Acer 220 Series manual

T ravelMate 220/260 series User’ s guide 220.book Page i Tuesday, October 23, 2001 10:54 AM[...]

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. This company makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to t[...]

iii First things first W e would like to thank you for making the T ravelMate series of notebook computers your choice for your mobile computing needs. W e hope you will be happy with your T ravelMate as much as we enjoyed making it for you. Y our guides T o help you use your T ravelMate, we have designed a set of guides: First off, the Just for St[...]

iv For more information about our products, services, and support information, please visit our W eb site (global.acer .com ). Basic care and tips for using your computer T ur ning your computer on and off T o turn on the computer , simply slide and then release the power switch on the left side of your T ravelMate. See “ Left view ” on page 4 [...]

v the computer . If you turn off the computer and want to turn it on again, wait at least two seconds before powering up. T aking car e of your computer Y our 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 comput[...]

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 wat[...]

Contents First things first iii Your guides iii Basic care and tips for using your computer iv 1 Getting to know your TravelMate 1 A TravelMate tour 3 Front view 3 Left view 4 Right view 5 Rear view 6 Bottom view 7 Features 8 Indicators 10 Using the keyboard 11 Special keys 11 Touchpad 17 Touchpad basics 17 Storage 19 Hard disk 19 AcerMedia drive 1[...]

viii BIOS Utility 42 3 Troubleshooting my computer 43 Frequently-asked questions 45 Error messages 49 Requesting service 51 International Traveler ’ s Warranty (ITW) 51 Before you call 51 Appendix A Specifications 53 Appendix B Notices 59 Index 67 220.book Page viii Tuesday, October 23, 2001 10:54 AM[...]

1 Getting to know your T ravelMate 220.book Page 1 Tuesday, October 23, 2001 10:54 AM[...]

Y our T ravelMate computer combines high- performance, versatility , power management features and multimedia capabilities with a unique style and ergonomic design. W ork with unmatched productivity and reliability with your new power computing partner . 220.book Page 2 Tuesday, October 23, 2001 10:54 AM[...]

3 A T ravelMate tour After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters... poster , let us show you around your new T ravelMate computer . Front view # Item Description 1 Display screen Also called LCD (liquid-crystal display), displays computer output. 2 T ouchpad T ouch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer[...]

1 Getting to know your T ravelMate 4 Left view 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. # Item Description 1 Security keylock C onnects to a Kensington-com[...]

5 Right view 7 Microphone-in jack Accepts a mono/stereo condenser microphone. 8 V olume 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 . # Item Description 1 Video capture kit slot Accepts the video capture kit option on the right side of the computer . 2 B[...]

1 Getting to know your T ravelMate 6 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[...]

7 Bottom view # Item Description 1M e m o r y compartment Houses the computer's main memory . 2 Hard disk anti- shock 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 [...]

1 Getting to know your T ravelMate 8 Featur es Below is a brief summary of the computer ’ s many features: Performance • Intel ® Mobile Pentium ® III processor with 512 KB cache or Intel ® Mobile Celeron ® processor with 128 KB or 256 KB cache • 64-bit memory bus • AcerMedia bay (removable CD or DVD drive) • Built-in floppy drive • [...]

9 Connectivity • High-speed fax/data modem port • Ethernet/Fast Ethernet port • USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports Human-centric design and ergonomics • All-in-one design (CD or DVD drive, floppy drive, and hard disk) • Sleek, smooth and stylish design • Full-sized keyboard • Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device Expansion •[...]

1 Getting to know your T ravelMate 10 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. Sleep Lights[...]

11 Using the keyboar d 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-[...]

1 Getting to know your T ravelMate 12 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. T o simplify the keyboard legend, cursor-control key symbols are not printed on the keys. Note: If an external keyboard or keypad is [...]

13 W indows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Hot keys The computer employs hot keys or key combinations to access most of the computer ’ s controls like screen brightness, volume output and the BIOS Utility . Key Description Windows logo key  Start button. Combinations with this key perform shortcut funct[...]

1 Getting to know your T ravelMate 14 T o 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 T oggle Switches the power mana[...]

15 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 Un[...]

1 Getting to know your T ravelMate 16 3 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 [...]

17 T ouchpad 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 disabl[...]

1 Getting to know your T ravelMate 18 Note: Keep your fingers dry and clean when using the touchpad. Also keep the touchpad dry and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to finger movements. Hence, the lighter the touch, the better the response. T apping harder will not increase the touchpad ’ s responsiveness. Function Left button Right button Center[...]

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 modul[...]

1 Getting to know your T ravelMate 20 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 cod[...]

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. 220.book Page 21 Tuesday, October 23, 2001 10:54 AM[...]

1 Getting to know your T ravelMate 22 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 [...]

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 . If no activity is detected for a period of [...]

1 Getting to know your T ravelMate 24 Moving ar ound with your T ravelMate This section gives you tips and hints on things to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer . Disconnecting fr om the desktop Follow these steps to disconnect your computer from external accessories: 1 Save your work in progress. 2 Remove any media, disket[...]

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[...]

1 Getting to know your T ravelMate 26 Caution: Avoid packing items next to the top cover of the computer . Pressure against the top cover can damage the screen What to bring with you Unless you already have some items at home, bring the following items with you: • AC adapter and power cord • The printed user ’ s manual • AcerMedia drive mod[...]

27 T raveling 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 tur[...]

1 Getting to know your T ravelMate 28 • AC adapter • Power cords that are appropriate for the country to which you are traveling • Spare, fully-charged battery packs • AcerMedia drive module(s) • Additional printer driver files if you plan to use another printer • Proof of purchase, in case you need to show it to customs officials • I[...]

29 Securing your computer Y our 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 co[...]

1 Getting to know your T ravelMate 30 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 se[...]

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[...]

1 Getting to know your T ravelMate 32 220.book Page 32 Tuesday, October 23, 2001 10:54 AM[...]

2 Customizing my computer 220.book Page 33 Tuesday, October 23, 2001 10:54 AM[...]

After learning the basics of your T ravelMate 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 . 220.book Page 34 Tuesday, October 23, 2001 10:54 AM[...]

35 Expanding thr ough options Y our T ravelMate offers you a complete mobile computing experience. AcerMedia bay modules T o swap drive modules in and out of the AcerMedia drive bay , follow these steps: 1 T urn your computer off. 2 Close the display cover . 3 T urn the computer over . 4 Slide and hold the AcerMedia drive bay release latch (a); the[...]

2 Customizing my computer 36 external devices to the computer , see your online guide for more details. Modem Y our computer has a built-in V .90 56Kbps AC ’ 97 Link modem. W arning! This modem port is not compatible with digital phone lines. Plugging this modem into a digital phone line will damage the modem. T o use the modem, connect a phone c[...]

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. Y our computer has two ports available. 220.book Page 37 Tuesday, October 23, 2001 [...]

2 Customizing my computer 38 PC Card slot There is one T ype II/T ype 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 comp[...]

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 Y our 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: Con[...]

2 Customizing my computer 40 Installing memory Follow these steps to install memory: 1 T urn 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 diago[...]

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. T o start the Notebook Manager , press Fn-F2 or follow[...]

2 Customizing my computer 42 Y ou 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). Y our computer is already properly configured and optimized, and you do [...]

3 T r oubleshooting my computer 220.book Page 43 Tuesday, October 23, 2001 10:54 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. 220.book Page 44 Tuesday, October 23[...]

45 Fr equently-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 appl[...]

3 T roubleshooting my computer 46 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 [...]

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 [...]

3 T roubleshooting my computer 48 connectors and there is only one PS/2 port on the computer . T o 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. • Dependin[...]

49 Err or 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 [...]

3 T roubleshooting my computer 50 If you still encounter problems after going through the corrective measures, please contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance. Some problems may be solved using the BIOS Utility . Keyboard Error or No Keyboard Connected Contact your dealer or an authorized service center . Keyboard Interfac[...]

51 Requesting service Intern ational T raveler’ s W arranty (ITW) Y our computer is backed by an International T raveler ’ 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[...]

3 T roubleshooting my computer 52 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). Y ou are required to provide the following information: Name:________________________________________ Address:______________________________________ ______[...]

Appendix A Specifications 220.book Page 53 Tuesday, October 23, 2001 10:54 AM[...]

This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer . 220.book Page 54 Tuesday, October 23, 2001 10:54 AM[...]

55 Micropr ocessor • 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 dr[...]

Appendix A Specifications 56 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/headp[...]

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 100~240V ac, 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 ca[...]

Appendix A Specifications 58 220.book Page 58 Tuesday, October 23, 2001 10:54 AM[...]

Appendix B Notices 220.book Page 59 Tuesday, October 23, 2001 10:54 AM[...]

This appendix lists the general notices of your computer . 220.book Page 60 Tuesday, October 23, 2001 10:54 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 instal[...]

Appendix B Notices 62 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 num é rique de la classe B respected toutes les exigences du R è glement sur le mat é riel brouilleur du Canada. Modem n[...]

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 wat[...]

Appendix B Notices 64 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 con[...]

65 VA R N I N G : LASERSTR Å LNING NAR DENNA DEL Å R Ö PPNADSTIRRA EJ IN I STR Å LEN ADV ARSEL: LASERSTR Å LING NAR DEKSEL Å PNESSTIRR IKKE INN I STR Å LEN 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 batt[...]

Appendix B Notices 66 Y ear 2000 compliance statement The T ravelMate 220 / 260 series notebook computer carries the "Hardware NSTL T ested Y ear 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 Y ear 2000 hardware compliance. For m[...]

67 Index A AC adapter caring for ===î AcerMedia drive ===NV installing and removing ===PR swapping ===PR audio ===OO adjusting the volume ===OO troubleshooting ===QS B battery pack caring for ===î charging indicator ===NM BIOS utility ===QO brightness hotkeys ===NR C caps lock ===NN on indicator ===NM care AC adapter ===î battery pack ===î comp[...]

68 troubleshooting ===QT Windows keys ===NP L LEDs ===NM M media access on indicator ===NM memory installing ===QM upgrading ===PV messages error ===QV modem ===PS mouse troubleshooting ===QT N network ===PS Notebook Manager ===QN hotkey ===NQ notice DVD copyright protection ===SS year 2000 compliance ===SS num lock ===NN on indicator ===NM numeric[...]

69 troubleshooting ===QQ tips ===QV U universal serial bus ===PT V view front ===Q left ===Q rear ===S right ===R volume adjusting ===OO W warranty International Traveler ’ s Warran- ty ===RN Windows keys ===NP 220.book Page 69 Tuesday, October 23, 2001 10:54 AM[...]