Getac Technology 036 User Manual
V100 Operation Manual
(This version is for Safety Approval only)
(October 2008)
TRADEMARKS
All brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies.
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
determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR
Partner, MiTAC Technology Corporation has
®
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
Table of Contents........................................................................i
Preface v
Notational Conventions.......................................................vi
Getting Started........................................................................1-1
Getting the Computer Running ............................................ 1-2
Unpacking ........................................................................ 1-2
Connecting to AC Power ................................................. 1-2
Opening and Closing the Cover ....................................... 1-4
Operating in Tablet Mode ................................................ 1-4
Turning On and Off the Computer................................... 1-5
Attaching the Hand Strap ................................................. 1-7
Taking a Look at the Computer............................................ 1-8
Right-Side Components ................................................... 1-8
Left-Side Components ..................................................... 1-9
Rear Components ........................................................... 1-11
Front Components.......................................................... 1-12
Bottom Components....................................................... 1-13
Top-open Components................................................... 1-14
Where to Go from Here...................................................... 1-17
Operating Your Computer......................................................2-1
Starting and Stopping the Computer .................................... 2-2
Starting the Computer ...................................................... 2-2
Stopping the Computer .................................................... 2-2
Using the Internal Keyboard ................................................ 2-5
Typewriter Keys............................................................... 2-5
Cursor-Control Keys ........................................................ 2-6
i
Numeric Keypad .............................................................. 2-6
Function Keys .................................................................. 2-7
Fn Key.............................................................................. 2-7
Hot Keys .......................................................................... 2-7
Using the Software Keyboard ............................................ 2-10
Using the Touchpad ........................................................... 2-11
Configuring the Touchpad ............................................. 2-12
Using the Touchscreen (Optional) ..................................... 2-13
Using the Active Digitizer Feature (Optional) ................... 2-14
Using the Hard Disk Drive................................................. 2-16
Using the Video Features ................................................... 2-17
Configuring the Display Modes ..................................... 2-17
Using the Audio Features................................................... 2-19
Connecting Audio Devices ............................................ 2-19
Using the Communication Features ................................... 2-21
Using the Modem........................................................... 2-21
Using the Bluetooth Feature........................................... 2-22
Using the GPS................................................................ 2-25
Managing Power......................................................................3-1
AC Adapter .......................................................................... 3-2
Battery Pack ......................................................................... 3-3
Charging the Battery Pack ............................................... 3-3
Battery Automatic Calibration Utility.............................. 3-5
Checking the Battery Level.............................................. 3-7
Replacing the Battery Pack .............................................. 3-8
Battery Low Signals and Actions................................... 3-10
Power Management............................................................ 3-11
Hibernation..................................................................... 3-12
Power-Saving Tips ............................................................. 3-13
Expanding Your Computer.....................................................4-1
Connecting an External Monitor (Optional) ........................ 4-2
Connecting a Serial Device .................................................. 4-3
Connecting a USB Device.................................................... 4-4
ii
Using Smart Cards (Optional).............................................. 4-5
Inserting and Removing a Smart Card ............................. 4-5
Using PC Cards .................................................................... 4-6
Inserting and Removing a PC Card.................................. 4-6
Using ExpressCards (Optional)............................................ 4-7
ExpressCard Type ............................................................ 4-7
Inserting and Removing an ExpressCard ......................... 4-8
Using the Card Reader ......................................................... 4-9
Using the Port Replicator (Optional).................................. 4-11
System Memory Upgrade................................................... 4-12
Using BIOS Setup ...................................................................5-1
When to Use BIOS Setup..................................................... 5-2
When to Use..................................................................... 5-2
When and How to Use the System Recovery Feature.......... 5-3
When to Use..................................................................... 5-3
Starting System Recovery ................................................ 5-3
Installing Software Drivers.....................................................6-1
How to Use the Driver Disc ................................................. 6-2
Caring for the Computer.........................................................7-1
Protecting the Computer....................................................... 7-2
Using the Windows Security Center ................................ 7-2
Using the Cable Lock....................................................... 7-4
Taking Care of the Computer............................................... 7-5
Location Guidelines ......................................................... 7-5
General Guidelines........................................................... 7-5
Cleaning Guidelines ......................................................... 7-6
Battery Pack Guidelines................................................... 7-6
When Traveling.................................................................... 7-7
Troubleshooting......................................................................8-1
Preliminary Checklist........................................................... 8-2
Solving Common Problems.................................................. 8-3
Battery Problems.............................................................. 8-4
iii
Bluetooth Problems.......................................................... 8-4
Display Problems ............................................................. 8-5
Hardware Device Problems.............................................. 8-6
Hard Disk Drive Problems ............................................... 8-6
Keyboard, Mouse, and Touchpad Problems .................... 8-7
LAN Problems ................................................................. 8-8
Modem Problems ............................................................. 8-8
PC Card Problems ............................................................ 8-8
Power Management Problems.......................................... 8-9
Software Problems ......................................................... 8-10
Sound Problems ............................................................. 8-10
Startup Problems ............................................................ 8-11
Other Problems............................................................... 8-11
Resetting the Computer...................................................... 8-12
Specifications.........................................................................A-1
Regulatory Information..............................................................1
On the Use of the System.........................................................2
Class B Regulations .............................................................2
Safety Notices ......................................................................3
On the Use of the RF Device....................................................6
USA and Canada Safety Requirements and Notices............6
European Union CE Marking and Compliance Notices ......9
iv
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, Installing Software Drivers, describes how to install the
drivers and utilities supplied with the computer.
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.
v
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 Power Schemes, set it to Portable/Laptop, and then click
the
OK button.
vi
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
CHAPTER
z Connecting to AC power
z Opening and closing the cover
z Turning on the computer
z Turning off the computer
z Attaching the grid-type hand strap
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.
Getting Started 1-1
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
− Grid-type hand strap
− Driver disc
− Stylus (option)
− Digitizer pen (option)
− Size “AAAA” battery (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.
Getting Started 1-2
2. Plug the DC cord of the AC adapter to the power connector of the
computer (n).
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 1-3
Opening and Closing the Cover
Open the top cover by pulling up on latch A and releasing latch B and
lifting up the cover. You can tilt the cover forward or backward for
optimal viewing clarity.
Close the top cover by closing the display. Then position latch B on the
display side and bring latch A down to fix the display in place.
Operating in Tablet Mode
In addition to being used as a regular notebook computer (Laptop mode),
your computer can also be operated in Tablet mode. In Tablet mode, the
computer can be operated using the touchscreen or active digitizer feature
with the software keyboard (see chapter 2), and the tablet buttons (see
later section on “Front Components”), instead of the internal keyboard
and the touchpad.
1. Open the top cover so that it is almost perpendicular with the
keyboard of the computer.
2. Turn the display counter-clockwise by 180
o
.
Getting Started 1-4
CAUTION: Do not rotate the display more than 180o, or attempt to rotate the display
clockwise.
3. Close the computer with the display facing up. Then pull up on the
latch A.
4. Position the latch B on the display side, then bring latch A down to fix
the display in place.
In Tablet mode, the computer can be operated while holding it as shown.
To return to Laptop mode, perform the steps for changing the computer
into Tablet mode in reverse order.
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 ( ).
3. 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.
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
Attaching the Hand Strap
The hand strap can be attached to any two sides of the four (option)
corners of your computer.
Standard setup: two buckles on the left/right front side of your computer.
To release, press on the right spring latch first to detach the right side.
Then release the left side.
Optional setup: buckles on four corners of your computer.
CAUTION:
z The strap has been designed to carry only the weight of the computer. Therefore,
be sure that the strap does not carry a weight that exceeds the weight of the
computer. The strap may accidentally come loose from the computer.
z Do not use a strap that is damaged or about to tear.
Getting Started 1-7
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
n
o
Battery Pack
Compartment
Hard Disk Drive
Compartment
Inside is the battery pack that supplies power to your
computer when external power is not connected.
Inside is the hard disk drive.
Getting Started 1-8
Left-Side Components
Ref Component Description
Power Connector
n
USB Ports
o
RJ-11 Connector
p
RJ-45 Connector
q
ExpressCard Slot
r
(upper)
PCMCIA Slot
(lower)
OR
PCMCIA Slot
(upper)
Connects the AC adapter.
Each of the two ports connects a USB device, such as a
flash disk, printer, digital camera, joystick, and more.
Connects the telephone line.
Connects the LAN cable.
Accepts an ExpressCard for additional functions (option).
Accepts a PC card for additional functions.
Accepts a PC card for additional functions.
Smart Card
Reader (lower)
s
Card Reader
Getting Started 1-9
Accepts a smart card for additional security feature
(option).
Accepts a SD (Secure Digital) card for removable storage
media.
Rear Components
Ref Component Description
Hand Strap
n
Holder
Audio Output
o
Connector
Microphone
p
Connector
Kensington Lock
q
VGA Connector
r
Serial Connector
s
The hand strap can be attached to the two holders for
convenient handling of your computer.
Connects a set of headphones, external speakers with
amplifier, or an audio recording device.
Connects an external microphone.
Locks the computer to a stationary object for security.
Connects an external display monitor.
NOTE: Depending on your model, this port could be a serial
connector.
Connects a serial mouse or serial communication device.
Getting Started 1-10
Front Components
Ref Component Description
n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
Hand Strap
Holder
EasyTap Utility
Button
Sunlightreadable Button
Reset Button
Software
Keyboard Button
RF Button
Top Cover Latch
Power Button
The hand strap can be attached to the two holders for
convenient handling of your computer.
Toggles the “EasyTap” utility ON and OFF.
Toggles the sunlight-readable function ON and OFF.
Serves as the Ctrl+Alt+Del keyboard buttons.
Shows or hides the software keyboard on your LCD
display.
®
Bluetooth
Locks the top cover.
Turns the computer power ON and OFF.
wireless power ON and OFF.
Getting Started 1-11
Bottom Components
Ref Component Description
Antenna Connector
n
Expansion Bus
o
Connector
p
Speaker
q
Memory Slot
r
Inside is the connector for using an external antenna.
Inside is the expansion bus connector for using a Port
Replicator.
Sends out sound and voice from your computer.
Inside is the memory slot for expanding the memory size
of your computer.
Getting Started 1-12
Top-open Components
Ref Component Description
n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
CMOS Camera
LCD Screen
Light Sensor
Keyboard
Touchpad
Indicators
Allows you to use your computer’s camera function.
Displays the output of the computer.
Adjusts the LCD brightness and optional keyboard
backlight automatically surrounding.
Serves as the data input device of the computer.
Serves as the pointing device of the computer.
Show the current status of the computer’s devices.
Getting Started 1-13
Ref Component Description
AC Power indicator
Lights green when the computer is turned on and using AC
power.
Battery Charge indicator
Lights green when the battery is fully charged.
Lights yellow when the battery is being charged.
Blinks yellow when the battery’s capacity is below 10 %.
Blinks green when battery’s temperature is too high
(over 60
Hard disk drive in-use indicator
Lights green when computer is accessing the hard disk
drive.
Lights red when optional hard disk drive heater is on for
low temperature operation.
o
C).
Stylus
v
Bluetooth
w
Antenna (option)
RF ( Bluetooth
Num Lock indicator
Caps Lock indicator
Provides a convenient way to use the touchscreen. Can be
stretched for better grip and handling.
Inside is the antenna for optional Bluetooth feature
transmission.
®
wireless ) indicator
Getting Started 1-14
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...
To know more about the operating
system...
To install the drivers if your dealer has
not already done so...
To charge the battery pack for the first
time...
See the operating system manual.
Read the operating system manual.
See Chapter 6.
See “Charging the Battery Pack” in
Chapter 3.
Getting Started 1-15
Chapter 2
CHAPTER
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
z Active Digitizer (option)
z Hard disk drive
And these features:
z Starting and stopping the computer
z Video features
z Audio features
z Communication features
Operating Your Computer 2-1
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 or Hibernation mode:
To stop in
this mode...
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.
Sleep Depending on your settings in Windows,
you can place the computer in Sleep
mode by:
Do this... To start up or
resume again
Press the power
button.
Press any key.
• Closing the display cover
• Pressing the Fn+F10 hot key
• Pressing the power button
Operating Your Computer 2-2
To stop in
this mode...
Hibernation Depending on your settings in Windows,
you can place the computer in
Do this... To start up or
resume again
Press the power
button.
Hibernation mode by:
• Closing the display cover
• Pressing 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.)
Operating Your Computer 2-3
Using the Internal Keyboard
Your keyboard has all the standard functions of a full-sized computer
keyboard plus a
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
the lock keys (
Caps Lock and Num Lk) are pressed, their corresponding
Fn key added for specific functions.
Ctrl, Alt, Esc, and lock keys for special purposes. When
indicators light up.
The Control (
with other keys for program-specific functions. The Escape (
Ctrl) / Alternate (Alt) key is normally used in combination
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 2-4
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:
Operating Your Computer 2-5
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