Gateway m500 User Manual

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Key component upgrades
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Key component upgrades
Your notebook delivers superior power and performance. However, some users 
and the programs they use may demand more. This notebook allows you to 
upgrade key components when you need increased performance.
Memory upgrade
This notebook comes with two DDR-266 SoDIMM (Small Outline Dual Inline 
Memory Module) sockets that accept 128/256/512 MB Synchronous Dynamic 
Random Access Memory (SDRAM) module. Contact Gateway if you need to add 
more memory.
Hard drive upgrade
It is possible to upgrade your hard drive with a higher capacity drive when you 
need more storage space. Your notebook uses a 9.5 mm, 2.5-inch Enhanced-IDE 
hard drive. Contact Gateway if you need to upgrade your hard drive.
ImportantContact Gateway if you decide to perform a key component 
upgrade. 
						

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Chapter 4: Using Peripheral Devices and Options
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							5
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Moving with Your
Notebook
Read this chapter to learn about:
■Moving your notebook
■Traveling with your notebook 
						

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Chapter 5: Moving with Your Notebook
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Disconnecting from peripheral 
devices
To disconnect your notebook from peripheral devices:
1Save your work in progress.
2Shut down Windows and turn off your notebook.
3Disconnect the cord from the AC adapter.
4Disconnect the keyboard, pointing device, printer, external monitor, and 
other external devices.
5Disconnect the Kensington lock if you are using one to secure your 
notebook. 
						

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Moving around
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Moving around
Follow these tips when you are taking your notebook to a meeting.
Preparing your notebook
Before moving your notebook, close and latch the LCD panel to place it in 
Standby mode. You can now safely take your notebook anywhere you go within 
the building.
To bring your notebook out of Standby mode, open the display.
What to bring to short meetings
A fully charged battery runs your notebook for three hours under most 
circumstances. If your meeting is shorter than that, you probably do not need 
to bring anything with you other than your notebook.
What to bring to long meetings
If your meeting will last longer than 3 hours or if your battery is not fully 
charged, you may want to bring the AC adapter with you to plug in your 
notebook in the meeting room.
If the meeting room does not have an electrical outlet, reduce the drain on 
the battery by putting your notebook in Standby mode. Press F
N+F2 or close 
the LCD panel whenever you are not actively using your notebook. Tap any 
key or open the LCD panel to resume. 
						

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Chapter 5: Moving with Your Notebook
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Taking the notebook home
Follow these tips when you are moving your notebook from one location to 
another, for example from your office to your home.
Preparing your notebook
To prepare your notebook for transport:
1Remove all media from the drives. Failure to remove the media can damage 
the drive.
2Shut down Windows and turn off your notebook.
3Pack your notebook in a protective case that can prevent your notebook 
from sliding around and cushion it if it should fall.
What to bring with you
Unless you already have some items at home, bring the AC adapter and power 
cord with you.
WarningAvoid packing items next to the top cover of your notebook. 
Pressure against the top cover could damage the screen. 
						

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Taking the notebook home
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Special considerations
Follow these guidelines to protect your notebook while traveling to and from 
work:
■Minimize the effect of temperature changes by keeping your notebook with 
you.
■If you need to stop for an extended period of time and cannot bring your 
notebook with you, leave your notebook in the trunk of the car to avoid 
exposing your notebook to excessive heat.
■Changes in temperature and humidity can cause condensation. Allow your 
notebook to return to room temperature, and inspect the screen for 
condensation before turning on your notebook. If the temperature change 
is greater than 18°F (10°C), allow your notebook to come to room 
temperature slowly. If possible, leave your notebook 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 notebook at home, it may be worthwhile to 
purchase a second AC adapter for use at home. With a second AC adapter, you 
can avoid transporting the extra weight to and from home. 
If you use your notebook at home for significant periods of time, you might 
also want to add an external keyboard, monitor, or mouse. 
						

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Chapter 5: Moving with Your Notebook
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Traveling with your notebook
Follow these tips when you are traveling locally with your notebook.
Preparing your notebook
Prepare your notebook as if you were taking it home. Be sure the battery in 
your notebook is charged. Airport security may require you to turn on your 
notebook when bringing it into the gate area. 
What to bring with you
Bring the following items with you:
■AC adapter
■Spare, fully charged batteries
■Additional printer driver files if you plan to use another printer
Special considerations
In addition to the guidelines for taking your notebook home, follow these 
guidelines to protect your notebook while traveling:
■Always take your notebook as carry-on luggage.
■If possible, have your notebook inspected by hand. Your notebook can 
safely pass through security X-ray machines, but never expose your 
notebook to a metal detector.
■Avoid exposing diskettes to hand-held metal detectors. 
						

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Traveling internationally with your notebook
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Traveling internationally with your 
notebook
Follow these tips when you are traveling from country to country
Preparing your notebook
Prepare your notebook 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 to the country to which you are traveling
■Spare, fully charged batteries
■Additional printer driver files if you plan to use another printer
Special considerations
Follow the same special considerations as when traveling with your notebook. 
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 (power rating). 
Do not use converter kits sold for appliances to power your notebook.
■If you are using the modem, check if the modem and connector are 
compatible with the telecommunication system of the country you are 
traveling in. 
						

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Chapter 5: Moving with Your Notebook
www.gateway.com