TravelMate 800 series User’s guide
Copyright © 2003 Acer Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. TravelMate 800 series User’s guide Original Issue: February 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, the button 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 switch. 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 subject the computer to magnetic fields. • 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 2 Disconnect the AC adapter. 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 55.
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 Touchpad Touchpad basics Storage Hard disk AcerMedia bay 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 Securing your computer Using
English viii Launch Manager BIOS Utility 3 Troubleshooting my computer Frequently-asked questions Troubleshooting tips Error messages Requesting service International Traveler’s Warranty (ITW) Before you call 54 54 55 57 60 61 62 62 62 Appendix A Specifications 65 Appendix B Notices 71 Index 79
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. 2 Power button Turns on the computer. 3 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer mouse.
English 4 1 Getting to know your TravelMate # Item Description 5 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when you use the computer. 6 Keyboard Inputs data into your computer. 7 Status indicators LEDs (light-emitting diode) that turn on and off to show the status of the computer, its functions and components. 8 Launch keys Special keys for launching internet browser, email program and frequently used programs. See “Launch Keys” on page 20 for more details.
5 English Front view # Item Description 1 Speaker Outputs sound. 2 Bluetooth button Starts (optional) Bluetooth functionality. 3 Bluetooth indicator Indicates that (optional) Bluetooth is enabled. 4 InviLink button Opens (optional) wireless connectivity. 5 InviLink indicator Indicates status of (optional) wireless communication. 6 Latch Latch for opening and closing the laptop. 7 Infrared port Interfaces with infrared devices (e.g., infrared printer, IR-aware computer).
English 6 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Left view # Item Description 1 Four (4) USB 2.0 ports Connect to Universal Serial Bus devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera). 2 IEEE 1394 port Connects to IEEE 1394 devices. 3 Smart Card slot Slot for Smart Card interface with preboot authentication system. 4 Line-in jack Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g., audio CD player, stereo walkman). 5 Microphone jack Accepts input from external microphones.
7 English Right view # Item Description 1 AcerMedia drive Houses a removable media drive module. 2 AcerMedia indicator Lights up when the AcerMedia drive is active. 3 Eject button Ejects the drive tray. 4 Emergency eject slot Ejects the drive tray when the computer is turned off. See page 58 for more details. 5 Power jack Connects to an AC adapter.
English 8 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Rear view # Item Description 1 Modem jack Connects to a phone line. 2 Network jack Connects to an Ethernet 10/100-based network. 3 Expansion port Connects to I/O port replicator or EasyPort expansion devices. 4 Parallel port Connects to a parallel device (e.g., parallel printer). 5 External display port Connects to a display device (e.g., external monitor, LCD projector).
9 English Bottom view # Item Description 1 AcerMedia bay release latch Unlatches the AcerMedia drive for removing the optical drive. 2 AcerMedia bay Houses an AcerMedia drive module. 3 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack. 4 Battery release latch Unlatches the battery to remove the battery pack. 5 Battery lock Locks the battery in place. 6 Mini-PCI slot Slot for adding mini-PCI cards. 7 Hard disk protector Protects the hard disk from accidental bumps and vibration.
English 10 1 Getting to know your TravelMate # Item Description 8 Hard disk bay Houses the computer's hard disk (secured by a screw). 9 Memory compartment Houses the computer’s memory. 10 Cooling fan Helps keep the computer cool. Note: Don’t cover or obstruct the opening of the fan. 11 Personal identification slot Insert a business card or similar-sized identification card to personalize your computer.
11 Below is a brief summary of the computer’s many features: Performance • Intel® Pentium® M Processor with 1024 KB level 2 cache featuring the new Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep™ technology • Memory expandable up to 2 GB • Internal removable optical drive (AcerMedia bay) • High-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk • Li-Ion main battery pack • Power management system with ACPI (Advanced Configuration Power Interface) • Smart Card interface with pre-boot authentication system for added security Displa
English 12 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Connectivity • High-speed fax/data modem port • Ethernet/Fast Ethernet port • Fast infrared wireless communication • Four (4) USB 2.0 (Universal Serial Bus) ports • IEEE 1394 port • InviLink 802.
13 The computer has three easy-to-read status indicators below the display screen, and two on the front of the computer. The Battery and Power status indicators are visible even when you close the display. Icon Function Description Caps lock Lights when Caps Lock is activated. Num lock Lights when Num Lock is activated. Media Activity Lights when the disc or AcerMedia is activated. Battery Lights orange when the battery is charging. Lights green when the battery is full.
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 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. 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 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 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 return. Fn-F7 Touchpad toggle Turns the internal touchpad on and off. Fn-F8 Speaker toggle Turns the speakers on and off. Fn-↑ Volume up Increases the speaker volume.
19 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 Millennium Edition and Windows 2000, follow the steps below: 1 Click on Start, Settings, Control Panel. 2 Double-click on Keyboard. 3 Click on the Language tab.
20 English 4 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Verify that the keyboard layout used for "En English (United States)" is set to United States-International. 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.
21 Default application Mail Email application. Web browser Internet browser application P1 User-programmable P2 User-programmable E-Mail Detection 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. If you already have an email account, you can fill in User Name, Password and POP3 Sever in the dialog box.
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. Note: When using an external USB mouse, you can press Fn-F7 to disable the touchpad.
23 • Right button Center buttons Function 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 button in the desired direction (up/down/ left/right)
English 24 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Storage This computer supplies you with the following media storage: • High-capacity Enhanced-IDE hard disk • AcerMedia drive Hard disk The high-capacity hard disk is the answer to your storage needs. This is where your programs and data are stored. AcerMedia bay The AcerMedia bay accepts a wide variety of optional media drive modules for use with your computer.
25 To eject the optical drive tray when the computer is turned on, press the drive eject button. When the power is off, you can eject the drive tray using the emergency eject hole. See page 58. Using software Playing DVD movies When the DVD-ROM drive module is installed in the AcerMedia 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.
26 English 2 1 Getting to know your TravelMate The DVD movie will automatically play after a few seconds. Region code Country or region 1 U.S.A., Canada 2 Europe, Middle East, South Africa, Japan 3 Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Korea (South) 4 Latin America, Australia, New Zealand 5 Former U.S.S.R., parts of Africa, India 6 People's Republic of China Note: To change the region code, insert a DVD movie of a different region into the DVD-ROM drive.
27 The computer comes with 16-bit high-fidelity AC’97 stereo audio, and includes a built-in sensitive microphone and dual stereo speakers. There are audio ports on the left of the computer. See “Front view Left view” on page 5 for more information on connecting external audio devices. Adjusting the volume Adjusting the volume on the computer is as easy as pressing some buttons. See “Hot keys” on page 17 for more informations on adjusting the speaker volume.
English 28 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, 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.
29 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. 6 Disconnect the keyboard, pointing device, printer, external monitor, and other external devices.
30 1 Getting to know your TravelMate English - or you can put the computer in Sleep mode by pressing Fn-F4. Then close and latch the display. When you are ready to use the computer again, unlatch and open the display; then slide and release the power switch. 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.
31 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.
English 32 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. Make sure that the battery in the computer is charged.
33 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 • AcerMedia 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 Traveler’s Warranty passport Special considerations Follow the same special considerations as when traveling with the computer.
English 34 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, Smart Card and passwords. Using a computer security lock A security keylock notch located on the left panel of the computer lets you connect a Kensington-compatible computer security lock.
35 PlatinumSecure enhances the secure logon procedure for your Windows at the operating system level. It provides user authentication through its encryption/decryption function using the Smart Card. If your Smart Card is unavailable, you can use the Emergency Card as a temporary replacement card.
English 36 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Registering your Smart Card Important! Your Acer notebook is equipped with a Smart Card security feature that protects the computer from unauthorized access. If you enable this feature, please make sure that your warranty card is completed and sent back to Acer. This information will be used by Acer service centers to confirm ownership in case your Smart Card "key" is lost or damaged.
37 English PlatinumSecure Options Click on the PlatinumSecure Options button to open the Smart Card Options window. It provides great flexibility to meet the various privacy protection needs of many different users. • Disable Smart Card Authentication When Disable PlatinumPAS is selected, the PlatinumPAS Preboot Authentication System will be disabled.
38 English • 1 Getting to know your TravelMate System Lock Option When Lock system when the Smart Card is not in use (default) is selected, if the Smart Card is removed, the PlatinumSecure screensaver comes up and access to the system is locked. When Never lock the system after bootup is selected, there is no protection for the PC after boot up, and Password Option is disabled.
39 • Running PlatinumKey PlatinumKey provides one-click logon to all password-required websites. With its unique Smart Card caching technology, you can greatly extend the limited card memory size to unlimited use by storing your private data in an encrypted file either on the Smart Card, or on the 360 Degree Web secure website server.
40 1 Getting to know your TravelMate If PlatinumKey is being used for the very first time, it will ask "Would you like to link to 360 Degree Web secure website server to backup the information on your Smart Card?" The default answer is Yes, and it will enable you to store your information (excluding the Credit Cards) on the 360 Degree Web secure website server for backup purposes in case the card is lost/stolen.
41 • Important! Do not forget your Supervisor and Hard Disk Password! 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 left-hand corner of the display screen. • When the Supervisor Password is set, a prompt appears when you press F2 to enter the BIOS Utility at boot-up. • Type the Supervisor Password and press Enter to access the BIOS Utility.
English 42 1 Getting to know your TravelMate
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.
45 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 46 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 rear of the computer to a network jack or hub on your network.
47 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 four ports available.
