User manual GATEWAY M500

user'sguide Gateway M500 Notebook Customizing Troubleshooting Contents 1 Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Connecting and starting your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Care and maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Taking care of your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Taking care of your AC adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Taking care of your battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cleaning and servicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 5 5 5 6 6 2 Getting Familiar with Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 LCD panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Special keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Keyboard ergonomics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Touchpad basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Multi-function buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Optical drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Connectivity options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Ethernet and LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Fax/data modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Wireless communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Fast infrared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 AV control panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Securing your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Security slot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 i 3 Managing Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Using the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Using the battery for the first time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Installing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Removing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Recharging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Checking the charge level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Optimizing battery life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Battery-low warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Power management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Advanced Configuration and Power Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 4 Using Peripheral Devices and Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 External monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Using simultaneous display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 S-Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 External keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 External pointing device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Audio devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 PC Card slot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 USB devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 IEEE 1394 devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Miscellaneous options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Additional AC adapters and batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 AC adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Key component upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Memory upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Hard drive upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 5 Moving with Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Disconnecting from peripheral devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Moving around . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Preparing your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 What to bring to short meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 What to bring to long meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Taking the notebook home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 Preparing your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 What to bring with you . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 Special considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 ii Setting up a home office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Traveling with your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preparing your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What to bring with you . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Special considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Traveling internationally with your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preparing your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What to bring with you . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Special considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 72 72 72 72 73 73 73 73 6 Using Installed Programs and Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 System software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Launch Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BIOS Setup utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting a password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 76 77 77 7 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Frequently-asked questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Before calling Gateway Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tutoring and training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 85 87 87 88 89 89 89 90 A Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Microprocessor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Data storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Display and video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keyboard and pointing device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I/O ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weight and dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 92 92 92 93 93 93 93 94 94 94 iii B Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95 Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 iv Getting Started Read this chapter to learn how to: 1 Connect and start your notebook Care for your notebook 1 Chapter 1: Getting Started Connecting and starting your notebook To connect and start your notebook: 1 2 Turn your notebook over so the bottom is facing up. Insert the battery at an angle (1), press gently on the battery (2) until it clicks into place. Then slide the battery lock latch into the locked position 3). Important When using a battery for the first time, fully recharge the battery, then disconnect the adapter to use up the battery charge before recharging again. Perform this action twice to condition the battery. 2 www.gateway.com Connecting and starting your notebook 3 Connect one end of the AC adapter to the power connector on the back of your notebook and the other end to a correctly grounded electrical outlet. www.gateway.com 3 Chapter 1: Getting Started 4 Slide the cover release latch to the left (1) to open the LCD panel (2). Press the power button (3) to turn on the power. The POST (power-on self-test) routine executes and Windows begins loading. Important To turn off your notebook, we recommend that you use the Windows Turn Off option to shut down your notebook. If you are unable to shut down your notebook normally, press and hold the power button for more than four seconds to turn off your notebook. If you turn off your notebook and want to turn it on again, wait at least two seconds before turning it on. 4 www.gateway.com Care and maintenance Care and maintenance Taking care of your notebook Do not expose your notebook to direct sunlight. Do not place it near sources of heat, such as a radiator. Do not expose your notebook to temperatures below 32ºF (0ºC) or above 122ºF (50ºC). Do not subject your notebook to magnetic fields. Do not expose your notebook to rain or moisture. Do not spill water or any liquid on your notebook. Do not subject your notebook to heavy shock and vibration. Do not expose your notebook to dust and dirt. Never place objects on top of your notebook. Never place your notebook on uneven surfaces. Taking 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 all potential traffic. When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself. Instead, pull on the plug. The total ampere ratings of the equipment plugged into an extension cord should not exceed the ampere rating of the cord. www.gateway.com 5 Chapter 1: Getting Started Taking care of your battery Use only batteries of the same kind as replacements. Turn off your notebook 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 To clean your notebook: 1 2 3 Turn off your notebook, then remove the battery. Disconnect the AC adapter. Use a soft cloth moistened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. Contact Gateway if any of the following occurs: Your notebook has been dropped or the case has been damaged. Liquid has been spilled into your notebook. Power cords or plugs are damaged. 6 www.gateway.com Getting Familiar with Your Notebook Read this chapter to learn about: 2 Components, ports, and jacks Features of your notebook 7 Chapter 2: Getting Familiar with Your Notebook Top # 1 2 Item LCD panel Status indicators Icon Description Displays notebook output. LEDs (light-emitting diodes) that turn on and off to show the status of your notebook and its functions and components. Control buttons for playing audio/video media. Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a mouse. Comfortable support area for your hands when you use your notebook. 3 4 5 AV control panel Touchpad Palm rest 8 www.gateway.com Top # 6 7 8 9 Item Speakers Touchpad buttons (left and right) Keyboard Multi-function buttons Icon Description Output sound. The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse buttons. Inputs data into your notebook. Buttons for opening frequently used programs. See "Multi-function buttons" on page 29 for more details. Turns on your notebook power. Inputs sounds and voices into your notebook. 10 11 Power button Microphone www.gateway.com 9 Chapter 2: Getting Familiar with Your Notebook Front # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Item Battery bay Eject button DVD/CD-RW drive indicator DVD/CD-RW drive IR sensor Subwoofer Cover release latch Description Insert the battery into this bay. Press to eject the CD or DVD. This LED lights up when the DVD/CD-RW drive is in use. Insert CDs or DVDs into this drive. Sends and receives data for an IR (infrared) device, such as an IR printer. The subwoofer is located in this bay. Slide the release latch to the left to open your notebook. 10 www.gateway.com Left Left # 1 Item Hard drive bay Icon Description The hard drive is located in this bay. 2 3 PC Card slot PC Card eject button Insert one Type II 16-bit PC Card or 32-bit CardBus PC Card into this slot. Press to remove the PC Card from the PC card slot. Insert an SD (Secured Digital) memory card into this slot. Secure your notebook to an object by connecting a Kensington cable lock to this slot. 4 5 SD memory card slot KensingtonTM lock slot www.gateway.com 11 Chapter 2: Getting Familiar with Your Notebook Right # 1 Item USB ports Icon Description Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a USB IomegaTM ZipTM drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports. Helps cool internal components. Do not block or insert objects into these slots. 2 Ventilation fan 12 www.gateway.com Back Back # 1 2 Item Power connector External monitor port Icon Description Plug the AC adapter cable into this connector. Plug an external VGA monitor into this port. 3 4 S-Video jack Modem jack Plug an S-Video device (such as a television) into this jack. Plug a modem cable into this jack. 5 Network jack Plug a 10/100 Ethernet network cable into this jack. Plug a microphone into this jack. 6 Microphone jack 7 8 Line-in jack Headphone jack Plug an audio device (such as a stereo) into this jack. Plug amplified speakers or headphones into this jack. The built-in speakers are turned off when speakers or headphones are plugged into this jack. Plug a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device (such as a USB IomegaTM ZipTM drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into this port. Plug a parallel device (such as a printer) into this port. 9 USB port 10 Parallel port www.gateway.com 13 Chapter 2: Getting Familiar with Your Notebook # 11 Item IEEE 1394 port (4-pin) Icon Description Plug an IEEE 1394® (also known as FireWire® or iLink®) device (such as a digital video camera) into this 4-pin IEEE 1394 port. Plug an IEEE 1394 (also known as FireWire or iLink) device (such as a digital video camera) into this 6-pin IEEE 1394 port. 12 IEEE 1394 port (6-pin) 14 www.gateway.com Bottom Bottom # 1 2 Item Battery lock latch Battery release latch Icon Description Slide to unlock the battery. Slide to remove the battery. 3 Battery bay Insert the battery into this bay. 4 5 6 Hard drive bay Hard drive protector Memory bay The hard drive is located in this bay. Protects the hard drive from accidental bumps and vibrations. The memory modules are located in this bay. www.gateway.com 15 Chapter 2: Getting Familiar with Your Notebook Features This notebook was designed with the user in mind. Here are just a few of its many features: Performance Mobile Intel® PentiumTM 4 Processor - M with Enhanced Intel® SpeedStepTM technology 512K on-die L2 cache 15.2" 15:10 SXGA (1280x854) widescreen TFT LCD panel nVidia® GeForce4 GoTM high-performance graphics chipset with 32MB frame buffer Onboard memory upgradeable to 1024 MB with 2 DDR-266 SoDIMM High-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard drive Lithium-Ion battery Power management system Dual-display capability Simultaneous LCD and CRT display LCD panel supports resolution up to 1280x854 VGA monitor supports resolution up to 2048x1536 Embedded TV encoder supports resolution up to 1024x768 Multimedia AV control panel Playback MP3 through SD, HDD, or Audio CD with system off Audio Codec support stereo 18-bit ADC/20-bit DAC AC'97 2.2 compliant stereo audio Headphone jack Enhanced audio system with 2 speakers and a subwoofer Built-in microphone Slot-loading DVD/CD-RW drive S-Video output jack 16 www.gateway.com Features Connectivity High-speed fax/data software modem Onboard PCI 10/100 Mbps LAN support Fast infrared wireless communication 3 USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports (2.0) 2 IEEE 1394 ports (one unpowered 4-pin port and one powered 6-pin port) 802.11b wireless LAN Human-centric design and ergonomics Sleek, smooth, and stylish design Full-sized keyboard Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device Multi-function buttons Expansion Upgradeable memory www.gateway.com 17 Chapter 2: Getting Familiar with Your Notebook LCD panel The graphics display offers excellent viewing, display quality, and desktop-performance graphics. Your notebook supports a widescreen Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD) displaying up to 16.7 million colors at 1280 × 854 Super eXtended Graphics Array (SXGA) resolution. Simultaneous display Your notebook's crisp display and multimedia capabilities are great for giving presentations. If you prefer, you can also connect an external monitor when giving presentations. This notebook supports simultaneous LCD and CRT display. Simultaneous display allows you to control the presentation from your notebook and at the same time face your audience. You can also connect other output display devices such as LCD projection panels for large-audience presentations. Power management The power management system incorporates an "automatic LCD dim" feature that automatically dims the LCD when your notebook is powered by a battery to conserve battery power. See "Managing Power" on page 45 for more information on power management features. Opening and closing the LCD panel To open the display, slide the cover release latch to the left and lift up the LCD panel, then tilt it to a comfortable viewing position. See "Connecting and starting your notebook" on page 2. Your notebook employs a microswitch that turns off the LCD panel (enters Standby mode) to conserve power when you close the LCD panel, and turns it back on when you open the LCD panel. Important If an external monitor is connected, your notebook turns off the LCD panel (but does not enter Standby mode) when you close the LCD panel. To close the LCD panel, fold it down gently until the cover release latch clicks into place. Warning To avoid damaging the LCD panel, do not slam it when you close it. Also, do not place any object on top of your notebook when the LCD panel is closed. 18 www.gateway.com Status indicators Status indicators Your notebook has seven easy-to-read status indicators (LEDs) under the LCD panel. The Power and Standby indicators are visible even when you close the LCD panel so you can see the status of your notebook while the cover is closed. www.gateway.com 19 Chapter 2: Getting Familiar with Your Notebook # 1 Item Wireless communication Power Icon Description Lights when the Wireless LAN capabilities are enabled. Lights when your notebook is on. Blinks when a battery-low condition occurs. 2 3 4 Standby Media activity Blinks when notebook enters Hibernation mode. Lights when the hard drive or DVD/CD-RW drive is active. Lights when the battery is being charged. 5 Battery charge 6 7 Caps Lock Num lock (FN+F11) Lights when Caps Lock is activated. Lights when Numeric Lock is activated. 20 www.gateway.com Keyboard 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 three lock keys which you can toggle on and off. Lock Caps Lock Num Lock (FN+F11) 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 keyboard. See "External keyboard" on page 56. 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 programs. Scroll Lock (Fn+F12) www.gateway.com 21 Chapter 2: Getting Familiar with Your Notebook 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 key caps. To simplify the keyboard legend, cursor-control key symbols are not printed on the keys Desired Access Number keys on embedded keypad Cursor-control keys on embedded keypad Num Lock On Type numbers in a normal manner. Hold SHIFT while using cursor-control keys. Num Lock Off Hold FN while using cursor-control keys. Type the letters in a normal manner. Main keyboard keys Hold FN while typing letters on the embedded keypad. Important If an external keyboard is connected to your notebook, the Num Lock feature automatically shifts from the internal keyboard to the external keyboard. 22 www.gateway.com Keyboard 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 (Opens My Computer) + F (Finds a file) + M (Minimizes All) SHIFT + + M (Undoes Minimize All) + R (Displays Run dialog box) Application key Opens the program's context menu (same as a right-click). Hotkeys Your notebook employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most of your notebook's controls like screen contrast and brightness and the BIOS Setup utility. www.gateway.com 23 Chapter 2: Getting Familiar with Your Notebook Hot Key FN+F1 FN+F2 Function Hotkey help Icon Description Displays a list of the hotkeys and their functions. Puts your notebook in StandbyStandby mode, which can be defined through the advanced section of the Power Management Properties in the Windows Control Panel. Switches display output between the LCD panel, an external monitor (if connected), or both the LCD panel and external monitor. Turns the LCD panel backlight off to save power. Press any key to return. Turns the speakers on and off (mutes the sound). Increases the screen brightness. Standby FN+F3 Display toggle FN+F4 Screen blank FN+F5 FN+ FN+ Speaker on/off Brightness up Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness. Activating hotkeys When activating hotkeys, press and hold the FN key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination. 24 www.gateway.com Keyboard Keyboard ergonomics Located below the keyboard, the wide and curved palm rest is ergonomically designed to provide you with a comfortable place to rest your hands while you type. www.gateway.com 25 Chapter 2: Getting Familiar with Your Notebook 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 palm rest provides optimum comfort and support. 26 www.gateway.com Touchpad Touchpad basics Important Keep your fingers dry and clean when using the touchpad. Also keep the touchpad dry and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to finger movements. Therefore, the lighter the touch, the better the response. Tapping too hard will not increase the touchpad's responsiveness. 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 make selections and run functions. These two buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse. Tapping on the touchpad produces similar results. www.gateway.com 27 Chapter 2: Getting Familiar with Your Notebook Function Execute Left Button Click twice quickly. Right Button 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 your finger to the touchpad on the second tap to drag the cursor. Select Drag Click once. Click and hold, then use your finger to drag the cursor on the touchpad. Access context menu Click once. 28 www.gateway.com Multi-function buttons Multi-function buttons Located at the top of the keyboard are five multi-function buttons used to open frequently used programs or functions. www.gateway.com 29 Chapter 2: Getting Familiar with Your Notebook # 1 Item Wireless communication E-mail Internet browser Icon Description Press this button to turn the Wireless LAN function on and off. For more information, see "Wireless communication" on page 36. Press this to open the e-mail program. Press this button to open your Internet browser. This button is user-programmable. For more information about programming buttons, see "Launch Manager" on page 76. This button is user-programmable. For more information about programming buttons, see "Launch Manager" on page 76. 2 3 4 P1 5 P2 30 www.gateway.com Storage Storage This notebook supplies you with the following media storage: High-capacity Enhanced-IDE hard drive Slot-loading DVD/CD-RW drive Secure Digital (SD) slot Hard drive The high-capacity hard drive is the answer to your storage needs. This is where your programs and data are stored. Optical drive A high-speed optical drive (DVD/CD-RW drive) gives you portable multimedia access and at the same time lets you burn your data onto a recordable CD. Inserting the disc This notebook features a slot-loading optical drive. To insert a disc into the optical drive, gently push the disc into the slot and the drive will lock the disc in place and pull it inside. www.gateway.com 31 Chapter 2: Getting Familiar with Your Notebook Ejecting the disc To eject the disc from the slot, press the eject button and wait for the drive to eject the disc. 32 www.gateway.com Storage Playing DVD movies To play DVD movies in your notebook, insert the DVD into the drive and the DVD movie will automatically play after a few seconds. Important When you open the DVD player for the first time, the program asks you to input the region code. DVDs are divided into 6 regions. Once your DVD drive is set to a region code, it will play DVDs of that region only. You can set the region code a maximum of five times (including the first time), after which the last region code set will remain permanent. Recovering your hard drive does not reset the number of times the region code has been set. Refer to the table below for DVD movie region code information. Region code 1 2 3 4 5 6 Country or region U.S.A., Canada Europe, Middle East, South Africa, Japan Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Korea (South) Mexico, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand Former U.S.S.R., parts of Africa, India People's Republic of China Important To change the region code, insert a DVD movie of a different region into the DVD drive. Refer to the online help for more information. www.gateway.com 33 Chapter 2: Getting Familiar with Your Notebook Connectivity options Your notebook 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 notebook to an Ethernet-based (10/100 Mbps) network. To use the network feature, connect an Ethernet cable from the network jack on the back of your notebook to a network jack or hub on your network. 34 www.gateway.com Connectivity options Fax/data modem Your notebook 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 jack, connect a telephone cable from the modem jack to a telephone jack. Warning To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger telecommunications line cord. www.gateway.com 35 Chapter 2: Getting Familiar with Your Notebook Wireless communication This notebook has a wireless communication feature built-in. This feature allows you to communicate with other wireless communication devices. You can manually turn off your wireless communication feature. Warning Radio frequency wireless communication can interfere with equipment on commercial aircraft. Current aviation regulations require wireless devices to be turned off while traveling in an airplane. IEEE 802.11B (also known as wireless Ethernet or Wifi) communication devices are examples of devices that provide wireless communication. 36 www.gateway.com Connectivity options Fast infrared Your notebook's fast infrared (FIR) port allows you to do wireless data transfer with other IR-aware computers and peripheral devices such as PDAs (personal digital assistants), mobile phones, and infrared printers. The infrared port can transfer data at speeds of up to 4 Mb/s at a distance of up to one meter. To use FIR, position two IR-aware devices so their IR ports are no more than one meter apart and offset no more than 15 degrees. When the two devices are in position, begin the data transfer as you normally would. See your file transfer software for details. www.gateway.com 37 Chapter 2: Getting Familiar with Your Notebook Audio Your notebook includes 16-bit high-fidelity stereo audio. The speakers, located near the keyboard, direct sound towards you to further enhance sound output. There are audio ports on the back of your notebook. See "Back" on page 13 for the location of these ports. Also see "Audio devices" on page 59 for more information on connecting external audio devices. Your notebook has a subwoofer on the front. See "Front" on page 10 for the location of the subwoofer. 38 www.gateway.com Audio AV control panel The AV control panel is a special feature of your notebook. Through this AV control panel, you can play most of your audio/video CD, DVD, MP3, and SD media. . # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Item LCD display Power button Source button Play/pause button Volume down button Volume up button Stop/Eject button Icon Description