Getac B300 User manual

Rugged Mobile Computing Solutions
B300
USER’S MANUAL

May. 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........................................... 1-2
Opening the Cover................................................... 1-4
Turning On and Off the Computer .............................. 1-5
Taking a Look at the Computer.................................. 1-6
Front Components .................................................... 1-6
Rear Components .................................................... 1-7
Right-Side Components............................................. 1-8
Left-Side Components..............................................1-10
Top-open Components ............................................. 1-11
Bottom Components.................................................1-14
Closing Connector Covers .........................................1-15
Operating Your Computer .................................................................................................................2-1
Starting and Stopping the Computer ................................2-2
Starting the Computer...............................................2-2
Stopping the Computer..............................................2-2
Using the Keyboard .....................................................2-4
Typewriter Keys.......................................................2-4
Cursor-Control Keys .................................................2-4
Numeric Keypad ......................................................2-5

ii
Function Keys .........................................................2-6
Fn Key .................................................................2-6
Hot Keys ...............................................................2-6
Using the Touchpad.....................................................2-9
Configuring the Touchpad .........................................2-11
Using the Touchscreen (Optional)................................ 2-12
Using the Quick Buttons............................................. 2-14
Using the Hard Disk Drive.......................................... 2-16
Installing a Second Hard Disk Drive (Optional)........... 2-16
Using the Optical Drive (Optional)............................... 2-19
Inserting and Removing a Disc.................................2-20
Using the Video Features ........................................... 2-22
Configuring the Display Modes.................................. 2-22
Using the Audio Features ........................................... 2-23
Connecting Audio Devices........................................ 2-24
Using the Communication Features ................................ 2-25
Using the Modem .................................................. 2-25
Using the LAN...................................................... 2-26
Using the Wireless LAN.......................................... 2-27
Using the Bluetooth Feature..................................... 2-31
Using the 3G Feature (Optional)............................. 2-35
Using the Fingerprint Sensor........................................ 2-40
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
Installing a Second Battery Pack (Optional) .................3-7
Battery Low Signals and Actions............................... 3-10

iii
Power Management.....................................................3-11
Hibernation ........................................................... 3-12
Power-Saving Tips .................................................... 3-13
Expanding Your Computer ................................................................................................................4-1
Connecting an External Monitor ......................................4-2
Connecting a Serial Device ...........................................4-4
Connecting a USB Device.............................................4-6
Connecting an IEEE 1394 Device...................................4-7
Using Smart Cards (Optional) ......................................4-8
Inserting and Removing a Smart Card .........................4-8
Using PC Cards ....................................................... 4-10
Inserting and Removing a PC Card........................... 4-10
Using ExpressCards (Optional).................................... 4-12
ExpressCard Type.................................................. 4-12
Inserting and Removing an ExpressCard ..................... 4-13
Using the Card Reader .............................................. 4-14
Using the Port Replicator (Optional) ............................ 4-16
System Memory Upgrade ............................................ 4-17
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.........................................................5-6
Boot Menu .............................................................5-8
Exit Menu ..............................................................5-9
System Recovery....................................................... 5-10
Using the TPM and P1 Utility .............................................................................................................6-1
Using TPM (Trusted Platform Module) ...........................6-2

iv
P1 Quick Launch Key Utility..........................................6-3
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 ...................................................7-4
Cleaning Guidelines ..................................................7-5
Battery Pack Guidelines.............................................7-5
Touchscreen Guidelines .............................................7-7
When Traveling...........................................................7-8
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, Mouse, and Touchpad Problems ...................8-6
LAN Problems.........................................................8-7
Modem Problems .....................................................8-7
Optical Drive Problems..............................................8-7
PC Card Problems...................................................8-8
Power Management Problems .....................................8-9
Software Problems ...................................................8-9
Sound Problems .................................................... 8-10

v
Startup Problems ................................................... 8-10
WLAN Problems .....................................................8-11
Other Problems ..................................................... 8-12
Resetting the Computer .............................................. 8-13
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 ......................................... 7
USA and Canada Safety Requirements and Notices ........... 7
European Union CE Marking and Compliance Notices........10

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
Touchscreen pen (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.
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. Make sure that the computer is turned off.
2. Plug the DC cord of the AC adapter to the power connector of the computer
().

Getting Started 1-3
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.
5. When the AC adapter is connected, it also charges the battery pack. The Battery
Charge Indicator on the computer glows amber to indicate that charging is in
progress. When the battery is fully charged, the Battery Charge Indicator
( ) glows green. (For information on using battery power, see Chapter
3.)
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.

1-4 Getting Started
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 pushing on the cover latch () and lifting up the cover
(). You can tilt the cover forward or backward for optimal viewing clarity.

Getting Started 1-5
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
To turn off the computer power, use the “Shut Down” command of your operating
system.
NOTE: There are other ways you can stop the computer so that you will be back
to where you left off when you next turn on the computer. (See “Stopping the
Computer” in Chapter 2 for information.)
CAUTION: If you have to turn the computer on again immediately after turning it
off, wait for at least five seconds. Turning the computer off and on rapidly can
damage it.

1-6 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.
Front Components
Ref
Component
Description
See Also

Top Cover Latch
Locks the top cover.
P. 1-4

3G Antenna
Serves as the antenna for wireless modem.
NOTE: For data transmission only.
P. 2-35

Handle
Provides a convenient way to carry the
computer.

Getting Started 1-7
Rear Components
NOTE: You need to open the covers to access the connectors.
Ref
Component
Description
See Also

Power Connector
Connects the AC adapter.
P. 1-2

USB Port
Connects a USB device, such as a USB flash
disk, printer, digital camera, joystick, and
more.
P. 4-6

Expansion Bus
Connector
Connects to a Port Replicator.
P. 4-16

VGA Connector
Connects an external display monitor.
P. 4-2

Serial Connector
Each of the two connectors connects a serial
mouse or serial communication device.
P. 4-4

Kensington Lock
Locks the computer to a stationary object for
security.
P. 7-2

1-8 Getting Started
Right-Side Components
NOTE: You need to open the covers to access the connectors.
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, VCR, and more.
P. 4-7

RF (radio
frequency) On/Off
Switch
Serves as the master on/off control for all
the wireless modules (wireless LAN,
Bluetooth, and WWAN).
P. 2-29,
2-31,
2-35

Getting Started 1-9
Ref
Component
Description
See Also
NOTE: Available modules on your computer
depend on the configuration you purchased.

Card Reader
Accepts a MultiMediaCard (MMC), Secure
Digital (SD), Memory Stick (MS) or
Memory Stick PRO (MS PRO) card for
removable storage media.
P. 4-14

RJ-11 Connector
Connects the telephone line.
P. 2-25

Hard Disk Drive
Compartment
Inside is the hard disk drive.
P. 2-16

USB Ports
Each of the two ports connects a USB device,
such as a USB flash disk, printer, digital
camera, joystick, and more.
P. 4-6

Expansion Card
Slot
Depending on your model, the slot can be
any of the following:
Smart Card
Reader
Accepts a smart card for additional security
feature.
P. 4-8
PCMCIA Slot
Accepts a PC card for additional functions.
P. 4-10

GPS Antenna
pass-through
Connector
(option)
Connects to the optional antenna for GPS
receiver.

Audio Output
Connector
Connects a set of headphones, external
speakers with amplifier, or an audio recording
device.
P. 2-24
Microphone
Connector
Connects an external microphone.
P. 2-24
RJ-45 Connector
Connects the LAN cable.
P. 2-26

1-10 Getting Started
Left-Side Components
NOTE: You need to open the covers to access the connectors.
Ref
Component
Description
See Also

Battery Pack
Supplies power to your computer when
external power is not connected.
P. 3-3

Media Bay
Depending on your model, the media bay
may contain any of the following:
Combo Drive/
DVD Dual Drive/
Super Multi Drive
Accepts a compact disc for installing or
loading software, accessing data, and
playing music/video.
P. 2-19
Secondary Battery
Pack
Provides extra battery power.
P. 3-7
Secondary Hard
Disk Drive
Provides extra hard disk capacity.
P. 2-16