User manual ACER ASPIRE-1200

Aspire 1200 series User's guide Copyright © 2001 All Rights Reserved Aspire 1200 series Notebook computer User's guide Original Issue: December 2001 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 1200 series Notebook computer Model Number : __________________________________ Serial Number: ___________________________________ Purchase Date: ___________________________________ Place of Purchase: ________________________________ All trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective companies. iii First things first We would like to thank you for making the Aspire series of notebook computers your choice for your mobile computing needs. We hope you will be happy with your Aspire as much as we enjoyed making it for you. 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. This 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. Lastly, there may be a Read me first sheet included with your package which contains important reminders and updates. So, please read through it. For more information about our products, services, and support information, please visit our web site (www.acer.com). iv Basic care and tips for using your computer Turning your computer on and off To turn on the computer, open the display cover, and press the power switch above the keyboard. To turn the power off, do any of the following: · Use the Windows shutdown command Click on Start, and select the Windows shutdown or turn off command. · Use the power switch If you set the power switch to "Shut down", you can use this button to turn off the computer. See Windows help for details. Note: If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold the power switch 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 0°C (32°F) or above 50°C (122°F). 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. 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. v 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. 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. If any of the following occurs: · · · The computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged. Liquid has been spilled into the product. The computer does not operate normally. Please refer to "Troubleshooting my computer" on page 73. vi First things first Your guides Basic care and tips for using your computer iii iii iv Getting familiar with your computer A tour of your computer Front view Left view Right view Rear view Bottom view Features Display Indicators Keyboard Special keys Keyboard ergonomics Touchpad Touchpad basics Launch keys Storage Connectivity options Ethernet and LAN Fax/data modem Audio Adjusting the volume Using the Audio DJ feature Securing your computer Security notch Passwords 1 3 3 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 15 15 19 20 20 22 24 25 25 25 26 26 26 27 27 27 Operating on battery power Battery pack Battery pack characteristics Installing and removing the battery pack Charging the battery Checking the battery level Optimizing battery life Battery-low warning Power management 29 31 31 32 33 34 34 35 36 Contents viii Peripherals and options External display devices External monitor External display with s-video input Using simultaneous display External input devices External keyboard External keypad External pointing device Printer Audio devices Expansion devices PC Card slots USB IEEE 1394 Miscellaneous options Battery pack AC adapter Key component upgrades Memory upgrade Hard disk upgrade 37 39 39 39 39 40 40 40 40 41 42 43 43 44 45 46 46 46 47 47 48 Moving with your computer Disconnecting from the desktop Moving around Preparing the computer What to bring to short meetings What to bring to long meetings Taking the computer home Preparing the computer What to bring with you Special considerations Setting up a home office Traveling with the computer Preparing the computer What to bring with you Special considerations Traveling internationally with the computer Preparing the computer What to bring with you Special considerations 49 51 52 52 52 52 53 53 53 53 54 55 55 55 55 56 56 56 56 ix Software System software Easy Button E-Mail Detector BIOS Setup Utility Main System Devices Security Others Boot Exit 57 59 60 61 62 63 65 66 69 70 71 Troubleshooting Frequently-asked questions Error messages 73 75 78 Appendix A Specifications Appendix B Notices Index 83 89 97 x Getting familiar with your computer This 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. This chapter gives an in-depth "tour" of the computer's many features. 3 A tour of your computer After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters... poster, let us show you around your new notebook computer. Front view 4 Getting familiar with your computer # 1 Item Display screen Description Also called LCD (liquid-crystal display), displays computer output. Turns on the computer power. 2 Power button 3 Status LCD LCD that display icons to show the status of the computer and its functions and components. Inputs data into your computer. Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer mouse. The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse buttons. Buttons for launching frequently-used programs. See "Launch keys" on page 22 for more details. Shows the power and email status. Outputs sound. Comfortable support area for your hands when you use the computer. Accepts a 3.5-inch diskette. Press to eject the diskette from the floppy drive. 4 5 Keyboard Touchpad 6 Click buttons (left and right) Launch keys 7 8 9 10 Status indicators Speakers Palmrest 11 12 Floppy drive Floppy drive eject button 5 Left view # 1 Item Optical drive Description Depending on your model: · · · CD-ROM drive reads CDs DVD-ROM drive reads CDs and DVDs DVD/CD-RW combo drive reads CDs and DVDs, and writes to CD-Rs and CD-RWs. 2 Optical drive eject button Ejects the disc from the optical drive. 3 Optical drive emergency eject hole Ejects the disc from the optical drive when the computer is turned off. See "How do I eject the optical drive tray with the computer turned off?" on page 76 for more details. 6 Getting familiar with your computer Right view # 1 Item Speaker/headphone-out jack Description Connects to audio line-out devices (e.g., speakers, headphones). 2 Microphone-in jack Connects an external microphone. 3 4 PC Card eject buttons PC Card slots Eject the selected PC Card from its slot. Accepts one Type III or two Type II/I PC Card(s). 5 DC-in jack Connects to the AC adapter. 6 PS/2 port Connects to a PS/2-compatible device (e.g., PS/2 keyboard/mouse/keypad). 7 USB ports (two) Connects to USB devices (e.g., USB mouse). 7 Rear view # 1 Item Security keylock Description Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security lock. 2 IEEE 1394 port Connects to a IEEE 1394 compatible device (e.g., digital camcorder). 3 Network jack Connects to an Ethernet 10/100-based network. 4 Modem jack Conncts a phone line (only for models with an internal fax/data modem). 5 Parallel port Connects to a parallel device (e.g., parallel printer). 6 External display port Connects to a display monitor. 7 Video-out port Connects to a display device with S-video input. 8 Getting familiar with your computer Bottom view # 1 2 Item Hard disk bay Battery release button Description Houses the computer's hard disk. Press and hold to release the battery latch. 3 4 5 Battery release latch Battery bay Memory compartment Unlatches the battery to remove the battery pack. Houses the computer's battery pack. Houses the computer's main memory. 9 Features This computer was designed with the user in mind. Here are just a few of its many features: Performance · · · · · · · Intel® CeleronTM processor with on-die level 2 cache 128 MB memory onboard and one memory upgrade slot Large LCD display with adjustable video memory High-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk Lithium-Ion battery pack Power management system Simultaneous LCD and CRT display Multimedia · · · · · 16-bit high-fidelity stereo audio with 3-D sound Built-in dual stereo speakers Internal optical drive (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or DVD/CD-RW combo) Audio DJ (CD playback) feature S-video (NTSC/PAL) output Connectivity · · · · · High-speed 56Kbps V.90 fax/data software modem Ethernet/Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) CardBus PC Card slots Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports IEEE 1394 port Human-centric design and ergonomics · · · · · All-in-one design (CD or DVD, floppy drive, and hard disk) Sleek, smooth and stylish design Full-sized keyboard Wide and curved palm rest Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device 10 Getting familiar with your computer · Launch keys (supports Audio DJ feature) Expansion · Upgradeable memory and hard disk 11 Display The large graphics display offers excellent viewing, display quality and desktopperformance graphics. The computer supports a Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD) displaying up to 16.7 million colors at 1400x1050 Super eXtended Graphics Array Plus (SXGA+) resolution (for models with a 15.0-inch display) or 1024x768 eXtended Graphics Array (XGA) resolution (for models with a 14.1-inch display). Video performance Video memory is adjustable via the BIOS Setup Utility. The system sets aside a portion of main memory for video. For more details on how to configure this setting, see "System Devices" on page 65. Simultaneous display The computer's large display and multimedia capabilities are great for giving presentations. If you prefer, you can also connect an external monitor when giving presentations. This computer supports simultaneous LCD and CRT display. Simultaneous display allows you to control the presentation from your computer and at the same time face your audience. You can also connect other output display devices such as an LCD projector or a television for large-audience presentations. 12 Getting familiar with your computer Indicators The computer has an easy-to-read status LCD (1) located above the keyboard. Two status indicators, power (2), and email (3) are located near the front of the computer. The status LCD displays icons that show the status of the computer and its components. Function Caps lock Icon Description Caps Lock is activated. Num lock Numeric Lock (for embedded keypad) is activated. Pad Lock (for embedded keypad) is activated. Pad lock Scroll lock Scroll Lock is activated. 13 Function Optical drive/ Hard disk activity Floppy drive activity Icon Description CD or DVD drive or hard disk is being accessed. Floppy drive is being accessed. PC Card activity PC Card is being accessed. AC power Computer is running on AC power. Battery charge Battery is being charged. Battery full Battery gauge Battery is fully charged. Battery is 75 to 100 percent full. Battery is 31 to 74 percent full. Battery is 6 to 30 percent full, and battery is running low. Note: Charge the battery as soon as possible. Battery is critically-low. Note: Battery gauge icon is blinking. Battery temperature is too high. Note: Save your work and shut down your computer to let the battery cool down. Battery is not installed. 14 Getting familiar with your computer In addition to the status LCD, the computer includes power and email status indicators. Function Power Icon Description Lights when the computer is on. Email Lights when incoming email is received. To launch your email program and read the incoming email, press the email button beside this indicator. See "Launch keys" on page 22. 15 Keyboard The keyboard has full-sized keys with an embedded 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 Caps lock Pad lock (FnF10) Num lock (Fn-F11) Description When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in uppercase. When Pad Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in cursor mode. The keys function as a directional keypad including Insert and Delete keys. 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. See "External keyboard" on page 40. When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line up or down when you press or respectively. Scroll Lock does not work with some applications. Scroll lock (Fn-F12) 16 Getting familiar with your computer Embedded keypad The embedded keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is indicated by small characters located on the lower edge of the keycaps. The embedded keypad can function in numeric mode or cursor-control mode. Desired Access Number keys on embedded keypad Cursor-control keys on embedded keypad Main keyboard keys Num lock On Type numbers in a normal manner. Hold Shift while using cursor-control keys. Hold Fn while typing letters on embedded keypad. Also hold down Shift for capital letters. Pad lock On Hold Shift while typing numbers. Use cursor-control keys in a normal manner. Hold Fn while typing letters on embedded keypad. Also hold down Shift for capital letters. 17 Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Key Windows logo key Description Start button. Combinations with this key perform special functions. Below are a few examples: + Tab (Activates next Taskbar button) + E (Explores My Computer) + F (Finds Document) + M (Minimizes All) Shift + + M (Undoes Minimize All) + R (Displays Run dialog box) Application key Opens the application's context menu (same as right-click). 18 Getting familiar with your computer Hotkeys The computer uses hotkeys or key combinations to perform functions such as controlling the screen brightness and specifying where to display output. HotKey Fn-F5 Function Display toggle Description Switches display output between the display screen, external monitor (if connected) and both the display screen and external monitor. Increases the screen brightness. Decreases the screen brightness. Fn- Fn- Brightness up Brightness down When activating hotkeys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination. 19 Keyboard ergonomics Located below the keyboard, the wide and curved palm rest is ergonomically designed to provide you with a very comfortable place to rest your hands while you type. 20 Getting familiar with your computer 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 palm rest provides optimum comfort and support. Touchpad basics The following teaches you how to use the touchpad: · · Move your finger across the touchpad to move the cursor. Press the left (1) and right (2) 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. 21 = Right Button Function Execute Left Button Click twice quickly. Tap Tap twice (at the same speed as double-clicking the mouse button). Tap once. Tap twice (at the same speed as double-clicking the mouse button) and hold finger to the touchpad on the second tap to 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 Scroll 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. Hence, the lighter the touch, the better the response. Tapping too hard will not increase the touchpad's responsiveness. 22 Getting familiar with your computer Launch keys Located near the front end of the computer (between the speakers) are launch keys that perform various functions. Depending on the set mode, these launch keys may be used to launch applications or play back music CDs. Note: The Audio DJ feature is also available even when the computer is off. # 1 Item Mode switch Icon Description This sets the launch key mode. Slide the switch to the desired mode. AP (Application) mode Lock mode Audio DJ mode 23 # 2 Item 1 (AP mode) Stop/Eject (Audio DJ mode) Icon Description Launches a user-configurable application. Stops playback of the music CD; when playback is stopped, ejects the drive tray. Launches a user-configurable application. 3 2 (AP mode) Play/Pause (Audio DJ mode) Plays and pauses playback of the music CD. 4 Email (AP mode) Previous track (Audio DJ mode) Launches your email program. Jumps to the previous track on the music CD. 5 Internet browser (AP mode) Next track (Audio DJ mode) Launches your Internet browser. Jumps to the next track on the music CD. 6 Volume buttons Decreases (-) or increases (+) the volume. To configure the launch keys and the applications they launch, see "Easy Button" on page 60. 24 Getting familiar with your computer Storage This computer's all-in-one design gives you the benefit of using the following media storage options: · High-capacity Enhanced-IDE hard disk The hard disk can be upgraded when you need more storage space. Consult your dealer for details. · 3.5-inch floppy drive The floppy drive reads and writes on standard 3.5-inch diskettes. · High-speed optical drive A high-speed optical drive (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or DVD/CD-RW) gives you portable multimedia access. For the location of these drives, see "A tour of your computer" on page 3. 25 Connectivity options The computer has built-in features for connecting to a network and communicating with other computers. Ethernet and LAN The built-in network feature allows you to connect your computer to an Ethernetbased (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. For the location of this port, see "Rear view" on page 7. Fax/data modem The computer has a built-in fax/data modem. Warning: This modem port is not compatible with digital phone lines. Plugging this modem into a digital phone line will damage the modem. To use the fax/data modem port, connect a phone cable from the modem port to a telephone jack. For the location of this port, see "Rear view" on page 7. 26 Getting familiar with your computer Audio Your computer includes 16-bit high-fidelity stereo audio. The dual speakers, located near the front of the computer, direct sound towards you to further enhance sound output and quality. There are audio ports on the right side of the computer. See "Right view" on page 6 for the location and description of these ports. For information on how to connect external audio devices to these ports, see "Audio devices" on page 42. Adjusting the volume Press the volume buttons to increase (+) or decrease (-) the volume. For the location of these buttons, see "Launch keys" on page 22. Using the Audio DJ feature The Audio DJ feature allows you to control the playback of music CDs even with the computer turned off. Do as follows: 1 Slide the launch key mode switch to Audio DJ mode. For the location of this switch, see "Launch keys" on page 22. Note: If the computer is off, the power status indicator lights up. 2 3 4 5 Press the optical drive eject button; then pull out the drive tray. Insert a music CD on the optical drive until it clicks in place on the spindle. Close the optical drive tray securely. You can now press the CD playback buttons to play the music CD. Adjust the volume by pressing the volume buttons (+ to increase; - to decrease). For more information on the CD playback buttons, see "Launch keys" on page 22. 27 Securing your computer Security features include hardware and software locks -- a security notch and a password. Security notch A security notch located on the rear panel of the computer lets you connect a Kensington-compatible computer security lock. For the location of this notch, see "Rear view" on page 7. Wrap a computer security lock cable around an immovable object such as a table or locked drawer handle. Insert the lock into the notch and turn the key to secure the lock. Some keyless models are available. Passwords The user password protects your computer and the BIOS Setup Utility from unauthorized access. When set with appropriate options enabled, no one can access the computer without entering the correct password. See "BIOS Setup Utility" on page 62 for details on how to set a password and related options. Important: Do not forget your password! If you forget your password, you need to contact your dealer. 28 Getting familiar with your computer Operating on battery power The computer operates on AC or battery power. This chapter contains the information you need to know to operate the computer on battery power. It also includes information on how your computer manages and saves power. 31 Battery pack The computer uses a battery pack that gives you long use between charges. Battery pack characteristics The battery pack has the following characteristics: · · Employs current battery technology standards Battery-low warning Whenever possible, use the AC adapter. The battery will come in handy when you travel or during a power failure. It is advisable to have an extra fully-charged battery pack available as backup. See your dealer for more details. Maximizing battery life Notebook computer batteries, like all other batteries, are "consumables". This means that their use is consumed over a period of time, and that their performance diminishes over this life cycle. In order to maximize the length of your battery's life, please read and adhere to the recommendations set out below. Conditioning a new battery pack When using a battery pack for the first time, there is a "conditioning" process that should be followed first before using it with your computer. 1 2 3 4 5 Insert the battery into the computer. Do not turn the computer on. Connect the AC adapter to a power source (i.e., a power outlet) and to the computer and fully recharge the battery. Disconnect the adapter from the power source. Use the computer on battery power. Do not plug in AC power during this initial use period. Once the battery is fully depleted of charge while being used (i.e., the computer warns you to "switch to AC power"), turn the computer off and follow step 1 again. Note: Repeat these steps two times. Total conditioning process is 3 charges/ discharges. 32 Operating on battery power Use this process with a new battery or with a battery that's been stored without being used for a long time. If the computer is to be stored for more than two weeks, we suggest you remove the battery pack. Warning! Do not expose battery packs to temperatures below 0ºC (32ºF) or above 60ºC (140ºF). This may adversely affect the battery pack. By following this process you will have conditioned your battery to accept the maximum charge possible. Failure to follow this procedure will not allow you to get the longest possible battery charge from your battery and will also shorten the effective lifespan of your battery. The useful life span of the battery is adversely affected by the following usage patterns: · Using the computer on constant AC power, while the battery is inserted in the notebook. If you are to use the computer on AC power constantly, please remove the battery from the unit after it is fully charged. Not discharging/recharging the battery to its extremes as explained in "Conditioning a new battery pack" above. Frequency of use (the more you use the battery, the faster it will reach the end of its effective life cycle). A standard computer battery has a life span of about 500 charges. · · Installing and removing the battery pack Important! Before removing the battery pack, make sure that you have an AC adapter connected to the computer; otherwise, turn off the computer. To install a battery pack: 1 Place the battery pack into the battery bay, connector-end first. 33 2 Press down on the battery pack until you hear the battery latch click in place. To remove the battery pack: 1 2 3 Press and hold the battery release button. Slide the battery release latch to unlatch the battery pack. Pull up the battery pack to remove it. Charging the battery To charge the battery, slide the battery pack into the battery bay and plug the AC adapter into the computer and an electrical outlet. 34 Operating on battery power Charging modes The adapter has two charging modes: · Rapid mode The computer uses rapid charging when power is turned off and a powered AC adapter is connected to it. In rapid mode, a fully depleted battery gets fully charged in approximately 3 hours. · Charge-in-use mode When the computer is in use with the AC adapter plugged in, the computer also charges the battery pack if installed. This mode will take longer to fully charge a battery than rapid mode. In charge-in-use mode, a fully depleted battery gets fully charged in approximately 4.5 hours. Note: We suggest that you charge the battery pack before retiring for the day, letting it charge overnight before traveling. This ensures a fully charged battery for use the next day. Checking the battery level Using the Windows battery meter The Windows battery meter indicates the present battery level. Simply rest your cursor on the battery meter (or AC plug) icon on the taskbar to see the present charge level of your battery. Optimizing battery life This section helps you get the most out of battery operation. Optimizing battery life prolongs the charge/recharge cycle and improves recharge efficiency. Follow these suggestions to optimize and maximize battery power: · · · Purchase an extra battery pack. Use the AC adapter whenever possible so that the battery is reserved for on-thego computing. Keep the battery pack in the computer powered by the AC adapter. The constant trickle charge maintains the battery level to eliminate the battery self-discharge effect. The charge-in-use function also charges the battery pack. Disable the parallel port if no devices are connected to this port. You can do this through the BIOS Setup Utility. See "Others" on page 69. · 35 · · Eject the PC Card from the slot when it is not in use, since the PC Card draws extra power. See "Ejecting a card" on page 44. Store the battery pack in a cool, dry place. The recommended storage temperature for battery packs ranges from 10 to 30 degrees Celsius. The higher the storage temperature, the faster the battery pack self-discharges. The batteries can be recharged about 400 times when used as directed. Excessive recharging decreases battery life. Take care of your battery pack and AC adapter. See "Taking care of your computer" on page iv of the preface. · · Battery-low warning You never have to worry about battery power as long as you are using the AC adapter. However, when you operate the computer on battery power, pay extra attention to the battery gauge on the status LCD. Warning! Connect the AC adapter to the computer as soon as possible. Data is lost when computer power is cut off during Standby mode. The following table shows the recommended course of action to take when you encounter a battery-low condition. Situation AC adapter and power outlet available Recommended Action 1. Connect the AC adapter to the computer. 2. Save all necessary files. 3. Resume work. Power off the computer if you wish to recharge the battery rapidly. An extra fully-charged battery pack available 1. Save all necessary files. 2. Exit the application. 3. Power off the computer. 4. Replace the battery pack. 5. Power on the computer and resume work. AC adapter or power outlet not available 1. Save all necessary files. 2. Exit the application. 3. Power off the computer. 36 Operating on battery power 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. 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. This computer employs a power management scheme that supports ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) which allows for maximum power conservation and maximum performance at the same time. ACPI enables Windows to control the amount of power given to each device attached to the computer. Windows handles all power-saving chores for your computer. For more information, refer to Windows help. Peripherals and options Your computer offers excellent expansion capabilities with its built-in ports and connectors. This chapter describes how to connect peripherals and hardware options that help you use your computer with ease. When connecting peripherals, read the manual included with the peripheral for operating instructions. You can purchase most of these and other options directly from authorized dealers. This chapter also includes sections on how to upgrade key components. Key component upgradeability helps keep your computer in step with the latest technology. 39 External display devices External monitor You can connect an external monitor to the external display port. For the location of these ports, see "Rear view" on page 7. Read the monitor manual for additional instructions. Note: If an external monitor is not connected, closing the display cover puts the computer into Standby mode. External display with s-video input You can connect an external display device such as a television or projector with svideo input to the video-out port on the rear of the computer. For the location of this connector, see "Rear view" on page 7. Read the manual for your TV or projector for additional operating instructions. Using simultaneous display Your computer takes advantage of Windows multi-display capability, allowing you to use your computer for presentation purposes. So whatever is displayed in your computer will likewise be displayed on the other external display. Press Fn-F5 to toggle the display output location. To use simultaneous display, you can choose to connect the display device to the computer through the external display port or video-out port, depending on what your display device supports. 40 Peripherals and options External input devices External keyboard This computer has a keyboard with full-sized keys and an embedded keypad. If you feel more comfortable using a desktop keyboard, you can connect an external PS/2compatible or USB keyboard. Plug a PS/2 keyboard into the PS/2 port; plug the USB keyboard to an available USB port. For the location of these ports, see "Right view" on page 6. External keypad You can also use a 17-key numeric keypad for number-sensitive, data-entry applications. To connect the keypad, plug the keypad connector into the PS/2 port or USB port depending on what your device supports. For the location of these ports, see "Right view" on page 6. External pointing device This computer accepts either a PS/2-compatible or USB mouse or similar pointing device. To use a PS/2-compatible mouse, simply plug it into the PS/2 port. If you use a USB mouse, connect it to an available USB port. For the location of these ports, see "Right view" on page 6.