Acer TRAVELMATE-4650, TRAVELMATE-4150 User Manual

TravelMate 4150/4650 Series

User's Guide

Copyright © 2005. Acer Incorporated.
All Rights Reserved.

TravelMate 4150/4650 Series User's Guide
Original Issue: February 2005

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

Record the model number, serial number, purchase date, and place of purchase information in
the space provided below. The serial number and model number are 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, electronically, mechanically, by photocopy, recording, or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.

TravelMate 4150/4650 Series Notebook Computer

Model Number: __________________________________

Serial Number: ___________________________________

Purchase Date: ___________________________________

Place of Purchase: ________________________________

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

First things first

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

Your guides

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

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

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

1 Click on Start, All Programs, AcerSystem.
2 Click on AcerSystem User's Guide.
Note: Viewing the file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. If Adobe Acrobat
Reader is not installed on your computer, clicking on AcerSystem User's

Guide will run the Acrobat Reader setup program first. Follow the
instructions on the screen to complete the installation. For instructions on
how to use Adobe Acrobat Reader, access the Help and Support menu.

i

Basic care and tips for using your computer

Turning your computer on and off

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

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

• Use the Windows shutdown command

Click on Start, Turn Off Computer; then click on Turn Off.

• Use the power button

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

• Use the customized functions for power management

You can also shut down the computer by closing the display cover, or by
pressing the sleep hot key <Fn>+<F4>. See "Moving around" on page 27 of
the AcerSystem User's Guide.

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

Taking care of your computer

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

• Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it near sources

of heat, such as a radiator.

• Do not expose the computer to temperatures below 0º C (32º F) or above

50º C (122º F).

• Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields.

• Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture.

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

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

• Do not expose the computer to dust and dirt.

• Never place objects on top of the computer.

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

• Never place the computer on uneven surfaces.

ii

Taking care of your AC adaptor

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

• Do not connect the adaptor to any other device.

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

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

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

on the plug.

• The total ampere ratings of the equipment plugged in should not exceed

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

Taking care of your battery pack

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

• Use only batteries of the same kind as replacements. Turn the power off

before removing or replacing batteries.

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

• Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if at

all possible.

Cleaning and servicing

When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:

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

If either 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 21.

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.

iii

Operation conditions

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

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

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

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

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

.

First things first i

Your guides i
Basic care and tips for using your computer i

Turning your computer on and off i
Taking care of your computer ii
Taking care of your AC adaptor ii
Taking care of your battery pack iii
Cleaning and servicing iii

A TravelMate tour 1

Front view 1
Closed front view 2
Left view 2
Right view 3
Rear view 4
Bottom view 4

Contents

Specifications 5
Indicators 9
Launch keys 10
Touchpad 11

Touchpad basics 11

Using the keyboard 13

Lock keys and embedded numeric keypad 13
Windows keys 14
Hot keys 14
Special keys 16

Ejecting the optical (CD or DVD) drive tray 17
Using a computer security lock 17
Audio 18

Adjusting the volume 18

Using system utilities 19

Acer eManager 19
Launch Manager 20

Frequently asked questions 21

Requesting service 25

International Travelers Warranty (ITW) 25
Before you call 25

Moving around with your notebook PC 27

Disconnecting from the desktop 27
Moving around 27

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

Taking the computer home 29

Preparing the computer 29
What to take with you 29
Special considerations 29
Setting up a home office 30

Traveling with the computer 30

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

Traveling internationally with the computer31

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

Securing your computer 32

Using a computer security lock 32
Using passwords 32

Entering passwords 33
Setting passwords 33

Expanding through options 35

Connectivity options 35

Fax/Data modem 35
Built-in network feature 36
Fast Infrared 36
Universal Serial Bus 37
IEEE 1394 port 37
PC Card slot 38

BIOS utility 39

Boot sequence 40
Disk to disk recovery enable 40
Password 40

Using software 40

Playing DVD movies 40

Power management 41
Acer eRecovery 42

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

Troubleshooting 45

Troubleshooting tips 45
Error messages 45

Regulations and safety notices 47

Energy Star Guidelines Compliance 47
FCC notice 47
Modem notices 49
Important safety instructions 52

1

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),

2 Power button Turns the computer on and off.
3 Keyboard Inputs data into your computer.
4 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions

5 Click buttons

(left, center and right)

6 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when

7 Microphone Internal microphone for sound recording.
8 Status indicators Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that turn on and

displaying computer output.

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

you use the computer.

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

English

2

# Item Description
9 Launch keys Buttons for launching frequently used

programs. See "Launch keys" on page 10 for
more details.

Closed front view

# Icon Item Description
1 Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo

audio output.

2Bluetooth

communication button/
indicator

3Wireless

communication button/
indicator

4 Power indicator Lights when the computer is on.

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

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

5 Battery indicator Lights when the battery is being charged.

6 Latch Locks and releases the lid.

Left view

# Icon Item Description
1 Security keylock Connects to a Kensington-compatible

computer security lock.

2 Power jack Connects to an AC adaptor.

3/5 USB 2.0 port Connects to Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0

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

3

# Icon Item Description
4 Modem jack (RJ-11) Connects to a phone line.

6 Speaker-out/line-out/

headphone jack

7 Line-in/mic-in jack Accepts inputs from external microphones.

8 Optical drive Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or DVDs

9 Optical drive eject

button

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

depending on the optical drive type.
Ejects the optical drive tray from the drive.

Right view

# Icon Item Description
1 Infrared port Interfaces with infrared devices

2 Hard disk bay Houses the computer's hard disk

3 PC Card slot eject

button

4 6-in-1 card reader Accepts MS, MS PRO, MMC, SD,

5 PC Card slot Connects to one Type II CardBus

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

(secured by a screw).
Ejects the PC Card from the slot.

SM, and xD-Picture cards.
Note: Only one card can operate

at any given time.

PC Card.

English

English

4

Rear view

# Icon Item Description
1 IEEE 1394 port Connects to IEEE 1394 devices.

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

based network (for selected models).

3 124-pin Acer ezDock

connector (for
TravelMate 4650 Series)

4 DVI-D port (for

TravelMate 4650 Series)

5 External display port Connects to a display device

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

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

8 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool, even

Connects to Acer ezDock.

Supports digital video connections.

(e.g., external monitor, LCD projector).

with S-video input.

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

after prolonged use.

Bottom view

# Item Description
1 Memory compartment Houses the computer's main memory.

5

# Item Description
2 Hard disk bay Houses the computer's hard disk (secured

by a screw).

3 Battery release latch Unlatches the battery to remove the

battery pack.
4 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.
5 Cooling fan Helps keep the computer cool.

Note: Do not cover or obstruct the

opening of the fan.
6AcerMedia Bay

(for TravelMate 4650 Series)

7 AcerMedia Bay release latch

(for TravelMate 4650 Series)

Houses an optical drive module or a

second battery pack.

Unlatches the AcerMedia module for

removal of module.

Specifications

Operating system

• Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition (Service Pack 2) or
Microsoft

Microprocessor

• Intel® Pentium® M processor 730/740/750/760/770 (2 MB L2 cache,

1.6/1.73/1.86/2.0/2.13 GHz, 533 MHz FSB)

®

Windows® XP Professional (Service Pack 2)

English

Chipset

• Intel® 915GM/915PM Express chipset

Memory

• 256 or 512 MB1 of DDR2 400/533 memory, upgradeable to 2 GB
using two soDIMM modules (dual-channel support)

• 512 KB flash ROM BIOS

Data storage

• One 40/60/80/100 GB and above PATA/100 hard disk (2.5", 9.5 mm)

• One internal optical drive (DVD-Dual double layer, DVD-Super

Multi double layer, or DVD/CD-RW combo drive), or
One 5.25-inch internal removable optical drive (AcerMedia Bay, for
TravelMate 4650 Series)

• 6-in-1 card reader (MS/MS PRO/MMC/SD/SM/xD-Picture Card)

English

6

Display and video

• Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) displaying at:

- TravelMate 4150 Series: 15.0" XGA (1024 x 768)

- TravelMate 4650 Series: 15.0" SXGA+ (1400 x1050)

• NVIDIA
64/128 MB of DDR VRAM (for TravelMate 4650 series), or

NVIDIA
TurboCache

TravelMate 4150 series), or
Intel

Media Accelerator 900 and up to 128 MB of video memory,
supporting Microsoft

4150 series)

• Dual independent display support

®

GeForce™ Go 6600 graphics processing unit (GPU) with

®

GeForce™ Go 6200 graphics processing unit (GPU) with

™

technology supporting 128 MB of video memory (for

®

915GM integrated 3D graphics, featuring Intel® Graphics

®

DirectX® 9.0 (for TravelMate 4650/

Note: NVIDIA® GeForce™ Go 6200 GPU with TurboCache™
technology combines the size and speed of the local frame
buffer and dynamically available system memory for optimal
system performance.

Connectivity

• Integrated Ethernet connection (gigabit Ethernet for TravelMate
4650 Series; Fast Ethernet for TravelMate 4150 Series); Wake-on­LAN ready

• 56K ITU V.92 modem with PTT approval; Wake-on-Ring ready

• Four Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 ports

®

• Integrated Intel
mode 802.11b/g Wi-Fi CERTIFIED

PRO/Wireless 2200BG network connection, dual-

™

Wireless LAN, supporting Acer

Signal Up wireless technology

• Integrated Bluetooth® support (manufacturing option)

Audio

• 16-bit AC'97 stereo audio

• Dual speakers and one internal microphone

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

in devices

7

Keyboard and pointing device

• Acer FineTouch™ keyboard with a 5-degree curve, 88/89-key
Windows keyboard

• Ergonomically-centerd touchpad pointing device with 4-way
Internet scroll function

I/O ports

• One Type II PC Card slot

• One RJ-11 phone jack

• One RJ-45 network jack

• One DC-in jack (AC adaptor)

• One 124-pin Acer ezDock connector (for TravelMate 4650 Series)

• One external monitor port

• One speaker/headphone-out jack

• One DVI-D port

• One microphone/line-in jack

• One infrared (FIR) port

• One IEEE 1394 port

• One S-video/TV-out port

• Four USB 2.0 ports

• 6-in-1 card reader (MS/MS PRO/MMC/SD/SM/xD-Picture Card)

English

Weight (with battery)

• 6.26 lbs. (2.84 Kg)

Dimensions

- 336.4 (W) x 284.5 (D) x 32.0/34.5 (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

English

8

System compliance

• ACPI 1.0b

• Mobile PC 2001

• DMI 2.0

• Wi-Fi

®

• Cisco Compatible Extensions version 3 (CCX-V3)

Power

• Eight-cell (65 W 2200 mAh) Li-ion battery pack

• Three-pin 65 W AC adaptor

Options

• 256 MB/512 MB/1 GB DDR2 533 MHz memory upgrade modules

• Additional 65 W AC adaptor

• Additional eight-cell Li-ion battery pack

• External USB floppy drive

• Second 6-cell battery pack (AcerMedia Bay, for TravelMate

4650 Series)

• DVD-Super Multi double layer drive (AcerMedia Bay, for
TravelMate 4650 Series)

• Acer ezDock (for TravelMate 4650 Series)

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

9

Indicators

The computer has three easy-to-read status icons on the upper-right
above the keyboard, and four indicators at the front panel.

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

Icon Function Description

Caps Lock Lights when Caps Lock is activated.

Num Lock Lights when Num Lock is activated.

Media activity Lights when the hard disk or optical drive

is active.

Bluetooth

Wireless indicator Lights to indicate the status of wireless

Power indicator Lights when the computer is on.

®

indicator Lights to indicate the status of Bluetooth®

communications.

LAN communications.

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.

10

Launch keys

English

Located at the upper-right above the keyboard are four buttons.
These buttons are called launch keys. They are designated as mail,

Web browser, Acer Empowering Key " ," and one user­programmable button.

Press the Empowering Key " " to run the Acer eManager. Please see
"Acer eManager" on page 19. The mail and Web browser are default

for Email and Internet programs, but can be reset by users. To set the
Web browser, mail and programmable keys, run the Acer Launch
Manager. See "Launch Manager" on page 20.

Launch key Default application

Acer eManager (user-programmable)

P User-programmable
Web browser Internet browser (user-programmable)
Mail Email application (user-programmable)

11

Touchpad

The built-in touchpad is a pointing device that senses movement on its
surface. This means the cursor responds as you move your finger on the
surface of the touchpad. The central location on the palmrest provides
optimum comfort and support.

Touchpad basics

The following items teach you how to use the touchpad:

English

• Move your finger across the touchpad (2) to move the cursor.

• Press the left (1) and right (4) buttons located on the edge of the

touchpad to perform selection and execution functions. These two
buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse.
Tapping on the touchpad is the same as clicking the left button.

• Use the 4-way scroll (3) button to scroll up or down and move left
or right a page. This button mimics your cursor pressing on the
right scroll bar of windows applications.

12

English

Function Left button (1)

Execute Click twice

quickly.

Select Click once. Tap once.
Drag Click and hold,

then use
finger to drag
the cursor on
the touchpad.

Access
context
menu

Scroll Click and

Note: Keep your fingers dry and clean when using the touchpad.
Also keep the touchpad dry and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to
finger movement, hence, the lighter the touch, the better the
response. Tapping harder will not increase the touchpad's
responsiveness.

Right
button (4)

Click once.

Main touchpad (2)

Tap twice (at the same
speed as double-clicking
a mouse button).

Tap twice (at the same
speed as double-clicking
a mouse button); hold
finger to the touchpad
on the second tap and
drag the cursor.

Center
button (3)

hold the up/
down/left/
right.

13

Using the keyboard

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

Lock keys and embedded numeric keypad

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

Num Lock
<Fn>+<F11>

Scroll Lock
<Fn>+<F12>

in uppercase.
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.

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

.

English

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
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
cursor-control keys.

Type the letters in a
normal manner.