Gateway M275 Tablet PC FAQ

FAQs for the Gateway M275 tablet pc's distributed as part of the Summer '05 Faculty Institute and in the User Service Loaner Pool

If your answer isn't here, try looking at:
http://www.tabletpcbuzz.com/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=54

Q: I don't have an icon for PowerPoint. How do I get one?

A: The icon for PowerPoint was accidentally deleted on the '05 Faculty Institute tablet image. You can create a new one using the following procedure:

  1. Double-click any existing PowerPoint file (.ppt).
  2. Close PowerPoint after it starts
  3. A PowerPoint icon will now be in the Recently Used portion of your start menu.
  4. Right-click and drag this icon to wherever you'd like a PowerPoint icon (i.e. Desktop, Quicklaunch toolbar, another folder in the Start menu).
  5. When you release the right mouse button, chose copy to copy the PowerPoint icon.
This procedure will also work for other programs you;d like to make shortcuts for.
Q: My virus protection is not updating automatically and Windows is warning me about it.

A: The version of McAfee's virus scan that come on the tablets will no longer update. To get updates you must uninstall McAfee Virus Scan from the "Add/Remove Programs" control panel, then install the newest version available at udeploy.udel.edu

Q: There's an application named "PrismXL" running on my system. Is this spyware? How do I get rid of it?

A: Gateway left a remnent of their remote management software on the tablets when they shipped them from the factory. PrismXL can be disabled in the Windows services. For more information on this issue and instructions on removal see Gateway's Support document:
http://support.gateway.com/s/issues/2-1945178247.shtml

Q: I get errors that my computer name is already on use on the network. How do I stop this?

A: This happens because all of the tablet pc's were imaged from an original master. When you are on the same subnet as other tablet pc's managed from the same maseter your PC will see the others named 'facinst' and give this error. The error can safely be ignored, but if you wish to stop it from popping up you can:

  1. Right-click "My Computer" and choose properties
  2. Select the "Computer Name" tab
  3. Click "Change..."
  4. Provide a new, unique name for your computer
  5. Restart your computer
Q: When I try to project digital video, I get a black rectangle instead of the video.

A: To project video on the tablet pc you must turn down the hardware acceleration:

  1. Right-click your desktop wallpaper and choose Properties
  2. Select the "Setings" tab
  3. Click "Advanced..."
  4. Select the "Troubleshoot" tab
  5. Set the "Hardware Acceleration" tab to the middle position
  6. Click "OK" to close all dialogs
You may wish to set this back to "full" when you are not presenting, especially if you are using 3d or video editing software.
Q: I've lost the stylus to my tablet pc or would like to buy a second one. Where can I buy one?

A: We've been unable to locate a retail location in the Newark or Wilmington area that stocks tablet pc styli. You can mail order one directly from Gateway at:
http://accessories.gateway.com/AccessoryStore/PC+Accessories_316441/Notebook+Accessories_316800/Notebook+Accessories_375699/8007406_ProdDetail

It may take 2 weeks or longer for replacemnt styli to arrive from Gateway. User Services has a small number of extra styli we can loan you while you are waiting for your replacement.

The Palm and Wacom styli you may find in local retail stores or have from other devices will not generally work on the tablet pcs.

Q: How should I clean my tablet screen?

A: According to the User's Guide:

"Use a soft cloth and water to clean the LCD screen. Squirt a little water on the cloth (never directly on the screen), and wipe the screen with the cloth."

You should never use abrasive or ammonia-based cleaners as they will damage the coating on the glass.

Windex and other glass and surface cleaners commonly contain ammonia and thus should not be used.

Q: Where is the User's Guide? The link to it on my system doesn't work.

A: http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Gateway/M275/3501734nv.shtml

Q: The stylus does not seem to track my cursor accurately. How do I calibrate it?

A: The "Tablet and Pen Settings" control panel on the "Settings" tab, click "Calibrate...". You should calibrate both in portrait and landscape orientations.

Q: Can I record DVDs on this tablet?

A: The faculty institute tablet pc's do not include internal DVD recorders. The internal optical drive can play back DVDs and record CDs.

If you need to record DVDs we recommend adding an external USB2 dual-format DVD recorder such as the Sony DRX710UL/T (approx $130). A retail DVD recorder should come with the editing, authoring and burning software you need to create a video DVD.

Q: How can I improve the tablet pc handwriting recognition?

A: Microsoft has an article on this topic available at:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/tabletpc/getstarted/vanwest_03may28hanrec.mspx

This document also has information on erasing, selecting and the 'write anywhere' feature.

You can also edit the tablet's dictionary using the Dictionary Tool Power Toy (Start...Program Files...Power Toys for Tablet PC...Dictionary Tool for Tablet PC...) to add words that the tablet pc does not recognize automatically.

The Writing Recognition Game power toy can give you practice in getting the tablet to recognize your handwriting.

Q :How can I convert handwriting to text?

A : For Microsoft Office:

For OneNote:

Last Modified Tuesday, 03-Jul-2007 15:55:50 EDT