User's Manual
Table Of Contents
- Notices, Compliance and Safety
 - Getting Started
 - Getting Familiar With Your Computer
- Front View
 - Left Side View
 - Right Side View
 - Back Edge View
 - Bottom View
 - Keyboard Basics
 - Radio ON/OFF Switch (option)
 - Application Launch Key
 - Touch Screen Display
 - Lid Switch
 - LED Status Indicators
 - Audio
 - The PC Card Slot
 - Touchpad
 - Smart Card or EXPRESS Card Slot (option)
 - The Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
 - The Media Bay
 - Computer Security
 - Ports and Connectors
 - ENERGY STAR®
 
 - Making Connections
 - Wireless Communication
 - Operating with Battery Power
 - Customizing Your BIOS
 - Optional Equipment and Accessories
 - Maintenance and Storage
 - Service and Support
 - Troubleshooting
- Application Troubleshooting
 - Battery Troubleshooting
 - Display / Touch Screen
- The display performance is slow
 - I can’t read the display
 - The underlined, inverse, and hypertext characters are difficult to read on the screen
 - I can’t see the cursor while using the DOS editor
 - I changed my display resolution, but I see no difference on the screen
 - Nothing happens when I try to use the stylus on my touch screen
 - The touch screen doesn’t respond after a suspend
 
 - Hard Disk
 - Keyboard and Mouse Troubleshooting
 - Modem Troubleshooting
 - PC Cards
 - Miscellaneous Troubleshooting
- The computer shuts off unexpectedly
 - The speaker volume is too high or too low
 - The computer won’t turn on
 - The computer won’t turn off
 - The computer enters suspend mode too quickly
 - The computer doesn’t automatically suspend
 - The system date and time are incorrect
 - I receive an “out of memory” error message
 - Holding down the Power button to reset the computer doesn’t always work
 - The computer doesn’t make any sounds, even during boot-up
 - The fan stopped running
 - Can I improve the startup speed of my programs by cleaning up and rearranging files on the hard drive?
 
 
 
General Dynamics Itronix | 72-0137-001 
GD8000 User Guide
Maintenance and Storage
 
Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations. Recycle 
if at all possible.
 
Avoid exposing batteries to extremely hot or cold temperatures 
for long periods. To prevent possible damage to the battery, 
the GD8000 does not allow the battery to charge if the internal 
temperature of the battery gets too low (< 5°C or < 41°F) or too 
high (> 50°C or > 122°F).
 
Charge the battery nightly where the temperature will remain 
around 20°C (68°F).
 
Recalibrate your battery when your battery performance 
degrades.
Taking Care of Your Hard Drive
The GD8000 hard drive is a removable, shock-mounted drive.  
You can reduce the risk of damage to the hard drive and 
increase the reliability of the hard drive and data integrity by 
following the recommendations below.
For Internal Hard Drives
 
Do not intentionally drop the computer. The unit is designed to 
withstand the day to day rigors of the mobile environment and 
provide years of reliable service.  The useful life of the product 
can be enhanced by not intentionally abusing it
 
Whenever possible, suspend the unit by pressing FN+F3 before 
moving it from one location to another. This unloads the read/
write heads and spins down the disk, reducing exposure to high 
operating shocks.
 
Maintain the environmental seal of the computer by keeping all 
external access doors closed and latched.
 
Avoid exposing the unit to extreme temperatures or moisture 
when the doors are open
 
Periodically backup or archive important files and data.
For External PC Cards
Each PC Card manufacturer provides specific guidelines for 
the care and handling of the product. In addition, follow these 
recommendations:
 
When the PC Card is not inserted in a PC Card socket, store the 
PC Card in a protective carrying case. This will help protect it 
from inadvertent shocks.
 
Always use care when handling PC Cards. Do not drop, bend, 
flex, or crush them.
 
Avoid exposing PC Cards to extreme moisture, heat, or sunlight.
 
Keep all debris out of the connector to ensure good electrical 
connections.
 
There are no user repairable parts in the PC Card slot. Do not 
attempt to disassemble any part of the device. The warranty 
will be voided if drive seals are broken or screws have been 
removed.
 
Periodically backup or archive important files and data.
 
If you have problems with your PC Card, contact the 
manufacturer for more information and troubleshooting 
information.
Cleaning Your Computer
Cleaning the Outside Case
1. 
Disconnect external power and turn off the computer.
2. 
Remove the battery.
3. 
Add a small amount of water to a soft cloth and clean the 
computer case. Do not use paper products because they can 
scratch the surface.
4. 
Wipe off any excess liquid with a soft cloth.
5. 
Reinstall the battery.
CAUTION  Aerosols, solvents, or strong detergents are not 
recommended cleaning solutions and may void your warranty.  
For system decontamination recommendations please contact 
your support representative.
Cleaning the Display
Use a soft, dry cloth. In some cases, you can use a small 
amount of water to remove streaks or smears.  For difficult 
display cleaning tasks, use a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol 
and water. Do not use paper products because they can 
scratch the screen.
Cleaning the External Power Connector  
The external power connector may sometimes be exposed 
to moisture and/or contamination causing an unreliable 
connection to the external power source.  Clean the connector 
with a cotton swab dipped in electronics grade isopropyl 
alcohol. 
Cleaning the RJ-11/ RJ-45 / USB Connectors 
If the connector pins get dirty, clean the connector with a 
cotton swab dipped in electronics grade isopropyl alcohol.










