Instruction/ maintenance manual of the product TravelMate a-550 Series Acer
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T ravelMate α -550 series User’ s guide TMa550.book Page i Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM.
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.
iii First things first W e would like to thank you for making the T ravelMate series of notebook computers your choice for your mobile computing needs.
iv • 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.
v 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.
vi TMa550.book Page vi Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM.
Contents First things first iii Your guides iii Basic care and tips for using your computer iii 1 Getting familiar with your computer 1 A tour of your computer 3 Front view 3 Left view 5 Right view 6 .
viii 3 Peripherals and options 37 External display devices 39 External monitor 39 External display with s-video input 39 Using simultaneous display 39 External input devices 40 External keyboard 40 Ex.
ix 5 Software 59 System software 61 Easy Button 62 E-Mail Detector 63 BIOS Setup Utility 64 Main 65 System Devices 67 Security 68 Others 71 Boot 72 Exit 73 6 Troubleshooting 75 Frequently-asked questions 77 Error messages 81 Appendix A Specifications 85 Appendix B Notices 91 Index 99 TMa550.
x TMa550.book Page x Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM.
1 Getting familiar with your computer TMa550.book Page 1 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM.
This computer combines high-performance, versatility , power management features and multimedia capabilities with a unique style and ergonomic design. W ork 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 .
1 Getting familiar with your computer 4 # Item Description 1 Display screen Also called LCD (liquid-crystal display), displays computer output. 2 Power button T urns on the computer power . 3 Status LCD LCD that display icons to show the status of the computer and its functions and components.
5 Left view # Item Description 1 Optical drive 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.
1 Getting familiar with your computer 6 Right view # Item Description 1 Speaker/headphone- out jack Connects to audio line-out devices (e.g., speakers, headphones). 2 Microphone-in jack Connects an external microphone. 3 PC Card eject buttons Eject the selected PC Card from its slot.
7 Rear view # Item Description 1 Security keylock 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.
1 Getting familiar with your computer 8 Bottom view # Item Description 1 Hard disk bay Houses the computer ’ s hard disk. 2 Battery release button Press and hold to release the battery latch. 3 Battery release latch Unlatches the battery to remove the battery pack.
9 Featur es This computer was designed with the user in mind. Here are just a few of its many features: Performance • Intel ® Pentium ™ III or Intel ® Celeron ™ processor with on-die level 2 c.
1 Getting familiar with your computer 10 • Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device • Launch keys (supports Audio DJ feature) Expansion • Upgradeable memory and hard disk TMa550.
11 Display The large graphics display offers excellent viewing, display quality and desktop-performance graphics. The computer supports a Thin-Film T ransistor (TF T) 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.
1 Getting familiar with your computer 12 Indicators The computer has an easy-to-read status LCD (1) located above the keyboard. T wo 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.
13 Optical drive/ Hard disk activity CD or DVD drive or hard disk is being accessed. Floppy drive activity 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.
1 Getting familiar with your computer 14 In addition to the status LCD, the computer includes power and email status indicators. Function Icon Description Power Lights when the computer is on. Email Lights when incoming email is received. T o launch your email program and read the incoming email, press the email button beside this indicator .
15 Keyboar d 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 Description Caps lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in uppercase.
1 Getting familiar with your computer 16 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.
17 W indows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Key Description Windows logo key Start button. Combinations with this key perform special functions.
1 Getting familiar with your computer 18 Hotkeys The computer uses hotkeys or key combinations to perform functions such as controlling the screen brightness and specifying where to display output. 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.
1 Getting familiar with your computer 20 T ouchpad 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.
21 = 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. T apping too hard will not increase the touchpad ’ s responsiveness.
1 Getting familiar with your computer 22 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.
23 T o configure the launch keys and the applications they launch, see “ Easy Button ” on page 62. 21 ( AP mode) Launches a user-configurable application. Stop/Eject ( Audio DJ mode) Stops playback of the music CD; when playback is stopped, ejects the drive tray .
1 Getting familiar with your computer 24 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.
25 Connectivity options The computer has built-in features for connecting to a network and communicating with other computers. Ethern et and LAN The built-in network feature allows you to connect your computer to an Ethernet-based (10/100 Mbps) network.
1 Getting familiar with your computer 26 Audio Y our 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 .
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.
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2 Operating on battery power TMa550.book Page 29 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM.
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 .
2 Operating on battery power 32 T o install a battery pack: 1 Place the battery pack into the battery bay , connector-end first. 2 Press down on the battery pack until you hear the battery latch click in place. T o remove the battery pack: 1 Press and hold the battery release button.
33 Charging the battery T o charge the battery , slide the battery pack into the battery bay and plug the AC adapter into the computer and an electrical outlet. 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.
2 Operating on battery power 34 • Use the AC adapter whenever possible so that the battery is reserved for on-the-go 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.
35 The following table shows the recommended course of action to take when you encounter a battery-low condition. Situation Recommended Action AC adapter and power outlet available 1. Connect the AC adapter to the computer . 2. Save all necessary files.
2 Operating on battery power 36 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 .
3 Peripherals and options TMa550.book Page 37 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM.
Y our 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.
39 Exter nal display devices External monitor Y ou 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.
3 Peripherals and options 40 Exter nal input devices Extern al keyboar d 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/2-compatible or USB keyboard.
41 Printer This computer supports both parallel and USB printers. For a parallel printer , plug the printer cable into the parallel port. For a USB printer , connect it to the USB port. For the location of these ports, see “ Rear view ” on page 7 and “ Right view ” on page 6.
3 Peripherals and options 42 Audio devices Y ou can plug an external microphone into the microphone-in jack. Amplified speakers or headphones connect to the speaker/headphone- out jack. For the location of these ports, see “ Right view ” on page 6.
43 Expansion devices PC Car d slots The computer has built-in CardBus PC Card slots that can accommodate one type III or two type II/I PC Cards. Please consult your dealer for PC Card options available that you can purchase for your computer .
3 Peripherals and options 44 Ejecting a card Before ejecting a PC Card: • Exit the application using the card. • Left-click on the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar and click on the safely remove card operation.
45 IEEE 1394 The computer's fast IEEE 1394 port allows you to connect IEEE 1394 supported devices like a digital camcorder , external hard disks, or external CD burners. Y ou can also daisy-chain IEEE 1394 devices via a IEEE 1394 repeater . For the location of these ports, see “ Rear view ” on page 7.
3 Peripherals and options 46 Miscellaneous options Battery pack It is a good practice to have a spare battery around, especially when you travel. The Li-ion battery , coupled with the power management features of your computer , supplies you with more power on-the-go.
47 Key component upgrades Y our computer delivers superior power and performance. However , some users and the applications they use may demand more. This computer allows you to upgrade key components when you need increased performance. Note : Contact your authorized dealer if you decide to perform a key component upgrade.
3 Peripherals and options 48 2 Remove the screws from the memory door (1), slide the memory door (2), then lift the memory door (3) to access the memory slot. 3 Insert the memory module diagonally into the slot (1), then gently press down until it clicks into place (2).
49 Hard disk upgrade It is possible to upgrade your hard disk with a higher capacity drive when you need more storage space. The computer uses a 9.5mm 2.5- inch Enhanced-IDE hard disk. Please consult your dealer if you need to upgrade your hard disk. TMa550.
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4 Moving with your computer TMa550.book Page 51 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM.
This chapter gives you tips and hints on things to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer . TMa550.book Page 52 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM.
53 Disconnecting fr om the desktop Follow these steps to disconnect your computer from external accessories: 1 Save your work in progress. 2 Shut down the operating system. 3 T urn off the computer . 4 Disconnect the cord from the AC adapter . 5 Disconnect the keyboard, pointing device, printer , external monitor , and other external devices.
4 Moving with your computer 54 Moving ar ound 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 Standby mode.
55 T aking 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: 1 Remove all media from the drives.
4 Moving with your computer 56 the computer for 30 minutes in an environment with a temperature between outside and room temperature. Setting up a home of fice If you frequently work on your computer at home, it may be worthwhile to purchase a second AC adapter for use at home.
57 T raveling 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. Be sure the battery in the computer is charged.
4 Moving with your computer 58 T raveling inter nationally with the computer when you are moving from country to country Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as you would normally prepare it for traveling. What to bring with you Bring the following items with you.
5 Softwar e TMa550.book Page 59 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM.
This chapter discusses the important system utilities bundled with your computer . TMa550.book Page 60 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM.
61 System softwar e The computer comes preloaded with the following software: • Microsoft Windows operating system • Hardware BIOS setup utility • System utilities, drivers and application software Note : T o access Windows software applications, click on the Start button and select the application folder .
5 Software 62 Easy Button Easy Button allows you to set the four launch keys located near the front of the computer . See “ Launch keys ” on page 22 for the location of these keys. T o configure Easy Button, double-click on its icon on the taskbar .
63 E-Mail Detector The E-Mail Detector application monitors your mail servers for incoming email. When incoming email is detected, the email status indicator lights up. Y ou can also set a notify message to appear or a sound to play when you receive incoming email.
5 Software 64 BIOS Setup Utility The BIOS Setup Utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer ’ s BIOS (basic input/ouput system). Y our computer is already properly configured and optimized, and you do not need to run this utility .
65 • Press Esc while you are in any of the menu options to go to the Exit menu. • In any menu, you can load default settings by pressing F9 . Y ou can also press F10 to save any changes made and exit the BIOS Setup Utility . Notes : Navigation keys for a particular menu are shown on the bottom of the screen.
5 Software 66 The table below describes the parameters in this screen. Settings in boldface are the default and suggested parameter settings. Note: Main memory = system memory + extended memory Parameter Description System T ime Sets the system time. Format: HH:MM:SS (hour:minute:second) System Date Sets the system date.
67 System Devices The System Devices screen contains parameters involving your hardware devices. The table below describes the parameters in the screen.
5 Software 68 Note: VGA takes up a portion of system memory , configurable via the VGA Frame Buffer parameter . For example, if you have 128 MB SDRAM, and you set a VGA Frame Buffer of 16 MB, main memory is 112 MB. Security The Security screen contains parameters that help safeguard and protect your computer from unauthorized use.
69 The table below describes the parameters in this screen. Settings in boldface are the default and suggested parameter settings. Notes: When you are prompted to enter a password, you have three tries before the system halts. Don ’ t forget your password.
5 Software 70 3 Press Enter . After setting the password, the computer sets the User Password parameter to “ Set ” . 4 If desired, you can opt to enable the Password on boot parameter . 5 When you are done, press F10 to save the changes and exit the BIOS Setup Utility .
71 4 Press Enter . After setting the password, the computer sets the User Password parameter to “ Set ” . 5 If desired, you can opt to enable the Password on boot parameter . 6 When you are done, press F10 to save the changes and exit the BIOS Setup Utility .
5 Software 72 Boot The Boot screen allows you to set the order in which the system looks for bootable devices on startup. The table below describes these devices. Note: A plus (+) sign may be shown in front of a device. Y ou can press Enter to “ expand ” the device and see sub-items in this category .
73 Exit The Exit screen contains parameters that help safeguard and protect your computer from unauthorized use. The table below describes the parameters in this screen. Note: In any menu, you can load default settings by pressing F9. Y ou can also press F10 to save any changes made and exit the BIOS Setup Utility .
5 Software 74 TMa550.book Page 74 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM.
6 T r oubleshooting TMa550.book Page 75 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM.
This chapter instructs you on how to deal with common system problems. Read it before calling a technician if a problem occurs. Solutions to more serious problems require opening up the computer . Do not attempt to open and service the computer by yourself.
77 Fr equently-asked questions This is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer , and it gives easy answers and solutions to these questions. I press the power switch, but the computer does not start or boot-up. Look at the Power status indicator: • If it is not lit, no power is being applied to the computer .
6 T roubleshooting 78 tab to make sure the resolution is set to the appropriate resolution. Resolutions lower than the specified resolution are not full-screen on the computer or on an external monitor . No audio from the computer . Check the following: • The volume may be muted.
79 • If the diskette is not the cause of the problem, the floppy drive may be dirty . Clean it using a drive cleaning kit. Follow the instructions included with the kit. The CD or DVD drive cannot access a disc. Check the following: • Make sure the disc is supported by the drive.
6 T roubleshooting 80 charged? T o preserve the life of the battery , the system only lets you charge the battery when its capacity falls below 95%. However , it is recommended that you bring an extra battery and let the battery in the system use up its power before charging it.
81 Err or messages If you receive an error message, note the message and take the corrective action. The following table lists the error messages in alphabetical order together with the recommended course of action. Note: T o enter the BIOS Setup Utility , press F2 during POST .
6 T roubleshooting 82 0250 System battery is dead - Replace and run SETUP CMOS clock battery needs to be replaced. Contact your dealer or an authorized service center . 0251 System CMOS checksum bad - Default configuration used CMOS has been corrupted or modified incorrectly .
83 02D0 System cache error - Cache disabled Cache memory test failed and was disabled; cache needs to be replaced. Contact your dealer or an authorized service center . 02F4 EISA CMOS not writeable System unable to write to EISA CMOS. Write down the message and contact your dealer or an authorized service center .
6 T roubleshooting 84 If you still encounter problems after going through the corrective measures, please contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance. Some problems may be solved using the BIOS Setup Utility . See “ BIOS Setup Utility ” on page 64.
Appendix A Specifications TMa550.book Page 85 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM.
This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer . TMa550.book Page 86 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM.
87 Micropr ocessor • Intel ® Pentium ™ III processor with 256K on-die L2 cache - or - Intel ® Celeron ™ processor with 128K or 256K on-die L2 cache Memory • Onboard 128 MB • Main memory expandable to 640 MB Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM) • One 1.
Appendix A Specifications 88 Audio • 16-bit stereo audio (AC ’ 97) • T wo built-in stereo speakers • Audio DJ playback controls • Audio ports for speaker/headphone-out and microphone-in devi.
89 Environment • Te m p e r a t u r e • Operating: 5 ° C ~ 35 ° C • Non-operating: -20 ° C ~ 65 ° C • Humidity (non-condensing) • Operating: 20% ~ 80% RH • Non-operating: 10% ~ 90% RH .
Appendix A Specifications 90 TMa550.book Page 90 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM.
Appendix B Notices TMa550.book Page 91 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM.
This appendix lists the general notices for your computer . TMa550.book Page 92 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM.
93 FCC notice This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
Appendix B Notices 94 Notice: Canadian users This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Remarque ¶ l ’ intention des utilisateurs canadiens Cet appareil num é rique de la classe B respected toutes les exigences du R è glement sur le mat é riel brouilleur du Canada.
95 Important safety instructions Read these instructions carefully . Save these instructions for future reference. 1 Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. 2 Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
Appendix B Notices 96 controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to normal condition. e If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged f If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service.
97 Lithium battery statement CAUTION Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer . Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer ’ s instructions. ADV ARSEL! Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosionsfare ved fejlagtig h å ndtering.
Appendix B Notices 98 LCD pixel statement The LCD unit is produced with high-precision manufacturing techniques. Nevertheless, some pixels may occasionally misfire or appear as black or red dots. This has no effect on the recorded image and does not constitute a malfunction.
99 Index A AC adapter caring for iv ACPI 36 audio 26 connecting externally 42 controlling volume 26 troubleshooting 78 Audio DJ 26 B battery bay 8 battery pack battery-low warning 34 caring for v char.
100 E emergency eject slot 5 error messages 81 Ethernet connection 25 F FAQ. See frequently-asked questions floppy drive 24 troubleshooting 78 frequently-asked questions 77 front view 3 G guide iii H .
101 video-out 7 power management 36 printer connecting 41 troubleshooting 79 problems 77 audio 78 CD 79 diskette 78 display 77 DVD 79 floppy drive 78 keyboard 78 printer 79 startup 77 R rear view 7 ri.
102 TMa550.book Page 102 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM.
An important point after buying a device Acer TravelMate a-550 Series (or even before the purchase) is to read its user manual. We should do this for several simple reasons:
If you have not bought Acer TravelMate a-550 Series yet, this is a good time to familiarize yourself with the basic data on the product. First of all view first pages of the manual, you can find above. You should find there the most important technical data Acer TravelMate a-550 Series - thus you can check whether the hardware meets your expectations. When delving into next pages of the user manual, Acer TravelMate a-550 Series you will learn all the available features of the product, as well as information on its operation. The information that you get Acer TravelMate a-550 Series will certainly help you make a decision on the purchase.
If you already are a holder of Acer TravelMate a-550 Series, but have not read the manual yet, you should do it for the reasons described above. You will learn then if you properly used the available features, and whether you have not made any mistakes, which can shorten the lifetime Acer TravelMate a-550 Series.
However, one of the most important roles played by the user manual is to help in solving problems with Acer TravelMate a-550 Series. Almost always you will find there Troubleshooting, which are the most frequently occurring failures and malfunctions of the device Acer TravelMate a-550 Series along with tips on how to solve them. Even if you fail to solve the problem, the manual will show you a further procedure – contact to the customer service center or the nearest service center
