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TM420-e.book Page ii Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM Copyright © 2002 Acer Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. TravelMate 420 Series Notebook Computer User's Guide Original Issue: May 2002 Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation to notify any person of such revision or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual or supplementary documents and publications.
TM420-e.book Page iii Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM iii We would like to thank you for making the TravelMate series of notebook computers your choice for your mobile computing needs. We hope you will be happy with your TravelMate as much as we enjoyed making it for you. Your guides To help you use your TravelMate, we have designed a set of guides: First off, the Just for Starters... poster helps you get started with setting up your computer.
TM420-e.book Page iv Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM English iv Basic care and tips for using your computer Turning your computer on and off To turn on the computer, simply press the power button on the top left of your TravelMate. See page 3 for the location of the power button. To turn the power off, do any of the following: • Use the Windows shutdown command For Windows 2000: Click on Start, Shut Down..., and select Shut down; then click on OK.
TM420-e.book Page v Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM v Do not spill water or any liquid on the computer. • Do not subject the computer to heavy shock and vibration. • Do not expose the computer to dust and dirt. • Never place objects on top of the computer to avoid damaging the computer. • Do not slam the computer display when you close it. • Never place the computer on uneven surfaces.
TM420-e.book Page vi Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM English vi 3 Use a soft cloth moistened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. 4 To clean the display screen, use an LCD cleaning kit. If any of the following occurs: • The computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged. • Liquid has been spilled into the product. • The computer does not operate normally. Please refer to "Troubleshooting my computer" on page 45.
First things first Your guides Basic care and tips for using your computer 1 Getting to know your TravelMate A TravelMate tour Front view Left view Right view Rear view Bottom view Features Indicators Using the keyboard Special keys Touchpad Touchpad basics Storage Hard disk Optical drive Using software Audio Adjusting the volume Using the Audio DJ feature Power management Moving around with your TravelMate Disconnecting from the desktop Moving around Taking the computer home Traveling with the computer Tr
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TM420-e.book Page 2 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM Your TravelMate computer combines highperformance, versatility, power management features and multimedia capabilities with a unique style and ergonomic design. Work with unmatched productivity and reliability with your new power computing partner.
TM420-e.book Page 3 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 3 After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters... poster, let us show you around your new TravelMate computer. Front view # Item Description 1 Display screen Also called LCD (liquid-crystal display), displays computer output. 2 Power Button Turns on the computer power. 3 Speakers Outputs sound.
TM420-e.book Page 4 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM English 4 1 Getting to know your TravelMate # Item Description 4 Keyboard Inputs data into your computer. 5 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer mouse. 6 Click buttons (left, center and right) The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse buttons; the center button serves as a 4-way scroll button. 7 Audio DJ controls and indicators Button and indicators for the Audio DJ function.
TM420-e.book Page 5 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 5 Left view # Item Description 1 Power jack Connects to an AC adapter. 2 Security keylock Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security lock. K English Note: The positions of the Optical drive indicator, eject button and emergency eject hole may differ depending on the optical drive module installed.
TM420-e.book Page 6 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM English 6 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Right view # Item Description 1 USB port Connects to Universal Serial Bus devices (e.g.,USB mouse, USB camera). 2 Line-in/Mic-in jack Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g., audio CD player, stereo walkman). Selection is through the OS Windows mixer. 3 Speaker/ Headphone-out jack Connects to audio line-out devices (e.g.,speakers, headphones). 4 Modem jack Connects to a phone line.
TM420-e.book Page 7 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 7 Item Description 9 Memory stick slot Accepts memory sticks. 10 SD/MMC slot Accepts SD or MMC cards. Rear view # Item Description 1 Expansion port I/O replicator or EasyPort expansion devices. 2 External display port Connects to a display device (e.g., external monitor, LCD projector). 3 Parallel port Connects to a parallel device (e.g., parallel printer). 4 S-video Connects to a television or display device with S-video input.
TM420-e.book Page 8 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM English 8 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Bottom view # Item Description 1 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack. 2 Battery release latch Unlatches the battery to remove the battery pack. 3 Memory compartment Houses the computer's main memory. 4 Cooling fans Helps keep the computer cool. Note: Don't cover or obstruct the opening of the fan.
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TM420-e.book Page 11 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 11 The computer has seven easy-to-read status icons below the display screen. Icon Function Description Power Lights green when the computer is on. Flashes when the computer is in low power. Sleep Flashes when the computer is entering Sleep mode. Lights orange when the computer is in Sleep mode. Battery charge Lights when the battery is being charged.
TM420-e.book Page 12 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM English 12 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Using the keyboard The full-sized keyboard includes an embedded numeric keypad, separate cursor keys, two Windows keys and twelve function keys. Special keys Lock keys The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off. Lock key Description Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in uppercase.
TM420-e.book Page 13 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 13 The embedded numeric keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is indicated by small characters located on the upper right corner of the keycaps. To simplify the keyboard legend, cursor-control key symbols are not printed on the keys. Desired access Num lock on Num lock off Number keys on embedded keypad Type numbers in a normal manner. Cursor-control keys on embedded keypad Hold Shift while using cursor-control keys.
TM420-e.book Page 14 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM English 14 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Key Description Windows logo key Start button. Combinations with this key perform shortcut functions. Below are a few examples: á + Tab (Activates next taskbar button) á á + E (Explores My Computer) á + F (Finds Document) á + M (Minimizes All) Shift + á + M (Undoes Minimize All) á + R (Displays the Run...
TM420-e.book Page 15 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 15 The computer employs hot keys or key combinations to access most of the computer’s controls like screen brightness, volume output. To activate hot keys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the other key in the hot key combination. Hot key Icon Function Description Fn-F1 Hot key help Displays help on hot keys. Fn-F2 System Property Displays the System Property.
TM420-e.book Page 16 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM English 16 Hot key 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Icon Function Description Fn-F5 Display toggle Switches display output between the display screen, external monitor (if connected) and both the display screen and external monitor. Fn-F6 Screen blank Turns the display screen backlight off to save power. Press any key to return. Fn-F7 Touchpad toggle Turns the internal touchpad on and off.
TM420-e.book Page 17 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 17 The Euro symbol Note for US keyboard users: The keyboard layout is set when you first set up Windows. For the Euro symbol to work, the keyboard layout has to be set to United States-International. To verify the keyboard type in Windows 2000, follow the steps below: 1 Click on Start, Settings, Control Panel. 2 Double-click on Keyboard. 3 Click on the Language tab.
TM420-e.book Page 18 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 18 English 5 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Click on OK. To type the Euro symbol: 1 Locate the Euro symbol on your keyboard. 2 Open a text editor or word processor. 3 Hold Alt Gr and press the Euro symbol. Note: Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol. Please refer to www.microsoft.com/typography/faq/faq12.htm for more information. Launch Keys Located at the top of the keyboard are four buttons.
TM420-e.book Page 19 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 19 E-Mail Detection Aside from the email checking function, there is a mail button that is used to launch the email application. It is located above the keyboard right below the LCD. English Click right button at the Launch Manager icon on the taskbar and click on E-Mail Detection. In this dialog box, you have the option to enable/ disable mail checking, set the time interval for mail checking, etc.
TM420-e.book Page 20 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM English 20 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Touchpad The built-in touchpad is a pointing device that senses movement on its surface. This means the cursor responds as you move your finger on the surface of the touchpad. The central location on the palmrest provides optimal comfort and support. Note: When using an external USB mouse, you can press Fn-F7 to disable the touchpad.
TM420-e.book Page 21 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 21 Note: Keep your fingers dry and clean when using the touchpad. Also keep the touchpad dry and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to finger movements. Hence, the lighter the touch, the better the response. Tapping harder will not increase the touchpad's responsiveness.
TM420-e.book Page 22 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM English 22 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Storage This computer supplies you with the following media storage: • High-capacity Enhanced-IDE hard disk • Optical drive Hard disk The high-capacity hard disk is the answer to your storage needs. This is where your programs and data are stored. Optical drive The optical drive bay accepts a wide variety of optional media drive modules for use with your computer.
TM420-e.book Page 23 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 23 Playing DVD movies When the DVD-ROM drive module is installed in the optical drive bay, you can play DVD movies on your computer. 1 Eject the DVD tray and insert a DVD movie disc; then close the DVD tray. Important! When you launch the DVD player for the first time, the program asks you to input the region code. DVD discs are divided into 6 regions. Once your DVD drive is set to a region code, it will play DVD discs of that region only.
TM420-e.book Page 24 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM English 24 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Audio The computer comes with 18-bit high-fidelity AC’97 stereo audio, and includes a built-in sensitive microphone and dual stereo speakers. There are audio ports on the right side of the computer. See “Right view” on page 6 for more information on connecting external audio devices. Adjusting the volume Adjusting the volume on the computer is as easy as pressing some buttons.
TM420-e.book Page 25 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 25 The Audio DJ feature allows you to control the playback of music CDs even with the computer turned off # Item Description 1 Power indicator Lights when the Audio DJ function is on. 2 Power Press for more than one second to turn the Audio DJ feature on/off. 3 Play/pause Plays/pauses audio. 4 Stop Stops audio playback. 5 Previous track Skips to previous audio track. 6 Next track Skip to next audio track.
TM420-e.book Page 26 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM English 26 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Power management This computer has a built-in power management unit that monitors system activity. System activity refers to any activity involving one or more of the following devices: keyboard, mouse, floppy drive, hard disk, peripherals connected to the serial and parallel ports.
TM420-e.book Page 27 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 27 This section gives you tips and hints to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer. Disconnecting from the desktop Follow these steps to disconnect your computer from external accessories: 1 Save your work in progress. 2 Remove any media, diskette or compact disc, from the drive(s). 3 Shut down the computer. 4 Close the display cover. 5 Disconnect the cord from the AC adapter.
TM420-e.book Page 28 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM English 28 1 Getting to know your TravelMate 1 Click on Start, Turn off Computer (Windows XP). 2 Hold "Shift" 3 Click on Hibernation (Windows XP). Then close and latch the display. When you are ready to use the computer again, unlatch and open the display; then release the power button. Note: If the sleep indicator is off, the computer has entered Hibernation mode and turned off.
TM420-e.book Page 29 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 29 Check if you have removed all media, diskettes and compact discs, from the drive(s). Failure to remove the media can damage the drive head. • Pack the computer in a protective case that can prevent the computer from sliding around and cushion it if it should fall. Caution: Avoid packing items next to the top cover of the computer.
TM420-e.book Page 30 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM English 30 1 Getting to know your TravelMate If you use your computer at home for significant periods of time, you might also want to add an external keyboard, monitor, or mouse. Traveling with the computer “when you are moving within a larger distance, for instance, from your office building to a client’s office building or traveling locally” Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as if you were taking it home.
TM420-e.book Page 31 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 31 Bring the following items with you: • AC adapter • Power cords that are appropriate for the country to which you are traveling • Spare, fully-charged battery packs • Proof of purchase, in case you need to show it to Customs officials • International Traveler’s Warranty passport Special considerations Follow the same special considerations as when traveling with the computer.
TM420-e.book Page 32 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM English 32 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Securing your computer Your computer is a valuable investment that you need to take care of. Learn how to protect and take care of your computer. Security features include hardware and software locks — a security notch and passwords. Using a computer security lock A security keylock notch located on the rear panel of the computer lets you connect a Kensington-compatible computer security lock.
TM420-e.book Page 33 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 33 on boot-up and resume from hibernation for maximum security. Hard Disk Password protects your data by preventing unauthorized access to your hard disk. Even if the hard disk is removed from the computer and moved to another computer, it cannot be accessed without the Hard Disk Password.
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TM420-e.book Page 36 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM After learning the basics of your TravelMate computer, let’s get acquainted with the advanced features of your computer. In this chapter, you will learn how to add options, upgrade components for better performance, and customize your computer.
TM420-e.book Page 37 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 37 Your TravelMate offers you a complete mobile computing experience. Connectivity options Ports allow you to connect peripheral devices to your computer as you would with a desktop PC. Fax/data modem Your computer have a built-in V.90/92 56Kbps AC’97 Link fax/data modem. Warning! This modem port is not compatible with digital phone lines. Plugging this modem into a digital phone line will damage the modem.
TM420-e.book Page 38 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM English 38 2 Customizing my computer Built-in network feature The built-in network feature allows you to connect your computer to an Ethernet-based (10/100 Mbps) network. To use the network feature, connect an Ethernet cable from the network jack on the right side of the computer to a network jack or hub on your network.
TM420-e.book Page 39 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 39 The computer's IEEE 1394 port allows you to connect to an IEEE 1394 supported devices like a video camera or digital camera. See your video or digital camera's documentation for details. PC Card slot The type II CardBus PC Card slot found on the right side of the computer accepts credit-card-sized cards that enhance the usability and expandability of the computer. These cards should have a PC Card logo on them.
TM420-e.book Page 40 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 40 2 Customizing my computer English Inserting a PC Card Insert the card into the slot and make the proper connection (e.g., network cable), if necessary. See your card manual for details. Ejecting a PC Card Before ejecting a PC Card: 1 Exit the application using the card. 2 Left-click on the PC Card icon on the taskbar and stop the card operation.
TM420-e.book Page 41 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 41 Your computer delivers superior power and performance. However, some users and the applications they use may demand more. This computer allows you to upgrade key components when you need increased performance. Note: Contact your authorized dealer if you decide to perform a key component upgrade. Memory upgrade Memory is expandable to 1 GB, employing 128/256/512-MB industry standard soDIMMs (Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules).
TM420-e.book Page 42 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 42 2 Customizing my computer Remove the screw from the memory cover (a); then lift up and remove the memory cover (b). 3 Insert the memory module diagonally into the slot (a), then gently press it down (b) until it clicks into place. 4 Replace the memory cover and secure it with the screw. 5 Reinstall the battery pack, and reconnect the AC adapter. 6 Turn on the computer.
TM420-e.book Page 43 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 43 Launch Manager Launch Manager allows you to set the four launch keys located above the keyboard. See “Launch Keys” on page 18 for the location of the launch key. You can access the Launch Manager by clicking on Start, All Programs, and then Launch Manager to start the application. You can manually switch off the 802.11b wireless LAN by pressing the wireless button.
TM420-e.book Page 44 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM English 44 2 Customizing my computer To activate the BIOS Utility, press F2 during the POST (power-on selftest) while the TravelMate logo is being displayed.
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TM420-e.book Page 46 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM This chapter instructs you on how to deal with common system problems. Read it before calling a technician if a problem occurs. Solutions to more serious problems require opening up the computer. Do not attempt to open the computer by yourself. Contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance. key link: www.acersupport.
TM420-e.book Page 47 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 47 The following is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer. Easy answers and solutions are provided for each one. I opened the display and pressed the power button, but computer does not start or boot-up. Look at the Power indicator: • • If it is not lit, no power is being applied to the computer. Check the following: • If you are running on battery power, it may be low and unable to power the computer.
TM420-e.book Page 48 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 48 3 Troubleshooting my computer English Image is not full-screen. The computer display has a native resolution of 1024 x 768 (XGA) for the 14.1”/15.0” or 1400 x 1050 (SXGA+) for the 15.0”(selected models only). If you set the resolution lower than this, the screen expands to fill the computer display. Right-click on your Windows desktop and select Properties to bring up the Display Properties dialog box.
TM420-e.book Page 49 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 49 There is a mechanical eject button on the optical drive. Simply insert the tip of a pen or paperclip and push to eject the tray. The keyboard does not respond. Try attaching an external keyboard to the USB port of the computer. If it works, contact your dealer or an authorized service center as the internal keyboard cable may be loose. The printer does not work.
TM420-e.book Page 50 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM English 50 3 Troubleshooting my computer Requesting service International Traveler’s Warranty (ITW) Your computer is backed by an International Traveler’s Warranty (ITW) that gives you security and peace of mind when traveling. Our worldwide network of service centers are there to give you a helping hand. An ITW passport comes with your computer. This passport contains all you need to know about the ITW program.
TM420-e.book Page 51 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 51 Please have the following information available when you call Acer for online service, and please be at your computer when you call. With your support, we can reduce the amount of time a call takes and help solve your problems efficiently. If there are error messages or beeps reported by your computer, write them down as they appear on the screen (or the number and sequence in the case of beeps).
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TM420-e.book Page 54 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer.
TM420-e.book Page 55 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 55 Microprocessor Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor with 512 KB level 2 cache, 400 MHz FSB (front side bus) • Main memory expandable to 1 GB, dual 200-pin soDIMM sockets • DDR 266 (PC2100) DDR-SDRAM (Double Data Rate-Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) support • 512 KB Flash ROM BIOS Data storage • One high-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk • One 5.
TM420-e.book Page 56 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 56 English • Appendix A Specifications Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device with 4-way scroll button I/O ports • One type II CardBus PC Card slots • One RJ-45 jack (Ethernet 10/100) • One RJ-11 jack (V.90/56Kbps) • One DC-in jack • One parallel port (ECP/EPP) • One external monitor port • One headphone/speaker/line-out jack (3.5mm mini jack) • One microphone/line-in jack (3.
TM420-e.book Page 57 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 57 System ACPI support • DMI 2.0-compliant • Microsoft Windows operating system Power • • Battery pack • 70Wh Li-Ion battery pack • 2.5~3-hour rapid charge/3.
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TM420-e.book Page 60 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM This appendix lists the general notices of your computer.
TM420-e.book Page 61 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 61 This device 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 device generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
TM420-e.book Page 62 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM English 62 Appendix B Notices Notice: Canadian users This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Remarque à l’intention des utilisateurs canadiens Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respected toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada. Modem notices FCC This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules.
TM420-e.book Page 63 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 63 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.
TM420-e.book Page 64 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 64 Appendix B Notices English f If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service. 12 Replace the battery with the same type as the product's battery we recommend. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion. 13 Warning! Batteries may explode if not handled properly. Do not disassemble or dispose of them in fire. Keep them away from children and dispose of used batteries promptly.
TM420-e.book Page 65 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM 65 ADVARSEL! Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosionsfare ved fejlagtig håndtering. Udskiftning må kun ske med batteri af samme fabrikat og type. Léver det brugte batteri tilbage til leverandøren. ADVARSEL Eksplosjonsfare ved feilaktig skifte av batteri. Benytt samme batteritype eller en tilsvarende type anbefalt av apparatfabrikanten. Brukte batterier kasseres i henhold til fabrikantens instruksjoner. VARNING Explosionsfara vid felaktigt batteribyte.
TM420-e.book Page 66 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM English 66 Appendix B Notices A-Tick notice For safety reasons, only connect headsets with a telecommunications compliance label. This includes customer equipment previously labelled permitted or certified. The unit shall be connected to Telecommunication Network through a line cord which meets the requirements of ACA Technical Standard TS008. Australian approved mains cord set shall be used with the equipment.
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