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Acer TravelMate 800 Series User Manual

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TravelMate 800 series

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  • Page 1: Travelmate 800 Series

    TravelMate 800 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 3: First Things First

    Acrobat Reader setup program first. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation. For instructions on how to use Adobe Acrobat Reader, access the Help menu. For more information about our products, services, and support information, please visit our Web site (global.acer.com).

  • Page 4: Basic Care And Tips For Using Your Computer

    Basic care and tips for using your computer Turning your computer on and off To turn on the computer, simply press the power button, the button left of the launch keys found above your TravelMate’s standard keyboard. See “Front open view” on page 3 for the location of the power switch.

  • Page 5: Taking Care Of Your Ac Adapter

    • Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields. • Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture. • Do not spill water or any liquid on the computer. • Do not subject the computer to heavy shock and vibration. •...
  • Page 6 Disconnect the AC adapter. Use a soft cloth moistened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. 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. •...

  • Page 7: 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 open view Front view Left view Rear view Bottom view Features Indicators Using the keyboard Special keys Touchpad Touchpad basics Storage...
  • Page 8 viii BIOS Utility 3 Troubleshooting my computer Frequently-asked questions Troubleshooting tips Error messages Requesting service International Traveler’s Warranty (ITW) Before you call Appendix A Specifications Appendix B Notices Index 79...

  • Page 9: Getting To Know Your Travelmate

    1 Getting to know your TravelMate...
  • Page 10 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 11: 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 open view Item Display screen Power button Touchpad Click buttons (left, center and right) Description Also called LCD (liquid-crystal display), displays computer output.
  • Page 12 Item Palmrest Keyboard Status indicators Launch keys Microphone 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description Comfortable support area for your hands when you use the computer. Inputs data into your computer. LEDs (light-emitting diode) that turn on and off to show the status of the computer, its functions and components.

  • Page 13: Front View

    Front view Item Speaker Bluetooth button Bluetooth indicator InviLink button InviLink indicator Latch Infrared port Battery indicator Power status indicator Description Outputs sound. Starts (optional) Bluetooth functionality. Indicates that (optional) Bluetooth is enabled. Opens (optional) wireless connectivity. Indicates status of (optional) wireless communication.

  • Page 14: Left View

    Left view Item Four (4) USB 2.0 ports IEEE 1394 port Smart Card slot Line-in jack Microphone jack Headphone/ Speaker/ Line-out jack PC Card eject button 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description Connect to Universal Serial Bus devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera). Note: The far left USB port on the computer will be disabled when connected with a PortReplicator.

  • Page 15: Right View

    Item PC Card slot Right view Item AcerMedia drive AcerMedia indicator Eject button Emergency eject slot Power jack Note: The positions of the AcerMedia indicator, eject button and emergency eject hole may differ depending on the optical drive module installed. Description Accepts one Type II 16-bit PC Card or 32- bit CardBus PC Card.

  • Page 16: Rear View

    Rear view Item Modem jack Network jack Expansion port Parallel port External display port S-video Security keylock 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description Connects to a phone line. Connects to an Ethernet 10/100-based network. Connects to I/O port replicator or EasyPort expansion devices.

  • Page 17: Bottom View

    Bottom view Item AcerMedia bay release latch AcerMedia bay Battery bay Battery release latch Battery lock Mini-PCI slot Hard disk protector Description Unlatches the AcerMedia drive for removing the optical drive. Houses an AcerMedia drive module. Houses the computer's battery pack. Unlatches the battery to remove the battery pack.
  • Page 18 Item Hard disk bay Memory compartment Cooling fan Personal identification slot 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description Houses the computer's hard disk (secured by a screw). Houses the computer’s memory. Helps keep the computer cool. Note: Don’t cover or obstruct the opening of the fan.

  • Page 19: Features

    Features Below is a brief summary of the computer’s many features: Performance • Intel® Pentium® M Processor with 1024 KB level 2 cache featuring the new Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep™ technology • Memory expandable up to 2 GB • Internal removable optical drive (AcerMedia bay) •...
  • Page 20 Internet 4-way scroll button • Sleek, smooth and stylish design • Full-sized keyboard • Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device Expansion • One type II CardBus PC Card slot • Upgradeable memory • Acer EasyPort (optional) 1 Getting to know your TravelMate...

  • Page 21: Indicators

    Indicators The computer has three easy-to-read status indicators below the display screen, and two on the front of the computer. The Battery and Power status indicators are visible even when you close the display. Icon Function Caps lock Num lock Media Activity Battery Power...

  • Page 22: Using The Keyboard

    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...

  • Page 23: 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 Num lock on Number keys on...

  • Page 24: Windows Keys

    Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Description Windows logo 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 + + R (Displays the Run...

  • Page 25: Hot Keys

    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. To activate hot keys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the other key in the hot key combination. Hot key Icon Function...
  • Page 26 Hot key Icon Function Fn-F5 Display toggle Fn-F6 Screen blank Fn-F7 Touchpad toggle Fn-F8 Speaker toggle Fn-↑ Volume up Fn-↓ Volume down Fn-→ Brightness up Fn- ← Brightness down 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description Switches display output between the display screen, external monitor (if connected) and both the display screen and external...
  • Page 27 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 28: Launch Keys

    Verify that the keyboard layout used for "En English (United States)" is set to United States-International. If not, select and click on ADD; then select United States- International and click on OK. Click on OK. To type the Euro symbol: Locate the Euro symbol on your keyboard.
  • Page 29 Launch key Default application Mail Email application. Web browser Internet browser application User-programmable User-programmable 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.

  • Page 30: Touchpad

    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 optimum comfort and support. Note: When using an external USB mouse, you can press Fn-F7 to disable the touchpad.
  • Page 31 • Use the 4-way scroll (2) button (top/bottom/left and right) to scroll a page up, down, left or right. This button mimics your cursor pressing on the vertical and horizontal scroll bars of Windows applications. Function Left button Execute Click twice quickly Select Click once...

  • Page 32: Storage

    Storage This computer supplies you with the following media storage: • High-capacity Enhanced-IDE hard disk • AcerMedia drive Hard disk The high-capacity hard disk is the answer to your storage needs. This is where your programs and data are stored. AcerMedia bay The AcerMedia bay accepts a wide variety of optional media drive modules for use with your computer.

  • Page 33: Using Software

    Ejecting the optical (CD or DVD) drive tray To eject the optical drive tray when the computer is turned on, press the drive eject button. When the power is off, you can eject the drive tray using the emergency eject hole. See page 58. Using software Playing DVD movies When the DVD-ROM drive module is installed in the AcerMedia bay,...
  • Page 34 The DVD movie will automatically play after a few seconds. Region code Country or region U.S.A., Canada Europe, Middle East, South Africa, Japan Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Korea (South) Latin America, Australia, New Zealand Former U.S.S.R., parts of Africa, India People's Republic of China Note: To change the region code, insert a DVD movie of a different region into the DVD-ROM drive.

  • Page 35: Front View Left View

    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 left of the computer. See “Front view Left view” on page 5 for more information on connecting external audio devices.

  • Page 36: Power Management

    1 Getting to know your TravelMate Power management This computer has a built-in power management unit that monitors system activity. System activity refers to any activity involving one or more of the following devices: keyboard, mouse, hard disk, peripherals connected to the serial and parallel ports, and video memory. 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.

  • Page 37: Moving Around With 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: Save your work in progress. Remove any media, diskette or compact disc, from the drive(s).

  • Page 38: Taking The Computer Home

    - or - 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.

  • Page 39: What To Bring With You

    • Check if you have removed all media, diskettes and compact discs, from the drive(s). Failure to remove the media can damage the drive head. • 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.

  • Page 40: Traveling With The Computer

    If you use your computer at home for significant periods of time, you might also want to add an external keyboard, monitor, or mouse. 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”...
  • Page 41 What to bring with you Bring the following items with you: • 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 •...

  • Page 42: 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, Smart Card 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 43 • PlatinumSecure enhances the secure logon procedure for your Windows at the operating system level. It provides user authentication through its encryption/decryption function using the Smart Card. If your Smart Card is unavailable, you can use the Emergency Card as a temporary replacement card. •...

  • Page 44: Registering Your Smart Card

    Registering your Smart Card Important! Your Acer notebook is equipped with a Smart Card security feature that protects the computer from unauthorized access. If you enable this feature, please make sure that your warranty card is completed and sent back to Acer. This information will be used by Acer service centers to confirm ownership in case your Smart Card "key"...
  • Page 45 PlatinumSecure Options Click on the PlatinumSecure Options button to open the Smart Card Options window. It provides great flexibility to meet the various privacy protection needs of many different users. • Disable Smart Card Authentication When Disable PlatinumPAS is selected, the PlatinumPAS Preboot Authentication System will be disabled.
  • Page 46 • System Lock Option When Lock system when the Smart Card is not in use (default) is selected, if the Smart Card is removed, the PlatinumSecure screensaver comes up and access to the system is locked. When Never lock the system after bootup is selected, there is no protection for the PC after boot up, and Password Option is disabled.

  • Page 47: Running Platinumkey

    • In Windows Explorer, right-click on a selected folder, file, or group of files. Running PlatinumKey PlatinumKey provides one-click logon to all password-required websites. With its unique Smart Card caching technology, you can greatly extend the limited card memory size to unlimited use by storing your private data in an encrypted file either on the Smart Card, or on the 360 Degree Web secure website server.

  • Page 48: Using Passwords

    If PlatinumKey is being used for the very first time, it will ask "Would you like to link to 360 Degree Web secure website server to backup the information on your Smart Card?" The default answer is Yes, and it will enable you to store your information (excluding the Credit Cards) on the 360 Degree Web secure website server for backup purposes in case the card is lost/stolen.

  • Page 49: Entering Passwords

    • 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.
  • Page 50 1 Getting to know your TravelMate...

  • Page 51: Customizing My Computer

    2 Customizing my computer...
  • Page 52 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 53: Expanding Through Options

    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. For instructions on how to connect different external devices to the computer, see your online guide for more details.

  • Page 54: Fast Infrared

    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.

  • Page 55: Universal Serial Bus

    Universal Serial Bus The Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) 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 four ports available.

  • Page 56: Ieee 1394 Port

    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 CardBus PC Card slot found on the left side of the computer accepts credit-card-sized cards that enhance the usability and expandability of the computer.
  • Page 57 Inserting a PC Card Insert the card into the slot and make the proper connections (e.g., network cable), if necessary. See your card manual for details. Ejecting a PC Card Before ejecting a PC Card: Exit the application using the card. Left-click on the PC Card icon on the taskbar and stop the card operation.

  • Page 58: Upgrade Options

    Port expansion devices Two types of expansion devices are available for your computer: • I/O replicator - adds serial port and parallel port connections to your computer. • EasyPort - adds a host of ports for your computer, and allows you to connect and disconnect peripherals from your computer in one quick step.
  • Page 59 Remove the screws from the memory cover (a); then lift up and remove the memory cover (b). Insert the memory module diagonally into the slot (a), then gently press it down (b) until it clicks into place. Replace the memory cover and secure it with the screw. Reinstall the battery pack, and reconnect the AC adapter.

  • Page 60: Swapping Acermedia Drive Modules

    Swapping AcerMedia drive modules Note: The hard disk drive module is not hot-swappable. You have to turn off your computer before you can swap the module. You can swap the AcerMedia drive with any optional AcerMedia modules. First slide the AcerMedia release latch as shown in the illustration (a).

  • Page 61: 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 62: Launch Manager

    2 Customizing my computer Launch Manager Launch Manager allows you to set the five launch keys located above the keyboard. See “Touchpad” on page 22 for the location of the launch key. You can access the Launch Manager by clicking on Start, Programs, and then Launch Manager to start the application.

  • Page 63: Troubleshooting My Computer

    3 Troubleshooting my computer...
  • Page 64 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 65: 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 slid the power switch and opened the display, but the computer does not start or boot-up.
  • Page 66 Image is not full-screen. The computer display has a native resolution of 1024 x 768 (XGA) for the 14.1” and 1400 x 1050 (SXGA+) for the 15.0”. If you set the resolution lower than this, the screen expands to fill the computer display.
  • Page 67 The keyboard does not respond. Try attaching an external keyboard to the USB 2.0 connector on the left of the computer. If it works, contact your dealer or an authorized service center as the internal keyboard cable may be loose. The infrared port does not work.

  • Page 68: Troubleshooting Tips

    3 Troubleshooting my computer Troubleshooting tips This notebook computer incorporates an advanced design that delivers onscreen error message reports to help you solve problems. If the system reports an error message or an error symptom occurs, see “Error messages” on page 61. If the problem cannot be resolved, contact your dealer.

  • Page 69: Error Messages

    Error messages 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.

  • Page 70: 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 71 You are required to provide the following information: Name:________________________________________ Address:______________________________________ ______________________________________________ Telephone number:____________________________ Machine and model type:_______________________ Serial number:_________________________________ Date of purchase:______________________________...
  • Page 72 3 Troubleshooting my computer...

  • Page 73: Appendix A Specifications

    Appendix A Specifications...
  • Page 74 This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer.
  • Page 75 Microprocessor • Intel® Pentium® M Processor with 1024 KB level 2 cache featuring the new Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep™ technology Memory • Main memory expandable to 2 GB • Dual 200-pin soDIMM sockets • PC2100 DDR-SDRAM (Double Data Rate-Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) support •...
  • Page 76 Keyboard and pointing device • 84-/85-/88-key Windows keyboard • Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device with 4-way scroll button I/O ports • One type II CardBus PC Card slot • One RJ-45 jack (Ethernet 10/100) • One RJ-11 phone jack (V.90/V.92) • One DC-in jack •...
  • Page 77 System • ACPI support • DMI 2.0-compliant • Microsoft® Windows® operating system Power • Battery pack • 65 wh Li-Ion battery pack • 1.5-hour rapid charge / 3.5-hour charge-in-use • AC adapter • 75-Watt • Auto sensing 100~240Vac, 50~60Hz Options •...
  • Page 78 Appendix A Specifications...

  • Page 79: Appendix B Notices

    Appendix B Notices...
  • Page 80 This appendix lists the general notices of your computer.

  • Page 81: 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 82: 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 83: 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 84: Laser Compliance Statement

    controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to normal condition. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service.

  • Page 85: Lithium Battery Statement

    Lithium battery statement CAUTION Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the 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.
  • Page 86 Appendix B Notices Apparatus Claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 4,631,603, 4,577,216, 4,819,098, and 4,907,093 licensed for limited viewing uses only. A-Tick notice For safety reasons, only connect headsets with a telecommunications compliance label. This includes customer equipment previously labelled permitted or certified.

  • Page 87: Index

    Index AC adapter caring for AcerMedia drive audio adjusting the volume troubleshooting battery pack caring for BIOS utility brightness hotkeys caps lock on indicator care AC adapter battery pack computer CD-ROM ejecting ejecting manually troubleshooting cleaning computer computer bringing to meetings caring for cleaning disconnecting...
  • Page 88 installing 50– 51 upgrading messages error modem network Notebook Manager hotkey notice DVD copyright protection num lock on indicator numeric keypad num lock online services options memory upgrade password types PC Card ejecting inserting ports POST (power-on self-test) printer troubleshooting problems CD-ROM display...
  • Page 89 Windows keys warranty International Traveler’s Warran-...

This manual is also suitable for:

Travelmate 803Travelmate 802Travelmate 804

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