User’s guide
Copyright © 2003 Acer Incorporated.
All Rights Reserved.
TravelMate 540 series User’s guide
Original Issue: July 2003
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 540 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
We would like to thank you for making the TravelMate series of notebook computers your choice for your mobile computing needs. We hope you will be happy with your TravelMate as much as we enjoyed making it for you.
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.
This 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 PDF (Portable Document Format). Follow these steps:
1Click on Start, All Programs, AcerSystem.
2Click on AcerSystem User’s Guide.
Note: Viewing the file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. For instructions on how to use Adobe Acrobat Reader, access the Help menu.
For more information about our products, services, and support information, please visit our Web site (global.acer.com).
English
English
iv
Turning your computer on and off
To turn on the computer, simply press and release the power button on the top left of your TravelMate. See page 3 for the location of the power button.
To turn the power off, do any of the following:
•Use the Windows shutdown command
For Windows 2000: Click on Start, Shut Down..., and select Shut down; then click on OK.
- or -
For Windows XP: Click on Start, Turn off Computer; then click Turn Off.
•Use the power button
Note: You can also use the power button to perform power management functions. See Windows help for more information.
•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).
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 0⁄C (32⁄F) or above 50⁄C (122⁄F).
•Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields.
•Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture.
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• Do not spill water or any other liquid on the computer. |
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Do not expose the computer to dust and dirt. |
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Do not subject the computer to heavy shock and vibration. |
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• 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.
Cleaning and servicing
When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:
1Power off the computer and remove the battery pack.
2Disconnect the AC adapter.
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Use a soft cloth moistened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol |
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cleaners. |
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To clean the display screen, use an LCD cleaning kit. |
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If any of the following occurs: |
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The computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged. |
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Liquid has been spilled into the product. |
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The computer does not operate normally. |
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Please refer to "Troubleshooting my computer" on page 49. |
First things first |
iii |
Your guides |
iii |
Basic care and tips for using your computer |
iv |
1 Getting to know your TravelMate |
1 |
A TravelMate tour |
3 |
Front view |
3 |
Left view |
5 |
Right view |
6 |
Rear view |
7 |
Bottom view |
9 |
Features |
10 |
Indicators |
12 |
Using the keyboard |
14 |
Special keys |
14 |
Touchpad |
22 |
Touchpad basics |
22 |
Storage |
24 |
Hard Disk |
24 |
Optical drive |
24 |
Using software |
25 |
Audio |
26 |
Adjusting the volume |
26 |
Power management |
27 |
Moving around with your TravelMate |
28 |
Disconnecting from the desktop |
28 |
Moving around |
28 |
Taking the computer home |
29 |
Traveling with the computer |
31 |
Traveling internationally with the computer |
31 |
Securing your computer |
33 |
Using a computer security lock |
33 |
Using passwords |
34 |
2 Customizing my computer |
37 |
Expanding through options |
39 |
Connectivity options |
39 |
Connecting to Acer EasyPort replicator |
43 |
Using system utilities |
46 |
Notebook Manager |
46 |
Launch Manager |
46 |
BIOS Utility |
47 |
Contents
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viii
3 Troubleshooting my computer |
49 |
Frequently-asked questions |
51 |
Requesting service |
54 |
International Traveler’s Warranty (ITW) |
54 |
Before you call |
54 |
Appendix A Specifications |
57 |
Appendix B Notices |
63 |
Index |
73 |
1 Getting to know your
TravelMate
Your TravelMate computer combines highperformance, 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.
3
After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters... poster, let us show you around your new TravelMate computer.
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Item |
Description |
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1 |
Display screen |
Also called LCD (liquid-crystal display), |
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displays computer output. |
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Launch keys |
Special keys for launching internet browser, |
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E-Mail program and frequently used |
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programs. See “Launch Keys” on page 20 for |
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more details. |
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3 |
Power button |
Turns on the computer power. |
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4 |
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1 Getting to know your TravelMate |
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Item |
Description |
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Touchpad |
Touch-sensitive pointing device which |
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functions like a computer mouse. |
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Click buttons (left, |
The left and right buttons function like the |
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center and right) |
left and right mouse buttons; the center |
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button serves as a 4-way scroll button. |
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Infrared port |
Interfaces with infrared devices (e.g., |
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infrared printer, IR-aware computer). |
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7 |
Floppy disc drive (or |
Reads/writes data from/to the media. |
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card reader, if |
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installed) |
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Floppy eject button |
Ejects floppy disc. (N/A when card reader |
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installed.) |
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Speakers |
Outputs sound. |
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10 |
Palmrest |
Comfortable support area for your hands |
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when you use the computer. |
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Keyboard |
Inputs data into your computer. |
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Status indicators |
LEDs (light-emitting diode) that turn on and |
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off to show the status of the computer, its |
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functions and components. |
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Latch |
Latch for opening and closing the laptop. |
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Item |
Description |
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1 |
Optical drive |
Houses an optical drive module (CD-ROM , |
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DVD-ROM or DVD/CD-RW combo drive). |
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2 |
Optical drive |
Lights up when the optical drive is active. |
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indicator |
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Eject button |
Ejects the drive tray. |
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Emergency eject slot |
Ejects the drive tray when the computer is |
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turned off. See page 52 for more details. |
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PC Card eject button |
Ejects the PC Card from the slot. |
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PC Card slots |
Accepts two type II or one type III PC Card. |
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Headphone/ |
Connects to audio line-out devices (e.g., |
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Speaker/Line-out |
headphones, speakers). |
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Microphone/Line-in |
Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g., |
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microphone, audio CD player, stereo |
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walkman). |
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English
6 |
1 Getting to know your TravelMate |
Note: The positions of the optical drive indicator, eject button and emergency eject hole may differ depending on the optical drive module installed.
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Item |
Description |
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USB port |
Connects to Universal Serial Bus devices (e.g., |
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USB mouse, USB camera). |
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2 |
Ventilation slot |
Enables the computer to stay cool, even after |
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prolonged use. |
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Power jack |
Connects to an AC adapter. |
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Item |
Description |
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Security keylock |
Connects to a Kensington-compatible |
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computer security lock. |
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S-video |
Connects to a television or display device |
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with S-video input. |
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3 |
External display |
Connects to a display device (e.g., external |
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port |
monitor, LCD projector). |
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Parallel port |
Connects to a parallel device (e.g., parallel |
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printer). |
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5 |
USB ports |
Connects to Universal Serial Bus devices (e.g., |
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USB mouse, USB camera). |
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6 |
Expansion port |
Connects to I/O port replicator or expansion |
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devices (e.g., Acer EasyPort). |
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English
8 |
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1 Getting to know your TravelMate |
# |
Item |
Description |
7 |
Network jack |
Connects to an Ethernet 10/100-based |
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network. |
8 |
IEEE 1394 port |
Connects to an IEEE 1394 device. |
9 |
Modem jack |
Connects to a phone line. |
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English
# |
Item |
Description |
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1 |
Battery bay |
Houses the computer's battery pack. |
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2 |
Battery release latch |
Unlatches the battery to remove the |
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battery pack. |
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3 |
Cooling fans |
Help keep the computer cool. |
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Note: Don’t cover or obstruct the opening |
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of the fans. |
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4 |
HDD |
Houses the computer's Hard Disk. |
5 |
FDD/card reader |
Accesses the cable connectors for the FDD |
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cable connector cover |
or card reader. |
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6 |
AcerMedia Bay |
Houses an AcerMedia drive module. |
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7 |
AcerMedia Bay |
Unlatches the AcerMedia drive for |
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release latch |
removing the optical drive. |
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10 |
1 Getting to know your TravelMate |
Below is a brief summary of the computer’s many features:
Performance
•Mobile Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor with 512 KB level 2 cache featuring the new Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® technology
•Standard 256 MB DDR333 SDRAM, upgradeable to 2 GB on dual soDIMM sockets
•Integrated CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, DVD/CD-RW combo or DVD-RW or DVD-Dual drive
•30/40/60 GB or higher-capacity ATA/100 HDD
•Li-ion battery pack
•Power management system with ACPI (Advanced Configuration Power Interface) 1.0b supporting Standby and Hibernation power saving modes
Display
•14.1" Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) displaying 32-bit high true color up to 1024 x 768 eXtended Graphics Array (XGA) resolution
•15" Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) displaying 32-bit high true color up to 1400 x 1050 Super eXtended Graphics Array (SXGA+) resolution
•3D capabilities
•Simultaneous LCD and CRT display support
•S-video for output to a television or display device that supports S- video input
•"Automatic LCD dim" feature that automatically decides the best settings for your display and conserves power
•Dual display capability
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Multimedia
•16-bit high-fidelity AC’97 stereo audio
•Dual built-in speakers
•Built-in microphone
•High-speed optical drive
Connectivity
•High-speed fax/data modem port
•Ethernet/Fast Ethernet port
•USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports
•IEEE 1394 port
•Fast Infrared (FIR) port
•Docking port for port replicator
•Inetgrated Invilink wireless LAN module
•Integrated Bluetooth module
Human-centric design and ergonomics
•Five launch keys, including internet browser, E-Mail and three user-programmable keys
•4-way scroll button
•Sleek, smooth and stylish design
•Full-sized keyboard
•Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device
Expansion
•Two type II or one type III CardBus PC Card slot
•Upgradeable memory
English
English
12 |
1 Getting to know your TravelMate |
The computer has seven easy-to-read status icons below the display screen and on the front. .
Icon |
Function |
Description |
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Power |
Lights green when the computer is on and |
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lights orange when the computer is in |
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Standby mode. |
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Media activity |
Lights when the Hard Disk is active. |
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Battery charge |
Lights green when the battery is being |
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charged. |
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Lights orange when the battery power is low |
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and is being charged. |
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Wireless |
Lights orange when the Wireless LAN |
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Communication |
capabilities are enabled. |
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(applicable only |
Lignts blue when Bluetooth capabilities are |
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when Wireless |
enabled. |
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LAN or Bluetooth |
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installed) |
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Icon |
Function |
Description |
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Caps lock |
Lights when Caps Lock is activated. |
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Num lock |
Lights when Num Lock is activated. |
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Scroll lock |
Lights when Scroll lock is activated. |
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English
English
14 |
1 Getting to know your TravelMate |
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 keys which you can toggle on and off.
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Lock key |
Description |
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Caps Lock |
When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in |
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uppercase. |
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Num Lock |
When Num Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in numeric |
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(Fn-F11) |
mode. The keys function as a calculator (complete with the |
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arithmetic operators +, -, *, and /). Use this mode when you |
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need to do a lot of numeric data entry. A better solution |
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would be to connect an external keypad. |
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Scroll Lock |
When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line up or down |
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(Fn-F12) |
when you press the up or down arrow keys respectively. |
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Scroll Lock does not work with some applications. |
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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.
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Desired access |
Num lock on |
Num lock off |
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Number keys on |
Type numbers in a normal |
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embedded keypad |
manner. |
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Cursor-control keys |
Hold Shift while using |
Hold Fn while using |
on embedded |
cursor-control keys. |
cursor-control keys. |
keypad |
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Main keyboard keys |
Hold Fn while typing letters |
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on embedded keypad. |
Type the letters in a normal manner.
English
16 |
1 Getting to know your TravelMate |
Windows keys
The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.
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Key |
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Description |
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Windows logo |
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Start button. Combinations with this key perform |
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shortcut functions. Below are a few examples: |
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+ Tab (Activates next taskbar button) |
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+ E (Explores My Computer) |
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+ F (Finds Document) |
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+ M (Minimizes All) |
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Shift + |
+ M (Undoes Minimize All) |
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+ R (Displays the Run... dialog box) |
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Application key |
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Opens a context menu (same as a right-click). |
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17
Hot keys
The computer employs hot keys or key combinations to access most of the computer’s controls like screen brightness, volume output.
To activate hot keys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the other key in the hot key combination.
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Hot key |
Icon |
Function |
Description |
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Fn-F1 |
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Hot key help |
Displays help on hot keys. |
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Fn-F2 |
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Setup |
Launch Notebook Manager |
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Fn-F3 |
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Power |
Switches the power |
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management |
management scheme used by |
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scheme toggle |
the computer (function |
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available if supported by |
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operating system). |
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See “Power management” on |
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page 27. |
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Fn-F4 |
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Sleep |
Puts the computer in Sleep |
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mode. |
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See “Power management” on |
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page 27. |
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