Acer TRAVELMATE 320 User Manual
TravelMate 320 Series
Notebook Computer
User’s Guide
Copyright 1999 Acer Incorporated
All Rights Reserved. Printed in Taiwan
TravelMate 320 Series Notebook Computer User’s Guide
Part No.: 49.47C01.051
Original Release: June 1999
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 correspondense 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 320 Series Notebook Computer
Model Number : _________________________________
Serial Number: __________________________________
Purchase Date: __________________________________
Place of Purchase: ________________________________
Acer, the Acer logo and TravelMate are registered trademarks of Acer Incorporated.
Intel, Pentium and Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Microsoft and
Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Adobe and Acrobat are
registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated. PHDISK and Phoenix NoteBIOS
are registered trademarks of Phoenix Technologies Ltd.. Other trademarks, registered
trademarks and/or service marks are the properties of their respective owners.
Table of Contents
Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii
Connecting the Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv
Turning Off the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvi
Getting Help Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvii
Support Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xviii
Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xix
Chapter 1 Getting Familiar with your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Special Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Touchpad Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Using the CD-ROM Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Using the Floppy Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Installing the Weight-Saver Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Left Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Rear Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Right Ports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Adjusting the Volume. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Securing your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Security Notch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
iii
Chapter 2 Operating on Battery Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Battery Pack Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Using a Battery Pack for the First Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Replacing the Main Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Installing a Secondary Battery Pack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Checking the Battery Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
iv
Optimizing Battery Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Battery-low Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Advanced Configuration and Power Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Chapter 3 Peripherals and Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
External Monitor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
External Pointing Device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
External PS/2 Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
External USB Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
External Keyboard and Keypad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Audio Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
USB Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Miscellaneous Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Additional Power Packs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Memory Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Chapter 4 Moving with your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Disconnecting from the Desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Moving Around. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Preparing the Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
What To Bring to Short Meetings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
What To Bring to Long Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Taking the Computer Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Preparing the Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
What To Bring with You. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Special Considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Setting Up a Home Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Traveling with the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Preparing the Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
What To Bring with You. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Special Considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Traveling Internationally with the Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Preparing the Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
What To Bring with You. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Special Considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Chapter 5 Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
PHDISK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Running PHDISK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
BIOS Setup Utility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Using the BIOS Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Main. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Advanced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Exit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Frequently-Asked Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Help Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Before you call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Appendix A Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
v
vi
Notices
FCC Notice
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:
❑ Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
❑ Increase the separation between the device and receiver
❑ Connect the device into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected
❑ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for
help
vii
Notice: Shielded 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, which is granted by the Federal
Communications Commission, to operate this computer.
viii
Notices
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.
Modem Notices
FCC
This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules. Located on the
bottom side of the modem is a label that contains, among other
information, the FCC Registration Number and Ringer Equivalence
Number (REN) for this equipment. Upon request, you must provide this
information to your telephone company.
If your telephone equipment causes harm to the telephone network, the
telephone company may discontinue your service temporarily. If
possible, they will notify you in advance. But, if advance notice is not
practical, you will be notified as soon as possible. You will also be
informed of your right to file a complaint with the FCC.
Your telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment,
operations, or procedures that could affect the proper functioning of your
equipment. If they do, you will be notified in advance to give you an
opportunity to maintain uninterrupted telephone service.
If this equipment should fail to operate properly, disconnect the
equipment from the phone line to determine if it is causing the problem.
If the problem is with the equipment, discontinue use and contact your
dealer or vendor.
CTR 21
This equipment has been approved [Council Decision 98/482/EC - “CTR
21”] for pan-European single terminal connection to the Public Switched
Telephone Network (PSTN). However, due to differences between the
individual PSTNs provided in different countries, the approval does not,
of itself, give an unconditional assurance of successful operation on every
PSTN termination point. In the event of problems, you should contact
your equipment supplier in the first instance.
Important Safety Instructions
Read these instructions carefully. Save these instructions for future
reference.
1. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
2. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not
use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for
cleaning.
3. Do not use this product near water.
4. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The
product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.
5. Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are
provided for ventilation; to ensure reliable operation of the product
and to protect it from overheating, these openings must not be
blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by
placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.
This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat
register, or in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation is
provided.
6. This product should be operated from the type of power indicated
on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power
available, consult your dealer or local power company.
7. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate
this product where persons will walk on the cord.
8. If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the
total ampere rating of the equipment plugged into the extension
cord does not exceed the extension cord ampere rating. Also,
make sure that the total rating of all products plugged into the wall
outlet does not exceed the fuse rating.
ix
x
Notices
Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet
9.
slots as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts
that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any
kind on the product.
10. Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or
removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or
other risks. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
11. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
a. When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed
b. If liquid has been spilled into the product
c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water
d. If the product does not operate normally when the operating
instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that are
covered by the operating instructions since improper
adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will
often require extensive work by a qualified technician to
restore the product to normal condition.
e. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been
damaged
f. If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance,
indicating a need for service.
12.
Replace the battery with the same type as the product's battery we
recommend. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or
explosion. Refer battery replacement to a qualified serviceman.
13. Warning! Batteries may explode if not handled properly. Do not
disassemble or dispose of them in fire. Keep them away from
children and dispose of used batteries promptly.
14. Use only the proper type of power supply cord set (provided in
your accessories box) for this unit. It should be a detachable type:
UL listed/CSA certified, type SPT-2, rated 7A 125V minimum, VDE
approved or its equivalent. Maximum length is 15 feet (4.6
meters).
Year 2000 Compliance Statement
The TravelMate 320 series notebook computer is Year 2000-compliant
and carries the “NSTL Hardware Tested Year 2000 Compliant” logo. This
model has been tested both by Acer’s internal test labs and NSTL using
NSTL’s YMARK2000 certification test. These tests certify that this model
will successfully make the year 2000 transition.
For more details, check the Acer Year 2000 Resource Center at
http://www.acer.com.tw/service/y2k/
Laser Compliance Statement
The CD-ROM drive in this computer is a laser product. The CDROM drive’s classification label (shown below) is located on the
drive.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
CAUTION: INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN. AVOID
EXPOSURE TO BEAM.
APPAREIL A LASER DE CLASSE 1 PRODUIT
LASERATTENTION: RADIATION DU FAISCEAU LASER INVISIBLE EN
CAS D’OUVERTURE. EVITTER TOUTE EXPOSITION AUX RAYONS.
LUOKAN 1 LASERLAITE LASER KLASSE 1
VORSICHT: UNSICHTBARE LASERSTRAHLUNG, WENN ABDECKUNG
GEÖFFNET NICHT DEM STRAHLL AUSSETZEN
PRODUCTO LÁSER DE LA CLASE I
ADVERTENCIA: RADIACIÓN LÁSER INVISIBLE AL SER ABIERTO.
EVITE EXPONERSE A LOS RAYOS.
ADVARSEL: LASERSTRÅLING VEDÅBNING SE IKKE IND I STRÅLEN.
VARO! LAVATTAESSA OLET ALTTINA LASERSÅTEILYLLE.
VARNING: LASERSTRÅLNING NÅR DENNA DEL ÅR ÖPPNAD ÅLÅ
TUIJOTA SÅTEESEENSTIRRA EJ IN I STRÅLEN
VARNING: LASERSTRÅLNING NAR DENNA DEL ÅR ÖPPNADSTIRRA EJ
IN I STRÅLEN
ADVARSEL: LASERSTRÅLING NAR DEKSEL ÅPNESSTIRR IKKE INN I
STRÅLEN
xi
xii
Notices
Lithium Battery Statement
CAUTION
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with
the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard
used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
ADVARSEL!
Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosionsfare ved fejlagtig håndtering. Udskiftning må
kun ske med batteri af samme fabrikat og type. Léver det brugte batteri
tilbage til leverandøren.
ADVARSEL
Eksplosjonsfare ved feilaktig skifte av batteri. Benytt samme batteritype
eller en tilsvarende type anbefalt av apparatfabrikanten. Brukte batterier
kasseres i henhold til fabrikantens instruksjoner.
VARNING
Explosionsfara vid felaktigt batteribyte. Anvãnd samma batterityp eller en
ekvivalent typ som rekommenderas av apparattillverkaren. Kassera
anvãnt batteri enligt fabrikantens instruktion.
VAROITUS
Päristo voi räjähtää, jos se on virheellisesti asennettu. Vaihda paristo
ainoastaan laitevalmistajan suosittelemaan tyyppiin. Hävitä käytetty
paristo valmistajan ohjeiden mukaisesti.
VORSICHT!
Explosionsgefahr bei unsachgemäßen Austausch der Batterie Ersatz nur
durch denselben oder einem vom Hersteller empfohlenem ähnlichen
Typ. Entsorgung gebrauchter Batterien nach Angaben des Herstellers.
Preface
This manual describes features of the TravelMate 320 series
notebook computers. This series of ultra-compact computers
incorporate such features as CardBus, 16-bit PCI stereo audio,
internal 56K modem, internal pointing device and Universal
Serial Bus.
This manual should answer most of the questions you have
about the day-to-day operation of your TravelMate 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 TravelMate computer. With proper
care, your computer will provide you with years of productive
service.
xiii
xiv
Preface
Connecting the Computer
Connecting the computer is as easy as 1-2-3.
1. Install the battery pack.
a. Turn the computer over, and slide the battery lock to
the unlock position; then flip open the battery
connector cover and latch securely.
b. Connect the battery pack to the computer, aligning the
guide bar and connector on the battery pack to the
guide bar slot and connector on the computer.
c. Turn the computer over, and slide the battery lock to
the lock position.
Note: When using a battery pack for the first time, fully recharge the battery,
then disconnect the adapter to use up the battery before recharging again. You
only need to do this once with a new battery.
2. Connect one end of the AC adapter to the DC-in jack on the
rear of the computer and the other end to a power outlet.
3. Slide the display cover latch to the right and lift up the
display cover to open the display. Make sure the power
switch lock (2) is in the unlock (down) position; then slide
the power switch (1) towards the front of the computer and
release it to turn on the power.
xv
The POST (Power On Self-Test) routine executes and Windows
begins loading.
xvi
Preface
Note: You can slide the power switch lock to the lock (up) position to prevent
your computer from being accidentally turned off.
Turning Off the Computer
To turn off the computer, follow these steps:
1. Click on Start, Shut Down....
2. Select Shut down and click on OK.
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.
Getting Help Online
This user’s guide provides clear and concise information about
the computer, so read it thoroughly. To provide you with help
when traveling, an online version is also available on the
computer.
Accessing Online Help
To access the online documentation, you need Adobe Acrobat
Reader.
❑
To install Adobe Acrobat Reader:
Click on Start, Programs, TravelMate Online, then click
on Install Adobe Acrobat Reader. Follow the instructions
on the screen to complete the installation.
❑
To access the online user’s guide:
Click on Start, Programs, TravelMate Online, then click
on TravelMate Online User’s Guide.
The online help is easy to navigate with hypertext and
hypergraphics. Clear illustrations help describe notebook
operation as well. For instructions on how to use Adobe Acrobat
Reader to navigate the online user’s guide, access the Help
menu.
xvii
Getting Online
If you are connected to the Internet and have World Wide Web
access, visit our home page at:
and get the latest information about our products.
http://www.acer.com/
xviii
Preface
Support Information
Your computer is backed by an International Traveler’s Warranty
(ITW) that gives you security and peace of mind when traveling.
Our worldwide network of service centers are there to give you a
helping hand.
An ITW passport comes with your computer. This passport
contains all you need to know about the ITW program. A list of
available, authorized service centers are in this handy booklet.
Read this passport thoroughly.
Always have your ITW passport on hand, especially when you
travel to receive the benefits from our support centers. Place
your proof-of-purchase in the flap located inside the front cover
of the ITW passport.
If the country you are traveling in does not have an Acerauthorized ITW service site, you can still get in contact with our
offices worldwide.
For technical assistance and support in the United States and
Canada, you can call 1-800-816-2237. You can also contact a
local dealer or distributor in the country you are traveling in for
assistance.
Note: For more information, see “Help Services” on page 93.
If you are connected to the Internet and have World Wide Web
access, visit our home page (http://www.acer.com/) and get an
updated list of our worldwide offices, as well as information
about our products.
Care and Maintenance
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 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.
❑
Never place the computer on uneven surfaces.
xix
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.
Preface
xx
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
(Model# PC-AB5700). 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 adapter.
3. Use a soft cloth moistened with water. Do not use liquid or
aerosol cleaners.
Contact your dealer or see your service technician 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.
Getting Familiar with your Computer
Chapter 1
This 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.
This chapter gives an in-depth "tour" of the computer’s many
features.
Features
This computer was designed with the user in mind. Here are just
a few of its many features:
Performance
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
3
Intel Mobile Celeron™ processor with on-die L2 cache
memory
64-bit main memory
Large and vibrant Thin-Film-Transistor (TFT) SVGA Liquid
Crystal Display (LCD)
128-bit graphics acceleration with 2MB graphics memory
High-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk
High-speed, removable CD-ROM drive
External USB floppy drive
Lithium-Ion battery pack
Power management system with ACPI (Advanced
Configuration and Power Interface) support
Multimedia
❑
16-bit PCI stereo audio with wavetable synthesizer
❑
Built-in speaker and microphone
❑
Internal, removable high-speed CD-ROM drive
❑
Separate external audio connections
Connectivity
❑
High-speed fax/data PCI modem
❑
Universal Serial Bus (USB) jacks
Human-centric Design and Ergonomics
❑
Ultra-compact, stylish design
Chapter 1
4
Getting Familiar with your Computer
❑
Keyboard with wide palm rest
❑
Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device
Expansion
❑
CardBus PC Card (formerly PCMCIA) slot (one type II/I)
with Zoomed Video (ZV) support
❑
Upgradeable memory
Display
The large graphics display offers excellent viewing, display
quality and desktop performance graphics. The computer
supports a Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD)
displaying 24-bit true-color at 800x600 Super Video Graphics
Array (SVGA) resolution.
Video Performance
PCI local bus video with 64-bit graphics acceleration and 2MB
high-speed Synchonous Dynamic Random Access Memory
(SDRAM) boost video performance.
Simultaneous Display
If you prefer, you can connect an external monitor or other
output display devices such as LCD projection panels for largeaudience presentations. This computer supports simultaneous
LCD and CRT display. Simultaneous display allows you to
control the presentation from your computer and at the same
time face your audience.
5
Power Management
The power management system incorporates an "LCD brightness
control" feature that automatically decides the best settings for
your display and at the same time conserves power. See “Power
Management” on page 41 for more information on power
management features.
Chapter 1
6
Getting Familiar with your Computer
Opening and Closing the Display
To open the display, slide the display cover latch (1) to the right
and lift up the cover. Then tilt it to a position where you view
the display screen (2) clearly.
The computer employs a microswitch that turns off the display
(and enters Display Standby mode) to conserve power when you
close the display cover, and turns it back on when you open the
display cover.
To close the display cover, fold it down gently until the display
cover latch clicks into place.
Caution: To avoid damaging the display, do not slam it when you close it.
Also, do not place any object on top of the computer when the display is
closed.
Indicators
The computer has nine easy-to-read status indicators on the front,
edge of the display screen.
7
The status indicators are visible even when you close the display
cover so you can see the status of the computer while the cover
is closed.
# Icon Function Description
1 Hard Disk
Activity
2 Num Lock Lights when Num Lock is activated.
Lights when the hard disk is active.
Chapter 1
8
Getting Familiar with your Computer
# Icon Function Description
3 Caps Lock Lights when Caps Lock is activated.
4 Scroll Lock Lights when Scroll Lock is activated.
5 Message Lights when you have an incoming
6 Main Battery
Status
7 Secondary
Battery Status
8 Battery Charge Lights when the battery is being
9 Power Lights (red) when the computer is on;
message.
Note: Future support planned.
Lights when the main battery pack is in
use.
Lights when the secondary battery
pack is in use.
charged.
Blinks (yellow) when the computer is
in Standby mode.
Keyboard
The keyboard has comfortably-sized keys and an embedded
keypad, separate cursor keys, Windows keys and twelve function
keys. A wide palm rest provides you with a very comfortable
place to rest your hands while you type.
Special Keys
Lock Keys
The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and
off.
9
Lock Key Description
Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are
Num Lock
(Fn-NumLk)
Scroll Lock
(Fn-ScrLk)
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.
Chapter 1
10
Getting Familiar with your Computer
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
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.
Hold Fn while typing letters
on embedded keypad.
Hold Fn while using
cursor-control keys.
Type the letters in a
normal manner.
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