TravelMate 370 series MS2130 User’s guide
Copyright © 2003 Acer Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. TravelMate 370 series User’s guide Original Issue: September 2003 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.
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. This User’s guide introduces you to the many ways your computer can help you be more productive.
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 left of the launch keys found above your TravelMate’s standard keyboard. See “Front open view” on 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.
v Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture. • 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.
English vi Cleaning and servicing • When cleaning the computer, follow these steps: • Power off the computer and remove the battery pack. • Disconnect the AC adapter. • Use a soft cloth moistened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. • 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.
iii iii iv 1 Getting to know your TravelMate 1 A TravelMate tour Front open view Front view Left view Right view Rear view Bottom view Features Indicators Using the keyboard Special keys Launch Keys Touchpad Touchpad basics Storage Hard disk IEEE 1394 Optical drive Using software Audio Adjusting the volume Power management Moving around with your TravelMate Disconnecting from the desktop Moving around Taking the computer home Traveling with the computer Traveling internationally with the computer Securin
BIOS Utility Disk to Disk Recovery 3 Troubleshooting my computer Frequently-asked questions Troubleshooting tips Error messages Requesting service International Travelers Warranty (ITW) Before you call 45 46 47 49 52 53 54 54 54 Appendix A Specifications 57 Appendix B Notices 63 Index 73
1 Getting to know your TravelMate
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.
3 After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters... poster, let us show you around your new TravelMate computer. Front open view # Item Description 1 Display screen Also called LCD (liquid-crystal display), displays computer output.
English 4 1 Getting to know your TravelMate # Item Description 2 Status indicators LEDs (light-emitting diode) that turn on and off to show the status of the computer, its functions and components. 3 Power button Turns on the computer. 4 Launch keys Two special keys for frequently used programs. See “Launch Keys” on page 21 for more details. 5 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when you use the computer.
5 English Front view # Item Description 1 Infrared port Interfaces with infrared devices (e.g., infrared printer, IR-aware computer). 2 Latch Latch for opening and closing the computer. 3 3-in-1 card reader1 Reads cards from Memory Stick, MultiMedia, and Secure Digital cards. Notes: 1.Three-in-one card reader is a manufacturing option, subject to configuration. Only one card can operate at any given time.
English 6 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Left view # Item Description 1 Modem port Connects to a phone line. 2 Ethernet port Connects to an Ethernet 10/100based network. 3 DC-in jack Connects the AC adapter. 4 USB 2.0 port Connects to Universal Serial Bus devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera). 5 IEEE 1394 port Connects to IEEE 1394 devices. 6 Headphone/ Speaker/ Lineout jack Connects to headphones or other line-out audio devices (speaker).
7 Item Description 7 Microphone/line-in jack Accepts input from external microphones, or other audio line-in devices (e.g. audio CD player, stereo walkman and etc.) 8 PC Card slot Accepts one Type II 16-bit PC Card or 32-bit CardBus PC Card. 9 Eject button Ejects the PC Card from the slot. Right view # Item Description 1 HDD Houses the computer’s hard disk. 2 USB 2.0 ports Connects to Universal Serial Bus devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera).
English 8 1 Getting to know your TravelMate # Item Description 3 Vantilation Slot Enables the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use. 4 Security keylock Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security lock. Rear view # Item Description 1 External display port Connects to a display device (e.g., external monitor, LCD projector) and displays up to 16.7 million colors with 1024x768 pixel resolution.
9 English Bottom view # Item Description 1 RAM slot The slot that houses the computer's main memory. 2 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack. 3 Battery release latch Unlatches the battery to remove the battery pack. 4 Vantilation Slot Enables the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use.
English 10 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Features Below is a brief summary of the computer’s many features: Performance • Intel® Pentium® M Processor at 1.3 ~1.
11 • High-speed fax/data modem port • Ethernet/Fast Ethernet port • Fast infrared wireless communication • Two USB 2.0 ports • IEEE 1394 port • InviLink 802.11b or 802.
English 12 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Indicators The computer has seven easy-to-read status indicators on the display screen and three on the LCD panel. The Wireless, Power and Sleep status indicators are visible even when the display is closed. Icon Function Description Wireless Orange indicates that wireless LAN is enabled. Power Lights green when the power is on and standby mode.
13 Function Description Media Activity Lights when the floppy drive, hard disk or optical drive is active. Battery Charge Lights when the battery is being charged. Caps Lock Lights when Caps Lock is activated. Num Lock Lights when Num Lock is activated.
English 14 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 four 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. Num Lock (Fn-F11) When Num Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in numeric mode.
15 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. Hold Fn while using cursor-control keys.
English 16 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: + Tab (Activates next taskbar button) + E (Explores My Computer) + F (Finds Document) + M (Minimizes All) Shift + + M (Undoes Minimize All) + R (Displays the Run... dialog box) Application key Opens a context menu (same as a right-click).
17 The computer employs hot keys or key combinations to access most of the computer’s controls like screen brightness, volume output and the BIOS Utility. To activate a keyboard hot key, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the other key(s) in the hot key combination. Hot key Icon Function Description Fn-F1 Hot key help Displays help on hot keys. Fn-F2 Setup Accesses the computer’s configuration utility.
English 18 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 resume. Fn-F7 Touchpad Toggle Turns the internal touchpad on and off. Fn-F8 Speaker on/off Turns the speaker on and off.
19 If your keyboard layout is set to United States-International or United Kingdom or if you have a keyboard with a European layout, you can type the Euro symbol on your keyboard. 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 Millennium Edition and Windows 2000, follow the steps below: 1 Click on Start, Settings, Control Panel.
English 20 1 Getting to know your TravelMate If not, select and click on ADD; then select United StatesInternational and click on OK. 5 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.
21 Located above the keyboard are six buttons. These keys are special one-click buttons that perform special functions. # Launch key Default application 1 Wireless This button permits user Enabled/Disabled Wireless LAN network.
English 22 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 optimum comfort and support. Touchpad basics The following items teach you how to use the touchpad: • Move your finger across the touchpad to move the cursor.
23 Center buttons Left button Execute Click twice quickly Tap twice (at the same speed as double-clicking a mouse button) Select Click once Tap once Drag Click and hold, then use finger to drag the cursor on the touchpad Tap twice (at the same speed as double-clicking a mouse button) then hold finger to the touchpad on the second tap and drag the cursor Access context menu Scroll Tap Click once Click and hold the up/ down/ left/ right Note: A.
English 24 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Storage This computer supplies you with the following media storage: • High-capacity Enhanced-IDE hard disk • IEEE 1394 Optical (CD, DVD, DVD/CD-RW combo, or DVD-Dual) drive • USB Floppy drive Hard disk The high-capacity hard disk is the answer to your storage needs. This is where your programs and data are stored.
25 Playing DVD movies When the DVD-ROM drive module is installed, 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.
English 26 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Audio The computer comes with 16-bit high-fidelity AC’97 stereo audio, and stereo speaker. Adjusting the volume Adjusting the volume on the computer is as easy as pressing some buttons. See “Keyboard Hot keys” on page 17 for more informations on adjusting the speaker volume.
27 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, and video memory. If no activity is detected for a period of time (called an inactivity timeout), the computer stops some or all of these devices in order to conserve energy.
English 28 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Moving around with your TravelMate 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.
29 When you are ready to use the computer again, unlatch and open the display; then press and release the power button. Note: If the sleep indicator is off, the computer has entered Hibernation mode and turned off. If the power indicator is off but the sleep indicator is on, the computer has entered Sleep mode. In both cases, press and release the power button to turn the computer back on. Note that the computer may enter Hibernation mode after it is in Sleep mode for a period of time.
English 30 1 Getting to know your TravelMate 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.
31 “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. Make sure that the battery in the computer is charged. Airport security may require you to turn on your computer when bringing it into the gate area.
English 32 1 Getting to know your TravelMate • AC adapter • Power cords that are appropriate for the country to which you are traveling • Spare, fully-charged battery packs • IEEE 1394 optical drive module(s) • Additional printer driver files if you plan to use another printer • Proof of purchase, in case you need to show it to customs officials • International Travelers Warranty passport Special considerations Follow the same special considerations as when traveling with the computer.
33 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 of the computer lets you connect a Kensington-compatible computer security lock. Wrap a computer security lock cable around an immovable object such as a table or locked drawer handle.
English 34 • 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Password on Boot secures your computer against unauthorized use. Combine the use of this password with password checkpoints on boot-up and resume from hibernation for maximum security. Important! Do not forget your Supervisor! If you forget your password, please get in touch with your dealer or an authorized service center. Entering passwords When a password is set, a password prompt appears in the center of the display screen.
2 Customizing my computer
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.
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. For instructions on how to connect different external devices to the computer, see your online guide for more details. Fax/data modem Your computer has a built-in V.90/92 56Kbps AC’97 Link fax/data modem. Warning! This modem port is not compatible with digital phone lines.
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 left of the computer to a network jack or hub on your network.
39 The Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) port is a high-speed serial bus which allows you to connect and daisy-chain USB peripherals without taking up precious system resources. Your computer has two ports available, one on left and the other one on right.
English 40 2 Customizing my computer IEEE 1394 port The computer's IEEE 1394 port allows you to connect to an IEEE 1394 supported devices like a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, DVD/CD-RW Combo or DVD-Dual drive. PC Card slot The type II CardBus PC Card slot found on the left 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.
41 Insert the card into the slot and make the proper connections (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. 3 Press the slot eject button to pop out the eject button (a); then press it again to eject the card (b).
English 42 2 Customizing my computer Upgrade options 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 2 GB, employing 128/256/512/1024-MB industry standard soDIMMs (Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules).
