TravelMate 2000/2500 Series User’s Guide
Copyright © 2004. Acer Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. TravelMate 2000/2500 Series User’s Guide Original Issue: March 2004 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 and release the power switch below the LCD screen beside the Launch keys. See “Front 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 Click on Start, Turn Off Computer; then click on Turn Off.
v 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. Taking care of your AC adapter Here are some ways to take care of your AC adapter: • Do not connect the adapter to any other device. • Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on top of it. Carefully route the power cord and any cables away from personal traffic.
English vi 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 41.
iii iii iv 1 Getting to know your TravelMate 1 A TravelMate tour Front view Left view Right view Rear view Bottom view Features Indicators Indicators in cover Using the keyboard Special keys Touchpad Touchpad basics Storage Hard disk Optical drive Audio 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 a computer security lock 3 3 5
3 Troubleshooting my computer Frequently-asked questions Requesting service International Traveler’s Warranty (ITW) Before you call 41 43 47 47 47 Appendix A Specifications 49 Appendix B Regulation & safety notices 55 Index 69
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 view # Item Description 1 Display screen Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD), displays computer output.
English 4 1 Getting to know your TravelMate # Item Description 2 Status indicators Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that turn on and off to show the status of the computer, its functions and components. 3 Power button Turns on the computer power. 4 Launch Keys Buttons for launching frequently used programs. See“Launch keys” on page 19 for more details. 5 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when you use the computer.
5 English Left view # Item Description 1 PC Card slots Connects to one Type III or two Type II CardBus PC Card(s). 2 Eject buttons Ejects the PC Card from the slot. 3 Optical drive Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or DVDs depending on the optical drive type. 4 Infrared port Interfaces with infrared devices (e.g., infrared printer, IR-aware computer). 5 Eject button Ejects the optical drive tray from the drive. 6 LED indicator Lights up when the optical drive is active.
English 6 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Right view # Item Description 1 Speaker Delivers stereo audio output. 2 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use. 3 Security keylock Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security lock.
7 English Rear view # Item Description 1 Power jack Connects to an AC adapter. 2 Parallel port Connects to a parallel device (e.g., parallel printer). 3 Ventilation slot Enables the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use. 4 External display port Connects to a display device (e.g., external monitor, LCD projector) and displays up to 16M colors at 1024x768 resolution. 5 Four USB 2.0 ports Connect to Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera).
English 8 1 Getting to know your TravelMate # Item Description 8 Speaker/Line-Out/ Headphone jack Connects to audio line-out devices (e.g., speakers, headphones). 9 Line-in/Mic-in jack Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g., audio CD player, stereo walkman). 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.
9 Below is a brief summary of the computer’s many features: Performance • Intel® Pentium® 4 and Intel® Celeron® processors, 2.8 GHz and above • Intel® Hyper-Threading™ Technology • 256/512 MB of DDR333 SDRAM standard, upgradeable to 2048 MB with dual soDIMM modules • 30 GB and above high-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk • Advanced Configuration Power Interface (ACPI) power management system Display • The 14.1” or 15” XGA (1024x768 resolution), or 15.
English 10 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Connectivity • Integrated 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet connection • Built-in 56Kbps fax/data modem • Four Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 ports • IEEE 802.11b or IEEE 802.
11 The computer has seven easy-to-read status icons below the display screen. Icon Function Description Wireless communications Lights when the Wireless LAN capability is enabled. Power Lights when the computer is on. Sleep Lights when the computer enters Standby mode and blinks when it enters into or resumes from hibernation mode. Media activity Lights when the hard disk or optical drive is active. Battery charge Lights when the battery is being charged.
English 12 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Indicators in cover When the cover of your computer is closed, 2 easy-to-read icons are shown, indicating which state or feature is enabled or disabled. Icon Description Lights up when the computer is on. Lights when the computer enters Standby mode and blinks when it enters into or resumes from hibernation mode.
13 The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded 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. The keys function as a calculator (complete with the arithmetic operators +, -, *, and /).
English 14 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Embedded numeric keypad 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.
15 The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Key Description Windows key Pressed alone, this key has the same effect as clicking on the Windows Start button; it launches the Start menu. It can also be used with other keys to provide a variety of functions: + Tab Activates the next Taskbar button. +E Opens the My Computer window. + F1 Opens Help and Support. +F +M Shift + Opens the Find: All Files dialog box. Minimizes all windows.
English 16 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Hot keys 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 Launches the Notebook Manager.
17 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 sound volume. Fn-↓ Volume down Decreases the sound volume.
English 18 1 Getting to know your TravelMate The Euro symbol 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: 1 Click on Start, Control Panel.
19 Located at the top of the keyboard are six buttons. These buttons are called launch keys. They are designated as Wireless, Bluetooth button, Web browser button, mail button, P1 and P2. The Wireless and Bluetooth buttons cannot be set by the user. To set the other four launch keys, run the Acer Launch Manager.
English 20 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Touchpad The built-in touchpad is a PS/2-compatible 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 or serial mouse, you can press Fn-F7 to disable the touchpad.
21 • Use the 4-way scroll (2) button to scroll up or down and move left or right a page. This button mimics your cursor pressing on the right scroll bar of Windows applications. Right Button Center Button 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.
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: DVD/CD-RW Combo or DVD-Dual Hard disk The high-capacity hard disk is the answer to your storage needs. This is where your data files and applications are stored.
23 When the DVD 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.
English 24 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Audio The computer comes with 16-bit high-fidelity AC’97 stereo audio. The built-in dual stereo speakers are easy to access. There are audio ports on the rear panel of the computer. See “Rear view” on page 7 for more information on external audio devices. Power management This computer has a built-in power management unit that monitors system activity.
25 This section gives you tips and hints on things 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 or compact disc from the drive(s). 3 Shut down the operating system. 4 Turn off the computer. 5 Close the display cover. 6 Disconnect the cord from the AC adapter.
English 26 1 Getting to know your TravelMate - 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, and press and release the power switch. If the power indicator is off, the computer has entered Hibernation mode and turned off. Press and release the power switch to turn the computer back on. Note that the computer may enter Hibernation mode after a period of time it is in Sleep mode.
27 What to bring with you Unless you already have some items at home, bring the following items with you: • AC adapter and power cord • The printed user’s guide Special considerations Follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling to and from work: • Minimize the effect of temperature changes by keeping the computer with you.
English 28 1 Getting to know your TravelMate 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. Airport security may require you to turn on your computer when bringing it into the gate area.
29 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 • 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 30 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 lock and passwords. Using a computer security lock A security keylock notch located on the right panel of the computer lets you connect a Kensington-compatible computer security lock.
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.
33 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. Modem Your computer has a built-in V.92 56Kbps AC’97 Link modem. Warning! This modem port is not compatible with digital phone lines. Plugging this modem into a digital phone line will damage the modem. To use the modem, connect a phone cable from the modem jack to a phone line jack.
English 34 2 Customizing my computer Network Your computer has built-in Ethernet/Fast Ethernet capabilities. To use the network feature, connect an Ethernet cable from the network jack to an network jack or hub. Consult your network administrator for details. Universal Serial Bus 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.
35 There are one Type III or two Type II CardBus PC Card slots found on the left side of the computer. The slots accept credit-card-sized cards that enhance the usability and expandability of the computer. These cards should have a PC Card logo on them. PC Cards (formerly PCMCIA) are add-on cards for portable computers, giving you expansion possibilities long afforded by desktop PCs. CardBus improves on the 16-bit PC card technology by expanding the bandwidth to 32 bits.
English 36 3 2 Customizing my computer Press the slot eject button (1) to pop out the eject button; then press it again to eject the card (2). 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.
37 Follow these steps to install memory: 1 Turn off the computer, unplug the AC adapter (if connected) and remove the battery pack. Then turn the computer over to access its base. 2 Remove the screw from the memory cover (1), then lift up and remove the memory cover (2). 3 Insert the memory module diagonally into the slot (1), then gently press it down until it clicks into place (2). 4 Replace the memory cover and secure it with the screw.
English 38 2 Customizing my computer Using system utilities Notebook Manager The computer has a built-in system setup program called Notebook Manager. The Windows-based Notebook Manager allows you to set passwords, the startup sequence of the drives, and power management settings. It also shows current hardware configurations. To start the Notebook Manager, press Fn-F2 or follow these steps: 1 Click on Start, All Programs, then Notebook Manager.
39 There are six Launch Keys located above the keyboard. The Wireless and Bluetooth buttons are not programmable. Launch Manager only allows you to set the other four Launch Keys. See “Launch keys” on page 19 for more information. You can access the Launch Manager by clicking on Start, All Programs, and then Launch Manager to start the application. BIOS Utility The BIOS Utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer’s Basic Input/Output System (BIOS).
English 40 2 Customizing my computer
3 Troubleshooting my computer
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.
43 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 pressed the power switch and opened the display, but the 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. Connect the AC adapter to recharge the battery pack.
English 44 3 Troubleshooting my computer Image is not full-screen. Make sure that the resolution is set to 1024x768. This is the native resolution of your computer display. Right-click on your Windows desktop and select Properties to bring up the Display Properties dialog box. Then click on the Settings tab to make sure that the resolution is set to the appropriate resolution. Resolutions lower than the specified resolution are not full-screen on the computer or on an external monitor.
45 Check the following: • Make sure the disc is supported by the drive. If your computer has a CD-ROM drive, it can read CDs but cannot read DVDs. If your computer has a DVD drive, it can read DVDs in addition to CDs. • When placing the CD or DVD in the drive tray, make sure it is secure in the spindle on the drive tray. • Make sure the CD or DVD is free from scratches or smudges. If the CD or DVD is dirty, clean it using a disc cleaning kit. Remember to follow the instructions included with the kit.
English 46 3 Troubleshooting my computer I want to set up my location to use the internal modem. To properly use your communications software, you need to set up your location: 1 Click on Start, Control Panel. 2 Double-click on Phone and Modem Options. 3 Click on the Dialing Rules tab and begin setting up your location. Refer to Windows Help and Support.
47 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. A list of available, authorized service centers is in this handy booklet. Read this passport thoroughly.
English 48 3 Troubleshooting my computer
Appendix A Specifications
This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer.
51 • Intel® Pentium® 4 and Intel® Celeron® processors, 2.8 GHz and above Memory • 256/512 MB of DDR333 SDRAM standard, upgradeable to 2048 MB with dual soDIMM modules • 512 KB flash ROM BIOS Data storage • One 30 GB and above E-IDE hard disk (2.5”, 9.5mm, UltraDMA-100) • One internal optical drive Display and video • 14.1”/15.
English 52 Appendix A Specifications Keyboard and pointing device • 84/85/88-key Windows keyboard • Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device with scroll function I/O ports • One Type III or two type II PC Card slots • One RJ-11 phone jack (V.92, 56Kbps modem) • One RJ-45 network jack (Ethernet 10/100 Base-T) • One DC-in jack (AC adapter) • One parallel port (ECP/EPP compliant) • One external monitor port • One line-out jack (3.5mm minijack) • One line-in jack (3.
53 • Microsoft® Windows® XP Home/Pro • ACPI 1.0b support • DMI 2.
English 54 Appendix A Specifications
Appendix B Regulation & safety notices
This appendix lists the general notices for your computer.
As an Energy Star Partner, Acer Inc. has determined that this product meets the Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency. FCC notice 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.
English 58 Appendix B Regulation & safety notices Caution Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority, which is granted by the Federal Communications Commission, to operate this computer. Operation conditions This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
If this equipment should fail to operate properly, disconnect the equipment from the phone line to determine if it is causing the problem. If the problem is with the equipment, discontinue use and contact your dealer or vendor. Caution: To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger UL Listed or CSA Certified Telecommunication Line Cord. TBR 21 This equipment has been approved [Council Decision 98/482/EC - "TBR 21"] for single terminal connection to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
English 60 Appendix B Regulation & safety notices Notice for New Zealand For Modem with approval number PTC 211/03/008 1 The grant of a Telepermit for any item of terminal equipment indicates only that Telecom has accepted that the item complies with minimum conditions for connection to its network. It indicates no endorsement of the product by Telecom, nor does it provide any sort of warranty.
Read these instructions carefully. Save them for future reference. 1 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.
English 62 Appendix B Regulation & safety notices d If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions since improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to normal condition. e If the product has been dropped or the case has been damaged.
ADVARSEL: LASERSTRÅLING VEDÅBNING SE IKKE IND I STRÅLEN. VARO! LAVATTAESSA OLET ALTTINA LASERSÅTEILYLLE. VARNING: LASERSTRÅLNING NÅR DENNA DEL ÅR ÖPPNAD ÅLÅ TUIJOTA SÅTEESEENSTIRRA EJ IN I STRÅLEN VARNING: LASERSTRÅLNING NAR DENNA DEL ÅR ÖPPNADSTIRRA EJ IN I STRÅLEN ADVARSEL: LASERSTRÅLING NAR DEKSEL ÅPNESSTIRR IKKE INN I STRÅLEN LCD pixel statement The LCD unit is produced with high-precision manufacturing techniques. Nevertheless, some pixels may occasionally misfire or appear as black or red dots.
English 64 Appendix B Regulation & safety notices General This product complies with the radio frequency and safety standards of any country or region in which it has been approved for wireless use. Depending on configurations, this product may or may not contain wireless radio devices (such as wireless LAN and/or Bluetooth™ modules). Below information is for products with such devices.
The radiated output power of Wireless LAN Mini-PCI Card and Bluetooth card is far below the FCC radio frequency exposure limits. Nevertheless, the TravelMate 2000/2500 series shall be used in such a manner that the potential for human contact during normal operation is minimized as follows. 1 Users are requested to follow the RF safety instructions on wireless option devices that are included in the user’s guide of each RF option device.
Appendix B Regulation & safety notices English 66 Federal Communications Commission Declaration of Conformity This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
English English 67 Acer Incorporated 8F, 88, Sec. 1, Hsin Tai Wu Rd., Hsichih Taipei Hsien 221, Taiwan, R.O.C. Tel : 886-2-2696-1234 Fax : 886-2-2696-3535 www.acer.com Declaration of Conformity for CE marking We, Acer Inc. 8F, 88, Sec. 1, Hsin Tai Wu Rd., Hsichih, Taipei Hsien 221, Taiwan, R. O. C. Contact Person: Mr. Easy Lai Tel: 886-2-8691-3089 Fax: 886-2-8691-3000 E-mail: easy_lai@acer.com.
English 68 Appendix B Regulation & safety notices
69 Index traveling on local trips troubleshooting 42 turning off iv A AC adapter caring for v audio 24 troubleshooting D 44 B battery pack caring for v charging indicator BIOS Utility 39 BIOS utility 39 brightness hotkeys 17 28 11 C caps lock 13 on indicator 11 care AC adapter v battery pack v computer iv CD troubleshooting 45 CD-ROM ejecting 22 ejecting manually 44 troubleshooting 44 cleaning computer v computer bringing to meetings 26 caring for iv cleaning v disconnecting 25 features 3, 9 indica
70 mouse troubleshooting 45 N network 34 Notebook Manager 38 hotkey 16 notice DVD copyright protection num lock 13 on indicator 11 numeric keypad embedded 14 num lock 14 63 O optical drive 22 options memory upgrade 36 P PC Card 35 ejecting 35 inserting 35 ports 33 Power-On Self-Test (POST) printer troubleshooting 45 problems 43 CD 45 CD-ROM 44 display 43, 44 DVD 45 keyboard 45 printer 45 serial mouse 45 startup 43 troubleshooting 42 general instructions 60 modem notices 58 scroll lock 13 security key
