Asus R50A User manual

R50A
User Manual
Ultra Mobile PC

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E3850
First Edition
August 2008
Copyright © 2008 ASUSTeK Computer, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form
or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the
express written permission of ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (“ASUS”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or
altered, unless such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the
serial number of the product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES
OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE
LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
(INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR
DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED
OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN
THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED
FOR 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 RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES
THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE
DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered
trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or
explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

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Table of Contents
About this guide ................................................................6
How this guide is organized....................................................6
Conventions used in this guide...............................................7
Safety information.............................................................8
Transportation Precautions ...................................................9
Package contents............................................................10
Standard items......................................................................10
Optional items.......................................................................10
Special features...............................................................11
Product highlights ................................................................. 11
Chapter 1: Getting started
Proper posture when using your UMPC........................14
Maintaining the proper posture.............................................14
Getting to know your UMPC...........................................15
Front features .......................................................................15
Right features .......................................................................18
Left features..........................................................................19
Top features ..........................................................................20
Bottom features ....................................................................21
Back features........................................................................22
Getting your UMPC ready...............................................23
Charging the battery pack.....................................................23
Installing/removing a microSD card ......................................25
Installing an external foldable USB keyboard.......................26
Connecting an external monitor............................................28
Connecting an external mouse (optional).............................30
Connecting an external headphone......................................30
Connecting to a port bar (optional) .......................................31
Connecting an external ODD (optional)................................32
Connecting an external TV antenna (optional) .....................33

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Starting up........................................................................34
Powering on your UMPC ......................................................34
Managing power settings......................................................35
Chapter 2: Using your UMPC
Navigating your UMPC....................................................38
Using the navigation buttons ................................................38
Using the stylus ....................................................................39
Entering data....................................................................40
Using the Tablet PC Input Panel...........................................40
Using gestures......................................................................43
Calibrating the screen.....................................................46
Securing your UMPC.......................................................46
Using the ASUS Security Protect Manager ..........................46
Getting Windows®Help and Support.............................48
Chapter 3: Multimedia features
Using the Windows®Media Center ................................50
Using the camera.............................................................51
Launching the camera ..........................................................51
Taking photos........................................................................52
Conguring the camera settings ...........................................53
Using the Preview mode.......................................................54
Chapter 4: Getting connected
Using Bluetooth®.............................................................56
Setting up a Bluetooth connection........................................56
Adding other Bluetooth-enabled devices.............................57
Using a 3G SIM card (optional) ......................................58
Installing a 3G SIM card .......................................................58
Activating your 3G SIM card.................................................59

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Using GPS........................................................................62
Connecting to a wireless network .................................63
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting ..............................................................66
Appendices
Notices..............................................................................70
ASUS Contact information .............................................76

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About this guide
This user guide provides information on the various components of the Ultra Mobile PC
(UMPC) and how to use them.
How this guide is organized
• Chapter 1: Getting started
This chapter describes the features of your UMPC.
• Chapter 2: Using your UMPC
This chapter provides you the steps in using your UMPC.
• Chapter 3: Multimedia features
This chapter provides you with information on the multimedia features of your
UMPC.
• Chapter 4: Getting connected
This chapter provides you with information on the connection features of your
UMPC.
• Troubleshooting
This chapter provides you with solutions to some problems in using the UMPC.
• Appendices
This chapter provides you with additional information.

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Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols
used throughout this manual.
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself
when trying to complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components
when trying to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a
task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a
task.

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INPUT RATING: Refer to the
rating label on the bottom of
the UMPC and ensure that your
power adapter complies with the
rating.
DO NOT throw the UMPC in
municipal waste. Check local
regulations for disposal of
electronic products.
Safety information
IMPORTANT! Disconnect the AC power and remove the battery pack before cleaning.
Wipe the UMPC using a clean cellulose sponge or chamois cloth dampened with a
solution of nonabrasive detergent and a few drops of warm water then remove any
extra moisture with a dry cloth.
DO NOT expose to or use near
liquids, rain, or moisture.
DO NOT expose to dirty or dusty
environments. DO NOT operate
during a gas leak.
SAFE TEMP: This UMPC should
only be used in environments
with ambient temperatures
between 5°C (41°F) and 35°C
(95°F)
Battery safety warning:
DO NOT throw the battery in re.
DO NOT short circuit the
contacts.
DO NOT disassemble the
battery.
DO NOT expose to strong
magnetic or electrical elds.
DO NOT place on uneven or
unstable work surfaces. Seek
servicing if the casing has been
damaged.
DO NOT place or drop objects
on top and do not shove any
foreign objects into the UMPC.
DO NOT scratch the display
panel. Do not place together with
small items that may scratch or
enter the UMPC vents.
DO NOT leave the UMPC on
your lap or any part of the body
in order to prevent discomfort or
injury from heat exposure.
DO NOT carry or cover a UMPC
that is powered ON with any
materials that will reduce air
circulation such as a carrying
bag.

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Transportation Precautions
To prepare the UMPC for transport, turn it OFF and disconnect all external
peripherals to prevent damage to the connectors. The hard disk drive’s head
retracts when the power is turned OFF to prevent scratching of the hard disk surface
during transport. Hence, do not transport the UMPC while it is still turned ON.
Cover Your UMPC
Cover your UMPC with the bundled protection bag to protect it from dirt, water, shock,
and scratches.
Charge Your Batteries
If you intend to use battery power, be sure to fully charge your battery pack and any
optional battery packs before going on long trips. Remember that the power adapter
charges the battery pack as long as it is plugged into the computer and an AC power
source. Be aware that it takes much longer to charge the battery pack when the UMPC
is in use.
Airplane Precautions
Contact your airline if you want to use the UMPC onboard the aircraft. Most airlines
restrict the use of electronic devices. Most airlines only allow the use of electronic
devices between and not during takeoffs and landings.
CAUTION: There are three main types of airport security devices: X-ray
machines (used on items placed on conveyor belts), magnetic detectors (used on
people walking through security checks), and magnetic wands (hand-held devices
used on people or individual items). You can send your UMPC through airport X-ray
machines. However, it is recommended that you do not send your UMPC through
airport magnetic detectors or expose them to magnetic wands.

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NOTE: If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
Package contents
Standard items
Check your UMPC package for the following items:
Standard Items
•
R50A UMPC •
Protection bag
•
Mini-USB audio cable • DigiPen stylus
•
10-pin VGA out cable •
User Guide
•
Screen protector •
Quick Start Guide
•
Adapter •
Driver CD
•
Adapter plug •
Recovery DVD
•
Wrist strap •
Earphone
•
USB keyboard •
Earphone plug
Optional Items
•
Car charger •
TV external antenna
•
Car holder •
TV external antenna for car
•
GPS antenna •
USB external ODD
•
Bluetooth mouse •
ODD USB cable
•
USB port bar (ACP45) •
ODD charger
NOTE: Optional items are purchased separately and are not included in the UMPC
package.
Optional items
Use the following items with your UMPC:

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Special features
Product highlights
Power and Mobility
ASUS R50A provides you with a secure and convenient computing experience. It
offers a smart balance between mobility and performance with comprehensive security
features that protect both software and hardware solutions.
Portable and lightweight design
ASUS R50A’s portable and lightweight design is packed with computing, multimedia,
and connectivity features. It packs all the latest technologies that allow you to surf
the Internet, connect to your network wirelessly, nd locations, or other tasks that you
would normally do on a standard desktop PC.
Connection features
ASUS R50A’s built-in Bluetooth 2.0 EDR ( Enhanced Data Rate), and WLAN 802.11
a/b/g offer you high-speed Internet and wireless network connections.
GPS navigation
ASUS R50A provides you with a comprehensive travel guide via its built-in GPS
transceiver. It enables you to nd directions and navigate your way to places that you
want to go to.
Solid Security Management for Protected Computing
ASUS R50A offers a total data protection that meets the evolving security needs of
both software and hardware solutions.
The protected computing starts with ngerprint authentication that grants strict access
only to the authorized user. For the most accurate reading, the electronic imaging
mechanism scans ngerprint pattern from the live layer of the skin , bypassing any
common skin surface conditions.

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The exclusive ASUS Security Protect Management (ASPM) guards access to
the device and network. Users can choose to setup multi-factor authentication
requirements for different security levels while enjoying the Single Sign On (SSO) one-
time login convenience without compromising security integrity.
Intuitive Usage Experience
ASUS R50A includes the Windows®Vista Tablet PC Edition with Touch Pack software
and ergonomic hardware interface designs. With complete function keys laid out on
both sides of the front panel, you can enjoy comfortable operation to a full set of control
keys, including joystick, navigation keys, as well as on-screen keypad.
Easier and Safer Digital Data Transmission
ASUS R50A integrates secure digital media slot. It gives you the immediate benet
of easy le sharing with different devices and users, while opening the door for future
technologies like secure digital I/O.

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• Proper posture when using your UMPC
• Getting to know your UMPC
• Getting your UMPC ready
• Starting up
In this chapter
Getting
started

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Proper posture when using your UMPC
When using your UMPC, maintaining the proper posture is necessary to prevent strain
to your wrists, hands, and other joints or muscles. This section provides you with tips
on avoiding physical discomfort and possible injury while using and fully enjoying your
UMPC.
Maintaining the proper posture
• Do not place your UMPC on your lap or close to your skin for a long time.
• Use your UMPC in a comfortably-lit and well-ventilated area.
• Always clean your UMPC’s screen.
• While making or taking calls using your UMPC, use an external headphone.
• If you are going to use your UMPC for a long time:
• Connect an external keyboard instead of using your UMPC’s onscreen or virtual
keyboard.
, • Attach an external mouse instead of using your UMPC’s navigation buttons or
joystick.
• Place your UMPC in a universal docking station and adjust it so that your UMPC
is within your line of sight.
• Take mini-breaks from using your UMPC.
NOTES:
• For details on connecting an external keyboard or mouse to your UMPC, refer
to the section Getting your UMPC ready in Chapter 1.
• A universal docking station is purchased separately and is not included in your
UMPC package.

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Getting to know your UMPC
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Front features
Features
1Display Panel
The 5.6-inch active matrix, 1024 x 600 resolution TFT LCD screen provides you with
excellent viewing similar to that of desktop monitors.
2Front camera lens
This 0.3 megapixel built-in camera is used for video conferencing and other
interactive applications.
3Joystick
This a pointing device that mimics the functions of a desktop mouse.

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Features
4Status indicators
Allows you to check the status of your battery, drive activity, WLAN, and Bluetooth.
The LED noties the following:
Power
• White: The UMPC is turned on.
• Blinking white: The UMPC is in the Sleep/Standby mode.
• Off: The UMPC is turned off or in Hibernation mode.
Battery
• Red: The battery is charging.
• Blinking red: The battery capacity is less than 10%.
• Off: The battery is fully-charged.
HDD
• White: The UMPC is accessing the hard disk drive.
• Blinking white: The UMPC is in reading/writing mode.
Message
• On: There is an incoming message.
WLAN
• On: The built-in wireless LAN (WLAN) is enabled.
Bluetooth
• On: The built-in Bluetooth function is activated.
3G
• On: The 3G function is activated.
GPS
• On: The GPS function is activated.
5Fingerprint sensor
The built-in ngerprint sensor allows you to use your ngerprint as your identity key
for added security.
65-way navigation buttons
The arrow keys (left, right, up, down) and the enter key have the same functions as
that on the keyboard.
7Built-in microphone
The built-in mono microphone is used for video conferencing, voice narrations, or
simple audio recordings.

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Features
8Sleep Mode button
Press this button to put your UMPC into Sleep mode. Slide down the power switch to
awaken your UMPC from Sleep mode.
9LOGIN button
The LOGIN button sends a [Ctrl + Alt +Del] keyboard combination to the operating
system to show Windows Security for logging in/off, locking, shutting down,
launching the task manager, or changing passwords. This special login feature is
also known as Secure Attention Sequence (SAS).
10 UMPC Settings button
This allows you to set the brightness, volume, resolution or power mode of your
UMPC.
11 Windows®Media Center button
This launches the Windows®Media Center which allows you to view and play media
les such as video clips, music les, or movies.
12 Left button
This key mimics the left-click action of a conventional mouse.
13 Right key
This key mimics the right-click action of a conventional mouse.
14 GPS module location
This is the area where the GPS module is located.

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Right features
Features
1Wrist strap hole
Attach the supplied wrist strap into this hole to prevent accidentally dropping the
UMPC when holding it in your hands.
2VGA port
Use this port with the bundled VGA out cable to connect your UMPC to a monitor.
3Battery Lock
Keeps the battery secure. Press up then slide the back cover downward to detach
the battery.
4USB Port (2.0)
Insert USB2.0 devices such as keyboards, pointing devices, hard disk drives,
printers and scanners into this port.
2 3 4
1

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Left features
Features
1Power switch
Turns on/off the UMPC and puts it on Sleep/Standby or Hibernation mode.
2Mini-USB port
Insert external USB devices into this port.
3TV tuner port
Connect a TV antenna into this port.
NOTE: The TV antenna is purchased separately and is not included in your UMPC
package.
4MicroSD slot
Insert a microSD card into this slot.
1 2
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Top features
1 2 3 4 5 2 6
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Features
1Camera button
Press to launch the camera application and take photos or video clips.
2Speaker system
The built-in speaker system allows you to listen to rich and vibrant high-quality stereo
sound.
3Power (DC) port
Insert the AC adapter into this port to connect your UMPC to an external power
source.
4Headphone jack
Insert R50A headphone into this port.
5Hold key
Move this key to the left to disable the buttons and LCD of th UMPC.
6GPS port
Attach an external GPS antenna for better signal reception.
7Stylus
Like the mouse pointer on your UMPC, the stylus also mimics the functions of a
desktop mouse such as left-click, double-click, or right-click.
IMPORTANT! Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (“UL”) has not tested the
performance or reliability of the Global Positioning System (“GPS”) hardware,
operating software or other aspects of this product. UL has only tested for re, shock or
casualties as outlined in UL’s Standard(s) for Safety. UL60950-1 Certication does not
cover the performance or reliability of the GPS hardware and GPS operating software.
UL MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES OR CERTIFICATIONS
WHATSOEVER REGARDING THE PERFORMANCE OR RELIABILITY OF ANY GPS
RELATED FUNCTIONS OF THIS PRODUCT.
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