This chapter introduces you to the basic features of your
notebook. Read this chapter to learn:
■ How to identify the features of your Gateway
notebook
■ How to locate your notebook’s model and serial
number
■ How to locate the Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
■ How to locate the specifications for your notebook
■ What accessories are available for your notebook
Tips & TricksYou can download an electronic copy of this
guide from
support.gateway.com/support/manlib/
.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway M405
Front
Speaker
Battery
charge
Power
indicator
LCD panel
release latch
Speaker
indicator
ComponentIconDescription
SpeakersProvide audio output when headphones or amplified
speakers are not plugged in.
Battery charge indicatorThe LED shows the battery activity and status.
■
LED green - battery is fully charged.
■
LED orange - battery is charging.
■
LED blinking red - battery charge is very low.
■
LED solid red - battery is malfunctioning.
This LED only lights up when your notebook is connected
to AC power or the battery charge is very low.
Power indicatorThe LED shows your notebook’s power status.
■
LED on - notebook is on.
■
LED blinking - notebook is in Standby mode.
■
LED off - notebook is off.
LCD panel release latchOpen the LCD panel by pressing the release latch.
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Left side
Left side
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
USB ports
PC Card slot
Diskette drive
or memory
card reader
ComponentIconDescription
Microphone jackPlug a microphone into this jack.
Headphone jackPlug amplified speakers or headphones into this jack.
The built-in speakers are turned off when speakers or
headphones are plugged into this jack.
USB portsPlug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a
diskette drive, flash drive, Iomega™ Zip™ drive, printer,
scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports.
PC Card slotInsert one Type II or one Type III PC Card into this slot.
For more information, see “Adding and removing a
PC Card” on page 232.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway M405
ComponentIconDescription
Diskette drive or memory
card reader
Insert a standard 3.5-inch diskette into the optional
diskette drive. For more information, see “Using the
optional diskette drive” on page 132.
Insert a memory card from a digital camera, MP3 player,
PDA, or cellular telephone into the optional memory card
reader. For more information, see “Using the optional
memory card reader” on page 133.
Important: Your notebook comes with either a built-in
diskette drive or a built-in memory card reader. If your
notebook has a built-in memory card reader and you
need to use a diskette drive, Gateway recommends
purchasing a USB diskette drive. To order a USB diskette
drive, visit the Accessory Store at
accessories.gateway.com
.
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Right side
Right side
CD, DVD, or
DVD/CD-RW drive
Kensington
lock slot
ComponentIconDescription
CD, DVD, or DVD/CD-RW
drive
Kensington™ lock slotSecure your notebook to an object by connecting a
Insert CDs or DVDs into this drive. For more information,
see “Using the CD or DVD drive” on page 102.
This drive may be a CD, DVD, or combination
DVD/CD-RW drive. To determine the type of drive in the
notebook, examine the drive tray’s plastic cover and
compare the logo to those listed in “Identifying drive
types” on page 102.
Kensington cable lock to this slot.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway M405
Back
Modem jack
Ethernet jack
Parallel
port
Power
connector
Monitor
port
Ventilation
fan
ComponentIconDescription
Modem jackPlug a modem cable into this jack. For more information,
see “Connecting the modem” on page 34.
Ethernet jackPlug a 10/100 Ethernet network cable into this jack. For
more information, see “Connecting to a wired Ethernet
network” on page 35 and “Networking Your
Gateway M405” on page 179.
Power connectorPlug the AC adapter cable into this connector.
Parallel portPlug a parallel device (such as a printer) into this port.
Monitor portPlug an analog VGA monitor into this port.
Ventilation fanHelps cool internal components. Do not block or insert
objects into these slots.
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Bottom
o
Docking
port
System
label
Battery
bay
Bottom
Memory
bay cover
Reset hole
Battery latch
Hard drive bay
ComponentIconDescription
Memory bayInstall as many as two memory modules into this bay. For more
information, see “Adding or replacing memory” on page 235.
Reset holeInsert a straightened paper clip into this hole to manually restart
the notebook.
Hard drive bayThe hard drive is located in this bay. For more information, see
“Replacing the hard drive kit” on page 239.
Battery latchSlide to release the battery.
Battery bayInsert the battery into this bay. For more information, see
“Changing batteries” on page 143.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway M405
ComponentIconDescription
System labelIncludes the product model number. For more information, see
“Identifying your model” on page 11.
Docking portConnect the port replicator to this port.
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 notebook.
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Keyboard area
For information on using your keyboard, see “Using the keyboard” on page 26.
Multi-function buttons
Status
indicators
Power
button
Keyboard
Keyboard area
Touchpad
ComponentIconDescription
Multi-function buttonsPress these buttons to open programs assigned to them.
These buttons are set to open your default e-mail
program, your default Web browser, online help, and the
My Computer window. For more information, see
“Multi-function buttons” on page 30.
TouchpadProvides all the functionality of a mouse. For more
information, see “Using the EZ Pad touchpad” on
page 31.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway M405
ComponentIconDescription
KeyboardProvides all the features of a full-sized, 86-key keyboard.
For more information, see “Using the keyboard” on
page 26.
Power buttonPress to turn the power on or off. You can also configure
the power button for Standby/Resume mode. For more
information on configuring the power button mode, see
“Changing power settings” on page 147.
Status indicatorsInform 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 “Status indicators” on page 24.
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Identifying your model
Identifying your model
ImportantThe labels shown in this section are for informational
purposes only. Label information varies by model, features
ordered, and location.
Gateway model number
The label on the bottom of your notebook contains information that identifies
your notebook model and its features. Gateway Technical Support will need this
information if you call for assistance.
Gateway
model
number
Gateway serial number
You can locate the Gateway serial number:
■ Printed on a white sticker on the bottom or back of your notebook.
■ Printed on the customer invoice that came with your notebook. The
invoice also contains your customer ID number.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway M405
Internal wireless label
A label similar to the following indicates your notebook contains a wireless
communications device. The label is located on the bottom of your notebook.
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the bottom of your
notebook includes the product key code for your operating system.
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Finding your specifications
Finding your specifications
For more information about your notebook, such as memory size, memory type,
and hard drive size, visit Gateway’s eSupport page at support.gateway.comeSupport page also has links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed
specifications. For more information, see “Using eSupport” on page 44.
. The
Accessories
Gateway offers accessories that can help you make the most of using your
notebook. To order accessories, visit the Accessory Store at
accessories.gateway.com
Batteries and automobile/airplane power adapters
If you run your notebook on battery power for extended periods, you may want
to buy an additional battery so you can swap batteries when necessary. See
“Changing batteries” on page 143 for more information.
With an automobile/airplane power adapter, you can save battery power by
plugging your notebook into an automobile cigarette lighter or an airplane
in-flight power receptacle.
.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway M405
Carrying cases
Gateway has large-capacity carrying cases if you need additional space for
accessories or supplies.
Memory
Large programs, such as multimedia games or graphics programs, use a lot of
memory. If your programs are running more slowly than you think they should,
try adding more memory. See “Adding or replacing memory” on page 235 for
more information.
Peripheral devices
You can attach devices (such as a keyboard, mouse, printer, or monitor) to your
notebook or port replicator.
Port replicators
Although you can attach devices directly to your notebook, a port replicator
lets you make all of those connections at one time. When you travel with your
notebook, you merely disconnect from the port replicator instead of
unplugging all the devices.
A port replicator also provides additional ports and other expansion features
not included with your notebook. See “Using the Gateway 405 Port Replicator”
on page 245 for more information about using a port replicator with your
notebook.
Printers
You can attach almost any type of printer to your notebook. The most common
types are inkjet and laser printers, which print in color or black and white. See
“Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 36 for more
information about attaching a printer to your notebook.
Inkjet printers and cartridges are relatively inexpensive, but they are slower than
laser printers. Using an inkjet color printer, you can print pictures, banners,
and greeting cards, as well as documents.
Laser printers and cartridges are more expensive, but they print much faster
than inkjet printers. Laser printers are better than inkjet printers when you are
printing large documents.
USB flash drives
Use a USB flash drive for storing files or transferring files to another computer.
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Getting Started
This chapter provides basic information about your
Gateway notebook. Read this chapter to find out how to:
■ Connect the AC adapter
■ Start and turn off your notebook
■ Identify the status indicators
■ Use the keyboard
■ Use the EZ Pad touchpad
■ Connect the modem
■ Connect to an Ethernet network
■ Install peripheral devices
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Chapter 2: Getting Started
Safety instructions
Certain precautions should be observed to further reduce the risk of personal
injury or damage to your notebook.
General tips
■ When setting up your notebook for work, place it on a level surface.
■ Before you clean your notebook, turn if off, unplug it from its power source,
and remove the battery. For more information, see “Cleaning your
notebook” on page 217.
■ Do not push objects into air vents or openings of your notebook. Doing
so can cause fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components.
■ When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector, not on the cable itself.
As you pull out the connector, keep it evenly aligned to avoid bending
any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable make sure both
connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
■ Use of mobile phones can interfere with the sound system. Your notebook
operation is not impaired but we recommend that a distance of 12 inches
(30 cm) be maintained between your notebook and the mobile phone.
16
■ When you move your notebook between environments with very different
humidity or temperature ranges, condensation may form on or within your
notebook. To avoid damaging your notebook, allow sufficient time for the
moisture to evaporate before using your notebook.
■ When traveling, do not check your notebook as baggage. You can put your
notebook through an X-ray security machine, but never put your notebook
through a metal detector. If you have your notebook checked by hand,
be sure to have a charged battery available in case you are asked to turn
on your notebook. For more information, see “Traveling with Your
Gateway M405” on page 155.
■ When traveling, do not place your notebook in overhead storage
compartments where it could slide around. For more information, see
“Traveling with Your Gateway M405” on page 155.
■ Do not drop your notebook or subject it to other physical shocks.
■ To completely turn off all notebook power, turn your notebook off, remove
the battery, and disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet.
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■ The bottom of your notebook can become warm with use.
■ Do not apply heavy pressure to your notebook or subject it to strong
impact. Excessive pressure or impact can cause damage to notebook
components or otherwise cause malfunctions.
■ Some PC Cards can become hot with prolonged use. Overheating of a
PC Card can result in errors or instability in the card’s operation. Be careful
when you remove a PC Card that has been used for extended periods.
Using the battery
■ Do not carry a battery in your pocket, purse, or other container where
metal objects (such as car keys) could short-circuit the battery terminals.
The resulting excessive current flow can cause extremely high temperatures
and may result in heat damage.
■ Protect your notebook, battery, and hard drive from environmental
hazards such as dirt, dust, food, liquids, temperature extremes, and
overexposure to sunlight.
■ Replace only with a Gateway M405 battery to avoid risk of fire or
explosion. For more information, see “Changing batteries” on page 143.
Safety instructions
■ Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do
not dispose of batteries in a fire. They may explode. For more information,
see “Changing batteries” on page 143.
Using the AC adapter
■ Place the adapter in a ventilated area, such as a desktop or on the floor,
when you use it to run your notebook or to charge the battery. Do not
cover the adapter with papers or other items that will reduce cooling, and
do not use the adapter while it is inside a carrying case.
■ Make sure that nothing rests on your adapter's power cable and that the
cable is not located where it can be tripped over or stepped on.
■ Use only the adapter and power cord approved for use with this notebook.
Use of another type of adapter may create a risk of fire or explosion.
■ If you use an extension cable with your adapter, ensure that the total
ampere rating of the products plugged into the extension cable does not
exceed the ampere rating of the extension cable.
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Chapter 2: Getting Started
Basic safety precautions
When using your notebook and peripheral devices, basic safety precautions
should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury
to persons, including the following:
■ Do not use your notebook near water. For example, do not use it near a
bathtub or kitchen sink.
■ Avoid using the wired modem or LAN during an electrical storm. There
may be a remote risk of electric shock from lightning.
■ The cable used with the modem should be manufactured with a minimum
wire size of 26 American wire gauge (AWG) and an FCC-compliant RJ-11
modular plug.
■ To help avoid the potential hazard of electric shock, do not connect or
disconnect any cables or perform maintenance or reconfiguration of your
notebook during an electrical storm.
WarningWhen working with peripheral devices or replacing
memory modules, always follow installation instructions
closely. Except for replacing memory or the hard drive, do
not attempt to service your notebook yourself. (See “Using
eSupport” on page 44 and “Telephone support” on
page 279 for service information.)
Connecting the AC adapter
You can run your notebook using an AC adapter or your 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 24 hours for the battery
to fully charge.
ImportantIf the battery is not fully charged before you use your
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 24 hours, the
battery may need to be recalibrated. For more information,
see “Recalibrating the battery” on page 142.
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To connect the AC adapter:
1 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.
WarningMake sure that you use the AC adapter that came with
your 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 notebook may be
damaged.
Connecting the AC adapter
2 Connect the AC adapter to your notebook’s power connector.
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Chapter 2: Getting Started
3 Plug the power cord into a wall outlet.
The battery charge indicator turns on (see “Front” on page 2 for the
location of the battery charge indicator). If the battery charge indicator
does not turn on, unplug the adapter from your notebook, then plug it
back in.
4 When you finish using your notebook for the first time, turn your
notebook off and leave your notebook connected to AC power for at least
24 hours.
5 If the battery charge indicator does not show a full charge after 24 hours,
contact Gateway Technical Support at
support.gateway.com/support/ask_gateway.asp
WarningDo 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.
Protecting from power source problems
During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your notebook
can increase to far above normal levels and cause data loss or system damage.
Protect your notebook and peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge protector, which absorbs voltage surges and prevents them from reaching your
notebook.
WarningHigh voltages can enter your notebook through both the
power cord and the modem connection. Protect your
notebook by using 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.
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