Getac B300 User manual
Rugged Mobile Computing Solutions
B300
USER’S MANUAL
Sep. 2012
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.
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Getting Started.....................................................................................................1-1
Getting the Computer Running......................................... 1-2
Unpacking................................................................ 1-2
Using the Tether (Optional)....................................... 1-3
Connecting to AC Power ............................................ 1-4
Turning On and Off the Computer ............................... 1-6
Taking a Look at the Computer ...................................... 1-8
Front Components ..................................................... 1-8
Rear Components...................................................... 1-9
Right-Side Components .............................................1-10
Left-Side Components...............................................1-12
Top-open Components ..............................................1-13
Bottom Components ..................................................1-16
Chapter 2 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 ..........................................................2-4
Fn Key...................................................................2-4
Hot Keys ................................................................2-4
Windows Keys..........................................................2-6
Using the Touchpad......................................................2-7
Configuring the Touchpad............................................2-9
ii
Using the Touchscreen (Optional)................................. 2-10
Using the Quick Buttons .............................................. 2-12
Using the DVD Drive .................................................. 2-14
Inserting and Removing a Disc.................................. 2-14
Using the Network Features.......................................... 2-17
Using the Modem ................................................... 2-17
Using the LAN....................................................... 2-18
Using the Wireless LAN ........................................... 2-18
Using the Bluetooth Feature ......................................... 2-21
Turning On/Off the Bluetooth Radio ........................... 2-21
Connecting to another Bluetooth Device .......................2-22
Using the WWAN Feature (Optional) ............................ 2-24
Installing a SIM Card .............................................. 2-25
Turning On/Off the WWAN Radio.............................. 2-27
Using the Fingerprint Scanner .......................................2-28
Chapter 3 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 .........................................3-5
Replacing the Battery Pack .........................................3-6
Battery Low Signals and Actions ..................................3-8
Power Management .......................................................3-9
Hibernation............................................................. 3-10
Power-Saving Tips ......................................................3-11
Chapter 4 Expanding Your Computer............................................................................. 4-1
Connecting a VGA or HDMI Display Monitor......................4-2
Connecting a Serial Device.............................................4-4
Connecting a USB Device..............................................4-5
Connecting an eSATA Device .........................................4-6
iii
Connecting an IEEE 1394 Device....................................4-7
Connecting Audio Devices ..............................................4-8
Using Smart Cards .......................................................4-9
Using PC Cards......................................................... 4-10
Using ExpressCards (Optional)..................................... 4-12
Using the MMC/SD Card Reader.................................. 4-14
System Memory Upgrade.............................................. 4-16
Installing a Secondary Battery Pack or Hard Disk Drive ..... 4-18
Chapter 5 Using BIOS Setup and System Recovery ................................................ 5-1
BIOS Setup.................................................................5-2
When and How to Use .............................................5-2
Information Menu ......................................................5-3
Main Menu ..............................................................5-4
Advanced Menu ........................................................5-5
Security Menu ........................................................ 5-12
Boot Menu ............................................................ 5-14
Exit Menu ............................................................. 5-15
Quick BIOS Settings ................................................... 5-17
System Recovery........................................................ 5-18
Chapter 6 Using the TPM and P1 Utility.......................................................................... 6-1
Using TPM (Trusted Platform Module) ............................6-2
P1 Quick Button Definition Utility .....................................6-3
Chapter 7 Caring for the Computer..................................................................................7-1
Protecting the Computer.................................................7-2
Using an Anti-Virus Strategy.......................................7-2
Using Windows Action Center......................................7-2
Using the Cable Lock................................................7-3
Taking Care of the Computer .........................................7-4
Location Guidelines....................................................7-4
General Guidelines ....................................................7-5
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Cleaning Guidelines ...................................................7-5
Battery Pack Guidelines..............................................7-6
Touchscreen Guidelines...............................................7-7
When Traveling ............................................................7-9
Chapter 8 Troubleshooting................................................................................................. 8-1
Preliminary Checklist......................................................8-2
Solving Common Problems .............................................8-3
Battery Problems.......................................................8-3
Bluetooth Wireless Transmission Problems ......................8-3
Display Problems ......................................................8-4
ExpressCard Problems................................................8-5
Hardware Device Problems..........................................8-5
Hard Disk Drive Problems ..........................................8-6
Keyboard and Touchpad Problems ................................8-6
LAN Problems ..........................................................8-7
Modem Problems ......................................................8-7
DVD Drive Problems .................................................8-7
PC Card Problems....................................................8-8
Power Management Problems ......................................8-9
Software Problems.....................................................8-9
Sound Problems ..................................................... 8-10
Startup Problems..................................................... 8-10
WLAN Problems ......................................................8-11
Other Problems ...................................................... 8-13
Resetting the Computer................................................ 8-14
Appendix A Specifications ..................................................................................................... A-1
Appendix B Regulatory Information .................................................................................. B-1
On the Use of the System ........................................... B-2
Class B Regulations ................................................. B-2
Safety Notices ......................................................... B-3
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
Document(s)
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
Using the Tether (Optional)
A tether is provided for attaching the stylus to your computer.
1. Insert one of the tether’s loop ends through the hole of the stylus (as indicated
by below). Then, insert the other end through the first loop (as indicated
by below) and pull it tight.
2. Insert the other loop end to the hook on the computer (as indicated by
below). Then, insert the stylus end through the loop (as indicated by below)
and pull it tight.
1-4 Getting Started
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. Turn off the computer.
2. Plug the DC cord of the AC adapter to the power connector of the computer
().
Getting Started 1-5
3. Plug the female end of the AC power cord to the AC adapter and the male
end to an electrical outlet ().
4. 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.
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.
1-6 Getting Started
Turning On and Off the Computer
Turning On
1. Open the top cover by pushing on the cover latch () and lifting up the cover
(). You can tilt the cover forward or backward for optimal viewing clarity.
Getting Started 1-7
2. Press the power button ( ).
3. 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 more information.)
* “Sleep”is the default setting of the power button. You may change what the
power button does in Windows Control Panel.
1-8 Getting Started
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. (Engage the locking mechanism if the cover is designed
with such mechanism.)
Front Components
Ref
Component
Description
See Also
Top Cover Latch
Locks the top cover.
P. 1-5
WWAN Antenna
Should be pulled out for reception of mobile
telecommunications signals.
P. 2-24
Handle
Provides a convenient way to carry the
computer.
Getting Started 1-9
Rear Components
Ref
Component
Description
See Also
Power Connector
Connects the AC adapter.
P. 1-3
USB Port
Connects a USB device, such as a USB
flash disk, printer, digital camera, joystick,
and more.
P. 4-5
WWAN Pass-
through Connector
(option)
Connects the external antenna for WWAN
(wireless wide area network) connectivity.
WiFi Pass-through
Connector (option)
Connects the external antenna for WLAN
(wireless local area network) connectivity.
Docking Connector
Connects to the office or vehicle dock
(purchased separately).
VGA Connector
Connects an external display monitor.
P. 4-2
Serial Connectors
Each of the two connectors connects a
serial mouse or serial communication
device.
P. 4-4
1-10 Getting Started
Ref
Component
Description
See Also
Kensington Lock
Locks the computer to a stationary object
for security.
P. 7-2
Right-Side Components
Ref
Component
Description
See Also
Expansion Card Slot
Depending on your model, the slot can be
any of the following:
ExpressCard Slot
Accepts an ExpressCard/34 or
ExpressCard/54 for additional functions.
P. 4-12
PCMCIA Slot
Accepts a PC card for additional functions.
P. 4-10
Mini IEEE 1394 Port
Connects an IEEE 1394 device such as a
scanner, printer, DVCAM, and VCR.
P. 4-6
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