Acer TravelMate 220 series User Manual

Acer laptop pc user's guide
Hide thumbs Also See for TravelMate 220 series:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

TravelMate 220/260 series
User's guide

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Summary of Contents for Acer TravelMate 220 series

  • Page 1 TravelMate 220/260 series User’s guide...
  • Page 2 Serial Number: ___________________________________ Purchase Date: ___________________________________ Place of Purchase: ________________________________ Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Incorporated. Other company's product names or trademarks are used herein for identification purposes only and belong to their respective companies.
  • Page 5: First Things First

    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...
  • Page 6: Basic Care And Tips For Using Your Computer

    So, please read through it. For more information about our products, services, and support information, please visit our Web site (global.acer.com). 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 left side of your TravelMate.
  • Page 7: Taking Care Of Your Computer

    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. •...
  • Page 8: Cleaning And Servicing

    • 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: Power off the computer and remove the battery pack. Disconnect the AC adapter.
  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    First things first Your guides Basic care and tips for using your computer 1 Getting to know your TravelMate 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...
  • Page 10 viii BIOS Utility 3 Troubleshooting my computer Frequently-asked questions Error messages Requesting service International Traveler’s Warranty (ITW) Before you call Appendix A Specifications Appendix B Notices Index...
  • Page 11: Getting To Know Your Travelmate

    1 Getting to know your TravelMate...
  • Page 12 Your TravelMate computer combines high- performance, 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.
  • Page 13: A Travelmate Tour

    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 Display screen Touchpad Floppy activity indicator Floppy drive Floppy disk eject button Click buttons (left, center and right) Description...
  • Page 14: Left View

    Item Palmrest Keyboard Status indicators Left view Item Security keylock PC Card slot Eject button Power switch Speaker/Headphone-out jack Line-in jack 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description Comfortable support area for your hands when you use the computer. Inputs data into your computer. LEDs that turn on and off to show the status of the computer, its functions and components.
  • Page 15: Right View

    Item Microphone-in jack Volume control Video capture kit slot Right view Item Video capture kit slot Battery bay AcerMedia drive LED indicator Eject button Emergency eject slot Power jack Description Accepts a mono/stereo condenser microphone. Controls the volume of the speakers. Accepts the video capture kit option on the left side of the computer.
  • Page 16: Rear View

    Rear view Item PS/2 port Serial port Parallel port USB ports (two) External display port Modem jack Network jack 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description Connects to any PS/2-compatible device (e.g., PS/2 keyboard/mouse/keypad). Connects to a serial device (e.g., serial mouse). Connects to a parallel device (e.g., parallel printer).
  • Page 17: Bottom View

    Bottom view Item Memory compartment Hard disk anti- shock protection Personal identification slot AcerMedia bay release latch AcerMedia bay Battery bay Battery release latch Hard disk bay Description Houses the computer's main memory. Protects your hard disk against shocks. Insert a business card or similar-sized identification card to personalize your computer.
  • Page 18: Features

    Features 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) •...
  • Page 19 • 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 •...
  • Page 20: Indicators

    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 Power...
  • Page 21: Using The Keyboard

    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...
  • Page 22: Embedded Numeric Keypad

    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 Number keys on embedded keypad...
  • Page 23: Windows Keys

    Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Description Windows logo key Start button. Combinations with this key perform shortcut functions. Below are a few examples: Shift + Application key Opens a context menu (same as a right-click). 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...
  • Page 24 To activate hot keys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the other key in the hot key combination. Hot key Icon Fn-F1 Fn-F2 Fn-F3 Fn-F4 Fn-F5 Fn-F6 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Function Description Hot Key Help Displays help on hot keys.
  • Page 25 Hot key Icon Fn-F7 Fn-F8 Fn-→ Fn- ← Alt Gr-Euro 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.
  • Page 26: Launch Keys

    2 is used to launch the email application. Keys 3 and 4 start the Launch Manager application. All four launch keys can be set by the user. To set the launch keys, run the Acer Launch Manager. 1 Getting to know your TravelMate...
  • Page 27: Touchpad

    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.
  • Page 28 Function Left button Execute Click twice quickly Select Click once Drag Click and hold, then use finger to drag the cursor on the touchpad Access context menu Scroll 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.
  • Page 29: Storage

    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.
  • Page 30: Playing Dvd Movies

    Playing DVD movies When the DVD drive module is installed in the AcerMedia drive bay, you can play DVD movies on your computer. 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.
  • Page 31: Floppy Drive

    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.
  • Page 32: Audio

    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.
  • Page 33: Power Management

    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.
  • Page 34: Moving Around With 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: Save your work in progress. Remove any media, diskette or compact disc, from the drive(s).
  • Page 35: Taking The Computer Home

    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.
  • Page 36: What To Bring With You

    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: •...
  • Page 37: Traveling With The Computer

    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.
  • Page 38 • 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 •...
  • Page 39: Securing Your Computer

    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.
  • Page 40: Entering Passwords

    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.
  • Page 41: Setting Passwords

    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.
  • Page 42 1 Getting to know your TravelMate...
  • Page 43: Customizing My Computer

    2 Customizing my computer...
  • Page 44 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.
  • Page 45: Expanding Through Options

    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: Turn your computer off. Close the display cover. Turn the computer over. Slide and hold the AcerMedia drive bay release latch (a);...
  • Page 46 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.
  • Page 47: Universal Serial Bus

    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.
  • Page 48: Pc Card Slot

    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.
  • Page 49: Upgrade Options

    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.
  • Page 50 Installing memory Follow these steps to install memory: Turn off the computer, unplug the AC adapter (if connected) and remove the battery pack. Then turn the computer over to access its base. Remove the screw from the memory cover (a); then lift up and remove the memory cover (b).
  • Page 51: Using System Utilities

    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: Click on Start, Programs, then Notebook Manager.
  • Page 52: Bios Utility

    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.
  • Page 53: Troubleshooting My Computer

    3 Troubleshooting my computer...
  • Page 54 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.
  • Page 55: Frequently-Asked Questions

    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.
  • Page 56 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.
  • Page 57 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.
  • Page 58 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.
  • Page 59: Error Messages

    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.
  • Page 60 Error Messages Keyboard Error or No Keyboard Connected Keyboard Interface Error Memory Size Mismatch Missing operating system Non-system disk or disk error. Replace and strike any key when ready. Pointing Device Error Pointing Device Interface Error Protected Mode Test Fail RAM BIOS Bad RAM Parity Error Real-Time Clock Error...
  • Page 61: Requesting Service

    Place your proof-of- purchase in the flap located inside the front cover of the ITW passport. If the country you are traveling in does not have an Acer-authorized ITW service site, you can still get in contact with our offices worldwide.
  • Page 62 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). You are required to provide the following information: Name:________________________________________ Address:______________________________________ ______________________________________________...
  • Page 63: Appendix A Specifications

    Appendix A Specifications...
  • Page 64 This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer.
  • Page 65 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) •...
  • Page 66 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 •...
  • Page 67 • 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 •...
  • Page 68 Appendix A Specifications...
  • Page 69: Appendix B Notices

    Appendix B Notices...
  • Page 70 This appendix lists the general notices of your computer.
  • Page 71: Fcc Notice

    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.
  • Page 72: Modem Notices

    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 This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules.
  • Page 73: Important Safety Instructions

    Important safety instructions Read these instructions carefully. Save these instructions for future reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. Do not use this product near water.
  • Page 74: Laser Compliance Statement

    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.
  • Page 75: Lithium Battery Statement

    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.
  • Page 76: Year 2000 Compliance Statement

    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.html) LCD pixel statement The LCD unit is produced with high-precision manufacturing techniques.
  • Page 77: Index

    Index AC adapter caring for AcerMedia drive installing and removing swapping audio adjusting the volume troubleshooting battery pack caring for charging indicator BIOS utility brightness hotkeys caps lock on indicator care AC adapter battery pack computer troubleshooting CD-ROM ejecting ejecting manually troubleshooting cleaning computer...
  • Page 78 troubleshooting Windows keys LEDs media access on indicator memory installing upgrading messages error modem mouse troubleshooting network Notebook Manager hotkey notice DVD copyright protection year 2000 compliance num lock on indicator numeric keypad embedded num lock online services options memory upgrade password types PC Card...
  • Page 79 troubleshooting tips universal serial bus view front left rear right volume adjusting warranty International Traveler’s Warran- Windows keys...

This manual is also suitable for:

Travelmate 260 series

Table of Contents