chiliGREEN Mitac 9515 User Manual
User’s Manual
(July 2008)
TRADEMARKS
All brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies.
NOTE
The information in this manual is subject to change without notice.
Table of Contents
Preface ........................................................................................v
Notational Conventions.......................................................vi
Chapter 1 Getting Started...................................................1-1
Getting the Computer Running ............................................ 1-2
Unpacking ........................................................................ 1-2
Connecting to AC Power ................................................. 1-2
Opening the Cover ........................................................... 1-4
Turning On and Off the Computer................................... 1-4
Taking a Look at the Computer............................................ 1-6
Right-Side Components ................................................... 1-6
Left-Side Components ..................................................... 1-7
Rear Components ............................................................. 1-8
Front Components............................................................ 1-9
Bottom Components....................................................... 1-10
Top-open Components................................................... 1-11
Where to Go from Here...................................................... 1-13
Chapter 2 Operating Your Computer.................................2-1
Starting and Stopping the Computer .................................... 2-2
Starting the Computer ...................................................... 2-2
Stopping the Computer .................................................... 2-2
Using the Easy Start Buttons................................................ 2-4
Using the Keyboard.............................................................. 2-5
Typewriter Keys............................................................... 2-5
Cursor-Control Keys ........................................................ 2-6
Numeric Keypad .............................................................. 2-8
Euro Symbol .................................................................... 2-8
i
Windows Keys ................................................................. 2-9
Function Keys .................................................................. 2-9
Fn Key.............................................................................. 2-9
Hot Keys ........................................................................ 2-10
Using the Touchpad ........................................................... 2-12
Configuring the Touchpad ............................................. 2-14
Using the DVD Drive......................................................... 2-15
Inserting and Removing a Disc ...................................... 2-16
Using the Video Features ................................................... 2-17
Configuring the Display Modes ..................................... 2-17
Using the Audio Features................................................... 2-18
Connecting Audio Devices ............................................ 2-19
Using the Communication Features ................................... 2-20
Using the Modem........................................................... 2-20
Using the LAN ............................................................... 2-21
Using the Wireless LAN (Optional)............................... 2-22
Using the Bluetooth® Wireless Feature (Optional) ........ 2-25
Chapter 3
Managing Power ................................................3-1
AC Adapter .......................................................................... 3-2
Battery Pack ......................................................................... 3-3
Charging the Battery Pack ............................................... 3-3
Initializing the Battery Pack............................................. 3-4
Checking the Battery Level.............................................. 3-4
Replacing the Battery Pack .............................................. 3-5
Battery Low Signals and Actions..................................... 3-7
Power Management.............................................................. 3-8
Hibernation....................................................................... 3-9
Power-Saving Tips ............................................................. 3-10
Chapter 4 Expanding Your Computer ...............................4-1
Connecting an External Monitor .......................................... 4-2
Connecting a USB Device.................................................... 4-3
Using ExpressCards ............................................................. 4-4
ExpressCard Type ............................................................ 4-4
ii
Inserting and Removing an ExpressCard ......................... 4-5
Using the Card Reader ......................................................... 4-6
Internal Components Upgrade.............................................. 4-8
Chapter 5 Using BIOS Setup ..............................................5-1
When and How to Use BIOS Setup ..................................... 5-2
When to Use..................................................................... 5-2
Starting BIOS Setup......................................................... 5-2
Moving Around and Making Selections .......................... 5-4
Main Menu ........................................................................... 5-5
Advanced Menu ................................................................... 5-6
Security Menu ...................................................................... 5-8
Boot Menu............................................................................ 5-9
Exit Menu........................................................................... 5-10
Chapter 6 Installing Software Drivers................................6-1
How to Use the Driver Disc ................................................. 6-2
Installing Drivers.................................................................. 6-3
P1 Quick Launch Key Utility (Optional) ......................... 6-4
Chapter 7
Caring for the Computer ...................................7-1
Protecting the Computer....................................................... 7-2
Using the Windows Security Center ................................ 7-2
Using the Cable Lock....................................................... 7-3
Taking Care of the Computer............................................... 7-4
Location Guidelines ......................................................... 7-4
General Guidelines........................................................... 7-4
Cleaning Guidelines ......................................................... 7-5
Battery Pack Guidelines................................................... 7-5
When Traveling.................................................................... 7-6
Chapter 8 Troubleshooting.................................................8-1
Preliminary Checklist........................................................... 8-2
Solving Common Problems.................................................. 8-3
Battery Problems.............................................................. 8-4
Bluetooth Wireless Problems........................................... 8-4
iii
DVD Drive Problems....................................................... 8-5
Display Problems ............................................................. 8-6
ExpressCard Problems ..................................................... 8-7
Hardware Device Problems.............................................. 8-7
Hard Disk Drive Problems ............................................... 8-7
Keyboard, Mouse, and Touchpad Problems .................... 8-8
LAN Problems ................................................................. 8-8
WLAN Problems.............................................................. 8-9
Modem Problems ........................................................... 8-10
Power Management Problems........................................ 8-11
Software Problems ......................................................... 8-11
Sound Problems ............................................................. 8-12
Startup Problems ............................................................ 8-13
Other Problems............................................................... 8-14
Resetting the Computer...................................................... 8-15
Appendix A Specifications ................................................... A-1
Appendix B Regulatory Information .................................... B-1
On the Use of the System.....................................................B-2
Class B Regulations .........................................................B-2
Safety Notices ..................................................................B-3
On the Use of the RF Device................................................B-6
USA and Canada Safety Requirements and Notices........B-6
European Union CE Marking and Compliance Notices ..B-9
Index .........................................................................................I-1
iv
Preface
This manual contains information that will help you operate the
computer. It is divided into 8 chapters, 2 appendices, and an index.
z Chapter 1, Getting Started, takes you through the process of setting
up the computer and identifying its external components.
z Chapter 2, Operating Your Computer, tells you how to use the
computer’s components and features.
z Chapter 3, Managing Power, provides information on power.
z Chapter 4, Expanding Your Computer, provides information on
installing and using peripheral devices.
z Chapter 5, Using BIOS Setup, describes the BIOS Setup program
that configures the computer’s BIOS settings.
z Chapter 6, Installing Software Drivers, describes how to install the
drivers and utilities supplied with the computer.
z Chapter 7, Caring for the Computer, gives you tips in care and
maintenance.
z Chapter 8, Troubleshooting, gives solutions to common problems
you may encounter when using the computer.
z Appendix A, Specifications, gives a brief specification of the
computer.
z Appendix B, Regulatory Information, provides regulatory
statements and safety notices on your computer.
v
Notational Conventions
Throughout this manual, the following conventions are used to
distinguish elements of text.
NOTE: identifies additional information that requires special attention.
CAUTION: identifies important information that, if not followed, may result in loss of
data or damage to the computer.
Keyboard keys are shown in a bold typeset. For example:
Press the
Enter key to complete.
When keys are joined by a plus sign (+), press the first key, and, while
keeping the first key down, press the remaining keys, finally release all
the keys. When necessary, keys are also shown in graphics.
A title, command, setup item, or button that you can see on the screen is
shown in boldface. A value or an option that you can select for a setup
item is shown in italic. For example:
Select When I press the power button, set it to Shut down, and
then click the Save changes button.
vi
Chapter 1
CHAPTER
Getting Started
Congratulations on purchasing this computer.
Your computer incorporates desktop computer capabilities into a
compact notebook-sized package. It can greatly enhance your
productivity either in the office or at home. And, of course, wherever you
need it, the computer is ready and easy “to go.”
This chapter first tells you step by step how to get the computer up and
running. You will find instructions for these procedures:
z Unpacking
z Connecting to AC power
z Opening the cover
z Turning on the computer
z Turning off the computer
Then, you will find a section briefly introducing the external components
of the computer. And the last section navigates you to the information you
may need after the computer is ready for use.
Getting Started 1-1
Getting the Computer Running
This section guides you through the procedures for getting the computer
ready for operation.
Unpacking
After unpacking the shipping carton, you should find these standard
items:
z Notebook computer
z Accessories:
− AC adapter
− AC power cord
− Driver disc
Inspect all the items. If any item is damaged or missing, notify your dealer
immediately.
Keep the shipping carton and packing materials in case you need to ship
or store the computer in the future.
Connecting to AC Power
The computer operates either on the external AC power or internal battery
power. It is suggested that you use AC power when you start up the
computer for the very first time.
CAUTION: Use only the AC adapter included with your computer. Using other AC
Getting Started 1-2
adapters may damage the computer.
1. Make sure that the computer is turned off.
2. Plug the DC cord of the AC adapter to the power connector of the
computer (n).
3. Plug the female end of the AC power cord to the AC adapter and the
male end to an electrical outlet (o).
4. When the AC adapter is connected, power is being supplied from the
electrical outlet to the AC adapter and onto your computer. Now, you
are ready to turn on the computer.
CAUTION:
z When you disconnect the AC adapter, disconnect from the electrical outlet first and
then from the computer. A reverse procedure may damage the AC adapter or the
computer.
z When unplugging the connector, always hold the plug head. Never pull on the cord.
NOTE: When the AC adapter is connected, it also charges the battery pack. For
information on using battery power, see Chapter 3.
Getting Started 1-3
Opening the Cover
CAUTION: Be gentle when opening and closing the cover. Opening it vigorously or
slamming it shut could damage the computer.
Open the top cover by sliding the cover latch toward the right (n) and
lifting up the cover (o). You can tilt the cover forward or backward for
optimal viewing clarity.
Turning On and Off the Computer
Turning On
1. Make sure that the computer is connected to AC power.
Getting Started 1-4
2. Press the power button.
3. Each time the computer is turned on, it performs a Power-On Self
Test (POST), and the operating system such as Windows should start.
Turning Off
To turn off the computer power, use the “Shut Down” command of your
operating system.
NOTE: There are other ways you can stop the computer so that you will be back to
where you left off when you next turn on the computer. (See “Stopping the Computer” in
Getting Started 1-5
Chapter 2 for information.)
CAUTION: If you have to turn the computer on again immediately after turning it off,
wait for at least five seconds. Turning the computer off and on rapidly can damage it.
Taking a Look at the Computer
This section identifies the external components of the computer and
briefly describes the function of each component.
NOTE: Depending on the model you purchased, the appearance of your computer may
not be exactly the same as those shown in this manual.
Right-Side Components
Ref Component Description See Also
Combo Drive/
n
DVD Dual Drive/
Super Multi Drive
Getting Started 1-6
Accepts a compact disc for installing or
loading software, accessing data, and playing
music/video.
P.
2-15
Left-Side Components
Ref Component Description See Also
Power Connector
n
USB Port
o
Audio Output
p
Connector
Microphone
q
Connector
ExpressCard Slot
r
Connects the AC adapter. P.
Connects a USB device, such as a USB flash
disk, printer, digital camera, joystick, and
more.
Connects a set of headphones, external
speakers with amplifier, or an audio recording
device.
Connects an external microphone. P.
Accepts an ExpressCard for additional
functions.
P.
P.
2-19
2-19
P.
1-2
4-3
4-5
Getting Started 1-7
Rear Components
Ref Component Description See Also
USB Ports
n
Kensington Lock
o
RJ-11 Connector
p
RJ-45 Connector
q
VGA Port
r
Connect a USB device, such as a USB flash
disk, printer, digital camera, joystick, and
more.
Locks the computer to a stationery object for
security.
Connects the telephone line. P.
Connects the LAN cable. P.
Connects an external monitor. P.
P.
P.
4-3
7-3
2-20
2-21
4-2
Getting Started 1-8
Front Components
Ref Component Description See Also
Top Cover Latch
n
Card Reader
o
Locks the top cover.
Accepts a MultiMediaCard (MMC), Secure
Digital (SD), Memory Stick (MS) or Memory
Stick PRO (MS PRO) card for removable
storage media.
P.
4-6
Getting Started 1-9
Bottom Components
Ref Component Description See Also
Battery Pack
n
Bluetooth® Wireless
o
Card Slot
Memory Slot
p
WLAN Card Slot
q
CPU Socket
r
Hard Disk Drive
s
Compartment
Getting Started 1-10
Supplies power to your computer when
external power is not connected.
Inside is the optional Bluetooth
card.
Inside is the memory slot for expanding the
memory size.
Inside is the optional Mini PCI-E WLAN
card.
Inside is the CPU.
Inside is the hard disk drive.
®
wireless
P.
3-3
P. 2-25
P.
2-22
Top-open Components
Ref Component Description See Also
CMOS Camera
n
Lens (Optional)
LCD Screen
o
Getting Started 1-11
Allows you to use your computer’s optional
camera function.
Displays the output of the computer. P.
2-17
Ref Component Description See Also
p
q
Indicators
Easy Start
Buttons
Show the current status of the computer’s
devices.
WLAN
indicator
Power status
indicator
Battery
Charge
indicator
Caps Lock indicator P.
Num Lock indicator P.
DVD drive / Hard disk drive in-use indicator P.
Provide a quick way to launch programs.
Glows in green when the
WLAN radio is on.
Glows in green when the
computer is turned on.
Blinks green the computer is in
Sleep mode.
Glows in green when the
battery is fully charged and
connected to AC power.
Glows in amber when the
battery is being charged.
Blinks red when the battery is
almost completely discharged.
P.
2-23
P.
2-23
2-6
2-6
2-6
P1
Power Button
r
Keyboard
s
Touchpad
t
Stereo Speaker
u
Getting Started 1-12
Starts Internet Explorer. P.
Starts Microsoft
Turns the Bluetooth wireless feature ON and
OFF (optional), OR
P1 (Program 1 – user customized) quick
launch key.
Turns the computer power ON and OFF. P. 1-4
Serves as the data input device of the
computer.
Serves as the pointing device of the computer. P.
Sends out sound and voice from the computer. P.
®
Outlook. P. 2-4
P.
P.
2-25
P.
2-12
2-18
2-4
6-4
2-4
Where to Go from Here
As your computer is ready for operation, you may want to do any of the
following now:
For this purpose... Do this...
To know more about the computer... Go on to the next chapter.
To install the operating system if your
dealer has not already done so...
To know more about the operating
system...
To install the drivers if your dealer has
not already done so...
To set a power-on password... Read the operating system manual.
To charge the battery pack for the first
time...
See the operating system manual.
Read the operating system manual.
See Chapter 6.
See “Charging the Battery Pack” in
Chapter 3.
Getting Started 1-13
Chapter 2
CHAPTER
Operating Your Computer
This chapter provides information about the use of the computer.
If you are new to computers, reading this chapter will help you learn the
operating basics. If you are already a computer user but are new to
notebook computers, you may choose to read only the parts containing
information unique to your computer.
Described in this chapter are the operating basics of these components:
z Keyboard
z Touchpad
z DVD drive
And these features:
z Starting and stopping the computer
z Video features
z Audio features
z Communication features
Operating Your Computer 2-1
Starting and Stopping the Computer
There are a number of ways to start and stop the computer.
Starting the Computer
You always start the computer using the power button.
A computer starts up with an operating system (OS) existing on the
storage device such as the hard disk and optical disc. The computer will
automatically load the OS after you turn it on. This process is called
booting.
NOTE: An operating system is the platform for all your software application programs to
run on. Your computer uses the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system.
Stopping the Computer
When you finish a working session, you can stop the computer by turning
off the power or leaving the computer in Sleep or Hibernation mode:
To stop in
this mode...
Off Follow the shutdown procedure of your
operating system. This can prevent loss
of unsaved data or damage to your
software programs.
If the system is locked up because of
hardware or software problems, press the
power button to turn off the computer.
Sleep Depending on your settings in Windows,
you can place the computer in Sleep
mode by:
• Closing the display cover
• Pressing the Fn+F12 hot key
• Pressing the power button
Operating Your Computer 2-2
Do this... To start up or
resume again
Press the power
button.
Press any key.
To stop in
this mode...
Hibernation Depending on your settings in Windows,
you can place the computer in
Do this... To start up or
resume again
Press the power
button.
Hibernation mode by:
• Closing the display cover
• Pressing the power button
If you choose to stop in Sleep or Hibernation mode, you can return to
where you left off the next time you start up the computer. (See “Power
Management” in Chapter 3 for more information.)
Operating Your Computer 2-3
Using the Easy Start Buttons
The Easy Start buttons are three pre-defined buttons located on the left
above the keyboard.
The Easy Start buttons allow you to start the frequently-used programs
with one single press of a button (from left to right):
z Internet Explorer
z Microsoft
z P1 Bluetooth
comes with the Bluetooth
®
Outlook
®
wireless feature ON/OFF (optional – if your model
®
wireless card), OR
P1 (Program 1 – user customized) quick launch key
(see chapter 6 for details)
Operating Your Computer 2-4
Using the Keyboard
Your keyboard has all the standard functions of a full-sized computer
keyboard plus an
The standard functions of the keyboard can be further divided into four
major categories:
z Typewriter keys
z Cursor-control keys
z Numeric keys
z Function keys
Typewriter Keys
Typewriter keys are similar to the keys on a typewriter. Several keys are
added, such as the
When the lock keys are pressed, their corresponding indicators light up.
Fn key added for specific functions.
Ctrl, Alt, Esc keys and lock keys, for special purposes.
Key Description
The Control key is normally used in combination with other keys for
program-specific functions.
The Alternate key is normally used in combination with other keys
for program-specific functions.
The Escape key is usually used for stopping a process. Examples are
exiting a program and canceling a command. The function depends
on the program you are using.
The Shift key is used with alphabet letter keys to produce uppercase
letters when typing. It is also used in combination with other keys
for program-specific functions.
The Backspace key moves the cursor left one space and deletes the
character in that space.
Operating Your Computer 2-5
Key Description
Pressing Fn and this key toggles the Num Lock on and off. When on
light on), the Num Lock activates the numeric keys.
(
Pressing Fn and this key toggle Scroll Lock on and off. When on the
screen moves one line up or down when you press ↑ or ↓ arrow key.
Scroll Lock does not work for all programs.
Pressing this key toggles the Caps Lock on and off. When on
light on), the Caps Lock keeps the letter keys in uppercase.
(
The Pause key temporarily stops screen scrolling. Scroll Lock does
not work for all programs.
The Print Screen key prints the displayed screen. Print screen does
not work for all programs.
Cursor-Control Keys
NOTE: The word “cursor” refers to the indicator on the screen that lets you know
exactly where on your screen anything you type will appear. It can take the form of a
Operating Your Computer 2-6
vertical or horizontal line, a block, or one of many other shapes.
Cursor-control keys are generally used for editing purposes. They are:
Key Description
Moves the cursor left one space.
Moves the cursor right one space.
Moves the cursor up one line.
Moves the cursor down one line.
Moves the page up.
Moves the page down.
Moves the cursor to the beginning of the line or document.
Moves the cursor to the end of the line or document.
Switches typing between insert and overtype modes. Insert mode
means any character typed will be inserted to the current cursor
position; overtype mode means any character typed will overwrite the
text in the current cursor position.
Deletes the character to the right of the cursor and moves the
following text left one space.
Operating Your Computer 2-7
Numeric Keypad
A 15-key numeric keypad is embedded in the typewriter keys as shown
next:
Numeric keys facilitate entering of numbers and calculations. When Num
Lock is on, the numeric keys are activated, which means you can use
these keys to enter numerals.
NOTE:
z When the numeric keypad is activated and you need to type the English letter in the
keypad area, you can either turn Num Lock off or you can press the Fn key and then
the letter key without turning Num Lock off.
z Some software may not be able to use the numeric keypad on the computer. If so,
use the numeric keypad on an external keyboard instead.
Euro Symbol
Windows supports the Euro dollar sign €, you can press the sign on the
US and UK keyboards.
z To press the Euro sign on a United States-International keyboard,
hold down either of the
it).
z To press the Euro sign on a United States 101 keyboard, hold down
either of the
Alt keys and type 0128 on the numeric keypad of your
keyboard.
Operating Your Computer 2-8
Alt keys and press 5 (which has a Euro sign on
z To press the Euro sign on an UK keyboard, hold down the Alt Gr key
and press
4 (which has a Euro sign on it).
Windows Keys
The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions:
Windows Logo key and
Application key.
The
software-specific functions when used in combination with other keys.
The
click. (See your Windows manual for more information.)
Windows Logo key opens the Start menu and performs
Application key usually has the same effect as a right mouse
Function Keys
On the top row of the keys are the function keys: F1 to F12. Function keys
are multi-purpose keys that perform functions defined by individual
programs.
Hot key functions are assigned to the
keys by your computer. (See “Hot Keys” later in this chapter for
information.)
F1, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F10, F11, and F12
Fn Key
The Fn key, at the lower left corner of the keyboard, is used with another
key to perform the alternative function of a key. The letter “Fn” and the
alternative functions are identified by the color of blue on the keytop. To
perform a desired function, first press and hold the
other key.
Fn key, then press the
Operating Your Computer 2-9
Loading...