Hp AERO 1550, AERO 1540 Reference Guide

Aero 1500 Series
Palm-size PC

Reference Guide

NOTICE

The information in this reference guide is subject to change without
notice.

COMPAQ COMPUTER CORPORATION SHALL NOT BE LIABLE
FOR TECHNICAL OR EDITORIAL ERRORS OR OMISSIONS
CONTAINED HEREIN; NOR FOR INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE
FURNISHING, PERFORMANCE, OR USE OF THIS MATERIAL.

This reference guide contains information protected by copyright. No part
of this reference guide may be photocopied or reproduced in any form
without prior written consent from Compaq Computer Corporation.

© 1999 Compaq Computer Corporation.
All rights reserved.

COMPAQ, AERO and the Compaq logo are registered in the U.S. Patent
and Trademark Office. Microsoft, MS, ActiveSync, Active Desktop,
Outlook, Windows, Windows NT, and the Windows CE logo are either
registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the
United States and/or other countries. Microsoft products are licensed to
OEMs by Microsoft Licensing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of
Microsoft Corporation.

The software described in this reference guide is furnished under a
Program License Agreement or nondisclosure agreement. The software
may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of such
agreement. Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or
registered trademarks of their respective companies.

R

EFERENCE GUIDE

Aero 1500 Series Palm-size PC

First Edition August 1999

Compaq Computer Corporation

TABLE OF CONTENTS

preface: Before You Begin
chapter 1: Introducing the Device
chapter 2: Basic Operations
chapter 3: Using Power
chapter 4: Software Functions
chapter 5: Backup and Restore
chapter 6: Pocket Outlook
chapter 7: Voice Recorder
chapter 8: Note Taker
chapter 9: Picture Viewer
chapter 10: AudiblePlayer
chapter 11: Infrared Feature
chapter 12: CompactFlash Cards
chapter 13: ActiveSync
chapter 14: Channels
chapter 15: Getting Connected Remotely
chapter 16: Upgrading the Memory Module
chapter 17: Using Jot Character Recognizer
chapter 18: Tips & Troubleshooting
appendix A: Hardware Specifications
appendix B: Icon Reference
appendix C: Regulatory Notices

preface

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Before using your Compaq Aero 1500 Series, be sure to read through the
Quick Start Guide. Read this chapter for information about:

documentation and online help
customer registration
symbols and conventions used in this guide

FINDING INFORMATION

References are provided as printed materials and as online information
that is accessible from your desktop computer and your Aero 1500. In
addition to this guide the following references come with your Aero 1500:

Quick Start Guide
Pocket Reference Guide
Accessories Information

Accessories Business Card

Important Safety Information
Register Now Card (North America only)
For Help... (warranty and service information)
Program License Agreement

Microsoft® ActiveSync booklet (with Microsoft ActiveSync CD)

The following online references are also available:

Name Location

Palm-size PC Help
Microsoft ActiveSync Help On your desktop computer. Install the

Microsoft Palm-size PC Home
Page

Compaq Aero 1500 Home Page

Compaq Aero 1500. Tap Start

Microsoft ActiveSync software. Next,
click on the Microsoft ActiveSync icon
on your desktop, then click

HelpààActiveSync Help.

www.microsoft.com/
windowsce/ppc

www.compaq.com/
products/

ààHelp.

LOCATING INFORMATION QUICKLY

To quickly find the information you’re looking for, use this table as a
starting point.

To Find Information About: Look Here:

Using the programs on your
Compaq Aero 1500

Synchronizing and exchanging files
with your desktop computer

Toolbar buttons and dialog box
items

Information on this release of
Windows CE and ActiveSync

Information on Aero 1500
accessories and how to order them

Compaq Aero 1500 Reference
Guide

Palm-size PC Help

Microsoft ActiveSync Help.
ActiveSync Help also includes

troubleshooting information on
connections.

Palm-size PC Help
The booklet accompanying the

Microsoft ActiveSync CD
Tap and hold on a toolbar button or

dialog box item to see its name or a
short description. Drag off the
toolbar button or item before lifting
to avoid activating it.

Read Me files (located in the
ActiveSync folder on your desktop
computer).

Accessories Information

Accessories Business Card

The latest information and offers for
your Aero 1500 device and
accessories

Aero 1500 Home Page
(www.compaq.com/

products/)

CUSTOMER REGISTRATION

In North America

To receive the latest information on your Compaq Aero 1500 Series, as
well as special offers on device accessories and software, be sure to
register with Compaq by completing and mailing the Register Now card
included with your Palm-size PC.

Outside of North America

Outside of North America, use the Compaq Info Messenger service to
obtain Internet and e-mail access to the latest software updates and service
documentation for your device.

Once you register with this free service at www.compaq.com/

infomessenger and build your profile(s), Info Messenger searches the

Compaq Web site and collects information specific to your Compaq Aero
1500 environment. Info Messenger then sends an e-mail alerting you
when new and/or updated information is available on a Compaq
customized Web page.

SYMBOLS AND CONVENTIONS

Some or all of the following format conventions may be used in this guide
to distinguish elements of text:

Names of menus, commands and icons are shown in bold type as they
appear on the display, for example, Start, Close all tasks, Q.

An arrow is used to separate icons or menu options that you should
select in succession, for example, tap Start

WARNING: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow
directions could result in bodily harm or loss of life.

CAUTION: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow
directions could result in damage to equipment or loss of
information.

NOTE: Text set off in this manner presents commentary, sidelights, or
interesting points of information.

IMPORTANT: Text set off in this manner presents clarifying information or
specific instructions.

ààSettingsààOwner.

chapter 1

INTRODUCING THE DEVICE

Welcome to the high-performance world of the ultraslim Compaq Aero
1500 Series (referred to as the "device" throughout this reference guide).
Powered by Microsoft's Windows CE operating system, the Compaq Aero
1500 Series is designed to provide you quick and convenient access to
critical information while away from your PC.

The world's smallest Windows CE powered Palm-size PC, the Aero 1500
fits neatly in your pocket and acts as a mobile extension to your PC,
letting you access and organize important information such as your
contacts, schedule and task list wherever you go.

The Aero 1500 features a crisp, high-resolution display that greatly
enhances the clarity of text and graphics so that you can view more
information at a glance. Because its Windows CE interface closely
emulates the Windows interface on your PC, the Compaq Aero 1500
Series is the most intuitive way to stay productive and access, organize
and exchange information with a Windows-based PC.

This chapter describes the following features:

front side components
left side components
right side components
top edge components
bottom edge components
back side components
cradle components and auto-sync cable

FRONT SIDE COMPONENTS

КНЛМО

Front Side

Item Component Function

Ê

Battery Charge and
Alarm Light

The indicator light on the top of the
device serves as both a battery charge
indicator and a visual alarm indicator.

Flashing green: Notification alarm
signal.

Flashing amber: Battery is
charging.

Solid amber: Battery is fully
charged.

For more information, see "Charging

the Battery Pack" in Chapter 3, and

"Setting Notification Alarms" in
Chapter 4.

Continued

Front Side Components Continued

Item Component Function

Ë

Ì

Program Buttons

Power and Backlight
Button

The program buttons on the front
panel of the device are used to open
some of the most frequently used
applications. You can change the
shortcuts of the program buttons so
that they open different applications.
For more information, see "Program

Buttons" in Chapter 6.

Opens the Calendar
application.

Opens the Contacts
application.

Opens the Tasks
application.

Opens the Note Taker
application.

The Power and Backlight button is
used to turn on and off your device
and the screen backlight. Press and
release the button to turn on or off the
device. Press and hold the button for
one second to toggle on or off the
backlight.

Í

Display The Aero 1500 Series features a crisp,

high-resolution, STN-type
monochrome display that greatly
enhances the clarity of text and
graphics so that you can view more
information at a glance. Its large
viewable area (320 x 240 pixels) lets
you see more and do more.

Continued

Front Side Components Continued

Item Component Function

Î

Microphone The two small holes at the top of the

device are the microphone for the
built-in Voice Recorder. For more
information, see Chapter 7, "Voice

Recorder."

LEFT SIDE COMPONENTS

Ê

Ë

Ì

Left Side

Item Component Function

Ê

Ë

Ì

Voice Recorder Button You can record brief notes and messages

by speaking into the built-in microphone
while holding down the voice recorder
button. For more information, see
Chapter 7, "Voice Recorder."

Dial/Action Button This is a wheel with three functions.

Rotate the dial up to cause an
upward scrolling action while you
are using an application.

Rotate the dial down to cause a
downward scrolling action while you
are using an application.

Press the center of the dial to use it
as an action button, much like the
Enter key on a full-sized PC
keyboard.

Exit Button Press this button to exit a window within

an application. The Exit button is similar
to the Esc key on a full-size PC
keyboard.

RIGHT SIDE COMPONENTS

Ê

Ë

Right Side

Item Component Function

Ê

Ë

Backup Battery
Compartment

DC Jack The DC jack allows you to connect to

The system relies on a coin-sized backup
battery to maintain data when the main
battery pack is low or unavailable. Open
the cover of the backup battery
compartment to access the backup
battery. For more information, see
"Backup Battery" in Chapter 3.

external power with the supplied AC
adapter. For more information, see
"Using AC Power" in Chapter 3.

TOP EDGE COMPONENTS

Top Edge

Item Component Function

Ê

Ë

Ì

Í

Ê

Ë
Ì

Í

Infrared Port You can use the infrared port to exchange

data with other infrared-equipped devices.
The infrared port can transmit at speeds up
to 115 Kb per second. For more
information, see Chapter 11, "Infrared

Feature."

Audio Jack The audio jack lets you connect an earplug

to your Compaq Aero 1500.

CompactFlash Card
Slot

Stylus and Stylus
Compartment

The CompactFlash slot is protected by a
removable cover. The slot supports Type I
CompactFlash cards. For more information,
see Chapter 12, "CompactFlash Cards."

The stylus compartment stores the stylus
when it’s not in use. Pull the stylus up to
release it from the compartment. When you
are finished using the stylus, insert it back
into the compartment and gently press it
down.

BOTTOM EDGE COMPONENTS

Ë

Ê

Bottom Edge

Item Component Function

Ê

Ë

Communications Port The communications port establishes a

connection with the serial port of your
desktop PC. You can connect the Aero
1500 to a PC by using a cradle or an
auto-sync cable. For information on
using the communications port to
establish a connection to a PC, see
ActiveSync Help on your desktop
computer.

Battery Cover Release
Button

This button allows you to access the
main battery. Press the recessed button
with your stylus to open the battery
compartment cover.

BACK SIDE COMPONENTS

Ê

ÍÎË

Ì

Back Side

Item Component Function

Ê

Ë

Ì

Memory Compartment The memory compartment holds the

memory module installed in the device.
For more information, see Chapter 15,
"Upgrading the Memory Module."

Battery Compartment The battery compartment holds the

rechargeable battery pack. For more
information, see "Rechargeable Battery

Pack" in Chapter 3.

Backup Battery Cover
Release Button

The Backup Battery Cover Release
button is recessed inside the case of
the device. This button allows you to
access the backup battery. To pop
open the backup battery compartment
cover on the adjacent edge, use the tip
of the stylus to press the button.

Continued

Back Side Components Continued

Item Component Function

Í

Î

Speaker The system sounds alarms and plays

back sound recordings through this
speaker.

Reset Button

The Reset button is recessed inside the
case of the device. Occasionally, some
hardware or software malfunctions can
prevent the device from responding. To
get the device working again, use the tip
of the stylus to press the Reset button.
For more information, see "Resetting

Your Device" in Chapter 3.

CAUTION: When you use the

Reset button, you will lose any
data that has not been saved.

CRADLE COMPONENTS AND

Ê

AUTO-SYNC CABLE

Your Compaq Aero 1500 comes with a cradle. You can also buy an auto­sync cable separately. Both accessories can be used to establish a link
between the Aero 1500 and a desktop computer.

Ì

Ë

Cradle

Item Component Function

Ê

Ë

Cradle The cradle links your Aero 1500 to your

desktop computer. You can also recharge
the main unit's battery by docking the main
unit in the cradle while the cradle is
attached to external power.

Stylus Holder The stylus holder acts as a convenient

storing place for your stylus when you are
using your Aero 1500 with your cradle.

Continued

Item Component Function

Î

Ì

Í

Fixed Auto-sync Cable The fixed auto-sync cable connects your

cradle to the desktop PC. When you dock
the device into the cradle, the device
automatically connects with the desktop
PC. (You must install ActiveSync on the
desktop PC first.) For more information,
see ActiveSync Help on your desktop PC.

Using the Cradle

Item Component Function

Í

Î

AC Adapter The AC adapter connects the cradle to

external power. For more information,
see "Using AC Power" in Chapter 3.

DC Jack The DC jack allows you to connect to

external power via the supplied AC
adapter.

Ï

The Auto-sync Cable

Item Component Function

Ï

Auto-sync Cable
(Accessory)

The auto-sync cable allows you to make
a direct connection from the
communications port on your device to
the serial port on your desktop PC.

chapter 2

BASIC OPERATIONS

This section helps you to start using your Compaq Aero 1500 Series.
In-depth information on each of the individual operations described can be

found elsewhere in this reference guide.
This chapter describes the following features:

using the stylus
programs
Active Desktop
start menu and taskbar
command bar
typing and writing on your device
finding information on your device
viewing information on your device
customizing your device
adjusting the backlight

USING THE STYLUS

The Compaq Aero 1500 Series has a touch-sensitive screen. It allows you
to use your stylus to interact with the device. With the Aero 1500 Series,
you can input data using the full screen area.

When it's not in use, the stylus is stored inside a compartment located at
the top edge of your device. Pull up the stylus to free it from the stylus
compartment. When you are finished using the stylus, reinsert it into the
compartment and gently press it down.

Using the Stylus

CAUTION: Do not touch the screen with sharp objects or any other
type of writing instrument. It can damage the screen.

The stylus tip can also be used to open the battery compartment cover, the
backup battery compartment cover, or to press the Reset button.

PROGRAMS

The basic set of Windows CE programs is installed on your Aero 1500
Series. You can switch to any program by selecting from the Start menu
or the Q Menu, or by pressing a program button on the device. The
programs listed below are installed on your device.

Program Description

ActiveSync Synchronizes your desktop computer and your

device.
AudiblePlayer Lets you listen to audio recordings.
Auto Run Allows specialized programs stored on a

CompactFlash card to run automatically.
Calendar Allows you to review or change your

appointments.
CF Backup/Restore Allows you to backup and restore data with a

CompactFlash card.
Channels Downloads data to your device.
Connections Connects to other computers or the Internet.
Contacts Keeps track of your friends and colleagues.
Diagnostics Allows you to test various functions of your Aero

1500.
File Explorer Lets you manage and navigate among your files.
Game Keys Converts the application launch keys into

directional keys so that you can play games.
Inbox Sends and receives e-mail.
Note Taker Creates handwritten or typed notes and

drawings.
PC Link Initiates a connection with your desktop

computer.
Picture Viewer Allows you to view images on your Aero 1500.
Solitaire Entertains you while you are on the road.

Continued

Programs Continued

Program Description

QLaunch Adds a Q icon to the task bar so you can quickly

access the Q Menu.
Q Menu Allows you to switch between tasks, close tasks

and view QUtilities.
QUtilities Allows you to access several important setting

controls.
Tasks Allows you to review and change your task list.
Voice Recorder Allows you to record a memo.

You don't have to close programs on your device. Simply switch to
another program you want to use. To switch between open programs, tap
the Q icon on the taskbar, then the desired program from the program list.

NOTE: The pre-installed programs on your device are stored in ROM
(read-only memory) and cannot be removed or lost. You can install
additional software that will be placed in RAM (random access memory).
Programs placed in RAM can be removed. See ActiveSync Help on your
desktop computer for information on installing third party software.

ACTIVE DESKTOP

Use the Active Desktop to display important information, such as today’s
appointments and tasks.

Active Desktop Screen

To select the type of information you want to display on the desktop, tap

Start

ààSettingsààDisplayààDisplay Active Desktop.

Display Properties Screen

START MENU AND TASKBAR

Use the Start menu on the taskbar to open programs, adjust settings, find
information, and view Help for the current program.

Start Menu

On the taskbar, you can also do the following:

Taskbar

NOTE: When your batteries are running low, a battery icon appears in the
status area. For icon descriptions, see Appendix B, "Icon Reference."Low
battery messages are also displayed on your screen. For information on
optimizing battery life, see "Conserving Battery Power" in Chapter 3.

You can change what you see on the Start menu and taskbar by tapping

Start

ààSettingsààTaskbar.

COMMAND BAR

The command bar at the top of the device screen includes both menu
names and toolbar buttons. You can decide which you want to display.

Command Bar

TYPING AND WRITING ON YOUR DEVICE

Typing with the Keyboard

With your Aero 1500 Series, you can quickly type, write, and draw in the
way that’s most convenient for you. You can type with the keyboard,
write using character recognition, or write and draw directly on the screen
using your stylus.

In Note Taker, and in notes that you attach to entries in Calendar,
Contacts, and Tasks, you can use your stylus to write on the screen.

You can enter information in any program on your device by typing with
the keyboard or writing using character recognition. First, select the input
method you want to use in your device’s input panel. Tap the Input
Method arrow to see your choices.

Type with the keyboard

To type, tap the Input Method arrow and select Keyboard. Then tap the
keys with your stylus.