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As1300_E.book Page i Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM User’s guide...
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.
As1300_E.book Page iii Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM First things first Your guides Basic care and tips for using your computer Getting familiar with your computer A tour of your computer Front view Left view Right view Rear view Bottom view Features Display...
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As1300_E.book Page iv Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Peripherals and options External display devices External input devices External keyboard External keypad External pointing device Printer Audio devices Expansion devices PC Card USB devices Miscellaneous options Battery pack AC adapter Key component upgrades Memory upgrade Hard disk upgrade...
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As1300_E.book Page v Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Troubleshooting Frequently asked questions Appendix A Specifications Appendix B Notices Index...
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As1300_E.book Page vi Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM...
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You are advised to read it thoroughly and keep it handy for future reference. For more information on our products, services, and support, please visit our web site www.global.acer.com. To turn on your computer, open the lid and press the power button above the keyboard.
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As1300_E.book Page viii Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM viii Note: if you are unable to shut down the computer in the usual way, press and hold the power switch for more than four seconds. You should then wait at least two seconds before turning the computer on again.
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As1300_E.book Page ix Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Do not tamper with the battery. Keep the battery away from children. • Dispose of batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if possible. • When cleaning your computer, it is important that you follow these steps: Turn off the computer and remove the battery.
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As1300_E.book Page x Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM...
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As1300_E.book Page 2 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Your Aspire 1300 series notebook computer combines solid performance, versatility, multimedia capabilities and portability with a stylish design. Increase your productivity by working wherever you are. This chapter provides an in-depth "tour" of your...
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As1300_E.book Page 3 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM After setting up your new Aspire notebook computer, as illustrated in the Just for starters… poster, take a few minutes to explore the unit.
As1300_E.book Page 4 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Item Description Display Large liquid crystal display (LCD) provides visual output. Launch keys 4 buttons that can be programmed to start frequently used applications. Power button Turns the computer on and off. Touchpad Touch sensitive pad that functions like a computer mouse.
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As1300_E.book Page 5 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Item Modem jack Network jack Microphone-in jack Headphone jack PC card eject button PC card slot Floppy disk drive Floppy disk eject button Description Connects the built-in fax/data modem to a phone line.
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As1300_E.book Page 6 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Item Optical drive Optical drive emergency eject hole Optical drive eject button Optical disc read indicator Getting familiar with your computer Description Depending on your model, the optical drive is one of the following: •...
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As1300_E.book Page 7 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Item Kensington lock slot DC-in jack USB ports External display port Parallel port Ventilation slots Description For attaching a security connector. Connects the AC adapter. 2 ports for connecting USB devices. Connects an external (VGA) display monitor.
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As1300_E.book Page 8 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Item Ventilation slots Battery Battery release latch Hard disk bay Memory compartment Getting familiar with your computer Description Enables the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use. The computer's removable battery. Slide and hold the latch, and then pull the battery to remove it from the unit.
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As1300_E.book Page 9 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Mobile AMD Athlon XP1400+, XP1600+, or higher processor. • VIA ProSavage KN133 chipset. • 2 memory slots supporting 133MHz SDRAM (PC-133), upgradeable to 1GB. • 20GB Enhanced-IDE hard disk. • Microsoft Windows XP operating system. •...
The thin-film transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD) supports extended graphics array (XGA) resolution, enabling 16.7 million colors at 1024 x 768. Your Aspire 1300 series notebook computer features an accelerated graphics port (AGP) video system integrated in the VIA ProSavage KN133 chipset. This provides a robust solution, while enabling high quality video output.
As1300_E.book Page 11 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Your computer provides an array of six indicators located above the keyboard, in addition to two indicators positioned at the front of the palm rest area. These indicators show the status of the computer and its components. The six indicators located above the keyboard provide the following status information: Description...
As1300_E.book Page 12 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM The two indicators located at the front of the unit provide the following status information: Description Battery charge: Green the AC adapter is connected and the battery is fully charged. Amber the AC adapter is connected and the battery is charging.
As1300_E.book Page 13 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM The keyboard features full-size keys with an embedded keypad, separate cursor control keys, two Windows keys, and twelve function keys (hot keys). Caps Lock The computer features three lock keys, each with its own status indicator light. Lock Key Description Caps Lock...
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As1300_E.book Page 14 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM The embedded keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is indicated by small blue numbers and characters on the applicable keys. To use the embedded numeric keys, toggle the Num Lk on by pressing the Fn + F9 keys simultaneously.
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As1300_E.book Page 15 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM The keyboard features two keys that provide Windows-specific functions. Description Windows key Pressed alone, this key has the same effect as clicking on the Windows Start button; it launches the Start menu. It can also be used with other keys to provide a variety of functions: + Tab activates the next Taskbar button.
As1300_E.book Page 16 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Using the Fn key with another key creates a hot key, providing a quick and convenient method for controlling various functions. To use a hot key, first hold down the Fn key. Next, press the second key in the combination.
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As1300_E.book Page 17 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Your computer supports the new Euro currency character. First, hold down the Alt Gr key, and then press the Euro key.. Alt Gr The wide palm rest area provides a comfortable platform for your hands when typing on the keyboard.
As1300_E.book Page 18 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM The built-in touchpad is a PS/2- compatible pointing device that senses movement on its surface. The cursor responds to your finger movements on the touchpad. In addition, the two click buttons provide the same functionality as a computer mouse, while the scroll key enables easy up and down scrolling in documents and web pages.
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As1300_E.book Page 19 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM top of the key to scroll up, and the bottom to scroll down. Function Left Button Execute Click twice quickly. Select Click once. Drag Click and hold. Then, slide your finger across the touchpad to drag the cursor over the selection.
2 is used to launch the Internet browser. Keys 3 and 4 start the Launch Manager application. All four launch keys can be set by the user. To set the launch keys, run the Acer Launch Manager. Launch key...
As1300_E.book Page 21 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Your computer's all-in-one design offers a variety of data storage options: The high capacity Enhanced-IDE hard disk drive. • The hard drive is upgradeable, enabling you to increase your storage capacity in the future.
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As1300_E.book Page 22 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM To load an optical disc: Place a CD or DVD on the open tray. Align the disc's center hole with the tray's • spindle. Gently push down on the disc until it clicks in place on the spindle. •...
As1300_E.book Page 23 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Your computer has built-in connectivity options, enabling you to hook up to a network or communicate over a phone line. The integrated network feature allows you to connect your computer to an Ethernet- based (10/100Mbps) network.
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As1300_E.book Page 24 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Getting familiar with your computer To use the fax/data modem, plug a phone cable into your computer's modem jack, and then connect the other end to a telephone jack.
As1300_E.book Page 25 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Your computer includes an integrated stereo audio system. Built-in stereo speakers are located at the front of the unit. Volume is adjusted using software, such as Volume Control in Windows, or any other application that provides a volume adjustment control.
As1300_E.book Page 26 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Your computer features hardware and software security solutions, in the form of a slot for a Kensington lock and a password facility. A slot for a Kensington slot enables you to physically protect your computer from theft.
As1300_E.book Page 28 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Your Aspire 1300 series notebook computer operates on battery or AC power. This chapter provides information for operating on battery power, as well as information on how your computer manages and saves power.
As1300_E.book Page 29 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Your computer uses a re-chargeable Ni-Mh or Li-Ion battery pack. The battery pack has the following characteristics: Employs current battery technology standards. • Delivers a battery-low warning. • To prolong the life of your Ni-Mh battery pack, fully deplete the battery before recharging.
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As1300_E.book Page 30 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Use this conditioning process for all new batteries, or if a battery hasn't been used for a long time. If the computer is to be stored for more than two weeks, you are advised to remove the battery pack from the unit.
As1300_E.book Page 31 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM To charge the battery, first make sure that it is correctly installed in the battery bay. Plug the AC adapter into the computer, and connect to a mains power outlet. You can continue to operate your computer on AC power while your battery is charging.
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As1300_E.book Page 32 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM When the battery-low warning appears, the recommended course of action depends on your situation: Situation Recommended Action The AC adapter and a 1. Plug the AC adapter into the computer, and then connect to the power outlet are mains power supply.
As1300_E.book Page 33 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Your computer features a built-in power management unit that constantly monitors system activity. System activity refers to any activity involving one or more of the following devices: keyboard, touchpad/mouse, floppy disk drive, hard disk drive, optical drive, peripherals connected to the computer, and video memory.
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As1300_E.book Page 34 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Operating on battery power...
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As1300_E.book Page 36 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Your Aspire 1300 series notebook computer offers good expansion capabilities. This chapter provides information on connecting peripherals to expand your system. It also describes how to upgrade key components to enhance system performance and keep your computer in step with the latest technology.
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As1300_E.book Page 37 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM You can connect an external (VGA) monitor or projector to your computer's external display port. See the section entitled "Display" for information on using the computer's simultaneous display and multi-display features. Use the Fn + F5 hot key to toggle the display setting between the computer's LCD panel and the external display device.
As1300_E.book Page 38 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Peripherals and options You can connect a variety of input devices to your computer's USB ports, providing increased functionality and greater ease-of-use. In addition, the USB ports can be used to connect many other peripheral devices, such as digital cameras, printers and scanners.
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As1300_E.book Page 39 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Your computer features a sensitive touchpad pointing device with two click buttons and a scroll key. However, if you prefer to use a conventional mouse or other pointing device, you can connect it to one of your computer's USB ports.
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As1300_E.book Page 40 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Your computer supports both parallel and USB printers. Refer to the printer's manual for information on: Setting up the hardware. • Installing the necessary drivers in Windows. • Operating instructions. • To use a USB printer, simply connect the device to one of your computer's USB ports, and then wait for Windows to find the new hardware.
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As1300_E.book Page 41 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Your computer offers built-in stereo speakers, as well as an internal microphone. See the section entitled "Audio" for more information on these features. However, in addition to the integrated devices, the two audio ports on the left side of the unit enable you to connect external audio input and output devices.
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As1300_E.book Page 42 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Your computer features a PC card slot that supports a standard Type II or Type III PC card (PCMCIA or CardBus). This greatly increases your computer's usability and expandability. A variety of PC cards are available, such as flash memory, SRAM, fax/ data modem, LAN, and SCSI cards.
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As1300_E.book Page 43 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM To remove a PC card: Close the application that is using the PC card. Double click on the PC card icon on the taskbar, and then select the option to safely remove the card. Wait for the message telling you that it is now safe to remove the card.
As1300_E.book Page 44 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Peripherals and options Your computer features two USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports for connecting a range of USB peripherals. See "External input devices" and "Printer" for information on connecting a USB keyboard, keypad, mouse or printer. Other common USB devices include digital cameras, scanners, and external storage devices.
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As1300_E.book Page 45 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM It is a good idea to have a spare battery, especially when you travel with your computer. This greatly increases your productive range when you are on the move. Having a spare AC adapter allows you to keep one in two different places. For example, you could have one AC adapter at home and another at work.
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As1300_E.book Page 46 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Your computer is designed to deliver solid performance. However, in time, you might find that your applications demand even more computing power. For this reason, you are able to upgrade key components. Note: contact your authorized dealer if you decide to perform a key component upgrade.
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As1300_E.book Page 47 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Insert the memory module diagonally in the slot (a), and then press down gently until it clicks in place (b). Replace the memory compartment door, and fasten the screw. The computer automatically detects the new module and reconfigures the memory. It is possible to replace your hard disk with a higher capacity drive when you need more storage space.
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As1300_E.book Page 48 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Peripherals and options...
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As1300_E.book Page 50 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Your Aspire 1300 series notebook computer is ideal for taking with you when you move around. This chapter provides tips on things to consider when traveling with your computer.
As1300_E.book Page 51 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Before moving with your computer, you must turn it off and disconnect all peripherals: Save your work and close all applications. Shut down Windows to turn off your computer. Unplug the AC adapter from the mains outlet, and then disconnect it from the computer.
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As1300_E.book Page 52 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Moving with your computer Sometimes you might need to move your computer a short distance. For example, you might need to move from your office desk to a meeting room. In these situations, you don't have to shut down the operating system.
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As1300_E.book Page 53 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM When you move between your office and home you will need to prepare your computer for the short trip. After disconnecting your computer from the desktop (see "Disconnecting from the desktop"), prepare the unit as follows: Remove all media from the drives.
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As1300_E.book Page 54 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Moving with your computer If you frequently work on your computer at home, as well as at work, it may be worthwhile purchasing a second AC adapter. This will allow you to travel lighter, as you can keep an AC adapter in each location.
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As1300_E.book Page 55 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Sometimes you might need to make longer trips with your computer. Prepare the computer as you would for moving between your office and home. It is advisable to make sure that the battery is fully charged. If you are traveling by air, you might be required to turn on the computer during security checks.
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As1300_E.book Page 56 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Occasionally you might need to travel between countries with your computer. Prepare the computer as you would for normal travel. Remember to take special precautions for air travel (see "Traveling with your computer"). It is advisable to take the following items with you: AC adapter.
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As1300_E.book Page 58 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Your Aspire 1300 series notebook computer includes system utilities. This chapter provides information on the important software that comes with your computer.
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As1300_E.book Page 59 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Your computer comes preloaded with the following software: Microsoft Windows operating system. • Hardware BIOS setup utility. • System utilities, drivers and application software. • Note: to run software applications in Windows, first click on the Start button. Next, select the appropriate folder, and then click on the application icon.
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As1300_E.book Page 60 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM The BIOS (basic input/output system) contains important information used to configure the hardware and system software settings. Your computer reads the BIOS when it first starts up, before it loads the operating system. Your computer's BIOS includes a built-in setup utility called Insyde Software SCU (system configuration utility).
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As1300_E.book Page 61 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM When you select a menu item, its dialog box is displayed. Information and • instructions are displayed at the bottom of the screen. The Startup menu provides two items: Date and Time, and Boot Device. This menu item allows you to change the date and time settings for your computer's built-in clock.
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As1300_E.book Page 62 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Note: you can change the date and time settings from within Windows by clicking on the Date/Time icon in Control Panel. Alternatively, you can double click the time display on the taskbar. This menu item allows you to set the order of the boot devices.
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As1300_E.book Page 63 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM The Exit menu provides three items: Save and Reboot, Exit (No Save), and Default Settings. This menu item allows you to save the new BIOS settings, before closing the BIOS setup utility and rebooting the computer.
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As1300_E.book Page 64 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Select Exit (No Save) on the Exit menu. • Press the Enter key to close the BIOS setup utility without saving any changes. • Alternatively, you can select Cancel or press the Esc key to keep the BIOS setup •...
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As1300_E.book Page 66 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM This chapter instructs you on how to deal with common system problems. Please read it before calling a technician. Solutions to more serious problems may require opening the computer. Do not attempt to open and service the computer by yourself.
As1300_E.book Page 67 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM This section suggests solutions to commonly encountered problems. Look at the Power status indicator: If it is not lit, no power is being delivered to the computer. Check the following: • •...
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As1300_E.book Page 68 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Check the following: The volume may be muted. In Windows, look at the volume control icon on the • taskbar. If it is crossed-out, click on the icon and deselect the Mute option. The volume level may be too low.
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As1300_E.book Page 69 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Check the following: Make sure that the disc is supported by the drive. If your computer has a CD- • ROM drive, it can read CDs but cannot read DVDs. If your computer has a DVD drive, it can read CDs and DVDs.
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As1300_E.book Page 72 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer.
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As1300_E.book Page 73 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Mobile AMD Athlon XP1400+, XP1600+, or higher processor. • Standard 128 or 256 MB main memory using Synchronous Dynamic Random • Access Memory (SDRAM). Two user-upgradeable 144-pin industry-standard soDIMM slots (PC-133). •...
As1300_E.book Page 74 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM One headphone jack (3.5mm mini jack). • Two Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports. • 14.1”-display model: • • 2.9 kg (6.4 lbs). • 320(W) x 262(D) x 34(H) mm 15.0”-display model: •...
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As1300_E.book Page 76 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM This appendix lists the general notices for your computer.
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As1300_E.book Page 77 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
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As1300_E.book Page 78 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Appendix B Notices This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respected toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le materiel brouilleur du Canada.
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As1300_E.book Page 79 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Read these instructions carefully. Save them for future reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
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As1300_E.book Page 80 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Replace the battery with the same type as the product's battery we recommend. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion. Warning! Batteries may explode if not handled properly. Do not disassemble or dispose of them in fire.
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As1300_E.book Page 81 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM ADVARSEL Eksplosjonsfare ved feilaktig skifte av batteri. Benytt samme batteritype eller en tilsvarende type anbefalt av apparatfabrikanten. Brukte batterier kasseres i henhold til fabrikantens instruksjoner. VARNING Explosionsfara vid felaktigt batteribyte. Anvãnd samma batterityp eller en ekvivalent typ som rekommenderas av apparattillverkaren.
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As1300_E.book Page 82 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM Appendix B Notices...
As1300_E.book Page 85 Tuesday, July 9, 2002 2:01 PM speakers troubleshooting 68 status indicators status LCD 11 storage 21 floppy drive 21 hard disk 21 optical drive 21 time setting in BIOS Utility 61 touchpad 18 using 18– 19 travel international flights 56 local trips 55 connecting 44...