Acer TravelMate C310 Series User manual

TravelMate C310 Series
User's Guide

Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation
to notify any person of such revisions 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, electronically, mechanically, by photocopy, recording, or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.
Model number: __________________________________
Serial number: ___________________________________
Purchase date: ___________________________________
Place of purchase: ________________________________
Copyright © 2005. Acer Incorporated.
All Rights Reserved.
TravelMate C310 Series User's Guide
Original Issue: April 2005
TravelMate C310 Series Notebook Computer
Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Incorporated. Other companies'
product names or trademarks are used herein for identification purposes only and belong to
their respective companies.

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First things first
We would like to thank you for making the TravelMate series of notebook
computers your choice for meeting your mobile computing needs.
Your guides
To help you use your TravelMate, we have designed a set of guides:
Basic care and tips for using your computer
Turning your computer on and off
To turn on the computer, simply press and release the power switch below the
LCD screen beside the launch keys. See "Front view" on page 1 for the location
of the power switch.
To turn the power off, do any of the following:
•Use the Windows shutdown command
Click on Start, Turn Off Computer, then click on Turn Off.
First off, the Just for Starters... poster helps you get started with
setting up your computer.
The printed User's Guide introduces you to the basic features and
functions of your new computer. For more on how your computer
can help you to be more productive, please refer to the
AcerSystem User's Guide. This guide contains detailed
information on such subjects as system utilities, data recovery,
expansion options, and troubleshooting. In addition it contains
warranty information and the general regulations and safety
notices for your notebook. It is available in Portable Document
Format (PDF) and comes preloaded on your notebook. Follow
these steps to access it:
1 Click on Start, All Programs, AcerSystem.
2 Click on AcerSystem User's Guide.
Note: Viewing the file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. If Adobe
Acrobat Reader is not installed on your computer, clicking on
AcerSystem User's Guide will run the Acrobat Reader setup
program first. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete
the installation. For instructions on how to use Adobe Acrobat
Reader, access the Help and Support menu.

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•Use the power switch
Note: You can also use the power switch to perform power
management functions. See "Moving around" on page 31 of the
AcerSystem User's Guide.
•Use the customized functions for power management
You can also shut down the computer by closing the display cover, or by
pressing the sleep hotkey <Fn> + <F4>. See "Moving around" on page 31
of the AcerSystem User's Guide.
Note: If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and
hold the power switch for more than four seconds to shut down
the computer. If you turn off the computer and want to turn it on
again, wait at least two seconds before powering up.
Taking care of your computer
Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it.
•Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it near sources
of heat, such as a radiator.
•Do not expose the computer to temperatures below 0 ºC (32 ºF) or above
50 ºC (122 ºF).
•Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields.
•Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture.
•Do not spill water or any liquid on the computer.
•Do not subject the computer to heavy shock or vibration.
•Do not expose the computer to dust or dirt.
•Never place objects on top of the computer.
•Do not slam the computer display when you close it.
•Never place the computer on uneven surfaces.
Taking care of your AC adaptor
Here are some ways to take care of your AC adaptor:
•Do not connect the adaptor 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 foot traffic.
•When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself but pull
on the plug.

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•The total ampere ratings of the equipment plugged in should not exceed
the ampere rating of the cord if you are using an extension cord. Also, the
total current rating of all equipment plugged into a single wall outlet
should not exceed the fuse rating.
Taking care of your battery pack
Here are some ways to take care of your battery pack:
•Use only batteries of the same kind as replacements. Turn the power off
before removing or replacing batteries.
•Do not tamper with batteries. Keep them away from children.
•Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if possible.
Cleaning and servicing
When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:
1 Turn off the computer and remove the battery pack.
2 Disconnect the AC adaptor.
3 Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
If either of the following occurs:
•the computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged;
•the computer does not operate normally
please refer to "Frequently asked questions" on page 21.
Caution
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could
void the user's authority, which is granted by the Federal Communications
Commission, to operate this computer.
Operation conditions
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Users are requested to follow the RF safety instructions for wireless option
devices that are included in the user's manual of each RF option device.
An improper installation or unauthorized use may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. Also, any tampering of the internal antenna will void
the FCC certification and your warranty.
To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to
be operated indoors, and installation outdoors is subject to licensing.
For more information about our products, services, and support information,
please visit our website: http://global.acer.com.

First things first iii
Your guides iii
Basic care and tips for using your computer iii
Turning your computer on and off iii
Taking care of your computer iv
Taking care of your AC adaptor iv
Taking care of your battery pack v
Cleaning and servicing v
A TravelMate tour 1
Front view 1
Closed front view 2
Left view 3
Right view 3
Rear view 4
Base view 5
Specifications 6
Indicators 9
Launch keys 10
Touchpad 11
Touchpad basics 11
Using the keyboard 13
Lock keys and embedded numeric keypad 13
Windows keys 14
Hotkeys 14
Special keys 16
Ejecting the optical (CD or DVD) drive tray 17
Using a computer security lock 17
Audio 18
Adjusting the volume 18
Using the system utilities 19
Acer eManager 19
Launch Manager 20
Frequently asked questions 21
Requesting service 24
International Travelers Warranty (ITW) 24
Before you call 24
Contents

Using your computer in Tablet mode 26
Writing in Tablet mode 26
Acer soft button 28
Taking your notebook PC with you 31
Disconnecting from the desktop 31
Moving around 31
Preparing the computer 31
What to take to short meetings 32
What to take to long meetings 32
Taking the computer home 32
Preparing the computer 32
What to take with you 33
Special considerations 33
Setting up a home office 33
Traveling with the computer 33
Preparing the computer 33
What to take with you 34
Special considerations 34
Traveling internationally with
the computer 34
Preparing the computer 34
What to bring with you 34
Special considerations 35
Securing your computer 35
Using a computer security lock 35
Using passwords 35
Entering passwords 36
Setting passwords 36
Expanding through options 37
Connectivity options 37
Fax/data modem 37
Built-in network feature 38
Fast Infrared 38
Universal Serial Bus (USB) 39
IEEE 1394 port 39
PC Card slot 40

BIOS utility 41
Boot sequence 41
Enable disk-to-disk recovery 42
Password 42
Using software 42
Playing DVD movies 42
Power management 43
Acer eRecovery 44
Create backup 44
Restore from backup 45
Create factory default image CD 45
Re-install bundled software without CD 45
Change password 46
Troubleshooting 47
Troubleshooting tips 47
Error messages 47
Regulations and safety notices 50
ENERGY STAR guidelines compliance 50
FCC notice 50
Modem notices 52
Important safety instructions 55

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English
A TravelMate tour
After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters... poster, let
us show you around your new TravelMate computer.
Front view
#Item Description
1 EMR stylus Electromagnetic Resonance (EMR) stylus is used to input
data in tablet mode. Use only an EMR-compatible stylus
to input data on the screen.
2 Display screen Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD), displays
computer output.
3 Tablet Keys Add enhanced functionality when operating in Tablet
mode.

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English
Closed front view
4 Launch keys Buttons for launching frequently used programs.
See "Launch keys" on page 10 for more details.
5 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when you use
the computer.
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 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a
computer mouse.
8 Keyboard For entering data into your computer.
9 Status
indicators
Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that turn on and off to
show the status of the computer's functions and
components.
#Item Description
1 Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio
output.
2 Release latch and lock Release (slide right) the latch; lock (slide left) the
latch to secure the lid.
#Item Description

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English
Left view
Right view
#Icon Item Description
1 Security keylock Connects to a Kensington-compatible
computer security lock.
2 Power switch Turns the computer on and off.
3 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool, even after
prolonged use.
4 Acer MediaBay
module
Hot-swappable Acer MediaBay modules:
DVD-Dual drive, DVD/CD-RW combo drive,
secondary hard disk drive or weight-saver.
5 Optical drive eject
button
Ejects the optical drive tray from the drive.
6 LED indicator Lights up when the optical drive is active.
7 Emergency eject
hole
Ejects the optical drive tray when the
computer is turned off.
8 Pen slot Keeps the stylus handy when not in use.
#Icon Item Description
14-in-1card
reader
Accepts an MS, MS PRO, MMC or SD card.
Note: Only one card can operate at any
given time.

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English
Rear view
2 USB 2.0 port Connects to USB 2.0 devices (e.g., USB
mouse, USB camera).
3 Infrared port Interfaces with infrared devices (e.g.,
infrared printer, IR-aware computer).
4 PC Card slot Accepts one Type II PC Card.
5 PC Card slot
eject button
Ejects the PC Card from the slot.
#Icon Item Description
1 Line-in/Mic-in jack Accepts inputs from external microphone
or audio devices (e.g., portable cd players,
walkmans).
2 Speaker-out/line-
out/Headphone jack
Connects to audio devices
(e.g., speakers, headphones).
3 IEEE 1394 port Connects to IEEE 1394 devices.
4 124-pin Acer ezDock
connector
Connects to Acer ezDock.
5 Ethernet (RJ-45) port Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/1000-based
network (depends on model).
6 Modem (RJ-11) port Connects to a phone line.
7 Convertible hinge Hinges the LCD screen in place when
switching from PC mode to Tablet mode
and vice versa.
#Icon Item Description

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English
Base view
8 External display port Connects to a display device (e.g., external
monitor, LCD projector).
9 S-video out port Connects to a television or display device
with S-video input.
10 USB 2.0 ports (2) Connects to USB 2.0 devices (e.g., USB
mouse, USB camera).
11 Power jack Connects to an AC adaptor.
#Item Description
1AcerMediaBay
release latch
Unlatches the Acer MediaBay module for
removal of module.
2 Acer MediaBay Houses an Acer MediaBay module.
3 Cooling fan Helps keep the computer cool.
Note: Do not cover or obstruct the opening of the fan.
4Memory
compartment
Houses the computer's main memory.
5Harddisk
protector
Protects the hard disk from accidental bumps and
vibration.
6 Hard disk bay Houses the computer's hard disk (secured by a screw).
7 Battery lock and
release latch
Releases the battery for removal.
8 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.
#Icon Item Description

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English
Specifications
Operating
system Microsoft®Windows®XP Tablet PC Edition
Platform Intel®Centrino™Mobile Technology, featuring:
•Intel®Celeron® M Processor 350/360/370 (1 MB
L2 cache, 1.30/1.40/1.50 GHz, 400 MHz FSB)
•Intel®Pentium®M Processor 730/740/750/760/
770 (2 MB L2 cache, 1.60/1.73/1.86/2/2.13 GHz,
533 MHz FSB), supporting Enhanced Intel
SpeedStep® Technology
•Intel®915GM Express chipset (UMA graphics)
•Intel®915PM Express chipset (discrete graphics)
•Wireless solution: Intel®PRO/Wireless 2200BG
network connection (dual-band 802.11b/g) Wi-
Fi®CERTIFIED™solution, supporting Acer
SignalUp wireless technology
System memory 256/512 MB of DDR2 400/533 MHz memory, upgradeable
to 2 GB using two soDIMM modules (dual-channel
support)
Display and
graphics
14.1" XGA TFT LCD supporting EMR pen-based input: 1024
x 768 resolution
LCD rotates to convert from notebook to Tablet mode
Intel®915GM integrated 3D graphics, featuring Intel®
Graphics Media Accelerator 900 and up to 128 MB of
VRAM, supporting Microsoft®DirectX®9.0
or
NVIDIA®GeForce™Go 6200 with 32 MB of VRAM,
supporting NVIDIA®TurboCache™technology, PCI
Express™and Microsoft®DirectX®9.0
Dual independent display support
16.7 million colors
MPEG-2/DVD hardware-assisted capability
S-video/TV-out (NTSC/PAL) support
Storage
subsystem
40/60/80/100 GB ATA/100 hard disk drive
Acer MediaBay hot-swappable optical drive modules:
• 8X DVD-Super Multi double layer
• DVD/CD-RW combo
4-in-1 card reader supporting Secure Digital (SD),
MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick®(MS) and Memory
Stick PRO™(MS PRO)

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English
Dimensions
and weight
326 (W) x 272 (D) x 36.5/39 (H) mm, (12.83 x 10.7 x 1.4/1.53
inches)
2.89 kg (6.4 lbs.) with DVD/CD-RW combo drive module
and 8-cell battery
Power
subsystem
ACPI 2.0 power management standard: supports Standby
and Hibernation power-saving modes
65 W 8-cell (4400 mAH) Li-ion battery pack
5-hour battery life
2.5-hour rapid charge, 3.5-hour charge-in-use
3-pin 65 W AC adaptor
Input devices 84-/85-key Acer FineTouch™keyboard
Touchpad with 4-way integrated scroll button
Four easy-launch buttons
Five tablet-mode buttons
Electromagnetic Resonance (EMR) pen with eraser
Audio Realtek ALC655 Codec audio system with built-in speakers
and microphone
Sound Blaster Pro™and MS-Sound compatible
Communication Modem: 56K ITU V.92 with PTT approval;
Wake-on-Ring ready
LAN: gigabit Ethernet; Wake-on-LAN ready
WLAN: Intel®PRO/Wireless 2200BG network connection
(dual-band 802.11b/g) Wi-Fi®CERTIFIED™solution,
supporting Acer SignalUp wireless technology
WPAN: integrated Bluetooth®
I/O interface 124-pin Acer ezDock connector
Three USB 2.0 ports
IEEE 1394 port
External display (VGA) port
S-video/TV-out port
4-in-1 card reader (MS/MS PRO/MMC/SD)
Type II PC Card slot
Infrared (FIR) port
Ethernet (RJ-45) port
Modem (RJ-11) port
Microphone/line-in jack
Headphones/speaker/line-out port
DC-in jack for AC adaptor
Security Kensington lock slot
BIOS user and supervisor passwords

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English
Note: The specifications listed above are for reference only. The
exact configuration of your PC depends on the model purchased.
Software Acer eManager (ePowerManagement/eNetManagement/
ePresentation/eRecovery/eSettings.)
Acer Soft Button
Acer Launch Manager
Microsoft®Experience Tablet PC
Microsoft®Reader
Adobe®Reader®
Acer System Recovery CD
Norton AntiVirus™
CyberLink®PowerDVD™
NTI CD-Maker™
Options and
accessories
Acer ezDock
Acer MediaBay DVD-Super Multi double layer drive
module
Acer MediaBay 60/80/100 GB 2nd hard disk drive module
Acer MediaBay 40 W 6-cell (3600 mAH) Li-ion 2nd battery
pack
256/512 MB or 1 GB DDR2 400/533 MHz soDIMM modules
External USB floppy disk drive
Environment Temperature:
• Operating: 5° C to 35° C
• Non-operating: -20° C to 65° C
Humidity (non-condensing):
• Operating: 20% to 80%
• Non-operating: 20% to 80%
System
compliance
Mobile PC 2001
ACPI 2.0
DMI 2.0
LDCM 6.0
PC2002
ENERGY STAR
Wi-Fi®
Cisco Compatible Extensions (CCX)
Warranty One-year International Travelers Warranty (ITW)

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English
Indicators
The computer has 8 easy-to-read status indicators on the upper-right above the
keyboard, and 4 on the front panel.
The power, battery, and wireless communication status indicators are visible
even when the LCD display is closed.
1. Charging: The light shows amber when the battery is charging.
2. Fully charged: The light shows green when in AC mode.
Icon Function Description
Wireless LAN Indicates the status of wireless LAN communication.
Bluetooth Indicates the status of Bluetooth communication.
Power Lights up when the computer is on.
Sleep Indicates PC is in Sleep or Hibernation mode.
Media activity Indicates when the hard disk or optical drive is active.
Battery Lights up when the battery is being charged.
Caps Lock Lights up when Caps Lock is activated.
Num Lock Lights up when Num Lock is activated.

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English
Launch keys
Located at the upper-right, above the keyboard are four buttons. These buttons
are called launch keys. They are: mail, Web browser, Acer Empowering Key
" " and one user-programmable button.
Press " " to run the Acer eManager. Please see "Acer eManager" on page 19.
The mail and Web buttons are pre-set to email and Internet programs, but can
be reset by users. To set the Web browser, mail and programmable keys, run the
Acer Launch Manager. See "Launch Manager" on page 20.
Launch key Default application
Bluetooth Activate Bluetooth communication
Wireless LAN Activate wireless LAN communication
Acer eManager (user-programmable)
PUser-programmable
Mail Email application (user-programmable)
Web browser Internet browser (user-programmable)

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English
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 across the surface of
the touchpad. The central location on the palmrest provides optimum comfort
and support.
Touchpad basics
The following items show you how to use the touchpad:
•Move your finger across the touchpad (2) to move the cursor.
•Press the left (1) and right (4) buttons located beneath the touchpad to
perform selection and execution functions. These two buttons are similar
to the left and right buttons on a mouse. Tapping on the touchpad is the
same as clicking the left button.
•Use the 4-way scroll (3) button to scroll up or down and move left or right
a page. This button mimics your cursor pressing on the right scroll bar of
Windows applications.

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English
Note: Keep your fingers dry and clean when using the touchpad.
Also keep the touchpad dry and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to
finger movement; hence, the lighter the touch, the better the
response. Tapping harder will not increase the touchpad's
responsiveness.
Function Left button (1) Right
button (4) Main touchpad (2) Center
button (3)
Execute Quickly click
twice.
Tap twice (at the same
speed as double-clicking
a mouse button).
Select Click once. Tap once.
Drag Click and hold,
then use
finger on the
touchpad to
drag the
cursor.
Tap twice (at the same
speed as double-clicking
a mouse button); rest
your finger on the
touchpad on the second
tap and drag the cursor.
Access
context
menu
Click once.
Scroll Click and
hold to move
up/down/
left/right.