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Acer TravelMate 290 User Manual

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TravelMate 290 series

User's guide

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Summary of Contents for Acer TravelMate 290

  • Page 1: Travelmate 290 Series

    TravelMate 290 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

    2 Click on TravelMate 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 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 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 5: 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 6: Cleaning And Servicing

    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 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 Right view Rear view Bottom view Features Indicators Using the keyboard Special keys Launch Keys Touchpad...
  • Page 8 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 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 Description Also called LCD (liquid-crystal display), displays computer output. Turns on the computer.

  • Page 12: 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 13: 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 14: 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 15: Rear View

    Rear view Item IEEE 1394 port S-video Ethernet port Modem port Two USB 2.0 ports External display port Description Connects to IEEE 1394 devices. Connects to a television or display device with S-video input. Connects to an Ethernet 10/100-based network. Connects to a phone line.
  • Page 16 Item Parallel port Security keylock 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description Connects to a parallel device (e.g., parallel printer). Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security lock.

  • Page 17: Bottom View

    Bottom view Item RAM slot AcerMedia bay release latch AcerMedia bay Battery bay Battery release latch Hard disk bay Cooling fan a. Don’t cover or obstruct the opening of the fan. Description The slot that houses the computer's main memory. Unlatches the AcerMedia drive for removing the optical drive.

  • Page 18: Features

    Features Below is a brief summary of the computer’s many features: Performance • Intel® Pentium® M Processor at 1.3 ~1.7 GHz or higher • Intel 855GM chipset • Memory upgradeable up to 2 GB with 2 slots • Internal removable optical drive (AcerMedia bay) •...
  • Page 19 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) • IEEE 1394 port • InviLink 802.11b or 802.11 a/b wireless LAN (manufacturing optional) •...

  • Page 20: 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 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description Lights when Hard Disk Drive is activated.
  • Page 21 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 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 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 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 right-hand- side of the keycaps. Desired access Num lock on Number keys on Type numbers in a normal embedded keypad manner.

  • 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-↑ 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 27 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 28: 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 29: 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 30 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 31: 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 32: 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 50. Using software Playing DVD movies When the DVD-ROM drive module is installed in the AcerMedia bay,...
  • Page 33 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 34: Audio

    1 Getting to know your TravelMate 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 17 for more informations on adjusting the speaker volume.

  • Page 35: 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 36: 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 37: 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 38: 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 39: 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 40 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 41: 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 42: 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 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. 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 46: 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 47: 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 48: 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 49 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 50: Upgrade Options

    Upgrade options Your computer delivers superior power and performance. However, some users and the applications they use may demand more. This computer allows you to upgrade key components when you need increased performance. Note: Contact your authorized dealer if you decide to perform a key component upgrade.
  • Page 51 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 52: 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 53: Using System Utilities

    Using system utilities Launch Manager Launch Manager allows you to set the two launch keys located above the keyboard. See “Launch Keys” on page 20 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 54 2 Customizing my computer...

  • 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 53. 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® Pentium® M Processor with 1024 KB L2 cache Memory • Main memory expandable up to 2 GB • Two DDR DIMM slots • Support 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB & 1GB DDR SDRAM modules • 512 KB Flash ROM BIOS Data storage •...
  • 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.90/92) • 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

    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 75: 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 76: 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 77: Lithium Battery Statement

    Lithium battery statement The TravelMate 290 series uses the lithium battery, models US18650G5 and ICR18650 only. 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.

  • Page 78: Lcd Pixel Statement

    Appendix B Notices LCD pixel statement The LCD unit is produced with high-precision manufacturing techniques. Nevertheless, some pixels may occasionally misfire or appear as black or colored 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.

  • Page 79: Exposure To Radio Frequency Radiation

    Canada - Industry Canada (IC) • This device complies with RSS 210 of Industry Canada. Europe - EU Declaration of Conformity This device complies with the standards listed below, following the provisions of the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC: • ETSI EN 301 489-1/17 •...
  • Page 80 limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

  • Page 81: 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 82 error 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-ROM...

This manual is also suitable for:

Travelmate 291Travelmate 292Travelmate 290 series

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