Itronix GoBook (IX250), User Manual

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Section 8. Maintenance and Storage
77-0100-001 12 September 2000
Hard Drive Care and Handling
There are two hard drive options for the GoBook: a shock-mounted 2.5-inch hard drive and a PC Card Type III hard
drive. All hard drives contain media for data storage in the form of a rotating disk, read/write head(s), a motor, and
electronics for interfacing and control. Each hard drive type can be susceptible to damage from severe shock and
other stressful environmental impacts. The degree of susceptibility to damage is directly related to the individual
hard drive and mounting system employed.
When reading or writing to the hard disk, the head is “flying” on a thin layer of air, micro-inches above the disk. A
shock can cause the read/write head to contact the spinning disk, resulting in immediate loss of stored data and
possible physical damage to the disk. It could also create loose debris in the drive enclosure that may cause progres-
sive damage over time.
To reduce exposure to high operating shocks, the GoBook uses power modes for the hard drive that prevent the read/
write heads from being positioned over the disk when it is not being used: idle mode and standby mode.
You can reduce the risk of damage to the hard drive and increase the reliability of the hard drive and data integrity by
following the recommendations below.
Internal Hard Drives
• Do not intentionally drop the computer. The unit is designed to withstand the day to day rigors of the mobile
environment and provide years of reliable service. The useful life of the product can be enhanced by not
intentionally abusing it.
• Use the power management feature control in the System Configuration Utility (SCU). Power management
conserves power but also ensures that the read/write heads are unloaded and the hard drive is spun down
within the time specified.
• Whenever possible suspend the unit by pressing FN+F3 before moving it from one location to another. This
will unload the read/write heads and spin down the disk.