Gigabyte N521U, N521 Series User Manual
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Safety Instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect yourself and your
notebook.
When Using Your N521 Series Notebook Computer
CAUTION: Do not operate your portable computer for an
extended period of time with the base resting directly on your
body. With extended operation, heat can potentially build up
in the base.
Allowing sustained contact with the skin could cause discom-
fort or, eventually, a burn.
• Do not attempt to service the notebook yourself. Always follow
installation instructions closely.
• Do not carry a battery in your pocket, purse, or other container
where metal objects (such as car keys) could short-circuit the
battery terminals. The resulting excessive current flow can cause
extremely high temperatures and may result in damage from burns.
• Be sure that nothing rests on your AC adapter’s power cable and
that the cable is not located where it can be tripped over or stepped
on.
• Place the AC adapter in a ventilated area, such as a desktop or
on the floor, when you use it to run the computer or to charge the
battery. Do not cover the AC adapter with papers or other items that
will reduce cooling; also, do not use the AC adapter while it is inside
a carrying case.
• Do not push objects into air vents or openings of your notebook
computer. Doing so can cause fire or electric shock by shorting out
interior components.
• Use only the AC adapter and batteries that are approved for use
with your notebook. Use of another type of battery or AC adapter
may risk fire or explosion.
• Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
• Replace only with the same or equivalent type battery recommend
-
ed by the manufacturer.
• Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Before you connect your notebook to a power source, ensure that
the voltage rating of the AC adapter matches that of the available
power source.
- 115 V/60 Hz in most of North and South America and some Far
Eastern countries such as South Korea and Taiwan.
- 100 V/50 Hz in eastern Japan and 100 V/60Hz in western Japan.
- 230 V/50 Hz in most of Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East.
• If you use an extension cable with your AC adapter, ensure that the
total ampere rating of the products plugged in to the extension cable
does not exceed the ampere rating of the extension cable.
• To remove power from your notebook, turn it off, disconnect the AC
adapter from the electrical outlet, and remove the battery.
• To help avoid the potential hazard of electric shock, do not connect
or disconnect any cables or perform maintenance or reconfiguration
of this product during an electrical storm.
• Do not dispose of batteries in a fire. They may explode. Check with
local authorities for disposal instructions.
• When setting up your notebook for work, place it on a level surface.
• When traveling, do not check your notebook as baggage. You can
put your notebook through an X-ray security machine, but never put
your notebook through a metal detector. If you have your notebook
checked by hand, be sure to have a charged battery available in
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case you are asked to turn on your notebook.
• When traveling with the hard drive removed from your notebook,
wrap the drive in a non-conducting material, such as cloth or paper.
If you have the drive checked by hand, be ready to install the drive
in your notebook. Your can put the hard drive through an X-ray
security machine, but never put the drive through a metal detector.
• When traveling, do not place your notebook in overhead storage
compartments where it could slide around. Do not drop your notebook or subject it to other mechanical shocks.
• Protect your notebook, battery, and hard drive from environmental
hazards such as dirt, dust, food, liquids, temperature extremes, and
overexposure to sunlight.
• When you move your notebook between environments with very
different temperature and/or humidity ranges, condensation may
form on or within your notebook. To avoid damaging your notebook,
allow sufficient time for the moisture to evaporate before using your
notebook.
NOTICE: When taking your notebook from low-temperature conditions
into a warmer environment or from high-temperature conditions into a
cooler environment, allow your notebook to acclimate to room tempera-
ture before turning on power.
• When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain
relief loop, not on the cable itself. As you pull out the connector,
keep it evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also,
before you connect a cable make sure both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
• Before you clean your notebook, turn it off, unplug it from its power
source, and remove the battery.
• Handle components with care. Hold a component such as a
memory module by its edges, not its pins.
CAUTION: When using your telephone equipment, basic
safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the
risk of fire, electric shock and injury to persons, including the
following:
• Do not use this product near water, for example, near a
bathtub, washing bowl, kitchen sink or laundry tub, in a wet
basement or near a swimming pool.
• Avoid using a telephone (other than a cordless type) during
an electrical storm. There may be a remote risk of electric
shock from lightning.
• Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity
of the leak.
• Use only the power cord indicated in this manual.
WARNING: Possible voiding of Warranty
* If the battery is not properly handled, there may be a risk of explosion; make sure you are using the same or equivalent battery.
* Please dispose the used battery according to the instructions
given by the manufacturer.
* Please be aware that cracked, deeply scratched or other poor
quality disk used in this drive may cause damage to the drive
and data in the disk. Such discs may break at high-speed rotation. If full care is not exercised in relation to this matter you may
void the warranty to this product.
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Regulatory Notices
Federal Communications Commission PART 68 Warning
This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC Rules. On the bottom of the computer is a label that contains, among other information, the FCC Registration Number and Ringer Equivalence Number
(REN) for this equipment. You must, upon request, provide this
information to your telephone company.
If your telephone equipment causes harm to the telephone network,
the local telephone company may discontinue your service temporarily. If possible they will notify you in advance. But, if advance notice is
not practical, you will be notified as soon as possible. You will also be
informed of your right to file a complaint with the FCC.
Your telephone company may make changes in this facilities, equipment, operations, or procedures that could affect the proper functioning of your equipment. If they do, you will be notified in advance to
give you an opportunity to maintain uninterrupted telephone service.
If this equipment should fail to operate properly, disconnect the
equipment from the phone line to determine if it is causing the
problem. If the problem is with the equipment, discontinue use and
contact your dealer or vendor.
TBR21
This equipment has been approved [Council Decision 98/482/EC
– “TBR21”] for pan-European single terminal connection to the Public
Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). However, due to differences
between the individual PSTNs provided in different countries, the
approval does not, of itself, give an unconditional assurance of
successful operation on every PSTN termination point. In the event
of problems, you should contact your equipment supplier in the first
instance.
Important safety instructions
Read these instructions carefully. Save these instructions for future
reference.
1. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
2. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not
use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for
cleaning.
3. Do not use this product near water.
4. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The
product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.
5. Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are
provided for ventilation; to ensure reliable operation of the product
and to protect it from overheating, these openings must not be
blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by
placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.
This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or a
heat register, or in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation is
provided.
6. This product should be operated from the type of power indicated
on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power company.
7. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this
product where persons will walk on the cord.
8. If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the
total ampere rating of the equipment plugged into the extension
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N521 Series User’s Manual
cord does not exceed the extension cord ampere rating. Also,
make sure that the total rating of all products plugged into the wall
outlet does not exceed the fuse rating.
9. Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet
slots as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out
parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid
of any kind on the product.
10. Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or
removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or
other risks. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
11. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
a. When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed
b. If liquid has been spilled into the product
c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water
d. If the product does not operate normally when the operating
instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that are
covered by the operating instructions since improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often
require extension work by a qualified technician to restore the
product to normal condition.
e. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been dam-
aged
f. If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicat-
ing a need for service.
EMC Regulatory Information
This product is designed and tested to comply with the following
related EMC (Electromagnetic compatibility) standards.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
“Declaration of Conformity Information”
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful that interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one of following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference.
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
UL Notice ( USA and Canada )
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Canadian Notice (Canada Only)
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B for radio noise
emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the Radio Interference
Regulation of the Canadan Department of Communications.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil unmérique de la class B est conformé à la norme NMB-
003.
CE Notice (European Union)
Marking by the symbol indicates compliance of this N521 Series
computer to the EMC Directive and the Low Voltage Directive of
the European Union. Such marking indicates that this N601 system
meets the following technical standards:
• EN 55022 — “Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Inter-
ference Characteristics of Information Technology Equipment.”
• EN 55024 — “Information technology equipment - Immunity char-
acteristics - Limits and methods of measurement.”
• EN 61000-3-2 — “Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 3:
Limits - Section 2: Limits for harmonic current emissions (Equipment
input current up to and including 16 A per phase).”
• EN 61000-3-3 — “Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 3:
Limits - Section 3: Limitation of voltage fluctuations and flicker in low-
voltage supply systems for equipment with rated current up to and
including 16 A.”
• EN 60950 — “Safety of Information Technology Equipment.”
NOTE: EN 55022 emissions requirements provide for two
classifications:
• Class A is for typical commercial areas.
• Class B is for typical domestic areas.
To determine which classification applies to your notebook, examine
the FCC registration label located on the back panel of your notebook. If the label indicates a Class A rating, the following warning
applies to your notebook:
RF INTERFERENCE WARNING: This is a Class A product. In a
domestic environment this product may cause radio frequency
(RF) interference, in which case the user may be required to take
adequate measures.
This N521 Series notebook computer device is classified for use in a
typical Class B domestic environment.
A “Declaration of Conformity” in accordance with the preceding
directives and standards has been made and is on file at Gigabyte
Computer Corporation.
BSMI Notice (Taiwan Only)
Most notebook computer computer products are classified by the
Bureau of Standards, Meteorology and Inspection (BSMI) as Class B
information technology equipment (ITE).
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N521 Series User’s Manual
This symbol that must be marked on the product indicates the product complies with BSMI standard.
Macrovision License of Notice
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is
protected by methods and claims of certain U.S. patents and other
intellectual 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 authorized by Macrovision
Corporation. Reverse engineering of disassembly is prohibited.
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About Your N521 Series Notebook
Computer
Congratulate on your purchase of the N521 Series Notebook Computer. Your notebook computer incorporates the strongest features,
which integrate the latest technologies available in the notebook
industry.
N521 Series Notebook Computer has the latest multimedia applications and capable for the future exciting new software. N521 Series
Computer is easy to operate, flexible, reliable, and multifunction. This
is one notebook that users are demanding for a long time.
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About This User Manual
This Manual will help you to gain a complete understanding of N521
Series Professional Multimedia Notebook. This Manual is divided into
eight chapters:
1. Illustrates N521 series notebook computer features.
2. Provides step-by-step instructions to help you begin using your
N521 series notebook computer as quickly as possible.
3. Describes how to operate the standard features of your N521
notebook computer.
4. Explains how to use the System BIOS Setup program and upgrade your system.
5. Describes how to connect external device to N521 series notebook computer.
6. Offers instructions on how to care and maintain N521 series
notebook computer.
7. Instructs you on how to deal with common system problems.
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About Your N521 Series Notebook Computer .................................vii
About This User Manual ..................................................................viii
Chapter 1 Getting Started
1.1 The Outside of N521 Series Notebook Computer .................02
1.2 Status LED Indicator ...............................................................05
Chapter 2 How to Start
2.1 Using the Battery Pack ............................................................07
2.2 Connecting the AC Power Source ...........................................09
2.3 Starting N521 Series Notebook Computer ..............................10
2.4 Adjusting the Display Controls .................................................11
2.5 Installing N521 Series Notebook Computer Device Drivers ....11
2.6 Turning Off Your Computer ......................................................12
Chapter 3 Introduction to Basic Function
3.1 Lanuch Keys ........................................................................... 14
3.2 Keyboard Functions ................................................................14
3.3 Using the TouchPad ................................................................18
3.4 Storage ....................................................................................20
3.5 Audio .......................................................................................21
3.6 Disconnecting from External Accessories ...............................21
3.7 Introduce CyberLink DVD Solution™ ......................................22
Chapter 4 Personalize Your N521 Series Notebook Computer
4.1 Recovery Update: XR2 Lite Utility ...........................................24
4.2 BIOS Setup .............................................................................25
4.3 How to Upgrade the BIOS .......................................................31
4.4 System Upgrade ...................................................................... 32
4.5 Protecting Your N521 Series Notebook Computer ..................34
Chapter 5 Connecting to Peripherals
5.1 Using USB Port .......................................................................36
5.2 Connecting an External Monitor Port ......................................36
5.3 Connecting to S-Video Port .....................................................37
5.4 Using the LAN Port .................................................................. 37
5.5 Using the Modem Port ............................................................. 38
5.6 IEEE 1394 Port ........................................................................ 38
5.7 PC Card Slot ...........................................................................39
Chapter 6 Cleaning and Maintenance
6.1 Taking Care of your N521 Series Notebook Computer ...........41
6.2 Cleaning and Maintaining ........................................................41
6.3 Traveling with N521 Series Notebook Computer ....................42
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting
7.1 Frequently Asked Questions ...................................................44
Appendix A System Information .....................................................46
Appendix B Service Center ............................................................49
Content
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Chapter 1 Getting Started
Your N521 series notebook computer integrates the most advanced
functions you can find to date in a portable personal computer. High
performance, an ergonomics design and multimedia capability of N521
series notebook computer is ideal for variety of needs, from general
business to personal usage. N521 series notebook computer is ideal
choice for use in the office, at home, and on the road.
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Front View
1.1 The Outside of N521 Series Notebook Computer
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1 Display Latch
Locks for the lid.
2 LCD Display Screen
Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD), displaying computer
output.
3 Keyboard
Inputs data into your computer.
4 Status LED Indicator
Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) show the status of the computer’s
functions and components. These LEDs indicates the status of
notebook hard disk activity, PC card activity, NUM lock, Caps lock,
Scroll Lock and Touchpad Lock.
5 Launch Keys
Buttons for launching frequently used programs.
6 Power Button
Turn the computer on and off, or resumes whenever it is in Suspend mode.
7 TouchPad
Touch-sensitive pointing device helps to control the position of
cursor and functions like a computer mouse.
8 Click Buttons
The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse
button. It support tapping and dragging functions.
9 Status LED Indicator
Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) show the status of the computer’s
functions and components. These LEDs indicates the status of
notebook power source, battery life and wireless activity.
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1 Speaker
Speaker delivers stereo audio output.
2 PC Card Slot
Accepts one Type II 16-bit PC card or 32-bit CardBus PC card
with ZV support.
3 4-in-1 Cards Slot
Accepts SD/MMC/MS/MS-Pro modules.
Only one card can operate at any given time.
1 Modem Port
Connects to a phone line.
2 Power Port
Connects to an AC adapter.
3 USB Port
Connects to USB devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera).
4 Speaker/Headphone Jack
Connects to stereo headphone, speakers, or earphone set.
5 Microphone Jack
Connects to an external microphone for monophonic sound
recording.
6 Wireless Communication Switch
Turns the Wireless Communication function on or off.
7 Speaker
Speaker delivers stereo audio output.
Right View
Left View
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1 IEEE 1394 Port
Connects to IEEE1394 devices.
2 LAN Port
Connects to an internal 10 Base-T/ 100 Base-TX LAN module
connects your computer to other computers/networks through a
local area network (LAN).
3 USB Port
Connects to USB devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera).
4 External Display Port
Connects to an external monitor.
5 S-Video Port
Connects to a television or display device with S-video input.
6 USB Port
Connects to USB devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera).
7 Security Cable Connector
Connects to a Kensington compatible security lock.
1 Battery Release Latch
Push latch to remove the battery pack.
2 Battery Bay
Equipped with a choice of Lithum-Ion (Li-Ion) battery pack.
3 Memory Compartment
Computer’s main memory is located in this compartment (secured
by a screw).
4 Hard Disk Compartment
Computer’s hard disk is located in this compartment (secured by
a screw).
Rear View
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Bottom View
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1.2 Status LED Indicator
Icon Function Description
Hard disk activity Lights when the hard disk is
activated.
Card reader activity Lights when the card reader
is activated.
Num Lock Lights when Num Lock is
activated.
Caps Lock Lights when Caps Lock is
activated.
Scroll Lock Lights when Scroll Lock is
activated
Touchpad Lock Lights when Touchpad Lock
is activated.
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Chapter 2 How to Start
Your N521 series notebook computer is designed and pre-configured
for easy setup and use. This chapter helps you to learn the basic of
your N521 series notebook computer and all the installation steps.
Contact local dealer if all the drivers for operating N521 series has not
been pre-installed or if there is an update on the driver installation of
your notebook computer.
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N521 series notebook computer is designed to operate with one of
the following power sources:
AC power (using the AC adapter connected to an electrical outlet)
Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery pack
You should use the AC adapter whenever it is possible, relying on
the battery pack only when AC power is unavailable. The rechargeable Li-Ion battery pack allows you to operate N521 Series notebook
computer without an external power source. When you connect the
AC power adapter, the battery immediately starts to recharge. Normal battery charging time is 3 hours for Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery
pack when your computer is turned off. Normal battery life time is 4
hours. Your battery may last less time if you are running power-intensive programs, playing CDs or DVDs, using PC Cards or have high
display-brightness setting.
Once the battery is fully discharged for the first time, use your
notebook on battery power until the battery discharges completely.
This will extend battery life, and help ensure accurate monitoring or
battery capacity. You can leave the battery in your notebook as long
as you like. The battery’s internal circuitry prevents the battery from
overcharging.
* Li-Ion Battery is vulnerable, do not charge it with other power
adapter, or it may cause fire or explosion.
If you will not be using your notebook for a long period of time,
remove the battery. Store battery packs in a cool, dry place, out of
direct sunlight. Fully charge the battery before using your notebook
again.
* The battery will not be charged if it or your notebook is too hot,
either from use or being in a hot environment. If this occurs the battery indicator will light red. Disconnect your notebook from any
electrical outlet, and allow it and the battery to cool to room temperature. You can then reconnect your notebook to the electrical outlet
and charge the battery. The battery indicator will also light red if
the battery is bad and needs replacing.
Your N521 series notebook computer provides the most convenient
way to install the battery pack into your computer. To install the battery, first orient the extended nose directed toward the compartment,
then slide the battery into the bay. Press it into place gently but firmly
until the latch lock it into place.
How to Start
2.1 Using the Battery Pack
Installing the Battery Pack
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Before removing the battery, ensure your notebook is turned off.
To remove the battery, follow the sequence as shows in the figure
below.
1 Slide and hold the battery release latch
2 Gently pry the battery from the computer chassis.
When your N521 Series notebook computer estimates that the
battery only has enough charge to continue for a few minutes, it will
alert you with a battery low warning beep. If you are consuming a
lot of power by using the audio system, the PC Card slots, the hard
drives, and optical disk drive, your notebook computer might run out
of charge much sooner than you expect. You should always respond
to the battery low indication by connecting to AC power or turning
off your notebook computer, or suspending to disk. If you do not do
so, the notebook computer will automatically suspend to disk and
turn off. The contents of the memory will store in the hard disk drive.
You will be unable to restart your notebook computer until it has connected to the AC adapter or installed a charged battery. To replace
the battery pack, refer to the previous sections on “Installing the
Battery Pack” and “Removing the Battery Pack.”
Note: Be sure to save your data before replacing the battery pack or
connecting the AC adapter. Failure to do so can result in data loss.
Note: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace
only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Battery Status Indicator behavior
Charging Blinking Green
Fully Charged Solid Green
Discharging Off
Battery Use Off
Critical Low
blinks amber > approximately 3 minutes
left; system beeps
Removing the Battery Pack
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Replacing the Battery Pack
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