Wistron NeWeb BQ12B TravelMate 430 Series Notebook w/ 802.11b LAN User Manual TM430 e

Wistron NeWeb Corporation TravelMate 430 Series Notebook w/ 802.11b LAN TM430 e

Contents

Part 1

TravelMate 430 Series User’s Guide Model BQ12
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.Model number : _________________________________Serial number: ___________________________________Purchase date: ___________________________________Place of purchase: ________________________________Copyright © 2003 Acer Incorporated.All Rights Reserved.TravelMate 430 Series Notebook Computer User's GuideOriginal Issue: January 2003TravelMate 430 series Notebook computerAcer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Incorporated. Other company's product names or trademarks are used herein for identification purposes only and belong to their respective companies.
1Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement This equipment 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. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the following measures: - Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. - Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. - Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. - Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. FCC Caution: To assure continued compliance, (example - use only shielded interface cables when connecting to computer or peripheral devices) any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. IMPORTANT NOTE: FCC Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
iiiEnglishFirst things firstWe would like to thank you for making the TravelMate series of notebook computers your choice for your mobile computing needs. We hope you will be happy with your TravelMate as much as we enjoyed making it for you.Your guidesTo help you use your TravelMate, we have designed a set of guides:For more information about our products, services, and support information, please visit our Web site (global.acer.com).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.If you ever need to print out a copy, this User’s guide is also available in PDF (Portable Document Format). Follow these steps:1 Click on Start, Programs, AcerSystem.2 Click on AcerSystem User’s Guide.Note: Viewing the file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. For instructions on how to use Adobe Acrobat Reader, access the Help menu.
ivEnglishBasic care and tips for using your computerTurning your computer on and offTo turn on the computer, simply press the power button - the leftmost button above the keybaord of your TravelMate. See page 3 for the exact location of the power button.To turn the power off, do any of the following:•Use the Windows shutdown commandFor Windows 2000: Click on Start, Shut Down..., and select Shut down; then click on OK.- or - For Windows XP: Click on Start, Tur n off Computer; then click Turn Off.•Use the power switchNote: You can also use the power switch to perform power management functions. See Windows help for more information.•Use the customized functions for power managementYou can also shut down the computer by closing the display cover, or by pressing the sleep hot key (Fn-F4). See “Hot keys” on page 15.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 computerYour computer will serve you well if you take care of it.•Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it near sources of heat, such as a radiator.•Do not expose the computer to temperatures below 0ºC (32ºF) or above 50ºC (122ºF).•Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields.
vEnglish•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.Taking care of your AC adapterHere 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 packHere 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 servicingWhen cleaning the computer, follow these steps:1Power off the computer and remove the battery pack.2Disconnect the AC adapter.
viEnglish3Use a soft cloth moistened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.4To clean the display screen, use an LCD cleaning kit.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 47.
ContentsFirst things first iiiYour guides iiiBasic care and tips for using your computer iv1 Getting to know your TravelMate 1A TravelMate tour 3Front view 3Left view 5Right view 6Rear view 7Bottom view 8Features 9Indicators 11Using the keyboard 12Special keys 12Touchpad 20Touchpad basics 20Storage 22Hard disk 22Optical drive 22Using software 23Audio 24Adjusting the volume 24Using the Audio DJ feature 25Power management 26Moving around with your TravelMate 27Disconnecting from the desktop 27Moving around 27Taking the computer home 28Traveling with the computer 30Traveling internationally with the computer 30Securing your computer 32Using a computer security lock 32Using passwords 322 Customizing my computer 35Expanding through options 37Connectivity options 37Upgrade options 41Using system utilities 43Notebook Manager 43Launch Manager 44
viiiBIOS Utility 443 Troubleshooting my computer 47Frequently-asked questions 49Requesting service 52International Traveler’s Warranty (ITW) 52Before you call 53Appendix A Specifications 55Appendix B Notices 61Index 69English
1 Getting to know your TravelMate
Your TravelMate 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.
3EnglishA TravelMate tourAfter setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters... poster, let us show you around your new TravelMate computer.Front view#Item Description1 Display screen Also called LCD (liquid-crystal display), displays computer output.2 Power Button Turns on the computer power.3 Speakers Outputs sound.
1 Getting to know your TravelMate4English4 Keyboard Inputs data into your computer.5 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device whichfunctions like a computer mouse.6 Click buttons (left,center and right)The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse buttons; the center button serves as a 4-way scroll button.7 Audio DJ controls and indicatorsButton and indicators for the Audio DJ function. For more information, see “Using the Audio DJ feature” on page 25.8 Optical drive Houses an optical drive module (CD-ROM , DVD-ROM or DVD/CD-RW combo drive).9 Optical drive indicatorLights up when the optical drive is active.10 Emergency eject slot Ejects the drive tray when the computer isturned off. See page 51 for more details.11 Eject button Ejects the drive tray.12 Infrared port Interfaces with infrared devices (e.g.,infrared PDA, IR-aware computer).13 Wireless networking / Bluetooth buttonEnables or disables the wireless networking/ Bluetooth(optional) feature.14 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your handswhen you use the computer.15 Status indicators LEDs (light-emitting diode) that turn on andoff to show the status of the computer, itsfunctions and components.16 Microphone Inputs sounds and voices into your computer.17 Launch keys Special keys for launching internet browser,email program and frequently usedprograms. See “Launch Keys” on page 18 formore details.#Item Description
5EnglishNote: The positions of the Optical drive indicator, eject button and emergency eject hole may differ depending on the optical drive module installed.Left view #Item Description1 Power jack Connects to an AC adapter.2 Security keylock Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security lock.K
1 Getting to know your TravelMate6EnglishRight view #Item Description1 USB port Connects to Universal Serial Bus devices (e.g.,USB mouse, USB camera).2 Line-in/Mic-in jack Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g., audio CDplayer, stereo walkman). Selection is through the OS Windows mixer.3 Speaker/Headphone-out jackConnects to audio line-out devices (e.g.,speakers, headphones).4 Modem jack Connects to a phone line.5 IEEE 1394 port Connects to an IEEE 1394 device.6 PC card eject button Ejects the PC card from the slot.7 PC card slots Accepts one type II PC cards.8 Network jack Connects to an Ethernet 10/100-based network.
7EnglishRear view9 Memory stick slot Accepts memory sticks.10 SD/MMC slot Accepts SD or MMC cards.#Item Description1 Expansion port I/O replicator or EasyPort expansion devices.2 External display portConnects to a display device (e.g., externalmonitor, LCD projector).3 Parallel port Connects to a parallel device (e.g., parallelprinter).4 S-video Connects to a television or display devicewith S-video input.#Item Description
1 Getting to know your TravelMate8EnglishBottom view#Item Description1 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.2 Battery release latch Unlatches the battery to remove the battery pack.3Memory compartmentHouses the computer's main memory.4 Cooling fans Helps keep the computer cool.Note: Don't cover or obstruct the openingof the fan.5 AcerMedia drive bay release latchUnlatches the AcerMedia bay to remove the optical diskette drive6 Hard disk bay Houses the computer's hard disk.
9EnglishFeaturesBelow is a brief summary of the computer’s many features:Performance•Intel® Desktop P4P CPU with packing mPGA 478 package•PC2100 DDR SDRAM, Maximum memory up 2GB (with two 1024MB SODIMM when available ) •Internal optical drive (swappable with optional drive)•Removable PCI Bus Master Enhanced IDE hard disk•Li-lon battery pack•Power management system with ACPI (Advanced Configuration Power Interface) Display•Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD) displaying 32-bit high true color up to 1024 x 768 eXtended Graphics Array (XGA) resolution for 14”/15”. For some 15” models upto1400 x 1050 Super eXtended Graphics Array+ (SXGA+) .•3D capabilities•Simultaneous LCD and CRT display support•S-video for output to a television or display device that supports S-video input•"Automatic LCD dim" feature that automatically decides the best settings for your display and conserves power•Dual display capabilityMultimedia•Realtek ALC202 AC’97 Codec audio•Built-in dual speakers •Built-in microphone•High-speed optical drive•Direct CD Player
1 Getting to know your TravelMate10EnglishConnectivity•High-speed fax/data modem port•Ethernet/Fast Ethernet port•3 USB 2.0 (Universal Serial Bus) ports•IEEE 1394 port•SD/MMC memory slot•Memory stick slot•Acer EasyPort port replicator•Wireless LAN ready (specification varies depending on models)•Bluetooth ready (specification varies depending on models)Human-centric design and ergonomics•4-way scroll button•Sleek, smooth and stylish design•Acer FinTouch full-sized curved keyboard•Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing deviceExpansion•One type II CardBus PC Card slots•Upgradeable memory
11EnglishIndicatorsThe computer has seven easy-to-read status icons below the display screen.Icon Function DescriptionPower Lights green when the computer is on. Flashes when the computer is in low power.Sleep Flashes when the computer is entering Sleep mode. Lights orange when the computer is in Sleep mode.Battery charge Lights when the battery is being charged.Wireless communicationLights when the Wireless LAN or Bluetooth capabilities are enabled.Caps lock Lights when Caps Lock is activated.Num lock Lights when Num Lock is activated.Media activity Lights when the hard disk or AcerMedia drive is active.
1 Getting to know your TravelMate12EnglishUsing the keyboardThe full-sized keyboard includes an embedded numeric keypad, separate cursor keys, two Windows keys and twelve function keys.Special keysLock keysThe keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off.Lock key DescriptionCaps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in uppercase.Num Lock (Fn-F11)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.Scroll Lock (Fn-F12)When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line up or down when you press the up or down arrow keys respectively. Scroll Lock does not work with some applications.
13EnglishEmbedded numeric keypadThe embedded numeric keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is indicated by small characters located on the upper right corner of the keycaps. To simplify the keyboard legend, cursor-control key symbols are not printed on the keys.Desired access Num lock on Num lock offNumber keys on embedded keypadType numbers in a normal manner.Cursor-control keys on embedded keypadHold Shift while using cursor-control keys.Hold Fn while using cursor-control keys.Main keyboard keys Hold Fn while typing letters on embedded keypad.Type the letters in a normal manner.
1 Getting to know your TravelMate14EnglishWindows keysThe keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.Key DescriptionWindows logo keyStart button. Combinations with this key perform shortcut 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 the Run... dialog box)Application key Opens a context menu (same as a right-click).
15EnglishHot keysThe computer employs hot keys or key combinations to access most of the computer’s controls like screen brightness, volume output.To activate hot keys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the other key in the hot key combination.Hot key Icon Function DescriptionFn-F1 Hot key help Displays help on hot keys.Fn-F2 System Property Displays the System Property.Fn-F3 Power Options Display the Power Options Properties used by the computer (function available if supported by operating system). See “Power management” on page 26“.Fn-F4 Sleep Puts the computer in Sleep mode.See “Power management” on page 26“.
1 Getting to know your TravelMate16EnglishFn-F5 Display toggle Switches display output between the display screen, external monitor (if connected) and both the display screen and external monitor.Fn-F6 Screen blank Turns the display screen backlight off to save power. Press any key to return.Fn-F7 Touchpad toggle Turns the internal touchpad on and off.Fn-F8 Speaker toggle Turns the speakers on and off.Fn-↑Volume up Increases the speaker volume.Fn-↓Volume down Decreases the speaker volume.Fn-→Brightness up Increases the screen brightness.Fn-←Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness.Hot key Icon Function Description
17EnglishThe Euro symbolIf your keyboard layout is set to United States-International or United Kingdom or if you have a keyboard with a European layout, you can type the Euro symbol on your keyboard.Note for US keyboard users: The keyboard layout is set when you first set up Windows. For the Euro symbol to work, the keyboard layout has to be set to United States-International.To verify the keyboard type in Windows 2000, follow the steps below:1Click on Start, Settings, Control Panel.2 Double-click on Keyboard. 3Click on the Language tab.4 Verify that the keyboard layout used for "En English (United States)" is set to United States-International.If not, select and click on Properties; then select United States-International and click on OK.5Click on OK.To verify the keyboard type in Windows XP, follow the steps below:1Click on Start, Control Panel.2 Double-click on Regional and Language Options.3Click on the Language tab and click on Details.4 Verify that the keyboard layout used for "En English (United States)" is set to United States-International.If not, select and click on ADD; then select United States-International and click on OK.
1 Getting to know your TravelMate18English5Click on OK.To type the Euro symbol:1 Locate the Euro symbol on your keyboard.2 Open a text editor or word processor.3 Hold Alt Gr and press the Euro symbol.Note: Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol. Please refer to www.microsoft.com/typography/faq/faq12.htm for more information.Launch KeysLocated at the top of the keyboard are four buttons. These buttons are called launch keys. They are designated as P1, P2 Email button and Web browser button.Launch key Default applicationP1 User-programmableP2 User-programmableEmail Email applicationWeb browser Internet browser application
19EnglishE-Mail DetectionClick right button at the Launch Manager icon on the taskbar and click on E-Mail Detection. In this dialog box, you have the option to enable/disable mail checking, set the time interval for mail checking, etc. If you already have an email account, you can fill in User Name, Password and POP3 Sever in the dialog box. The POP3 Sever is the mail sever where you get your email.Aside from the email checking function, there is a mail button that is used to launch the email application. It is located above the keyboard right below the LCD.
1 Getting to know your TravelMate20EnglishTouchpadThe built-in touchpad is a pointing device that senses movement on its surface. This means the cursor responds as you move your finger on the surface of the touchpad. The central location on the palmrest provides optimal comfort and support.Note: When using an external USB mouse, you can press Fn-F7 to disable the touchpad.Touchpad basicsThe following items teach you how to use the touchpad:•Move your finger across the touchpad to move the cursor.•Press the left (1) and right (3) buttons located on the edge of the touchpad to do selection and execution functions. These two buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse. Tapping on the touchpad produces similar results.•Use the 4-way scroll (2) button (top/bottom/left and right) to scroll a page up, down, left or right. This button mimics your cursor
21Englishpressing on the vertical and horizontal scroll bars of Windows applications.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 harder will not increase the touchpad's responsiveness.Function Left button Right buttonScroll button TapExecute Click twice quicklyTap twice (at the same speed as double-clicking a mouse button)Select Click once Tap onceDrag Click and hold, then use finger to drag the cursor on the touchpadTap twice (at the same speed as double-clicking a mouse button) then hold finger to the touchpad on the second tap and drag the cursorAccess context menuClick onceScroll Click and hold the button in the desired direction (up/down/left/right)
1 Getting to know your TravelMate22EnglishStorageThis computer supplies you with the following media storage:•High-capacity Enhanced-IDE hard disk•Optical driveHard diskThe high-capacity hard disk is the answer to your storage needs. This is where your programs and data are stored.Optical driveThe optical drive bay accepts a wide variety of optional media drive modules for use with your computer. These optional items include:•CD-ROM drive•DVD-ROM drive•DVD/CD-RW driveEjecting the optical (CD or DVD) drive trayTo eject the optical drive tray when the computer is turned on, press the drive eject button.When the power is off, you can eject the drive tray using the emergency eject hole. See page 51.
23EnglishUsing softwarePlaying DVD moviesWhen the DVD-ROM drive module is installed in the optical drive bay, you can play DVD movies on your computer.1 Eject the DVD tray and insert a DVD movie disc; then close the DVD tray.Important! When you launch the DVD player for the first time, the program asks you to input the region code. DVD discs are divided into 6 regions. Once your DVD drive is set to a region code, it will play DVD discs 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 disk does not reset the number of times the region code has been set. Refer to the table below for DVD movie region code information.2 The DVD movie will automatically play after a few seconds.Note: To change the region code, insert a DVD movie of a different region into the DVD-ROM drive. Please refer to the online help for more information.Region code Country or region1 U.S.A., Canada2 Europe, Middle East, South Africa, Japan3 Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Korea (South)4 Latin America, Australia, New Zealand5 Former U.S.S.R., parts of Africa, India6 People's Republic of China
1 Getting to know your TravelMate24EnglishAudioThe computer comes with 18-bit high-fidelity AC’97 stereo audio, and includes a built-in sensitive microphone and dual stereo speakers. There are audio ports on the right side of the computer. See “Right view” on page 6 for more information on connecting external audio devices.Adjusting the volumeAdjusting the volume on the computer is as easy as pressing some buttons. See “Hot keys” on page 15 for more informations on adjusting the speaker volume.
25EnglishUsing the Audio DJ featureThe Audio DJ feature allows you to control the playback of music CDs even with the computer turned off. To playback an audio CD, do as follows:1 Press the Audio DJ power button (on the front panel of the computer) until the power indicator lights up to turn on the Audio DJ feature.2 Press the optical drive eject button; then pull out the drive tray.3 Place a music CD on the optical drive spindle until it clicks in place. 4 Close the optical drive tray securely.#Item Description1 Power indicator Lights when the Audio DJ function is on.2 Power Press for more than one second to turn the Audio DJ feature on/off.3 Stop Stops audio playback.4 Play/pause Plays/pauses audio.5 Next track Skip to next audio track.6 Previous track Skips to previous audio track.7 Volume down Decrease volume.8 Volume up Increase volume.
1 Getting to know your TravelMate26English5 You can now press the music playback buttons to begin music playback.Adjust the volume by using the volume buttons found at the left side of the front panel.Power managementThis 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. 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. Windows handles all power-saving chores for your computer.
27EnglishMoving around with your TravelMateThis section gives you tips and hints to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer.Disconnecting from the desktopFollow these steps to disconnect your computer from external accessories:1 Save your work in progress.2 Remove any media, diskette or compact disc, from the drive(s).3 Shut down the computer.4 Close the display cover.5 Disconnect the cord from the AC adapter.6 Disconnect the keyboard, pointing device, printer, external monitor, and other external devices.7 Disconnect the Kensington lock if you are using one to secure the computer.Moving around“when you are just moving within short distances, for example, from your office desk to a meeting room”Preparing the computerBefore moving the computer, close and latch the display cover to place it in Sleep mode. You can now safely take the computer anywhere you go within the building. To bring the computer out of Sleep mode, open the display; press the power button.If you are taking the computer to a client's office or a different building, you may choose to shut down the computer: 1Click on Start, Turn off Computer (Windows XP). 2Click on Turn Off (Windows XP). - or - choose to enter hibernation mode.
1 Getting to know your TravelMate28English1 Click on Start, Turn off Computer (Windows XP).2 Hold "Shift" 3 Click on Hibernation (Windows XP).Then close and latch the display.When you are ready to use the computer again, unlatch and open the display; then release the power button.Note: If the sleep indicator is off, the computer has entered Hibernation mode and turned off. If the power indicator is off but the sleep indicator is on, the computer has entered Sleep mode. In both cases, press the power button to turn the computer back on. Note that the computer may enter Hibernation mode after it is in Sleep mode for a period of time.What to bring to short meetingsA fully charged battery runs the computer for about 1.5~2 hours under most circumstances. If your meeting is shorter than that, you probably do not need to bring anything with you other than the computer.What to bring to long meetingsIf your meeting will last longer than 1.5 hours or if your battery is not fully charged, you may want to bring the AC adapter with you to plug in your computer in the meeting room.If the meeting room does not have an electrical outlet, reduce the drain on the battery by putting the computer in Sleep mode. Press Fn-F4 or close the display cover whenever you are not actively using the computer. To resume, open the display (if closed); then press the power button.Taking the computer home“when you are moving from your office to your home or vice versa”Preparing the computerAfter disconnecting the computer from your desktop, follow these steps to prepare the computer for the trip home:
29English•Check if you have removed all media, diskettes and compact discs, from the drive(s). Failure to remove the media can damage the drive head.•Pack the computer in a protective case that can prevent the computer from sliding around and cushion it if it should fall.Caution: Avoid packing items next to the top cover of the computer. Pressure against the top cover can damage the screenWhat to bring with youUnless you already have some items at home, bring the following items with you:•AC adapter and power cord•The printed user’s guideSpecial considerationsFollow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling to and from work:•Minimize the effect of temperature changes by keeping the computer with you.•If you need to stop for an extended period of time and cannot bring the computer with you, leave the computer in the trunk of the car to avoid exposing the computer to excessive heat.•Changes in temperature and humidity can cause condensation. Allow the computer to return to room temperature, and inspect the screen for condensation before turning on the computer. If the temperature change is greater than 18°F (10°C), allow the computer to come to room temperature slowly. If possible, leave the computer for 30 minutes in an environment with a temperature between outside and room temperature.Setting up a home officeIf you frequently work on your computer at home, you may want to purchase a second AC adapter for use at home. With a second AC adapter, you can avoid transporting the extra weight to and from home.
1 Getting to know your TravelMate30EnglishIf you use your computer at home for significant periods of time, you might also want to add an external keyboard, monitor, or mouse. Traveling with the computer“when you are moving within a larger distance, for instance, from your office building to a client’s office building or traveling locally”Preparing the computerPrepare the computer as if you were taking it home. Make sure that the battery in the computer is charged. Airport security may require you to turn on your computer when bringing it into the gate area. What to bring with youBring the following items with you:•AC adapter•Spare, fully-charged battery pack(s)Special considerationsIn addition to the guidelines for taking the computer home, follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling:•Always take the computer as carry-on luggage.•If possible, have the computer inspected by hand. Airport security X-ray machines are safe, but do not put the computer through a metal detector. •Avoid exposing floppy disks to hand-held metal detectors.Traveling internationally with the computer“when you are moving from country to country”Preparing the computerPrepare the computer as you would normally prepare it for traveling.
31EnglishWhat to bring with youBring the following items with you:•AC adapter•Power cords that are appropriate for the country to which you are traveling•Spare, fully-charged battery packs•Proof of purchase, in case you need to show it to Customs officials•International Traveler’s Warranty passportSpecial considerationsFollow the same special considerations as when traveling with the computer. In addition, these tips are useful when traveling internationally:•When traveling in another country, check that the local AC voltage and the AC adapter power cord specifications are compatible. If not, purchase a power cord that is compatible with the local AC voltage. Do not use converter kits sold for appliances to power the computer.•If you are using the modem, check if the modem and connector is compatible with the telecommunications system of the country you are traveling in.

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