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Gateway
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MP6954
Owner's Manual
262 pgs3.97 Mb0
Quick Start Manual
86 pgs1.71 Mb0
Table of contents
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Gateway MP6954, MX6450 Quick Start Manual

Hardware Reference Guide
PLATINUM EDITION

Contents

Chapter 1: About this reference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
About the User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Gateway contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Gateway model and serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
For more information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Notebook . . . . . . 5
Identifying features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Keyboard area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Connecting the AC adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Connecting to a cable or DSL modem or to an Ethernet net-
work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Starting your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Waking up your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Turning off your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Restarting (rebooting) your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Using the status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Key types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
System key combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Using the EZ Pad touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Turning your wireless radio on or off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Using the DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
i
Contents www.gateway.com
Inserting a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Inserting a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Removing a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Adding and removing a PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Changing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Recalibrating the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Ordering accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Chapter 3: Upgrading Your Notebook . . . . . . . 37
Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Adding or replacing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Replacing the DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Replacing the hard drive kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Replacing the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Removing the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Installing the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Appendix A: Safety, Regulatory, and Legal . . . 55
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
ii
CHAPTER 1

About this reference

• About this guide
• About the User Guide
• Gateway contact information
• Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
1
CHAPTER 1: About this reference

About this guide

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

About the User Guide

In addition to this guide, the User Guide has been included on your hard drive. The 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
■ Controlling audio and video settings
■ Using the Internet
■ Protecting your files
■ Playing and recording media
■ Networking
■ Maintenance and troubleshooting
2

Gateway contact information

Gateway contact information

Gateway model and serial number

Important
The label shown in this
ordered, and location.
section is for
informational
purposes only. Label
information varies by
model, features
The label on the bottom of your notebook contains information that identifies your notebook model and its features. Gateway Customer Care will need this information if you call for assistance.
Online Support: Tech Support Phone: Hours: Model: S/No:

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.
3
CHAPTER 1: About this reference

For more information

For more information about your notebook, visit Gateway’s Support page at
support.gateway.com
shown on your notebook’s label. The Support page also has links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed specifications.
or the Web address
4
CHAPTER 2

Checking Out Your Notebook

•Identifying features
• Starting your notebook
• Turning off your notebook
• Using the status indicators
•Using the keyboard
• Using the EZ Pad touchpad
• Turning your wireless radio on or off
• Using the DVD drive
• Using the memory card reader
• Adding and removing a PC Card
• Changing batteries
• Recalibrating the battery
• Ordering accessories
5
CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Identifying features

Front

Speaker
LCD panel release latch
Battery charge indicator
Headphone jack
Microphone jack
Speaker
Power indicator
Component Icon Description
Speakers Provide audio output when
LCD panel release latch
Battery charge indicator
Power indicator
Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack.
headphones or amplified speakers are not plugged in.
Slide to open the LCD panel.
■
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.
■
LED on - notebook is on.
■
LED blinking - notebook is in Standby mode.
■
LED off - notebook is off.
Headphone jack Plug amplified speakers or
headphones into this jack. The built-in speakers are turned off when speakers or headphones are plugged into this jack.
6

Left

Identifying features
Kensington lock slot
S-Video out jack
Ventilation fan
DVD drive
Component Icon Description
Kensington™ lock slot
S-Video out jack (optional)
Ventilation fan Helps cool internal components.
Secure your notebook to an object by connecting a Kensington cable lock to this slot.
Plug an S-Video device, such as a television, into this optional jack. For more information, see Viewing the display on a television in the User Guide.
War ning: Do not work for long periods with your notebook resting on your lap. If the air vents are blocked, your 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 notebook may overheat resulting in unexpected shutdown or permanent damage to your notebook. Caution: Provide adequate space around your notebook so air vents are not obstructed. Do not use your notebook on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.
DVD drive Insert CDs or DVDs into this drive. For more
information, see “Using the DVD drive” on
page 29. 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 29.
7
CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Right

PC Card slot
IEEE 1394 port
Memory card reade r
USB ports
Ethernet jack
Modem jack
USB ports
Component Icon Description
PC Card slot Insert one Type II PC Card into this slot. For
IEEE 1394 port Plug an IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire
Memory card reader
USB ports Plug USB devices (such as a diskette drive,
more information, see “Adding and
removing a PC Card” on page 32.
®
or i.Link camcorder) into this 4-pin IEEE 1394 port.
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 30. The memory card
reader supports Memory Stick®, Memory Stick Pro®, Mini Secure Digital®, MultiMediaCard™, RS-MultiMediaCard™, and Secure Digital™ cards.
flash drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports.
) device (such as a digital
®
Ethernet jack Plug an Ethernet network cable into this
Modem jack Plug a modem cable into this jack. For more
jack. Plug the other end of the cable into a cable modem, DSL modem, or Ethernet network jack. For more information, see
“Connecting to a cable or DSL modem or to an Ethernet network” on page 15.
information, see “Connecting the dial-up
modem” on page 14.
8

Back

Identifying features
Power connector
Monitor port
Component Icon Description
Power connector
Monitor port Plug an analog VGA monitor or projector
Plug the AC adapter cable into this connector.
into this port. For more information, see “Viewing the display on a projector or monitor” in the User Guide.
9
CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Bottom

System
label
Hard drive
bay
Battery latch
Battery
Memory bay
Battery lock
Component Icon Description
Battery latch Slide to release the battery. For more
information, see “Changing batteries” on
page 33.
Battery Provides power when your notebook is not
Memory bay Install a memory module into this bay. For
Battery lock Slide to unlock the battery. For more
System label Includes the product model number. For
Hard drive bay The hard drive is located in this bay. For
plugged into AC power.
more information, see “Adding or
replacing memory” on page 39.
information, see “Changing batteries” on
page 33.
more information, see “Gateway model
and serial number” on page 3.
more information, see “Replacing the hard
drive kit” on page 45.
10

Keyboard area

Identifying features
Power button
Keyboard
Status indicators
To uc h pa d
Component Icon Description
Power button
Keyboard Provides all the features of a full-sized,
To uc hp ad Provides all the functionality of a mouse. For
Status indicators
Press 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-Saving Settings” in the User Guide.
computer keyboard. For more information, see “Using the keyboard” on page 19.
more information, see “Using the EZ Pad
touchpad” on page 25.
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 18.
11
CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook
Connecting the AC adapter
Warnin g
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
Make sure that you use
the AC adapter that
notebook or one of the
same type purchased
must be of the same
rating as the original
cord or your notebook
adapters.
Caution
came with your
from Gateway.
Replace the power
cord if it becomes
damaged. The
replacement cord
type and voltage
may be damaged.
Important
If the battery charge
indicator does not turn
blue after three hours,
contact Gateway
Customer Care at
support.gateway.com
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 three hours for the battery to fully charge.
To connect the AC adapter:
1 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.
2 Connect the AC adapter to your
notebook’s power connector.
.
12
Connecting the AC adapter
Important
If 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
three hours, the
battery may nee d to be
recalibrated. For
information on
recalibrating the
battery, see
“Recalibrating the
battery” on page 35
3 Plug the power cord into a wall outlet. The
battery charge indicator turns on (see
“Front” on page 6 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:
1 Unplug the adapter from your
notebook, then plug it back in.
2 Press FN+F1 to toggle the status
lights on and off.
4 When you finish using your notebook for
the first time, turn off your notebook and leave your notebook connected to AC power until the battery charge indicator turns blue.

Protecting from power source problems

Warnin g
High voltages can
enter your notebook
through both the
power cord and the
modem connection.
To protec t y our
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
unplug both the surge
that has an
antenna/cable TV
jack. During an
electrical storm,
protector and the
modem.
During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your notebook can increase to levels 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.
13
CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Connecting the dial-up modem

Warnin g
To re du ce the risk of
fire, use only No. 26
AWG or larger
telecommunications
line cord.
Your notebook has a built-in 56K modem that you can use to connect to a standard telephone line.
To connect the modem:
1 Insert one end of the modem cable into the
modem jack on the right side of your notebook.
2 Insert the other end of the modem cable
into a telephone wall jack. The modem will not work with digital or PBX telephone lines.
14
3 Start your notebook, then start your
communications program.

Connecting to a cable or DSL modem or to an Ethernet network

Connecting to a cable or DSL modem or to an Ethernet network
Your notebook has a network jack that you can use to connect to a cable or DSL modem or to an Ethernet network.
To connect to a cable or DSL modem or to an Ethernet network:
1 Insert one end of the network cable into
the network jack on the right side of your notebook.
2 Insert the other end of the network cable
into a cable modem, DSL modem, or Ethernet network jack.
15
CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Starting your notebook

Warnin g
Do not work for long
periods with your
notebook resting on
your lap. If the air vents
are blocked, your
notebook may
become hot enough to
harm your skin.
Caution
Provide adequate
space around your
notebook so air vents are not obstructed. Do not use your notebook
on a bed, sofa, rug, or
other similar surface.
To start your notebook:
1 Slide the latch on the front of your
notebook, then lift the LCD panel.
2 Press the power button located above the
keyboard.
Tips & Tricks
For more information
about changing the
power button mode,
see “Changing
Power -Savin g
Settings” in the User
Guide.
3 If you are starting your notebook for the
first time, follow the on-screen instructions to set up your notebook.

Waking up your notebook

Tips & Tricks
For more information about Standby mode,
see “Changing power
modes” in the User
Guide.
When you have not used your notebook for several minutes or if you close the LCD panel without turning off your notebook, it may enter a power-saving mode called Standby. While in Standby, the power indicator flashes. If your notebook is in Standby mode, press the power button to “wake” it up.

T urning off your notebook

Important
If for some reason you
cannot use the Turn
Off Computer option
in Windows to turn off
your notebook, press
and hold the power
button for about five
seconds, then release
16
it.
To turn off your notebook:
1 Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer.
The Turn Off Computer dialog box opens.
2 Click Turn O ff. Windows shuts down and
turns off your notebook.

Restarting (rebooting) your notebook

Restarting (rebooting) your notebook
Important
If your notebook does
battery for more than
not turn off immediately, complete the
following
steps until your
notebook turns off:
1. Press and hold the power button for
about five seconds,
then release it.
2. Unplug the power
cord and remove the
10 seconds.
If your notebook does not respond to keyboard, touchpad, or mouse input, you may have to close programs that are not responding. If closing unresponsive programs does not restore your notebook to normal operation, you may have to restart (reboot) your notebook.
To close unresponsive programs and restart your notebook:
1 Press CTRL+ALT+DEL. The Windows Security
dialog box opens.
2 Click Task Man ager. The Windows Task
Manager dialog box opens.
3 Click the program that is not responding.
4 Click End Task. 5 Click X in the top-right corner of the
Windows Task Manager dialog box.
6 If your notebook does not respond, turn it
off, wait ten seconds, then turn it on again.
As a part of the regular startup process, a program to check the disk status runs automatically. When the checks are finished, Windows starts.
17
CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook
A
1

Using the status indicators

Important
If none of the
indicators are on, you
may need to press
N+F1 to toggle the
F
status indicators on.
Status indicators inform you when a drive is being used or when a button has been pressed that affects how the keyboard is used. The status indicators are located below the touchpad.
Wireless network
Caps lock
Num lock
Hard drive
Disc drive
Indicator Icon Description
Wireless network (optional)
■
LED on - Wireless radio is turned on.
■
LED off - Wireless radio is turned off.
■
Caps lock
LED on - Caps lock is turned on.
■
LED off - Caps lock is turned off.
Num lock
■
LED on - Numeric keypad is turned on.
■
LED off - Numeric keypad is turned off.
18
Indicator Icon Description

Using the keyboard

Disc drive
Hard drive
Using the keyboard
Tips & Tricks
You can attach an
external keyboard to
your notebook using a
USB port. You do not
need to shut down
your notebook to
connect a USB
keyboard.
Your notebook features a full-size keyboard that functions the same as a desktop computer keyboard. Many of the keys have been assigned alternate functions, including shortcut keys for Windows, function keys for specific system operations, and the Num Lock keys for the numeric keypad.
Function keys/ System keys
■
LED blinking - The disc drive is in use.
■
LED off - The disc drive is not in use.
■
LED blinking - The hard drive is in use.
■
LED off - The hard drive is not in use.
Numeric
keypa d
N key
F
Windows key
Application key
Navigation keys
Arrow keys
19
CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Key types

The keyboard has several different types of keys. Some keys perform specific actions when pressed alone and other actions when pressed in combination with another key.
Key type Icon Description
Function keys
System keys Press these colored keys
Navigation keys
Press these keys labeled F1 to F12 to perform actions in programs. For example, pressing F1 may open help. Each program uses different function keys for different purposes. See the program documentation to find out more about the function key actions.
in combination with the
N key to perform specific
F
actions. For more information, see “System
key combinations” on page 22.
Press these keys to move the cursor to the beginning of a line, to the end of a line, up the page, down the page, to the beginning of a document, or to the end of a document.
20
Arrow keys Press these keys to move
the cursor up, down, right, or left.
Application key
Press this key for quick access to shortcut menus and help assistants in Windows.
Using the keyboard
1
Key type Icon Description
Windows key
FN key Press the FN key in
Numeric keypad
Press this key to open the Windows Start menu. This key can also be used in combination with other keys to open utilities like F (Search utility), R (Run utility), and E (Explorer utility).
combination with a colored system key to perform a specific action.
Use these keys to type numbers when the numeric keypad is turned on. Press F on the numeric keypad.
N+ to turn
21
CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

System ke y combinat ions

When you press the FN key and a system key at the same time, your notebook performs the action identified by the text or icon on the key.
Press and hold FN, then press this system key...
To. ..
Toggle the status indicators on or off. For more information, see “Using the status
indicators” on page 18.
Turn the optional wireless network on or off. For more information, see “Wireless Networking” in your User Guide. War ning: Radio frequency wireless communication can interfere with equipment on commercial aircraft. Current aviation regulations require wireless devices to be turned off while traveling in an airplane. IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b, and IEEE 802.11a communication devices are examples of devices that provide wireless communication.
Enter Standby mode. Press the power button to leave Standby mode. For more information, see “Changing Power-Saving Settings” in your User Guide.
22
Toggle your notebook display in the following order:
■
The LCD
■
An external monitor or projector (a monitor or projector must be plugged into the monitor port on your notebook)
■
Both displays at the same time
For more information, see Viewing the
display on a projector or monitor in the User Guide.
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