User manual ACER ASPIRE 1690

Aspire 1690 Series User's Guide Copyright © 2004. Acer Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. Aspire 1690 Series User's Guide Original Issue: December 2004 Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation to notify any person of such revision or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual or supplementary documents and publications. This company makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Record the model number, serial number, purchase date, and place of purchase information in the space provided below. The serial number and model number are recorded on the label affixed to your computer. All correspondence concerning your unit should include the serial number, model number, and purchase information. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated. Aspire 1690 Series Notebook Computer Model Number : __________________________________ 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. iii First things first We would like to thank you for making the Aspsire series of notebook computers your choice for your mobile computing needs. English Your guides To help you use your Aspire, we have designed a set of guides: First off, the Just for starters... poster helps you get started with setting up your computer. The User's guide introduces you to the many ways your computer can help you be more productive. This guide provides clear and concise information about the computer, so read it thoroughly. If you ever need to print out a copy, this User's guide is also available in Portable Document Format (PDF). Follow these steps: 1 Click on Start, All Programs, AcerSystem. 2 Click on AcerSystem User's guide. Note: Viewing the file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader be installed. For instructions on how to use Adobe Acrobat Reader, access the Help and Support menu. iv English Basic care and tips for using your computer Turning your computer on and off To turn on the computer, simply press and release the power button below the LCD screen beside the launch keys. See "Front view" on page 1 for the location of the power button. To turn the power off, do any of the following: · · Use the Windows shutdown command Click on Start, Turn Off Computer; then click on Turn Off. Use the power button Note: You can also use the power button to perform power management functions. See "Moving around with your Notebook PC" on page 29. · Use the customized functions for power management You can also shut down the computer by closing the display cover, or by pressing the sleep hot key (Fn-F4). See "Moving around with your Notebook PC" on page 29. Note: If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold the power button for more than four seconds to shut down the computer. If you turn off the computer and want to turn it on again, wait at least two seconds before powering up. Taking care of your computer Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it. · · · · · · Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it near sources of heat, such as a radiator. Do not expose the computer to temperatures below 0ºC (32ºF) or above 50ºC (122ºF). 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. v · · · · Do not expose the computer to dust and dirt. Never place objects on top of the computer to avoid damaging the computer. Do not slam the computer display when you close it. Never place the computer on uneven surfaces. English 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. When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself but pull on the plug. The total ampere ratings of the equipment plugged in should not exceed the ampere rating of the cord if you are using an extension cord. Also, the total current rating of all equipment plugged into a single wall outlet should not exceed the fuse rating. · · Taking care of your battery pack Here are some ways to take care of your battery pack: · · · Use only batteries of the same kind as replacements. Turn the power off before removing or replacing batteries. Do not tamper with batteries. Keep them away from children. Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if at all possible. vi English Cleaning and servicing When cleaning the computer, follow these steps: 1 2 3 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. The computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged. The computer does not operate normally. If any of the following occurs: · · Please refer to "Frequently-asked questions" on page 63. Caution Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority, which is granted by the Federal Communications Commission, to operate this computer. Operation conditions 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. Users are requested to follow the RF safety instructions on wireless option devices that are included in the user's manual of each RF option device. An improper installation or unauthorised use may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Also any tampering of the internal antenna will void the FCC certification and your warranty. To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be operated indoors and installation outdoors is subject to licensing.For more information about our products, services, and support information, please visit our website: http://global.acer.com/. vii First things first Your guides Basic care and tips for using your computer Turning your computer on and off Taking care of your computer Taking care of your AC adapter Taking care of your battery pack Cleaning and servicing An Aspire tour Front view Closed front view Left view Right view Rear view Bottom view Specifications Indicators Using the keyboard Lock keys Embedded numeric keypad Windows keys Hot keys The Euro Symbol The US dollar sign Launch keys Touchpad Touchpad basics Ejecting the optical (CD or DVD) drive tray Using a computer security lock Audio Adjusting the volume Using system utilities Acer eManager Launch Manager Acer GridVista Moving around with your Notebook PC Disconnecting from the desktop Moving around Preparing the computer What to take to short meetings What to bring to long meetings Taking the computer home Preparing the computer What to take with you iii iii iv iv iv v v vi 1 1 3 5 6 7 8 9 12 14 14 15 16 17 19 19 20 21 21 23 24 25 25 26 26 27 28 29 29 29 29 30 30 30 30 31 viii Special considerations Setting up a home office Traveling with the computer Preparing the computer What to take with you Special considerations Traveling internationally with the computer Preparing the computer What to bring with you Special considerations Securing your computer Using a computer security lock Using passwords Entering passwords Setting passwords Expanding through options Connectivity options Fax/Data modem Built-in network feature Fast Infrared Universal Serial Bus IEEE 1394 port PC Card slot BIOS Utility Boot sequence Disc to Disc Recovery enable Password Using software Playing DVD movies Power management Windows Arcade Arcade Hot keys Finding and playing content Advanced Settings Arcade controls Navigation controls Player controls Cinema DVD settings Album Video Playing a video file Editing a video file Music 31 32 32 32 32 32 33 33 33 33 34 34 34 35 35 37 37 37 38 38 39 39 40 42 42 42 42 43 43 44 45 46 47 47 48 48 48 49 49 51 53 53 53 54 ix Burner Copy - backup your CD/DVD collection Audio - create your own greatest hits CDs Data - store files simply and easily Video - your world in pictures Acer eRecovery Create backup Restore from backup Create factory default image CD Re-install bundled software without CD Change password Acer disc-to-disc recovery Multilingual operating system installation Restore without a Recovery CD 54 54 55 55 55 56 56 57 57 58 58 59 59 59 Troubleshooting my computer Frequently-asked questions Troubleshooting tips Error messages Requesting service International Traveler's Warranty (ITW) Before you call 61 63 66 66 67 67 68 Appendix A Regulation & safety notices 69 x 1 An Aspire tour After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters... poster, let us show you around your new Aspire computer. English Front view # 1 Item Display screen Description Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD), displaying computer output. Internal microphone for sound recording. 2 Microphone 2 English # 3 4 Item Keyboard Palmrest Description Inputs data into your computer. Comfortable support area for your hands when you use the computer. The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse buttons; the center button serves as a 4-way scroll button. Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer mouse. Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that turn on and off to show the status of the computer's functions and components. Buttons for launching frequently used programs. See "Launch keys" on page 20 for more details Turns the computer on and off. 5 Click buttons (Left, center and right) 6 Touchpad 7 Status indicators 8 Launch keys 9 Power button 3 Closed front view English # 1 Item Speakers Description Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio output. Interfaces with infrared devices (e.g., infrared printer and IR-aware computer). 2 Infrared port 3 Power indicator Lights when the computer is on. 4 Battery indicator Lights when the battery is being charged. 5 Bluetooth communication button/indicator (for selected models) Press to enable/disable Bluetooth function. Lights to indicate the status of Bluetooth communications. 4 English # 6 Item Wireless communication button/indicator Description Press to enable/disable Wireless function. Lights to indicate the status of wireless LAN communications. (manufacturing option) 7 Line-in jack Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g., audio CD player, stereo walkman). 8 Mic-in jack Accepts inputs from external microphone. 9 Speaker/Line-Out/ Headphone jack Connects to audio line-out devices (e.g., speakers, headphones). 10 USB 2.0 port Connects to Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera). Locks and releases the lid. 11 Latch 5 Left view English 5 # 1 Item Optical drive Description Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or DVDs depending on the optical drive type. Lights up when the optical drive is active. Ejects the optical drive tray when the computer is turned off Ejects the optical drive tray from the drive. 2 LED indicator 3 Emergency eject hole 4 Optical drive eject button Note: The positions of the AcerMedia indicator, eject button and emergency eject hole may differ depending on the optical drive module installed. 6 English Right view # 1 Item IEEE 1394 port Description Connects to IEEE 1394 devices. 2 3 PC Card slot eject button PC Card slot Ejects the PC Card from the slot. Connects to one Type II CardBus PC Card. 4 4-in-1 card reader (for selected models) Accepts MS, MS PRO, MMC and SD card. Note: The 4-in-1 card reader is a manufacturing option, subject to configuration. Only one card can operate at any given time. Connect to Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera). Connects to a television or display device with S-video input. 5 Two USB 2.0 ports 6 S-video port 7 Network jack Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/1000based network (for selected models). 8 Modem jack Connects to a phone line. 9 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use. 7 Rear view English # 1 Item Power jack Description Connects to an AC adapter. 2 External display port Connects to a display device (e.g., external monitor, LCD projector). 3 Security keylock Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security lock. 8 English Bottom view # 1 Item Hard disk bay Description Houses the computer's hard disk (secured by a screw). Unlatches the battery to remove the battery pack. Houses the computer's battery pack. Locks the battery in place. Helps keep the computer cool. Note: Do not cover or obstruct the opening of the fan. 2 Battery release latch 3 4 5 Battery bay Battery lock Cooling fan 6 Memory compartment Houses the computer's main memory and Mini PCI Card. 9 Specifications Microprocessor · · Intel® Pentium® M Processor at 1.5 ~ 2.13 GHz or higher Intel® Celeron® M Processor at 1.3 ~ 1.6 GHz or higher English Memory · · 256/512 MB of DDR333 SDRAM standard, upgradeable to 2048 MB with dual soDIMM modules 512 KB flash ROM BIOS Data storage · · · One 40 GB and above E-IDE hard disk (2.5", 9.5mm, UltraDMA-100) One internal optical drive 4-in-1 Card Reader (for selected models) Display and video · Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) displaying at: 15.0" XGA (1024x768) 15.4" WXGA (1280x800) 15.0" SXGA+ (1400x1050) Acer CrystalBrite (for selected models) ATI MOBILITYTM RADEONTM X600 with 64/128 MB of video memory (for selected models) Simultaneous LCD and CRT display support Dual independent display "Automatic LCD dim" feature that automatically decides the best settings for your display and conserves power · · · · · Connectivity · · · · Integrated 10/100/1000 Mbps Fast Ethernet connection Built-in 56Kbps fax/data modem Three Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 ports InviLinkTM 802.11b/g or 802.11a/b/g dual-band tri-mode Wireless LAN (for selected models) 10 English Audio · · · 16-bit AC'97 stereo audio Dual speakers and one internal microphone Separate audio ports for headphone-out, line-in and microphonein devices Keyboard and pointing device · · 88/89-key Windows keyboard Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device with scroll function I/O ports · · · · · · · · · · · · · One Type II PC Card slot One RJ-11 phone jack (V.92, 56Kbps modem) One RJ-45 network jack One DC-in jack (AC adapter) One external monitor port One speaker/headphone-out jack One audio line-in jack One microphone-in jack One Infrared (FIR) port One IEEE 1394 port One S-video TV-out port Three USB 2.0 ports 4-in-1 MS/MS Pro/MMC/SD card reader (for selected models) Weight (with battery) · 6.6 lbs (3 kg) Dimensions 360 (W) x 273 (D) x27/32 (H) mm 11 Environment · Temperature: Operating: 5°C ~ 35°C Non-operating: -20°C ~ 65°C Humidity (non-condensing): Operating: 20% ~ 80% RH Non-operating: 20% ~ 80% RH English · System · · · · Microsoft® Windows® XP Home/Pro/MCE (MCE for selected models) ACPI 1.0b support DMI 2.0-compliant Wi-Fi®-compliant Power · · 8-cell (65W) or 4-cell (32W) Li-ion battery pack 65W AC adapter 19V 3.42A Options · · · · · 256MB/512MB/1GB memory upgrade module Additional 65W AC adapter Addition Li-ion battery pack Additional hard disk USB floppy drive 12 English Indicators The computer has three easy-to-read status icons on the upper-right above the keyboard. Icon Function Caps Lock Num Lock Description Lights when Caps Lock is activated. Lights when Num Lock is activated. Media activity Lights when the hard disk or optical drive is active. 13 In addition, there are two indicators at the front panel. Even when the cover is closed, the state or features can still be seen. English Icon Function Power Description Lights when the computer is on. Battery indicator Lights when the battery is being charged. 1. Charging: the light shows amber when the battery is charging. 2. Fully charged: light shows green when in AC mode. 14 English Using the keyboard The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded keypad, separate cursor keys, two Windows keys and twelve function keys. Lock keys The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off. Lock Key Caps Lock Description When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in uppercase. When Num Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in numeric mode. The keys function as a calculator (complete with the arithmetic operators +, -, *, and /). Use this mode when you need to do a lot of numeric data entry. A better solution would be to connect an external keypad. When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line up or down when you press the up or down arrow keys respectively. Scroll Lock does not work with some applications. Num Lock (Fn-F11) Scroll Lock (Fn-F12) 15 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. English Desired Access Type numbers Num Lock On Use embedded keypad in the same way as the numeric keypad on a standard keyboard. Hold Fn while typing letters on embedded keypad. Num Lock Off Type letters Type the letters in a normal manner. 16 English Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Key Windows key Description Pressed alone, this key has the same effect as clicking on the Windows Start button; it launches the Start menu. It can also be used with other keys to provide a variety of functions: + Tab +E + F1 +F +M Shift + +R Activates the next Taskbar button. Opens the My Computer window. Opens Help and Support. Opens the Find: All Files dialog box. Minimizes all windows. + M Undoes the minimize all windows ( + M) action. Opens the Run dialog box. Application key This key has the same effect as clicking the right mouse button; it opens the application's context menu. 17 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. English Hot Key Fn-F1 Icon Function Hot key help Description Displays help on hot keys. Fn-F2 eSetting Launches the eSetting in the eManager set by the Acer ". Empowering Key " See "Acer eManager" on page 26. Fn-F3 ePowerManagement (ePM) Launches the ePowerManagement in the eManager set by the Acer Empowering Key " ". See "Acer eManager" on page 26. Fn-F4 Sleep Puts the computer in Sleep mode. 18 English Hot Key Fn-F5 Icon Function Display toggle Description Switches display output between the display screen, external monitor (if connected) and both the display screen and external monitor. Turns the display screen backlight off to save power. Press any key to return. Turns the internal touchpad on and off. Turns the speakers on and off. Increases the sound volume. Fn-F6 Screen blank Fn-F7 Touchpad toggle Fn-F8 Speaker toggle Fn- Volume up Fn- Volume down Decreases the sound volume. Fn- Brightness up Increases the screen brightness. Decreases the screen brightness. Fn- Brightness down 19 The Euro Symbol If your keyboard layout is set to United States-International, United Kingdom or if you have a keyboard with a European layout, you can type the Euro symbol on your keyboard. .: English 1 2 Open a text editor or word processor. Either directly press the Euro symbol at the bottom-right of the keyboard, or hold Alt Gr and then press the Euro symbol at the upper-center of the keyboard. The US dollar sign 1 2 Open a text editor or word processor. Either directly press the dollar sign at the bottom-right of the keyboard, or hold Shift and then press the dollar sign at the uppercenter of the keyboard. Note: Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol. Please refer to www.microsoft.com/typography/faq/faq12.htm for more information. 20 English Launch keys Located at the upper-right above the keyboard are four buttons. These buttons are called launch keys. They are designated as the mail, Web browser, Empowering Key " " and programmable keys. Press the Empowering Key " " to run the Acer eManager. Please see "Acer eManager" on page 26. The mail and Web browser are default for Email and Internet programs, but can be reset by users. To set the Web browser, mail and programmable keys, run the Acer Launch Manager. See "Acer eManager" on page 26. Launch key Mail Web browser Default application Email application (User-programmable) Internet browser application (User-programmable) eManager (User-programmable) P User-programmable 21 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. English Touchpad basics The following items teach you how to use the touchpad: · · Move your finger across the touchpad to move the cursor. 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 is the same as clicking the left button Use the 4-way scroll (2) button to scroll up or down and move left or right a page. This button mimics your cursor pressing on the right scroll bar of windows applications. · 22 English Function Execute Left button Click twice quickly. Right button Tap Tap twice (at the same speed as double-clicking a mouse button). Tap once. Tap twice (at the same speed as double-clicking a mouse button); hold finger to the touchpad on the second tap and drag the cursor. Select Drag Click once. Click and hold, then use finger to drag the cursor on the touchpad. Click once. 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 movement, hence, the lighter the touch, the better the response. Tapping harder will not increase the touchpad's responsiveness. 23 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. English When the power is off, you can eject the drive tray using the emergency eject hole. 24 English 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. Wrap a computer security lock cable around an immovable object such as a table or handle of a locked drawer. Insert the lock into the notch and turn the key to secure the lock. Some keyless models are also available. 25 Audio The computer comes with 16-bit high-fidelity AC'97 stereo audio, and dual stereo speakers. English Adjusting the volume Adjusting the volume on the computer is as easy as pressing some buttons. See "Hot keys" on page 17 for more information on adjusting the speaker volume. 26 English Using system utilities Acer eManager Innovative Acer eManagement software is designed for easy access to frequently used functions. At the press of Acer Empowering Key " "., the Acer eManager user interface appears, featuring four main settings -- Acer eSetting, Acer ePresentation, Acer ePowerManagement and Acer eRecovery.. To set the Acer Empowering Key, see "Launch keys" on page 20. Acer eSetting is an easy way to manage the settings and security of your PC. Acer ePresentation takes the hassle out of making presentations. Acer ePowerManagement provides a central location from where to control all your PC's power schemes and maximise battery life. Acer eRecovery backs up your files preventing data loss in the event of a system crash. 27 Launch Manager Launch Manager allows you to set the four launch keys located above the keyboard. "Launch keys" on page 20 for the location of the launch keys. You can access the Launch Manager by clicking on Start, All Programs, and then Launch Manager to start the application. English 28 English Acer GridVista Acer GridVista is a handy utility that offers four pre-defined display settings for users to view multiple windows on the same screen. To access this function, please go to "Start"-"All Programs" and click on "Acer GridVista". You may choose any one of the four display settings indicated below: Double (Vertical), Triple (Major at left), Triple (Major at right), or Quad GridVista is simple to set up. 1 2 3 Run GridVista and select your preferred screen configuration from the taskbar. Drag and drop each window into the appropriate grid. Enjoy the convenience of a well-organised desktop. 29 Moving around with your Notebook PC This section gives you tips and hints to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer. English Disconnecting from the desktop Follow these steps to disconnect your computer from external accessories: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Save your work in progress. Remove any media, floppy discs or compact discs, from the drive(s). Shut down the computer. Close the display cover. Disconnect the cord from the AC adaptor. Disconnect the keyboard, pointing device, printer, external monitor, and other external devices. Disconnect the Kensington lock if you are using one to secure the computer. Moving around When you are just moving within short distances, for example, from your office desk to a meeting room. Preparing the computer Before moving the computer, close and latch the display cover to place it in Sleep mode. You can now safely take the computer anywhere you go within the building. To bring the computer out of Sleep mode, open the display; then press and release the power button. If you are taking the computer to a client's office or a different building, you may choose to shut down the computer: 1 Click on Start, Shut Down... or Turn off Computer (Windows XP). - or - 30 English you can put the computer in Sleep mode by pressing +. 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. If the power indicator is off but the Sleep indicator is on, the computer has entered Sleep mode. In both cases, press and release the power button to turn the computer back on. Note that the computer may enter Hibernation mode after being in Sleep mode for a period of time. What to take to short meetings A fully charged battery runs the computer for about 2.5 hours. If your meeting is shorter than that, you probably do not need to take anything with you other than the computer. What to bring to long meetings If your meeting lasts longer than 2.5 hours, or if your battery is not fully charged, you may want to take the AC adaptor with you to plug in your computer while in the meeting room. If the meeting room does not have an electrical outlet, reduce the drain on the battery by putting the computer in Sleep mode. Press + or close the display cover whenever you are not actively using the computer. To resume, open the display (if closed); then press and release the power button. Taking the computer home When you are moving from your office to your home or vice versa. Preparing the computer After disconnecting the computer from your desktop, follow these steps to prepare the computer for the trip home: · Check if you have removed all media and compact discs from the drive(s). Failure to remove the media can damage the drive head. 31 · 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. Pressure against the top cover can damage the screen. English What to take with you Unless you already have some items at home, take the following items with you: · · AC adaptor and power cord The printed user's guide Special considerations Follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling to and from work: · · Minimise the effects of temperature changes by keeping the computer with you. If you need to stop for an extended period of time and cannot carry the computer with you, leave the computer in the trunk of the car to avoid exposing the computer to excessive heat. Changes in temperature and humidity can cause condensation. Allow the computer to return to room temperature, and inspect the screen for condensation before turning on the computer. If the temperature change is greater than 18°F (10°C), allow the computer to come to room temperature slowly. If possible, leave the computer for 30 minutes in an environment with a temperature between outside and room temperature. · 32 English Setting up a home office If you frequently work on your computer at home, you may want to purchase a second AC adaptor for use at home. With a second AC adaptor, you can avoid carrying the extra weight to and from home. 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. Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as if you were taking it home. Make sure that the battery in the computer is charged. Airport security may require you to turn on your computer when carrying it into the gate area. What to take with you Take the following items with you: · · · AC adaptor Spare, fully-charged battery pack(s) Additional printer driver files if you plan to use another printer Special considerations In addition to the guidelines for taking the computer home, follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling: · · Always take the computer as carry-on luggage. If possible, have the computer inspected by hand. Airport security X-ray machines are safe, but do not put the computer through a metal detector. Avoid exposing floppy discs to hand-held metal detectors. · 33 Traveling internationally with the computer When you are moving from country to country. English 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 adaptor Power cords that are appropriate for the country to which you are traveling Spare, fully-charged battery packs Additional printer driver files if you plan to use another printer Proof of purchase, in case you need to show it to customs officials International Traveler's Warranty passport Special considerations Follow the same special considerations as when traveling with the computer. In addition, these tips are useful when traveling internationally: · When traveling in another country, check that the local AC voltage and the AC adaptor power cord specifications are compatible. If not, purchase a power cord that is compatible with the local AC voltage. Do not use converter kits sold for appliances to power the computer. If you are using the modem, check if the modem and connector is compatible with the telecommunications system of the country you are traveling in. · 34 English