Getac B300 User manual

Rugged Mobile Computing Solutions
B300
USER’S MANUAL

July 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®
zWhen 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.
zIf 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.
zSpending a large portion of time in low-power mode not only saves
energy, but helps equipment run cooler and last longer.
zBusinesses that use ENERGY STAR®enabled office equipment may
realize additional savings on air conditioning and maintenance.

zOver 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.
zPower 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
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
Opening the Cover .............................................................1-5
Turning On and Off the Computer ...................................1-6
Taking a Look at the Computer.............................................1-7
Front Components..............................................................1-7
Rear Components ...............................................................1-8
Right-Side Components...................................................... 1-9
Left-Side Components ......................................................1-11
Top-open Components.....................................................1-12
Bottom Components ........................................................1-15
Closing Connector Covers ................................................1-16
Chapter 2 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
Function Keys......................................................................2-6
Fn Key ..................................................................................2-6
Hot Keys ..............................................................................2-6
Using the Touchpad................................................................2-9

ii
Configuring the Touchpad...............................................2-11
Using the Touchscreen (Optional) .......................................2-12
Using the Quick Buttons.......................................................2-14
Using the Hard Disk Drive ....................................................2-15
Installing a Second Hard Disk Drive (Optional) ..............2-15
Using the DVD Drive (Optional)...........................................2-17
Inserting and Removing a Disc ........................................2-18
Using the Network Features ................................................2-20
Using the Modem .............................................................2-20
Using the LAN ...................................................................2-21
Using the Wireless LAN ....................................................2-22
Using the Bluetooth Feature................................................2-25
Turning On/Off the Bluetooth Radio ..............................2-25
Connecting to another Bluetooth Device.......................2-27
Using the 3G Feature (Optional)..........................................2-29
Installing a SIM Card.........................................................2-30
Turning On/Off the 3G Radio ..........................................2-32
Using the Fingerprint Sensor ...............................................2-33
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
Installing a Second Battery Pack (Optional) .....................3-7
Battery Low Signals and Actions .......................................3-9
Power Management .............................................................3-10
Hibernation.......................................................................3-11
Power-Saving Tips .................................................................3-12
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 (Optional).................................................4-9
Using PC Cards.......................................................................4-10
Using ExpressCards (Optional) .............................................4-12
Using the MMC/SD Card Reader ..........................................4-14
Using the Port Replicator (Optional) ...................................4-16
System Memory Upgrade .....................................................4-17
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 ...................................................................5-10
Boot Menu ........................................................................5-12
Exit Menu ..........................................................................5-13
System Recovery....................................................................5-15
Chapter 6 Using the TPM and P1 Utility............................................6-1
Using TPM (Trusted Platform Module)..................................6-2
P1 Quick Launch Key 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 .............................................................7-4
Cleaning Guidelines............................................................7-5
Battery Pack Guidelines......................................................7-5
Touchscreen Guidelines......................................................7-6
When Traveling.......................................................................7-8

iv
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...................................................8-5
Keyboard, Mouse, 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.................................................................8-12
Resetting the Computer .......................................................8-13
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
On the Use of the RF Device ..................................................B-6
USA and Canada Safety Requirements and Notices ........B-6
European Union CE Marking and Compliance Notices....B-9

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:
zRugged computer
zAccessories:
−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
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 nbelow). Then, insert the other end through the first loop
(as indicated by obelow) and pull it tight.
2. Insert the other loop end to the hook on the computer (as indicated by
nbelow). Then, insert the stylus end through the loop (as indicated by
obelow) 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 (n).
3. Plug the female end of the AC power cord to the AC adapter and the
male end to an electrical outlet (o).
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

Getting Started 1-5
Charge Indicator ( ) glows green. (For information on using battery
power, see Chapter 3.)
CAUTION:
zWhen 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.
zWhen unplugging the connector, always hold the plug head. Never pull
on the cord.
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 (n) and lifting up the
cover (o). You can tilt the cover forward or backward for optimal viewing
clarity.

1-6 Getting Started
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.

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.
Front Components
Ref Component Description See Also
nTop Cover Latch Locks the top cover. P. 1-5
o3G Antenna Serves as the antenna for wireless
modem.
NOTE: For data transmission only.
P. 2-29
p Handle Provides a convenient way to carry the
computer.

1-8 Getting Started
Rear Components
NOTE: You need to open the covers to access the connectors.
Ref Component Description See Also
nPower
Connector
Connects the AC adapter. P. 1-3
oUSB Port Connects a USB device, such as a USB
flash disk, printer, digital camera,
joystick, and more.
P. 4-5
pExpansion Bus
Connector
Connects to a Port Replicator. P. 4-16
qVGA Connector Connects an external display monitor. P. 4-2
rSerial
Connectors
Each of the two connectors connects a
serial mouse or serial communication
device.
P. 4-4
sKensington
Lock
Locks the computer to a stationary
object for security.
P. 7-2

Getting Started 1-9
Right-Side Components
NOTE: You need to open the covers to access the connectors.
Ref Component Description See Also
nExpansion 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
oMini IEEE 1394
Port
Connects an IEEE 1394 device such as a
scanner, printer, DVCAM, and VCR.
P. 4-6
pRF (radio
frequency)
On/Off Switch
Serves as the master on/off control for all
the wireless modules (wireless LAN,
Bluetooth, and WWAN).
NOTE: Available modules on your
computer depend on the configuration
you purchased.
P. 2-23,
2-25,
2-29

1-10 Getting Started
Ref Component Description See Also
qCard Reader Accepts a MultiMediaCard (MMC) or
Secure Digital (SD) card for removable
storage media.
P. 4-14
rHDMI Connects a HDMI (High-Definition
Multimedia Interface) monitor or TV set.
P. 4-2
sRJ-11 Connector Connects the telephone line. P. 2-20
tHard Disk Drive
Compartment
Inside is the hard disk drive. P. 2-15
uUSB Port Connects a USB device, such as a USB
flash disk, printer, digital camera, and
joystick.
P. 4-5
vExpansion 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. 4-9
PCMCIA Slot Accepts a PC card for additional
functions.
P. 4-10
weSATA/USB
Combo Port
Connects an eSATA device such as an
external hard drive or optical drive.
P. 4-6
Can also function as a USB port.
GPS Antenna
pass-through
Connector
(option)
Connects to the optional antenna for
GPS receiver.
Audio Output
Connector
Connects a set of headphones or
external speakers with amplifier.
P. 4-8
13 Microphone
Connector
Connects an external microphone. P. 4-8
14 RJ-45 Connector Connects the LAN cable. P. 2-21

Getting Started 1-11
Left-Side Components
NOTE: You need to open the covers to access the connectors.
Ref Component Description See Also
nBattery Pack Supplies power to your computer when
external power is not connected.
P. 3-3
oMedia 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. 2-17
Secondary
Battery Pack
Provides extra battery power. P. 3-7
Secondary Hard
Disk Drive
Provides extra hard disk capacity. P. 2-15

1-12 Getting Started
Top-open Components
Ref Component Description See Also
nLCD Screen Displays the output of the computer.
May include the optional touchscreen
feature.
P. 2-12