TravelMate α-550 series Notebook computer User’s guide
Original Issue: October 2001
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
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without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.
TravelMate α-550 series Notebook computer
Model Number : __________________________________
Serial Number: ___________________________________
Place of Purchase: ________________________________
All trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective
companies.
TMa550.book Page iii Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM
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.
iii
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.
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 (www.acer.com
).
Basic care and tips for using your computer
Turning your computer on and off
To turn on the computer, open the display cover, and press the power
switch above the keyboard.
To turn the power off, do any of the following:
TMa550.book Page iv Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM
iv
Use the Windows shutdown command
•
Click on Start, and select the Windows shutdown or turn off
command.
•Use the power switch
If you set the power switch to “Shut down”, you can use this
button to turn off the computer. See Windows help 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.
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 0°C (32°F) or
above 50°C (122°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 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
TMa550.book Page v Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM
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:
1Power off the computer and remove the battery pack.
2Disconnect the AC adapter.
3Use a soft cloth moistened with water. Do not use liquid or
aerosol cleaners.
v
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 75.
TMa550.book Page vi Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM
vi
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First things firstiii
Your guidesiii
Basic care and tips for using your computeriii
What to bring to long meetings54
Taking the computer home55
Preparing the computer55
What to bring with you55
Special considerations55
Setting up a home office56
Traveling with the computer57
Preparing the computer57
What to bring with you57
Special considerations57
Traveling internationally with the computer58
Preparing the computer58
What to bring with you58
Special considerations58
TMa550.book Page ix Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM
5 Software59
System software61
Easy Button62
E-Mail Detector63
BIOS Setup Utility64
Main65
System Devices67
Security68
Others71
Boot72
Exit73
6 Troubleshooting75
Frequently-asked questions77
Error messages81
Appendix A Specifications85
ix
Appendix B Notices91
Index99
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x
TMa550.book Page 1 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM
1 Getting familiar with
your computer
TMa550.book Page 2 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM
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.
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A tour of your computer
After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters...
poster, let us show you around your new notebook computer.
Front view
3
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#ItemDescription
1Display screenAlso called LCD (liquid-crystal display), displays
computer output.
2Power buttonTurns on the computer power.
3Status LCDLCD that display icons to show the status of the
computer and its functions and components.
4KeyboardInputs data into your computer.
5TouchpadTouch-sensitive pointing device which functions
like a computer mouse.
1 Getting familiar with your computer4
6Click buttons
(left and right)
The left and right buttons function like the left
and right mouse buttons.
7Launch keysButtons for launching frequently-used programs.
See “Launch keys” on page 22 for more details.
8Status
Shows the power and email status.
indicators
9SpeakersOutputs sound.
10PalmrestComfortable support area for your hands when
you use the computer.
11Floppy driveAccepts a 3.5-inch diskette.
12Floppy drive
Press to eject the diskette from the floppy drive.
eject button
TMa550.book Page 5 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM
Left view
#ItemDescription
1Optical driveDepending on your model:
•CD-ROM drive reads CDs
•DVD-ROM drive reads CDs and DVDs
•DVD/CD-RW combo drive reads CDs and DVDs,
and writes to CD-Rs and CD-RWs.
5
2Optical drive
eject button
3Optical drive
emergency
eject hole
Ejects the disc from the optical drive.
Ejects the disc from the optical drive when the
computer is turned off. See “How do I eject the
optical drive tray with the computer turned off?” on
page 78 for more details.
TMa550.book Page 6 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM
Right view
#ItemDescription
1 Getting familiar with your computer6
1Speaker/headphone-
out jack
2Microphone-in jackConnects an external microphone.
3PC Card eject buttonsEject the selected PC Card from its slot.
4PC Card slots
5DC-in jackConnects to the AC adapter.
6PS/2 portConnects to a PS/2-compatible device (e.g.,
7USB ports (two)Connects to USB devices (e.g., USB mouse).
Connects to audio line-out devices (e.g.,
speakers, headphones).
Accepts one Type III or two Type II/I PC
Card(s).
PS/2 keyboard/mouse/keypad).
TMa550.book Page 7 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM
Rear view
#ItemDescription
1Security keylockConnects to a Kensington-compatible
computer security lock.
2IEEE 1394 portConnects to a IEEE 1394 compatible device
(e.g., digital camcorder).
3Network jackConnects to an Ethernet 10/100-based
network.
7
4Modem jackConncts a phone line (only for models with
an internal fax/data modem).
5Parallel portConnects to a parallel device (e.g., parallel
printer).
6External display portConnects to a display monitor.
7Video-out portConnects to a display device with S-video
input.
TMa550.book Page 8 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM
Bottom view
1 Getting familiar with your computer8
#ItemDescription
1Hard disk bayHouses the computer’s hard disk.
2Battery release buttonPress and hold to release the battery latch.
3Battery release latchUnlatches the battery to remove the battery
pack.
4Battery bayHouses the computer’s battery pack.
5Memory compartmentHouses the computer’s main memory.
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Features
This computer was designed with the user in mind. Here are just a few
of its many features:
Performance
•Intel® Pentium™ III or Intel® Celeron™ processor with on-die
level 2 cache
•128 MB memory onboard and one memory upgrade slot
•Large LCD display with adjustable video memory
•High-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk
•Lithium-Ion battery pack
•Power management system
•DualView capability
•Simultaneous LCD and CRT display
Multimedia
•16-bit high-fidelity stereo audio with 3-D sound
•Built-in dual stereo speakers
•Internal optical drive (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or DVD/CD-RW combo)
•Audio DJ (CD playback) feature
•S-video (NTSC/PAL) output
9
Connectivity
•High-speed 56Kbps V.90 fax/data software modem
•Ethernet/Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps)
•CardBus PC Card slots
•Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports
•IEEE 1394 port
Human-centric design and ergonomics
•All-in-one design (CD or DVD, floppy drive, and hard disk)
•Sleek, smooth and stylish design
•Full-sized keyboard
•Wide and curved palm rest
TMa550.book Page 10 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM
1 Getting familiar with your computer10
•Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device
•Launch keys (supports Audio DJ feature)
Expansion
•Upgradeable memory and hard disk
TMa550.book Page 11 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM
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 up to 16.7 million
colors at 1400x1050 Super eXtended Graphics Array Plus (SXGA+)
resolution (for models with a 15.0-inch display) or 1024x768 eXtended
Graphics Array (XGA) resolution (for models with a 14.1-inch display).
Video performance
Video memory is adjustable via the BIOS Setup Utility. The system sets
aside a portion of main memory for video. For more details on how to
configure this setting, see “System Devices” on page 67.
Simultaneous display
The computer’s large display and multimedia capabilities are great for
giving presentations. If you prefer, you can also connect an external
monitor when giving 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. You can also connect other output display devices
such as an LCD projector or a television for large-audience
presentations.
11
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1 Getting familiar with your computer12
Indicators
The computer has an easy-to-read status LCD (1) located above the
keyboard. Two status indicators, power (2), and email (3) are located
near the front of the computer.
The status LCD displays icons that show the status of the computer and
its components.
FunctionIconDescription
Caps lockCaps Lock is activated.
Num lockNumeric Lock (for embedded keypad) is
activated.
Pad lockPad Lock (for embedded keypad) is
activated.
Scroll lockScroll Lock is activated.
TMa550.book Page 13 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM
FunctionIconDescription
13
Optical drive/
Hard disk
CD or DVD drive or hard disk is being
accessed.
activity
Floppy drive
Floppy drive is being accessed.
activity
PC Card
PC Card is being accessed.
activity
AC powerComputer is running on AC power.
Battery
Battery is being charged.
charge
Battery fullBattery is fully charged.
Battery
Battery is 75 to 100 percent full.
gauge
Battery is 31 to 74 percent full.
Battery is 6 to 30 percent full, and
battery is running low.
Note: Charge the battery as soon as
possible.
Battery is critically-low.
Note: Battery gauge icon is blinking.
Battery temperature is too high.
Note: Save your work and shut down
your computer to let the battery cool
down.
Battery is not installed.
TMa550.book Page 14 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM
1 Getting familiar with your computer14
In addition to the status LCD, the computer includes power and email
status indicators.
FunctionIconDescription
PowerLights when the computer is on.
EmailLights when incoming email is received.
To launch your email program and read the
incoming email, press the email button beside this
indicator. See “Launch keys” on page 22.
TMa550.book Page 15 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM
Keyboard
The keyboard has full-sized keys with an embedded keypad, separate
cursor keys, two Windows keys and twelve function keys.
Special keys
Lock keys
15
The keyboard has four lock keys which you can toggle on and off.
Lock KeyDescription
Caps lockWhen Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in
uppercase.
Pad lock
(Fn-F10)
Num lock
(Fn-F11)
Scroll lock
(Fn-F12)
When Pad Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in cursor mode.
The keys function as a directional keypad including Insert and
Delete keys.
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. See “External
keyboard” on page 40.
When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line up or down
when you press ↑ or ↓ respectively. Scroll Lock does not work
with some applications.
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1 Getting familiar with your computer16
Embedded keypad
The embedded keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is
indicated by small characters located on the lower edge of the keycaps.
The embedded keypad can function in numeric mode or cursor-control
mode.
Desired AccessNum lock OnPad lock On
Number keys on
embedded keypad
Cursor-control keys on
embedded keypad
Main keyboard keysHold Fn while typing
Type numbers in a
normal manner.
Hold Shift while using
cursor-control keys.
letters on embedded
keypad. Also hold
down Shift for capital
letters.
Hold Shift while typing
numbers.
Use cursor-control keys
in a normal manner.
Hold Fn while typing
letters on embedded
keypad. Also hold
down Shift for capital
letters.
TMa550.book Page 17 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM
Windows keys
The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.
KeyDescription
Windows logo keyStart button. Combinations with this key perform
special functions. Below are a few examples:
+ Tab (Activates next Taskbar button)
+ E (Explores My Computer)
+ F (Finds Document)
+ M (Minimizes All)
Shift + + M (Undoes Minimize All)
+ R (Displays Run dialog box)
17
Application keyOpens the application’s context menu (same as right-
click).
TMa550.book Page 18 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM
1 Getting familiar with your computer18
Hotkeys
The computer uses hotkeys or key combinations to perform functions
such as controlling the screen brightness and specifying where to
display output.
HotKeyFunctionDescription
Fn-F5Display toggleSwitches display output between the
Fn-
↑
Fn-↓Brightness downDecreases the screen brightness.
Brightness upIncreases the screen brightness.
display screen, external monitor (if
connected) and both the display screen
and external monitor.
When activating hotkeys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing
the other key in the hotkey combination.
TMa550.book Page 19 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM
Keyboard ergonomics
Located below the keyboard, the wide and curved palm rest is
ergonomically designed to provide you with a very comfortable place
to rest your hands while you type.
19
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1 Getting familiar with your computer20
Touchpad
The built-in touchpad is a PS/2-compatible 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 palm rest provides optimum comfort and support.
Touchpad basics
The following teaches you how to use the touchpad:
•Move your finger across the touchpad to move the cursor.
•Press the left (1) and right (2) buttons located on the edge of the
touchpad to do selection and execution functions. These two
buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse.
Tapping on the touchpad produces similar results.
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