Acer TravelMate SL500 User manual

Copyright © 1997 Texas Instruments
All RightsReserved—PrintedinTaiwan
TravelMate™SL 500 Series
Notebook Computer User’s Guide
TI Part No. 98XXXXX-0001
Original Issue: March1997
Changes may be made periodically to the information
inthis publication. Suchchanges will be incorporated
innew editions of this manual.
Record the serial number, purchase date, and model
number inthe space provided below. The serial
number and model number are recorded onthe label
affixed to the case. All correspondence concerning
your unitshould include the serial number, model
number, and date of purchase.
No partof this publicationmay be reproduced, stored
ina retrieval system, or transmitted, inany form or by
any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy,
recording, or otherwise, without the prior written
permissionof Texas Instruments.
ExtensaNotebookComputer
Model_______Serial No.____________Purchase Date________
TravelMate is a trademark of Texas Instruments.
ATand PS/2 are registered trademarks and OS/2 is a trademark
of InternationalBusiness Machines Corporation.
Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows and Xenixare registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation.
Kensington is a registered trademark of Kensington Microware,
Inc.
Synaptics is registered trademark of Synaptics, Inc.
SimulSCAN is a trademark of Cirrus Logic, Inc.
IrDA is a trademark of Infra Red Data Association.
Phillips is a registered trademark of H.A. Phillips & Co.

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. This
device 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 device does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the device off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
 Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
 Increase the separation between the device and receiver
 Connect the device into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected
 Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television
technician for help
Notice: Shield Cables
All connections to other computing devices must be made using
shielded cables to maintain compliance with FCC regulations.
Notice: Peripheral Devices
Only peripherals (input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.)
certified to comply with the Class B limits may be attached to this
equipment. Operation with non-certified peripherals is likely to
result in interference to radio and TV reception.
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.

Use Conditions
This part 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.
Notice: Canadian Users
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the
Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Remarque à l’intention des utilisateurs canadiens
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respected toutes les
exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

Contents
v
Preface
Chapter 1 Before You Begin
Creating Backup Disks .................................1-2
Features of the Computer..............................1-3
Environmental Specifications........................1-5
Using the Computer......................................1-7
Power Saving Modes .....................................1-9
Securing the Computer...............................1-14
Using the AC Adapter..................................1-15
Chapter 2 Using Your Computer
Starting the Computer ..................................2-3
Running the “About Your Extensa” Demo
Program....................................................2-4
Using the Brightness and Contrast
Controls....................................................2-6
Turning the Speakers On and Off..................2-7
Using the Microphone...................................2-8
Using PC Cards ............................................2-9
Using Indicator Lights.................................2-12
Using the Touchpad....................................2-14
Using Disk Drives.......................................2-16
Adding Memory...........................................2-22
Using the Keyboard.....................................2-25
Using the Internal Numeric Keypad.............2-29
Using Connectors and Ports........................2-31
Chapter 3 Using Battery Power
Guidelines for Battery Use ............................3-2
Switching to Battery Power ...........................3-3
Responding to Low Battery Conditions...........3-4
Recharging the Battery..................................3-6

Contents
vi
Calibrating the Battery..................................3-7
Removing and Installing the Battery Pack......3-9
Conserving Battery Power ...........................3-12
Chapter 4 Options
AC Adapter...................................................4-2
PC Cards......................................................4-3
PS/2 Devices................................................4-4
External Monitor...........................................4-5
External Mouse ............................................4-6
Memory........................................................4-7
Audio Options...............................................4-8
Mobile Productivity Base Option....................4-9
Miscellaneous Options................................4-10
Chapter 5 Using Software
Using Supplied Software...............................5-2
Getting Online Help......................................5-3
Guidelines for Installing Applications ............5-4
Using System Passwords...............................5-6
Chapter 6 Mobility
Overview of Mobility......................................6-1
Disconnecting from the Desktop....................6-3
Moving Around.............................................6-4
Taking the Computer Home...........................6-5
Traveling with the Computer.........................6-7
Traveling Internationally with the Computer..6-9
Chapter 7 Care and Troubleshooting
Cleaning the Computer .................................7-2
Troubleshooting Tips.....................................7-3
Startup Error Messages ................................7-4
Appendix A Where to Get Help

Preface
vii
This manual describes features of the Texas
Instruments TravelMate™ SL 500 Series
notebook computers. The TravelMate series
computers share similar appearance and
incorporate such features as: CardBus with
Zoomed Video support, 16-bit stereo audio, Fast
Infrared and internal pointing device in an ultra-
slim form factor andlight weight package.
This manual should answer most of the
questions you have about the day-to-day
operation of your TravelMate notebook
computer.
Use the Just for Starters…instructions that
came with your computer to get your computer
running for the first time.
You should also take advantage of the online
helpfiles that are available withalmost all of the
programs shipped with your computer.
Enjoy your TravelMate computer. With proper
care, your computer will provide youwithyears
of productive service.