Acer 3000 User Manual

TravelMate 3000 Series

User's Guide

TravelMate 3000 Series User's Guide Original Issue: January 2005

Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation to notify any person of such revisions or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual or supplementary documents and publications. This company makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Record the model number, serial number, purchase date, and place of purchase information in the space provided below. The serial number and model number are indicated on the label affixed to your computer. All correspondence concerning your unit should include the serial number, model number, and purchase information.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronically, mechanically, by photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.

TravelMate 3000 Series Notebook Computer

Model Number: __________________________________

Serial Number: ___________________________________

Purchase Date: ___________________________________

Place of Purchase: ________________________________

Acer and the Acer Logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Other companies' product names or trademarks are used herein for identification purposes only and belong to their respective companies.

iii

First things first

We would like to thank you for making the TravelMate series of notebook computers your choice for your mobile computing needs.

Your guides

To help you use your TravelMate, we have designed a set of guides:

First off, the Just for starters... poster helps you get started with setting up your computer.

The printed User's Guide introduces you to the basic features and functions of your new computer. For more on how your computer can help you to be more productive, please refer to the AcerSystem User's Guide. This guide contains detailed information on such subjects as system utilities, data recovery, expansion options, and troubleshooting. In addition it contains warranty information and the general regulations and safety notices for your notebook. It is available in Portable Document Format (PDF) and comes preloaded on your notebook. Follow these steps to access it:

1 Click on Start, All Programs, AcerSystem. 2 Click on AcerSystem User's Guide. Note: Viewing the file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. If Adobe

Acrobat Reader is not installed on your computer, clicking on AcerSystem User's Guide will run the Acrobat Reader setup program first. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation. For instructions on how to use Adobe Acrobat Reader, access the Help and Support menu.

English

Basic care and tips for using your computer

English

Turning your computer on and off

To turn on the computer, simply press and release the power button below the LCD screen beside the launch keys. See "Front view" on page 1 for the location of the power button.

To turn the power off, do any of the following:

• Use the Windows shutdown command Click on Start, Turn Off Computer; then click on Turn Off.

• Use the power button

Note: You can also use the power button to perform power management functions. See "Moving around" on page 27 of the AcerSystem User's Guide.

• Use the customized functions for power management You can also shut down the computer by closing the display cover,

or by pressing the sleep hot key <Fn>+<F4>. See "Moving around" on page 27 of the AcerSystem User's Guide.

Note: If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold the power button for more than four seconds to shut down the computer. If you turn off the computer and want to turn it on again, wait at least two seconds before powering up.

Taking care of your computer

Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it.

• Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it near sources of heat, such as a radiator.

• Do not expose the computer to temperatures below 0ºC (32ºF) or above 50ºC (122ºF).

• Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields.

• Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture.

• Do not spill water or any liquid on the computer.

• Do not subject the computer to heavy shock or vibration.

• Do not expose the computer to dust and dirt.

• Never place objects on top of the computer.

• Do not slam the computer display when you close it.

• Never place the computer on uneven surfaces.

Taking care of your AC adaptor

Here are some ways to take care of your AC adaptor:

• Do not connect the adaptor to any other device.

• Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on top of it.

Carefully route the power cord and any cables away from foot traffic.

• When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself but pull on the plug.

• The total ampere ratings of the equipment plugged in should not exceed the ampere rating of the cord if you are using an extension cord. Also, the total current rating of all equipment plugged into a single wall outlet should not exceed the fuse rating.

Taking care of your battery pack

Here are some ways to take care of your battery pack:

• Use only batteries of the same kind as replacements. Turn the power off before removing or replacing batteries.

• Do not tamper with batteries. Keep them away from children.

• Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations.

Recycle if at all possible.

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Cleaning and servicing

When cleaning the computer, follow these steps: 1 Power off the computer and remove the battery pack. 2 Disconnect the AC adaptor. 3 Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.

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If any of the following occurs:

• The computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged.

• The computer does not operate normally.

Please refer to "Frequently-asked questions" on page 47

AcerSystem User's Guide

of the

Caution

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority, which is granted by the Federal Communications Commission, to operate this computer.

Operation conditions

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Users are requested to follow the RF safety instructions on wireless option devices that are included in the user's manual of each RF option device.

An improper installation or unauthorized use may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Also any tampering of the internal antenna will void the FCC certification and your warranty.

To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be operated indoors and installation outdoors is subject to licensing.

For more information about our products, services, and support information, please visit our website: http://global.acer.com

First things first iii

Your guides iii Basic care and tips for using your computer iv

Turning your computer on and off iv Taking care of your computer iv Taking care of your AC adaptor v Taking care of your battery pack v Cleaning and servicing v

A TravelMate tour 1

Front view 1 Closed front view 3 Left view 4 Right view 5 Rear view 6

Bottom view 7 Specifications 8 Indicators 12 Using the keyboard 13

Lock keys 13

Embedded numeric keypad 14

Windows keys 15

Hot keys 16

The Euro symbol 18 Launch keys 19 Touchpad 20

Touchpad basics 20 Ejecting the optical (CD or DVD) drive tray 22 Using a computer security lock 22 Audio 23

Adjusting the volume 23 Using system utilities 24

Acer eManager 24

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) 25

Launch Manager 26 Moving around with your notebook PC 27

Disconnecting from the desktop 27

Moving around 27

Preparing the computer 27 What to take to short meetings 28 What to bring to long meetings 28

Taking the computer home 29

Preparing the computer 29 What to take with you 29 Special considerations 29

Contents

Setting up a home office 30

Traveling with the computer 30

Preparing the computer 30 What to take with you 30 Special considerations 30

Traveling internationally with the computer 31

Preparing the computer 31 What to bring with you 31 Special considerations 31

Securing your computer 32

Using a computer security lock 32 Using passwords 32

Entering passwords 33 Setting passwords 33

Expanding through options 35

Connectivity options 35

Fax/Data modem 35 Built-in network feature 36 Fast Infrared 36 Universal Serial Bus 37 IEEE 1394 port 37

PC Card slot 38 Installing memory 39 BIOS utility 39

Boot sequence 40

Disc to disc recovery enable 40

Password 40 Using software 40

Playing DVD movies 40

Power management 41 Acer eRecovery 42

Create backup 42 Restore from backup 43 Create factory default image CD 43 Re-install bundled software without CD 44 Change password 44

Acer disc-to-disc recovery 45

Multilingual operating system installation 45 Restore without a Recovery CD 46

Troubleshooting 47

Frequently-asked questions 47 Troubleshooting tips 50 Error messages 51 Requesting service 52

International Travelers Warranty (ITW) 52 Before you call 52

Regulations and safety notices 53

Energy Star Guidelines Compliance 53 FCC notice 53 Modem notices 55 Important safety instructions 58

A TravelMate tour

After setting up your computer as illustrated on the Just for Starters... poster, let us show you around your new TravelMate computer.

Front view

English

# Item Description

1 Display screen Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD),

displaying computer output.

2 Launch keys Buttons for launching frequently used

programs. See "Launch keys" on page 19 for more details.

3 Status indicators Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that turn on and

4 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when

off to show the status of the computer’s functions and components.

you use the computer.

# Item Description

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5 Click buttons (left,

center and right)

6 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which

7 Microphone Internal microphone for sound recording.

8 Keyboard Inputs data into your computer.

9 Power button Turns the computer on and off.

The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse buttons; the center button serves as a 4-way scroll button.

functions like a computer mouse.

Closed front view

# Item Description

1 Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo

audio output.

Bluetooth communication button/indicator

3 Wireless

communication button/indicator

4 Power indicator Lights when the computer is on.

Press to enable/disable Bluetooth function. Lights to indicate the status of

Bluetooth (manufacturing option).

Press to enable/disable Wireless function. Lights to indicate the status of wireless LAN communications (manufacturing option).

communications

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5 Battery indicator Lights when the battery is

being charged.

6 Headphones/

speaker/ line-out jack

Microphone line-in jack

8 Infrared port Interfaces with infrared devices

Connects to audio line-out devices (e.g., speakers, headphones).

Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g., audio CD player, stereo walkman).

(e.g., infrared printer and IR-aware computer).

English

Left view

# Item Description

1 External display

port

2 Network jack Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/1000-

3RJ-11 modem

jack

4 Two USB 2.0

ports

5 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool.

Connects to a display device (e.g., external monitor, LCD projector).

based network.

Connects to a phone line.

Connects to Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera).

Right view

# Item Description

1 PC Card slot Connects to one Type II CardBus PC Card.

2 4-in-1 card reader Accepts MS, MS PRO, MMC and SD card.

Note: Only one card can operate at any given time.

3 PC Card slot

eject button

4 One USB 2.0 port Connect to Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0

5 IEEE 1394 port Connects to IEEE 1394 devices.

Ejects the PC Card from the slot.

devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera).

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6 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool.

7 Security keylock Connects to a Kensington-compatible

computer security lock.

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Rear view

# Item Description

1 Power jack Connects to an AC adaptor.

2 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.

3 124-pin Acer

ezDock connector

Connects to Acer ezDock.

Bottom view

# Item Description

1 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.

2 Battery lock Locks the battery in place.

3 Cooling fan Helps keep the computer cool.

Note: Do not cover or obstruct the opening of the fan.

English

4 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool.

5 Memory compartment Houses the computer's main memory.

6 Battery release latch Unlatches the battery to remove the

battery pack.

Specifications

English

Operating system

• Microsoft® Windows® XP Home/Professional Service Pack 2 Edition

Microprocessor

• Intel

Pentium® M processor 730/740/750/760/770 with

Centrino™ mobile technology at 1.6/1.73/1.86/2.0/2.13 GHz

Intel

Memory

• 256/512 MB of DDR2 533 SDRAM standard, upgradeable to 2 GB with dual soDIMM modules

Data storage

• One 40/60/80 GB ATA/100 hard disc drive

• One external IEEE 1394 optical drive (DVD-Dual or

DVD/CD-RW combo)

• 4-in-1 card reader supports Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Multimedia Card (MMC), and Secure Digital (SD) cards.

Display and video

• 12.1" WXGA color TFT LCD (1280 x 800) or 12.1" WXGA Acer CrystalBrite color TFT LCD (1280 x 768) pixel resolution,

16.7 million colors

• Intel® 915GM integrated 3D graphics with 128 MB of video memory, supporting Intel Microsoft

• Simultaneous LCD and CRT display support

• DualView™ support

• MPEG-2/DVD hardware-assisted capability

DirectX® 9.0

Graphics Media Accelerator 900 and

Connectivity

• LAN: 10/100/1000 Mbps gigabit Ethernet connection

• Modem: 56K ITU V.92 modem with PTT approval

• Wireless LAN (manufacturing option):

• Integrated Intel® PRO/Wireless 2200BG network connection (dual-band 802.11b/g) Wi-Fi CERTIFIED

SignalUp wireless technology

• Integrated Intel (dual-band tri-mode 802.11a/b/g) Wi-Fi CERTIFIED

supporting Acer SignalUp wireless technology

PRO/Wireless 2915ABG network connection

• Wireless PAN (manufacturing option): integrated Bluetooth

™

solution; supporting Acer

™

solution;

Audio

• Audio system with built-in speakers and microphone

• Intel

• Sound Blaster

high-definition audio support

Pro and MS-Sound compatible

• S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) support for digital speakers

Keyboard and pointing device

• 84/85-key Windows keyboard with 12 function and embedded numeric keypad

• Built-in touchpad with buttons and 4-way integrated scroll key

• 12 function keys; 4 cursor keys; 2 Windows keys; hotkey controls

• Four easy-launch buttons: Email, Internet browser,

Acer Empowering Key, and one user-programmable button

• Two front-access buttons: WLAN LED-button and Bluetooth LED-button

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I/O ports

• Three USB 2.0 ports

• One Type II PC Card slot

• One IEEE 1394 port

• One RJ-11 modem port

• One RJ-45 Ethernet port

• One DC-in jack for AC adaptor

• One 124-pin Acer ezDock connector (for selected models)

• One monitor (VGA) port

• One headphones/speaker/line-out jack with S/PDIF support

• One microphone/line-in jack

• One Infrared (FIR) port

• 4-in-1 MS/MS PRO/MMC/SD card reader

Weight

• 1.40 kg (3.08 lbs) with 3-cell Li-ion battery pack

• 1.55 kg (3.41 lbs) with 6-cell Li-ion battery pack

Dimensions

• 210 (W) x 297.5 (D) x 25/32.5 (H) mm

Environment

• Temperature:

• Operating: 5°C - 35°C, Non-operating: -10°C - 65°C

• Humidity (non-condensing):

• Operating: 20% - 80% RH, Non-operating: 20% - 80% RH

System compliance

• ACPI 1.0b

• Mobile PC 2001

• DMI 2.0

• Wi-Fi

• CCX-V3

Power

• 3-cell Li-ion battery pack

• 6-cell Li-ion battery pack (optional)

• 3-pin 65 W AC adaptor (optional)

Options

• 512 MB/1 GB DDR2 533 MHz soDIMM module

• Additional 6-cell Li-ion battery pack

• Additional 65 W AC adaptor

• DVD-Dual drive

• Acer ezDock

Note: The specifications listed above are for reference only. The exact configuration of your PC depends on the model purchased.

English

Indicators

English

The computer has three easy-to-read status indicators on the left side of the keyboard, and four located on the front of the computer.

The power, battery, and wireless communication status indicators are visible even when the LCD display is closed.

Icon Function Description

Caps Lock Lights when Caps Lock is activated.

Num Lock Lights when Num Lock is activated.

HDD Lights when hard disc drive is active.

Bluetooth communications

Lights to indicate the status of Bluetooth® communications.

Wireless communications

Power indicator Lights when the computer is on.

Battery indicator Lights when the battery is being charged.

1. Charging: the light shows amber when the battery is charging.

2. Fully charged: light shows green when in AC mode.

Lights to indicate the status of Wireless LAN communications.

Using the keyboard

The full-sized keyboard includes an embedded numeric keypad, separate cursor keys, two Windows keys and twelve function keys.

Lock keys

The keyboard has three lock functions which you can toggle on and off.

Lock key Description

Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters entered

are in uppercase.

Num Lock <Fn>+<F11>

When Num Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in numeric mode. The marked keys function as a numeric keypad (complete with the arithmetic operators +, -, *, and /). Use this mode when you need to do a lot of numeric data entry. An alternative solution may be to connect an external keypad.

English

Scroll Lock <Fn>+<F12>

When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line up or down when you press the up or down arrow keys respectively. Scroll Lock does not work with some applications.

English

Embedded numeric keypad

The embedded numeric keypad functions like a desktop PC's numeric keypad. It is indicated by small characters located on the right-hand side of the keycaps.

Desired action Num Lock on Num Lock off

Type numbers Use embedded keypad in the same

was as the numeric keypad on a standard keyboard.

Type letters Hold <Fn> while pressing the key

within the embedded keypad.

Type the letters in a normal manner.

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