Getac Notebook computer User Manual

User’s Manual

(December 2007)

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.

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, MiTAC 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®

z 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.

z If left inactive, ENERGY STAR

qualified computers enter a low-power 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.

z Spending a large portion of time in low-power mode not only saves

energy, but helps equipment run cooler and last longer.

z Businesses that use ENERGY STAR

enabled office equipment may

realize additional savings on air conditioning and maintenance.

z 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.

z 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

Preface .....................................................................................vi

Chapter 1 Getting Started...................................................1-1

Getting the Computer Running ............................................ 1-2

Unpacking ........................................................................ 1-2

Connecting to AC Power ................................................. 1-2

Opening the Cover ........................................................... 1-4

Turning On and Off the Computer................................... 1-4

Taking a Look at the Computer............................................ 1-6

Right-Side Components ................................................... 1-6

Left-Side Components ..................................................... 1-7

Rear Components ............................................................. 1-9

Front Components.......................................................... 1-10

Bottom Components....................................................... 1-11

Top-open Components ................................................... 1-12

Where to Go from Here...................................................... 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 Quick Buttons ...................................................... 2-4

Using the Internal Keyboard ................................................ 2-5

Typewriter Keys............................................................... 2-5

Cursor-Control Keys ........................................................ 2-6

Numeric Keypad .............................................................. 2-6

Function Keys .................................................................. 2-7

Fn Key.............................................................................. 2-7

Hot Keys .......................................................................... 2-7

Using the Touchpad ........................................................... 2-10

Configuring the Touchpad ............................................. 2-12

Using the Touchscreen (Optional) ..................................... 2-12

Using the Hard Disk Drive................................................. 2-15

Using the Optical Drive...................................................... 2-16

Inserting and Removing a Disc ...................................... 2-17

Using the Video Features ................................................... 2-18

Configuring the Display Modes ..................................... 2-18

Using the Audio Features................................................... 2-20

Connecting Audio Devices ............................................ 2-21

Using the Communication Features ................................... 2-22

Using the Modem........................................................... 2-22

Using the LAN ............................................................... 2-23

Using the Wireless LAN ................................................ 2-24

Using the Bluetooth

Feature (Optional) ....................... 2-28

Using the GPS (Optional) .............................................. 2-34

Using the 3G Feature (Optional).................................... 2-35

Chapter 3 Managing Power ................................................3-1

AC Adapter .......................................................................... 3-2

Battery Pack ......................................................................... 3-3

Charging the Battery Pack ............................................... 3-3

Initializing the Battery Pack............................................. 3-4

Checking the Battery Level.............................................. 3-4

Replacing the Battery Pack .............................................. 3-4

Battery Low Signals and Actions..................................... 3-7

Power Management.............................................................. 3-8

Hibernation....................................................................... 3-9

Power-Saving Tips ............................................................. 3-10

Chapter 4 Expanding Your Computer ...............................4-1

Connecting an External Monitor .......................................... 4-2

Connecting a Serial Device .................................................. 4-4

Connecting a USB Device.................................................... 4-5

iii

Connecting an IEEE 1394 Device........................................ 4-6

Using PC Cards .................................................................... 4-9

PC Card Type................................................................... 4-9

CardBus Support .............................................................. 4-9

Inserting and Removing a PC Card.................................. 4-9

Using ExpressCards ........................................................... 4-11

ExpressCard Type .......................................................... 4-11

Inserting and Removing an ExpressCard ....................... 4-12

Using the Card Reader ....................................................... 4-13

Using the Port Replicator (Optional).................................. 4-15

Internal Components Upgrade............................................ 4-16

Chapter 5 Using BIOS Setup..............................................5-1

When and How to Use BIOS Setup ..................................... 5-2

When to Use..................................................................... 5-2

Starting BIOS Setup......................................................... 5-2

Moving Around and Making Selections .......................... 5-4

Information Menu ................................................................ 5-5

Main Menu ........................................................................... 5-6

Advanced Menu ................................................................... 5-7

Security Menu ...................................................................... 5-9

Boot Menu.......................................................................... 5-11

Exit Menu........................................................................... 5-12

Chapter 6 Using the TPM and P1/P2 Utilities....................6-1

Using TPM (Trusted Platform Module)............................... 6-2

P1/P2 Quick Launch Key Utility ......................................... 6-3

Chapter 7 Caring for the Computer ...................................7-1

Protecting the Computer....................................................... 7-2

Using the Windows Security Center ................................ 7-2

Using the Cable Lock....................................................... 7-3

Taking Care of the Computer............................................... 7-4

Location Guidelines ......................................................... 7-4

General Guidelines........................................................... 7-4

Cleaning Guidelines ......................................................... 7-5

Battery Pack Guidelines................................................... 7-5

Touchscreen Guidelines ................................................... 7-6

When Traveling.................................................................... 7-8

Chapter 8 Troubleshooting.................................................8-1

Preliminary Checklist........................................................... 8-2

Solving Common Problems.................................................. 8-3

Battery Problems.............................................................. 8-4

Bluetooth Wireless Transmission Problems..................... 8-4

Display Problems ............................................................. 8-5

ExpressCard Problems ..................................................... 8-6

Hardware Device Problems.............................................. 8-6

Hard Disk Drive Problems ............................................... 8-7

Keyboard, Mouse, and Touchpad Problems .................... 8-7

LAN Problems ................................................................. 8-8

WLAN Problems.............................................................. 8-8

Modem Problems ............................................................. 8-9

Optical Drive Problems.................................................. 8-10

PC Card Problems .......................................................... 8-11

Power Management Problems........................................ 8-12

Software Problems ......................................................... 8-12

Sound Problems ............................................................. 8-13

Startup Problems ............................................................ 8-14

Other Problems............................................................... 8-14

Resetting the Computer...................................................... 8-15

Appendix A Specifications ................................................... A-1

Appendix B Regulatory Information ....................................B-1

On the Use of the System.....................................................B-2

Class B Regulations .........................................................B-2

Safety Notices ..................................................................B-3

On the Use of the RF Device................................................B-6

USA and Canada Safety Requirements and Notices........B-6

European Union CE Marking and Compliance Notices ..B-9

Preface

This manual contains information that will help you operate the computer. It is divided into 8 chapters and 2 appendices.

z Chapter 1, Getting Started, takes you through the process of setting

up the computer and identifying its external components.

z Chapter 2, Operating Your Computer, tells you how to use the

computer’s components and features.

z Chapter 3, Managing Power, provides information on power. z Chapter 4, Expanding Your Computer, provides information on

installing and using peripheral devices.

z Chapter 5, Using BIOS Setup, describes the BIOS Setup program

that configures the computer’s BIOS settings.

z Chapter 6, Using the TPM and P1/P2 Utilities, describes how to use

TPM (Trusted Platform Module) and P1/P2 quick launch key utilities.

z Chapter 7, Caring for the Computer, gives you tips in care and

maintenance.

z Chapter 8, Troubleshooting, gives solutions to common problems

you may encounter when using the computer.

z Appendix A, Specifications, gives a brief specification of the

computer.

z Appendix B, Regulatory Information, provides regulatory

statements and safety notices on your computer.

vii

Notational Conventions

Throughout this manual, the following conventions are used to distinguish elements of text.

NOTE: identifies additional information that requires special attention. CAUTION: identifies important information that, if not followed, may result in loss of

data or damage to the computer.

Keyboard keys are shown in a bold typeset. For example:

Press the

Enter key to complete.

When keys are joined by a plus sign (+), press the first key, and, while keeping the first key down, press the remaining keys, finally release all the keys. When necessary, keys are also shown in graphics.

A title, command, setup item, or button that you can see on the screen is shown in boldface. A value or an option that you can select for a setup item is shown in italic. For example:

Select When I press the power button, set it to Shut down, and then click the Save changes button.

Getting Started 1-1

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. You will find instructions for these procedures:

z Unpacking

z Connecting to AC power

z Opening and closing the cover

z Turning on the computer

z Turning off the computer

Then, you will find a section briefly introducing the external components of the computer. And the last section navigates you to the information you may need after the computer is ready for use.

CHAPTER

Getting Started 1-2

Getting the Computer Running

This section guides you through the procedures for getting the computer ready for operation.

Unpacking

After unpacking the shipping carton, you should find these standard items:

z Notebook computer

z Accessories:

− AC adapter

− AC power cord

− Stylus (option)

Inspect all the items. If any item is damaged or missing, notify your dealer immediately.

Keep the shipping carton and packing materials in case you need to ship or store the computer in the future.

Connecting to AC Power

The computer operates either on the external AC power or internal battery power. It is suggested that you use AC power when you start up the computer for the very first time.

CAUTION: Use only the AC adapter included with your computer. Using other AC adapters may damage the computer.

1. Make sure that the computer is turned off.

2. Plug the DC cord of the AC adapter to the power connector of the

computer (n).

Getting Started 1-3

3. Plug the female end of the AC power cord to the AC adapter and the

male end to an electrical outlet (o).

4. When the AC adapter is connected, power is being supplied from the

electrical outlet to the AC adapter and onto your computer. Now, you are ready to turn on the computer.

CAUTION:

z When you disconnect the AC adapter, disconnect from the electrical outlet first and

then from the computer. A reverse procedure may damage the AC adapter or the computer.

z When unplugging the connector, always hold the plug head. Never pull on the cord.

NOTE: When the AC adapter is connected, it also charges the battery pack. For information on using battery power, see Chapter 3.

Getting Started 1-4

Opening the Cover

CAUTION: Be gentle when opening and closing the cover. Opening it vigorously or slamming it shut could damage the computer.

Open the top cover by pulling on the cover latch (n) and lifting up the cover (o). You can tilt the cover forward or backward for optimal viewing clarity.

Turning On and Off the Computer

Turning On

1. Make sure that the computer is connected to AC power.

Getting Started 1-5

2. Press the power button ( ) and the operating system such as

Windows should start.

Turning Off

To turn off the computer power, use the “Shut Down” command of your operating system.

NOTE: There are other ways you can stop the computer so that you will be back to where you left off when you next turn on the computer. (See “Stopping the Computer” in Chapter 2 for information.)

CAUTION: If you have to turn the computer on again immediately after turning it off, wait for at least five seconds. Turning the computer off and on rapidly can damage it.

Getting Started 1-6

Taking a Look at the Computer

This section identifies the external components of the computer and briefly describes the function of each component.

NOTE: Depending on the model you purchased, the appearance of your computer may not be exactly the same as those shown in this manual.

Right-Side Components

Ref Component Description See Also

Smart Card Reader

Accepts a smart card for additional security feature.

P. 4-6

Hard Disk Drive Compartment

Inside is the hard disk drive. P. 2-15

Combo Drive/ DVD Dual Drive/ Super Multi Drive

Accepts a compact disc for installing or loading software, accessing data, and playing music/video.

P. 2-16

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

Getting Started 1-7

Left-Side Components

Ref Component Description See Also

Microphone Connector

Connects an external microphone. P. 2-21

Audio Output Connector

Connects a set of headphones, external speakers with amplifier, or an audio recording device.

P. 2-21

RF (radio frequency)

On/Off Switch

Turns the wireless LAN radio, Bluetooth radio, and WWAN on/off.

P. 2-25,

2-28

USB Port

Connects a USB device, such as a USB flash disk, printer, digital camera, joystick, and more.

P. 4-5

Mini IEEE 1394 Port

Connects an IEEE 1394 device such as a scanner, printer, DVCAM, VCR, and more.

P. 4-6

ExpressCard/54 Slot

Accepts an ExpressCard/34 or ExpressCard/54 for additional functions.

P. 4-11

Stylus

Provides a convenient way to use the touchscreen. Can be stretched for better grip and handling.

P. 2-12

Getting Started 1-8

Ref Component Description See Also

Power Connector

Connects the AC adapter. P. 1-2

RJ-11 Connector

Connects the telephone line. P. 2-22

RJ-45 Connector

Connects the LAN cable. P. 2-23

Card Reader

Accepts a MultiMediaCard (MMC), Secure Digital (SD), Memory Stick (MS) or Memory Stick PRO (MS PRO) card for removable storage media.

P. 4-13

PCMCIA Slot

Accepts a PC card for additional functions. P. 4-9

Getting Started 1-9

Rear Components

Ref Component Description See Also

Serial Connector

Connects a serial mouse or serial communication device.

P. 4-4

Battery Pack

Supplies power to your computer when external power is not connected.

P. 3-3

VGA Connector

Connects an external display monitor. P. 4-2

Kensington Lock

Locks the computer to a stationary object for security.

P. 7-3

Getting Started 1-10

Front Components

Ref Component Description See Also

Top Cover Latch

Locks the top cover. P. 1-4

Handle

Provides a convenient way to carry the computer anywhere.

Getting Started 1-11

Bottom Components

Ref Component Description See Also

Memory Slots

Inside are the memory slots for expanding the memory size of your computer.

P. 4-16

Wireless LAN (WLAN) Card Slot

Inside is the mini PCI-E slot for using a mini PCI-E WLAN card.

P. 2-24

CPU Socket

Inside is the CPU.

Expansion Bus Connector

Connects to a Port Replicator. P. 4-15

Antenna Connector

Connects an external GPS antenna when connected to a docking device.

Getting Started 1-12

Top-open Components

Ref Component Description See Also

CMOS Camera Lens

Allows you to use your computer’s camera function.

Microphone

Receives sound and voice for the computer. P. 2-20

LCD Screen/ Touchscreen

(option)

Displays the output of the computer. P. 2-18/

2-12

Getting Started 1-13

Ref Component Description See Also

Quick Buttons

Enables/disables sunlight readable display. P. 2-18

Enables/disables power saving when using battery power.

P. 2-4

P1 (Program 1 – user customized) quick launch key. Default is Microsoft® Internet Explorer.

P. 6-2

P2 (Program 2 – user customized) quick launch key. Default is Microsoft® Outlook Express.

P. 6-2

Ejects the optical drive tray. P. 2-17

Stereo Speaker

Sends out sound and voice from the computer. P. 2-20

Power Button

Turns the computer power ON and OFF. P. 1-4

Keyboard

Serves as the data input device of the computer. P. 2-5

Touchpad

Serves as the pointing device of the computer. P. 2-10

Indicators

Show the current status of the computer’s devices.

AC Power indicator

Lights green when computer is on.

Blinks green when the computer is in Sleep/ Standby mode.

Battery Charge indicator

Lights green when the battery is fully charged.

Lights amber when the battery is being charged.

Blinks red when the battery’s capacity is below 10 %.

Blinks amber when the battery is in an abnormal condition.

P. 3-3

Hard disk drive in-use indicator

Optical drive in-use indicator

Getting Started 1-14

Ref Component Description See Also

Num Lock indicator P. 2-5

Caps Lock indicator P. 2-5

ECO

Power saving mode indicator

WLAN indicator P. 2-25

Bluetooth

feature indicator

WWAN indicator

Fingerprint Sensor Serves as the fingerprint verification,

preventing unauthorized access to your computer.

Getting Started 1-15

Where to Go from Here

As your computer is ready for operation, you may want to do any of the following now:

For this purpose... Do this...

To know more about the computer... Go on to the next chapter.

To install the operating system if your dealer has not already done so...

See the operating system manual.

To know more about the operating system...

Read the operating system manual.

To set a power-on password... Read the operating system manual.

To charge the battery pack for the first time...

See “Charging the Battery Pack” in Chapter 3.

Operating Your Computer 2-1

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 but are new to notebook computers, you may choose to read only the parts containing information unique to your computer.

Described in this chapter are the operating basics of these components:

z Keyboard

z Touchpad

z Touchscreen (option)

z DVD drive

And these features:

z Starting and stopping the computer

z Quick buttons

z Video features

z Audio features

z Communication features

CHAPTER

Operating Your Computer 2-2

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.

NOTE: An operating system is the platform for all your software application programs to run on. Your computer uses the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system.

Stopping the Computer

When you finish a working session, you can stop the computer by turning off the power or leaving the computer in Sleep/Standby or Hibernation mode:

To stop in

this mode...

Do this... To start up or

resume again

Off Follow the shutdown procedure of your

operating system. This can prevent loss of unsaved data or damage to your software programs.

If the system is locked up because of hardware or software problems, press the power button to turn off the computer.

Press the power button.

Sleep/ Standby

Depending on your settings in Windows, you can place the computer in Sleep/ Standby mode by:

• Closing the display cover

• Pressing the Fn+F12 hot key

• Pressing the power button

Press the power button.

Operating Your Computer 2-3

To stop in

this mode...

Do this... To start up or

resume again

Hibernation Depending on your settings in Windows,

you can place the computer in Hibernation mode by:

• Closing the display cover

• Pressing the power button

Press the power button.

If you choose to stop in Sleep/Standby or Hibernation mode, you can return to where you left off the next time you start up the computer. (See “Power Management” in Chapter 3 for more information.)

Operating Your Computer 2-4

Using the Quick Buttons

Located on top of the keyboard are five quick buttons:

z Sunlight readable quick button ( ) for enabling the sunlight

readable LCD display.

z Power saving quick button (

) to enter into power saving mode when using battery power. The system will turn down the panel backlight and sacrifice processing speed to gain more battery life.

NOTE: The power saving quick button works only when using battery power.

P1 (Program 1 – user customized) quick launch key (P1). Default is

Microsoft® Internet Explorer. See chapter 6 for more details.

z P2 (Program 2 – user customized) quick launch key (P2). Default is

Microsoft® Outlook Express. See chapter 6 for more details.

z Optical drive quick button ( ) for ejecting the optical drive tray.

Operating Your Computer 2-5

Using the Internal Keyboard

Your keyboard has all the standard functions of a full-sized computer keyboard plus a

Fn key added for specific functions.

The standard functions of the keyboard can be further divided into four major categories:

z Typewriter keys

z Cursor-control keys

z Numeric keys

z Function keys

Typewriter Keys

Typewriter keys are similar to the keys on a typewriter. Several keys are added such as the

Ctrl, Alt, Esc, and lock keys for special purposes. When

the lock keys (

Caps Lock, NumLk, and ScrLk) 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.

Operating Your Computer 2-6

Cursor-Control Keys

NOTE: The word “cursor” refers to the indicator on the screen that lets you know exactly where on your screen anything you type will appear. It can take the form of a vertical or horizontal line, a block, or one of many other shapes.

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.

Operating Your Computer 2-7

NOTE:

z When the numeric keypad is activated and you need to type the English letter in the

keypad area, you can turn Num Lock off or you can press Fn and then the letter without turning Num Lock off.

z Some software may not be able to use the numeric keypad on the computer. If so,

use the numeric keypad on an external keyboard instead.

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.

Key Description

Switches the wireless LAN radio on and off.

NOTE: This function works only if an optional mini PCI-E

wireless LAN card is installed.

Operating Your Computer 2-8

Key Description

Decreases the sound volume.

Increases the sound volume.

Switches the display output to one of the following when external devices are connected.

Upon booting the system with CRT:

LCD CRT LCD & CRT

NOTE: This function only applies to Plug & Play display

devices.

Decreases the LCD brightness.

Increases the LCD brightness.

Switches the touchscreen on and off (option).

Switches the touchpad off and on.

Switches the system sound output off (mute) and on.

Switches LCD on and off.

Serves as the sleep button that you can define with Windows’

Power Options. (See the “Power Management” in Chapter 3.)

Operating Your Computer 2-9

Euro Symbol

You can press the euro dollar sign on various keyboards.

z To press the euro sign on a United States-International keyboard, hold

down the

Alt Gr key and press 5 (which has an euro sign on it).

z To press the euro sign on a standard United States keyboard, hold

down either of the

Alt keys and type 0128 on the numeric keypad part

of your keyboard.

z To press the euro sign on an UK keyboard, hold down the Alt Gr key

and press

4 (which has an euro sign on it).

Windows Keys

The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.

The

Windows Logo key opens the Start menu and performs

software-specific functions when used in combination with other keys. The

Application key usually has the same effect as a right mouse

click. (See your Windows manual for more information.)

Operating Your Computer 2-10

Using the Touchpad

CAUTION: Do not use a sharp object such as a pen on the touchpad. Doing so may damage the touchpad surface.

NOTE:

z Press Fn+F9 to toggle the touchpad on or off. z For optimal performance of the touchpad, keep your fingers and the pads clean and

dry. When tapping on the pad, tap lightly. Do not use excessive force.

The touchpad is a pointing device that allows you to communicate with the computer by controlling the location of the pointer on the screen and making selection with the buttons.

Operating Your Computer 2-11

The touchpad consists of a rectangular pad (work surface) and a left and right buttons. To use the touchpad, place your forefinger or thumb on the pad. The rectangular pad acts like a miniature duplicate of your display. As you slide your fingertip across the pad, the pointer (also called cursor) on the screen moves accordingly. When your finger reaches the edge of the pad, simply relocate yourself by lifting the finger and placing it on the other side of the pad.

Here are some common terms that you should know when using the touchpad:

Term Action

Point Move your finger on the pad until the cursor points to the

selection on the screen.

Click Press and release the left button.

–or–

Tap gently anywhere on the pad.

Double-click Press and release the left button twice in quick succession.

–or–

Tap twice on the pad rapidly.

Drag and drop

Press and hold the left button, then move your finger until you reach your destination (drag). Finally, release the button (drop) when you finish dragging your selection to the destination. The object will drop into the new location.

–or–

Gently tap twice on the pad and on the second tap, keep your finger in contact with the pad. Then, move your finger across the pad to drag the selected object to your destination. When you lift your finger from the pad, the selected object will drop into place.

Operating Your Computer 2-12

Term Action

Scroll To scroll is to move up and down or left and right in the

working area on the screen.

To move vertically, place your finger on the right edge of the pad and slide your finger up and down along the edge. To move horizontally, place your finger on the bottom edge of the pad and slide your finger left and right.

This function works only after you install the touchpad driver supplied with the computer and it may not work for all applications.

TABLE NOTE: If you swap the left and right buttons, “tapping” on the touchpad

as an alternative method of pressing the left button will no longer be valid.

Configuring the Touchpad

You may want to configure the touchpad to suit your needs. For example, if you are a left-handed user, you can swap the two buttons so that you can use the right button as the left button and vise versa. You can also change the size of the on-screen pointer, the speed of the pointer, and so on.

To configure the touchpad if you are using Windows Vista, go to Control Panel Æ Hardware and Sounds Æ Mouse Properties. If you are using

Windows XP, you can use the standard Microsoft or IBM PS/2 driver. However, you can install the touchpad driver supplied with your computer to take advantage of more powerful features. (For information on installing the driver, see “How to Use the Driver Disc” in Chapter 6.)

Operating Your Computer 2-13

Using the Touchscreen (Optional)

NOTE:

z Make sure the touchscreen driver has been installed properly. z Press Fn+F8 to toggle the touchscreen on or off.

CAUTION: Do not use a sharp object such as a ballpoint pen or pencil on the touchscreen. Doing so may damage the touchscreen surface. Use your finger or the included touchscreen pen (option).

The touchscreen is a touch-sensitive device that allows you to easily use the computer without a mouse or touchpad to communicate with the computer by controlling the location of the pointer on the screen and making selection with the buttons.

Here are some common terms that you should know when using the touchscreen:

Term Action

Click/Point Tap gently on the touchscreen.

Double-click Tap twice on the touchscreen rapidly.

Operating Your Computer 2-14

Term Action

Drag and drop

Press lightly on the touchscreen and move your finger/ touchsreen pen until you reach your destination (drag). Finally, release your finger/touchscreen pen (drop) when you finish dragging your selection to the destination. The object will drop into the new location.

Touchscreen Calibration

To calibrate your touchscreen display, perform the following steps:

1. Click the PenMount monitor icon located on the Windows system tray

to bring up the PenMount Control Panel.

2. Select the Standard Calibration folder and click OK.

3. If you need 4, 9, 16, and 25 dots of calibration, click on Advanced

Calibration.

4. Click on the four sides (points) and the plus-sign “+” on the screen to

complete calibration of your touchscreen pen for use on the computer.

NOTE:

z You may encounter cursors that shifts by itself when using your computer in high

temperature or high humidity environments.

z After performing touchscreen calibration, VGA extended mode is not supported.

Operating Your Computer 2-15

Using the Hard Disk Drive

Your computer comes with a removable hard disk drive as drive C. A hard disk drive is a storage device with non-removable, rotating, magnetic storage platters inside it. It is where your operating system and application software programs are stored.

Your hard disk drive is a 2.5-inch SATA (serial ATA) hard disk drive. This type of drive embodies the latest in fast, reliable mass storage by integrating all the control circuitry necessary for operation directly onto the drive itself.

CAUTION:

z Make regular backups of your data files from your hard disk drive to USB flash disks

or other storage media.

z Never try to remove or install the hard disk drive while the computer is powered on.

Doing so can result in loss of data, and can damage the computer and the hard disk drive’s sensitive circuitry.

z Never turn off or reset the computer while the hard disk drive in-use indicator is on.

Operating Your Computer 2-16

Using the Optical Drive

Your computer comes with an optical drive, usually configured as drive D.

Depending on the model, your drive is one of the following:

z Combo drive can work both as a DVD drive (reading DVD discs in

addition to CDs, audio CDs and CD-R/-RW discs), and also as a CD recorder (writing to CD-R/-RW discs).

z DVD Dual drive besides the Combo drive function, can write to

DVD+R/+RW/-R/-RW discs.

z Super Multi drive besides the Combo drive function, can write to

DVD+R/+RW/-R/-RW and DVD-RAM discs.

CAUTION:

z When inserting a disc, do not use force. z Make sure that the disc is correctly inserted into the tray, and then close the tray. z Do not leave the drive tray open. Also, avoid touching the lens in the tray with y our

hand. If the lens becomes dirty, the optical drive may malfunction.

z Do not wipe the lens using materials with rough surface (such as paper towel).

Instead, use a cotton swab to gently wipe the lens.

FDA regulations require the following statement for all laser-based devices: “Caution, Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.”

NOTE: The optical drive is classified as a Class 1 laser product. This label is located on the optical drive.

NOTE: For DVD and Combo drives only. This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.

Operating Your Computer 2-17

Inserting and Removing a Disc

Follow this procedure to insert or remove a disc:

1. Turn on the computer.

2. Press the optical drive quick button (

) and the drive tray will slide

out partially. Gently pull on it until it is fully extended.

3. To insert a disc, place down the disc in the tray with its label facing

up. Slightly press the center of the disc until it clicks into place. To remove a disc, hold the disc by its outer edge and lift it up from the tray.

4. Gently push the tray back into the drive.

NOTE: In the unlikely event that you are unable to release the drive tray by pressing the optical drive quick button (

), you can manually release the disc. (See “Optical

Drive Problems” in Chapter 8.)

Operating Your Computer 2-18

Using the Video Features

The video subsystem of your computer features:

z 14.1-inch wide TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) color LCD display with

1280×800 WXGA resolution or 1440×900 WXGA+ resolution

z Multi-display capability, which allows you to expand your desktop

on the screen to another display device so that you have more desktop space to work on

z Sunlight-readable LCD display by pressing sunlight readable quick

button (

)

z Power Management

NOTE:

z Before using the multi-display capability or taking advantage of the enhanced video

capabilities, the device driver supplied with your computer must be installed.

z The computer enters the Sleep/Standby or Hibernation mode when the LCD is

closed. If you want to use the computer in Windows Vista with the LCD closed, set Do

Nothing to the “When I Close the lid” option in the Power Options Æ System Settings Properties.

If you want to use the computer in Windows XP with the LCD closed, set Do Nothing to the “When I close the lid of my portable computer” option in the Power Options Properties. Thus the computer does not enter the Sleep/Standby or Hibernation mode when the LCD is closed.

Configuring the Display Modes

NOTE: When using an external CRT monitor, the resolution depends on the CRT monitor’s supported resolution.

Your computer has been set to a default resolution and number of colors before shipment. You can view and change display settings through your operating system. See your operating system documentation or online help for specific information.

Operating Your Computer 2-19

For displaying in higher resolutions, you can connect an external monitor that supports higher resolutions. (See “Connecting an External Monitor” in Chapter 4 for more information.)

Operating Your Computer 2-20

Using the Audio Features

NOTE:

z To take advantage of the enhanced audio capabilities, the device driver supplied

with your computer must be installed.

z If you experience interference while recording, try lowering the microphone

recording volume.

The audio subsystem of your computer features:

z Azalia interface (high density audio codec)

z Built-in microphone (n)

z Set of speakers (o) and

z External audio connectors (p)

Operating Your Computer 2-21

Ways of playing and recording sound vary with the operating system used. See your operating system documentation or online help for specific information.

Connecting Audio Devices

For higher audio quality, you can send or receive sound through external audio devices.

NOTE: After connecting an external audio device, make sure that you specify the use of the correct audio device in Windows.

Microphone Connector (

) can be connected to an external

microphone for recording voice or sound.

z Audio Output Connector (

) can be connected to speakers,

headphones, or earphone set.

NOTE: When using the external speakers/headphones or microphone, you cannot use the internal one.

Operating Your Computer 2-22

Using the Communication Features

Using the Modem

NOTE: To take advantage of the modem feature, the device driver supplied with your computer must be installed.

The internal 56 K fax/data modem allows you to use the telephone line to communicate with others by fax, email, or connect to an online service or bulletin board.

To connect the telephone line to the modem, connect one end of the modem cable to the RJ-11 connector on the computer and the other end to the phone line.

NOTE:

z When using the communication software, you may have to disable power

management.

z Set the COM port of the modem to COM3. z Set parameters such as modem speed (baud rate) and line type (pulse dialing or

tone dialing).

z Do not enter the Sleep/Standby mode when using the communication software.

Operating Your Computer 2-23

Using the LAN

NOTE: To take advantage of the LAN feature, the device driver supplied with your computer must be installed.

The internal 10/100/1000Base-T LAN (Local Area Network) module allows you to connect your computer to a network. It supports data transfer rate up to 1000 Mbps.

To connect the network cable to the LAN module, connect one end of the LAN cable to the RJ-45 connector on the computer and the other end to the network hub.

IMPORTANT: If there is no signal detected on the LAN cable when system is using battery

power, connect to AC power or disable the “NIC Auto Power Control” item on the Advanced menu in BIOS Setup (see chapter 5 for details).

Operating Your Computer 2-24

Using the Wireless LAN

Depending on your model, an internal mini PCI-E wireless LAN (WLAN) card may have been pre-installed by your computer manufacturer at the factory. This card allows you to access corporate networks or the Internet in a wireless environment.

The WLAN features include:

z Peer-to-Peer (Ad-Hoc) and Access Point (Infrastructure) modes

support

z WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) 64/128-bit data encryption

z IEEE 802.11a/b/g standard compliance

Technology 802.11a 802.11b 802.11g

Stated Maximum Throughput (Mbps)

54 11 54

Data Rates (Mbps) 54, 48, 36, 24, 18,

12, 9, 6

11, 5.5, 2, 1 54, 36, 18, 9

Band (GHz) 5.15 ~ 5.35 2.412 ~ 2.462 2.4

Modulation Technology

OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing)

DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum)

OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing)

NOTE: 802.11g mode is backward compatible with 802.11b mode.

To take advantage of the WLAN feature, make sure that the WLAN driver is installed correctly. If your WLAN card was provided by your dealer instead of the computer manufacturer, contact your dealer for the correct driver to use.

Operating Your Computer 2-25

Turning Off/On the WLAN Radio

NOTE: The FAA (Federal Aviation Agency) has deemed it unsafe to operate wireless devices in aircraft as this may interfere with flight safety. Remember to turn off wireless LAN when using your computer in the airplane.

1. Make sure that the RF switch is at the “on” ( ) position.

2. Use the built-in

Fn+F1 WLAN hot key to switch the WLAN on/off

(see “Hot Keys” in Chapter 2), indicated by the WLAN indicator

(

) glowing in green when on.

If you need to temporarily turn off the radio, press

Fn+F1. To resume

network connection, press

Fn+F1 again.

It takes approximately 30 seconds for your computer to make a successful WLAN connection and approximately 10 seconds to disconnect.

Connecting to a Wireless Network (Windows Vista)

To connect to a wireless network:

1. Make sure that the WLAN radio is on (see the previous section).

2. Right-click the Wireless Network Connection icon

located on the

Windows system tray and select Connect to a network.

Operating Your Computer 2-26

3. If any wireless network is detected, the following window appears on

screen. Click the Show drop down menu and select Wireless.

4. Select a wireless network to connect to by clicking a selection, then

click Connect.

5. Depending on the settings, you may be asked to enter a WEP key

(refer to your Windows online help for more information on setting a wireless network connection).

Connecting to a Wireless Network (Windows XP)

To connect to a wireless network:

1. Make sure that the WLAN radio is on (see the previous section).

Operating Your Computer 2-27

2. Double-click the Wireless Network Connection icon located on

your Windows system tray. If any wireless network is detected, the following window appears on screen.

3. Select a wireless network to connect to by clicking a selection, then

click Connect.

4. Depending on the settings, you may be asked to enter a WEP key

(refer to your Windows online help for more information on setting a wireless network connection).

Operating Your Computer 2-28

Using the Bluetooth® Feature (Optional)

NOTE: To take advantage of the Bluetooth feature, the Bluetooth driver supplied with your computer must be installed.

Depending on your model, your computer may incorporate the Bluetooth

capability for short-range (about 10 meters) wireless communications between devices without requiring a cable connection.

With Bluetooth wireless technology, data can be transmitted through

walls, pockets and briefcases as long as two devices are within range.

Turning On and Off the Bluetooth Feature

1. Make sure that the RF switch is at the “on” ( ) position.

The Bluetooth indicator (

) will glow in green. By default, your computer is in the general discoverable and pairable mode after the RF switch is turned on.

2. To turn off the Bluetooth feature, use the Bluetooth utility.

Operating Your Computer 2-29

The status of the Bluetooth connection is indicated by the Bluetooth icon

located in the system tray in the lower-right part of the screen.

Status Icon

Off

(blue with red logo)

(blue with white logo).

Connected

(blue with green logo)

You can use the Bluetooth Utility to configure Bluetooth wireless

connection settings and transfer files.

To make sure of smooth operations of the Bluetooth feature, you are

recommended to change the Service Properties:

1. Right-click the

icon and then click Options.

Operating Your Computer 2-30

2. Select to enable all items and then click OK to save the change.

Connecting to Another Bluetooth Device

1. Make sure that the target Bluetooth device is turned on, discoverable

and within close range. (See the documentation that came with the

Bluetooth device.)

2. Right-click the

icon, and then click Add New Connection.

Operating Your Computer 2-31

3. The Add New Connection Wizard window appears. Select Express

Mode (Recommended), and then click Next.

4. Select the device to connect to and click Next.

Operating Your Computer 2-32

5. Depending on the type of Bluetooth device that you want to connect

to, you will need to enter the pertinent information.

Sending a File

1. Make sure that the target Bluetooth device is turned on, discoverable

and within close range. (See the documentation that came with the

Bluetooth device.)

2. Right-click the

icon, and then click Wireless File Transfer.

3. In the Wireless File Transfer window, click Add to browse for the file

to send.

Operating Your Computer 2-33

4. Click the target device from the list, and then click Send to start the

transfer procedure.

Operating Your Computer 2-34

Using the GPS (Optional)

NOTE:

z To take advantage of the GPS feature, the GPS driver supplied with your computer

must be installed.

z You may need to install third-party software to fully take advantage of the GPS

feature.

Navigation and positioning are crucial to so many activities. To try to figure out where you are and where you are going, you need GPS technology. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a worldwide radio-navigation system.

Turning On/Off the GPS

1. Click Start and then Programs.

2. Click Holux and then GPS Viewer. The following screen appears.

3. Click Scan to get started.

4. To close GPS, click Close GPS.

Operating Your Computer 2-35

For detailed information on using the GPS Utility, see the GPS Utility

Help on your computer by clicking on Help.

Using the 3G Feature (Optional)

3G is the third generation of mobile phone standards and technology, after 2G. It is based on the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) family of standards under the International Mobile Telecommunications programme, “IMT-2000”. Services include wide-area wireless voice telephony and broadband wireless data, all in a mobile environment.

Unlike IEEE 802.11 networks, 3G networks are wide area cellular telephone networks which evolved to incorporate high-speed internet

access and video telephony. IEEE 802.11 networks are short range, high-bandwidth networks primarily developed for data

To use the 3G feature on your computer, you need to subscribe to 3G service and install the 3G SIM card from your service provider, network operator, or other vendor.

To install the SIM card, follow these steps:

1. Make sure that the computer is not turned on or connected to AC

power.

2. Place the computer upside down.

3. Slide the battery security lock outward to the unlock (

) position

(

Operating Your Computer 2-36

4. Slide the battery release lever outward to the unlock (

) position

(

) and, while holding it in the unlock position, remove the battery

pack off the computer (

5. Locate the SIM card slot and slide the SIM card holder towards the

left to release it.

Operating Your Computer 2-37

6. Lift the SIM card holder.

7. Slide the SIM card into the holder making sure the beveled corner on

the SIM card is facing upwards and that the golden contact area on the card will be facing downwards when holder is closed.

Operating Your Computer 2-38

8. Slide the holder towards the right to secure the SIM card in place.

9. Fit the battery pack into place and slide the battery security lock to the

lock (

) position.

WARNING: Keep all SIM cards out of the reach of small children. For availability and information on using SIM card services, contact your SIM card vendor. This may be the service provider, network operator, or other vendor.

Managing Power 3-1

Chapter 3

Managing Power

Your computer operates either on external AC power or on internal battery power.

This chapter tells you how you can effectively manage power. To maintain optimal battery performance, it is important that you use the battery in the proper way.

The topics in this chapter include:

z What is an AC adapter

z How to charge the battery pack

z When and how to initialize the battery pack

z How to check the battery level

z How to replace the battery pack

z What happens when the battery is low and what actions to take

z What is Power Management

z How to save power

CHAPTER

Managing Power 3-2

AC Adapter

CAUTION:

z The AC adapter is designed for use with your computer only. Connecting the AC

adapter to another device can damage the adapter.

z The AC power cord supplied with your computer is for use in the country where you

purchased your computer. If you plan to go overseas with the computer, consult your dealer for the appropriate power cord.

z When you disconnect the AC adapter, disconnect from the electrical outlet first and

then from the computer. A reverse procedure may damage the AC adapter or computer.

z When unplugging the connector, always hold the plug head. Never pull on the cord.

The AC adapter serves as a converter from AC (Alternating Current) to DC (Direct Current) power because your computer runs on DC power, but an electrical outlet usually provides AC power. It also charges the battery pack when connected to AC power.

The adapter operates on any voltage in the range of 100~240 V AC.

Managing Power 3-3

Battery Pack

The battery pack is the internal power source for the computer. It is rechargeable using the AC adapter.

The operating time of a fully charged battery pack depends on how you are using the computer. When your applications often access peripherals, you will experience a shorter operating time.

NOTE: Care and maintenance information for the battery is provided in the “Battery Pack Guidelines” section in Chapter 7.

Charging the Battery Pack

NOTE:

z Charging will not start if the battery’s temperature is below 0 °C (32 °F) or above

60 °C (140 °F).

z The charging process will stop and the Battery Charge Indicator flashes red when

the battery’s temperature gets above 60 °C (140 °F). If this happens, the battery pack may be damaged. Please contact your dealer.

z During charging, do not disconnect the AC adapter before the battery has been fully

charged; otherwise you will get a prematurely charged battery.

To charge the battery pack, connect the AC adapter to the computer and an electrical outlet. The Battery Charge Indicator (

) on the computer

glows amber to indicate that charging is in progress. You are advised to keep the computer power off while the battery is being charged. When the battery is fully charged, the Battery Charge Indicator is off.

It takes approximately 2.5 hours to fully charge the Li-Ion battery pack when the computer is off, and approximately 3.47 hours to fully charge the Li-Ion battery pack when the computer is on.

CAUTION: After the computer has been fully recharged, do not immediately disconnect and reconnect the AC adapter to charge it again. Doing so may damage the battery.

NOTE: The battery level may automatically lessen due to the self-discharge process (0.21 % per day), even when the battery pack is fully charged (100 %). This happens no matter if the battery pack is installed in the computer.

Managing Power 3-4

Initializing the Battery Pack

You need to initialize a new battery pack before using it for the first time or when the actual operating time of a battery pack is much less than expected.

Initializing is the process of fully charging, discharging, and then charging. It can take several hours.

1. Make sure that the computer power is turned off. Connect the AC

adapter to fully charge the battery pack.

2. After the battery pack is fully charged, turn on the computer. Press the

Enter key or click the left touchpad button when the prompt appears

on the screen during system startup. The prompt shows up on the screen for only a few seconds. You must press the

Enter key or click

the left touchpad button quickly.

3. A small window appears, select Launch System Setup to invoke the

program.

4. Disconnect the AC adapter and leave the computer on until the

battery is fully discharged. The computer will shut down automatically.

5. Connect the AC adapter to fully charge the battery pack.

Checking the Battery Level

NOTE: Any battery level indication is an estimated result. The actual operating time can be different from the estimated time, depending on how you are using the computer.

By Operating System

You can check the approximate battery level using the battery meter function of the operating system. To read the battery level in Windows Vista, click the

icon on the system tray. To read the battery level in

Windows XP, click the

icon on the taskbar. (Click the icon if the

computer is using AC power.)

Managing Power 3-5

Replacing the Battery Pack

CAUTION:

z There is danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace the

battery only with the computer manufacturer’s optional battery packs. Discard used batteries according to the dealer’s instructions.

z Do not attempt to disassemble the battery pack.

If you often rely on battery power for a long period of time while traveling, you may consider the purchase of an additional battery pack from your dealer and keep it with you in a fully charged state as a backup.

To replace the battery pack, follow these steps:

1. Make sure that the computer is not turned on or connected to AC

power.

2. Place the computer upside down.

3. Slide the battery security lock outward to the unlock (

) position

(

Managing Power 3-6

4. Slide the battery release lever outward to the unlock (

) position

(

) and, while holding it in the unlock position, remove the battery

pack off the computer (

5. Fit another battery pack into place and slide the battery security lock

to the lock (

) position.

Managing Power 3-7

Battery Low Signals and Actions

For Windows XP

Battery Low occurs when the battery has approximately 10 % (Windows default setting) of its charge remaining. The computer gives warning beeps or messages.

NOTE: You can set up your threshold and signals of Battery Low under Windows XP.

For Windows Vista

The battery icon

changes appearance to display the current state of the battery so that you can see how much charge remains (Windows default setting). When the battery charge is above 25 % the battery icon is green. When the battery charge reaches 25 % a yellow triangle with an exclamation point (!) appears above the green battery icon. When the

charge reaches the low battery level a red circle with a white “X” appears

above the green icon. The computer’s Battery Charge Indicator (

)

blinks red to alert you to take actions.

Immediately save your data upon Battery Low. The remaining operating time depends on how you are using the computer. If you are using the audio subsystem, ExpressCard, hard or USB flash disk, the battery might run out of charge very quickly.

Always respond to Battery Low by placing your computer on Hibernation mode, turning off the computer, or connecting the AC adapter.

CAUTION:

z If you are using a PC card, do not access the card during battery low periods. This is

because the access may take longer than the time it takes the battery to run out of charge, thus making your access to the card unsuccessful.

z If you fail to save your data when the battery completely runs out of charge, then

you lose your data.

Managing Power 3-8

Power Management

Your computer supports ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) for power management. The power management feature allows you to reduce the power consumption for energy saving.

With an ACPI-compliant operating system such as Windows Vista/XP, power supply to different computer components is controlled on an as-needed basis. This allows maximum power conservation and performance at the same time.

In general, Windows’ power management works in this way:

What... When...

Power to the hard disk is turned off When the hard disk has been idle for a

set period.

Power to the display is turned off When the display has been idle for a

set period.

When the entire system has been idle for a set period.

When you press the Fn+F12 hot key. *

When you close the cover. *

The computer enters the Sleep/ Standby mode. The hard disk and display are turned off and the entire system consumes less power.

When you press the power button. *

When the entire system has been idle for a set period

When you press the Fn+F12 hot key. *

When you close the cover. *

The computer enters the Hibernation mode. (See the next subsection for more information.)

When you press the power button. *

* Depends on your settings in Windows.

For detailed information on power management, see Windows’ Help.

Managing Power 3-9

Hibernation

NOTE:

z When using Windows Vista, make sure that the hibernation feature is enabled in the

“When I press the power button,” “When I press the sleep button,” and “When I close the lid” of the Power Options Æ System Settings Properties from the

Control Panel Æ Mobile PC.

z When using Windows XP, make sure that the hibernation feature is enabled in the

Hibernate tab of the Power Options Properties from the Control Panel.

Hibernation is a very useful feature. People frequently open many applications when they use computers. It takes some time to get all these applications open and running, and normally they all have to be closed before the computer can be turned off.

When you use the hibernation feature, you do not have to close the applications. The computer stores the state of your computer to a file on the hard disk and then shuts down. The next time you turn on your computer, you return to exactly where you left off.

Managing Power 3-10

Power-Saving Tips

Aside from enabling your computer’s power saving mode (see previous section), you can do your part to maximize the battery’s operating time by following these suggestions.

z Press the power saving quick button (

) to enter into power

saving mode when using battery power.

z Enable the “CD/DVD Auto Power Control” item under the Advanced

menu of your BIOS Setup to disable your optical drive when no disc is inserted.

z Do not disable Power Management. Choose a power plan that saves

power when using Windows Vista. A power plan is a collection of hardware and system settings that control how your computer manages power.

z Decrease the LCD brightness to the lowest comfortable level.

z Shorten the length of time before Windows turn off the display.

z Many USB devices use power just by being connected. If you use a

USB mouse, you can save power by disconnecting the mouse and using the touchpad. If you use a USB flash drive, unplug it when you are not using it.

z If you work with an application that uses a PC card, exit the

application when you finish using it.

z If you have a PC card installed, remove it when not in use. Some PC

cards drain power even while they are inactive.

z Deactivate the WLAN function if you are not using it (see Chapter 2). z Deactivate the Bluetooth feature if you are not using it (see Chapter

2).

z Turn off the computer when you are not using it.

Expanding Your Computer 4-1

Chapter 4

Expanding Your Computer

You can expand the capabilities of your computer by connecting other peripheral devices. When using a device, be sure to read the instructions accompanying the device together with the relevant section in this chapter.

This chapter gives guidelines on installing and using these devices:

z External monitor

z Serial device

z USB device

z Smart card

z IEEE 1394 device

z PC card

z ExpressCard

z Card Reader

z Office/vehicle docking

CHAPTER

Expanding Your Computer 4-2

Connecting an External Monitor

If you want the benefits of a larger display screen with higher resolution, you can connect an external display monitor to your computer. Follow this procedure to connect an external monitor:

1. Make sure that the computer is not turned on.

2. Plug the monitor’s D-type signal connector to the computer’s VGA

connector.

3. Plug one end of the monitor’s power cord into the power socket on

the monitor and the other end to an electrical outlet.

4. To use the monitor, turn on the monitor before turning on the

computer.

5. The monitor should respond by default. If not, you can switch the

display to the monitor or to both (simultaneous display), or to multi-display by pressing the

Fn+F5 hot key. In Windows Vista, you

can also change the display through the Display Settings Properties. In

Windows XP, you can also change the display through the settings in

Display Properties.

6. You can change display settings through your operating system. See

your operating system documentation or online help for specific information.

Expanding Your Computer 4-3

CAUTION: Do not disconnect the external monitor while the computer is in the Sleep mode or Hibernation mode. If no external monitor is connected when the computer resumes, the LCD might not display properly.

Expanding Your Computer 4-4

Connecting a Serial Device

Your computer has one serial port for connecting a serial device such as a serial mouse or serial communication device (modem).

Follow this procedure to connect a serial device:

1. Make sure the “Serial Port COM1” item is set properly in the BIOS

Setup program. (See “Advanced Menu” in Chapter 5 for information.)

2. Make sure the computer is not turned on.

3. Plug the device cable to the serial port on the rear of the computer.

4. Turn on the computer.

NOTE: Portable modems that derive power through the serial port cannot be used with the computer. Instead, use a modem that is powered by its own internal battery or external AC power.

Expanding Your Computer 4-5

Connecting a USB Device

Your computer has three USB ports for connecting USB devices, such as a digital camera, scanner, printer, modem, and mouse.

The USB ports support transfer rates up to 12 MB/s for USB 1.1 devices and 480 MB/s for USB 2.0 devices.

To connect a USB device, simply plug the device cable to one of the USB ports.

Expanding Your Computer 4-6

Using Smart Cards

Your computer has a smart card slot for additional security feature, providing tamper-proof storage of user and account identity. A smart card is a type of plastic card embedded with a computer chip that stores and transacts data between you (user) and the computer.

You need to install third-party smart card software to take advantage of the smart card feature.

Inserting and Removing a Smart Card

To insert a smart card:

1. Locate the smart card slot.

2. Slide the smart card, with its label and embedded computer chip

facing up into the slot.

3. When a new card is seated, use the third-party smart card software to

allow your computer to read it.

Expanding Your Computer 4-7

To remove a smart card:

1. Make sure that the third-party smart card software is not accessing the

smart card.

2. Pull the card out of the slot.

Expanding Your Computer 4-8

Connecting an IEEE 1394 Device

Your computer has a mini IEEE 1394 port for connecting IEEE 1394 devices.

IEEE 1394 is the next-generation serial bus standard, featuring high-speed data transfer, multi-channel communication link, and “Hot Plug” connectivity. It allows connection of up to 63 devices. The applications include not only computer peripheral devices such as scanner, printer and high-quality CCD, but also consumer electronic equipment such as DVCAM and VCR.

To connect an IEEE 1394 device, prepare an IEEE 1394 cable. Plug the appropriate end of the cable to the computer’s mini IEEE 1394 connector and the other end to the device’s corresponding connector.

Expanding Your Computer 4-9

Using PC Cards

Your computer has a PC card slot.

PC Card Type

Your computer’s PC card slot can accommodate a type II card. Typical type II cards are flash memory, SRAM, modem, LAN, and SCSI cards.

CardBus Support

Your computer’s PC card slot supports CardBus specifications. CardBus is the 32-bit version of PC card technology. It allows speeds of up to 133 Mbps at 33 MHz. Typical applications are SCSI host bus and high-speed network cards.

Inserting and Removing a PC Card

NOTE:

z Some PC cards require additional system resources. Before using such PC card,

you may have to free other system resources for the PC card.

z Although some PC cards can be inserted and removed without turning off the

computer, you cannot remove or install PC cards during Sleep mode.

To insert a PC card:

1. Locate the PC card slot on the left side of the computer.

Expanding Your Computer 4-10

2. Slide the PC card, with its label facing up, into the slot until the eject

button pops out.

3. When a new card is seated, the computer will detect it and try to

install the appropriate driver. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

To remove a PC card:

1. Double-click on the Safely Remove Hardware

icon found on the

Windows Vista taskbar (

icon found on the Windows XP taskbar)

and the Safely Remove Hardware window appears on screen.

2. Select (highlight) the PC card from the list to disable the card.

3. Push the eject button and the card will slide out slightly.

4. Pull the card out of the slot.

Eject button

Expanding Your Computer 4-11

Using ExpressCards

NOTE:

z The ExpressCard interface is not compatible with the PC card interface. You need

optional adapters for using PC cards on your computer.

z To take advantage of the ExpressCard interface, the ExpressCard driver supplied

with your system must be installed.

Your computer has an ExpressCard slot.

ExpressCard supports the PCI Express and USB 2.0 serial data interfaces (supporting speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps and 480 Mbps respectively), improving speed in data transfer while conserving power usage.

ExpressCard Type

The ExpressCard slot can accommodate a 54 mm (ExpressCard/54) or 34 mm (ExpressCard/34) wide ExpressCard. Typical ExpressCards support a very extensive range of applications including memory, wired and wireless communication cards, and security devices.

Shown next are the appearances of ExpressCards for your reference.

ExpressCard/54 ExpressCard/34

Expanding Your Computer 4-12

Inserting and Removing an ExpressCard

To insert an ExpressCard:

1. Locate the ExpressCard slot on the left side of the computer.

2. Slide the ExpressCard, with its label facing up, all the way into the slot

until the rear connectors click into place.

3. When a new card is seated, the computer will detect it and try to

install the appropriate driver. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

To remove an ExpressCard:

1. Double-click on the Safely Remove Hardware

icon found on the

Windows Vista taskbar (

icon found on the Windows XP taskbar)

and the Safely Remove Hardware window appears on screen.

2. Select (highlight) the ExpressCard from the list to disable the card.

3. Push the ExpressCard slightly to release the card.

4. Pull the card out of the slot.

Expanding Your Computer 4-13

Using the Card Reader

NOTE:

z To use the Card Reader, the Card Reader driver supplied with your computer must

be installed.

z If your hard disk is divided into several drives, make sure that all drives have been

formatted before using the Card Reader. Otherwise, you may encounter problems when using the Card Reader.

z You can use only storage cards. Your Card Reader does not support cards with I/O

(input/output) functions such as a wireless network card or Bluetooth wireless card.

Your computer has a Card Reader. The Card Reader is a small drive for reading from and writing to removable storage cards (or called memory cards). The Card Reader supports the MultiMediaCard (MMC), Secure Digital (SD), Memory Stick (MS), and Memory Stick PRO (MS PRO) cards.

Shown next are the appearance and size of each card type for your reference.

Type MMC Card SD Card MS / MS PRO Card

Appearance

Size

×32×1.4

(mm)

24×32×2.1

(mm)

21.5×50×2.8

(mm)

To insert a storage card:

1. Locate the Card Reader slot on the left side of the computer.

Expanding Your Computer 4-14

2. Align the card with its connector pointing to the slot and its label

facing up. Slide the card into the slot until it reaches the end.

3. Windows will detect the card and assign it a drive name (typically E).

To remove a storage card:

1. Double-click My Computer.

2. Right-click the drive with the card and select Eject.

3. Pull the card out of the slot.

Expanding Your Computer 4-15

Using the Office / Vehicle Docking (Optional)

An office or vehicle docking is available as an option. These devices eliminate the hassles of having you connect and disconnect the various cables when carrying your computer around and allows a variety of peripherals to be connected including a headphone or microphone, etc. The office or vehicle docking connects to the expansion bus connector at the bottom of your computer.

1. Slide open the expansion bus connector cover.

2. Connect your office or vehicle docking to the expansion bus

connector (

For more detailed information, refer to the reference guide of the office or vehicle docking.

CAUTION: Hot/warm docking and hot/warm undocking are not possible with the office or vehicle docking.

Expanding Your Computer 4-16

Internal Components Upgrade

You can upgrade your computer by changing the CPU and hard disk or adding memory. However, to avoid damage during the installation procedure, please ask your dealer for help. Do not install an internal component by yourself.

Using BIOS Setup 5-1

Chapter 5

Using BIOS Setup

BIOS Setup Utility is a program for configuring the BIOS (Basic Input/ Output System) settings of the computer.

BIOS is a layer of software, called firmware, that translates instructions from other layers of software into instructions that the computer hardware can understand. The BIOS settings are needed by your computer to identify the types of installed devices and establish special features.

This chapter tells you how to use the BIOS Setup program.

CHAPTER

Using BIOS Setup 5-2

When and How to Use BIOS Setup

When to Use

You need to run BIOS Setup Utility when:

z You see an error message on the screen requesting you to run BIOS

Setup Utility.

z You want to restore the factory default settings.

z You want to modify some specific settings according to the hardware.

z You want to modify some specific settings to optimize the system

performance.

Starting BIOS Setup

NOTE:

z The BIOS Setup Utility screens shown in this chapter are for your reference only.

The actual items or settings on your computer may differ.

z The BIOS Setup Utility program may have been updated after the publication of this

manual.

z The settings you select in your operating system might override similar settings in

BIOS Setup Utility.

To run BIOS Setup Utility, press the Enter key or click the left touchpad button when the prompt appears on the screen during system startup. The prompt shows up on the screen for only a few seconds. You must press the

Enter key or click the left touchpad button quickly. A small window

appears, select Launch System Setup. The BIOS Setup Utility main screen

appears as shown next.

Using BIOS Setup 5-3

change

The BIOS Setup Utility screen can be divided into four areas:

z On the top is the menu bar containing the titles of the available

menus. Each menu title brings a specific menu.

z The left column of the menu displays the menu items.

z The right column of the menu provides more detailed information

when a menu item is highlighted.

z The bottom of the menu provides keyboard instructions for moving

around and making selections.

Using BIOS Setup 5-4

Moving Around and Making Selections

You must go through two or three levels to complete the setting for an item. In most cases, there are two levels: menu title and submenu.

Use the keyboard to move around and make selections. Keyboard information can be found at the bottom of the screen. A brief description of keyboard usage is listed next:

Key Function

← , →

Selects a menu title.

↑ , ↓

Selects an item or option.

+ / – Changes the value.

Enter

1) Brings up the sub-menu when available.

2) Opens or closes the option window when an item is selected.

Esc

1) Exits BIOS Setup Utility.

2) Closes the option window if one is open.

Provides help information.

Loads setup defaults.

F10

Saves and exit the BIOS Setup Utility.

Using BIOS Setup 5-5

Information Menu

The Information menu contains the basic configuration information of the system.

change

Using BIOS Setup 5-6

Main Menu

The Main menu contains the system date and time, as well as display and USB settings of the system.

System Time sets the system time. System Date sets the system date. LCD Panel Expansion when set at Enable image will be displayed on

entire area of the LCD panel. When set at Disable image will be displayed

based on its original resolution size.

Legacy USB Support enables or disables the system’s support for

Legacy USB device in DOS mode.

Using BIOS Setup 5-7

Advanced Menu

The Advanced menu contains the advanced settings as shown next.

Any key Wake Up from S3 allows the system to wake-up from Sleep

mode by pressing the power button (

) or any keys. When set at Disable

only the power button can wake-up the system from Sleep mode.

CD/DVD Auto Power Control allows you to enable the optical drive’s

automatic power control when using battery power.

NIC Auto Power Control allows you to enable the NIC’s (network

interface controller) automatic power control when using battery power.

SATA HDD Mode when set at Compatible and connecting a SATA

(serial ATA) hard drive is set as Primary on SATA controller in Legacy mode. When connecting a PATA (parallel ATA) hard drive is set as Secondary on SATA controller in Legacy mode.

When set at Enhance and connecting a SATA hard drive is set as Primary

on SATA controller in Native mode. When connecting a PATA hard drive is set as Primary on PATA controller in Legacy mode.

Using BIOS Setup 5-8

AHCI Configuration enables support for AHCI (Advanced Host

Controller Interface) Native command queuing and Link Power Management. Requires Windows XP Service Pack 1 + IAA driver or newer operating system. This item will not appear if the above item

“SATA HDD Mode” is set at Compatible. Serial Port COM1 when enabled the serial port COM1 is configured at

3F8h, IRQ4.

Using BIOS Setup 5-9

Security Menu

The Security menu contains the TPM (Trusted Platform Module) setting. The TPM is a component on your computer’s mainboard that is specifically designed to enhance platform security above-and-beyond the capabilities of today’s software by providing a protected space for key operations and other security critical tasks. Using both hardware and software, TPM protects encryption and signature keys at their most vulnerable stages – operations when the keys are being used unencrypted in plain-text form. TPM is specifically designed to shield unencrypted keys and platform authentication information from software-based attacks.

NOTE: To use the TPM feature, the TPM driver supplied with your computer must be installed.

Using BIOS Setup 5-10

Upon pressing Enter, the following screen appears.

TPM Support enables or disables TPM support (see chapter 6 for

details).

Current TPM State shows the current TPM state. Change TPM State allows you to select between No Change,

Clear, Deactivate & Disable, and Enable & Activate.

Getac Notebook computer User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual