Acer 420 series User Manual Page 1

TravelMate 420 seriesUser’s guideTM420-e.book Page i Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM

Your TravelMate computer combines high-performance, versatility, power management features and multimedia capabilities with a unique style and ergonom

3EnglishA TravelMate tourAfter setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters... poster, let us show you around your new TravelMate

1 Getting to know your TravelMate4English4 Keyboard Inputs data into your computer.5 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device whichfunctions like a c

5EnglishNote: The positions of the Optical drive indicator, eject button and emergency eject hole may differ depending on the optical drive module ins

1 Getting to know your TravelMate6EnglishRight view # Item Description1 USB port Connects to Universal Serial Bus devices (e.g.,USB mouse, USB came

7EnglishRear view9 Memory stick slot Accepts memory sticks.10 SD/MMC slot Accepts SD or MMC cards.# Item Description1 Expansion port I/O replicator or

1 Getting to know your TravelMate8EnglishBottom view# Item Description1 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.2 Battery release latch U

9EnglishFeaturesBelow is a brief summary of the computer’s many features:Performance• Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor with 512 KB level 2 cache• DDR 266 (

1 Getting to know your TravelMate10EnglishConnectivity• High-speed fax/data modem port• Ethernet/Fast Ethernet port• 3 USB (Universal Serial Bus) por

11EnglishIndicatorsThe computer has seven easy-to-read status icons below the display screen.Icon Function DescriptionPower Lights green when the comp

Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation to notify any person of such revision or changes. Such cha

1 Getting to know your TravelMate12EnglishUsing the keyboardThe full-sized keyboard includes an embedded numeric keypad, separate cursor keys, two Wi

13EnglishEmbedded numeric keypadThe embedded numeric keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is indicated by small characters located on t

1 Getting to know your TravelMate14EnglishWindows keysThe keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.Key DescriptionWindows logo k

15EnglishHot keysThe computer employs hot keys or key combinations to access most of the computer’s controls like screen brightness, volume output.To

1 Getting to know your TravelMate16EnglishFn-F5 Display toggle Switches display output between the display screen, external monitor (if connected) an

17EnglishThe Euro symbolIf your keyboard layout is set to United States-International or United Kingdom or if you have a keyboard with a European layo

1 Getting to know your TravelMate18English5Click on OK.To type the Euro symbol:1 Locate the Euro symbol on your keyboard.2 Open a text editor or word

19EnglishE-Mail DetectionClick right button at the Launch Manager icon on the taskbar and click on E-Mail Detection. In this dialog box, you have the

1 Getting to know your TravelMate20EnglishTouchpadThe built-in touchpad is a pointing device that senses movement on its surface. This means the cur

21Englishpressing on the vertical and horizontal scroll bars of Windows applications.Note: Keep your fingers dry and clean when using the touchpad. Al

iiiEnglishFirst things firstWe would like to thank you for making the TravelMate series of notebook computers your choice for your mobile computing ne

1 Getting to know your TravelMate22EnglishStorageThis computer supplies you with the following media storage:• High-capacity Enhanced-IDE hard disk•

23EnglishUsing softwarePlaying DVD moviesWhen the DVD-ROM drive module is installed in the optical drive bay, you can play DVD movies on your computer

1 Getting to know your TravelMate24EnglishAudioThe computer comes with 18-bit high-fidelity AC’97 stereo audio, and includes a built-in sensitive mic

25EnglishUsing the Audio DJ featureThe Audio DJ feature allows you to control the playback of music CDs even with the computer turned offTo playback a

1 Getting to know your TravelMate26EnglishPower managementThis computer has a built-in power management unit that monitors system activity. System a

27EnglishMoving around with your TravelMateThis section gives you tips and hints to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer.Discon

1 Getting to know your TravelMate28English1 Click on Start, Turn off Computer (Windows XP).2 Hold "Shift" 3 Click on Hibernation (Windows X

29English• 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.

1 Getting to know your TravelMate30EnglishIf you use your computer at home for significant periods of time, you might also want to add an external ke

31EnglishWhat to bring with youBring the following items with you:• AC adapter• Power cords that are appropriate for the country to which you are trav

ivEnglishBasic care and tips for using your computerTurning your computer on and offTo turn on the computer, simply press the power button on the top

1 Getting to know your TravelMate32EnglishSecuring your computerYour computer is a valuable investment that you need to take care of. Learn how to p

33Englishon boot-up and resume from hibernation for maximum security.• Hard Disk Password protects your data by preventing unauthorized access to your

1 Getting to know your TravelMate34EnglishTM420-e.book Page 34 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM

2 Customizing my computerTM420-e.book Page 35 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM

After learning the basics of your TravelMate computer, let’s get acquainted with the advanced features of your computer. In this chapter, you will le

37EnglishExpanding through optionsYour TravelMate offers you a complete mobile computing experience.Connectivity optionsPorts allow you to connect per

2 Customizing my computer38EnglishBuilt-in network featureThe built-in network feature allows you to connect your computer to an Ethernet-based (10/1

39EnglishIEEE 1394 portThe computer's IEEE 1394 port allows you to connect to an IEEE 1394 supported devices like a video camera or digital camer

2 Customizing my computer40EnglishInserting a PC CardInsert the card into the slot and make the proper connection (e.g., network cable), if necessary

41EnglishUpgrade optionsYour computer delivers superior power and performance. However, some users and the applications they use may demand more. Th

vEnglish• 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

2 Customizing my computer42English2 Remove the screw from the memory cover (a); then lift up and remove the memory cover (b). 3 Insert the memory mod

43EnglishUsing system utilitiesLaunch ManagerLaunch Manager allows you to set the four launch keys located above the keyboard. See “Launch Keys” on p

2 Customizing my computer44EnglishTo activate the BIOS Utility, press F2 during the POST (power-on self-test) while the TravelMate logo is being disp

3 Troubleshooting my computerTM420-e.book Page 45 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM

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 se

47EnglishFrequently-asked questionsThe following is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer. Easy answers and so

3 Troubleshooting my computer48EnglishImage is not full-screen.The computer display has a native resolution of 1024 x 768 (XGA) for the 14.1”/15.0” o

49EnglishI want to eject the optical drive tray without turning on the power. I cannot eject the optical drive tray.There is a mechanical eject button

3 Troubleshooting my computer50EnglishRequesting serviceInternational Traveler’s Warranty (ITW)Your computer is backed by an International Traveler’s

51EnglishBefore you callPlease have the following information available when you call Acer for online service, and please be at your computer when you

viEnglish3 Use a soft cloth moistened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.4 To clean the display screen, use an LCD cleaning kit.If any

3 Troubleshooting my computer52EnglishTM420-e.book Page 52 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM

Appendix A SpecificationsTM420-e.book Page 53 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM

This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer.TM420-e.book Page 54 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM

55EnglishMicroprocessor• Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor with 512 KB level 2 cache, 400 MHz FSB (front side bus)• Main memory expandable to 1 GB, dual 200

Appendix A Specifications56English• Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device with 4-way scroll buttonI/O ports• One type II CardBus PC Card slo

57EnglishSystem• ACPI support• DMI 2.0-compliant• Microsoft Windows operating systemPower• Battery pack• 70Wh Li-Ion battery pack• 2.5~3-hour rapid ch

Appendix A Specifications58EnglishTM420-e.book Page 58 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM

Appendix B NoticesTM420-e.book Page 59 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM

This appendix lists the general notices of your computer.TM420-e.book Page 60 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM

61EnglishFCC noticeThis 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.

ContentsFirst things first iiiYour guides iiiBasic care and tips for using your computer iv1 Getting to know your TravelMate 1A TravelMate tour 3Front

Appendix B Notices62EnglishNotice: Canadian usersThis Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment

63English1 Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.2 Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid c

Appendix B Notices64Englishf If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service.12 Replace the battery with the s

65Englishsame or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if at all possib

Appendix B Notices66EnglishA-Tick noticeFor safety reasons, only connect headsets with a telecommunications compliance label. This includes customer

67EnglishIndexAAC adaptercaring for vAcerMedia drive 22audio 24adjusting the volume 24troubleshooting 48Bbattery packcaring for vcha

68EnglishMmedia accesson indicator 11memoryinstalling 41– 42upgrading 41modem 37Nnetwork 38Notebook Managerhotkey 15noticeDVD copy

69EnglishWwarrantyInternational Traveler’s Warran-ty 50Windows keys 14TM420-e.book Page 69 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM

70EnglishTM420-e.book Page 70 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM

viii3 Troubleshooting my computer 45Frequently-asked questions 47Requesting service 50International Traveler’s Warranty (ITW) 50Before you call 51Appe

1 Getting to know your TravelMateTM420-e.book Page 1 Thursday, August 22, 2002 10:00 AM