Getac S400 User manual

S400
USER’S MANUAL

Rugged Mobile Computing Solutions
August 2010
TRADEMARKS
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by
Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.
NOTE
The information in this manual is subject to change without notice.

For the latest version of the manual, please visit the Getac website at
www.getac.com.
ENERGY STAR®is a government program that offers businesses and
consumers energy-efficient solutions, making it easy to save money while
protecting the environment for future generations.
Please reference ENERGY STAR®related information from
www.energystar.gov.
As an ENERGY STAR®Partner, Getac Technology Corporation has
determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR®guidelines for
energy efficiency.
An ENERGY STAR®qualified computer uses 70 % less electricity than
computers without enabled power management features.
Earning the ENERGY STAR®
When every home office is powered by equipment that has earned
the ENERGY STAR®, the change will keep over 289 billion pounds of
greenhouse gases out of the air.
If left inactive, ENERGY STAR®qualified computers enter a low-power
mode and may use 15 watts or less. New chip technologies make
power management features more reliable, dependable, and
user-friendly than even just a few years ago.

Spending a large portion of time in low-power mode not only saves
energy, but helps equipment run cooler and last longer.
Businesses that use ENERGY STAR®enabled office equipment may
realize additional savings on air conditioning and maintenance.
Over its lifetime, ENERGY STAR®qualified equipment in a single home
office (e.g., computer, monitor, printer, and fax) can save enough
electricity to light an entire home for more than 4 years.
Power management (“sleep settings”) on computers and monitors
can result in much savings annually.
Remember, saving energy prevents pollution
Because most computer equipment is left on 24 hours a day, power
management features are important for saving energy and are an easy
way to reduce air pollution. By using less energy, these products help
lower consumers’ utility bills, and prevent greenhouse gas emissions.

i
Table of Contents
Table of Contents........................................................................................................................................i
Getting Started.........................................................................................................................................1-1
Getting the Computer Running ............................................1-2
Unpacking............................................................................1-2
Connecting to AC Power ..................................................1-3
Opening the Cover ............................................................1-4
Turning On and Off the Computer...................................1-5
Taking a Look at the Computer ............................................1-7
Rear Components...............................................................1-7
Right-Side Components .....................................................1-8
Left-Side Components........................................................1-9
Top-open Components ...................................................1-10
Operating Your Computer .................................................................................................................2-1
Using the Keyboard.................................................................2-2
Typewriter Keys ....................................................................2-2
Cursor-Control Keys ............................................................2-2
Numeric Keypad .................................................................2-3
Function Keys.......................................................................2-3
Fn Key....................................................................................2-3
Hot Keys ................................................................................2-3
Using the Touchpad ................................................................2-6
Configuring the Touchpad................................................2-8
Using the Touchscreen (Optional) ........................................2-9
Using Multi-touch Gestures (Windows 7 Only) ..............2-10
Using the Input Panel ............................................................2-13
Using the DVD Drive ..............................................................2-14

ii
Inserting and Removing a Disc .......................................2-14
Using the Network Features .................................................2-16
Using the Modem (Optional) ..........................................2-16
Using the LAN.....................................................................2-17
Using the Wireless LAN ......................................................2-18
Using the Bluetooth Feature ................................................2-22
Turning On/Off the Bluetooth Radio ..............................2-22
Connecting to another Bluetooth Device....................2-24
Using the Fingerprint Sensor (Optional)..............................2-26
Managing Power ....................................................................................................................................3-1
AC Adapter..............................................................................3-2
Battery Pack .............................................................................3-3
Charging the Battery Pack................................................3-3
Initializing the Battery Pack................................................3-4
Checking the Battery Level...............................................3-4
Replacing the Battery Pack ..............................................3-5
Battery Low Signals and Actions.......................................3-7
Power Management ..............................................................3-8
Hibernation...........................................................................3-9
Power-Saving Tips ..................................................................3-10
Expanding Your Computer ................................................................................................................ 4-1
Connecting an External Monitor (Optional) .......................4-2
Connecting a Serial Device ..................................................4-3
Connecting a USB Device .....................................................4-4
Connecting an eSATA Device ..............................................4-5
Connecting an IEEE 1394 Device .........................................4-6
Connecting Audio Devices ...................................................4-7
Using Smart Cards (Optional) ................................................4-8
Using PC Cards.........................................................................4-9
Using ExpressCards (Optional).............................................4-11
Using Storage Cards..............................................................4-13
Using BIOS Setup and System Recovery....................................................................................5-1
BIOS Setup ................................................................................5-2

iii
When and How to Use........................................................5-2
Information Menu................................................................5-3
Main Menu ...........................................................................5-4
Advanced Menu.................................................................5-5
Security Menu ......................................................................5-7
Boot Menu............................................................................5-9
Exit Menu ............................................................................5-10
System Recovery ...................................................................5-12
Caring for the Computer ....................................................................................................................6-1
Protecting the Computer.......................................................6-2
Using an Anti-Virus Strategy ...............................................6-2
Using Windows Action Center...........................................6-2
Using the Cable Lock .........................................................6-3
Taking Care of the Computer ...............................................6-4
Location Guidelines............................................................6-4
General Guidelines.............................................................6-4
Cleaning Guidelines ...........................................................6-5
Battery Pack Guidelines.....................................................6-5
Touchscreen Guidelines.....................................................6-6
When Traveling ........................................................................6-8
Troubleshooting .....................................................................................................................................7-1
Preliminary Checklist ...............................................................7-2
Solving Common Problems....................................................7-3
Battery Problems .................................................................7-3
Bluetooth Wireless Transmission Problems .......................7-3
Display Problems .................................................................7-4
ExpressCard Problems ........................................................7-5
Hardware Device Problems ..............................................7-5
Hard Disk Drive Problems ...................................................7-6
Keyboard, Mouse, and Touchpad Problems .................7-6
LAN Problems.......................................................................7-7
Modem Problems................................................................7-7
DVD Drive Problems............................................................7-7
PC Card Problems...............................................................7-8

iv
Power Management Problems.........................................7-9
Software Problems ..............................................................7-9
Sound Problems.................................................................7-10
Startup Problems ...............................................................7-10
WLAN Problems .................................................................7-11
Other Problems..................................................................7-12
Resetting the Computer.......................................................7-13
Specifications............................................................................................................................................. 1
Regulatory Information.......................................................................................................................... 1
On the Use of the System .......................................................... 2
Class B Regulations ................................................................ 2
Safety Notices......................................................................... 3
On the Use of the RF Device..................................................... 6
USA and Canada Safety Requirements and Notices ...... 6
European Union CE Marking and Compliance Notices.. 8

Getting Started 1-1
Chapter 1
Getting Started
Congratulations on purchasing this rugged computer.
This chapter first tells you step by step how to get the computer up and
running. Then, you will find a section briefly introducing the external
components of the computer.

1-2 Getting Started
Getting the Computer Running
This section guides you through the procedures for getting the computer
ready for operation.
Unpacking
After unpacking the shipping carton, you should find these standard
items:
Rugged computer
Accessories:
AC adapter
AC power cord
Stylus and tether (depending on your model)
Inspect all the items. If any item is damaged or missing, notify your dealer
immediately.
Keep the shipping carton and packing materials in case you need to ship
or store the computer in the future.

Getting Started 1-3
Connecting to AC Power
The computer operates either on the external AC power or internal
battery power. It is suggested that you use AC power when you start up
the computer for the very first time.
CAUTION: Use only the AC adapter included with your computer. Using other AC
adapters may damage the computer.
1. Plug the DC cord of the AC adapter to the power connector of the
computer ().
2. Plug the female end of the AC power cord to the AC adapter and the
male end to an electrical outlet ().
3. When the AC adapter is connected, power is being supplied from the
electrical outlet to the AC adapter and onto your computer. Now,
you are ready to turn on the computer.
CAUTION:
When you disconnect the AC adapter, disconnect from the electrical outlet
first and then from the computer. A reverse procedure may damage the AC
adapter or the computer.

1-4 Getting Started
When unplugging the connector, always hold the plug head. Never pull on the
cord.
NOTE: When the AC adapter is connected, it also charges the battery pack. For
information on using battery power, see Chapter 3.
Opening the Cover
CAUTION: Be gentle when opening and closing the cover. Opening it vigorously
or slamming it shut could damage the computer.
Open the top cover by pulling the cover latch and lifting up the cover.
You can tilt the cover forward or backward for optimal viewing clarity.

Getting Started 1-5
Turning On and Off the Computer
Turning On
1. Make sure that the computer is connected to AC power or battery is
fully charged.
2. Open the top cover
3. Press the power button ( ).
4. Each time the computer is turned on, it performs a Power-On Self Test
(POST), and the operating system such as Windows should start.
Turning Off
When you finish a working session, you can stop the system by turning off
the power or leaving it in Sleep or Hibernation mode:
To...
Do this...
Power off
(Shutdown)
Use the Windows Start menu in the lower left and follow
the shutdown procedure.
Sleep
Press the power button* or use the Windows Start menu
to put the computer in Sleep mode.
Hibernate
Use the Windows Start menu to put the computer in
Hibernation mode. (See “Hibernation”in Chapter 3 for

1-6 Getting Started
To...
Do this...
more information.)
* “Sleep”is the default setting of the power button. You may change
what the power button does in Windows Control Panel.
Press the power button to resume or turn on the system from any of these
modes.

Getting Started 1-7
Taking a Look at the Computer
NOTE:
Depending on the model you purchased, the appearance of your computer
may not be exactly the same as those shown in this manual.
You need to open the protective covers to access the connectors. When not
using a connector, make sure to close the cover completely for water- and
dust-proof integrity.
Rear Components
Ref
Component
Description

Power Connector
Connects the AC adapter.

USB Port
Connects a USB device, such as a USB flash disk,
printer, digital camera, joystick, and more.

RS232 Serial
Connector
Connects a serial mouse or serial
communication device. (The available of the
serial port on the right depends on the model.)

RJ-45 Connector
Connects the LAN cable.

RJ-11 Connector
(optional)
Connects the telephone line.

VGA Connector
Connects an external display monitor.

Kensington Lock
Locks the computer to a stationary object for
security.


1-8 Getting Started
Right-Side Components
Ref
Component
Description

SIM Card Slot
(optional)
Accepts a 3G SIM card. But this configuration has
no 3G feature.

Smart Card
Reader
Accepts a smart card for additional security
feature.

PCMCIA Slot (left)
Accepts a PC card for additional functions.
ExpressCard Slot
(right)
Accepts an ExpressCard/34 or ExpressCard/54 for
additional functions.
NOTE: Can be a PCMCIA Slot depending on the
model.

Battery Pack
Supplies power to your computer when external
power is not connected.

Super Multi Drive
Accepts a compact disc for installing or loading
software, accessing data, and playing
music/video.


Getting Started 1-9
Left-Side Components
Ref
Component
Description

Audio Output
Connector
Connects a set of headphones or external
speakers with amplifier.

Microphone
Connector
Connects an external microphone.

eSATA/USB Combo
Port
Connects an eSATA device such as an external
hard drive or optical drive.
Can also function as a USB port.

RF (radio
frequency)
Switch
Serves as the master on/off control for all the
wireless modules (wireless LAN, Bluetooth, and
WWAN).

Storage Card
Reader
Accepts a MultiMediaCard (MMC), Secure Digital
(SD), Memory Stick (MS) or Memory Stick PRO (MS
PRO) card for removable storage media.

USB Port
Connects a USB device, such as a USB flash disk,
printer, digital camera, joystick, and more.
NOTE: These two connectors support USB power
share feature.

Mini IEEE 1394 Port
Connects an IEEE 1394 device such as a scanner,
printer, DVCAM, and VCR.

1-10 Getting Started
Top-open Components
Ref
Component
Description

Top Cover Latch
Locks the top cover.

Camera Lens
(optional)
Allows you to use the camera function.

LCD Screen
Displays the output of the computer. May include
the optional touchscreen feature.

Quick Buttons
Activates specific functions.

Power Button
Turns the power on or off (Sleep mode by default).

Getting Started 1-11
Ref
Component
Description

Keyboard
Serves as the data input device of the computer.

Microphone
Receives sound and voice for the computer.

Fingerprint
Sensor
(optional)
Serves as the fingerprint verification, preventing
unauthorized access to your computer.

P1 Button
Starts G-Manager by default.
10
Stylus
Serves as the input device by tapping on the screen
to make selections and enter information.
11
Touchpad
Serves as the pointing device of the computer.
12
Indicators
Power
Lights green when computer is on.
Blinks green when computer is in Sleep mode.
Battery
Charge
Lights green when the battery is fully charged.
Lights amber when the battery is being charged.
Blinks red when the battery’s capacity is below 10 %.
Blinks amber when the battery is in an abnormal
condition.
Hard Disk/
DVD Drive
Blinks green when computer is reading / writing data
to the hard disk or DVD drive.
Num Lock /
HDD Heater
(option)
Lights green when Num Lock is on.
Caps Lock
Lights green when Caps Lock is on.
WLAN
Lights green when WLAN radio is on.
Bluetooth
Lights green when Bluetooth radio is on.

1-12 Getting Started
Ref
Component
Description
13
Stereo Speaker
Sends out sound and voice from your computer.