Acer TravelMate 5600: Taking your notebook PC with you

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Taking your notebook PC with you

This section gives you tips and hints to consider when moving around or

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traveling with your computer.

Disconnecting from the desktop

Follow these steps to disconnect your computer from external accessories:

1 Save any open files.

2 Remove any media, floppy disks or compact disks from the drive(s).

3 Shut down the computer.

4 Close the display cover.

5 Disconnect the cord from the AC adapter.

6 Disconnect the keyboard, pointing device, printer, external monitor and

other external devices.

7 Disconnect the Kensington lock if you are using one to secure the

computer.

Moving around

When you are just moving within short distances, for example, from your office

desk to a meeting room.

Preparing the computer

Before moving the computer, close and latch the display cover to place it in

Sleep mode. You can now safely take the computer anywhere you go within

the building. To bring the computer out of Sleep mode, open the display; then

press and release the power button.

If you are taking the computer to a client's office or a different building, you

may choose to shut down the computer:

Click on Start, Turn Off Computer, then click on Turn Off (Windows XP).

Or:

You can put the computer in Sleep mode by pressing <Fn> + <F4>. Then close

and latch the display.

When you are ready to use the computer again, unlatch and open the display;

then press and release the power button.

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Note: If the Sleep indicator is off, the computer has entered

Hibernation mode and is turned off. If the power indicator is off

but the Sleep indicator is on, the computer has entered Sleep

mode. In both cases, press and release the power button to turn

the computer back on. Note that the computer may enter

Hibernation mode after being in Sleep mode for a period of time.

What to bring to meetings

If your meeting is relatively short, you probably do not need to bring anything

with you other than your computer. If your meeting will be longer, or if your

battery is not fully charged, you may want to bring the AC adapter with you to

plug in your computer in the meeting room.

If the meeting room does not have an electrical outlet, reduce the drain on the

battery by putting the computer in Sleep mode. Press <Fn> + <F4> or close the

display cover whenever you are not actively using the computer. To resume,

open the display (if closed), then press and release the power button.

Taking the computer home

When you are moving from your office to your home or vice versa.

Preparing the computer

After disconnecting the computer from your desktop, follow these steps to

prepare the computer for the trip home:

• Check that you have removed all media and compact disks from the

drive(s). Failure to remove the media can damage the drive head.

• Pack the computer in a protective case that can prevent the computer from

sliding around and cushion it if it should fall.

Caution: Avoid packing items next to the top cover of the

computer. Pressure against the top cover can damage the screen.

What to take with you

Unless you have some items at home, take the following items with you:

• AC adapter and power cord

• The printed User's Guide

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Special considerations

Follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling to and

from work:

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• Minimize the effects of temperature changes by keeping the computer

with you.

• If you need to stop for an extended period of time and cannot carry the

computer with you, leave the computer in the trunk of the car to avoid

exposing the computer to excessive heat.

• Changes in temperature and humidity can cause condensation. Allow the

computer to return to room temperature, and inspect the screen for

condensation before turning on the computer. If the temperature change

is greater than 10 °C (18 °F), allow the computer to come to room

temperature slowly. If possible, leave the computer for 30 minutes in an

environment with a temperature between outside and room temperature.

Setting up a home office

If you frequently work on your computer at home, you may want to purchase a

second AC adapter for use at home. With a second AC adapter, you can avoid

carrying the extra weight to and from home.

If you use your computer at home for significant periods of time, you might also

want to add an external keyboard, monitor or mouse.

Traveling with the computer

When you are moving within a larger distance, for instance, from your office

building to a client's office building or traveling locally.

Preparing the computer

Prepare the computer as if you were taking it home. Make sure that the battery

in the computer is charged. Airport security may require you to turn on your

computer when carrying it into the gate area.

What to take with you

Take the following items with you:

• AC adapter

• Spare, fully-charged battery pack(s)

• Additional printer driver files if you plan to use another printer

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Special considerations

In addition to the guidelines for taking the computer home, follow these

guidelines to protect your computer while traveling:

• Always take the computer as carry-on luggage.

• If possible, have the computer inspected by hand. Airport security X-ray

machines are safe, but do not put the computer through a metal detector.

• Avoid exposing floppy disks to hand-held metal detectors.

Traveling internationally with the computer

When you are moving from country to country.

Preparing the computer

Prepare the computer as you would normally prepare it for traveling.

What to bring with you

Bring the following items with you:

• AC adapter

• Power cords that are appropriate for the country to which you

are traveling

• Spare, fully-charged battery packs

• Additional printer driver files if you plan to use another printer

• Proof of purchase, in case you need to show it to customs officials

• International Travelers Warranty passport

Special considerations

Follow the same special considerations as when traveling with the computer. In

addition, these tips are useful when traveling internationally:

• When traveling in another country, check that the local AC voltage and the

AC adapter power cord specifications are compatible. If not, purchase a

power cord that is compatible with the local AC voltage. Do not use

converter kits sold for appliances to power the computer.

• If you are using the modem, check if the modem and connector is

compatible with the telecommunications system of the country you are

traveling in.