 
As you get ready for your trip, run through this list to make sure the system is ready to go:  
1.  Check that the battery pack and any spares are fully charged. 
2.  Power off the computer and peripherals. 
3.  Close the display panel and make sure it’s latched. 
4.  Disconnect the AC/DC adapter and cables. Stow them in the carrying bag. 
5.  The AC/DC adapter uses voltages from 100 to 240 volts so you won’t need  
 
  a second voltage adapter. However, check with your travel agent to see if you  
  need any socket adapters. 
6.  Put the notebook in its carrying bag and secure it with the bag’s straps. 
7.  If you’re taking any peripherals (e.g. a printer, mouse or digital camera), pack  
 
8. Anticipate customs - Some jurisdictions may have import restrictions or  
 
  documents are prepared. 
 
require proof of ownership for both hard¬ware and software. Make sure your  
them and those devices’ adapters and/or cables. 
Power Off Before Traveling
Make sure that your notebook is completely powered off before putting it into a 
travel bag (or any other such container). Putting a notebook which is powered on 
in a travel bag may cause the Vents/Fan Intakes to be blocked. To prevent your 
computer from overheating make sure nothing blocks the Vent/Fan Intakes while the 
computer is in use.
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