AST RESEARCH, INC.          TECHNICAL BULLETIN # 1845          10/6/98

TITLE  Ascentia A & A+ with Connectix Parallel Version Color QuickCam VC

ISSUE

   The Connectix parallel port version of the Color QuickCam VC fails 
   on the Ascentia A or A+ laptop computers.
   
   This is due to a conflict between the camera, which needs all of 
   the pins on the parallel port for data transfer, and the way that 
   the computer detects the presence of the external floppy adapter 
   that is connected to the parallel port.  Normal printing and data 
   transfer of information does not require all 25 pins to be used.


ACTION

   There is no corrective action for this issue.
   
   However, it may be possible to use a PCMCIA USB card and a USB 
   camera. This should not be considered an endorsement as to the 
   functionality of this particular product in all configurations. It 
   is a suggestion provided as a service to our customers to assist 
   them in evaluating potential workarounds so that they can make an 
   informed decision.



SYSTEMS AFFECTED

   Ascentia A & A+
   503149
   503150
   503151
   503255
   503297
   503375
   503377


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