Gateway Notebook Series User Guide
© 2010 All Rights Reserved Gateway Notebook Series User Guide Original Issue: 07/2010 Model number: __________________________________ Serial number: ___________________________________ Date of purchase: ________________________________ Place of purchase: ________________________________
iii Information for your safety and comfort Safety instructions Read these instructions carefully. Keep this document for future reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. Turning the product off before cleaning Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
iv Warnings • • • • • • • • Do not use this product near water. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand or table. If the product falls, it could be seriously damaged. Slots and openings are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug or other similar surface.
v Warning! The grounding pin is a safety feature. Using a power outlet that is not properly grounded may result in electric shock and/or injury. Note: The grounding pin also provides good protection from unexpected noise produced by other nearby electrical devices that may interfere with the performance of this product. • The system can be powered using a wide range of voltages; 100 to 120 or 220 to 240 V AC.
vi pierce, open or disassemble the battery. If the battery leaks and you come into contact with the leaked fluids, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical attention immediately. For safety reasons, and to prolong the lifetime of the battery, charging will not occur at temperatures below 0°C (32°F) or above 40°C (104°F). The full performance of a new battery is achieved only after two or three complete charge and discharge cycles.
vii Operating environment Warning! For safety reasons, turn off all wireless or radio transmitting devices when using your laptop under the following conditions. These devices may include, but are not limited to: wireless lan (WLAN), Bluetooth and/or 3G. Remember to follow any special regulations in force in any area, and always switch off your device when its use is prohibited or when it may cause interference or danger. Use the device only in its normal operating positions.
viii Vehicles RF signals may affect improperly installed or inadequately shielded electronic systems in motor vehicles such as electronic fuel injection systems, electronic antiskid (antilock) braking systems, electronic speed control systems, and air bag systems. For more information, check with the manufacturer, or its representative, of your vehicle or any equipment that has been added. Only qualified personnel should service the device, or install the device in a vehicle.
ix Disposal instructions Do not throw this electronic device into the trash when discarding. To minimize pollution and ensure utmost protection of the global environment, please recycle. For more information on the Waste from Electrical and Electronics Equipment (WEEE) regulations, visit www.gateway.com/about/corp_responsibility/environment.
x Tips and information for comfortable use Computer users may complain of eyestrain and headaches after prolonged use. Users are also at risk of physical injury after long hours of working in front of a computer. Long work periods, bad posture, poor work habits, stress, inadequate working conditions, personal health and other factors greatly increase the risk of physical injury. Incorrect computer usage may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, tenosynovitis or other musculoskeletal disorders.
xi Display • Keep your display clean. • • • • • Keep your head at a higher level than the top edge of the display so your eyes point downward when looking at the middle of the display. Adjust the display brightness and/or contrast to a comfortable level for enhanced text readability and graphics clarity.
xii First things first We would like to thank you for making a Gateway notebook your choice for meeting your mobile computing needs. Your guides To help you use your Gateway notebook, we have designed a set of guides: First off, the Quick Guide helps you get started with setting up your computer. The Gateway Notebook Series User Guide contains useful information applying to all models in the Gateway product range. It covers basic topics such as Gateway Recovery Management, using the keyboard, audio, etc.
xiii • Use the power button You can also put the computer in sleep mode by pressing the sleep hotkey + . Note: If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold the power button for more than four seconds to shut down the computer. If you turn off the computer and want to turn it on again, wait at least two seconds before powering up. Taking care of your computer Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it. • Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight.
xiv before removing or replacing batteries. • Do not tamper with batteries. Keep them away from children. • Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if possible. Cleaning and servicing When cleaning the computer, follow these steps: 1 Turn off the computer and remove the battery pack. 2 Disconnect the AC adapter. 3 Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
Safety instructions Operating environment Medical devices Vehicles Potentially explosive environments Emergency calls Disposal instructions Mercury advisory ENERGY STAR Tips and information for comfortable use First things first Your guides Basic care and tips for using your computer Turning your computer on and off Taking care of your computer Taking care of your AC adapter Taking care of your battery pack Cleaning and servicing Gateway Recovery Management Gateway Recovery Management Launching Gateway Re
Battery-low warning Taking your notebook PC with you Disconnecting from the desktop Moving around Preparing the computer What to bring to meetings Taking the computer home Preparing the computer What to take with you Special considerations Setting up a home office Traveling with the computer Preparing the computer What to take with you Special considerations Traveling internationally with the computer Preparing the computer What to take with you Special considerations Securing your computer Using a comput
xvii Canada — Low-power license-exempt radio communication devices (RSS-210) LCD panel ergonomic specifications Index 32 32 33
1 Note: The following content is for general reference only. Actual product specifications may vary. Gateway Recovery Management backs up and recovers data flexibly, reliably and completely. Gateway Recovery Management Gateway Recovery Management allows you to restore or reinstall applications and drivers.
English 2 Launching Gateway Recovery Management 1 You may also launch Gateway Recovery Management by running the program from the Gateway program group in the Start menu, or by double-clicking the icon if you have created a desktop shortcut. 2 You can choose to restore the system from a factory default image or reinstall applications and drivers. 3 Follow the instructions on screen to complete the process. Note: External optical disc drive required. Please see your retailer for more details.
3 The computer has several easy-to-read status indicators. Icon Function Description Power Indicates the computer's power status. Battery Indicates the computer's battery status. HDD Indicates when the hard disk drive is active. 3G/Wireless Indicates the status of 3G/Wireless LAN communication LAN/ Blue light on Orange light on Not lit Bluetooth 3G on / Wi-Fi on 3G off / Wi-Fi on 3G off / Wi-Fi off/ Bluetooth off 3G on / Wi-Fi off 1. Charging: The light shows amber when the battery is charging.
English 4 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 across the surface of the touchpad. The central location on the palmrest provides optimum comfort and support. Touchpad basics (with two-click buttons) The following items show you how to use the touchpad with two-click buttons. 1 2 3 • Move your finger across the touchpad (1) to move the cursor.
5 Note: By default, vertical and horizontal scrolling is enabled on your touchpad. It can be disabled under Mouse settings in Windows Control Panel. Using a computer security lock The notebook comes with a Kensington-compatible security slot for a security lock. Wrap the computer security lock cable around an immovable object such as a table or handle of a locked drawer. Insert the lock into the notch and turn the key to secure the lock. Some keyless models are also available.
English 6 Using the keyboard The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded numeric keypad, separate cursor, lock, Windows, function and special keys. Lock keys and embedded numeric keypad 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 + When Num Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in numeric mode.
7 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.
English 8 Hotkeys The computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most of the computer's controls like screen brightness, volume output and the BIOS utility. To activate hotkeys, press and hold the key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination. Hotkey Function Description + Icon Social networks Launches your social networking applications. + Communication key Enables/disables the computer’s communication devices.
9 Here you can enable and disable the various wireless connectivity devices on your computer. Press + to bring up the Launch Manager window panel. Click On to enable wireless/3G/Bluetooth connection. Click Off to disable connection. *Communication devices may vary by model. Special keys (only for certain models) You can locate the Euro symbol and the US dollar sign at the upper-center of your keyboard. The Euro symbol 1 Open a text editor or word processor.
English 10 Frequently asked questions The following is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer. Easy solutions are provided for each one. I turned the power on, but the computer does not start or boot up. Look at the power indicator: • • If it is not lit, no power is being supplied to the computer. Check the following: • If you are using on the battery, it may be low and unable to power the computer. Connect the AC adapter to recharge the battery pack.
11 If headphones, earphones or external speakers are connected to the lineout port on the computer, the internal speakers automatically turn off. The keyboard does not respond. Try attaching an external keyboard to a USB port on the computer. If it works, contact your dealer or an authorized service center as the internal keyboard cable may be loose. The printer does not work. Check the following: • Make sure that the printer is connected to a power outlet and that it is turned on.
English 12 3 Refer to the onscreen instructions to perform system recovery. Important! This feature occupies 6 GB in a hidden partition on your hard disk. Requesting service Before you call Please have the following information available when you call Gateway for online service, and please be at your computer when you call. With your support, we can reduce the amount of time a call takes and help solve your problems efficiently.
13 The computer uses a battery pack that gives you long use between charges. Battery pack characteristics The battery pack has the following characteristics: • Employs current battery technology standards. • Delivers a battery-low warning. The battery is recharged whenever you connect the computer to the AC adapter. Your computer supports charge-in-use, enabling you to recharge the battery while you continue to operate the computer.
English 14 Warning: Do not expose battery packs to temperatures below 0°C (32°F) or above 45°C (113°F). Extreme temperatures may adversely affect the battery pack. By following the battery conditioning process you condition your battery to accept the maximum possible charge. Failure to follow this procedure will prevent you from obtaining the maximum battery charge, and will also shorten the effective lifespan of the battery.
15 Note: You are advised to charge the battery before retiring for the day. Charging the battery overnight before traveling enables you to start the next day with a fully charged battery. Checking the battery level The Windows power meter indicates the current battery level. Rest the cursor over the battery/power icon on the taskbar to see the battery's present charge level.
English 16 When the battery-low warning appears, the recommended course of action depends on your situation: Situation Recommended Action The AC adapter and a power outlet are available. 1. Plug the AC adapter into the computer, and then connect to the mains power supply. An extra fully charged battery pack is available. 1. Save all necessary files. 2. Save all necessary files. 3. Resume work. Turn off the computer if you want to recharge the battery rapidly. 2. Close all applications. 3.
17 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 any open files. 2 Remove any media, floppy disks or compact disks 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.
English 18 Note: If the Sleep indicator is off, the computer has entered Hibernation mode and is 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 being in Sleep mode for a period of time.
19 Follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling to and from work: • Minimize the effects of temperature changes by keeping the computer with you. • If you need to stop for an extended period of time and cannot carry the computer with you, leave the computer in the trunk of the car to avoid exposing the computer to excessive heat. • Changes in temperature and humidity can cause condensation.
English 20 Special considerations In addition to the guidelines for taking the computer home, follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling: • Always take the computer as carry-on luggage. • If possible, have the computer inspected by hand. Airport security X-ray machines are safe, but do not put the computer through a metal detector. • Avoid exposing floppy disks to hand-held metal detectors.
21 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 The notebook comes with a Kensington-compatible security slot for a security lock. Wrap a computer security lock cable around an immovable object such as a table or handle of a locked drawer. Insert the lock into the notch and turn the key to secure the lock.
English 22 Entering passwords When a password is set, a password prompt appears in the center of the display screen. • When the Supervisor Password is set, a prompt appears when you press to enter the BIOS utility at boot-up. • Type the Supervisor Password and press to access the BIOS utility. If you enter the password incorrectly, a warning message appears. Try again and press .
23 Your notebook PC 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, read the following section. Built-in network feature The built-in network feature allows you to connect your computer to an Ethernet-based network.
English 24 Universal Serial Bus (USB) The USB 2.0 port is a high-speed serial bus which allows you to connect USB peripherals without taking up precious system resources. BIOS utility The BIOS utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer's BIOS. Your computer is already properly configured and optimized, and you do not need to run this utility. However, if you encounter configuration problems, you may need to run it.
25 To set a password on boot, activate the BIOS utility, then select Security from the categories listed at the top of the screen. Find Password on boot: and use the and keys to enable this feature. 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 computer, and video memory.
English 26 Troubleshooting This chapter shows you 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 yourself; contact your dealer or authorized service center for assistance. Troubleshooting tips This notebook PC incorporates an advanced design that delivers onscreen error message reports to help you solve problems.
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English 28 Regulations and safety notices 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. This device generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
29 This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Remarque à l'intention des utilisateurs canadiens Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada. Declaration of Conformity for EU countries Hereby, Gateway, declares that this notebook PC series is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.
English 30 European Union (EU) R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC as attested by conformity with the following harmonized standard: • • • Article 3.1(a) Health and Safety • EN60950-1 • EN62311 Article 3.1(b) EMC • EN301 489-1 • EN301 489-3 (Applicable to non-bluetooth wireless keyboard mouse set) • EN301 489-7 • EN301 489-17 • EN301 489-24 Article 3.
31 The radiated output power of the wireless LAN Mini PCI Card and Bluetooth card is far below the FCC radio frequency exposure limits. Nevertheless, the notebook PC 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 manual of each RF option device.
English 32 Canada — Low-power license-exempt radio communication devices (RSS-210) a Common information Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause interference, and 2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. b Operation in 2.4 GHz band To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be operated indoors and installation outdoors is subject to licensing.
33 Index A turning off . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii connections network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 AC adapter caring for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii audio troubleshooting . . . . . . . . 10 D B E battery pack battery-low warning . . . . . 15 caring for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii characteristics . . . . . . . . . . 13 charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 checking charge level . . . . 15 installing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 low conditions . . . . . . . . . .
34 troubleshooting . . . . . . . . 26 S scroll lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 security keylock . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 21 passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 speakers hotkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 troubleshooting . . . . . . . . 10 support information . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 T touchpad hotkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 using . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 travel international flights . . . . . . 20 local trips . . . . . . . . . . . . . .