Asus Q500A Guide

Notebook PC
E-Manual

COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
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INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,
AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
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MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Copyright © 2012 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
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Circumstances may arise where because of a default on ASUS’part or other liability, you are
entitled to recover damages from ASUS. In each such instance, regardless of the basis on which
you are entitled to claim damages from ASUS, ASUS is liable for no more than damages for
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OR DATA; OR (3) SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR INDIRECT DAMAGES OR FOR ANY ECONOMIC
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SUPPLIERS OR YOUR RESELLER IS INFORMED OF THEIR POSSIBILITY.
SERVICE AND SUPPORT
Visit our multi-language web site at http://support.asus.com
August 2012
E7483

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Table of Contents
About this manual ............................................................................................. 6
Conventions used in this manual ............................................................... 7
Icons ............................................................................................................... 7
Typography......................................................................................................... 7
Safety precautions............................................................................................. 8
Using your Notebook PC................................................................................8
Caring for your Notebook PC ....................................................................... 9
Airplane mode.................................................................................................10
Proper disposal................................................................................................10
Chapter 1: Hardware Setup
Getting to know your Notebook PC..........................................................12
Top View.............................................................................................................12
Bottom .............................................................................................................16
Right Side ..........................................................................................................18
Left Side .............................................................................................................20
Front View..........................................................................................................22
Chapter 2: Using your Notebook PC
Getting started..................................................................................................24
Install the battery pack.................................................................................24
Charge your Notebook PC...........................................................................25
Lift to open the display panel. ...................................................................26
Press the power button................................................................................26
The Power-on Self Test (POST) ....................................................................27
BIOS ...................................................................................................................27
Accessing BIOS ................................................................................................27
BIOS Settings....................................................................................................28
Gestures for the touchpad............................................................................35
Moving the pointer........................................................................................35
One-nger gestures.......................................................................................36
Two-nger gestures.......................................................................................38
Three-nger gestures....................................................................................39
Using the keyboard.........................................................................................40
Function keys...................................................................................................40

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Function keys for ASUS Apps .....................................................................41
Windows®8 keys..............................................................................................41
Multimedia control keys .............................................................................42
Numeric keypad (on selected models)...................................................42
Using the optical drive (on selected models) ........................................43
Chapter 3:Working with Windows® 8
Starting for the first time ...............................................................................46
Windows® 8 lock screen..................................................................................46
Metro style UI.....................................................................................................47
Metro Start screen..........................................................................................47
Metro Style App ..............................................................................................47
Hotspots.............................................................................................................48
Working with Metro Style apps...................................................................50
Launching apps...............................................................................................50
Customizing apps...........................................................................................50
Closing apps.....................................................................................................51
Accessing the Apps screen..........................................................................52
Charm bar..........................................................................................................54
Snap feature .....................................................................................................56
Other keyboard shortcuts.............................................................................58
Wi-Fi connection ..............................................................................................59
Enabling Wi-Fi ..................................................................................................59
Bluetooth connection.....................................................................................61
Pairing with other Bluetooth-enabled devices....................................61
Airplane mode...................................................................................................63
Turning Airplane mode on..........................................................................63
Turning Airplane mode o..........................................................................63
Remove everything and reinstall Windows............................................64
Turning your Notebook PC off.....................................................................65
Putting your Notebook PC to sleep .........................................................65
Chapter 4: ASUS apps
Featured ASUS Apps .......................................................................................68
LifeFrame...........................................................................................................68
Power4Gear Hybrid........................................................................................70

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USB Charger+...................................................................................................71
Instant On..........................................................................................................73
Chapter 5: Upgrading your Notebook PC
Installing a Random Access Memory (RAM) module ..........................76
Replacing the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) .......................................................78
Replacing the battery pack...........................................................................80
Chapter 6:Troubleshooting your Notebook PC
Appendices

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Notebook PC E-Manual
About this manual
This manual provides information about the hardware and software
features of your Notebook PC, organized through the following
chapters:
Chapter 1: Hardware Setup
This chapter details the hardware components of your
Notebook PC.
Chapter 2: Using your Notebook PC
This chapter shows you how to use the dierent parts of your
Notebook PC, including the BIOS.
Chapter 3: Working with Windows® 8
This chapter provides an overview of using Windows® 8 in your
Notebook PC.
Chapter 4: ASUS Apps
This chapter features the ASUS apps included with your
Notebook PC.
Chapter 5: Upgrading your Notebook PC
This chapter guides you through the process of replacing and
upgrading parts of your Notebook PC.
Chapter 6: Troubleshooting your Notebook PC
This chapter includes common problems and solutions for your
Notebook PC.
Appendices
This section includes notices and safety statements for your
Notebook PC.

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Conventions used in this manual
To highlight key information in this manual, some text are presented
as follows:
IMPORTANT! This message contains vital information that must be
followed to complete a task.
NOTE: This message contains additional information and tips that can
help complete tasks.
WARNING! This message contains important information that must
be followed to keep you safe while performing tasks and prevent
damage to your Notebook PC's data and components.
Icons
The icons below indicate the devices yo u can use for completing a
series of tasks or procedures on your Notebook PC.
= Use the touchpad.
= Use the keyboard.
Typography
Bold = This indicates a menu or an item that must be selected.
Italic = This indicates sections that you can refer to in this manual.

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Notebook PC E-Manual
Safety precautions
Using your Notebook PC
Do not place your Notebook PC on uneven or unstable
work surfaces.
Do not leave your Notebook PC on your lap or near any
part of your body to prevent discomfort or injury from
heat exposure.
This Notebook PC should only be used in environments
with ambient temperatures between 5°C (41°F) and 35°C
(95°F).
Refer to the rating label on the bottom of your Notebook
PC and ensure that your power adapter complies with
this rating.
Do not use damaged power cords, accessories, and other
peripherals with your Notebook PC.
Incorrect installation of battery may cause explosion and
damage your Notebook PC.
While powered on, ensure that you do not carry or cover
your Notebook PC with any materials that can reduce air
circulation.
Do not leave your Notebook PC connected to the power
source once it is fully charged. Some electronic devices
are not designed to be left connected to the power
source for extended periods of time.

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Caring for your Notebook PC
Do not expose your Notebook PC to dusty environments.
Do not use your Notebook PC near gas leaks.
Do not place objects on top of your Notebook PC.
Do not expose your Notebook PC to strong magnetic or
electrical elds.
Do not use or expose your Notebook PC near liquids, rain,
or moisture.
Do not use strong solvents such as thinners, benzene, or
other chemicals on or near your Notebook PC.
Disconnect the AC power and remove the battery pack
(if applicable) before cleaning your Notebook PC. Use a
clean cellulose sponge or chamois cloth dampened with
a solution of nonabrasive detergent and a few drops
of warm water. Remove any extra moisture from your
Notebook PC using a dry cloth.

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Notebook PC E-Manual
Airplane mode
You can send your Notebook PC through airport x-ray
machines (used on items placed on conveyor belts), but
do not expose them to magnetic detectors and wands.
Contact your airline provider to learn about related inight
services that can be used and restrictions that must be
followed when using your Notebook PC in-ight.
Proper disposal
Do not throw your Notebook PC in municipal waste.
This product has been designed to enable proper reuse
of parts and recycling. The symbol of the crossed out
wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical,
electronic equipment and mercury-containing button cell
battery) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check
local regulations for disposal of electronic products.
Do not throw the battery in municipal waste. The symbol
of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery
should not be placed in municipal waste.
Do not throw the battery into re to avoid explosion.

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Chapter 1:
Hardware Setup

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Notebook PC E-Manual
Getting to know your Notebook PC
Top View
NOTE: The keyboard's layout may vary per region or country. The top
view may also vary in appearance depending on the Notebook PC
model.

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Microphone
The built-in microphone can be used for video conferencing,
voice narrations, or simple audio recording.
Camera
The built-in camera allows you take pictures or record videos
using your Notebook PC.
Camera indicator
The camera indicator lights up when the built-in camera is in
use.
Display panel
This high-denition display panel provides excellent viewing
features for photos, videos, and other multimedia les on your
Notebook PC.
Power button
Press the power button to turn your Notebook PC on or o.
You can also use the power button to put your Notebook
PC to sleep or hibernate mode and wake it up from sleep or
hibernate mode.
In the event that your Notebook PC becomes unresponsive,
press and hold the power button for about four (4) seconds
until your Notebook PC shuts down.
Numeric keypad (on selected models)
A numeric keypad is available on selected Notebook PC
models.
NOTE: For more details, refer to the Numeric Keypad section in
this manual.

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Notebook PC E-Manual
Keyboard
The keyboard provides full-sized QWERTY keys with a
comfortable travel depth for typing. It also enables you to
use the function keys, allows quick access to Windows®, and
controls other multimedia functions.
NOTE:
• The keyboard layout diers by model or territory.
• Some selected models come with a backlit keyboard.
Touchpad
The touchpad allows the use of multi-gestures to navigate
onscreen, providing an intuitive user experience. It also
simulates the functions of a regular mouse.
NOTE: For more details, refer to the Gestures for the touchpad
section in this manual.
Status indicators
The status indicators help identify the current hardware status
of your Notebook PC.
Power Indicator
The power indicator lights up when the Notebook PC
is turned on and blinks slowly when the Notebook PC
is in sleep mode.

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Two-color battery charge indicator
The two-color LED provides a visual indication of the
battery’s charge status. Refer to the table below for
details:
Color Status
Solid Green Battery power is between 95% and
100%
Solid Orange Battery power is less than 95%
Blinking Orange Battery power is less than 10%
Lights o Battery power is more than 10%
and below 100%
Drive activity indicator
This indicator lights up when your Notebook PC is
accessing the internal storage drives.
Bluetooth / Wireless indicator (on selected models)
This indicator lights up when your Notebook PC’s
wireless function (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) is enabled.
Number lock indicator
This indicator lights up when the number lock function
is activated. This allows you to use some of the keys on
your keyboard for numeric input.
Capital lock indicator
This indicator lights up when the capital lock function
is activated. Using capital lock allows you to type
capitalized letters (such as A, B, C) using your Notebook
PC’s keyboard.

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Notebook PC E-Manual
Bottom
NOTE: The bottom side may vary in appearance depending on model.
WARNING! The bottom of the Notebook PC can get very hot while
in use or while charging the battery pack. When working on your
Notebook PC, do not place it on surfaces that can block the vents.
IMPORTANT! Battery time varies by usage and by the specications
for this Notebook PC. The battery pack cannot be disassembled.

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Spring battery lock
The spring battery lock automatically locks the battery pack in
place once it is inserted into the battery slot.
IMPORTANT! This lock should be held in an unlocked position
when removing the battery pack.
Battery pack
The battery pack is automatically charged when your Notebook
PC is connected to a power source. When charged, the battery
pack supplies power to your Notebook PC.
Manual battery lock
The manual battery lock is used to keep the battery pack
secured. This lock should be manually moved to a locked or
unlocked position to insert or remove the battery pack.
Hard disk drive compartment
This compartment is a reserved space for the hard disk drive of
your Notebook PC.
Random-access memory module (RAM) compartment
The RAM compartment allows you to add RAM memory
modules to increase the memory capacity of your Notebook
PC.

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Notebook PC E-Manual
Right Side
Headphone output jack port
The headphone output jack port allows you to connect your
Notebook PC to amplied speakers or headphones.
Microphone input jack port
The microphone input jack port is used to connect your
Notebook PC to an external microphone.
USB 2.0 port
The USB (Universal Serial Bus) port is compatible with USB 2.0 or
USB 1.1 devices such as keyboards, pointing devices, ash disk
drives, external HDDs, speakers, cameras and printers.
Optical drive (on selected models)
Your Notebook PC’s optical drive may support several disc
formats such as CDs, DVDs, recordable discs, or rewritable discs.

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Optical disc drive eject button
Press this button to eject the optical drive tray.
Manual eject hole
The manual eject hole is used to eject the drive tray in case the
electronic eject button does not work.
WARNING! Use the manual eject hole only when the electronic
eject button does not work.
NOTE: For more details, refer to the Using the optical drive
section in this manual.
Power (DC) input port
Insert the bundled power adapter into this port to charge the
battery pack and supply power to your Notebook PC.
WARNING! The adapter may become warm to hot while in
use. Do not cover the adapter and keep it away from your body
while it is connected to an power source.
IMPORTANT! Use only the bundled power adapter to charge
the battery pack and supply power to your Notebook PC.

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Notebook PC E-Manual
Left Side
Kensington® lock port
The Kensington® lock port allows you to secure your Notebook
PC using Kensington® compatible Notebook PC security
products.
Air vents
The air vents allow cool air to enter and warm air to exit the
Notebook PC.
WARNING! Ensure that paper, books, clothing, cables, or other
objects do not block any of the air vents or else overheating
may occur.
VGA port
This port allows you to connect your Notebook PC to an
external display.
HDMI port
This port is for a High-Denition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)
connector and is HDCP compliant for HD DVD, Blu-ray, and
other protected content playback.