Acer 310 User Manual

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Copyright © 1998 Acer Incorporated

All Rights Reserved — Printed in Taiwan

TravelMate 310 Series Notebook Computer User’s Guide
Part No. 49.42B01.011
Original Issue: June 1998

Changes may be made periodically to the information in this
publication. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of
this manual.

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

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

TravelMate Notebook Computer

Model___________Serial No.____________Purchase Date_______________

TravelMate is a trademark and a product of Acer Inc., developed with Texas
Instruments Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the
property of their respective companies. Microsoft, MS-DOS, and Windows are
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

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Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii

Connecting the Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv

Getting Help Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvi

Support Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvii

Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xviii

Chapter 1 Getting Familiar with your Computer. . . . . . . 1

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Indicators and Microphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Ports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Securing your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Table of Contents

Chapter 2 Operating on Battery Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Battery Pack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Power Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Chapter 3 Peripherals and Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

External Monitor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

External Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

External Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

External Pointing Device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Audio Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

External PCMCIA CD-ROM (optional) . . . . . . . . . . . .54

USB Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Miscellaneous Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Key Component Upgrades. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Chapter 4 Moving with your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Disconnecting from the Desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Moving Around . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Taking the Computer Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Traveling with the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

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Table of Contents

Traveling Internationally with the Computer . . . . . . 67

Chapter 5 Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

System Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

PhDISK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Notebook Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Chapter 6 Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Frequently-Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Appendix A Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

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Acer Year 2000 Compliance Statement

The Travelmate 310 series notebook computer is Year 2000­compliant and carries the “NSTL Hardware Tested Year
2000 Compliant” logo. The Travelmate 310 series notebook
computer has been tested both by Acer’s internal test labs
and NSTL’s YMARK2000 certification test. These tests
certify that the Travelmate 310 series notebook computer
will successfully make the year 2000 transition.

Notices

For more details, check the Acer Year 2000 Resource Center
at http://www.acer.com/year2000

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Notices

FCC Notice

This device 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 device generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed 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 device does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the device off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one
or more of the following measures:

1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

2. Increase the separation between the device and receiver

3. Connect the device into an outlet on a circuit different

from that to which the receiver is connected

4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television
technician for help

Notice: Shield Cables

All connections to other computing devices must be made
using shielded cables to maintain compliance with FCC
regulations.

Notice: Peripheral Devices

Only peripherals (input/output devices, terminals, printers,
etc.) certified to comply with the Class B limits may be
attached to this equipment. Operation with non-certified
peripherals is likely to result in interference to radio and TV
reception.

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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.

Use Conditions

This part 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.

Notice: Canadian Users

Notices

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the
Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

Remarque à l’intention des utilisateurs canadiens

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respected toutes les
exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du
Canada.

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Notices

Important Safety Instructions

1. Read these instructions carefully. Save these
instructions for future reference.

2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the
product.

3. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning.
Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a
damp cloth for cleaning.

4. Do not use this product near water.

5. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or

table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to
the product.

6. Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or
bottom are provided for ventilation; to ensure reliable
operation of the product and to protect it from
overheating, these openings must not be blocked or
covered. The openings should never be blocked by
placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar
surface. This product should never be placed near or
over a radiator or heat register, or in a built-in
installation unless proper ventilation is provided.

7. This product should be operated from the type of power
indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of
the type of power available, consult your dealer or local
power company.

8. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not
locate this product where persons will walk on the cord.

9. If an extension cord is used with this product, make
sure that the total ampere rating of the equipment
plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the
extension cord ampere rating. Also, make sure that the
total rating of all products plugged into the wall outlet
does not exceed the fuse rating.

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10.Never push objects of any kind into this product
through cabinet slots as they may touch dangerous
voltage points or short out parts that could result in a
fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on
the product.

11.Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as
opening or removing covers may expose you to
dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all
servicing to qualified service personnel.

12.Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer
servicing to qualified service personnel under the
following conditions:

a. When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed
b. If liquid has been spilled into the product
c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water
d. If the product does not operate normally when the

operating instructions are followed. Adjust only
those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions since improper adjustment of other
controls may result in damage and will often require
extensive work by a qualified technician to restore
the product to normal condition.

e. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has

been damaged

f. If the product exhibits a distinct change in

performance, indicating a need for service.

13.Replace the battery with the same type as the product's
battery we recommend. Use of another battery may
present a risk of fire or explosion. Refer battery
replacement to a qualified serviceman.

14.Warning! Batteries may explode if not handled properly.
Do not disassemble or dispose of them in fire. Keep
them away from children and dispose of used batteries
promptly.

Notices

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Notices

15.Use only the proper type of power supply cord set
(provided in your accessories box) for this unit. It
should be a detachable type: UL listed/CSA certified,
type SPT-2, rated 7A 125V minimum, VDE approved or
its equivalent. Maximum length is 15 feet (4.6 meters).

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Lithium Battery Statement

CAUTION

Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type
recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries
according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

ADVARSEL!

Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosionsfare ved fejlagtig håndtering.
Udskiftning må kun ske med batteri af samme fabrikat og
type. Léver det brugte batteri tilbage til leverandøren.

ADVARSEL

Eksplosjonsfare ved feilaktig skifte av batteri. Benytt
samme batteritype eller en tilsvarende type anbefalt av
apparatfabrikanten. Brukte batterier kasseres i henhold til
fabrikantens instruksjoner.

Notices

VARNING

Explosionsfara vid felaktigt batteribyte. Anvãnd samma
batterityp eller en ekvivalent typ som rekommenderas av
apparattillverkaren. Kassera anvãnt batteri enligt
fabrikantens instruktion.

VAROITUS

Päristo voi räjähtää, jos se on virheellisesti asennettu.
Vaihda paristo ainoastaan laitevalmistajan suosittelemaan
tyyppiin. Hävitä käytetty paristo valmistajan ohjeiden
mukaisesti.

VORSICHT!

Explosionsgefahr bei unsachgemäßen Austausch der
Batterie Ersatz nur durch denselben oder einem vom
Hersteller empfohlenem ähnlichen Typ. Entsorgung
gebrauchter Batterien nach Angaben des Herstellers.

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This manual describes features of the TravelMate 310
Series notebook computers. The TravelMate series
computers incorporate such features as CardBus, 16-bit
stereo audio, Fast Infrared, internal pointing device, and
Universal Serial Bus.

This manual should answer most of the questions you have
about the day-to-day operation of your TravelMate notebook
computer.

Use the Just for Starters… instructions that came with your
computer to get your computer running for the first time.

You should also take advantage of the online help files that
are available with almost all of the programs shipped with
your computer.

We hope you enjoy your TravelMate computer. With proper
care, your computer will provide you with years of
productive service.

Preface

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Preface

Connecting the Notebook

Connecting the computer is easy; just follow these steps:

Note: Make sure the cover latch is unlock before inserting
the battery pack otherwise you won’t be able to insert the
battery pack.

1. Slide out the battery compartment cover (a) and align
the battery’s clasp to the cover and slide it down until
the battery is properly seated (b). Slide the battery with
the compartment cover back into the computer (c) and
then lock the battery in place (d).

a

b

c d

Note: When using a battery pack for the first time, fully
recharge the battery, then disconnect the adapter to use
up the battery before recharging again. You only need to
do this once with a new battery.

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2. Connect one end of the AC adapter to the DC-in port on
the computer’s rear panel and the other end to a
properly grounded power outlet.

Preface

3. Open the display cover and slide the power switch
towards the rear of the computer then release it to turn
on the power. The POST (Power On Self-Test) routine
executes and Windows begins loading.

Note: To turn off power, slide the power switch again. If
you are using Windows 95 or higher version operating
system, we recommend you use the Shutdown command
to turn off the computer. If you turn off the computer and
want to turn it on again, wait at least 2 seconds before
powering up.

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Preface

Getting Help Online

This user’s guide provides clear and concise information
about the notebook, so read it thoroughly. To provide you
with help when traveling, the notebook also comes with a
comprehensive online help.

Accessing Online Help

Follow these steps to access the online documentation:

1. Press the Windows logo button or Click on the Start
button.

2. Select Programs.

3. Click on TravelMate Online.

The online help is easy to navigate with hypertext and
hypergraphics. Clear illustrations help describe notebook
operation as well.

Getting Online

If you are connected to the Internet and have World Wide
Web access, visit our home page (http://www.acer.com/)
and get the latest information about our products.

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Support Information

Your notebook is backed by an International Traveler’s
Warranty (ITW) that gives you security and peace of mind
when traveling. Our worldwide network of service centers
are there to give you a helping hand.

An ITW passport comes with your computer. This passport
contains all you need to know about the ITW program. A
list of available, authorized service centers are in this handy
booklet. Read this passport thoroughly.

Note: Always have your ITW passport on hand, especially
when you travel to receive the benefits from our support
centers. Place your proof-of-purchase in the flap located
inside the front cover of the ITW passport.

Preface

If the country you are traveling in does not have an Acer­authorized ITW service site, you can still get in contact with
our offices worldwide.

For technical assistance and support in the United States
and Canada, you can call 1-800-816-2237. You can also
contact the local dealer or distributor in the country you are
traveling in for assistance.

To view support information, follow these steps:

1. Click on Start, Settings…, Control Panel.

2. Double-click on System.

3. Click on Support Information.

Note: If you are connected to the Internet and have World
Wide Web access, visit our home page (http://
www.acer.com/) and get an updated list of our worldwide
offices, as well as information about our products.

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Preface

Care and Maintenance

Taking Care of Your Computer

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

❑ Do not expose the notebook to direct sunlight. Do not

place near sources of heat, such as a radiator.

❑ Do not expose to temperatures below 0ºC (32ºF) or above

50ºC (122ºF).

❑ Do not subject the notebook to magnetic fields.
❑ Do not expose the notebook to rain or moisture.
❑ Do not spill water or any liquid on the notebook.
❑ Do not subject the computer to heavy shock and

vibration.

❑ Do not expose the notebook to dust and dirt.
❑ Never place objects on top of the notebook to avoid

damaging the notebook.

❑ Never place the notebook on uneven surfaces.

Taking Care of your AC Adapter

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

❑ Do not connect the adapter 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 personal traffic.

❑ When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the

cord itself but pull on the plug.

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❑ 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.

Preface

Cleaning and Servicing

When cleaning the notebook, follow these steps:

1. Power off the notebook and remove the battery pack.

2. Disconnect the AC adapter.

3. Use a soft cloth moistened with water. Do not use liquid

or aerosol cleaners.

Contact your dealer or see your service technician if any of
the following occurs:

❑ Notebook has been dropped or the body has been

damaged.

❑ Liquid has been spilled into the product.
❑ The notebook does not operate normally.

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Getting Familiar with your Computer

This computer combines high-performance, versatility,
power management features and multimedia capabilities
with a unique style and ergonomic design. Work with
unmatched productivity and reliability with your new power
computing partner.

This chapter gives an in-depth "tour" of the computer’s
many features.

Contents

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Indicators and Microphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Special Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Lock Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Embedded Keypad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Windows Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Hot Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Keyboard Ergonomics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Touchpad Basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Hard Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

External Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Connecting an External Floppy Drive. . . . 18

Ports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Rear Ports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Fast Infrared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Universal Serial Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Right Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Fax/Data Modem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

PC Card Slots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Securing your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Security Notch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Passwords. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

1

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Features

Features

This computer was designed with the user in mind. Here
are just a few of its many features:

Performance

❑ Intel Pentium® processor with MMX™ technology
❑ 64-bit main memory and external (L2) cache memory
❑ Large LCD display and PCI local bus video with 128-bit

graphics acceleration

❑ External 3.5-inch floppy drive
❑ External CD-ROM drive (optional)
❑ High-capacity, enhanced-IDE hard disk
❑ Lithium-Ion battery pack
❑ Heuristic power management system with standby and

hibernation power saving modes

Multimedia

❑ 16-bit high-fidelity stereo audio with 3-D sound
❑ Built-in speaker
❑ Built-in microphone

Connectivity

❑ High-speed fax/data modem port
❑ Fast infrared wireless communication
❑ USB (Universal Serial Bus) port

Human-centric Design and Ergonomics

❑ Lightweight and slim
❑ Sleek, smooth and stylish design

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❑ Wide and curved palm rest
❑ Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device

Expansion

❑ CardBus PC card (formerly PCMCIA) slots (two type II/I

or one type III) with ZV (Zoomed Video) port support

❑ Upgradeable memory and hard disk

Features

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Display

Display

The graphics display offers excellent viewing, display
quality and desktop performance graphics. The computer
supports two different display configurations — Supertwist
Nematic (STN) or Thin-Film Transistor (TFT).

Video Performance

PCI local bus video with 128-bit graphics acceleration and

1.1MB Extended Data Out (EDO) video RAM boost video
performance.

Simultaneous Display

This computer supports simultaneous LCD and CRT
display by connecting an external monitor when giving
presentations. Simultaneous display allows you to control
the presentation from your computer and at the same time
face your audience. You can even connect other output
display devices such as LCD projection panels for large­audience presentations.

Power Management

The power management system incorporates an "automatic
LCD dim" feature that automatically decides the best
settings for your display and at the same time conserve
power. See “Power Management” on page 39 for more
information on power management.

Opening and Closing the Display

To open the display, slide the display lid latch to the left and
lift up the lid. Then tilt it to a comfortable viewing position.
The computer employs a microswitch that turns off the
display (and enters standby mode) to conserve power when

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you close the display cover, and turns it back on when you
open the display cover.

Note: If an external monitor is connected, the computer
turns off the display (but does not enter standby mode)
when you close the display cover.

To close the display cover, fold it down gently until the
display cover latch clicks into place.

Caution: To avoid damaging the display, do not
slam it when closing. Do not place any object on top
of the computer when the display is closed.

Display

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Indicators and Microphone

Indicators and Microphone

The computer has six easy-to-read status indicators (LEDs)
and a microphone near the display cover.

Power
Standby
Media Activity
Battery Charge
Caps Lock
Num Lock
Microphone

The Power and Standby indicators are visible even when
you close the display cover so you can see the status of the
computer while the cover is closed. The LED panel also has
an internal microphone for multimedia purposes.

Icon Function Description

Power Lights when the computer is on.

Standby Lights when the computer enters

Media Activity Lights when the hard disk is active.

Battery Charge Lights when the battery is being

Standby mode.

charged.

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Icon Function Description

Caps Lock Lights when Caps Lock is activated

Num Lock Lights when Numeric Lock is

Microphone Use for sound input

Indicators and Microphone

activated

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Keyboard

Keyboard

The keyboard includes an embedded keypad, separate
cursor keys, three Windows keys and twelve function keys.

Special Keys

Lock Keys

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

Lock Key Description

Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters

typed are in uppercase.

Num Lock
(Fn-SL)

Scroll Lock When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line

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

up or down when you press
Scroll lock does not work with some applications.

↑ or ↓ respectively.

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Embedded Keypad

The embedded keypad functions like a desktop numeric
keypad. It is indicated by small characters located on the
upper right corner of the keycaps. To simplify the keyboard
legend, cursor-control key symbols are not printed on the
keys.

Keyboard

Desired Access Num Lock On Num Lock Off

Number keys on
embedded keypad

Cursor-control keys
on embedded
keypad

Main keyboard keys Hold Fn while typing

Type numbers in a
normal manner.

Hold Shift while using
cursor-control keys.

letters on embedded
keypad.

Hold Fn while
using cursor­control keys.

Type the letters
in a normal
manner.

Note: If an external keyboard or keypad is connected to
the computer, the numlock feature automatically shifts
from the internal keyboard to the external keyboard or
keypad.

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310-e.book Page 10 Tuesday, October 27, 1998 5:17 PM

Keyboard

Windows Keys

The keyboard has three keys that perform Windows specific
functions.

Key Description

Windows logo key Start button. Combinations with this key

Application key Opens the application’s context menu

perform special functions. Below are a few
examples:

+ Tab (Activate next Taskbar button)

ÿ

+ E (Explore My Computer)

ÿ

+ F (Find Document)

ÿ

+ M (Minimize All)

ÿ

Shift +

ÿ

(same as right-click).

+ M (Undo Minimize All)

ÿ

+ R (Display Run dialog box)

10 User’s Guide