First Steps

hello,
I just ordered my very first laptop, an Acer Travelmate 3201. when it arrives, what are the first things I should do? Will the battery come charged or without charge? Should i charge it up as soon as i get it? Do i need to run any type of fan and battery calibrations? what to do!

 

1. Plug it in and enjoy your rig!
2. Don't worry, it's charging.
3. Download and install Firefox, as your default browser.
4. Don't worry, it's still charging.
5. Read the Owner's manual.
6. Don't worry, IT'S CHARGING! . . . LOL
7. Again, read the owner's manual.
8. ENJOY!

Congrats on your new rig.

Note: Make sure your Windows OS and your virus definitions are up to date.



Dell Inspiron 8600:
* 1.6 Ghz Pentium M * 1024 MB DDR SDRAM * 60 GB 7200 RPM HD * 15.4" WSXGA+ * Internal Bluetooth * Intel Pro/Wireless 2200 * 4x CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) * ATI Mobility Radeon 9600 Pro Turbo 128 MB * Win XP Pro SP2 *

* Apple 17" PowerBook G4 * 14" Toshiba Tecra 8000 * Apple 14" iBook G4 *

 

firefow eh? hummm...why? i know there is another thread on this, butin a nutshell, why?

 

Firefox is secure, fast and very simple to use. Internet Explorer is a target for viruses, worms, browser hijacking, etc.

. . . In a nut shell.

Dell Inspiron 8600:
* 1.6 Ghz Pentium M * 1024 MB DDR SDRAM * 60 GB 7200 RPM HD * 15.4" WSXGA+ * Internal Bluetooth * Intel Pro/Wireless 2200 * 4x CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) * ATI Mobility Radeon 9600 Pro Turbo 128 MB * Win XP Pro SP2 *

* Apple 17" PowerBook G4 * 14" Toshiba Tecra 8000 * Apple 14" iBook G4 *

 

Because you will be a lot less susceptable to spyware using any browser that is not Internet Explorer since most of the stuff is written for it.





I know things, things that could get me killed


Thinkpad T41:
* 1.6Ghz Pentium M * 768Mb Memory * 40Gb Hitachi 7200RPM * Panasonic UJ-845-B DVD+RW *

 

werd, done deal, ff it is!

 

To prevent any potential arguements, there are other capable browsers, as well.

In no particular order, Netscape, Opera, Mozilla, Avant, etc. are all fine browsers . . . whew!

If you do not require Internet Explorer for other than Windows updates, stay away from it. In a polite way, possibily due to it's popularity of yesteryear, Internet Explorer has become a target . . . Whatever the case may or may not be, Internet Explorer has too many issues. This is evident, as they continue attempts to fix/patch the beast.

Perhaps at some point Firefox will be a target, as well . . . But until then, "The FOX Rocks!"




Dell Inspiron 8600:
* 1.6 Ghz Pentium M * 1024 MB DDR SDRAM * 60 GB 7200 RPM HD * 15.4" WSXGA+ * Internal Bluetooth * Intel Pro/Wireless 2200 * 4x CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) * ATI Mobility Radeon 9600 Pro Turbo 128 MB * Win XP Pro SP2 *

* Apple 17" PowerBook G4 * 14" Toshiba Tecra 8000 * Apple 14" iBook G4 *

 

Ummm...this is the Acer section. Please continue this discussion about internet browsers in the Software section.

Swervy,
To answer your question, in most cases, the batteries to come charged from the factory, but they've been sitting on the shelves for a while, so they've already started to deplete. I'd recommend when you get the unit, keep it plugged in for at least 24hrs (you can use it while charging, it'll just take longer to charge). Unplug and use the unit on battery until is depletes and then recharge again to 100%. Doing this a couple times should be good. This is the manual way of calibrating the battery, but the BIOS may have a calibration option. If so, just use the BIOS option, it's much more efficient as you can leave it running over night.

-Vb-

 

right, that's what i was thinking. i've only read about BIOS battery calibration though...is it just like a click and wait kinda deal or do I actually needa know stuff to do it?

 

Your buying an acer notebook right? Then dont expect much from bios . There is only very few option to play with in Bios

Morden lithium ion battery does not need calibaration like it used to be..only thing to keep in mind is not to discharge it completely always recharge at when battery is gets 70% used

As for the first few things...

1)Check out for dead pixels-
http://www.gdargaud.net/Hack/DeadPixels.html

2) Check if all the addin modules like Bluetooth, WLAN, card are all working

3) Check if your battery alings correctly as its 3200 series

4) Perform a RAM test ...using MEMTEST

5) Check if the fan turns on every 5 minutes even though the sytem is at idle state

These are the thing you should consider . Dont worry much about the battery ,its much like in the cell phone its gona last only 300 cyles or more and you will have to get new one


Anyways we expect a review from you SOON!

 

Since George indicated it's not available in the BIOS, I guess you can't do it. For the BIOS calibration option (if available) is just to select the option and walk away. You don't need to know anything special to get this going (if you had the option).

On the HP NX7000 notebook I used to have (before I returned it), the manual and their Tech Support indicated that I should calibrate the battery a couple times to make it run a peak performance. Also, the BIOS also has the Calibration Option built in.

-Vb-