VTech POWERZONE PLUS NOTEBOOK User Manual
®
Dear Parent:
At VTech® we know that a child has the ability to do great
things. That’s why all of our electronic learning products are
uniquely designed to develop a child’s mind and allow them to
learn to the best of their ability. Whether it’s learning about
letters, numbers, geography or algebra, all VTech® learning
products incorporate advanced technologies and extensive
curriculum to encourage children of all ages to reach their
potential.
When it comes to providing interactive products that enlighten,
entertain and develop minds, at VTech® we see the potential in
every child.
Copyright Notices
Copyright © 2001 VTech® Industries, LLC All Rights Reserved. VTech
and the VTech® Logo are registered trademarks of VTech®. Power
Zone™ is a trademark of VTech® Industries, LLC. All other trademarks
are property of their respective owners.
Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability
VTech® Industries, LLC and its suppliers assume no responsibility for
any damage or loss resulting from the use of this handbook. VTech
Industries, LLC and its suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or
claims by third parties that may arise through the use of this software.
VTech® Industries, LLC and its suppliers assume no responsibility for
any damage or loss caused by deletion of data as a result of malfunction,
dead battery, or repairs. Be sure to make backup copies of important
data on other media to protect against data loss.
Important!
Please read the VTech® End-User Software License Agreement and other
respective license agreements before using the accompanying software
applications. Using any part of the software indicates that you accept
the terms of the VTech® End-User Software License Agreement.
®
®
This product includes software developed by the Apache
Software Foundation (http://www.apache.org/).
The Apache Software License, Version 1.1
Copyright © 1999-2000 The Apache Software Foundation. All rights
reserved. Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or
without modification, are permitted provided that the following
conditions are met:
1. Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright
notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer.
2. Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright
notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer in the
documentation and/or other materials provided with the distribution.
3. The end-user documentation included with the redistribution, if
any, must include the following acknowledgment:
46
“This product includes software developed by the Apache Software
Foundation (http://www.apache.org/).”
Alternately, this acknowledgment may appear in the software itself,
if and wherever such third-party acknowledgments normally appear.
4. The names “Xerces” and “Apache Software Foundation” must not
be used to endorse or promote products derived from this software
without prior written permission. For written permission, please
contact apache@apache.org.
5. Products derived from this software may not be called “Apache”,
nor may “Apache” appear in their name, without prior written
permission of the Apache Software Foundation.
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND ANY EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE APACHE SOFTWARE
FOUNDATION OR ITS CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT,
INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF
SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR
BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF
LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT
(INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT
OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY
OF SUCH DAMAGE.
This software consists of voluntary contributions made by many individuals
on behalf of the Apache Software Foundation and was originally based
on software copyright © 1999, International Business Machines, Inc., http:/
/www.ibm.com. For more information on the Apache Software
Foundation, please see <http://www.apache.org/>.
Contents
Chapter 1.Introduction ........................................................................ 1
Chapter 2.What’s Included .................................................................. 2
Chapter 3.Setup ..................................................................................2
Power Source .............................................................................. 2
Battery Installation ...................................................................... 2
Battery Notice .........................................................................2
Backup Battery Installation ..........................................................3
AC Adaptor Connection..............................................................3
Vibrating Mouse Connection.......................................................4
Sync Cable Connection ...............................................................4
VTech® Desktop Software Installation ..........................................4
PC System Requirements.........................................................5
Inside the CD-ROM .................................................................5
Installing the VTech® Desktop Software ................................... 5
Setting Up a VTech® Desktop Software Account...................... 6
Installing Other Bundled Applications ...................................... 6
If Your Unit Doesn’t Turn On or Stops Responding ....................... 7
Still Having Problems? ............................................................. 7
Auto Shut-Off ......................................................................... 7
Chapter 4.Mouse, Keyboard and Cursor Control ................................. 8
Vibrating Mouse ......................................................................... 8
Cleaning the Mouse ............................................................... 8
Contrast Control .........................................................................8
Volume Control ........................................................................... 8
Power Button .............................................................................. 9
Speed Scroller .............................................................................9
Keyboard ....................................................................................9
Special Keys ................................................................................9
Storing the Mouse and Keyboard ..............................................12
Chapter 5.Description of Activities ..................................................... 12
Selecting Activities .................................................................... 12
Activities with Levels and 2-Player Mode ................................... 13
Status Indicators........................................................................13
Training Zone ............................................................................13
Auto-Navigation ................................................................... 13
Manual Navigation ............................................................... 14
Word Games.............................................................................14
Spelling ................................................................................ 14
Analogies ............................................................................. 14
Idioms .................................................................................. 14
Sentence Shuffle ................................................................... 14
Sound Alike ..........................................................................15
Antonyms .............................................................................15
Synonyms .............................................................................15
Parts of Speech .....................................................................15
Grammar Quiz ......................................................................15
Math Games .............................................................................15
Addition ............................................................................... 15
Subtraction ...........................................................................15
Multiplication ....................................................................... 15
Division ................................................................................. 16
Basic Math Fun .....................................................................16
Algebra Attack ..................................................................... 16
Geometry ............................................................................. 16
Common Multiple ................................................................ 16
Factor ...................................................................................16
Math Challenge ....................................................................16
Story Problem .......................................................................16
Trivia Games ............................................................................. 16
Sports ...................................................................................16
Geography ........................................................................... 17
History ..................................................................................17
Strange Trivia ........................................................................17
Homework Lab ......................................................................... 17
German Tester ...................................................................... 17
French Tester.........................................................................17
Spanish Tester ....................................................................... 17
Entertainment ...........................................................................17
Lab Test 1 ............................................................................. 17
Lab Test 2 ............................................................................. 17
Quick Guess ......................................................................... 17
Domino Crisis ....................................................................... 18
Memory Block ...................................................................... 18
Golf ......................................................................................18
Picture Parts .......................................................................... 18
Typing Challenge .................................................................. 18
Clue Counter ........................................................................18
Challenge ................................................................................. 19
Mind Challenge ....................................................................19
BioRhythm ............................................................................19
Tools .........................................................................................19
Calendar ............................................................................... 19
Daily Planner ....................................................................19
Address Book........................................................................19
Money Manager ...................................................................20
Word Processor.....................................................................20
Test Trainer ........................................................................... 23
Conversion Pad ..................................................................... 23
Calculator .............................................................................23
Logo .....................................................................................23
File Transfer .......................................................................... 30
German Translator ................................................................ 30
French Translator .................................................................. 30
Spanish Translator ................................................................. 31
Spell Checker ........................................................................ 31
Chapter 6. Smart Cards ..................................................................... 31
Chapter 7. E-mail ..............................................................................31
Using E-mail .............................................................................. 32
Using E-mail From Your Power Zone™ Plus Notebook With the
VTech® Modem ..................................................................... 32
Connecting the VTech® Modem to Power Zone™ Plus
Notebook ............................................................................. 32
First-Time Users: Configuring the Power Zone™ E-Mail
Application ...........................................................................33
Using VTech®'s E-mail Agent and PC with your Power
Zone™ Plus Notebook ..........................................................33
The VTech® Desktop Software E-mail Agent and Sync................34
First-Time Users: Configuring the VTech® Desktop Software
E-mail Agent ......................................................................... 34
Using the Power Zone™ E-mail Application...............................35
The Mailbox .......................................................................... 35
The Menu Bar ....................................................................... 35
Using the Menu Bar .............................................................. 35
Viewing Additional Menus ....................................................35
Writing E-mail ....................................................................... 35
Saving E-mail as a Draft ........................................................ 36
Sending Your E-mail to the Outbox .......................................36
Sending and Getting E-Mail with a VTech® Modem ............... 36
Sending and Getting E-Mail with the VTech® Desktop
Software E-mail Agent ..........................................................37
Reading E-mail ...................................................................... 37
Replying to E-mail .................................................................37
Forwarding E-mail ................................................................. 37
Deleting E-mail ..................................................................... 38
Editing a Draft E-mail ............................................................38
Importing E-mail to the Power Zone™ Word Processor ......... 38
Exporting E-mail from the Power Zone™ Word Processor ...... 38
Using Addresses from the Address Book ............................... 38
Printing E-mail Messages ...................................................... 39
Updating Your E-mail Information and Modem Settings ........39
Memory ................................................................................ 39
Chapter 8. VTech® Desktop Software ................................................. 40
Add a New User Account ..........................................................40
Sync .......................................................................................... 41
Syncing Power Zone™ Plus Notebook with Your Computer ...... 41
Adding New Activities into Your Power Zone™ Plus Notebook .. 41
Deleting Activities From Power Zone™ Plus Notebook...............42
Uploading Files From Power Zone™ Plus Notebook to Your
Computer .................................................................................43
Chapter 9. VT-41 Printer Connection ................................................. 43
Troubleshooting for VT-41 Printer Errors ....................................43
Technical Support .............................................................................. 44
Care and Maintenance ...................................................................... 44
FCC Notice ........................................................................................ 45
Chapter 1.Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the VTech® Power Zone™ Plus Notebook learning
product! We at VTech® are committed to providing the highest quality products
to entertain and educate your children. Should you have any questions or
concerns, please call our Consumer Services Department at 1-800-521-2010 in
the U.S. or 1-800-267-7377 in Canada.
The VTech® Power Zone™ Plus Notebook is an electronic learning aid or ELA.
Power Zone™ Plus Notebook offers a wide range of exciting and educational
activities for interactive learning! With the VTech® Desktop Software and Sync
Cable, you can connect the Power Zone™ Plus Notebook to your PC and add
new activities from the CD-ROM. If you have a computer with Internet access,
you can download new activities and data files from www.planetvtech.com (using
your Internet-connected computer), and then add those files to your Power
Zone™ Plus Notebook.
LOCK
LCD SCREEN
CONTRAST
CONTROL
POWER
BUTTON
CATEGORY
BUTTONS
KEYBOARD
LEFT
BUTTON
MOUSE
MOUSE
PAD
VOLUME
CONTROL
SPEED
SCROLLER
RIGHT
BUTTON
DIRECTION
PAD
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Chapter 2.What’s Included
1. Power Zone™ Plus Notebook learning product
2. Vibrating mouse
3. Mouse pad
4. Sync Cable
5. VTech® Desktop Software CD-ROM
6. Instruction Manual
Chapter 3.Setup
Power Source
Power Zone™ Plus Notebook operates on 4 “AA” size batteries (UM-3/LR6)
(sold separately) or a 9V Adaptor 300mA AC center-positive (sold
separately).
Battery Installation
If Power Zone™ Plus Notebook suddenly
stops working or the sound becomes weak, turn
Power Zone™ Plus Notebook OFF for 15
seconds and then turn it back ON. If the problem
persists, the batteries may be weak. Please install
a new set of batteries and try again.
1. Make sure Power Zone™ Plus Notebook
is turned OFF.
2. Locate the battery cover on the bottom of
Power Zone™ Plus Notebook and open it.
3. Insert 4 “AA” size batteries as illustrated.
DO NOT USE RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES in
this unit.
4. Close the battery cover.
Battery Notice
1. Do not use rechargeable batteries. (The use of alkaline batteries is recommended
for maximum performance.)
2. Install batteries, observing the correct polarity (+, –) signs to avoid leakage.
3. Do not mix old and new batteries.
4. Do not use different types of batteries.
5. Remove batteries from the product if you are not going to use it for an
extended period.
6. Do not dispose of batteries in fire.
7. Do not attempt to recharge ordinary batteries.
8. The supply terminals are not to be short-circuited.
2
Backup Battery Installation
Power Zone™ Plus Notebook comes installed with
a backup battery. To avoid damage to Power Zone™
Plus Notebook from leaky batteries, replace the
backup battery at least once a year. Should find that
you need to replace the backup battery, follow the
instructions below.
1. Make sure Power Zone™ Plus Notebook is
turned OFF.
2. Locate the backup battery cover on the bottom of
Power Zone™ Plus Notebook and open it.
3. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the cover.
4. Insert 1 CR-2032 battery as illustrated.
5. Replace the battery cover.
Important!
While replacing the backup battery, the 4 “AA” size batteries must be kept in
Power Zone™ Plus Notebook or Power Zone™ Plus Notebook must be
connected to the 9V Adaptor while the Adaptor is plugged in.
When replacing the 4 “AA” size batteries, the backup battery must be kept in
Power Zone™ Plus Notebook, or Power Zone™ Plus Notebook must be
connected to the 9V Adaptor while the Adaptor is plugged in. Otherwise, you
will lose all the information stored in the following applications:
• Word Processor • Money Manager
• Calendar • Scoring Statistics
• Address Book • E-mail
• Test Trainer • Options
• Logo Programming • All downloaded activities
AC Adaptor Connection
Use a standard 9V Adaptor 300mA AC center-positive .
1. Make sure Power Zone™ Plus Notebook is turned OFF.
2. Locate the Adaptor jack on the left side of Power Zone™ Plus Notebook.
3. Plug the Adaptor into Power Zone™ Plus Notebook’s Adaptor jack.
4. Plug the Adaptor into a wall outlet.
5. Turn Power Zone™ Plus Notebook ON.
Important!
Do not leave the Adaptor plugged in for long periods of time if Power Zone™
Plus Notebook is not in use.
3
Vibrating Mouse Connection
The vibrating mouse adds a new dimension of fun to the Power Zone™ Plus
Notebook. To optimize the vibration effect, we recommend that you use the
mouse pad when using the vibrating mouse.
1. Make sure Power Zone™ Plus Notebook is OFF.
2. Locate the mouse jack on the right side of Power Zone™ Plus Notebook.
3. Plug the mouse into Power Zone™ Plus Notebook’s mouse jack.
4. Turn Power Zone™ Plus Notebook ON.
Sync Cable Connection
The Sync Cable connects your Power Zone™ Plus Notebook
to your PC. When properly connected, you can synchronize
the information on Power Zone™ Plus Notebook with
the VTech® Desktop Software, download new activities
and games, and transfer files. Before installation make
sure Power Zone™ Plus Notebook and the PC are
turned OFF.
1. Turn OFF your computer and Power Zone™ Plus
Notebook.
2. Plug the serial connection of the Sync Cable into an
available serial port (COM1 or COM2) on the back of
your computer.
3. Plug the other end of the Sync Cable into Power Zone™ Plus Notebook.
Important!
Your Sync Cable requires a dedicated serial port (COM1 or COM2). If you are
unsure of the exact location of the serial port, refer to the manual supplied with
your computer. Any programs sharing the serial port must be closed in order for
the VTech® Sync Manager to function properly.
VTech® Desktop Software Installation
The VTech® Desktop Software is a PC application that creates a partnership
between your computer and your Power Zone™ Plus Notebook. VTech®
Desktop Software shares information with some of the applications on your
Power Zone™ Plus Notebook.
With VTech® Desktop Software’s Organizer, you can review, add to, and update
Calendar, Address Book, Money Manager and other files stored on your Power
Zone™ Plus Notebook.
The VTech® Sync Manager updates and exchanges the information on your
computer and your VTech® learning product.
4
Important!
VTech® Desktop Software is compatible only with the Power Zone™ Plus
learning products. VTech® Desktop Software is not compatible with any other
VTech learning product. For additional information about using the VTech
Desktop Software, open the VTech® Desktop Software, and then choose Desktop
Help from the Help menu.
PC System Requirements
Pentium® 166 or higher
Microsoft® Windows® 95/98
32MB RAM (64 MB recommended)
60MB hard disk space or higher
640x480 screen resolution or higher
256 color SVGA or higher
4x CD ROM drive or higher
Mouse or other pointing device
RS-232 serial port (COM1 or COM2)
Sound Card
Internet Access
IE 4.0 or Netscape 4.0 or higher
Inside the CD-ROM
VTech® Desktop Software
E-mail Agent
Word Processor
Test Trainer Editor
Additional downloadable activities and data
Netscape® Communicator 4.76
Microsoft® Internet Explorer 5.5
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader™ 4.05
®
Installing the VTech® Desktop Software
Important!
Before you begin installation, save your work and quit all applications on your
computer. The following items are automatically installed:
• VTech® Desktop Software
• E-mail Agent
• Word Processor
• Test Trainer Editor
• Additional downloadable activities and data for play on the Power Zone™
Plus Notebook
5
1. Insert the VTech® Desktop Software CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive on your
computer. Setup should start automatically.
2. If Setup does not begin automatically, on the Windows Start menu, click
Run, and then type d:\autorun\autorun, where d is the letter assigned to the
CD-ROM drive containing the VTech® Desktop Software CD-ROM. Follow
the instructions on your PC screen.
3. A menu will be shown. Select VTECH DESKTOP SOFTWARE from the menu
and then follow the instructions on your PC screen.
4. Click Finish at the Setup Complete screen to complete the software
installation.
5. After installation is complete, you will need to create a desktop software
account.
Setting Up a VTech® Desktop Software Account
Before setting up a desktop software account, make sure:
• VTech® Desktop Software is installed on your computer
• Power Zone™ Plus Notebook is properly connected to your computer by
using the Sync Cable
• Sync Manager is running
• All other programs sharing the COM port with the Sync Manager should be
closed
1. Turn on your VTech® learning product, and wait for the opening animation.
You can bypass the opening animation displays by pressing ENTER.
2. Press the Sync button on your VTech® learning product.
3. On your computer’s monitor, an animation will appear to indicate that your
VTech® learning product is communicating with your computer.
4. A “Select User” pop-up box should appear on your computer’s screen.
5. Type in a name for the new user. This name should typically be your child’s
name. If you have multiple Power Zone™ Plus Notebook learning products,
the account names must be different for each product.
6. Click on the New User button to confirm the new user name.
Installing Other Bundled Applications
The VTech® Desktop Software CD-ROM includes additional applications:
Microsoft® Internet Explorer 5.5
Netscape® Communicator 4.76
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader™ 4.05
1. Insert the VTech® Desktop Software CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive on your
computer. Setup should start automatically.
6
2. If Setup does not begin automatically, on the Windows Start menu, click
Run, and then type d:\autorun\autorun, where d is the letter assigned to the
CD-ROM drive containing the VTech® Desktop Software CD-ROM.
3. A setup menu will be shown. Select the application you want to install.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Click FINISH to complete the installation.
6. You may be prompted to restart your computer.
If Your Unit Doesn’t Turn On or Stops Responding
If Power Zone™ Plus Notebook does not turn on when pressing the POWER
button, or if Power Zone™ Plus Notebook suddenly stops responding, the
batteries may need to be replaced or Power Zone™ Plus Notebook may need
to be reset.
1. Before trying new batteries, press and hold the RESET button on the category
selector. Use the tip of a paperclip, or a similar object without a sharp tip, to
gently press the RESET button. The unit will shut down with a beep sound.
Press the POWER button to turn on Power Zone™ Plus Notebook again.
2. Check your batteries. Make sure the batteries are fresh and installed properly.
Still Having Problems?
If the problem still persists, we encourage you to contact our Consumer Services
Department at 1-800-521-2010 in the U.S. or 1-800-267-7377 in Canada with any
problems and/or suggestions that you might have. A service representative will
be happy to assist you.
Before requesting support, please be ready to provide the information below:
• The name of your product or model no. (The model no is typically located on
the back or bottom of your product.)
• The actual error message or problem you are receiving.
• The steps you took to arrive at the error message or problem.
Auto Shut-Off
If there is no input, Power Zone™ Plus Notebook will automatically shut off
after several minutes. This is the product's Auto shut-off feature. After Auto
shut-off, you will need to press the POWER button again. We recommend that
you turn Power Zone™ Plus Notebook OFF when not playing with it. If Power
Zone™ Plus Notebook is not going to be used for a long period of time, remove
the batteries and unplug the Adaptor.
7
Chapter 4.Mouse, Keyboard and Cursor Control
Vibrating Mouse
The vibrating mouse adds a new dimension of fun to the Power Zone™ Plus
Notebook. To optimize the vibration effect, we recommend you to use a mouse
pad when using the vibrating mouse. To turn the vibrating function off, go to
the OPTIONS menu.
To use the mouse, push it in the direction that you would like the pointer on-screen
to move. To move the pointer to the right side of the screen, push the mouse to the
right. To move the pointer to the left side of the screen, push the mouse to the left.
To move the pointer to the top of the screen, push the mouse away from you. To
move the pointer to the bottom of the screen, pull the mouse towards you.
In most activities, pressing the left mouse button will have the same effect as pressing
ENTER. And pressing the right button will have the same effect as pressing the ESC key.
Cleaning the Mouse
To clean the mouse, open the cover
on the bottom of the mouse using
a screwdriver. Once the cover is
removed, the mouse ball should be
taken out, and the contents inside
the mouse should be cleaned with
a dry cloth. The mouse ball should
be cleaned with a dry cloth. Place
the mouse ball back into the mouse.
Place the cover back on the mouse,
and then screw the cover back on.
LEFT BUTTON
RIGHT BUTTON
MOUSE COVER
MOUSE BALL
Contrast Control
CONTRAST
Adjust the image on screen by sliding the Contrast control to
the right for higher contrast, and left for lower contrast.
Volume Control
VOLUME
Adjust the volume by sliding the Volume control to the right
to raise the volume, and left to lower the volume.
8
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