Acer TravelMate 3200 User Manual

TravelMate 3200 Series

User’s Guide

Copyright © 2005. Acer Incorporated.
All Rights Reserved.

TravelMate 3200 Series User’s Guide
Original Issue: July 2004

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 3200 Series Notebook Computer

Model Number : __________________________________

Serial Number: ___________________________________

Purchase Date: ___________________________________

Place of Purchase: ________________________________

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

iii

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 Portable Document Format (PDF). Follow these
steps:

1 Click on Start, All Programs, AcerSystem.
2 Click on AcerSystem 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 and
Support menu.

English

iv

Basic care and tips for using your computer

English

Turning your computer on and off

To turn on the computer, simply press and release the power switch
below the LCD screen. See “Front view” on page 3 for the location of
the power switch.

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 switch

Note: You can also use the power switch to perform power
management functions. See “Power management” on page 26.

• 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 “Power management”
on page 26.

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.

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.

v

• Never place objects on top of the computer to avoid damaging the
computer.

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

• Never place the computer on uneven surfaces.

Taking care of your AC adapter

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

• Do not connect the adapter to any other device.

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

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

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

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

Taking care of your battery pack

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

• Use only batteries of the same kind as replacements. Turn the
power off before removing or replacing batteries.

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

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

at all possible.

English

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.

English

vi

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 53.

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
Closed front view 5
Left view 6
Right view 7
Rear view 8

Bottom view 9
Features 10
Indicators 12
Using the keyboard 14

Lock keys 14

Embedded numeric keypad 15

Windows keys 16

Hot keys 17

The Euro symbol 19

Launch keys 20
Touchpad 22

Touchpad basics 22
Storage 24

Hard disk 24

Optical drive 24
Audio 26
Power management 26
Moving around with your TravelMate 27

Disconnecting from the desktop 27

Moving around 27

Taking the computer home 28

Traveling with the computer 30

Traveling internationally with the computer 30
Securing your computer 32

Using a computer security lock 32

Contents

2 Customizing my computer 35
Expanding through options 37

Connectivity options 37
Upgrade options 43

Using system utilities 45

Acer eManager 45
Launch Manager 46
BIOS Utility 46

Acer eRecovery 47

Create backup 47
Restore from backup 48
Create factory default image CD 48
Re-install bundled software without CD 49
Change password 49

Acer Disc to Disc Recovery 50

Multilingual operating system installation 50
Restore without a Recovery CD 50
Setup password and exit 51

Acer GridVista (14.0"W WXGA) 52

3 Troubleshooting my computer 53
Frequently-asked questions 55
Troubleshooting tips 58
Error messages 59
Requesting service 60

ITW 60
Before you call 61

Appendix A Specifications 63

Appendix B

Regulation & safety notices 69

Index 85

1 Getting to know your

TravelMate

Your TravelMate computer combines high­performance, versatility, power management
features and multimedia capabilities with a
unique style and ergonomic design. Work with
unmatched productivity and reliability with
your new power computing partner.

3

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.

displays computer output.

1 Getting to know your TravelMate4

# Item Description

English

3 Status indicators Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that turn on

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

4 Keyboard Inputs data into your computer.

5 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands

when you use the computer.

6 Click buttons

(left, center and right)

7 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which

8 Launch keys Buttons for launching frequently used

9 Microphone Internal microphone for sound recording.

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

functions like a computer mouse.

programs. See“Launch keys” on page 20
for more details.

5

Closed front view

# Item Description

1 Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio

output.

2 Infrared port Interfaces with infrared devices

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

3 Power indicator Lights when the computer is on.

4 Battery indicator Lights when the battery is being charged.

English

5 Bluetooth

communications

6 Wireless

communications

Note
on models with Bluetooth and Wireless features, respectively.

Lights to indicate the status of Bluetooth
(optional) communications.

Lights to indicate the status of Wireless LAN
(optional) communications.

: The Bluetooth and Wireless buttons and indicators only work

English

1 Getting to know your TravelMate6

Left view

# Item Description

1 Security keylock Connects to a Kensington-compatible

computer security lock.

2 IEEE 1394 port Connects to IEEE 1394 devices.

3 Modem jack Connects to a phone line.

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

5 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool,

6 Speaker/Line-Out/Headphone

jack

7 Microphone/Line-in jack Accepts inputs from external

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

even after prolonged use.

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

microphones or audio line-in devices
(e.g., audio CD player, stereo
walkman).

7

Right view

# Item Description

1 Optical drive Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or DVDs

2 LED indicator Lights up when the optical drive is active.

3 Emergency eject

hole

4 Optical drive

eject button

5 Eject button Ejects the PC Card from the slot.

6 PC Card slot Connects to one Type II CardBus PC Card.

depending on the optical drive type.

Ejects the optical drive tray when the computer
is turned off. See page 56 for more details.

Ejects the optical drive tray from the drive.

English

7 3-in-1 card reader Accepts MS, MMC and SD card.

Note: The 3-in-1 card reader only supports one
card at a time.

8 USB 2.0 port Connects to Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 devices

9 Network jack Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/1000-based

10 Power jack Connects to an AC adapter.

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

network.

English

1 Getting to know your TravelMate8

Rear view

# Item Description

1 100-pin port

replicator connector

2 External display port Connects to a display device (e.g., external

Connects to an I/O port replicator, or
Acer EasyPort expansion devices.

monitor, LCD projector).

9

Bottom view

# Item Description

1Memory

compartment

2 Cooling fan Helps keep the computer cool.

Houses the computer's main memory.

Note: Do not cover or obstruct the opening of
the fan.

English

4

3 Battery release

latch

4 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.

5 Battery lock Locks the battery in place.

Unlatches the battery to remove the battery
pack.

Features

1 Getting to know your TravelMate10

English

Below is a brief summary of the computer’s many features:

Performance

• Intel® Pentium® M processor 715, 725, 735, 745, 755

• Intel® 855GME chipset

• 256/512 MB of DDR333 SDRAM standard, upgradeable to 2048 MB

with dual soDIMM modules

• 40 GB and above high-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk

• Advanced Configuration Power Interface (ACPI) power

management system

Display

• The 14.1” XGA (1024x768 resolution) or 14.0” WXGA (1280x768
resolution) TFT LCD panel providing a large viewing area for
maximum efficiency and ease-of-use

• ATI MOBILITY ™ RADEON™ 9700 with 64MB of video memory
(manufacturing option)

• 3D graphics support

• Simultaneous LCD and CRT monitor, and other display devices like

projector support

• "Automatic LCD dim" feature that automatically deciding the best
settings for your display and conserves power

• Dual independent support

Multimedia

• High-speed DVD/CD-RW Combo, DVD-Dual or DVD-Super Multi
drive

• Built-in microphone

• Built-in dual speakers

• 16-bit high-fidelity AC’97 stereo audio

11

Connectivity

• Integrated 10/100/1000 Mbps Fast Ethernet connection

• Built-in 56Kbps fax/data modem

• Fast infrared wireless communication

• IEEE 1394 port

• Two Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 ports

• InviLink™ 802.11b/g or InviLink™ 802.11a/b/g Wireless LAN

(manufacturing option)

• Bluetooth® (manufacturing option)

• 100-pin port replicator connector

• SD/MMC/MS memory card reader

Human-centric design and ergonomics

• Rugged, yet extremely portable design

• Stylish appearance

• Full-size keyboard with four programmable launch keys

• Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device

• Internet 4-way scroll button

Expansion

• One Tpye II CardBus PC Card slot

• Upgradeable memory modules

• Acer EasyPort

English

Indicators

1 Getting to know your TravelMate12

English

The computer has three easy-to-read status icons on the upper-left
above the keyboard.

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.

13

In addition, there are two indicators at the front panel. Even when the
cover is closed, the state or features can still be seen.

Icon Function Description

Power Lights when the computer is on.

English

Battery indicator Lights when the battery is being charged.

Using the keyboard

1 Getting to know your TravelMate14

English

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

Lock keys

The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off.

Lock Key Description

Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in

Num Lock
(Fn-F11)

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.

Scroll Lock
(Fn-F12)

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.

15

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

Type numbers in a normal
manner.

Hold Shift while using
cursor-control keys.

Hold Fn while using
cursor-control keys.

English

Main keyboard keys Hold Fn while typing letters

on embedded keypad.

Type the letters in a
normal manner.

English

1 Getting to know your TravelMate16

Windows keys

The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.

Key Description

Windows key Pressed alone, this key has the same effect as clicking

on the Windows Start button; it launches the Start
menu. It can also be used with other keys to provide a
variety of functions:

+ Tab Activates the next Taskbar button.
+ E Opens the My Computer window.
+ F1 Opens Help and Support.
+ F Opens the Find: All Files dialog box.

+ M Minimizes all windows.
Shift + + M Undoes the minimize all windows
( + M) action.

+ R Opens the Run dialog box.

Application key This key has the same effect as clicking the right mouse

button; it opens the application's context menu.

17

Hot keys

The computer employs hot keys or key combinations to access most of
the computer’s controls like screen brightness, volume output and the
BIOS Utility.

To activate hot keys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the
other key in the hot key combination.

Hot Key Icon Function Description

Fn-F1 Hot key help Displays help on hot keys.

Fn-F2 Acer eSetting Launches the Acer eSetting

in the Acer eManager set by
the Acer Empowering Key.
See “Acer eManager” on
page 45.

English

Fn-F3 Acer

ePowerManagement

Fn-F4 Sleep Puts the computer in Sleep

Launches the Acer
ePowerManagement in the
Acer eManager set by the
Acer Empowering Key.
See “Acer eManager” on
page 45.

mode.

1 Getting to know your TravelMate18

Hot Key Icon Function Description

English

Fn-F5 Display toggle Switches display output

between the display screen,
external monitor (if
connected) and both the
display screen and external
monitor.

Fn-F6 Screen blank Turns the display screen

Fn-F7 Touchpad toggle Turns the internal touchpad

Fn-F8 Speaker toggle Turns the speakers on and

Fn-↑ Volume up Increases the sound volume.

Fn-↓ Volume down Decreases the sound volume.

Fn-→ Brightness up Increases the screen

Fn-

←

Brightness down Decreases the screen

backlight off to save power.
Press any key to return.

on and off.

off.

brightness.

brightness.

Alt Gr­Euro

Euro Types the Euro symbol.

19

The Euro symbol

If your keyboard layout is set to United States-International or United
Kingdom or if you have a keyboard with a European layout, you can
type the Euro symbol on your keyboard.

Note for US keyboard users: The keyboard layout is set when you
first set up Windows. For the Euro symbol to work, the keyboard
layout has to be set to United States-International.

To verify the keyboard type:
1 Click on Start, Control Panel.
2 Double-click on Regional and Language Options.
3 Click on the Language tab and click on Details.
4 Verify that the keyboard layout used for "En English (United

States)" is set to United States-International.
If not, select and click on ADD; then select United States-

International and click on OK.

5 Click on OK.

To type the Euro symbol:
1 Locate the Euro symbol on your keyboard.
2 Open a text editor or word processor.
3Hold Alt Gr and press the Euro symbol.

English

Note: Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol.
Please refer to http://www.microsoft.com/typography/faq/
faq12.htm for more information.

English

1 Getting to know your TravelMate20

Launch keys

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

Press the Acer Empowering Key to run the Acer eManager. Please see
“Acer eManager” on page 45. The mail and Web browser are default
for Email and Internet programs, but can be reset by users. To set the
mail, Web browser and programmable keys, run the Acer Launch
Manager. See “Launch Manager” on page 46.

No. Description Default Application

1 Mail Email application (user programmable)

2 Web browser Internet browser application

(user-programmable)

3 e Acer eManager application (user-programmable)

4 P User-programmable

21

In addition, there are two launch keys at the front panel. Even when
the cover is closed, you can easily access the features of Wireless and
Bluetooth®. However, the Wireless and Bluetooth keys cannot be set

by users.

Description Default Application

Bluetooth
communications

Lights to indicate the status of Bluetooth (optional)
communications.

English

Wireless
communications

Lights to indicate the status of wireless LAN
(optional) communications.