Acer TravelMate 290E Series User Manual
Acer TravelMate 290E Series User Manual

Acer TravelMate 290E Series User Manual

Notebook computer
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TravelMate 290E series
User's guide

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Summary of Contents for Acer TravelMate 290E Series

  • Page 1 TravelMate 290E series User’s guide...
  • Page 3 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

    2 Click on AcerSystem User’s guide. Note: Viewing the file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. 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 (www.acer.com).
  • Page 6: 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 on the 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 button. To turn the power off, do any of the following: •...
  • Page 7: Taking Care Of Your Ac Adapter

    • 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. • Do not expose the computer to dust and dirt. •...
  • Page 8: Cleaning And Servicing

    viii Cleaning and servicing When cleaning the computer, follow these steps: • Power off the computer and remove the battery pack. • Disconnect the AC adapter. • Use a soft cloth moistened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
  • 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 open view Front view Left view Right view Rear view Bottom view Features Indicators Using the keyboard Special keys Launch Keys Touchpad...
  • Page 10 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...
  • 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 open view Item Display screen Power button Description Also called LCD (liquid-crystal display), displays computer output. Turns on the computer.
  • Page 14: Front View

    Item Touchpad Click buttons (left and right) Palmrest Keyboard Status indicators Launch keys Front view Item Latch AcerMedia Bay 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer mouse. The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse buttons.
  • Page 15: Left View

    Left view Item Infrared port PC Card slot Wireless Communication switch Stereo speaker Headphone/ Speaker/ Line- out jack Microphone/line-in jack One USB 2.0 port Description Interfaces with infrared devices (e.g., infrared printer, IR-aware computer). Accepts one Type II 16-bit PC Card or 32-bit CardBus PC Card.
  • Page 16: Right View

    Right view Item Stereo speaker Ventilation slot DC-in jack 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description Outputs sound. Houses the computer's hard disk. Enables the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use. Connects the AC adapter.
  • Page 17: Rear View

    Rear view Item Ethernet port Modem port Two USB 2.0 ports External display port Parallel port Security keylock Description Connects to an Ethernet 10/100-based network. Connects to a phone line. Connects to Universal Serial Bus devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera). Connects to a display device (e.g., external monitor, LCD projector) and displays up to 16.7 million colors and up to 1600x1200 at...
  • Page 18: Bottom View

    Bottom view Item RAM slot AcerMedia bay release latch AcerMedia bay Battery bay Battery release latch Hard disk bay Cooling fan 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description The slot that houses the computer's main memory. Unlatches the AcerMedia drive for removing the optical drive.
  • Page 19: Features

    Features Below is a brief summary of the computer’s many features: Performance • Intel® Celeron® M Processor at 1.2 ~1.5 GHz or higher, or Intel® Pentium® M Processor at 1.3 ~1.7 GHz or higher • Intel 852GM chipset • Memory upgradeable up to 2 GB with 2 slots •...
  • Page 20 Connectivity • High-speed fax/data modem port • Ethernet/Fast Ethernet port • Fast infrared wireless communication • Three USB 2.0 ports (Two in rear and one on left) • InviLink 802.11 b/g or 802.11 a/b wireless LAN (manufacturing optional) • Bluetooth ready (manufacturing optional) Expansion •...
  • Page 21: Indicators

    Indicators The computer has six easy-to-read status indicators below the display screen, and three on the front of the computer. The Power and Battery status indicators are visible even when the display is closed. Icon Function Scroll Lock Description Lights when Hard Disk Drive is activated. Lights when Optical Disk Drive is activated.
  • Page 22 Icon Function Caps Lock Pad Lock (cursor) Num Lock Wireless/ Bluetooth indicator Power Battery 1. Charging: Flashing 1 sec. and off 3 sec. 2. Low capacity (about 10%): Flashing 0.25 sec. and off 0.25 sec. 3. Critically low capacity (about 3%): Flashing 0.1 sec. and off 0.1 sec. 4.
  • Page 23: 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 four 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 24: 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 right-hand- side of the keycaps. Desired access Num lock on Number keys on Type numbers in a normal embedded keypad manner.
  • Page 25: 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 26: 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 27 Hot key Icon Function Fn-↑ Brightness up Fn-↓ Brightness down 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 Click on OK. To verify the keyboard type in Windows XP, follow the steps below: Click on Start, Control Panel. Double-click on Regional and Language Options. Click on the Language tab and click on Details. Verify that the keyboard layout used for "En English (United States)"...
  • Page 29: Launch Keys

    Launch Keys Located above the keyboard are three buttons. The left-most button is the power button. To the right of the power button are the two launch keys. They are designated as the programmable buttons (P1 and P2). Launch key Default application User-programmable User-programmable...
  • 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. Touchpad basics The following items teach you how to use the touchpad: •...
  • Page 31 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 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 32: Storage

    Storage This computer supplies you with the following media storage: • High-capacity Enhanced-IDE hard disk • Hot Swappable 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 hot swappable 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 48. 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: Audio

    Audio The computer comes with 16-bit high-fidelity AC’97 stereo audio, and dual stereo speakers. Adjusting the volume Adjusting the volume on the computer is as easy as pressing some buttons. See “Hot keys” on page 16 for more informations on adjusting the speaker volume.
  • 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, floppy drive, hard disk, peripherals connected to the serial and parallel ports, and video memory.
  • 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

    you can put the computer in Sleep mode by pressing Fn-Esc. Then close and latch the display. When you are ready to use the computer again, unlatch and open the display; then press and release the power button. Note: If the sleep indicator is off, the computer has entered Hibernation mode and turned off.
  • Page 39: What To Bring With You

    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 and passwords. Using a computer security lock A security keylock notch located on the rear of the computer lets you connect a Kensington-compatible computer security lock.
  • Page 43: Entering Passwords

    boot-up and resume from hibernation for maximum security. • Password on Boot secures your computer against unauthorized use. Combine the use of this password with password checkpoints on boot-up and resume from hibernation for maximum security. Important! Do not forget your Supervisor! If you forget your password, please get in touch with your dealer or an authorized service center.
  • Page 44 1 Getting to know your TravelMate...
  • Page 45: Customizing My Computer

    2 Customizing my computer...
  • Page 46 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 47: 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 48: 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 49: 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 three ports available, one on left and two in rear.
  • Page 50: Pc Card Slot

    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. 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 51: Upgrade Options

    Left-click on the PC Card icon on the taskbar and stop the card operation. Press the slot eject button to pop out the eject button (a); then press it again 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.
  • Page 52 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 screws from the memory cover (a); then lift up and remove the memory cover (b).
  • Page 53: 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 54: Using System Utilities

    2 Customizing my computer Using system utilities Launch Manager Launch Manager allows you to set the two launch keys located above the keyboard. See “Launch Keys” on page 19 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.
  • Page 55: Troubleshooting My Computer

    3 Troubleshooting my computer...
  • Page 56 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 57: 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 button and opened the display, but the computer does not start or boot-up. Look at the Power indicator: •...
  • Page 58 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. Resolutions lower than the specified resolution are not full-screen on the computer or on an external monitor.
  • Page 59 The infrared port does not work. Check the following: • Make sure that the infrared ports of the two devices are facing each other (+/- 15 degrees) a maximum of 1 meter apart. • Make sure there is a clear path between the two infrared ports. Nothing should be blocking the ports.
  • Page 60: 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 51. If the problem cannot be resolved, contact your dealer.
  • Page 61: 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 62: 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 63 You are required to provide the following information: Name:________________________________________ Address:______________________________________ ______________________________________________ Telephone number:____________________________ Machine and model type:_______________________ Serial number:_________________________________ Date of purchase:______________________________...
  • Page 64 3 Troubleshooting my computer...
  • Page 65: Appendix A Specifications

    Appendix A Specifications...
  • Page 66 This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer.
  • Page 67 Microprocessor • Intel® Celeron® M Processor at 1.2 ~1.5 GHz or higher, or Intel® Pentium® M Processor at 1.3 ~1.7 GHz or higher Memory • Main memory expandable up to 2 GB • Two DDR DIMM slots • Support 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB & 1GB DDR SDRAM modules •...
  • Page 68 I/O ports • One type II CardBus PC Card slot • One RJ-45 jack (Ethernet 10/100) • One RJ-11 phone jack (V.92) • One DC-in jack for AC adapter • One parallel port • One VGA port for external monitor •...
  • Page 69 System • ACPI support • DMI 2.0-compliant • Microsoft Windows operating system Power • Battery pack • 63 Wh Li-ion battery pack • 2.5-hour rapid charge/3.5-hour charge-in-use • AC adapter • 65-Watt • Auto sensing 90~264Vac, 47~63Hz Options • 128 MB/256 MB/512 MB/1GB memory upgrade modules •...
  • Page 70 Appendix A Specifications...
  • Page 71: Appendix B Notices

    Appendix B Notices...
  • Page 72 This appendix lists the general notices of your computer.
  • Page 73: 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 74: Modem Notices

    The following local Manufacturer/Importer is responsible for this declaration: Product Name:Notebook Personal Computer Model:TravelMate 290E; CL51 Name of Responsible Party:Acer America Corporation Address of Responsible Party:2641 Orchard Parkway, San Jose CA 95134, U.S.A Contact Person:David Lee Phone No.:408-922-5097...
  • Page 75 Declaration of Conformity Hereby, Acer, declares that this TravelMate 290E series is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. (Please visit http://global.acer.com/products/notebook/reg-nb/ for complete documents.)
  • Page 76: Important Safety Instructions

    Telecommunications notices A-Tick notice For safety reasons, only connect headsets with a telecommunications compliance label. This includes customer equipment previously labelled permitted or certified. Important safety instructions Read these instructions carefully. Save them for future reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning.
  • Page 77: Laser Compliance Statement

    When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed. If liquid has been spilled into the product. If the product has been exposed to rain or water. 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 78: 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 The TravelMate 290E series uses the lithium battery, BATCL50L or BATCL50L4. CAUTION Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Page 79: Macrovision Copyright Protection Notice

    dots. This has no effect on the recorded image and does not constitute a malfunction. Macrovision copyright protection notice This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners.
  • Page 80: Regulatory Notice

    Note: Below regulatory information is for models with wireless LAN and/or Bluetooth only. Regulatory Notice General This product complies with the radio frequency and safety standards of any country or region in which it has been approved for wireless use. Depending on configurations, this product may or may not contain wireless radio devices (such as wireless LAN and/or Bluetooth™...
  • Page 81 List of Applicable Countries EU member states as of April 2003 are: Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Finland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Usage allowed in the countries of European Union, as well as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
  • Page 82 Appendix B Notices...
  • Page 83: 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 viii computer bringing to meetings caring for cleaning viii...
  • Page 84 modem network 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 keyboard printer startup troubleshooting questions setting location for modem use safety CD or DVD FCC notice...

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