Gateway C-58510 Quick Reference Guide

CONVERTIBLE NOTEBOOK

REFERENCEGUIDE

®

Contents

Chapter 1: About This Reference. . . . . . . . . . . . 1

About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Accessing your online User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Gateway contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Gateway model and serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

For more information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Notebook . . . . . 5

Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Keyboard area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Chapter 3: Setting Up and Getting Started . . 15

Working safely and comfortably . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Sitting at your convertible notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain . 18

Connecting the AC adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Connecting the dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Connecting to a broadband modem or network . . . . . . . . 21

Starting your convertible notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Waking up your convertible notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Turning off your convertible notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Restarting (rebooting) your convertible notebook . . . . . . . 25

Using the status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Key types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

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Contents

System key combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Using the tablet control buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Using the fingerprint reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Running the TouchStrip Tutorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Enrolling your fingerprints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Using the Fingerprint Control Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Using the fingerprint reader features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Using the EZ Pad touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Using the fingerprint reader as a touchpad . . . . . . . . . 41

Using the display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Converting from notebook to tablet mode . . . . . . . . . . 42

Changing display orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Adjusting brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Using the digital pen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Storing and removing the digital pen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Pen alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Using the touch sensitive screen feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Turning your wireless radio on or off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

IEEE 802.11 wireless network radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Bluetooth radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Chapter 4: Using Drives and Accessories . . . . . 55

Using the DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Using a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Inserting a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Removing a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Adding and removing a PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Using a port replicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Installing a printer or other peripheral device . . . . . . . . . . 61

Connecting a USB device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Connecting an IEEE 1394 device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Viewing the display on a projector or monitor . . . . . . . . . . 63

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Adjusting the display properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Using the projector or monitor for a presentation . . . . 66

Ordering accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Chapter 5: Managing Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Monitoring the battery charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Recharging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Changing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Replacing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Recalibrating the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Getting the most from your battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Maximizing battery performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Conserving battery power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Using alternate power sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Changing power modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Changing convertible notebook power settings . . . . . . . . . 76

Changing the power plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Changing advanced settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Chapter 6: Traveling with Your Notebook . . . 81

Packing your convertible notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Traveling by air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Radio frequency wireless connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Additional tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Chapter 7: Maintaining Your Notebook . . . . . 87

Caring for your convertible notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Display screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Digital pen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Cleaning your convertible notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Cleaning the convertible notebook screen . . . . . . . . . . 91

Maintaining the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

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Contents

Storing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Cleaning CDs or DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Recovering pre-installed software and drivers . . . . . . . 94

Using Microsoft System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Recovering your system to its factory condition . . . . 103

Recovering your system using the Windows DVD . . . 105

Chapter 8: Upgrading Your Notebook . . . . . . 107

Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Adding or replacing memory modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Replacing the hard drive kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Chapter 9: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Digital pen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Diskette drive (external) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Fingerprint reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Modem (cable or DSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Networks (wired) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Networks (wireless) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

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PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Pointing device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

Status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

Touchpad or pointing device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Appendix A: Legal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

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Contents

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CHAPTER1

About This Reference

• About this guide

• Accessing your online User Guide

• Gateway contact information

• Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

• For more information

1

CHAPTER 1: About This Reference

About this guide

This guide includes information and maintenance instructions
that are specific to your model of Gateway convertible
notebook. For all other notebook information, see your online
User Guide.

Accessing your online User
Guide

In addition to this guide, your online User Guide has been
included on your hard drive. Your User Guide is an in-depth,
easy-to-read manual that includes information on the
following topics:

• Help and technical support

• Using and customizing Windows and other software

• Using the Internet

• Protecting your files

• Playing and recording media

• Networking

To access your online User Guide:

• Click or tap (Start), All Programs, then click or tap

Gateway Documentation.

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Gateway contact information

Important

The labels shown in this sect ion are for informational purposes only. Label

information varies by model, features ordered, and location.

Gateway model and serial number

The label on the bottom of your convertible notebook contains
information that identifies your convertible notebook model
and its features. Gateway Customer Care will need this
information if you call for assistance.

Microsoft Certificate of
Authenticity

The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the
bottom of your convertible notebook includes the product key
code for your operating system.

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CHAPTER 1: About This Reference

For more information

For more information about your convertible notebook, visit
Gateway’s Support page at www.gateway.com
address shown on your convertible notebook’s label. The
Support page also has links to additional Gateway
documentation and detailed specifications.

or the Web

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CHAPTER2

Checking Out Your Notebook

• Top

• Front

• Left

• Right

• Back

• Bottom

• Keyboard area

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Top

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Component Icon Description

Missing pen
indicator

Battery
charge
indicator

Power
indicator

■

LED on and missing pen alarm sounding or LED blinking

- Pen is not in the pen holder while the convertible
notebook is turned off. For more information, see “Pen

alarm” on page 47.

■

LED off - Pen is in place in the pen holder or pen has been
removed while the convertible notebook is turned on.

■

LED blue - Battery is fully charged.

■

LED purple - Battery is charging.

■

LED blinking red - Battery charge is very low.

■

LED solid red - Battery is malfunctioning.
Important: This LED only lights up when your notebook is
connected to AC power or the battery charge is very low.

■

LED on - Notebook is on.

■

LED blinking - Notebook is in Sleep or Hybrid Sleep mode.

■

LED off - Notebook is off.

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Missing pen indicator

Battery charge indicator

Power indicator

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Front

LCD panel release latch

Component Icon Description

LCD panel release
latch

Press to open the LCD panel.

Left

Ventilation fan

Component Icon Description

Ventilation fan Helps cool internal components.

Monitor port

Memory card reader

Docking port

Warning: Do not work with the convertible
notebook resting on your lap. If the air vents are
blocked, the convertible notebook may become
hot enough to harm your skin.
Caution: Do not block or insert objects into
these slots. If these slots are blocked, your
convertible notebook may overheat resulting in
unexpected shutdown or permanent damage to
the convertible notebook.
Caution: Provide adequate space around your
convertible notebook so air vents are not
obstructed. Do not use the convertible
notebook on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar
surface.

PC Card slot

Ethernet jack

Digital pen

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CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Component Icon Description

Monitor port Plug an analog VGA monitor or projector into

Docking port Connect the optional port replicator to this port.

Ethernet jack Plug an Ethernet network cable into this jack.

PC Card slot Insert one Type II PC Card into this slot. For

Memory card
reader

Digital pen Write, tap, and input directly on your

this port. For more information, see “Viewing

the display on a projector or monitor” on
page 63.

Warning: Power is passed through this port.
This docking connection is certified to UL 1950
for use only with port replicators designed for
your Gateway convertible notebook.

Plug the other end of the cable into a cable
modem, DSL modem, or an Ethernet network
jack. For more information, see “Connecting to

a broadband modem or network” on page 21.

more information, see “Adding and removing a

PC Card” on page 59.

Insert a memory card from a digital camera,
MP3 player, PDA, or cellular telephone into the
memory card reader. For more information, see

“Using the memory card reader” on page 58.

The memory card reader supports Memory
Stick®, Memory Stick Pro®, Mini Secure
Digital®, MultiMediaCard™,
RS-MultiMediaCard™, and Secure Digital™
cards.

convertible notebook’s display using the digital
pen.

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Right

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IEEE 1394 port

USB ports

DVD drive

Headphone jack

Microphone jack

Component Icon Description

IEEE 1394 port Plug an IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire® or

USB ports Plug USB devices (such as a diskette drive, flash

DVD drive Insert CDs or DVDs into this drive. For more

Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack. The built-in

Headphone jack Plug amplified speakers or headphones into this

i.Link®) device (such as a digital camcorder or
MP3 player) into this 4-pin IEEE 1394 port.

drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or
mouse) into these ports.

information, see “Using the DVD drive” on

page 56. To determine the type of drive in your

notebook, examine the drive tray’s plastic cover
and compare the logo to those listed in

“Identifying drive types” on page 56.

array microphones (see “Keyboard area” on

page 12) are turned off while an external

microphone is connected.

jack. The built-in speakers are turned off when
speakers or headphones are plugged into this
jack.

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Back

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Modem jack

Kensington lock slot

Power connector

Component Icon Description

Modem jack Plug a dial-up modem cable into this jack. For more

Power
connector

Kensington™
lock slot

information, see “Connecting the dial-up modem”

on page 20.

Plug the AC adapter cable into this connector.

Secure your convertible notebook to an object by
connecting a Kensington cable lock to this slot.

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Bottom

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Battery

Battery latch

Customer
care label

drive bay

Battery lock

DVD drive

Hard

Component Icon Description

Hard drive
bay

Customer
Care label

DVD drive Insert CDs or DVDs into this drive. For more

The hard drive is located in this bay. For more
information, see “Replacing the hard drive kit” on

page 112.

Includes the Customer Care contact information. For
more information, see “Gateway contact information”

on page 3.

information, see “Using the DVD drive” on page 56. To
determine the type of drive in your notebook,
examine the drive tray’s plastic cover and compare
the logo to those listed in “Identifying drive types” on

page 56.

Memory
bay

Battery lock Slide to unlock the battery. For more information, see

Battery Provides power when the convertible notebook is not

Battery latch Slide to release the battery. For more information, see

Memory bay Install a memory module into this bay. For more

“Changing the battery” on page 71.

plugged into AC power.

“Changing the battery” on page 71.

information, see “Adding or replacing memory

modules” on page 109.

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CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Keyboard area

Power button

Speaker

Keyboard

Tablet control buttons/

Status indicators

Microphone

Touchpad

Microphone

Ambient light sensor

Tablet control buttons

Fingerprint
reader

Speaker

Component Icon Description

Keyboard Provides all the features of a full-sized, computer

keyboard. For more information, see “Using the

keyboard” on page 28.

Speakers Provide audio output when headphones or amplified

Power button Press to turn the power on or off. You can also

Tablet control
buttons

Status
indicators

speakers are not plugged in.

configure the power button for Sleep/Resume mode.
For more information on configuring the power button
mode, see “Changing advanced settings” on page 78.

See “Using the tablet control buttons” on page 32 for
a description of each button.

Inform you when a drive is in use or when a button
has been pressed that affects how the keyboard is
used. For more information, see “Using the status

indicators” on page 26.

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Component Icon Description

Microphones Record audio through these array microphones. The

Ambient light
sensor

Fingerprint
reader

Touchpad Provides all the functionality of a mouse. For more

built-in microphones are turned off while an external
microphone is connected. For the location of your
microphone jack, see “Right” on page 9.

Automatically adjusts the display brightness based on
the available light. For more information, see “Using

the ambient light sensor” on page 45.

Provides enhanced security. For more information, see

“Using the fingerprint reader” on page 34

information, see “Using the EZ Pad touchpad” on

page 39.

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CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

14

CHAPTER3

Setting Up and Getting Started

• Working safely and comfortably

• Connecting the AC adapter

• Connecting the dial-up modem

• Connecting to a broadband modem or

network

• Starting your convertible notebook

• Turning off your convertible notebook

• Restarting (rebooting) your convertible

notebook

• Using the status indicators

• Using the keyboard

• Using the tablet control buttons

• Using the fingerprint reader

• Using the EZ Pad touchpad

• Using the display

• Using the digital pen

• Using the touch sensitive screen feature

• Adjusting the volume

• Turning your wireless radio on or off

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Working safely and
comfortably

Before using your convertible notebook, follow these general
guidelines for setting up a safe and comfortable work area
and avoiding discomfort and strain:

• Keep hands and arms parallel to the floor.

• Adjust the screen so it is perpendicular to your line of

sight.

• Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.

• Although notebooks are sometimes called “laptops,” do

not use your convertible notebook while it rests on your
unprotected lap. Convertible notebook operating
temperatures can become quite high, increasing the risk
of burns to your legs. Instead, use a laptop desk to
protect your legs.

• Do not use the convertible notebook on any soft,

conforming surface, such as your lap, a blanket, carpet,
or a sofa. Soft surfaces can block your convertible
notebook’s ventilation openings, leading to
overheating, permanent damage to your convertible
notebook, and fire danger. Instead, place your
convertible notebook on a rigid, hard surface, and make
sure that you keep the ventilation openings on the sides
clear.

War ning

Do not use your convertible notebook on a soft surface, such as
your lap, a blanket, carpet, or a sofa. You must keep your convertible
notebook’s ventilation openings clear of obstructions, or your
convertible notebook may overheat, increasing the risk of fire and
personal injury.

Reducing eye strain

Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the
screen or shine directly into your eyes.

• Position the computer desk and screen so you can avoid

glare on your screen and light shining directly into your
eyes. Reduce glare by installing shades or curtains on
windows.

• Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not use

your convertible notebook in a dark room.

16

www.gateway.com

• Avoid focusing your eyes on your screen for long

periods of time. Every 10 or 15 minutes, look around
the room, and try to focus on distant objects.

• Where feasible, keep your head vertical while looking

at the screen. If you use an external keyboard, raise the
convertible notebook so the top of its screen is no
higher than eye level.

Setting up your computer desk and chair

When you are setting up your computer desk and chair, make
sure that the desk is the appropriate height and the chair helps
you maintain good posture.

• Select a flat surface for your computer desk.

• Adjust the height of the computer desk so your hands

and arms are positioned parallel to the floor when you
use the keyboard and touchpad. If the desk is not
adjustable or is too tall, consider using an adjustable
chair to control your arm’s height above the keyboard.

• Use an adjustable chair that is comfortable, distributes

your weight evenly, and keeps your body relaxed.

• Position your chair so the keyboard is at or slightly

below the level of your elbow. This position lets your
shoulders relax while you type.

• Adjust the chair height, adjust the forward tilt of the

seat, or use a footrest to distribute your weight evenly
on the chair and relieve pressure on the back of your
thighs.

• Adjust the back of the chair so it supports the lower

curve of your spine. You can use a pillow or cushion to
provide extra back support.

Sitting at your convertible notebook

• Avoid bending, arching, or angling your wrists. Make

sure that they are in a relaxed position when you type.

• Do not slouch forward or lean far back. Sit with your

back straight so your knees, hips, and elbows form right
angles when you work.

• Take breaks to stand and stretch your legs.

• Avoid twisting your torso or neck.

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive
strain

• Vary your activities to avoid excessive repetition.

• Take breaks to change your position, stretch your

muscles, and relieve your eyes.

• Find ways to break up the work day, and schedule a

variety of tasks.

Connecting the AC adapter

You can run your convertible notebook using an AC adapter
or your convertible notebook’s battery. The battery was
shipped to you partially charged. You should use the
AC adapter right away to fully charge the battery. Allow three
hours for the battery to fully charge.

War ning

Do not attempt to disassemble the AC adapter. The AC adapter has no
user-replaceable or user-serviceable parts inside. The AC adapter has dangerous
voltages that can cause serious injury or death. Contact Gateway about
returning defective AC adapters.

18

Caution

Make sure that you use the AC adapter that came with your convertible
notebook or one of the same type purchased from Gateway. Replace the power
cord if it becomes damaged. The replacement cord must be of the same type
and voltage rating as the original cord or your convertible notebook may be
damaged.

Important

If the battery is not fully charged before you use your convertible
notebook on battery power for the first time, the battery life may be much
shorter than you expect. If the battery life seems short even after being charged
for three hours, the battery may need to be recalibrated. For information on
recalibrating the battery, see “Recalibrating the battery” on page 72.

www.gateway.com

To connect the AC adapter:

1 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.

2 Connect the AC adapter to your convertible notebook’s

power connector.

3 Plug the power cord into a wall outlet. The battery

charge indicator turns on (see “Top” on page 6 and

“Using the status indicators” on page 26 for the location

of the battery charge indicator). If the battery charge
indicator does not turn on, complete the following steps
until it turns on:

a Unplug the adapter from your convertible notebook,

then plug it back in.

b Press FN+F1 to toggle the status lights on and off.

4 When you finish using your convertible notebook for

the first time, turn off your convertible notebook and
leave it connected to AC power until the battery charge
indicator turns blue.

Important

If the battery charge indicator does not turn blue after three
hours, contact Gateway Customer Care at the location shown on the
Customer Care label. For more information, see “Gateway contact

information” on page 3.

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Protecting from power source problems

During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming
into your convertible notebook can increase to levels far
above normal levels and cause data loss or system damage.
Protect your convertible notebook and peripheral devices by
connecting them to a surge protector, which absorbs voltage
surges and prevents them from reaching your convertible
notebook.

War ning

High voltages can enter your convertible notebook through both the
power cord and the modem connection. To protect your convertible notebook
and avoid electrical shock, use a surge protector. If you have a telephone
modem, use a surge protector that has a modem jack. If you have a cable
modem, use a surge protector that has an antenna/cable TV jack. During an
electrical storm, unplug both the surge protector and the modem.

Connecting the dial-up modem

Your convertible notebook has a built-in 56K modem that you
can use to connect to a standard telephone line.

War ning

To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger (for example,
No. 24 AWG) UL-listed or CSA-certified telecommunication line cord for your
dialup modem connection.

20

To connect the modem:

1 Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem

jack on your convertible notebook.

2 Insert the other end of the modem cable into a

telephone wall jack.

Important

The modem will not work with digital or PBX telephone lines.

www.gateway.com

Connecting to a broadband
modem or network

Your convertible notebook has a network jack that you can
use to connect to a cable or DSL modem or to a wired Ethernet
network.

To connect to a cable or DSL modem or to a wired

Ethernet network:

1 Insert one end of the network cable into the network

jack on your convertible notebook.

Tip

For the location of the network jack on an optional port replicator,

see the port replicator user guide.

2 Insert the other end of the network cable into a cable

modem, DSL modem, or Ethernet network jack.

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Starting your convertible
notebook

War ning

Do not work with the convertible notebook resting on your lap. If the
air vents are blocked, the convertible notebook may become hot enough to
harm your skin.

Caution

Provide adequate space around your convertible notebook so air vents
are not obstructed. Do not use the convertible notebook on a bed, sofa, rug,
or other similar surface.

To start your convertible notebook:

1 Press the latch on the front of your convertible

notebook, then lift the LCD panel.

2 Press the power button located at the bottom of the LCD

panel.

22

Tip

For more information about changing the power button mode,

see “Changing advanced settings” on page 78.