Acer TravelMate 100 User Guide
TravelMate 100 series
User’s guide
Copyright © 2001. Acer Incorporated.
All Rights Reserved.
TravelMate 100 series User’s guide
Original Issue: January 2002
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 100 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.
First things first
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.
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.
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:
1 Click on Start, Programs, TravelMate.
2 Click on TravelMate User’s guide.
Note: Viewing the file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader
installed. If Adobe Acrobat Reader is not installed on your
computer, clicking on TravelMate 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 menu.
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A handy Hot key pocket reference card is useful for quick
glances at functional key combinations.
iv
An Online guide is your helping hand on-the-go, with easy
to access, detailed and linked information about your
computer.
To access the online guide:
1 Click on Start, Programs, TravelMate.
2 Click on TravelMate Online guide.
Lastly, there may be a Read me first sheet included with
your package which contains important reminders and
updates. So, please read through it.
For more information about our products, services, and support
information, please visit our web site (http://global.acer.com
).
Basic care and tips for using your computer
Connecting your computer
Connecting the computer is as easy as 1-2-3.
1 Insert the battery pack into the battery compartment, and press
down until it clicks into place.
Note: See your online guide for more details on how to remove
the battery pack.
2 Connect one end of the AC adapter to the power jack on the
computer’s rear panel and the other end to a properly-grounded
power outlet.
3 Push the display cover latch to open the display.
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4 Slide the power switch towards the rear of the computer (a) then
release it (b) to turn on the power. The POST (power-on self-test)
routine executes and Windows begins loading.
To turn the power off, do any of the following:
• Click on Start, Turn off Computer; then click Turn O ff.
• Use the power switch
Note: You can also use the power switch to perform power
management functions. See “Power management” on page 30.
• 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 the online guide for
details.
Note: If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and
hold the power switch 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.
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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.
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• 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 adapter.
3 Use a soft cloth moistened with water. Do not use liquid or
aerosol cleaners.
If any of the following occurs:
• The computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged.
• Liquid has been spilled into the product.
• The computer does not operate normally.
Please refer to "Troubleshooting my computer" on page 57.
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 8
Using your computer in tablet mode 10
Switching to tablet mode 10
Switching to computer mode 13
Features 14
Indicators 16
Using the keyboard 18
Special keys 18
Touchpad 25
Touchpad basics 25
Storage 27
Hard disk 27
Optical drive 27
Audio 29
Adjusting the volume 29
Power management 30
Moving around with your TravelMate 31
Disconnecting from the desktop 31
Moving around 31
Taking the computer home 32
Traveling with the computer 34
Traveling internationally with the computer 34
Securing your computer 36
Using a computer security lock 36
Using the Smart Card 36
Using passwords 42
Contents
2 Customizing your computer 45
Expanding through options 47
Connectivity options 47
Upgrade options 52
Notebook Manager 54
x
Launch Manager 54
BIOS Utility 56
3 Troubleshooting your computer 57
Frequently-asked questions 59
Troubleshooting tips 62
Error messages 63
Requesting service 65
International Traveler’s Warranty (ITW) 65
Before you call 65
Appendix A Specifications 67
Appendix B Notices 73
Index 81
1 Getting to know your
TravelMate
Your TravelMate 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.
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
3
# Item Description
1 Latch Use to latch the LCD screen in both normal
mode and tablet mode.
2 Display screen Also called LCD (liquid-crystal display),
displays computer output. Touchscreencapable with the aid of the Touchscreencapable stylus.
3 Launch keys Buttons for launching frequently used
programs. See “Launch Keys” on page 23 for
more details.
4
# Item Description
4 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which
functions like a computer mouse.
1 Getting to know your TravelMate
5 Click buttons (left,
center and right)
6 Microphone Captures sounds and voices into your
7 Infrared port Interfaces with infrared devices (e.g.,
8 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands
9 Keyboard Inputs data into your computer.
10 Enter button Use to confirm selection in tablet mode.
11 Page up/Page down
buttons
The left and right buttons function like the
left and right mouse buttons; the center
button is a 4-direction scroll button.
computer.
infrared printer, IR-aware computers).
when you use the computer.
Use to scroll one page up or one page down
in tablet mode.
12 Application key
button
13 Alt+Esc button Use to cycle through active Windows
By default, use to invoke the notebook
application.
application.
# Item Description
14 Status indicators LEDs (light-emitting diodes) that turn on and
off to show the status of the computer and
its functions and components.
15 Stylus Use to input data in tablet mode.
Left view
# Item Description
1 Power switch Turns on the computer power.
5
2 Hard disk bay Houses the computer's hard disk (secured by
a screw).
6
1 Getting to know your TravelMate
Right view
# Item Description
1 Stylus For data input on the screen in tablet mode.
2 PC Card eject button Ejects the PC Card from the slot.
3 PC Card slot Accepts one Type II 16-bit PC Card or 32-bit
4 Smart Card eject
button
5 Speaker/
Headphone-out jack
6 Line-in jack Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g., audio CD
7 IEEE 1394 port Connects to IEEE 1394 devices.
CardBus PC Card.
Ejects the Smart Card from the slot.
Connects to audio line-out devices (e.g.,
speakers, headphones).
player, stereo walkman).
# Item Description
8 USB port 1 Connects to any Universal Serial Bus device
(e.g., USB mouse, USB camera).
7
9 USB port 2 Connects to any Universal Serial Bus device
10 Smart Card slot Slot for Smart Card interface with pre-boot
(e.g., USB mouse, USB camera).
authentication system.
Rear view
# Item Description
1 Security keylock Connects to a Kensington-compatible
computer security lock.
2 External display
port
Connects to a display device (e.g., external
monitor, LCD projector) and displays up to
16M colors at 1024 x 768 resolution.
3 Modem jack Connects to a phone line.
8
# Item Description
4 Network jack Connects to an Ethernet 10/100-based
network.
5 Power jack Connects to an AC adapter.
1 Getting to know your TravelMate
Bottom view
# Item Description
1Memory
compartment
2 Battery lock/unlock
latch
3 Battery release latch Unlatches the battery to remove the
Houses the computer's main memory.
Locks and unlocks the battery bay.
battery pack.
# Item Description
4 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.
5 Hard disk bay Houses the computer's hard disk (secured
by a screw).
9
6 Hard disk anti-shock
protection
7 Personal
identification slot
Protects your hard disk against accidental
shock and vibration.
Insert an identification card to personalize
your computer.
10
1 Getting to know your TravelMate
Using your computer in tablet mode
Your computer is designed for convenience, ergonomic use, and
portability. Running the Windows XP Professional operating system,
your TravelMate utilizes a stylus for pen-based input. Software
developed specifically for the computer allows for both handwriting
recognition converted to application text, or handwriting captured as
rich digital ink for manipulation, editing, and formatting. By
combining Windows-based applications with the versatility of penbased input, this computer offers new ways for users to communicate
in a wireless environment.
Switching to tablet mode
To switch to table mode, follow the steps below:
1 Push and slide the latch in the direction as shown in the illustration
below (a) and open the display screen (b).
Warning: When switching to tablet mode, make sure that
you open the display at an angle between 85° to 95°. Doing
otherwise will damage your keyboard when rotating the
display screen.
11
12
1 Getting to know your TravelMate
2 Press and release the hinge holding the display screen on both
sides.
3 Rotate the display screen 180 degrees clockwise as shown in the
illustration. Make sure that the display screen is aligned with the
hinges that will hold it in place.
Warning: Rotate the display screen clockwise only when
switching to the tablet mode. Rotating the display screen
counterclockwise might damage it.
4 Press the hinges on both sides until they click into place (a); then
close and latch the display.
5 Remove the stylus from its slot to begin pen-based input.
13
Switching to computer mode
To switch back to computer mode, reverse the steps of the “Switching
to tablet mode” procedure.
14
1 Getting to know your TravelMate
Features
Below is a brief summary of the computer’s many features:
Performance
• Mobile Intel® Pentium® III Processor-M with 512 KB level 2 cache
featuring the new Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep™ technology
• Memory expandable up to 256 MB
• High-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk
• Li-Ion main battery pack
• Power management system with ACPI (Advanced Configuration
Power Interface)
• Smart Card interface with pre-boot authentication system for
added security
Display
• 10.4"Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) touchscreen liquid-crystal display
(LCD) displaying 16M color at 1024x768 eXtended Graphics Array
(XGA) resolution
• 8 MB Video DRAM
• 3D capabilities
• Simultaneous LCD and CRT display support
• "Automatic LCD dim" feature that automatically decides the best
settings for your display and conserves power
• Dual display capability
• Tablet mode for LCD panel (Rotatable display)
Multimedia
• 16-bit high-fidelity AC’97 PCI stereo audio with wavetable
synthesizer
• Built-in speaker and microphone
• High-speed optical (CD-ROM or DVD-ROM) drive
Connectivity
• High-speed fax/data modem port
• Fast infrared wireless communication
• USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports
• Ethernet/Fast Ethernet port
• IEEE 1394 port
• Optional 802.11b wireless LAN
Human-centric design and ergonomics
• Sleek, smooth and stylish design
• Acer Finetouch keyboard
• Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device
• Internet scroll key
• Support pen input via stylus
Expansion
• Type II CardBus PC Card (formerly PCMCIA) slot
• Upgradeable memory
15
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1 Getting to know your TravelMate
Indicators
The computer has seven easy-to-read status icons below the display
screen.
Icon Function Description
Num Lock Lights when Num Lock is activated.
Caps Lock Lights when Caps Lock is activated.
Battery Charge Lights when the battery is being charged.
Media Activity Lights when the floppy drive, hard disk or
optical drive is active.
Sleep Lights when the computer enters Sleep mode.
Power Lights when the computer is on.
Wireless
Communication
Lights when the Wireless LAN capabilities are
enabled.
17
The Power and Sleep status icons are visible even when you close the
display cover so you can see the status of the computer while the cover
is closed.
18
1 Getting to know your TravelMate
Using the keyboard
The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded keypad, separate
cursor keys, two 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-F11)
Scroll Lock
(Fn-F12)
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.
Note: To access the Num Lock and Scroll Lock functions, hold the
Fn key down while pressing the F11 and F12 keys respectively.
19
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
Main keyboard keys Hold Fn while typing letters
Note: If an external keyboard or keypad is connected to the
computer, the Num Lock feature automatically shifts from the
internal keyboard to the external keyboard or keypad.
Type numbers in a normal
manner.
Hold Shift while using
cursor-control keys.
on embedded keypad.
Hold Fn while using
cursor-control keys.
Type the letters in a
normal manner.
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