Asus BX21A User Manual

E7124

Notebook PC User Manual

March 2012

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introducing the Notebook PC

About This User’s Manual ................................................................................ 6

Notes for This Manual ....................................................................................... 6

Safety Precautions ............................................................................................. 7

Preparing your Notebook PC .......................................................................11

Chapter 2: Knowing the parts

Top Side ...............................................................................................................14

Bottom Side ........................................................................................................16

Right Side ............................................................................................................18

Left Side ...............................................................................................................20

Chapter 3: Getting Started

Power System ....................................................................................................24

Using AC Power ...............................................................................................24

Using Battery Power ......................................................................................26

Battery Care ......................................................................................................26

Powering ON the Notebook PC .................................................................27

The Power-On Self Test (POST) ..................................................................27

Checking Battery Power ...............................................................................29

Charging the Battery Pack ...........................................................................30

Power Options .................................................................................................31

Power Management Modes .......................................................................33

Sleep and Hibernate ......................................................................................33

Thermal Power Control .................................................................................34

Special Keyboard Functions .........................................................................35

Hot Keys .............................................................................................................35

Microsoft Windows Keys ..............................................................................37

Status Indicators ...............................................................................................38

Chapter 4: Using the Notebook PC

Touchpad ............................................................................................................40

Using the touchpad .......................................................................................41

Touchpad usage illustrations .....................................................................42

Caring for the touchpad ...............................................................................44

Disabling the touchpad automatically ...................................................45

Notebook PC User Manual

Connecting External Display Monitor.......................................................46

Storage Devices ................................................................................................47

Flash Memory Card Reader .........................................................................47

Connections .......................................................................................................48

Network Connection .....................................................................................48

Wireless LAN Connection (on selected models) .................................50

Windows Wireless Network Connection ................................................52

Bluetooth Wireless Connection(on selected models) .......................54

USB Charger+ ....................................................................................................57

Using USB Charger+ on Battery Mode....................................................57

Appendix

Optional Accessories .....................................................................................A-2

Optional Connections .................................................................................A-2

Operating System and Software ...............................................................A-3

System BIOS Settings ..................................................................................A-4

Common Problems and Solutions .........................................................A-7

Recovering Your Notebook PC ............................................................... A-13

Using Recovery Partition ....................................................................... A-13

Using Recovery DVD (on selected models) ...................................... A-14

DVD-ROM Drive Information .................................................................. A-16

Blu-ray ROM Drive Information(on selected models) .................... A-18

Internal Modem Compliancy .................................................................. A-19

Declarations and Safety Statements .................................................... A-23

Federal Communications Commission Statement ........................A-23

FCC Radio Frequency (RF) Exposure Caution Statement ............ A-24

Declaration of Conformity(R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC) .............. A-24

CE Mark Warning ........................................................................................ A-25

IC Radiation Exposure Statement for Canada ................................. A-25

Wireless Operation Channel for Different Domains ...................... A-26

France Restricted Wireless Frequency Bands ..................................A-26

UL Safety Notices .......................................................................................A-28

Power Safety Requirement ....................................................................A-29

TV Tuner Notices (on selected models) ............................................. A-29

REACH ........................................................................................................ A-29

Notebook PC User Manual

Nordic Lithium Cautions (for lithium-ion batteries) ...................... A-30

Optical Drive Safety Information .........................................................A-31

Laser Safety Information ......................................................................... A-31

Service warning label ............................................................................... A-31

CDRH Regulations ..................................................................................... A-31

Macrovision Corporation Product Notice ......................................... A-32

CTR 21 Approval(for Notebook PC with built-in Modem) .......... A-33

European Union Eco-label ...................................................................... A-35

Global Environmental Regulation Compliance and

Declaration .................................................................................................. A-36

ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services ..................................................... A-36

Limitation of Liability ................................................................................. A-38

Service and Support ................................................................................... A-38

Notebook PC User Manual

Chapter 1:

Introducing the

Notebook PC

About This User’s Manual

You are reading the Notebook PC User’s Manual. This User’s Manual provides information regarding the various components in the Notebook PC and how to use them. The following are major sections of this User’s Manual:

1. Introducing the Notebook PC

Introduces you to the Notebook PC and this User’s Manual.

2. Knowing the Parts

Gives you information on the Notebook PC’s components.

3. Getting Started

Gives you information on getting started with the Notebook PC.

4. Using the Notebook PC

Gives you information on using the Notebook PC’s components.

5. Appendix

Introduces you to optional accessories and gives additional

information.

The actual bundled operating system and applications differ by models and territories. There may be differences between your Notebook PC and the pictures shown in this manual. Please accept your Notebook PC as being correct.

Notes for This Manual

A few notes and warnings are used throughout this guide, allowing you to complete certain tasks safely and effectively. These notes have different degrees of importance as follows:

WARNING! Important information that must be followed for safe operation.

IMPORTANT! Vital information that must be followed to prevent damage to data, components, or persons.

TIP: Tips for completing tasks.

NOTE: Information for special situations.

Notebook PC User Manual

Safety Precautions

The following safety precautions will increase the life of the Notebook PC. Follow all precautions and instructions. Except as described in this manual, refer all servicing to qualiﬁed personnel.

Disconnect the AC power and remove the battery pack(s) before cleaning. Wipe the Notebook PC using a clean cellulose sponge or chamois cloth dampened with a solution of nonabrasive detergent and a few drops of warm water and remove any extra moisture with a dry cloth.

DO NOT place on uneven or unstable work surfaces. Seek servicing if the casing has been damaged.

DO NOT expose to dirty or dusty environments. DO NOT operate during a gas leak.

DO NOT press or touch the display panel. Do not place together with small items that may scratch or enter the Notebook PC.

DO NOT leave the Notebook PC on your lap or any part of the body to prevent discomfort or injury from heat exposure.

DO NOT place or drop objects on top and do not shove any foreign objects into the Notebook PC.

DO NOT expose to strong magnetic or electrical ﬁelds.

DO NOT expose to or use near liquids, rain, or moisture. DO NOT use the modem during electrical storms.

Battery safety warning: DO NOT throw the battery in ﬁre. DO NOT short circuit the contacts. DO NOT disassemble the battery.

Notebook PC User Manual

SAFE TEMP: This Notebook PC should only be used in environments with ambient temperatures between 5°C (41°F) and 35°C (95°F).

INPUT RATING: Refer to the rating label on the bottom of the Notebook PC and be sure that your power adapter complies with the rating.

DO NOT carry or cover a Notebook PC that is powered ON with any materials that will reduce air circulation

DO NOT use strong solvents such as thinners, benzene, or other chemicals on or near the surface.

such as a carrying bag.

DO NOT use damaged power cords, accessories, or other peripherals.

Incorrect installation of battery may cause explosion and damage the Notebook PC.

DO NOT throw the Notebook PC in municipal waste. This product has been designed to enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical, electronic equipment and mercury-containing button cell battery) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.

DO NOT throw the battery in municipal waste. The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal waste.

Notebook PC User Manual

Sound Pressure warning

Excessive sound pressure from earphones or headphones can cause hearing damage or loss. Adjustment of the volume control as well as the equalizer to settings other than the center position may increase the earphones or headphones output voltage and the sound pressure level.

DC Fan warning

Please note that the DC fan is a moving part that may cause DANGER. Ensure to keep your body from the moving fan blades.

Adapter Information

Input voltage: 100-240Vac

Input frequency: 50-60Hz

Rating output current: 2.37A

Rating output voltage: 19Vdc

Transportation Precautions

To prepare the Notebook PC for transport, you should turn it OFF and disconnect all external peripherals to prevent damage to the connectors. The hard disk drive’s head retracts when the power is turned OFF to prevent scratching of the hard disk surface during transport. Therefore, you should not transport the Notebook PC while the power is still ON. Close the display panel and check that it is latched securely in the closed position to protect the keyboard and display panel.

CAUTION! The Notebook PC’s surface is easily dulled if not properly cared for. Be careful not to rub or scrape the Notebook PC surfaces.

Notebook PC User Manual

Cover Your Notebook PC

Purchase a carrying bag to protect the Notebook PC from dirt, water, shock, and scratches.

Charge Your Batteries

If you intend to use battery power, be sure to fully charge your battery pack and any optional battery packs before going on long trips. Remember that the power adapter charges the battery pack as long as it is plugged into the computer and an AC power source. Be aware that it takes much longer to charge the battery pack when the Notebook PC is in use.

Airplane Precautions

Contact your airline if you want to use the Notebook PC on the airplane. Most airlines will have restrictions for using electronic devices. Most airlines will allow electronic use only between and not during takeoffs and landings.

CAUTION! There are three main types of airport security devices: X-ray machines (used on items placed on conveyor belts), magnetic detectors (used on people walking through security checks), and magnetic wands (hand-held devices used on people or individual items). You can send your Notebook PC and diskettes through airport X-ray machines. However, it is recommended that you do not send your Notebook PC or diskettes through airport magnetic detectors or expose them to magnetic wands.

Notebook PC User Manual

Preparing your Notebook PC

These are quick instructions for using your Notebook PC.

Connect the AC power adapter

A. Plug the AC power adapter into an electrical outlet (110V-240V).

B. Plug the DC power connector into your Notebook PC.

Notebook PC User Manual

Open the display panel

1. Hold the base of your Notebook PC then lift up the display panel with your thumb.

2. Slowly tilt the display panel forward or backward to a comfortable viewing angle.

Turn the Power on

Press the power button.

Notebook PC User Manual

Chapter 2:

Knowing the parts

Top Side

2 3

5 6

The keyboard differs for each territory.

Notebook PC User Manual

Light Sensor

The light sensor measures the amount of ambient light and

changes the illumination of the LCD display and keyboard.

Camera

The built-in camera allows picture taking or video recording.

Can be used with video conferencing and other interactive applications.

Microphone (Built-in)

The built-in mono microphone can be used for video

conferencing, voice narrations, or simple audio recordings.

Display Panel

The display panel functions the same as a desktop monitor.

The Notebook PC uses an active matrix TFT LCD, which provides excellent viewing like that of desktop monitors. Unlike desktop monitors, the LCD panel does not produce any radiation or ﬂickering, so it is easier on the eyes. Use a soft cloth without chemical liquids (use plain water if necessary) to clean the display panel.

Air Vents

The air vents allow cool air to enter and warm air to exit the

Notebook PC.

Ensure that paper, books, clothing, cables, or other objects do not block any of the air vents or else overheating may occur.

Power Switch

The power switch allows powering ON and OFF the Notebook

PC and recovering from STD. Use the switch once to turn ON and once to turn OFF the Notebook PC. The power switch only works when the display panel is opened.

Notebook PC User Manual

Keyboard

The keyboard provides full-sized keys with comfortable travel

(depth at which the keys can be depressed) and palm rest for both hands. Two Windows function keys are provided to help ease navigation in the Windows operating system.

Touchpad

The touchpad is a pointing device that provides the same

functions as a desktop mouse. A software-controlled scrolling function is available after setting up the included touchpad utility to allow easy Windows or web navigation.

Bottom Side

The bottom side may vary in appearance depending on model.

The battery pack size varies depending on model.

13.3“ model

Notebook PC User Manual

11.6“ model

The bottom of the Notebook PC can get very hot. Be careful when handling the Notebook PC while it is in operation or recently been in operation. High temperatures are normal during charging or operation. DO NOT USE ON SOFT SURFACES SUCH

AS SOFAS OR BEDS, WHICH MAY BLOCK THE VENTS. DO NOT PUT THE NOTEBOOK PC ON YOUR LAP OR OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY TO AVOID INJURY FROM THE HEAT.

Audio Speaker System

The built-in stereo speaker system allows you to hear audio

without additional attachments. The multimedia sound system features an integrated digital audio controller that produces rich, vibrant sound (results improved with external stereo headphones or speakers). Audio features are software controlled.

Notebook PC User Manual

Right Side

1 2 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

13.3“ model

11.6“ model

Power Indicator

The power indicator lights when the Notebook PC is turned

ON and blinks slowly when the Notebook PC is in the Suspend-to-RAM (Sleep) mode. This indicator is OFF when the Notebook PC is turned OFF or in the Suspend-to-Disk (Hibernation) mode.

HDMI

Micro-HDMI Port

HDMI (High-Deﬁnition Multimedia Interface) is an

uncompressed all-digital audio/video interface between any audio/video source, such as a set-top box, DVD player, and A/V receiver and an audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV). Supports standard, enhanced, or high-deﬁnition video, plus multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. It transmits all ATSC HDTV standards and supports 8-channel digital audio, with bandwidth to spare to accommodate future enhancements or requirements.

Notebook PC User Manual

Mini VGA connector

The mini VGA connector is for the VGA dongle to connect

to a standard VGA-compatible device such as a monitor or projector to allow viewing on a larger external display.

USB Port (3.0)

The USB (Universal Serial Bus) port is compatible with USB

3.0, 2.0, or USB 1.1 devices such as keyboards, pointing devices, cameras, hard disk drives, printers, and scanners connected in a series up to 4.8Gbits/sec (USB 3.0), 480Mbits/sec (USB 2.0), and 12Mbits/sec (USB 1.1). USB allows many devices to run simultaneously on a single computer, with some peripherals acting as additional plug-in sites or hubs. USB supports hot-swapping of devices so that most peripherals can be connected or disconnected without restarting the computer.

USB Charger+

USB Charger+ allows you to charge mobile devices via your

ASUS Notebook PC’s USB charge port.

Power (DC) Input

The supplied power adapter converts AC power to DC

power for use with this jack. Power supplied through this jack supplies power to the Notebook PC and charges the internal battery pack. To prevent damage to the Notebook PC and battery pack, always use the supplied power adapter.

The adapter may become warm to hot when in use. Ensure not to cover the adapter and keep it away from your body.

Notebook PC User Manual

Left Side

321

24 1

13.3“ model

11.6“ model

USB Port (3.0)

The USB (Universal Serial Bus) port is compatible with USB

Headphone Output

This jack can be used to connect the Notebook PC’s

audio out signal to ampliﬁed speakers, headphones, or headphone and microphone combo devices. Plug in a headphone or microphone and follow the screen instruction to switch the audio jack function.

Notebook PC User Manual

Flash Memory Slot

Normally an external memory card reader must be

purchased separately in order to use memory cards from devices such as digital cameras, MP3 players, mobile phones, and PDAs. This Notebook PC has a built-in high-speed memory card reader that can conveniently read from and write to ﬂash memory cards.

Mini VGA connector

The mini VGA connector is for the VGA dongle to connect

to a standard VGA-compatible device such as a monitor or projector to allow viewing on a larger external display.

Notebook PC User Manual

Chapter 3:

Getting Started

Power System

Using AC Power

The Notebook PC power is comprised of two parts, the power adapter and the battery power system. The power adapter converts AC power from a wall outlet to the DC power required by the Notebook PC. Your Notebook PC comes with a universal AC-DC adapter. That means that you may connect the power cord to any 100V-120V as well as 220V-240V outlets without setting switches or using power converters. Different countries may require that an adapter be used to connect the provided US-standard AC power cord to a different standard. Most hotels will provide universal outlets to support different power cords as well as voltages. It is always best to ask an experienced traveler about AC outlet voltages when bringing power adapters to another country.

You can buy travel kits for the Notebook PC that includes power and modem adapters for almost every country.

WARNING! DO NOT connect the AC power cord to an AC outlet prior to connecting the DC plug to the Notebook PC. Doing so may damage the AC-DC adapter.

Notebook PC User Manual

IMPORTANT! Damage may occur if you use a different adapter to power the Notebook PC or use the Notebook PC’s adapter to power other electrical devices. If there is smoke, burning scent, or extreme heat coming from the AC-DC adapter, seek servicing. Seek servicing if you suspect a faulty AC-DC adapter. You may damage both your battery pack(s) and the Notebook PC with a faulty AC-DC adapter.

This Notebook PC may come with either a two or three-prong plug depending on territory. If a three-prong plug is provided, you must use a grounded AC outlet or use a properly grounded adapter to ensure safe operation of the Notebook PC.

WARNING! THE POWER ADAPTER MAY BECOME WARM TO HOT WHEN IN USE. BE SURE NOT TO COVER THE ADAPTER AND KEEP IT AWAY FROM YOUR BODY.

Unplug the power adapter or switch off the AC outlet to minimize the power consumption when the Notebook PC is not in use.

Notebook PC User Manual

Using Battery Power

The battery consists of a set of battery cells housed together. A fully charged will provide several hours of battery life, which can be further extended by using power management features through the BIOS setup.

Battery Care

The Notebook PC’s battery, like all rechargeable batteries, has a limit on the number times it can be recharged. The battery’s useful life will depend on your environment temperature, humidity, and how your Notebook PC is used. It is ideal that the battery be used in a temperature range between 5˚C and 35˚C (41˚F and 95˚F). You must also take into account that the Notebook PC’s internal temperature is higher than the outside temperature. Any temperatures above or below this range will shorten the life of the battery. But in any case, the battery’s usage time will eventually decrease and a new battery must be purchased from an authorized dealer for this Notebook PC.

WARNING! For safety reasons, DO NOT throw the battery in ﬁre, DO NOT short circuit the contacts, and DO NOT disassemble the battery. If there is any abnormal operation or damage to the battery pack caused by impact, turn OFF the Notebook PC and contact an authorized service center.

Notebook PC User Manual

Powering ON the Notebook PC

The Notebook PC’s power-ON message appears on the screen when you turn it ON. If necessary, you may adjust the brightness by using the hot keys. If you need to run the BIOS Setup to set or modify the system conﬁguration, press [F2] upon bootup to enter the BIOS Setup. Press [ESC] and you will be presented with a boot menu with selections to boot from your available drives.

Before bootup, the display panel ﬂashes when the power is turned ON. This is part of the Notebook PC’s test routine and is not a problem with the display.

IMPORTANT! To protect the hard disk drive, always wait at least 5 seconds after turning OFF your Notebook PC before turning it back ON.

WARNING! DO NOT carry or cover a Notebook PC that is powered ON with any materials that will reduce air circulation such as a carrying bag.

The Power-On Self Test (POST)

When you turn ON the Notebook PC, it will ﬁrst run through a series of software-controlled diagnostic tests called the Power-On Self Test (POST). The software that controls the POST is installed as a permanent part of the Notebook PC’s architecture. The POST includes a record of the Notebook PC’s hardware conﬁguration, which is used to make a diagnostic check of the system. This record is created by using the BIOS Setup program. If the POST discovers a difference between the record and the existing hardware, it will display a message on the screen prompting you to correct the conﬂict by running BIOS Setup. In most cases the record should be correct when you receive the Notebook PC. When the test is ﬁnished, you may get a message reporting “No operating system found” if the hard disk was not preloaded with an operating system. This indicates that the hard disk is correctly detected and ready for the installation of a new operating system.

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Self Monitoring and Reporting Technology

The S.M.A.R.T. (Self Monitoring and Reporting Technology) checks the hard disk drive during POST and gives a warning message if the hard disk drive requires servicing. If any critical hard disk drive warning is given during bootup, backup your data immediately and run Windows disk checking program. To run Window’s disk checking program: click Start > select Computer > right-click a hard disk drive icon > choose Properties > click the Tools tab > click Check Now > click Start. You can also select “Scan ... sectors” for more effective scan and repair but the process will run slower.

IMPORTANT! If warnings are still given during bootup after running a software disk checking utility, you should take your Notebook PC in for servicing. Continued use may result in data loss.

Notebook PC User Manual

Checking Battery Power

The battery system implements the Smart Battery standard under the Windows environment, which allows the battery to accurately report the amount of charge left in the battery. A fully-charged battery pack provides the Notebook PC a few hours of working power. But the actual ﬁgure varies depending on how you use the power saving features, your general work habits, the CPU, system memory size, and the size of the display panel.

Screen captures shown here are examples only and may not reﬂect what you see in your system.

You will be warned when battery power is low. If you continue to ignore the low battery warnings, the Notebook PC eventually enters suspend mode (Windows default uses STR).

Right-click the battery icon

Left-click the battery icon

WARNING! Suspend-to-RAM (STR) does not last long when the battery power is depleted. STR is not the same as power OFF. STR requires a small amount of power and will fail and lose data if no power is available due to complete battery depletion or no power supply (e.g. removing both the power adapter and battery pack).

Notebook PC User Manual

Pointer over the battery icon without power adapter.

Pointer over the battery icon with power adapter.

Charging the Battery Pack

Before you use your Notebook PC on the road, you will have to charge the battery pack. The battery pack begins to charge as soon as the Notebook PC is connected to external power using the power adapter. Fully charge the battery pack before using it for the ﬁrst time. A new battery pack must completely charge before the Notebook PC is disconnected from external power. It takes a few hours to fully charge the battery when the Notebook PC is turned OFF and may take twice the time when the Notebook PC is turned ON. The battery status indicator on the Notebook PC turns OFF when the battery pack is charged.

The battery starts charging when the charge remaining in the battery drops below 95%. This prevents the battery from charging frequently. Minimizing the recharge cycles helps prolong battery life.

The battery stops charging if the temperature is too high or the battery voltage is too high.

WARNING! DO NOT leave the battery pack discharged. The battery pack will discharge over time. If not using a battery pack, it must continued to be charged every three months to extend recovery capacity or else it may fail to charge in the future.

Notebook PC User Manual

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