MyPal A716 User’s manual
E1462 First edition V1 February 2004 Copyright © 2004 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Contents at a glance This user’s manual contains the information you need to efficiently use ASUS® MyPal A716 Pocket PC. • Chapter 1 - Get started!.............................................................. 1-1 This chapter introduces the ASUS MyPal A716 Pocket PC, how to set and power it up, and basic screens that will familiarize you with its many features. • Chapter 2 - Learn the basics .....................................................
MyPal A716 specifications Processor Intel® PXA255 400 MHz Operating system Microsoft® Windows Mobile™ 2003 Memory 64MB Flash 64MB SDRAM (55MB /53MB user accessible for Western/ Eastern languages, respectively) Display 3.5-inch, brilliant transflective TFT LCD 65,536 colors, 240x320 resolution Removable battery 1500 mAH Lithium Ion Up to 19-hour battery life Card slot CF card slot, SD card slot Connection Wireless LAN (802.11b) Bluetooth® FIR: 4Mbps, SIR: 115.2Kbps Audio 3.
Chapter 1 Get started! ♦ Introducing MyPal ................................................ 1-2 Front features ........................................................................... 1-2 Side features ............................................................................ 1-4 Top features ............................................................................. 1-5 Bottom features ........................................................................ 1-5 Back features ......................
Introducing MyPal The ASUS® MyPal A716 is truly a good companion wherever you go.
• Power/Backlight button - turns the device power on or off if you press the button quickly. Pressing and holding the button for a few seconds turns the backlight on or off. Turning off the backlight saves battery power. NOTE • • • Press this button and the Tasks button simultaneously if you wish to launch the Align Screen function. LCD touch screen - allows you to enter, read, send, receive, or edit data by tapping on it.
Side features Left side Right side Enter button Back button Next button Reset switch Infrared (IR) port Battery latch Power connector • • Power connector - connects the AC adapter cable. Use this connector if you wish to use AC power without the cradle. Enter button - executes the selected application icon or command. Back button - selects the previous application icon or command. This button functions like the left arrow on the navigation button.
Top features CF card eject button Headphone jack • • • • • CF card slot SD card slot Stylus CF card eject button - releases the CF card from the slot. CF card slot - accommodates a CompactFlash (CF) card. Headphone jack - connects a headphone. SD card slot - accommodates an SD card. Stylus - used for tapping or writing on the LCD touch screen. Slide out the stylus from its compartment. Refer to the description of the stylus on the next page.
Back features The device has a removable external battery secured by a latch. If you wish to remove the battery, use the stylus to slide the latch toward the unlocked icon, then slide the battery downward. NOTE As a precaution, the power button is automatically disabled when you unlock the battery latch. You may only turn on the power when the battery is securely locked to the unit. External battery Locked icon Battery latch Unlocked icon Without the battery, the back of the device appears as shown.
The stylus The stylus functions on a Pocket PC the same way a mouse functions on a standard PC. Use the stylus to tap or drag on the LCD touch screen to open programs or execute commands. • • • Tap. Touch the screen once with the stylus to open programs and select options. Drag. Hold the stylus on the screen and drag across the screen to select text and images. Drag in a list to select multiple items. Tap and hold. Tap and hold the stylus on an item to see a list of actions available for that item.
Setting up MyPal Placing on the cradle Position the device on the cradle as shown. Match the connectors and carefully insert the device until it fits in place. Connecting the AC adapter • • Connect the AC adapter cable to the connector at the back of the cradle. Connect the power plug to a grounded wall socket. See Figure 1. If you are not using the cradle, connect the AC adpater cable directly to the power connector at the bottom of the device. Connect the power plug to a grounded wall socket.
Charging the battery Your device includes a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery. You must charge the battery before using the device the first time. The battery starts charging as soon as you connect the AC adapter to a power source. Use the AC adapter to plug your device to a power source whenever possible, especially when you are using a modem or other peripherals, using the device backlight, connecting to a PC, or letting notification light flash for extended time periods.
Basic screens on MyPal Today screen Normally, the Today screen appears when you turn on your device for the first time each day. NOTE When the device is already on and the screen displays another program, you can display the Today screen by icon. Then from the Navigation bar, tap tapping the Today. As shown in the sample below, the Today screen lets you see at a glance the summary of the important information for the day.
Start menu From the Start menu, you can select programs, settings, and Help topics. To display the Start menu, tap the icon from the top of the screen. Tap to open a recently used program Tap to open a program Tap to open the Programs menu Tap to open the Settings menu Tap to display the Help topics Icon Get started! Program Description ActiveSync Synchronize information between your device and your desktop computer. Calendar Keep track of your appointments and create meeting requests.
Command bar At the bottom of the screen is the Command bar. You can use the menus and buttons on the Command bar to perform tasks in programs. NOTE The menus and buttons vary depending on the programs you are using. Tap to select menu commands Tap to select button commands Tap to display the input panel Pop-up menus With the pop-up menus, you can easily choose an action for an item. For example, you can use the pop-up menu in Tasks to delete, copy, or beam a task.
The pop-up menus are also available in most other programs in your device. The pop-up menu items vary depending on the program or application. For example, the File Explorer pop-up menu includes more items than in Tasks.
Additional storage Your device comes with two kinds of memory card slots for additional storage. The CF card slot supports the multimedia cards listed under “Optional Accessories” on page iv of this manual. The SD card slot supports the SecureDigital memory card. NOTE Install an SD card or CF card if you wish to use the ASUS backup features. Installing and removing an SD card To install an SD card: 1.
Installing and removing a CF card To install a CF card: 1. Locate the card side with the 50-pin female connector and insert into the slot. The label side (usually the side with the card manufacturer’s name) face up, and the bar code/serial number side face down. Label side NOTE A CF card fits only in one orientation, and slides smoothly into the slot if inserted correctly. DO NOT force the CF card into the slot! 2. Push the card all the way into the slot until it fits completely.
To remove a CF card: 1. Press the CF card eject button unti it pops out. (This button is normally pressed in and aligns with the top of the device.) Button is pressed in 2. When the button has popped out, press it in again to release the CF card. (The button goes back to its “pressed in” position.) Button popped out 3. Slide out the CF card.
Chapter 2 Learn the basics ♦ Entering information ............................................ 2-2 Entering text using the Input Panel .......................................... 2-2 Writing on the screen ............................................................... 2-5 Drawing on the screen ............................................................. 2-8 Recording a message .............................................................. 2-9 Using a preset message ........................................
Entering information You can enter information in your device in any of the following ways.
When you use the Input Panel and the soft keyboard, your device anticipates the word you are typing and displays it above the Input Panel. When you tap the displayed word, it is inserted into your text at the insertion point. The more your use your device, the more words it learns to anticipate. Tap here if this is the word you wish to use NOTE To change options on word completion feature: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. . Tap Tap Settings. Tap Personal tab. Tap Input. Tap Word Completion tab.
To use Block Recognizer: With the Block Recognizer, you can input character strokes that are similar to those use on other devices. 1. Tap the arrow next to the Input Panel button, then tap Block Recognizer. 2. Write a letter in the box. When you write a letter, it is converted to a typed text that appears on the screen. For instructions and demonstation on using the Block Recognizer, tap the question mark next to the writing area.
Writing on the screen In any program that accepts writing, such as the Notes program, and in the Notes tab in Calendar, Contacts, and Tasks, you can use the stylus to write directly on the screen. Write the way you do on paper. You can edit and format what you have written and convert the information to text at a later time. To write on the screen: 1. Open the Notes program. 2. Tap the Pen button to switch to the writing mode. The screen displays blank space with lines to help you write. 3.
To edit your writing: 1. Tap and hold the stylus next to the text that you wish to select until the insertion point appears. 2. Without lifting, drag the stylus across the text to select it. If you accidentally write on the screen, tap Tools, then Undo and try again. You can also select text by tapping the Pen button to deselect it, then dragging the stylus across the screen. 3. Tap Edit on the Command bar and select an action, or use one of the tools in the Input Panel to enter a new text.
If the conversion is incorrect, you can select different words from a list of alternates or return to the original writing. 1. Tap and hold the incorrect word. 2. When the pop-up menu appears, tap Alternates to display a list of alternate words for the selection. 3. Tap the word that you want to use, or tap the writing at the top of the menu to return to the original writing.
Drawing on the screen You can draw on the screen in the same way that you write on the screen. The difference between writing and drawing on the screen is how you select items and how they can be edited. For example, selected drawings can be resized, while writing cannot. To create a drawing: 1. Use the stylus to make a stroke three ruled lines high. A dotted box appears. 2. Make your drawing in or touching the drawing box and crossing three ruled lines.
Recording a message In any program where you can write or draw on the screen, you can also quickly capture thoughts, reminders, and phone numbers by recording a message. In Calendar, Tasks, and Contacts, you can include a recording in the Notes tab. In the Notes program, you can either create a standalone recording or include a recording in a written note. If you want to include the recording in a note, open the note first. In the Inbox program, you can add a recording to an e-mail message.
To change the recording format: 1. In the note list, tap Tools then Options. 2. Tap the Global Input Options link. 3. Tap the Options tab. Mobile Voice is a 2.4KB audio codec. It is the recommended format because it provides good voice recording and less storage space. Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) provides slightly better sound quality but takes up 50 times more storage space tham Mobile Voice recordings.
Finding and organizing information The Find and Help features on your device helps you quickly locate information. To find information: 1. Tap , then tap Find. 2. Enter the text that you want to find, select a data type, then tap Go to start the search. To quickly find information that is taking up space on your device, select Larger than 64 KB in Type. Type a word to find Tap to search for the word Topics found containing the searched word To use the Help feature: 1. Tap , then tap Help. 2.
Using the File Explorer To use the File Explorer to find and organize files: 1. Tap , then tap Programs. 2. In the Program screen, tap the File Explorer icon to display the files in your device.
Customizing your device You can customize your device by adjusting the settings, using the built-in programs, and installing additional software. Adjusting settings You can adjust the device settings to your preference. To see the available options: 1. Tap , then tap Settings to display the Settings screen. 2. Tap the Personal or System tab on the bottom of the screen. You may want to adjust any one of the following items. • Clock. Change the time or set alarms. • Menus.
To change the date and time settings: 1. Tap Settings, then the System. 2. Tap the Clock icon. 3. Make your desired settings. Tap to select a time zone Highlight a Time item then tap up or down arrow to set Tap this down arrow to display the Calendar To change the alarm settings: 1. Tap Settings, then the System. 2. Tap the Clock icon, then the Alarm tab. 3. Make your desired settings.
Selecting sounds and notifications Your device can remind you of things you have to do in several ways. For example, if you have set up an appointment in Calendar, a task with a due date, or an alarm in Clock, you will be notified in any of the following ways. • • • A message box appears on the screen A sound is played (you can select the type of sound) A light flashes on the device To choose the reminder types and sounds: 1. Tap icon then tap Settings. 2.
Using ASUS Launcher This program allows you the convenience of classifying your frequently used programs, and quickly launching them with just a few taps. To access ASUS Launcher: 1. Tap , then Programs. 2. Tap ASUS Programs, then ASUS Launcher. NOTE To quickly access ASUS Launcher, press the (leftmost) on your device. button 3. From the command bar, tap Name to display the names of the existing categories. The default categories are Favorites, Start Menu, and Programs. 4.
5. Tap Start Menu or Programs to display the default programs in them. NOTE Whatever category is selected, that category will be launched the next time you tap the AsusLauncher icon. To edit the name of a default category: 1. Tap Name, and select a category that you wish to rename. For example, Programs. 2. Tap Category, then Edit Title. 3. In the Edit Current Category screen, revise the name. 4. Tap OK.
To customize an existing category: 1. Tap Editor, then Copy To. 2. Tap Name, then Programs (or Start Menu). 3. In the Programs screen, tap the program icon that you wish to copy. For example, Jawbreaker. A pop-up screen appears. 4. Select a target destination for the program icon. For example, Favorites. 5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to copy other programs that you wish to launch often. 6. When done, tap Copy To then Launch to return to the launch mode. 7.
To remove programs from a category: 1. Tap Editor, then Remove. 2. Tap Name, then any of the existing categories. 3. Tap the program icon that you wish to remove. For example, the Calculator icon in the Favorites screen. The icon disappears from the screen as soon as you tap it. 4. When done, tap Remove then Launch to return to the launch mode. 5. Tap OK to save your changes. To add a new category: 1. Tap Category, then Add. A new category is automatically added. 2.
Adding or removing programs Programs added to your device at the factory are stored in ROM (ReadOnly Memory). You cannot remove this software, and you will never accidentally lose ROM contents. ROM programs can be updated using installation programs with a *.xip extension. All other programs and data files added to your device after factory installation are stored in RAM (Random Access Memory). You can install any program created for your device, as long as it has enough memory.
5. Double-click the *.exe file. • If the file is an installer, the installation wizard begins. Follow the directions on the screen. Once the software is installed on your desktop computer, the installer automatically transfers the software to your device. • If the file is not an installer, you will see an error message stating that the program is valid but it is designed for a different type of computer. You need to move this file to your device.
To add a program to the Start menu: 1. Tap , tap Settings, tap Menus, tap the Start Menu tab, and tap the check box for the program. If you do not see the program on the list, you can either use File Explorer on the device to move the program to the Start Menu folder, or use ActiveSync on the desktop computer to create a shortcut to the program and place the shortcut in the Start Menu folder. 2. If you are using the File Explorer on the device: a.
ASUS utilities Besides the Microsoft program that allows you to back up data, your device also includes proprietary ASUS utilities. The ASUS utilities allow you to backup or restore data, and adjust settings to customize your device and maximize its use. ASUS Backup The ASUS Backup utility lets you back up your system files and/or data contained in the main system memory.
NOTE See the online help on your device for online instructions to back up or restore data. To back up all data on your device: 1. Return to the ASUS programs screen and tap the ASUS Backup icon. 2. Tap the Backup tab on the ASUS Backup screen. 3. Tap All Data button to back up all data on your device. NOTE You need to insert a CF memory card or an SD card if you wish to save your backup file into a removable storage device. Otherwise, you can save the backup file into the Flash Disk. 4.
6. The screen shows the status of the backup process. When done, a message appears indicating that the backup is complete, and shows the total size of the backed up files. In case the program fails to back up any items, it will show the items on the screen. 7. Tap OK. To back up only PIM data on your device: 1. On the ASUS Backup screen, tap PIM Data button to back up only the personal information management (PIM) data on your device. 2.
4. Type a name for your backup file and the folder where you wish to place it. You may opt not to specify a folder. 5. Check the boxes opposite the items that you wish to back up, or tap Select All to select all listed items. If you checked the box User Defined Folders, tap Define to specify the folders that you wish to include in the backup file, then tap OK. 6. Tap Start to begin the backup process. 7.
To restore all data: 1. Tap NOTE , then tap Programs. If you saved your backup file into a CF memory card, you need to insert that CF memory card into the CF slot when restoring data. Otherwise, you will receive the message “No storage devices are found!” 2. On the ASUS Programs screen Tap the ASUS Backup icon. When prompted, stop all running programs. See page 2-29 for instructions. 3. Tap the Restore tab on the ASUS Backup screen. 4. Tap All Data. 5.
To restore PIM data: 1. On the ASUS Backup screen, tap PIM Data. 2. When prompted, select the storage device (Flash Disk or CF card) where you stored your backup file. Tapping Cancel returns you to the previous screen. 3. Tap the Restore tab. 4. Select the backup file name (tap the arrow to list down other backup files, if any). 5. Check the boxes opposite the items that you wish to restore, or tap Select All to select all listed items.
ASUS Settings The ASUS Settings screen has four parts: Info, Multimedia, System, and IR. Each part includes items that you can customize. To display the ASUS settings: 1. Tap , then tap Settings. 2. Tap the System tab on the bottom of the Settings screen. 3. Tap the ASUS Settings icon to display the system information screen. This screen is displayed whenever you tap the Info tab. To change the Microphone settings: Tap the Multimedia tab, then the AGC to adjust the settings for the microphone sensitivity.
To change the Audio settings: Tap the Audio tab to adjust the volume, balance, treble, and bass settings. Drag the slider to the left or to the right until you achieve your desired sound output. Tap the Default button to restore the default audio settings. To change the Display settings: 1. Tap the Display tab. 2. Set the degree of brightness while on battery power by dragging the slider to the left or to the right until you achieve your desired brightness. 3.
To select Autorun Devices: Tap the Autorun tab to select the source devices to execute the autorun program. To change the operation Mode: Tap the Mode tab to display the running mode of the CPU. The Turbo Mode allows better CPU performance. In this mode, the CPU speed goes up to 400MHz. Set to this mode when playing games or playing video. However, setting to Turbo mode may reduce the battery life. The Standard Mode allows for up to 300MHz CPU speed.
To change the Wakeup sources: Tap the Wakeup tab to enable or disable the wakeup feature. Checking the box opposite Turn on power when a program button is pressed to enable the the feature. Pressing any one of the function buttons on the front panel wakes up the device. To select the transmission rate for infrared (IR): Tap the IR tab to display the selection. Click FIR for a maximum of 4Mbps transfer rate, or SIR for 115.2Kbps.
Bundled programs Your device includes the most common Windows programs and more. To access the bundled programs: 1. Tap , then tap Programs. 2. Tap any of the icons to launch a specific application program. ASUS Programs Tapping the ASUS Programs icon displays the ASUS Backup utility, ASUS Launcher, and WiFiME program icons. Tap the ASUS Backup icon if you wish to use the utility. See section “ASUS Backup” on page 2-23 for details.
Calculator Tap the Calculator icon to use the calculator. File Explorer Tap the File Explorer icon to access your files. See page 2-12. Microsoft Reader Tap the Microsoft Reader icon to download and read online books. See Chapter 5.
MSN Messenger Tap the MSN Messenger icon to use the service. See Chapter 5. Pocket MSN Tap the Pocket MSN icon to get connected to the Internet through the Pocket Internet Explorer. See Chapter 6. Pocket Word Tap the Pocket Word icon to create Pocket Word documents. See Chpater 5.
Pocket Excel Tap the Pocket Excel icon to create spreadsheet documents. See Chapter 5. Pictures Tap the Pictures icon to view .jpg pictures stored on your device or on a storage card. Refer to the online help on your device for details on using this feature. Terminal Services Client Tap the Terminal Services Client icon to connect to a terminal server. Refer to the online help on your device for more information.
Chapter 3 Microsoft® ActiveSync® ♦ Introduction ........................................................... 3-2 What is ActiveSync®? ............................................................... 3-2 ♦ Installing ActiveSync® ......................................................................... 3-3 Installing ActiveSync® on your computer .................................. 3-3 ♦ Synchronizing your device .................................. 3-5 Connecting your device to a computer ...................
Introduction What is ActiveSync®? The Microsoft® ActiveSync® is one of the important bundled programs in MyPal. With ActiveSync, you can synchronize the information on your desktop computer with the information on your device. Synchronization compares the data on your device with your desktop computer and updates both computers with the most recent information. For example: • • Keep Pocket Outlook data up-to-date by synchronizing your device with Microsoft Outlook data on your desktop computer.
Installing ActiveSync® The ActiveSync program is already installed on your device. To synchronize information on your device with your computer, you must also install ActiveSync on your computer. Install ActiveSync from the Companion CD that came with your product package. NOTE Before starting the ActiveSync installation, make sure that you have Microsoft® Outlook® installed on your computer. If you do not have Outlook, install the Microsoft® Outlook® 2002 from the Companion CD.
4. Read the Overview before installing ActiveSync 3.7 to make sure that you perform the installation sequence correctly. 5. If you have not installed Outlook, install it now. Click Install Outlook 2002 and follow the screen instructions to complete the installation. 6. Click Download Connection Wizard and read the overview to see if you require the wizard. Follow the screen instructions to install the wizard on your computer. Return to the Main Menu when done. 7. Click Install ActiveSync 3.
Synchronizing your device Connecting your device to a computer To connect your device to your computer: 1. Place the device on the cradle. 2. Connect the AC adapter to the power connector on the cradle. 3. Connect the USB sync cable from the cradle to a USB port on your computer. To connect your device to your computer without the cradle: 1. Connect flat plug of the traveling USB sync cable to the connector at the bottom of the device. 2. Connect the other end of the cable to a USB port on your computer.
Setting up a partnership Immediately after you have completed the installation, the New Partnership wizard will start automatically to help you establish a partnership and customize your synchronization settings. At this point, you can decide exactly which types of information you would like to synchronize with your computer. A partnership is a file that allows you to synchronize your device with your desktop computer. This file is stored on your desktop computer.
On the Calendar Synchronization Settings window, for example, select from the options how you wish to synchronize the appointments on your device with your computer. Click OK. 4. Click Finish to complete setting a partnership. Immediately after you set up a partnership, ActiveSync® starts automatically and initiates the first synchronization between your device and your computer. Refer to the succeeding sections for more details on synchronization.
Checking synchronized information After your first synchronization, take a look at Calendar, Contacts, and Tasks on your device. You will notice that the calendar information in Microsoft Outlook on your computer was copied to your device, and the information that you have on your device was copied to your computer. NOTE 3-8 Open Microsoft Outlook on your desktop computer to see the details of copied information from your device.
Manually initiating synchronization Once you have set up ActiveSync and completed the first synchronization process, you can initiate synchronization from your device at any time. To manually initiate synchronization: 1. Tap , then tap ActiveSync to display the ActiveSync screen. Connection status Tap to connect and synchronize Tap to stop synchronization Tap to synchronize via IR or change synchronization settings 2.
Synchronization options The Microsoft ActiveSync program allows you to customize your synchronization settings at any time. You can select the items to synchronize, set the synchronization schedule, and specify the synchronization rules. To display the synchronization options: • • From the ActiveSync window on your desktop computer, click on the Options icon, or From the menu bar, click on Tools, then Options. To select items to synchronize: 1.
To set synchronization schedule: 1. Click on the Schedule tab. 2. Select your desired synchronization schedule. 3. Click OK when done. To specify synchronization rules: 1. Click on the Rules tab. 2. Select your desired settings from the available options. 3. Click OK when done.
3-12 Chapter 3
