Acer TravelMate C300 series User Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Acer Manuals
  4. Laptop
  5. TravelMate C300 Series
  6. User manual
Acer TravelMate C300 series User Manual

Acer TravelMate C300 series User Manual

Acer travelmate user's guide
Hide thumbs Also See for TravelMate C300 series:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual See also: Service Manual

TravelMate C300 series

User's guide

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the TravelMate C300 series and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for Acer TravelMate C300 series

Summary of Contents for Acer TravelMate C300 series

  • Page 1: Travelmate C300 Series

    TravelMate C300 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 (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 slide and release the power switch on the left side of your TravelMate. See “Left view” on page 4 for the location of the power switch.

  • Page 5: Taking Care Of Your Ac Adapter

    Taking care of your AC adapter Here are some ways to take care of your AC adapter: • Do not connect the adapter to any other device. • Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on top of it. Carefully route the power cord and any cables away from personal traffic.

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Touchpad Touchpad basics Storage Hard disk Optical drive Audio Power management Acer light sensor Moving around with your TravelMate Disconnecting from the desktop Moving around Taking the computer home Traveling with the computer Traveling internationally with the computer Securing your computer...
  • Page 8 3 Troubleshooting my computer Frequently-asked questions Requesting service International Travelers Warranty (ITW) Before you call Appendix A Acer soft button Appendix B Specifications Appendix C 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 view Item EMR stylus Description Electromagnetic resonate (EMR) stylus is used to input data in tablet mode. Use only an EMR-compatible stylus to input data on the screen.

  • Page 12: Left View

    Item Display screen Tablet Keys Launch Keys Palmrest Click buttons (left, center and right) Touchpad Keyboard Status indicators Left view Item Security keylock 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description Also called LCD (liquid-crystal display), displays computer output. Add enhanced functionality when operating in Tablet mode.

  • Page 13: Right View

    Item Power switch Ventilation slot AcerMedia Bay LED indicator Eject button Emergency eject slot Pen slot Right view Item Smart Card slot Infrared port Description Turns on the computer power. Allows air to circulate through the computer chassis. For hot-swappable modules including DVD-ROM, DVD/CD-RW combo or DVD dual drive.

  • Page 14: Rear View

    Connects to audio line-out devices (e.g., speakers, headphones). Connects to IEEE 1394 devices. Connects to an I/O port replicator or Acer EasyPort port expansion device. Connects to a 10/100/1000 t-based Gigabit Ethernet network. Connects to a phone line.
  • Page 15 Item Convertible hinge External display port S-video USB 2.0 ports (2) Power jack Description Hinges the LCD screen in place when switching from PC mode to tablet mode and vice versa. Connects to a display device (e.g., external monitor, LCD projector) . Connect to a television or display device with S-video input.

  • Page 16: Bottom View

    Bottom view Item AcerMedia bay release latch AcerMedia bay Cooling fan Memory compartment Hard disk protector Hard disk bay Battery Lock & release latch Battery bay 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Description Unlatches the AcerMedia drive for removal or swapping.

  • Page 17: Using Your Computer In Tablet Mode

    Using your computer in tablet mode Your computer is designed for convenience, ergonomic use, and portability. Running the Windows XP Tablet PC edition operating system, your TravelMate utilizes an EMR stylus for pen-based input. Software developed specifically for the computer allows for both handwriting recognition converted to application text, or handwriting captured as rich digital ink for manipulation, editing, and formatting.
  • Page 18 Open the display screen to an angle of about 90 degrees. Rotate the display screen 180 degrees clockwise as shown in the illustration. Note: Do not rotate the display screen in any other angle. With the screen facing away from the keyboard, close the display cover and slide the lock lever to properly secure the screen.
  • Page 19 Remove the EMR stylus from the pen slot to begin pen-based input.

  • Page 20: Features

    Features Below is a brief summary of the computer’s many features: Performance • Intel® Pentium® M processor with 1MB L2 cache • Intel® 855GM chipset • CD ROM, DVD, DVD/CD-RW combo, DVD or DVD-dual drive • High-capacity Enhanced-IDE hard disk •...
  • Page 21 • Sleek, smooth and stylish design • Full-sized keyboard • Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device • Rotating/folding screen for Tablet PC functionality Expansion • One Type II CardBus PC Card slot • Upgradeable memory • AcerMedia bay • Acer EasyPort II...

  • Page 22: Indicators

    Indicators The computer has eight easy-to-read status icons at the top of 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.
  • Page 23 Icon Function Description Media Activity Lights when the floppy drive, hard disk or optical drive is active. Battery Charge Lights when the battery is being charged. Caps Lock Lights when Caps Lock is activated. Num Lock Lights when Num Lock is activated.

  • Page 24: Understanding The Icons

    Understanding the icons When the cover of your computer is closed, four easy-to-read icons are shown, indicating which state or feature is enabled or disabled. Icon Description Lights when Bluetooth is enabled or a Bluetooth enabled device is within range. Lights when the Wireless LAN capabilities are enabled.

  • Page 25: 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 26: 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 27: 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: + Tab (Activates next taskbar button) + E (Explores My Computer) + F (Finds Document) + M (Minimizes All) Shift +...

  • Page 28: 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 29 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 Fn-PgUp Home Fn-PgDn Alt Gr- Euro Euro Description Switches display output between the display screen, external monitor (if connected) and both the...

  • Page 30: The Euro Symbol

    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 31: Launch Keys

    They are designated as Wireless, Bluetooth, P1 , P2, mail, and Web browser buttons. The Wireless and Bluetooth buttons cannot be set by the user. To set the other four launch keys, run the Acer Launch Manager. Description Wireless LAN...

  • Page 32: 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 33 • Press the left (#1) and right (#3) buttons located on the edge of the touchpad to do selection and execution functions. These two buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse. Tapping on the touchpad produces similar results. •...

  • Page 34: Storage

    Storage This computer supplies you with the following media storage: • High-capacity Enhanced-IDE hard disk • Optical (2nd HDD, DVD, DVD/CD-RW combo, DVD or DVD dual) drive Hard disk The high-capacity hard disk is the answer to your storage needs. This is where your data files and applications are stored.

  • Page 35: Playing Dvd Movies

    Playing DVD movies When the DVD drive module is installed in the optical 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 36: 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 rear panel of the computer. See “Rear view” on page 6 for more information on external audio devices.

  • Page 37: 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 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 38: Acer Light Sensor

    Acer light sensor Acer light sensor allows the TravelMate C300 to automatically brighten or darken the display’s backlighting to reduce eyestrain. At the top of the screen, with the status indicators, is the Acer light sensor. Depending on ambient brightness the screen...

  • Page 39: 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 40: 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 and release the power switch. If the power indicator is off, the computer has entered Hibernation mode and turned off.

  • Page 41: 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 42: 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 43: Traveling Internationally With The Computer

    Traveling internationally with the computer “when you are moving from country to country” Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as you would normally prepare it for traveling. What to bring with you Bring the following items with you: • AC adapter •...

  • Page 44: 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 right panel of the computer lets you connect a Kensington-compatible computer security lock.

  • Page 45: Removing A Password

    Type a password. The password may consist of up to eight characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9). Press Enter. Retype the password to verify your first entry and press Enter. After setting the password, the computer automatically sets the chosen password parameter to Present. Removing a password Should you want to remove a password, do the following: Use the cursor up/down keys to highlight a password parameter...
  • Page 46 1 Getting to know your TravelMate...

  • Page 47: Customizing My Computer

    2 Customizing my computer...
  • Page 48 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 49: 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. Modem Your computer has a built-in V.90/V.92 56Kbps AC’97 Link modem. Warning! This modem port is not compatible with digital phone lines.

  • Page 50: Universal Serial Bus

    2 Customizing my computer Network Your computer has built-in Ethernet / 10/100/1000 t-based Gigabit Ethernet capabilities. To use the network feature, connect an Ethernet cable from the network jack to an network jack or hub. Consult your network administrator for details. 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...

  • Page 51: Pc Card Slot

    PC Card slot The Type II CardBus PC Card slot found on the right 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 52: 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 53 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 54 Insert the memory module diagonally into the slot (1), then gently press it down until it clicks into place (2). Replace the memory cover and secure it with the screw. The computer automatically detects and reconfigures the total memory size. 2 Customizing my computer...

  • Page 55: 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, All Programs, then Notebook Manager.

  • Page 56: Launch Manager

    2 Customizing my computer Launch Manager There are six Launch Keys located above the keyboard. The Wireless button is not programmable. Launch Manager only allows you to set the other five Launch Keys. See “Launch Keys” on page 23 for more information.

  • Page 57: Bios Utility

    BIOS Utility The BIOS Utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer’s BIOS (basic input/output system). Your computer is already properly configured and optimized, and you do not need to run this utility. However, if you encounter configuration problems, you may need to run it. To activate the BIOS Utility, press F2 during the POST (power-on self- test) while the TravelMate logo is being displayed.
  • Page 58 2 Customizing my computer...

  • Page 59: Troubleshooting My Computer

    3 Troubleshooting my computer...
  • Page 60 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 61: 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 62 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 63 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 64 I want to set up my location to use the internal modem. To properly use your communications software, you need to set up your location: Click on Start, Control Panel. Double-click on Phone and Modem Options. Click on the Dialing Rules tab and begin setting up your location. Refer to Windows Help and Support.

  • Page 65: 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 66 3 Troubleshooting my computer You are required to provide the following information: Name:________________________________________ Address:______________________________________ ______________________________________________ Telephone number:____________________________ Machine and model type:_______________________ Serial number:_________________________________ Date of purchase:______________________________...

  • Page 67: Appendix A Acer Soft Button

    Appendix A Acer soft button...
  • Page 68 This appendix introduces the Acer soft button , a unique new tool to increase the ease of use of your Tablet PC.

  • Page 69: Acer Soft Button

    (level 1, level 2, and level 3) numbered from inner to outer. You will notice, when the EMR stylus is moved near the Acer soft button, that the Acer brand name fades and is replaced by a number of arrows.
  • Page 70 Simply press the icon as shown • The left arrow (9 o’clock position) rotates the display output 90 degrees counter-clockwise. This changes the output from landscape to portrait or vice versa. Simply press the icon as shown Appendix A Acer soft button...
  • Page 71 • The right arrow (3 o’clock position) rotates the display output 90 degrees clockwise. This changes the output from landscape to portrait or vice versa. Simply press the icon as shown...
  • Page 72 Appendix A Acer soft button...

  • Page 73: Appendix B Specifications

    Appendix B Specifications...
  • Page 74 This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer.
  • Page 75 Microprocessor • Intel® Pentium® M processor with 1 MB L2 cache Memory • Main memory expandable to 2 GB • Two DDR SDRAM DIMM slots • Supports 256MB, 512MB, 1GB DDR SDRAM modules • 512 KB Flash ROM BIOS; Shadow RAM support Data storage •...
  • Page 76 I/O ports • One Card bus type II card slot • One smart-card slot • One RJ-11 phone jack (V.90/V.92, 56Kbps modem) • One RJ-45 network jack (Gigabit Ethernet) • One DC-in jack (AC adapter) • One external monitor (VGA) port •...
  • Page 77 Power • Battery pack • 8 cell Li-Ion battery pack • 6.5 hours operating time with Battery mark 4.0 • AC adapter • 65-Watt • Auto sensing 100~240V AC, 50~60Hz Wireless Communications • Optional Intel PRO/Wireless 2100 or 2100A module •...
  • Page 78 Appendix B Specifications...

  • Page 79: Appendix C Notices

    Appendix C 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 C 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

    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 85: 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 C300 series uses the lithium battery, models BTP-63D1, SBTP-3D1. CAUTION Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer.

  • Page 86: Macrovision Copyright Protection Notice

    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. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation.

  • Page 87: Exposure To Radio Frequency Radiation

    USA - Federal Communications Commission (FCC) This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation of the devices in an Wireless LAN System is subject to the following two conditions: • This device may not cause harmful interference. • This device must accept any interference that may cause undesired operation.
  • Page 88 Appendix C Notices This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

  • Page 89: Index

    Index AC adapter caring for audio 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 computer bringing to meetings caring for cleaning disconnecting features...
  • Page 90 on indicator memory installing 45– 46 upgrading modem network Notebook Manager hotkey notice DVD copyright protection num lock on indicator numeric keypad embedded num lock online services optical drive options memory upgrade PC Card ejecting inserting ports POST (power-on self-test) printer troubleshooting problems...
  • Page 91 rear right warranty International Traveler’s Warranty Windows keys...

Table of Contents