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60.book Page ii Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM Copyright © 2001. Acer Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. TravelMate 260 series User’s guide Original Issue: December 2001 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.
260.book Page iii Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM iii First things first 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.
260.book Page iv Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM iv An Online guide is your helping hand on-the-go, with easy to access, detailed and linked information about your computer. To access the online guide: 1 Click on Start, Programs, TravelMate. 2 Click on TravelMate Online guide. Lastly, there may be a Read me first sheet included with your package which contains important reminders and updates. So, please read through it.
260.book Page v Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM v 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. Do not place it near sources of heat, such as a radiator. • Do not expose the computer to temperatures below 0⁄C (32⁄F) or above 50⁄C (122⁄F). • Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields.
260.book Page vi Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM vi • Do not tamper with batteries. Keep them away from children. • Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if at all possible. Cleaning and servicing When cleaning the computer, follow these steps: 1 Power off the computer and remove the battery pack. 2 Disconnect the AC adapter. 3 Use a soft cloth moistened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
First things first Your guides Basic care and tips for using your computer 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 Using the keyboard Special keys Touchpad Touchpad basics Storage Hard disk AcerMedia drive Floppy drive 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 int
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260.book Page 2 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 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.
260.book Page 3 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 3 A TravelMate tour 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 LCD (liquid-crystal display), displays computer output. 2 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer mouse.
260.book Page 4 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 4 1 Getting to know your TravelMate # Item Description 7 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when you use the computer. 8 Keyboard Inputs data into your computer. 9 Status indicators LEDs that turn on and off to show the status of the computer, its functions and components. Left view # Item Description 1 Security keylock Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security lock.
260.book Page 5 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 5 # Item Description 7 Microphone-in jack Accepts a mono/stereo condenser microphone. 8 Volume control Controls the volume of the speakers. 9 Video capture kit slot Accepts the video capture kit option on the left side of the computer. Right view # Item Description 1 Video capture kit slot Accepts the video capture kit option on the right side of the computer. 2 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.
260.book Page 6 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 6 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Rear view # Item Description 1 PS/2 port Connects to any PS/2-compatible device (e.g., PS/2 keyboard/mouse/keypad). 2 Serial port Connects to a serial device (e.g., serial mouse). 3 Parallel port Connects to a parallel device (e.g., parallel printer). 4 USB ports (two) Connect to any Universal Serial Bus devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera). 5 External display port Connects to a display device (e.
260.book Page 7 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 7 Bottom view # Item Description 1 Memory compartment Houses the computer's main memory. 2 Hard disk antishock protection Protects your hard disk against shocks. 3 Personal identification slot Insert a business card or similar-sized identification card to personalize your computer. 4 AcerMedia bay release latch Unlatches the AcerMedia drive for removal or swapping. 5 AcerMedia bay Houses an AcerMedia drive module.
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260.book Page 10 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 10 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Indicators The computer has six easy-to-read status icons below the display screen. The Power and Sleep status icons are visible even when you close the display cover so you can see the status of the computer while the cover is closed. Icon Function Description Power Lights when the computer is on.
260.book Page 11 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 11 Using the keyboard 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.
260.book Page 12 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 12 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.
260.book Page 13 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 13 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...
260.book Page 14 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 14 1 Getting to know your TravelMate 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. Fn-F3 Power Management Scheme Toggle Switches the power management scheme used by the computer (function available if supported by operating system).
260.book Page 15 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 15 Hot key Icon Function Description Fn-F7 Touchpad Toggle Turns the internal touchpad on and off. Fn-F8 Speaker Toggle Turns the speakers on and off. Fn-→ Brightness up Increases the screen brightness. Fn-← Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness. Alt Gr-Euro Euro Types the Euro symbol.
260.book Page 16 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 16 3 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Hold Alt Gr and press the Euro symbol. Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol. Please refer to http://www.microsoft.com/typography/faq/faq12.htm for more information. Launch Keys Located at the top of the keyboard are four buttons. These buttons are called launch keys. They are designated as key 1, key 2, key 3 and key 4.
260.book Page 17 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 17 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. If you are using an external PS/2 mouse, the touchpad is automatically disabled.
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260.book Page 19 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 19 Storage This computer supplies you with the following media storage: • High-capacity Enhanced-IDE hard disk • AcerMedia drive • Floppy drive Hard disk The high-capacity hard disk is the answer to your storage needs. This is where your data files are stored. AcerMedia drive The AcerMedia drive bay accepts a wide variety of media drive modules for use with your computer.
260.book Page 20 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 20 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Playing DVD movies When the DVD drive module is installed in the AcerMedia 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.
260.book Page 21 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 21 Floppy drive The internal floppy drive accepts standard 3.5-inch, 1.44 MB diskettes. Inserting and ejecting a diskette Insert a diskette (label side up) into the floppy drive. Eject a diskette by pressing the floppy disk eject button (a) and pull out the diskette to remove it.
260.book Page 22 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 22 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 left panel of the computer. See “Left view” on page 4 for more information on external audio devices. Adjusting the volume Adjusting the volume on the computer is easy with a rotary volume control knob on the left panel.
260.book Page 23 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 23 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, floppy drive, hard disk, peripherals connected to the serial and parallel ports, and video memory.
260.book Page 24 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 24 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Moving around with your TravelMate 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, diskette or compact disc, from the drive(s). 3 Shut down the operating system. 4 Turn off the computer.
260.book Page 25 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 25 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 any key. If the power indicator is off, the computer has entered Hibernation mode and turned off. Press, slide 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.
260.book Page 26 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 26 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Caution: Avoid packing items next to the top cover of the computer.
260.book Page 27 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 27 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.
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260.book Page 29 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 29 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 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.
260.book Page 30 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 30 1 Getting to know your TravelMate removed from the computer and moved to another computer, it cannot be accessed without the Hard Disk Password. Important! Do not forget your Setup 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.
260.book Page 31 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 31 correct entry symbol. If you fail to enter the password correctly after three tries, the following message or symbol appears. Slide and hold the power switch for four seconds to shut down the computer. Then turn on the computer again, and try again. If you fail to enter the Hard Disk Password, please contact your dealer or an authorized service center.
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260.book Page 34 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 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.
260.book Page 35 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 35 Expanding through options Your TravelMate offers you a complete mobile computing experience. AcerMedia bay modules To swap drive modules in and out of the AcerMedia drive bay, follow these steps: 1 Turn your computer off. 2 Close the display cover. 3 Turn the computer over. 4 Slide and hold the AcerMedia drive bay release latch (a); then pull out the drive module from the AcerMedia drive bay (b).
260.book Page 36 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 36 2 Customizing my computer external devices to the computer, see your online guide for more details. Modem Your computer has a built-in V.90 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. Start your communications software program.
260.book Page 37 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 37 to an network jack or hub. Consult your network administrator for details. Universal Serial Bus The Universal Serial Bus (USB) 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 two ports available.
260.book Page 38 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 38 2 Customizing my computer PC Card slot There is one Type II/Type III CardBus PC Card slot found on the left side of the computer. This slot accepts 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.
260.book Page 39 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 39 3 Press the slot eject button (a) to pop out the eject button; then press it again (a) to eject the card (b). 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.
260.book Page 40 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 40 2 Customizing my computer Installing memory 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 (a); then lift up and remove the memory cover (b). 3 Insert the memory module diagonally into the slot (a), then gently press it down until it clicks into place (b).
260.book Page 41 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 41 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, Programs, then Notebook Manager.
260.book Page 42 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 42 2 Customizing my computer You can access the Launch Manager by clicking on Start, Programs, and then Launch Manager to start the application. BIOS Utility The BIOS Utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer’s BIOS (basic input/ouput system). 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.
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260.book Page 44 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 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.
260.book Page 45 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 45 Frequently-asked questions 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.
260.book Page 46 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 46 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.
260.book Page 47 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 47 The floppy drive cannot access a diskette. Check the following: • Make sure the diskette is properly inserted in the floppy drive. • Make sure the diskette is formatted. • If the diskette is not the cause of the problem, the floppy drive may be dirty. Clean it using a drive cleaning kit. Follow the instructions included with the kit. The CD or DVD drive cannot access a disc.
260.book Page 48 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 48 3 Troubleshooting my computer connectors and there is only one PS/2 port on the computer. To connect two PS/2-type devices to the computer, you need to use an optional PS/2 Y-bridge connector. 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.
260.book Page 49 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 49 Error messages This notebook computer incorporates an advanced design that delivers onscreen error message reports to help you solve problems. If you receive an error message, note the message and take the corrective action. The following table lists the error messages in alphabetical order together with the recommended course of action. Error Messages Corrective Action CMOS Battery Bad Contact your dealer or an authorized service center.
260.book Page 50 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 50 3 Troubleshooting my computer Error Messages Corrective Action Keyboard Error or No Keyboard Connected Contact your dealer or an authorized service center. Keyboard Interface Error Contact your dealer or an authorized service center. Memory Size Mismatch Press F2 (during POST) to enter the BIOS Utility; then press Esc to exit and reconfigure the computer.
260.book Page 51 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 51 Requesting service 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.
260.book Page 52 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 52 3 Troubleshooting my computer If there are error messages or beeps reported by your computer, write them down as they appear on the screen (or the number and sequence in the case of beeps).
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260.book Page 54 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer.
260.book Page 55 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 55 Microprocessor • Intel® Mobile Pentium® III processor with 512 KB cache - or Intel® Mobile Celeron® processor with 128 KB or 256 KB cache Memory • Main memory expandable to 1 GB • Dual 144-pin soDIMM socket SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) • 512 KB Flash ROM BIOS Data storage • One 3.5-inch internal floppy drive • One high-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk • One 5.
260.book Page 56 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 56 Appendix A Specifications I/O ports • One type II/type III PC Card slot (CardBus, PCMCIA) • One RJ-11 phone jack (V.90, 56Kbps modem) • One RJ-45 network jack (Ethernet 10/100BaseT) • One DC-in jack (AC adapter) • One parallel port (ECP/EPP compliant) • One external monitor port • One PS/2 keyboard/mouse port • One speaker/headphone-out jack (3.5mm minijack) • One audio line-in jack (3.5mm minijack) • One microphone-in jack (3.
260.book Page 57 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 57 • • 4000mAh Li-Ion or 4500mAh NiMH battery pack • 2-hour rapid charge/2.5-hour charge-in-use AC adapter • 60-Watt • Auto sensing 100~240Vac, 50~60Hz Options • 128-/256-/512-MB memory upgrade module • PS/2 Y-bridge cable • Additional AC adapter and battery pack • External battery charger • InviLink 802.11b wireless LAN PC card • Lucent AP-100 802.
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260.book Page 60 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM This appendix lists the general notices of your computer.
260.book Page 61 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 61 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.
260.book Page 62 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 62 Appendix B Notices Notice: Canadian users This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Remarque à l’intention des utilisateurs canadiens Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respected toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada. Modem notices FCC This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules.
260.book Page 63 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 63 Important safety instructions Read these instructions carefully. Save these instructions 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.
260.book Page 64 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 64 Appendix B 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.
260.book Page 65 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 65 VARNING: LASERSTRÅLNING NAR DENNA DEL ÅR ÖPPNADSTIRRA EJ IN I STRÅLEN ADVARSEL: LASERSTRÅLING NAR DEKSEL ÅPNESSTIRR IKKE INN I STRÅLEN Lithium battery statement CAUTION Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions. ADVARSEL! Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosionsfare ved fejlagtig håndtering.
260.book Page 66 Wednesday, November 14, 2001 11:32 AM 66 Appendix B Notices Year 2000 compliance statement The TravelMate 260 series notebook computer carries the "Hardware NSTL Tested Year 2000 Compliant" logo, which certifies that this model has been tested by NSTL using the YMark2000 test, and has been found to meet NSTL's standards for Year 2000 hardware compliance. For more details, check the Acer Year 2000 Resource Center Web site (http:// global.acer.com/service/pcy2000.
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