TravelMate 270 series User’s guide
Copyright © 2002 Acer Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. TravelMate 270 series User’s guide Original Issue: May 2002 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 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. This User’s Guide introduces you to the many ways your computer can help you be more productive.
iv Basic care and tips for using your computer Turning your computer on and off To turn on the computer, simply slide and then release the power switch on the right side of your TravelMate. See page 3 for the location of the power switch. To turn the power off, do any of the following: • Use the Windows shutdown command For Windows 2000: Click on Start, Shut Down..., and select Shut down; then click on OK. - or For Windows XP: Click on Start, Turn off Computer; then click Turn Off.
v • Do not spill water or any liquid on the computer. • Do not subject the computer to heavy shock and vibration. • Do not expose the computer to dust and dirt. • Never place objects on top of the computer to avoid damaging the computer. • Do not slam the computer display when you close it. • Never place the computer on uneven surfaces. 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.
vi 3 Use a soft cloth moistened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. 4 To clean the display screen, use an LCD cleaning kit. If any of the following occurs: • The computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged. • Liquid has been spilled into the product. • The computer does not operate normally. Please refer to "Troubleshooting my computer" on page 45.
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 Optical drive Using software Audio Adjusting the volume Power management Moving around with your TravelMate Disconnecting from the desktop Moving around Taking the computer home Traveling with the computer Traveling internationally with the computer Securing your computer Using a computer secur
viii 3 Troubleshooting my computer Frequently-asked questions Requesting service International Traveler’s Warranty (ITW) Before you call 45 47 50 50 50 Appendix A Specifications 53 Appendix B Notices 59 Index 67
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 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 Launch keys Special keys for launching internet browser, email program and frequently used programs. See “Launch Keys” on page 18 for more details. 3 Power Switch Turns on the computer power.
4 1 Getting to know your TravelMate # Item Description 5 Click buttons (left, center and right) The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse buttons; the center button serves as a 4-way scroll button. 6 Floppy disk drive (or card reader if installed) Reads/writes data from/to the media. 7 Floppy eject button Ejects floppy disk. 8 Speakers Outputs sound. 9 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when you use the computer.
5 # Item Description 4 Emergency eject slot Ejects the drive tray when the computer is turned off. See page 48 for more details. Note: The positions of the Optical drive indicator, eject button and emergency eject hole may differ depending on the optical drive module installed. Right view # Item Description 1 Microphone/Line-in jack Accepts audio line-in devices(e.g., microphone, audio CD player, stereo walkman). 2 Headphone/ Speaker/Line-out jack Connects to audio line-out devices(e.g.
6 1 Getting to know your TravelMate # Item Description 4 PC card slots Accepts two type II or one type III PC cards. 5 Modem jack Connects to a phone line. 6 Network jack Connects to an Ethernet 10/100-based network. 7 PS/2 port Connects to a PS/2 keyboard or mouse. Rear view # Item Description 1 Security keylock Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security lock. 2 Power jack Connects to an AC adapter.
7 # Item Description 3 External display port Connects to a display device (e.g., external monitor, LCD projector). 4 Parallel port Connects to a parallel device (e.g., parallel printer). 5 Serial port Connects to a serial device (e.g., serial mouse). 6 S-video Connects to a television or display device with S-video input. 7 IEEE 1394 port Connects to an IEEE 1394 device. 8 USB port Connects to Universal Serial Bus devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera).
8 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Bottom view # Item Description 1 Cooling fan Helps keep the computer cool. Note: Don’t cover or obstruct the opening of the fan. 2 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack. 3 Battery release latches Unlatches the battery to remove the battery pack. 4 Hard disk bay Houses the computer's hard disk. 5 Memory compartment Houses the computer's main memory.
9 Features Below is a brief summary of the computer’s many features: Performance • Mobile Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor-M with 512 KB level 2 cache featuring the new Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep™ technology or Mobile Intel® Celeron® processor with 256KB level 2 cache • Memory expandable up to 1 GB • Internal optical drive • High-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk • Li-lon battery pack • Power management system with ACPI (Advanced Configuration Power Interface) Display • Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) li
10 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Connectivity • High-speed fax/data modem port • Ethernet/Fast Ethernet port • USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports • IEEE 1394 port • Optional Invilink 802.
11 Indicators The computer has seven easy-to-read status icons below the display screen. Icon Function Description Power Lights green when the computer is on and lights orange when the computer is in Standby mode. Media activity Lights when the hard disk is active. Battery charge Lights green when the battery is being charged. Lights orange when the battery power is low and is being charged. Wireless communication Lights when the Wireless LAN capabilities are enabled.
12 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Using the keyboard The full-sized keyboard includes an embedded numeric keypad, separate cursor keys, two Windows keys and twelve function keys. Special keys Lock keys The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off. Lock key Description Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in uppercase. Num Lock (Fn-F11) When Num Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in numeric mode.
13 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. Hold Fn while using cursor-control keys.
14 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Key Description Windows logo key Start button. Combinations with this key perform shortcut functions. Below are a few examples: á á + Tab (Activates next taskbar button) á + E (Explores My Computer) á + F (Finds Document) á + M (Minimizes All) Shift + á + M (Undoes Minimize All) á + R (Displays the Run... dialog box) Application key Opens a context menu (same as a right-click).
15 Hot keys The computer employs hot keys or key combinations to access most of the computer’s controls like screen brightness, volume output. 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 System Property Displays the System Property.
16 Hot key 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Icon Function Description Fn-F5 Display toggle Switches display output between the display screen, external monitor (if connected) and both the display screen and external monitor. Fn-F6 Screen blank Turns the display screen backlight off to save power. Press any key to return. Fn-F7 Touchpad toggle Turns the internal touchpad on and off. Fn-F8 Speaker toggle Turns the speakers on and off. Fn-↑ Volume up Increases the speaker volume.
17 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 in Windows 2000, follow the steps below: 1 Click on Start, Settings, Control Panel.
18 5 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Click on OK. To type the Euro symbol: 1 Locate the Euro symbol on your keyboard. 2 Open a text editor or word processor. 3 Hold Alt Gr and press the Euro symbol. Note: Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol. Please refer to www.microsoft.com/typography/faq/faq12.htm for more information. Launch Keys Located at the top of the keyboard are five buttons. These buttons are called launch keys.
19 Launch key Default application P1 User-programmable P2 User-programmable P3 User-programmable Email Email application Web browser Internet browser application E-Mail Detection Click right button at the Launch Manager icon on the taskbar and click on E-Mail Detection. In this dialog box, you have the option to enable/ disable mail checking, set the time interval for mail checking, etc. If you already have an email account, you can fill in User Name, Password and POP3 Sever in the dialog box.
20 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Touchpad The built-in touchpad is a pointing device that senses movement on its surface. This means the cursor responds as you move your finger on the surface of the touchpad. The central location on the palmrest provides optimal comfort and support. Note: When using an external USB mouse, you can press Fn-F7 to disable the touchpad. Touchpad basics The following items teach you how to use the touchpad: • Move your finger across the touchpad to move the cursor.
21 a page up, down, left or right. This button mimics your cursor pressing on the vertical and horizontal scroll bars of Windows applications.
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 Hard disk The high-capacity hard disk is the answer to your storage needs. This is where your programs and data are stored. Optical drive The optical drive bay accepts a wide variety of optional media drive modules for use with your computer.
23 Using software Playing DVD movies When the DVD-ROM 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.
24 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Audio The computer comes with 16-bit high-fidelity AC’97 stereo audio, and includes a built-in sensitive microphone and dual stereo speakers. There are audio ports on the right side of the computer. See “Right view” on page 5 for more information on connecting external audio devices. Adjusting the volume Adjusting the volume on the computer is as easy as pressing some buttons. See “Hot keys” on page 15 for more informations on adjusting the speaker volume.
25 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. If no activity is detected for a period of time (called an inactivity timeout), the computer stops some or all of these devices in order to conserve energy.
26 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Moving around with your TravelMate This section gives you tips and hints to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer. Disconnecting from the desktop Follow these steps to disconnect your computer from external accessories: 1 Save your work in progress. 2 Remove any media, diskette or compact disc, from the drive(s). 3 Shut down the computer. 4 Close the display cover. 5 Disconnect the cord from the AC adapter.
27 you can put the computer in Sleep mode by pressing Fn-F4. Then close and latch the display. When you are ready to use the computer again, unlatch and open the display; then slide and release the power switch. Note: If the sleep indicator is off, the computer has entered Hibernation mode and turned off. If the power indicator is off but the sleep indicator is on, the computer has entered Sleep mode. In both cases, slide and release the power switch to turn the computer back on.
28 • 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Pack the computer in a protective case that can prevent the computer from sliding around and cushion it if it should fall. Caution: Avoid packing items next to the top cover of the computer.
29 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.
30 1 Getting to know your TravelMate • Power cords that are appropriate for the country to which you are traveling • Spare, fully-charged battery packs • 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.
31 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 rear panel of the computer lets you connect a Kensington-compatible computer security lock. Wrap a computer security lock cable around an immovable object such as a table or locked drawer handle.
32 1 Getting to know your TravelMate on boot-up and resume from hibernation for maximum security. • Hard Disk Password protects your data by preventing unauthorized access to your hard disk. Even if the hard disk is removed from the computer and moved to another computer, it cannot be accessed without the Hard Disk Password. Important! Do not forget your Supervisor and Hard Disk Password! If you forget your password, please get in touch with your dealer or an authorized service center.
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34 1 Getting to know your TravelMate
2 Customizing my computer
After learning the basics of your TravelMate computer, let’s get acquainted with the advanced features of your computer. In this chapter, you will learn how to add options, upgrade components for better performance, and customize your computer.
37 Expanding through options 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. Fax/data modem Your computer have a built-in V.90 56Kbps AC’97 Link fax/data modem. Warning! This modem port is not compatible with digital phone lines. Plugging this modem into a digital phone line will damage the modem.
38 2 Customizing my computer Built-in network feature The built-in network feature allows you to connect your computer to an Ethernet-based (10/100 Mbps) network. To use the network feature, connect an Ethernet cable from the network jack on the rear of the computer to a network jack or hub on your network. 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.
39 IEEE 1394 port The computer's IEEE 1394 port allows you to connect to an IEEE 1394 supported devices like a video camera or digital camera. See your video or digital camera's documentation for details. PC Card slot The type II / type III CardBus PC Card slot found on the right side of the computer accepts credit-card-sized cards that enhance the usability and expandability of the computer. These cards should have a PC Card logo on them.
40 2 Customizing my computer Inserting a PC Card Insert the card into the slot and make the proper connection (e.g., network cable), if necessary. See your card manual for details. Ejecting a PC Card Before ejecting a PC Card: 1 Exit the application using the card. 2 Left-click on the PC Card icon on the taskbar and stop the card operation. 3 Press the slot eject button to pop out the eject button (a); then press it again to eject the card (b).
41 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. Memory upgrade Memory is expandable to 1 GB, employing 128/256/512-MB industry standard soDIMMs (Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules).
42 2 Customizing my computer 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 (b) until it clicks into place. 4 Replace the memory cover and secure it with the screw. 5 Reinstall the battery pack, and reconnect the AC adapter. 6 Turn on the computer. The computer automatically detects and reconfigures the total memory size.
43 Using system utilities Launch Manager Launch Manager allows you to set the five launch keys located above the keyboard. See “Launch Keys” on page 18 for the location of the launch key. You can access the Launch Manager by clicking on Start, All Programs, and then Launch Manager to start the application. You can manually switch off the 802.11b wireless LAN by pressing the button.
44 2 Customizing my computer To activate the BIOS Utility, press F2 during the POST (power-on selftest) while the TravelMate logo is being displayed. See your online guide for more information.
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. key link: www.acersupport.
47 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 opened the display and pressed the power switch, but 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.
48 3 Troubleshooting my computer Image is not full-screen. The computer display has a native resolution of 1024 x 768 (XGA) for the 14.1”/15.0” or 1400 x 1050 (SXGA+) for the 15.0”(selected models only). If you set the resolution lower than this, the screen expands to fill the 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.
49 cannot eject the optical drive tray. There is a mechanical eject button on the optical drive. Simply insert the tip of a pen or paperclip and push to eject the tray. The keyboard does not respond. Try attaching an external keyboard to the USB or PS/2 ports of 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.
50 3 Troubleshooting my computer 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.
51 You are required to provide the following information: Name:________________________________________ Address:______________________________________ ______________________________________________ Telephone number:____________________________ Machine and model type:_______________________ Serial number:_________________________________ Date of purchase:______________________________
52 3 Troubleshooting my computer
Appendix A Specifications
This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer.
55 Microprocessor • Mobile Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor-M with 512 KB level 2 cache featuring the new Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep™ technology or Mobile Intel® Celeron® processor with 256KB level 2 cache Memory • Main memory expandable to 1 GB • Dual 200-pin soDIMM sockets • PC2100 DDR-SDRAM (Double Data Rate-Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) support • 512 KB Flash ROM BIOS Data storage • One high-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk • One 5.
56 • Appendix A Specifications Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device with 4-way scroll button I/O ports • Two type II / one type III CardBus PC Card slots • One RJ-45 jack (Ethernet 10/100) • One RJ-45 jack (V.90/56Kbps) • One DC-in jack • One parallel port (ECP/EPP) • One serial port (16550-compatible) • One PS/2 port • One external monitor port • One headphone/speaker/line-out jack (3.5mm mini jack) • One microphone/line-in jack (3.
57 System • ACPI support • DMI 2.
58 Appendix A Specifications
Appendix B Notices
This appendix lists the general notices of your computer.
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.
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.
63 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.
64 Appendix B Notices f If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service. 12 Replace the battery with the same type as the product's battery we recommend. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion. 13 Warning! Batteries may explode if not handled properly. Do not disassemble or dispose of them in fire. Keep them away from children and dispose of used batteries promptly.
65 same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if at all possible. ADVARSEL! Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosionsfare ved fejlagtig håndtering. Udskiftning må kun ske med batteri af samme fabrikat og type. Léver det brugte batteri tilbage til leverandøren. ADVARSEL Eksplosjonsfare ved feilaktig skifte av batteri. Benytt samme batteritype eller en tilsvarende type anbefalt av apparatfabrikanten.
66 Appendix B Notices A-Tick notice For safety reasons, only connect headsets with a telecommunications compliance label. This includes customer equipment previously labelled permitted or certified.
67 Index troubleshooting 46 turning off iv Wireless Communication indicator 11 connections network 38 A AC adapter caring for v audio 24 adjusting the volume troubleshooting 48 D 24 B battery pack caring for v charging indicator BIOS utility 43 brightness hotkeys 16 11 C caps lock 12 on indicator 11 care AC adapter v battery pack v computer iv CD-ROM ejecting 22 ejecting manually 49 troubleshooting 49 cleaning computer v computer bringing to meetings 27 caring for iv cleaning v disconnecting 26 featu
68 on indicator 11 memory installing 41– 42 upgrading 41 modem 37 N network 38 Notebook Manager hotkey 15 notice DVD copyright protection num lock 12 on indicator 11 numeric keypad embedded 13 num lock 13 65 O online services 50 options memory upgrade Optical drive 22 41 P password 31 types 31 PC Card 39 ejecting 40 inserting 40 ports 37 POST (power-on self-test) 44 printer troubleshooting 49 problems 47 CD-ROM 49 display 47, 48 keyboard 49 printer 49 startup 47 troubleshooting 46 Q questions setting
69 Windows keys 14
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