V-tech Language Lab Laptop User manual

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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for buying the VTech®Language Lab Laptop™. The VTech®Language Lab
Laptop™ is a cool way for your child to take learning to a whole new level of fun! In addition
to brushing up on school skills such as language, math, logic, science, social studies, art
and music, the Language Lab Laptop™ introduces your child to Spanish through fun,
graphics-enhanced games. There is even a state of the art recording feature that helps
your child practice Spanish pronunciation. The Language Lab Laptop™ is loaded with
other cool features, such as tools to store personal info, bonus activity cartridges, and even
a USB cable for connecting to a PC. With the Language Lab Laptop™, your child will find
that learning and fun go hand in hand!
INTRODUCTION
Record Button
Volume/
Contrast
Buttons
Demo Button
Mouse
ON/OFF Button
Mouse
Pad
Computer Keyboard Cursor Pad
Cartridge Slot
Reset Button
Quick
Access
Category
Buttons
Progress Report Button
Desktop Software
& Expansion
Activities CD
3 Activity
Cartridges
USB PC
Connection Cable

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INSTRUCTIONS & ACTIVITIES
INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE
• VTech®Language Lab Laptop™
• Real mouse
• Mouse pad
• 3 bonus activity cartridges: Geography Quiz, Spanish Spelling and Story Teller
• User’s manual
• USB PC connection cable
• Desktop software & expansion activities CD-ROM
WARNING:
All packing materials such as tape, plastic sheets, wire ties and tags are not part of
this product and should be discarded for your child’s safety.
GETTING STARTED
POWER SOURCE
The Language Lab Laptop™ operates on 4 “AA” size batteries (UM-3/LR6) or a VTech®
9V adaptor (sold separately).
BATTERY INSTALLATION
1. Make sure the unit is turned OFF.
2. Locate the battery cover on the bottom of the unit and
open it.
3. Insert 4 new “AA” batteries (UM-3/LR6) as illustrated.
RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES ARE NOT
RECOMMENDED.
4. Close the battery cover.
NOTE: For best performance, remove all factory-
installed batteries and use new, alkaline batteries.
Important: When replacing the 4 “AA” size batteries, make sure the backup batteries are
in the unit. Otherwise you will lose any saved information.
BACKUP BATTERY INSTALLATION
Your Language Lab Laptop™ uses the backup battery (sold separately). To avoid damage
to the unit from leaky batteries, replace the backup battery at least once a year.
INSTRUCTIONS & ACTIVITIES

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TO REPLACE THE BACKUP BATTERY
1. Make sure the unit is OFF.
2. Using a small screwdriver, loosen the battery cover.
3. Insert 2 “AA” size batteries as illustrated.
4. Close the battery cover and tighten the screws to secure it.
STANDARD FOR BATTERY TOYS
• Do not try to recharge non-rechargeable batteries;
• Rechargeable batteries are to be removed from the toy before
being charged;
• Rechargeable batteries are only to be charged under adult supervision;
• Do not mix different types of batteries; Do not mix new and used batteries;
• Only use batteries of the recommended or equivalent type;
• Always insert batteries properly matching the plus (+) and minus (-) signs;
• Batteries that have run out of energy must be removed from the toy;
• Do not short-circuit the supply terminals;
• Do not use more batteries than recommended;
• Remove batteries from the toy if it will not be used for an extended period of time.
• Do not dispose of batteries in fire.
Important: While replacing the backup battery, the 4 “AA” size batteries must be kept in
the unit. Otherwise, you will lose any saved information.
DC ADAPTOR
Use a VTech®adaptor or any other standard adaptor that complies with EN61558 AC-DC
9V 300mA center-positive adaptor.
CONNECTING THE ADAPTOR
1. Make sure the unit is OFF.
2. Locate the adaptor jack on the left side of the unit.
3. Insert the adaptor plug into the unit’s adaptor jack.
4. Plug the adaptor into a wall outlet.
5. Turn the unit ON.
NOTE: When the toy is not going to be in use for an extended period of time, unplug the
adaptor.
STANDARD FOR TOYS WITH ADAPTORS
• The toy is not intended for use by children under 3 years old;
• Use only the recommended adaptor with the toy;
INSTRUCTIONS & ACTIVITIES

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• The adaptor is not a toy;
• Never clean a plugged-in toy with liquid;
• Never use more than 1 adaptor;
• Do not leave the toy plugged in for extended periods of time.
NOTICE TO PARENTS
Regularly examine the adaptor, checking for damage to the cord, plug, transformer or other
parts. Do not use the adaptor if there is any damage to it. The demo tag should be removed
automatically when the product is taken out of the packaging. If the demo tag is still in
position when you begin play, please remove it from the bottom of the unit to activate
normal play mode.
REAL MOUSE
Use the mouse only on a clean, flat surface, so that the roller ball is not damaged and the
cursor moves freely across the screen. Use only a mouse that is compatible with VTech®
products.
CONNECTING THE MOUSE
1. Make sure the unit is OFF.
2. Locate the mouse jack on the back of the unit.
3. Plug the mouse into the mouse jack.
USING THE MOUSE
1. Move the mouse in the direction you want the cursor to move.
2. Click on the mouse button to make a selection.
CLEANING THE MOUSE
1. Following the arrows, use a screwdriver to open the cover on the
bottom of the mouse.
2. Take the ball out of the mouse and use a dry cloth to clean the
mouse and the ball.
3. Place the ball back into the mouse, place the cover back onto the
mouse and screw the cover closed.
CARTRIDGE
After the unit is turned ON, insert the cartridge into the
cartridge slot on the right side of the unit.
INSTRUCTIONS & ACTIVITIES

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PRODUCT FEATURES
PLAY MODES
In the Language Lab Laptop™ you can choose from 8 different categories of play and
learning:
• Foreign Language (Spanish)
• Word Fun
• Math & Logic
• Science
• Social Studies
• Game Zone
• Creative Studio
• Cool Tools
Press on the keyboard to switch between one-player and two-player modes.
The activities that can be played with two players are:
Dots & Boxes
Balloon Blow Out
Number Battle
TURNING THE UNIT ON AND OFF
Pressing will turn the unit ON. Pressing again will turn the unit OFF.
ACTIVITY SELECTION:
When the unit is turned ON, you will see a short opening scene and enter the Main Menu.
Here, activities will cycle onto and off the screen automatically. You can choose an activity
in one of these ways:
1) Press when you see an activity you like.
2) Use the cursor pad to cycle through activities manually, and press to
choose one.
3) Click the mouse button when you see an activity you like.
4) Type the activity number and press .
If you press a category key (such as ‘Word Fun’), the menu will jump to the first activity of
that category. An activity can then be chosen in the above ways.
PRODUCT FEATURES

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LEVEL SELECTION
Pressing will take you to the level selection screen. Use the arrow keys, mouse
or keyboard to select level 1 (easy), 2 (medium) or 3 (hard).
ANSWER
In most activities, the answer will be provided after a certain number of tries.
VOLUME AND CONTRAST CONTROL KEYS
To adjust the volume, press the main (center) key once, and hold down the “+” or “-” key to
reach the level you want. Press the main (center) key a second time to adjust the screen
contrast in the same way. Press the main (center) button a third time to go back to regular
play mode. You may also press Esc at any time to go back to regular play mode.
CURSOR PAD
Use the cursor pad to control the movement of the cursor on the screen.
KEYBOARD LAYOUT
Your Language Lab Laptop™has a full typing keyboard that doubles as a music keyboard.
It also features the function keys described below.
FUNCTION KEYS:
Press this button to see a short preview of your Language Lab Laptop™.
Press this button to see how you’re doing in most activities.
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Press one of these buttons to jump to the first activity of the chosen category.
Esc: Press this key to exit an activity.
Level: Press this key to set the difficulty level (easy, medium or hard).
Caps Lock: Press this key to type in capital letters. Press it again to switch to
small letters.
Shift: Hold this key down to type capital letters. You can also use this key to
use the alternate functions of certain keys. These functions are marked
on the keys in a different color.
Status/Help: Press this key for information about the current activity. Press Shift
and Status/Help together to see the current activity status.
Repeat: Press this key to repeat an instruction or a question.
Hint: Press this key for help with a question. Your score will be lowered
when you use this key.
Answer: Press this key to see the correct answer to a question.
Sym.: Press this key to use the symbol menu. Use the mouse to click on a
symbol.
Space Bar: Press this key to type a space between words or characters.
Cartridge : Press this key to play cartridge games: SpanishSpelling, StoryTeller
and Geography Quiz.
Player: Press this key to choose one or two-player mode.
Arrow Keys: Press these keys to move the cursor up, down, right or left.
Enter: Press this key to enter an answer or choice.
Delete: Press this key to delete the last action, letter or character.
Backspace: Press this key to erase the character to the left of the cursor.
Letter Keys: Press these keys to enter letters in letter and word-related activities.
Number Keys: Press these keys to enter numbers in number activities.
Musical Note Keys: Press these keys to enter music notes in music-related activities.
HOT KEYS
Press this key to enter the Personal Profile activity.
Press this key to enter the Word Processor activity.
Press this key to enter the Card Maker activity.
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Press this key to enter the Phone Book activity.
Press this key to enter the Calculator activity.
Press this key to enter the Saving Calculator activity.
Press this key to enter the Alarm Clock activity.
Press this key to enter the Calendar activity.
Press this key to enter the Book Finder activity.
Press this key to access the Screen Saver function.
Press this key to turn the background music on and off.
Press this key to enter the Word Translator activity.
Press this key to enter the CD Download function.
Press this key to connect to a printer and print files.
VOICE MATE
Your Language Lab Laptop™ is equipped with the Voice Mate feature, a built-in recording
system that provides a great way to improve your foreign language skills and express your
creativity. Voice Mate appears automatically in certain foreign language activities. Press
the onscreen “Record” icon to try your hand at Spanish pronunciation, and compare
your recording with the given pronunciation. To hear your recording, press the onscreen
“Play” icon .
NOTE:VTech®accepts no responsibility for the content of any audio recorded using the
Voice Mate feature.
AUTO POWER OFF
To preserve battery power, the Language Lab Laptop™ will automatically shut off after
several minutes of inactivity. You can turn the unit back ON by pressing .
PRODUCT FEATURES

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ACTIVITIES
Your Language Lab Laptop™ offers a total of 105 activities including 3 activities on bonus
cartridges.
Activity No. Activity Names Category Activity Description
1 Spanish Letters Foreign Choose a letter to hear its Spanish
Language pronunciation. You can also click the
Record icon to record your own reading
and compare.
2 Spanish Words Foreign Choose an English word to learn what it
Language means in Spanish. You can also click the
Record icon to record your own reading
and compare.
3 Word Match Foreign You will see a Spanish word at the top of
Language the screen. Use the words you learned in
the “Spanish Words” activity to choose the
matching English word. Use the mouse,
cursor pad, arrow keys to answer.
4 Phrase Teacher Foreign Choose a short English sentence to learn
Language what it means in Spanish. You can also
click the Record icon to record your own
reading and compare.
5 Phrase Match Foreign Use the phrases you learned in the “Phrase
Language Teacher” activity to match each Spanish
sentence with its English translation. Use
the mouse, cursor pad, arrow keys to
answer.
6 Spanish Chat Foreign Choose a chat and watch the screen to
Language learn what is being said. Click the translator
key to switch between English and
Spanish. You can also click the Record icon
to record your own reading and compare.
7 Let’s Chat Foreign You will see part of a chat in Spanish. Use
Language the chats you learned in the “Spanish Chat”
activity to choose the phrase that comes
next.
8 Spanish Singular Foreign Find the singular form of the plural Spanish
Language word at the top of the screen.
9 Spanish Plural Foreign Find the plural form of the singular Spanish
Language word at the top of the screen.
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10 Spanish Strikeout Foreign
Language
14 Word Strikeout Word Fun
15 Grammar Blanks Word Fun
44 Nature Blanks Science
57 Earth Strikeout Science
58 Science Strikeout Science
59 Land Traveler Social Studies
60 Globe Guess Social Studies
61 History Strikeout Social Studies
62 History Blanks Social Studies
11 Language Quiz Foreign
Language
16 Word Quiz Word Fun
17 Grammar Quiz Word Fun
45 Earth Trivia Science
46 Science Smarts Science
47 Creature Quiz Science
63 Word Trivia Social Studies
64 World Whiz Social Studies
65 History Quiz Social Studies
12 Magic Pixels Foreign Read each clue, and type each
Language answer before it fades in. Hurry, time
is running out!
18 Word Dots Word Fun
19 Grammar Pix Word Fun
48 Earth Pix Science
49 Science Bits Science
50 Nature Dots Science
66 Geography Pix Social Studies
67 Histroy Bits Social Studies
68 History Hodgepodge Social Studies
69 Geography Dots Social Studies
20 Vocabulary Clues Word Fun
51 Space Clues Science
52 Science Sleuth Science
Use the mouse, arrow keys, or
number keys to answer each
question. Press Enter to enter your
answer.
Read the clue, and type the answer.
Correct letters will appear on the
screen, and incorrect ones will use
up your chances to answer. Press
the Repeat key to see the clue
again. Press the Symbol key to type
Spanish characters.
Read each clue and guess the
answer. Each puzzle has three to
five clues. Type the answer by using
the keyboard.
ACTIVITIES

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53 Nature Hints Science
70 Geography Clues Social Studies
71 History Hints Social Studies
72 Globe Facts Social Studies
73 History Detective Social Studies
21 Meaning Match Word Fun
54 Science Match Science
55 Creature Match Science
56 Earth Match Science
74 Geography Match Social Studies
75 Geography Galore Social Studies
76 History Match Social Studies
77 History Pair-Up Social Studies
22 Word Whake-O Word Fun Use your mouse to click the letters
that complete the word, or the
38 Math Whake-O Math and Logic numbers that complete the equation.
Click fast, before the answers
disappear!
23 Spelling Snake Word Fun Use the arrow keys to control the
snake. Eat only the letters that
complete the word, or the numbers
that complete the equation. If the
snake touches the wall, itself or a
wrong answer, you lose a turn. You
have three turns to get as many
correct answers as possible.
13 Letter Lander Foreign Use the arrow keys to move the cart
Language left and right. Catch only the letters
that complete the word, or the
24 Spelling Catch Word Fun numbers that complete the
equation.
31 Math Grabber Math and Logic
25 Antonym Match Word Fun
26 Synonym Match Word Fun
27 Homonym Match Word Fun
28 Verb Tense Match Word Fun
29 Grammar Match Word Fun
32 Math Memory Math and Logic
Find the correct match for the word
at the top of the screen. Use the
arrow keys to find an answer, and
press Enter. How many can you
answer before time runs out?
Click on the cards to flip them over,
and match up the pairs. When you
match all six cards, a new board will
appear. Hurry, there is a time limit!
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30 What’s Missing? Word Fun The same letter or letters are missing
from all three words. Type the
letter(s), and press the Enter key.
Press the Hint key to see one of the
correct letters.
33 Which Sign? Math and Logic Use the mouse or arrow keys to
choose the correct sign: greater than
(>), less than (<), or equals (=). How
many equations can you complete
before time runs out?
34 Dial-a-Sign Math and Logic Turn each set of numbers into a
correct equation by using the dials.
Use the left and right arrow keys to
choose a dial; then use the up and
down arrow keys to turn it. Time is
limited, so act fast!
35 Clever Bricks Math and Logic Click on bricks that are next to each
other and add up to the target sum.
Hurry, this is a timed game!
36 Logic Sequence Math and Logic Type the letter or number that
completes each pattern.
37 Number Battle Math and Logic This is a 2-player game. You can play
against a friend or the computer.
Player 1 picks a number from the
highlighted row. Player 2 chooses a
number from the same column as the
number picked by player 1. The
game goes on until all the numbers
have been picked. The player with
the most points wins!
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39 Dots & Boxes Math and Logic This is a 2-player game. You can play
against a friend or the computer.
Take turns drawing a line by clicking
on two dots. A player who completes
the fourth side of a box earns a point,
and gets an extra turn. The player
who makes the most boxes wins.
40 Balloon Blow Out Math and Logic This is a 2-player game. You can play
against a friend or the computer.
Take turns popping 1 to 4 balloons.
Click on the Pass icon or the
Space bar to skip your turn. The one
who pops the last balloon loses.
41 Shape Finder Math and Logic How many triangles, circles,
squares, or rectangles can you find
in the picture? Hint: some shapes
are inside other shapes!
42 Number Maze Math and Logic Every space in the maze is marked
with a number. When you are on a
space, you can only move that
number of spaces in any direction.
You cannot move off the board. Can
you leave the maze before time runs
out?
43 Cluster Cubes Math and Logic Click on cubes with the same pattern
to make them disappear. When no
more cubes can be grouped, the
game is over.
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78 Name That Tune Game Zone Choose the correct name for each
song.
79 Chain Link Game Zone Pair up blocks to make them
disappear. Pairs must be next to
each other, or you must be able to
draw a line between them. See if you
can clear the board!
80 Typing Tutor Game Zone Get your typing skills in shape!
Words will scroll out from right to left.
Quickly type the whole word before
it reaches the other side of the
screen.
81 Match Box Game Zone Use your mouse to slide the boxes
down the screen. When you move
matching boxes next to each other,
they will disappear. Can you clear the
board?
82 Apple Catch Game Zone Use the arrow keys to help the little
guy catch the falling apples. How
many apples can you catch before
time runs out?
83 Music Mixer Creative Studio Choose a song, and use the on-
screen icons to change the song’s
instruments and tempo.
84 Music Composer Creative Studio Use the music notes on the keyboard
to create a song. Click on the arrows
to change musical instruments.
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85 Follow the Notes Creative Studio Repeat the music notes you hear by
pressing the note keys on the
keyboard or clicking the notes on the
screen.
86 Face Maker Creative Studio Click the on-screen icons to create
a face. Save the face you created by
clicking the middle icon at the bottom
of the screen.
87 Card Maker Creative Studio Press to enter the Card
Maker activity. Make your own
greeting cards by choosing a picture
and typing a greeting. Click on the
Save icon to save your file.
Click on the Upload icon to
transfer files to a PC. Click on the
Trash icon to delete files. Click
on the Print icon to print files via
your PC.
88 Picture Fun Creative Studio Choose a picture. Shade in your
picture by choosing from the palette
on the right and clicking on the
different areas of the picture.
89 Book Finder Cool Tools Press to enter the Book
Finder activity. Do you like to read?
We have a whole list of reading
suggestions you might enjoy. You
can even choose them based on
your favorite subject.
90 Calculator Cool Tools Press to enter the Calculator
activity. Use the on-screen keys or
the keyboard to add, subtract,
multiply, and divide. Store numbers
in the memory with the on-screen
memory keys.
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91 Phone Book Cool Tools Press to enter the Phone
Book activity. Here you can store
information about your friends, such
as their names, phone numbers,
birthday and e-mail address. You
can also choose silly pictures for your
friends designed. You can also
upload your files to a PC or print
them.
92 Personal Profile Cool Tools Press to enter the Personal
Profile activity. Type your name,
phone number, email address, and
choose a picture. Press the Esc key
to save your info and return to the
main menu.
93 Progress Report Cool Tools The Progress Report shows how well
you are doing in each learning
category.
94 Saving Calculator Cool Tools Press to enter the Saving
Calculator activity. The Saving
Calculator helps plan your savings.
Enter an amount of money to save,
then enter an amount of time in days,
weeks, or months. The calculator will
tell you how much to save each day/
week/ month, to reach your goal.
95 CD Download Cool Tools Press to enter the CD
Download activity. Use the USB
cable to connect to a PC and
download bonus activity data from
the included CD-ROM.
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96 Screen Saver Cool Tools Press to enter the Screen
Saver activity. Choose a screen
saver for your laptop.
97 Calendar Cool Tools Press to enter the Calendar
activity. Set the date on your laptop .
98 Alarm Clock Cool Tools Press to enter the Alarm
Clock activity. Use the built-in clock
to set the current time on your
Language Lab Laptop™. You can
also set an alarm.
99 Voice Message Cool Tools Click the Record icon to record a
voice message to play when your
laptop starts up. Note: any recording
in other activities will erase your start-
up message.
100 Word Processor Cool Tools Press to enter the Word
Processor activity. Use the keyboard
to type text, and click on the Save
icon to save your file. Click on
the Upload icon to transfer files
to a PC. Click on the Trash icon
to delete files after connecting to a
PC. Click on the Print icon to
print files via your PC. You can also
click on the New icon to create a
new file, and click on to review
files you have saved.
101 Joke Fun Cool Tools Heard any good jokes lately? Try
these! Read the joke and click on the
“Answer” icon for a laugh.
102 Word Translator Cool Tools Press to the enter Word
Translator activity. Choose a word to
see its translation in Spanish or
English.
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103 Cartridge Geography Quiz Cool Tools
Spanish Spelling
Story Teller
PC CONNECTION
Your VTech®Language Lab Laptop™ can connect to a personal computer through the
included USB cable and PC connection program. You can use the PC connection to upload
or print files created in the Word Processor, Card Maker, and Phone Book activities of your
Language Lab Laptop™. You can also use the PC connection to download extra activity
data from the included CD-ROM.
Note: Make sure to install the VTech®Laptop PC Program prior to making the USB cable
connection.
Hardware Requirements
In order to use the PC connection feature, your PC must meet these minimum requirements:
Computer/Processor
Computer with a 486/66-megahertz (MHz) processor or higher (Pentium processor is
recommended)
Memory (RAM requirements depend on the operating
system used)
Windows 98: 16 MB of RAM minimum
Windows 98 Second Edition:16 MB of RAM minimum
Windows 2000: 32 MB of RAM minimum
Windows Me Edition: 32 MB of RAM minimum
Windows XP: 64 MB of RAM minimum
Free Hard Disk Space 35MB
Drive CD-ROM drive
Display Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher-resolution monitor with
256 colors
Peripherals Mouse or compatible pointing device
Operating System Windows 98, Windows 98 SE, Windows Me, Windows 2000
or Windows XP
Installation
To install the PC connection program, insert the PC connection CD-ROM into the CD-ROM
drive of your PC. If installation does not start automatically, select the Run option on the
taskbar Start Menu and type: D:\setup.exe
(Note: If “D:” is not your CD-ROM drive, replace “D:” with your CD-ROM drive.)
The unit offers 3 bonus
cartridges with additional
activities: Geography Quiz,
Spanish Spelling, Story Teller.
PC CONNECTION

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Uninstall
To uninstall the PC connection program, click the Add/Remove Programs icon in the Control
Panel, and choose “VTech®Laptop PC Program” to remove.
Operating Tips
1. Connect the USB cable to a USB port on your PC.
2. Connect the other end of the USB cable to the USB port on your VTech®Language
Lab Laptop™. Turn your Language Lab Laptop™ ON. Make sure the USB cable is
securely connected to both machines.
3. On your PC, run the VTech®Laptop PC Program. To upload files to your PC, use the
onscreen icons in the Word Processor, Card Maker, and Phone Book activities of the
Language Lab Laptop™. Please note that if you revise the files on your PC by using
other applications, you will not be able to download them back to your Language Lab
Laptop™.
4. After you have uploaded files from your Language Lab Laptop™ to your PC, you can
download them back to the Language Lab Laptop™ by using the "Download" icon at
the bottom of the PC program window.
5. In the PC program window, click the “Delete” icon to delete any Phone Book, Word
Processor and Card Maker files you no longer need.
6. Before printing files, make sure your printer is turned on and the page setup of the
printer matches the files you want to print. To print files, use the onscreen "Print" icon in
the Word Processor, Card Maker and Phone Book activities of your Language Lab
Laptop™.
7. Before disconnecting the USB cable or turning off your Language Lab Laptop™, be
sure to click the "Unplug" or "Eject Hardware" icon on the bottom right of the PC screen,
in Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Me. As for Windows 98, close the VTech®
Laptop PC Program before turning off the Language Lab Laptop™ or disconnecting
the USB cable.
8. For best performance, do not connect more than one product using the VTech®Laptop
PC Program to your PC at one time.
CARE & MAINTENANCE
1. Keep your Language Lab Laptop™ clean by wiping it with a slightly damp cloth. Never
use solvents or abrasives.
2. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from direct sources of heat.
3. Remove the batteries when not using it for an extended period of time.
4. Avoid dropping it. NEVER try to dismantle it.
5. Always keep the Language Lab Laptop™ away from water.
CARE & MAINTENANCE