Getac B300 Car Dock Owner's Manual

B300
USERS MANUAL
Rugged Mobile Computing Solutions
Jan. 2010
TRADEMARKS The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
NOTE The information in this manual is subject to change without notice. For the latest version of the manual, please visit the Getac website at
www.getac.com.
ENERGY STAR® is a government program that offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions, making it easy to save money while protecting the environment for future generations.
Please reference ENERGY STAR® related information from
www.energystar.gov.
As an ENERGY STAR® Partner, Getac Technology Corporation has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR® guidelines for energy efficiency.
An ENERGY STAR® qualified computer uses 70 % less electricity than computers without enabled power management features.
Earning the ENERGY STAR®
When every home office is powered by equipment that has earned the
ENERGY STAR®, the change will keep over 289 billion pounds of greenhouse gases out of the air.
If left inactive, ENERGY STAR
mode and may use 15 watts or less. New chip technologies make power management features more reliable, dependable, and user-friendly than even just a few years ago.
Spending a large portion of time in low-power mode not only saves
energy, but helps equipment run cooler and last longer.
Businesses that use ENERGY STAR
realize additional savings on air conditioning and maintenance.
®
qualified computers enter a low-power
®
enabled office equipment may
Over its lifetime, ENERGY STAR
®
qualified equipment in a single home office (e.g., computer, monitor, printer, and fax) can save enough electricity to light an entire home for more than 4 years.
Power management (“sleep settings”) on computers and monitors can
result in much savings annually.
Remember, saving energy prevents pollution
Because most computer equipment is left on 24 hours a day, power management features are important for saving energy and are an easy way to reduce air pollution. By using less energy, these products help lower consumers’ utility bills, and prevent greenhouse gas emissions.

Table of Contents

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 ................................... 1-5
Taking a Look at the Computer ............................................. 1-6
Front Components .............................................................. 1-6
Rear Components ............................................................... 1-7
Right-Side Components ...................................................... 1-8
Left-Side Components ...................................................... 1-10
Top-open Components ..................................................... 1-11
Bottom Components ........................................................ 1-14
Closing Connector Covers ................................................ 1-15
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 Keyboard ................................................................ 2-4
Typewriter Keys .................................................................. 2-4
Cursor-Control Keys ............................................................ 2-4
Numeric Keypad ................................................................. 2-5
Function Keys ...................................................................... 2-6
Fn Key .................................................................................. 2-6
Hot Keys .............................................................................. 2-6
Using the Touchpad ................................................................ 2-9
Configuring the Touchpad ............................................... 2-11
Using the Touchscreen (Optional) ....................................... 2-12
Using the Quick Buttons ....................................................... 2-14
Using the Hard Disk Drive .................................................... 2-15
Installing a Second Hard Disk Drive (Optional) .............. 2-15
Using the Optical Drive (Optional) ...................................... 2-17
Inserting and Removing a Disc ........................................ 2-18
Using the Video Features ..................................................... 2-20
Configuring the Display Modes ....................................... 2-20
Using the Audio Features ..................................................... 2-21
Connecting Audio Devices ............................................... 2-22
Using the Communication Features .................................... 2-23
Using the Modem ............................................................. 2-23
Using the LAN ................................................................... 2-24
Using the Wireless LAN .................................................... 2-25
Using the Bluetooth Feature ........................................... 2-28
Using the 3G Feature (Optional) ..................................... 2-32
Using the Fingerprint Sensor ............................................... 2-36
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 ................................................ 3-5
Replacing the Battery Pack ................................................ 3-6
Installing a Second Battery Pack (Optional) ..................... 3-7
Battery Low Signals and Actions ..................................... 3-10
Power Management ............................................................. 3-11
Hibernation ....................................................................... 3-12
Power-Saving Tips ................................................................. 3-13
Chapter 4 Expanding Your Computer ............................................... 4-1
Connecting an External Monitor ........................................... 4-2
Connecting a Serial Device ..................................................... 4-4
Connecting a USB Device ....................................................... 4-5
Connecting an IEEE 1394 Device ............................................ 4-6
Using Smart Cards (Optional) ................................................. 4-7
Inserting and Removing a Smart Card .............................. 4-7
Using PC Cards ......................................................................... 4-8
Inserting and Removing a PC Card .................................... 4-8
Using ExpressCards (Optional) ............................................. 4-10
ExpressCard Type .............................................................. 4-10
Inserting and Removing an ExpressCard ......................... 4-11
Using the Card Reader .......................................................... 4-12
Using the Port Replicator (Optional) ................................... 4-14
System Memory Upgrade ..................................................... 4-15
Chapter 5 Using BIOS Setup and System Recovery .......................... 5-1
BIOS Setup ............................................................................... 5-2
When to Use........................................................................ 5-2
Starting BIOS Setup ............................................................ 5-2
Information Menu .............................................................. 5-4
Main Menu .......................................................................... 5-5
Advanced Menu .................................................................. 5-6
Security Menu ..................................................................... 5-7
Boot Menu .......................................................................... 5-9
Exit Menu .......................................................................... 5-10
System Recovery .................................................................... 5-11
Chapter 6 Using the TPM and P1 Utility ............................................ 6-1
Using TPM (Trusted Platform Module) .................................. 6-2
P1 Quick Launch Key Utility ................................................... 6-3
Chapter 7 Caring for the Computer ................................................... 7-1
Protecting the Computer ....................................................... 7-2
Using an Anti-Virus Strategy ............................................. 7-2
Using Windows Action 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
Touchscreen Guidelines ...................................................... 7-6
When Traveling ....................................................................... 7-8
Chapter 8 Troubleshooting ................................................................ 8-1
Preliminary Checklist ............................................................... 8-2
Solving Common Problems .................................................... 8-3
Battery Problems ................................................................ 8-3
Bluetooth Wireless Transmission Problems ...................... 8-3
Display Problems ................................................................. 8-4
ExpressCard Problems ......................................................... 8-5
Hardware Device Problems ................................................ 8-5
Hard Disk Drive Problems ................................................... 8-5
Keyboard, Mouse, and Touchpad Problems ..................... 8-6
LAN Problems ...................................................................... 8-6
Modem Problems ................................................................ 8-7
Optical Drive Problems ....................................................... 8-7
PC Card Problems ................................................................ 8-8
Power Management Problems .......................................... 8-8
Software Problems ............................................................. 8-9
Sound Problems .................................................................. 8-9
Startup Problems .............................................................. 8-10
WLAN Problems ................................................................ 8-10
Other Problems ................................................................. 8-12
Resetting the Computer ....................................................... 8-13
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
Chapter 1

Getting Started

Congratulations on purchasing this rugged computer.
This chapter first tells you step by step how to get the computer up and running. Then, you will find a section briefly introducing the external components of the computer.

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:
Rugged computer
Accessories:
AC adapter AC power cord Touchscreen pen (depending on your model)
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.
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 ().
3. Plug the female end of the AC power cord to the AC adapter and the
male end to an electrical outlet ().
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.
5. When the AC adapter is connected, it also charges the battery pack. The
Battery Charge Indicator on the computer glows amber to indicate that charging is in progress. When the battery is fully charged, the Battery Charge Indicator ( ) glows green. (For information on using battery power, see Chapter 3.)

Opening the Cover

Open the top cover by pushing on the cover latch () and lifting up the cover (). 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 or battery is fully
charged.
2. Open the top cover
3. Press the power button (
4. 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.
Ref
Component
Description
See Also
Top Cover Latch
Locks the top cover.
P. 1-4
3G Antenna
Serves as the antenna for wireless modem.
NOTE: For data transmission only.
P. 2-32
Handle
Provides a convenient way to carry the computer.

Taking a Look at the Computer

Front Components

Ref
Component
Description
See Also
Power Connector
Connects the AC adapter.
P. 1-2
USB Port
Connects a USB device, such as a USB flash disk, printer, digital camera, joystick, and more.
P. 4-5
Expansion Bus Connector
Connects to a Port Replicator.
P. 4-14
VGA Connector
Connects an external display monitor.
P. 4-2
Serial Connector
Each of the two connectors connects a serial mouse or serial communication device.
P. 4-4
Kensington Lock
Locks the computer to a stationary object for security.
P. 7-2

Rear Components

Ref
Component
Description
See Also
Expansion Card Slot
Depending on your model, the slot can be any of the following:
ExpressCard Slot
Accepts an ExpressCard/34 or ExpressCard/54 for additional functions.
P. 4-10
PCMCIA Slot
Accepts a PC card for additional functions.
P. 4-8
Mini IEEE 1394 Port
Connects an IEEE 1394 device such as a scanner, printer, DVCAM, VCR, and more.
P. 4-6
RF
On/Off Switch
Serves as the master on/off control for all the wireless modules (wireless LAN, Bluetooth, and WWAN).
P. 2-26,
2-28, 2-32

Right-Side Components

Ref
Component
Description
See Also
NOTE: Available modules on your
computer depend on the configuration you purchased.
Card Reader
Accepts a MultiMediaCard (MMC), Secure Digital (SD), Memory Stick (MS) or Memory Stick PRO (MS PRO) card for removable storage media.
P. 4-12
RJ-11 Connector
Connects the telephone line.
P. 2-23
Hard Disk Drive Compartment
Inside is the hard disk drive.
P. 2-15
USB Ports
Each of the two ports connects a USB device, such as a USB flash disk, printer, digital camera, joystick, and more.
P. 4-5
Expansion Card Slot
Depending on your model, the slot can be any of the following:
Smart Card Reader
Accepts a smart card for additional security feature.
P. 4-7
PCMCIA Slot
Accepts a PC card for additional functions.
P. 4-8
GPS Antenna pass-through Connector
Connects to the optional antenna for GPS receiver.
Audio Output Connector
Connects a set of headphones, external speakers with amplifier, or an audio recording device.
P. 2-22
Microphone Connector
Connects an external microphone.
P. 2-22
RJ-45 Connector
Connects the LAN cable.
P. 2-24
Ref
Component
Description
See Also
Battery Pack
Supplies power to your computer when external power is not connected.
P. 3-3
Media Bay
Depending on your model, the media bay may contain any of the following:
Combo Drive/ DVD Dual Drive/ Super Multi Drive
Accepts a compact disc for installing or loading software, accessing data, and playing music/video.
P. 2-17
Secondary Battery Pack
Provides extra battery power.
P. 3-7
Secondary Hard Disk Drive
Provides extra hard disk capacity.
P. 2-15

Left-Side Components

Ref
Component
Description
See Also
LCD Screen
Displays the output of the computer. May include the optional touchscreen feature.
P. 2-20

Top-open Components

Ref
Component
Description
See Also
Quick Buttons
P1
Turns off/on the LCD display and LED indicator by default.
P. 2-14
Enables/disables power saving when using battery power.
P. 2-14
Enables/disables sunlight readable display.
P. 2-14
Enables/disables light sensor.
P. 2-14
Power Button
Turns the computer power ON and OFF.
P. 1-5
Touchscreen Pen
Provides a convenient way to use the touchscreen.
P. 2-12
Touchpad
Serves as the pointing device of the computer.
P. 2-9
Indicators
Show the current status of the computer’s devices.
Hard Disk Drive / Optical Drive
Blinks green when computer is reading / writing data to the hard disk or optical drive.
P. 2-15
Card Reader
Blinks green when computer is reading / writing data to the storage card.
P. 4-12
Caps Lock
Lights green when Caps Lock is on.
P. 2-5
Num Lock / HDD Heater
Lights green when Num Lock is on.
P. 2-26
Lights amber when optional hard disk heater is on (temperature is lower than 5oC when booting your computer).
Microphone
Receives sound and voice for the computer.
P. 2-21
Ref
Component
Description
See Also
Keyboard
Serves as the data input device of the computer.
P.2-4
Fingerprint Sensor
Serves as the fingerprint verification, preventing unauthorized access to your computer.
P. 2-36
Stereo Speaker
Sends out sound and voice from the computer.
P. 2-21
Indicators
Show the current status of the computer’s devices.
Power
Lights green when computer is on.
P. 1-5
Blinks green when computer is on Sleep mode.
Battery Charge
Lights green when the battery is fully charged.
P. 3-3
Lights amber when the battery is being charged.
Blinks red when the batterys capacity is below 10 %.
Blinks amber when the battery is in an abnormal condition.
WLAN
Lights green when WLAN is on.
P. 2-26
Bluetooth
Lights green when Bluetooth is on.
P. 2-28
3G
Lights green when 3G is on.
P. 2-32
Ref
Component
Description
See Also
Memory Slots
Inside are the memory slots for expanding the memory size of your computer.
P. 4-15

Bottom Components

Closing Connector Covers

It is important to close the connector covers completely to ensure the waterproof integrity. When closing the covers, push the four corners and make sure that the cover fits in completely.
Chapter 2

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, you may choose to read only the parts containing information unique to your computer.
To stop in
this mode...
Do this...
To start up or resume again
Off
Click Start Shut Down … 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.
Press the power button.

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. The computer will automatically load the OS after you turn it on. This process is called booting.

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...
Do this...
To start up or resume again
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
Press any key.
Hibernation
Depending on your settings in Windows, you can place the computer in Hibernation mode by:
Closing the display cover Pressing the Fn+F12 hot key Pressing the power button
Press 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.)

Using the Keyboard

Your keyboard has all the standard functions of a full-sized computer keyboard plus an Fn key added for specific functions.
The standard functions of the keyboard can be further divided into four major categories:
Typewriter keys
Cursor-control keys
Numeric keys
Function keys

Typewriter Keys

Typewriter keys are similar to the keys on a typewriter. Several keys are added such as the Ctrl, Alt, Esc, and lock keys for special purposes. When the lock keys ( aps Lock and Num Lk) are pressed, their corresponding indicators light up.
The Control (Ctrl) / Alternate (Alt) key is normally used in combination with other keys for program-specific functions. The Escape (Esc) 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.

Cursor-Control Keys

Cursor-control keys are generally used for moving and editing purposes.

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; meaning you can use these keys to enter numerals.
Fn
Key
Description
Switches the wireless LAN radio on and off.
Switches the night vision feature on and off for viewing the display when using night vision goggles (optional).
Decreases the sound volume.
Increases the sound volume.

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.

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 Fn, then press the other key.

Hot Keys

Hot keys refer to a combination of keys that can be pressed any time to activate special functions of the computer. Most hot keys operate in a cyclic way. Each time a hot key combination is pressed, it shifts the corresponding function to the other or next choice.
You can easily identify the hot keys with the icons imprinted on the keytop. The hot keys are described next.
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