Acer ExtensaTM 670 User Manual

Extensa™ 670 Series Notebook Computers User’s Guide

49.47001.021 Printed in Taiwan

Part No. 49.47001.021 Original Issue: May 1997

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 permissionof Acer Incorporated.

Extensa Notebook Computer

Model_______Serial No.____________Purchase Date________

Contents

This is a product of Acer Incorporated, developed to TI specifications. The icons in the Windows Notebook and Startup groups are copyrighted by Texas Instruments. Texas Instruments, TI and the TI logo are registered trademarks of Texas Instruments Inc. IBM, AT, PS/2, and Token Ring are registered trademarks and OS/2 is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows and Xenix are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Ethernet is a registered trademark of Xerox Corporation. Kensington is a registered trademark of Kensington Microware, Inc. Synaptics is registered trademark of Synaptics, Inc. SimulSCAN is a trademark of Cirrus Logic, Inc. IrDA is a trademark of Infra Red Data Association. XJACK is a registered trademark of Megahertz Corporation.

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:

n Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna n Increase the separation between the device and receiver n Connect the device into an outlet on a circuit different from

that to which the receiver is connected

n 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.

Caution

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

FCC Notice

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

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.

Duracell Notice

The Texas Instruments Extensa 670CD and 670CDT use a Duracell DR35 or DR201 Rechargeable Battery. Texas Instruments participates in the Duracell pro.link program. If you would like to purchase additional batteries, please call the Authorized Duracell Purchase Hotline at 1-800-603-8225. If you have questions about battery performance, recycling a used battery, or any other battery-related question, please call Duracell Consumer Relations at 1-800-551-2355 (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST).

Preface Chapter 1 Before You Begin

Creating Backup Disks.................................1-2

Features of the Computer .............................1-3

Environmental Specifications........................1-5

Using the Computer .....................................1-7

Power Saving Modes .....................................1-9

Securing the Computer...............................1-14

Using the AC Adapter .................................1-15

Chapter 2 Using Your Computer

Starting the Computer..................................2-3

Using the Brightness and Contrast Controls..2-4

Turning the Speakers On and Off..................2-5

Using the Microphone...................................2-6

Using PC Cards............................................2-7

Using Indicator Lights.................................2-10

Using the Touchpad....................................2-13

Using Disk Drives .......................................2-15

Adding Memory ..........................................2-25

Using the Keyboard ....................................2-28

Using the Internal Numeric Keypad.............2-32

Using Connectors and Ports........................2-34

Chapter 3 Using Battery Power

Guidelines for Battery Use............................3-2

Switching to Battery Power ...........................3-4

Responding to Low Battery Conditions ..........3-5

Recharging the Battery .................................3-7

Calibrating the Battery .................................3-8

Removing and Installing the Battery Pack ....3-10

Re-Installing the Battery Compartment Door..3-12

Conserving Battery Power...........................3-13

viii

Chapter 4 Options

AC Adapter ...................................................4-2

PC Cards......................................................4-3

PS/2 Devices................................................4-4

External Monitor ..........................................4-5

External Mouse ............................................4-6

Memory........................................................4-7

Audio Options ..............................................4-8

Docking Option ............................................4-9

Miscellaneous Options................................4-10

Chapter 5 Using Software

Using Supplied Software...............................5-2

Getting Online Help......................................5-3

Guidelines for Installing Applications............5-4

Using System Passwords ..............................5-6

Contents

Chapter 6 Mobility

Disconnecting from the Desktop ...................6-2

Moving Around.............................................6-3

Taking the Computer Home ..........................6-4

Traveling with the Computer.........................6-7

Traveling Internationally with the Computer ....6-9

Chapter 7 Care and Troubleshooting

Cleaning the Computer.................................7-2

Troubleshooting Tips ....................................7-3

Startup Error Messages................................7-4

Preface

This manual describes features of the Texas Instruments Extensa™ 670 Series notebook computers. The Extensa series computers are similar in appearance and incorporate such features as CardBus, 16-bit stereo audio, module bay, Fast Infrared and internal pointing device.

This manual should answer most of the questions you have about the day-to-day operation of your Extensa 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 Extensa computer. With proper care, your computer will provide you with years of productive service.

Before You Begin

After completing the instructions in Just for Starters…, read this chapter to learn about the

important functions of your computer. Some functions, such as Creating Backup Disks, should be performed as soon as possible after the purchase of your computer.

Contents

Creating Backup Disks................................ 1-2

Features of the Computer ............................ 1-3

Standard Features................................ 1-3

Customizing Features........................... 1-4

Environmental Specifications....................... 1-5

Using the Computer..................................... 1-7

Power Saving Modes .................................... 1-9

0V Suspend Mode............................... 1-11

5V Suspend Mode............................... 1-12

Standby Mode .................................... 1-13

Securing the Computer.............................. 1-14

Using the AC Adapter ................................ 1-15

1-1

Creating Backup Disks

You should create your backup system disks as soon as possible after purchasing your computer. The process you follow depends on the operating system you selected when you installed the computer for the first time.

Windows® 95

Backing up Windows 95 requires approximately 43 formatted 3½-inch, 1.44 MB floppy disks. Labels for the floppy disks are included with the manual.

To create backup system disks, use the Create System Disk tool from Windows 95.

Windows for Workgroups

1-2

Backing up MS-DOS® and Windows for Workgroups requires approximately twenty 3½inch, 1.44 MB floppy disks.

To create backup system disks, use the Make Disk utility, which is located in the Main program group.

Features of the Computer

Standard Features

The following list displays the standard features of your Extensa computer:

q PCI Bus architecture q 16 MB EDO (Extended Data Out) memory q 2 MB EDO video memory q Fast video graphics accelerator q 0-Volt Suspend, 5-Volt Suspend and

Standby power saving modes

q No-reboot setup function q STN or TFT color display q 16-bit stereo audio q Fast infrared communication q Duracell NiMH (Nickel-Metal-Hydride) or

optional Li-Ion (Lithium-Ion) battery pack q 1.43 GB (or higher) capacity hard disk drive

with Local Bus

q Internal touchpad pointing device q Small, lightweight AC adapter

1-3

Features of the Computer

Customizing Features

The following features allow you to customize your computer to fit your requirements.

q Modular bay that accepts a 3½ inch floppy

disk drive module or CD-ROM drive module q PS/2 port for connecting an external

keyboard, numeric keypad, or mouse q 9-pin serial port for connecting external

devices such as a modem or mouse

q Simultaneous display with external CRT q One Type III or two Type II/I Cardbus PC

Card slots; lower slot accepts Zoomed Video

port enabled PC cards

1-4

q Parallel port with EPP and ECP for

connecting to a printer or the floppy disk

drive module q 8 MB, 16 MB and 32 MB EDO 64-bit type

small outline dual inline memory module

(soDIMM) upgrades q Advanced PCI Card slot for installing a

feature upgrade option

Environmental Specifications

This section provides information on the optimum operating environment for your Extensa notebook computer.

Temperature

Operating: 50° to 95°F

(10° to 35°C)

Storage: -4° to 140°F

(-20° to +60°C)

Relative Humidity (Noncondensing)

Operating: 20% to 85% Storage: 20% to 85%

Shock

Operating: Maximum 5g pulse in X,

Y, and Z orientations

Storage: Maximum 50g pulse in X,

Y, and Z orientations

Vibration

Operating: Sinusoidal 5 to 25.6 Hz

limited to 0.015 inch peak-to-peak maximum displacement

0.5g, 25.6 to 250 Hz

Storage: Sinusoidal 5 to 27.1 Hz

limited to 0.016 inch peak-to-peak maximum displacement

2.0g, 27.1 to 500 Hz

1-5

Environment

Note: Your computer is equipped with a fan to keep the computer cool under extreme high temperature conditions. The fan will not normally operate, but may turn on when the computer’s internal components become warm. You will hear the fan when it turns on, this is nothing to be concerned about.

1-6

Using the Computer

q Never pick up or carry the computer by the

display. q Never use the computer in harsh

environments where it could be subjected to

rapid temperature changes or excessive

dust. q Never expose the computer to excessive

vibration. q Never expose the hard disk drive or floppy

disk(s) to strong magnetic fields, such as

those generated by audio system speakers,

telephone handsets, or hand-held metal

detectors. q To avoid overheating the computer, never

place anything on top of the computer when

it is operating or recharging the battery. q Before moving an active computer, press the

0V Suspend hot key (Fn+F2) to put the

computer into 0V Suspend mode and close

the display (refer to 0V Suspend Mode in the

next section). q Do not try to force the display beyond its

fully opened position — about 180 degrees.

1-7

Using the Computer

Caution: In the rare event that you see or smell anything that indicates overheating (smoke or a strange smell):

1. Turn off the power.

2. Disconnect the AC adapter from the power source and the computer.

3. Remove the battery pack.

4. Contact your Extensa dealer or service center.

1-8

Power Saving Modes

Power Savings Options

Your Extensa system offers several options for you to extend your battery life while you are not actively using your computer. These options power off different sections of the computer that are not currently being used.

These options are listed in the POWER

MANAGEMENT page of the System Setup screen

(accessed via Fn+F1 anytime or F2 during boot up). They are described below:

Power Management

Standby Timeout

5V Suspend Timeout

This option determines when power management is enabled. .

ALWAYS: Enables the time out settings regardless of whether the computer is on AC or battery power.

BATTERY ONLY: Only enables the time outs when the computer is running off of the battery power

DISABLE: Disable all power time out settings.

The amount of time the computer needs to be idle before the computer enters Standby mode.

The amount of time the computer needs to be idle before the computer enters 5V Suspend.

1-9

Power Saving Modes

0V Suspend Timeout

Hard Disk Timeout

Display Timeout

The amount of time the computer needs to be idle before the computer enters 0V Suspend.

The amount of time the computer needs to be idle before the hard disk will spin down the motor.

The amount of time the computer needs to be idle before the display back light turns off

The computer will not enter any of the power management time out modes if the hard disk drive, CD ROM, or floppy disk drive is active.

Note: If the “Auto Insert Notification” option is enabled in the CD ROM setting, the computer will not time out on any of the power management time outs because Windows 95 will constantly be actively looking for a new CD to be inserted. This option is set to a default of DISABLED.

1-10

Power Saving Modes

0V Suspend Mode

0V Suspend mode saves the exact spot you are at on your computer, then removes all power without losing any data.

In 0V Suspend mode, the computer saves the current computer state onto your hard disk drive then shuts off. When you turn the computer on again, it restores the computer to the saved state within about a minute.

Press the 0V Suspend hot key (Fn+F2) to enter 0V Suspend mode. To resume normal operation, press the power switch. 0V Suspend mode occurs automatically if the 0 VOLT SUSPEND

TIMEOUT parameter in Setup is enabled and

times out or if the BATTERY LOW SUSPEND option is enabled and your battery runs down to a critically low level.

Note: Your computer will not enter 0V Suspend mode if the 0V Suspend file is missing or is the incorrect size. Refer to Chapter 2, Adding Memory section for further information.

5V Suspend Mode

5V Suspend mode consumes very little power when you are not using your computer, yet still resumes quickly. With a fully charged battery, your computer can remain in 5V Suspend mode for days.

1-11

Power Saving Modes

Caution: If your computer loses power while

in 5V Suspend, you will lose all of your unsaved data.

In 5V Suspend mode, the computer saves the current computer state into your system memory then shuts off power to most of the devices except the system memory. The standby indicator flashes to indicate the computer is in 5V Suspend mode. When the computer resumes from 5V Suspend mode, it restores the computer to the saved state.

Press the 5V Suspend hot key (Fn+F3) or close the display cover to enter 5V Suspend mode. The computer also enters 5V Suspend mode if the 5V SUSPEND TIMEOUT parameter in Setup is enabled and times out.

1-12

To resume normal operation, press any key on the internal keyboard or press the power switch. The computer also resumes from 5V suspend if the RESUME ON MODEM RING or RESUME ON ALARM options are enabled in the System Setup and a modem ring or alarm occurs.

Note: It takes the computer a few seconds to resume from a 5V Suspend. You may see the screen blank a few times while the computer restores all of the system states.

Power Saving Modes

Standby Mode

Standby mode saves some computer power by turning off a few of the unused devices and still allows you to resume your work instantly. The standby indicator lights up in Standby mode.

Press the Standby hot key (Fn+F4) to enter Standby mode. The computer also enters Standby mode if the STANDBY TIMEOUT parameter in Setup is enabled and times out.

To resume from Standby mode, press any key or touch the touchpad. The computer also resumes from Standby if the RESUME ON MODEM

RING or RESUME ON ALARM options are enabled in

the System Setup and a modem ring or alarm occurs.

Note: The computer acts on the key you press. To prevent unintended results, press a nonprinting character such as Shift, Ctrl or Alt.

Refer to Chapter 3, Responding to Low Battery Conditions section, for more ideas on how to conserve power.

1-13

Securing the Computer

Your computer comes with a Kensington® lock notch. If your computer store does not carry Kensington locks, you can buy one directly from Texas Instruments. To secure your computer, follow these steps:

1. Wrap the cable of a portable computer Kensington security lock around a table, desk drawer handle or any immovable object.

2. Locate the Kensington lock icon at the rear of the left side of the computer and insert the lock into the notch.

3. Turn the key to secure the lock.

4. Remove the key from the lock.

1-14

Notch

Securing the Computer

Using the AC Adapter

Female Connector

Connector

AC Adapter

Male Plug

AC Adapter

Charges the internal battery pack and operates the computer on AC power whether or not a battery pack is installed. The AC adapter can be operated anywhere where the outlet supplies between 100240 volts AC at 50 - 60 Hz. The AC adapter has a detachable AC power cord.

Caution: Use only the AC adapter supplied with your computer. Another adapter can

damage your computer and create a safety hazard.

1-15

Using Your Computer

Before beginning this chapter, ensure you have read and understood Chapter 1. Chapter 2 describes how to start and use your Extensa notebook computer.

Contents

Starting the Computer................................. 2-3

Using the Brightness and Contrast Controls. 2-4

Turning the Speakers On and Off................. 2-5

Using the Microphone.................................. 2-6

Using PC Cards ........................................... 2-7

Inserting PC Cards................................ 2-7

Ejecting PC Cards................................. 2-8

Using Indicator Lights................................ 2-10

Using the Touchpad ................................... 2-13

Moving the Cursor.............................. 2-13

Configuring the Touchpad................... 2-14

Using Disk Drives...................................... 2-15

Hard Disk Drive Guidelines................. 2-16

Removing your Hard Disk Drive .......... 2-16

Inserting your Hard Disk Drive ........... 2-18

CD-ROM Drive Guidelines .................. 2-20

Swapping Modules .............................. 2-21

Connecting the Floppy Disk Drive

Externally........................................... 2-22

2-1

Floppy Disk Drive Guidelines.............. 2-23

Adding Memory ......................................... 2-25

Running PHDISK................................ 2-26

Using the Keyboard ................................... 2-28

Special Keys....................................... 2-28

Windows 95 Keys................................ 2-31

Using the Internal Numeric Keypad............ 2-32

Num Lock On..................................... 2-32

Num Lock Off..................................... 2-33

Using Connectors and Ports....................... 2-34

2-2

Starting the Computer

Switch

Power

Power Switch

Turns the computer on and off for both AC and battery operation; also resumes from 0V Suspend and 5V Suspend modes.

The power switch is software controlled to allow for a proper shutdown from the Windows 95 operating system. If the operating system locks up and cannot shutdown, press and hold the power switch for 1-2 seconds to force the computer to turn off.

2-3

Using the Brightness and Contrast Controls

You can adjust the screen brightness and contrast levels using hot keys.

Note: The hot keys for brightness and contrast are continuous keys. They will adjust as long as you hold them down.

Brightness Control

Contrast Control

Press Fn+↑↑ and Fn+↓↓ to increase and decrease the brightness of the display respectively.

The brighter the screen, the more power is used during battery operation.

Press Fn+→→ and Fn+←← to increase and decrease the contrast of the display respectively.

The higher the contrast setting, the more power is used during battery operation.

2-4

Turning the Speakers On and Off

Left

Your computer comes with 16-bit stereo audio. Two built-in speakers are located near the LCD hinges.

Speaker

Right

Speaker

Built-in Speakers

You can turn the built-in speakers on and off using a hot key.

Speaker On/Off

Press Fn+End to toggle the speaker output on and off.

You can also enable or disable the speaker from your Setup screen. The setting in Setup determines whether the speakers are enabled when you reboot or turn on your computer. Pressing Fn+End overrides the setting.

2-5

Using the Microphone

Your computer has a built in microphone located in front of the touchpad (inside the LCD latch)

Microphone

Built-in Microphone

To use the microphone, face your computer from a normal distance and speak in a normal voice. You do not need to bend down to speak directly into the microphone.

2-6

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