Acer 4100, 4600 User Manual

TravelMate 4100 / 4600 Series

User’s Guide

TravelMate 4100 / 4600 Series User’s Guide Original Issue: December 2004

Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation to notify any person of such revision 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 recorded 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, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.

TravelMate 4100 / 4600 Series Notebook Computer

Model Number : __________________________________

Serial Number: ___________________________________

Purchase Date: ___________________________________

Place of Purchase: ________________________________

Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Incorporated. Other company's 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 User's guide introduces you to the many ways your computer can help you be more productive. This guide provides clear and concise information about the computer, so read it thoroughly.

If you ever need to print out a copy, this User’s guide is also available in Portable Document Format (PDF). Follow these steps:

1 Click on Start, All Programs, AcerSystem. 2 Click on AcerSystem User's guide.

Note: Viewing the file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader be installed. 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 with your Notebook PC” on page 29.

• 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 with your Notebook PC” on page 29.

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 and vibration.

• Do not expose the computer to dust and dirt.

• Never place objects on top of the computer to avoid damaging the

computer.

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

• Never place the computer 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.

• 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.

English

Cleaning and servicing

When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:

1 Power off the computer 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.

English

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 53.

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 unauthorised 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 adapter 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 5 Right view 6 Rear view 7

Bottom view 8 Specifications 9 Indicators 12 Using the keyboard 14

Lock keys 14

Embedded numeric keypad 15

Windows keys 16

Hot keys 17

Special Keys 19

The Euro symbol 19 The US dollar sign 19

Launch keys 20 Touchpad 21

Touchpad basics 21 Ejecting the optical (CD or DVD) drive tray 23 Using a computer security lock 24 Audio 25

Adjusting the volume 25 Using system utilities 26

Acer eManager 26

Launch Manager 27

Acer GridVista 28 Moving around with your Notebook PC 29

Disconnecting from the desktop 29

Moving around 29

Preparing the computer 29 What to take to short meetings 30 What to bring to long meetings 30

Taking the computer home 30

Preparing the computer 30

What to take with you 31 Special considerations 31 Setting up a home office 32

Traveling with the computer 32

Preparing the computer 32 What to take with you 32 Special considerations 32

Traveling internationally with the computer 33

Preparing the computer 33 What to bring with you 33 Special considerations 33

Securing your computer 34

Using a computer security lock 34 Using passwords 34

Entering passwords 35 Setting passwords 35

Expanding through options 37

Connectivity options 37

Fax/Data modem 37 Built-in network feature 38 Fast Infrared 38 Universal Serial Bus 39 IEEE 1394 port 39 PC Card slot 40

BIOS Utility 42

Boot sequence 42 Disc to Disc Recovery enable 42 Password 42

Using software 43

Playing DVD movies 43

Power management 44

Acer eRecovery 45

Create backup 45 Restore from backup 46 Create factory default image CD 46 Re-install bundled software without CD 47 Change password 47

Acer disc-to-disc recovery 48

Multilingual operating system installation 48 Restore without a Recovery CD 48

Troubleshooting my computer 51

Frequently-asked questions 53 Troubleshooting tips 56 Error messages 56 Requesting service 57

International Traveler’s Warranty (ITW) 57

Before you call 58

Appendix A

Regulation & safety notices 59

A TravelMate tour

After setting up your computer as illustrated in 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 Microphone Internal microphone for sound recording.

# Item Description

English

3 Keyboard Inputs data into your computer.

4 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands

when you use the computer.

5 Click buttons

(Left, center and right)

6 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which

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

8 Launch keys Buttons for launching frequently used

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.

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

programs. See “Launch keys” on page 20 for more details.

Closed front view

# Item Description

1 Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio

output.

2 Infrared port Interfaces with infrared devices

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

3 Power indicator Lights when the computer is on.

English

4 Battery indicator Lights when the battery is being charged.

5 Bluetooth

communication button/indicator (for selected models)

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

# Item Description

English

6 Wireless

communication button/indicator

7 Line-in jack Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g., audio CD

8 Mic-in jack Accepts inputs from external microphones.

9 Speaker/Line-Out/

Headphone jack

10 USB 2.0 port Connects to Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0

11 Latch Locks and releases the lid.

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

player, stereo walkman).

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

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

Left view

# Item Description

1 Optical drive Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or

DVDs depending on the optical drive type.

2 LED indicator Lights up when the optical drive is

active.

3 Emergency eject hole Ejects the optical drive tray when the

computer is turned off

4 Optical drive eject button Ejects the optical drive tray from the

drive.

English

5AcerMedia bay

(for selected models)

Note: The positions of the AcerMedia indicator, eject button and emergency eject hole may differ depending on the optical drive module installed.

Houses an AcerMedia drive module.

English

Right view

# Item Description

1 IEEE 1394 port Connects to IEEE 1394 devices.

2 PC Card slot eject button Ejects the PC Card from the slot.

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

4 4-in-1 card reader

(for selected models)

5 Two USB 2.0 ports Connect to Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0

6 S-video port Connects to a television or display device

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

8 Modem jack Connects to a phone line.

9 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool, even

Accepts MS, MS PRO, MMC and SD card. Note: The 4-in-1 card reader is a

manufacturing option, subject to configuration. Only one card can operate at any given time.

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

with S-video input.

based network (for selected models).

after prolonged use.

Rear view

# Item Description

1 Power jack Connects to an AC adapter.

2 External display port Connects to a display device (e.g., external

monitor, LCD projector).

3 124-pin Acer ezDock

connector (for selected models)

Connects to Acer ezDock.

English

4 Security keylock Connects to a Kensington-compatible

computer security lock.

English

Bottom view

# Item Description

1 Hard disk bay Houses the computer's hard disk

(secured by a screw).

2AcerMedia bay

release latch (for selected models)

3AcerMedia bay

(for selected models)

4 Battery release latch Unlatches the battery to remove the

5 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.

6 Battery lock Locks the battery in place.

7 Cooling fan Helps keep the computer cool.

8 Memory compartment Houses the computer's main memory and

Unlatches the AcerMedia drive for removal of drive.

Houses an AcerMedia drive module.

battery pack.

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

Mini PCI Card.

Specifications

Microprocessor

• Intel® Pentium® M Processor at 1.5 ~ 2.13 GHz or higher

• Intel® Celeron® M Processor at 1.3 ~ 1.6 GHz or higher

Memory

• 256/512 MB of DDR333 SDRAM standard, upgradeable to 2048 MB

with dual soDIMM modules

• 512 KB flash ROM BIOS

Data storage

• One 40 GB and above E-IDE hard disk (2.5”, 9.5mm, UltraDMA-100)

• One internal optical drive, or

One 5.25-inch internal removable optical drive (AcerMedia bay, for selected models)

• 4-in-1 Card Reader (for selected models)

Display and video

• Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) displaying at:

- 15.0” XGA (1024x768)

- 15.4” WXGA (1280x800)

- 15.0” SXGA+ (1400x1050)

• ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON™ X600 with 64/128 MB of video memory

(for selected models)

• Simultaneous LCD and CRT display support

• Dual independent display

• "Automatic LCD dim" feature that automatically decides the best

settings for your display and conserves power

English

Connectivity

• Integrated 10/100/1000 Mbps Fast Ethernet connection (1000Mpbs

for selected models)

• Built-in 56Kbps fax/data modem

• Three Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 ports

English

• InviLink™ 802.11b/g or 802.11a/b/g dual-band tri-mode Wireless LAN (for selected models)

• Bluetooth® (for selected models)

Audio

• 16-bit AC’97 stereo audio

• Dual speakers and one internal microphone

• Separate audio ports for headphone-out, line-in and microphone-

in devices

Keyboard and pointing device

• 88/89-key Windows keyboard

• Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device with scroll

function

• Acer FineTouch™ keyboard with a 5-degree curve

I/O ports

• One Type II PC Card slot

• One RJ-11 phone jack (V.92, 56Kbps modem)

• One RJ-45 network jack

• One DC-in jack (AC adapter)

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

• One external monitor port

• One speaker/headphone-out jack

• One audio line-in jack

• One microphone-in jack

• One Infrared (FIR) port

• One IEEE 1394 port

• One S-video TV-out port

• Three USB 2.0 ports

• 4-in-1 MS/MS Pro/MMC/SD card reader (for selected models)

Weight (with battery)

• 6.6 lbs (3 kg)

Dimensions

- 360 (W) x 273 (D) x27/32 (H) mm

Environment

• Temperature:

- Operating: 5°C ~ 35°C

- Non-operating: -20°C ~ 65°C

• Humidity (non-condensing):

- Operating: 20% ~ 80% RH

- Non-operating: 20% ~ 80% RH

System

• Microsoft® Windows® XP Home/Pro/MCE (MCE for selected models)

• ACPI 1.0b support

• DMI 2.0-compliant

• Wi-Fi®-compliant

• CCX compliant (for selected models)

Power

• 8-cell (65W) or 4-cell (32W) Li-ion battery pack

• 65W AC adapter 19V 3.42A

English

Options

• 256MB/512MB/1GB memory upgrade module

• Additional 65W AC adapter

• Addition Li-ion battery pack

• Additional hard disk

• USB floppy drive

• Second hard disk (AcerMedia bay, for selected models)

• Second 6-cell battery pack (AcerMedia bay, for selected models)

• Acer ezDock (for selected models)

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

Indicators

English

The computer has three easy-to-read status icons on the upper-right above the keyboard.

Icon Function Description

Caps Lock Lights when Caps Lock is activated.

Num Lock Lights when Num Lock is activated.

Media activity Lights when the hard disk or optical drive is active.

In addition, there are two indicators at the front panel. Even when the cover is closed, the state or features can still be seen.

Icon Function Description

Power Lights when the computer is on.

English

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.

Using the keyboard

English

The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded keypad, separate cursor keys, two Windows keys and twelve function 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-F11)

When Num Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in numeric mode. The keys function as a calculator (complete with the 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.

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.

Embedded numeric keypad

The embedded numeric 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

Desired Access Num Lock On Num Lock Off

Number keys on embedded keypad

Cursor-control keys on embedded keypad

Type numbers in a normal manner.

Hold Shift while using cursor-control keys.

Hold Fn while using cursor-control keys.

English

Main keyboard keys Hold Fn while typing letters

on embedded keypad.

Type the letters in a normal manner.

Windows keys

English

The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.

Key Description

Windows key Pressed alone, this key has the same effect as clicking

on the Windows Start button; it launches the Start menu. It can also be used with other keys to provide a variety of functions:

+ Tab Activates the next Taskbar button. + E Opens the My Computer window. + F1 Opens Help and Support. + F Opens the Find: All Files dialog box.

+ M Minimizes all windows. Shift + + M Undoes the minimize all windows ( + M) action.

+ R Opens the Run dialog box.

Application key This key has the same effect as clicking the right mouse

button; it opens the application's context menu.

+ 60 hidden pages

Acer 4100, 4600 User Manual

TravelMate 4100 / 4600 Series

First things first

Your guides

Basic care and tips for using your computer

Contents

A TravelMate tour

Front view

Closed front view

Left view

Right view

Rear view

Bottom view

Specifications

Indicators

Using the keyboard

Lock keys

Embedded numeric keypad

Windows keys