Getac B300 User manual

User’s Manual
(November 2007)

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.

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, MiTAC 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
Preface .....................................................................................vi
Chapter 1 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................................... 1-4
Taking a Look at the Computer............................................ 1-6
Right-Side Components ................................................... 1-6
Left-Side Components ..................................................... 1-8
Rear Components ............................................................. 1-9
Front Components.......................................................... 1-10
Bottom Components....................................................... 1-11
Top-open Components ................................................... 1-12
Where to Go from Here...................................................... 1-15
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 Quick Buttons ...................................................... 2-4
Using the Internal Keyboard ................................................ 2-6
Typewriter Keys............................................................... 2-6
Cursor-Control Keys ........................................................ 2-7
Numeric Keypad .............................................................. 2-7
Function Keys .................................................................. 2-8
Fn Key.............................................................................. 2-8

ii
Hot Keys .......................................................................... 2-8
Using the Touchpad ........................................................... 2-11
Configuring the Touchpad ............................................. 2-13
Using the Touchscreen (Optional) ..................................... 2-14
Using the Hard Disk Drive................................................. 2-16
Installing a Second Hard Disk Drive (Optional)............ 2-16
Using the Optical Drive (Optional) .................................... 2-18
Inserting and Removing a Disc ...................................... 2-19
Using the Video Features ................................................... 2-21
Configuring the Display Modes ..................................... 2-21
Using the Audio Features................................................... 2-22
Connecting Audio Devices ............................................ 2-23
Using the Communication Features ................................... 2-24
Using the Modem........................................................... 2-24
Using the LAN ............................................................... 2-25
Using the Wireless LAN ................................................ 2-26
Using the Bluetooth®Feature......................................... 2-29
Using the 3G Feature (Optional).................................... 2-34
Using the Fingerprint Sensor.............................................. 2-38
Enrolling Fingerprints .................................................... 2-40
Changing the Settings .................................................... 2-42
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.............................................. 3-4
Replacing the Battery Pack .............................................. 3-5
Installing a Second Battery Pack (Optional) .................... 3-6
Battery Low Signals and Actions..................................... 3-9
Power Management............................................................ 3-10
Hibernation..................................................................... 3-11
Power-Saving Tips ............................................................. 3-12

iii
Chapter 4 Expanding Your Computer ...............................4-1
Connecting an External Monitor .......................................... 4-2
Connecting a Serial Device .................................................. 4-4
Connecting a USB Device.................................................... 4-5
Connecting an IEEE 1394 Device........................................ 4-6
Using Smart Cards (Optional).............................................. 4-7
Inserting and Removing a Smart Card ............................. 4-7
Using PC Cards .................................................................... 4-9
Inserting and Removing a PC Card.................................. 4-9
Using ExpressCards (Optional).......................................... 4-11
ExpressCard Type .......................................................... 4-11
Inserting and Removing an ExpressCard ....................... 4-11
Using the Card Reader ....................................................... 4-13
Using the Port Replicator (Optional).................................. 4-15
System Memory Upgrade................................................... 4-16
Chapter 5 Using BIOS Setup..............................................5-1
When and How to Use BIOS Setup ..................................... 5-2
When to Use..................................................................... 5-2
Starting BIOS Setup......................................................... 5-2
Moving Around and Making Selections .......................... 5-4
Information Menu ................................................................ 5-5
Main Menu ........................................................................... 5-6
Advanced Menu ................................................................... 5-7
Security Menu ...................................................................... 5-9
Boot Menu.......................................................................... 5-11
Exit Menu........................................................................... 5-12
When and How to Use the System Recovery Feature........ 5-13
When to Use................................................................... 5-13
Starting System Recovery .............................................. 5-13
Chapter 6 Using the TPM and P1 Utility............................6-1
Using TPM (Trusted Platform Module)............................... 6-2
P1 Quick Launch Key Utility............................................... 6-3

iv
Chapter 7 Caring for the Computer ...................................7-1
Protecting the Computer....................................................... 7-2
Using the Windows Security 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
Chapter 8 Troubleshooting.................................................8-1
Preliminary Checklist........................................................... 8-2
Solving Common Problems.................................................. 8-3
Battery Problems.............................................................. 8-4
Bluetooth Wireless Transmission Problems..................... 8-4
Display Problems ............................................................. 8-5
ExpressCard Problems ..................................................... 8-6
Hardware Device Problems.............................................. 8-6
Hard Disk Drive Problems ............................................... 8-6
Keyboard, Mouse, and Touchpad Problems .................... 8-7
LAN Problems ................................................................. 8-7
WLAN Problems.............................................................. 8-8
Modem Problems ............................................................. 8-9
Optical Drive Problems.................................................... 8-9
PC Card Problems .......................................................... 8-10
Power Management Problems........................................ 8-11
Software Problems ......................................................... 8-12
Sound Problems ............................................................. 8-12
Startup Problems ............................................................ 8-13
Other Problems............................................................... 8-13
Resetting the Computer...................................................... 8-14

v
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

vi
Preface
This manual contains information that will help you operate the
computer. It is divided into 8 chapters and 2 appendices.
zChapter 1, Getting Started, takes you through the process of setting
up the computer and identifying its external components.
zChapter 2, Operating Your Computer, tells you how to use the
computer’s components and features.
zChapter 3, Managing Power, provides information on power.
zChapter 4, Expanding Your Computer, provides information on
installing and using peripheral devices.
zChapter 5, Using BIOS Setup, describes the BIOS Setup program
that configures the computer’s BIOS settings.
zChapter 6, Using the TPM and P1 Utilities, describes how to use
TPM (Trusted Platform Module) and P1 quick launch key utilities.
zChapter 7, Caring for the Computer, gives you tips in care and
maintenance.
zChapter 8, Troubleshooting, gives solutions to common problems
you may encounter when using the computer.
zAppendix A, Specifications, gives a brief specification of the
computer.
zAppendix B, Regulatory Information, provides regulatory
statements and safety notices on your computer.

vii
Notational Conventions
Throughout this manual, the following conventions are used to
distinguish elements of text.
NOTE: identifies additional information that requires special attention.
CAUTION: identifies important information that, if not followed, may result in loss of
data or damage to the computer.
Keyboard keys are shown in a bold typeset. For example:
Press the Enter key to complete.
When keys are joined by a plus sign (+), press the first key, and, while
keeping the first key down, press the remaining keys, finally release all
the keys. When necessary, keys are also shown in graphics.
A title, command, setup item, or button that you can see on the screen is
shown in boldface. A value or an option that you can select for a setup
item is shown in italic. For example:
Select When I press the power button, set it to Shut down, and
then click the Save changes button.

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. You will find instructions for these procedures:
zUnpacking
zConnecting to AC power
zOpening and closing the cover
zTurning on the computer
zTurning off the computer
Then, you will find a section briefly introducing the external components
of the computer. And the last section navigates you to the information you
may need after the computer is ready for use.
CHAPTER

Getting Started 1-2
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
−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 (n).

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 (o).
4. 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:
zWhenyoudisconnect the AC adapter, disconnectfrom the electricaloutlet first and
then from the computer. A reverse procedure may damage the AC adapter or the
computer.
zWhenunplugging theconnector,alwayshold theplughead.Never pull on the cord.

Getting Started 1-4
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.
Turning On and Off the Computer
Turning On
1. Make sure that the computer is connected to AC power or battery is
fully charged.

Getting Started 1-5
2. Press the power button ( ).
3. Each time the computer is turned on, it performs a Power-On Self
Test (POST), and the Windows operating system 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
whereyouleftoffwhenyounextturnonthecomputer.(See“StoppingtheComputer”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 1-6
Taking a Look at the Computer
This section identifies the external components of the computer and
briefly describes the function of each component.
NOTE:Dependingonthemodelyoupurchased, theappearanceofyour computermay
not be exactly the same as those shown in this manual.
Right-Side Components
NOTE: You may need to openthe covers to be able to see the right-side components.
Ref Component Description See Also
Expansion Card
Slot Depending on your model, the expansion card
slot can be any of the following:
ExpressCard Slot Accepts an ExpressCard/34 / ExpressCard/54
for additional functions.
P. 4-11
n
PCMCIA Slot Accepts a PC card for additional functions. P. 4-9

Getting Started 1-7
Ref Component Description See Also
oMini IEEE 1394
Port Connects an IEEE 1394 device such as a
scanner, printer, DVCAM, VCR, and more.
P. 4-6
pRF (radio
frequency) On/Off
Switch
Serves as the master control that turns the
wireless LAN radio, Bluetooth radio, and
WWAN on/off.
P. 2-27,
2-29, 2-34
qCard Reader Accepts a MultiMediaCard (MMC), Secure
Digital (SD), Memory Stick (MS) or Memory
Stick PRO (MS PRO) card for removable
storage media.
P. 4-13
rRJ-11 Connector Connects the telephone line. P. 2-24
sHard Disk Drive
Compartment Inside is the hard disk drive. P. 2-16
tUSB Ports Each of the two ports connects a USB device,
such as a USB flash disk, printer, digital
camera, joystick, and more.
P. 4-5
Expansion Card
Slot Depending on your model, the expansion card
slot can be any of the following:
Smart Card
Reader Accepts a smart card for additional security
feature.
P. 4-7
u
PCMCIA Slot Accepts a PC card for additional functions. P. 4-9
vGPS Antenna
pass-through
Connector
(option)
Connects to the optional antenna for GPS
receiver. (You need to install third-party GPS
navigation software to take advantage of the
GPS feature.)
wAudio Output
Connector Connects a set of headphones, external
speakers with amplifier, or an audio recording
device.
P. 2-23
Microphone
Connector Connects an external microphone. P. 2-23
RJ-45 Connector Connects the LAN cable. P. 2-25

Getting Started 1-8
Left-Side Components
NOTE: You may need to open the covers to be able to see the left-side components.
Ref Component Description See Also
nBattery 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. 2-18
Secondary
Battery Pack Supplies power to your computer when
external power is not connected.
P. 3-6
o
Secondary Hard
Disk Drive Inside is the hard disk drive. P. 2-16

Getting Started 1-9
Rear Components
NOTE: You may need to open the covers to be able to see the rear components.
Ref Component Description See Also
nPower Connector Connects the AC adapter. P. 1-2
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. 4-15
qVGA Connector Connects an external display monitor. P. 4-2
rSerial Connector Connects a serial mouse or serial
communication device.
P. 4-4
sKensington Lock Locks the computer to a stationary object for
security.
P. 7-3