User’s Manual
Slimline Notebook
2003 © VTech
Printed in China
91-01592-006
Dear Parent,
At VTech® we know that every child has a unique set of strengths and interests.
That’s why we created the Artificial Intelligence Learning™ Series - a sophisticated
set of learning tools that track your child’s activity and respond by tailoring the learning
experience specifically to your child’s needs.
Every product in the Artificial Intelligence Learning™ Series actually keeps a
record of your child’s performance, and adjusts the subjects and skill levels
accordingly. The programs will accelerate the skill level in a strong subject, and
focus on subject areas that require more work. All the while, your child is learning
through engaging, arcade-style games in which fun and learning are seamlessly
joined.
All the Artificial Intelligence Learning™ Series products feature hi-tech, ergonomic
designs, stereo sound, large LCD screens and a plug-in mouse or touch screen -
features that add a new level of sophistication to your child’s learning experience.
Also, all the products were designed with portability in mind, so that kids can bring
the learning fun anywhere, anytime.
At VTech® we are committed to creating fun learning toys that foster a child’s
intellectual and social development. We thank you for trusting VTech® with the
important job of helping your child learn and succeed!
Sincerely,
Your Friends at VTech®
To learn more about the Artificial Intelligence Learning™ Series and other VTech®
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the VTech® Slimline Notebook learning aid.
Your Slimline Notebook is an electronic learning aid that challenges young minds with
105 activities in categories as diverse as English, math, languages, science, geography
and history. In addition, our new Intelli-System feature will keep track of your child’s
progress, and tailor the learning accordingly. As a member of the VTech® Artificial
Intelligence Learning™ family of products, the Slimline Notebook has the ability to
exchange files with compatible personal computers.
LCD Screen
PC Connection Button
Cartridge Button
On/Off Button
Interactive Light-Up
Volume/
Mouse
Contrast Button
Intelli-Challenge
Button
Mouse Pad
(Included)
Keyboard
Reset Button
Cursor Pad
Esc Button
Mouse Button
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INSTRUCTIONS & ACTIVITIES
INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE
- Slimline Notebook learning product
- Interactive light-up mouse
- Mouse pad
- Artificial Intelligence Learning™ Desktop Software CD-ROM
- PC Connection cable
- 3 bonus activity cartridges
- 4 “AA” sized batteries
- Instruction manual
WARNING:
All packing materials such as tape, plastic sheets, wire ties and tabs are not part of this
toy and should be discarded for your child’s safety.
GETTING STARTED
Before playing for the first time, be sure you have 2 “AA” sized backup batteries, in addition
to the 4 “AA” sized batteries included with the unit. These backup batteries enable you to
save information onto the unit.
Before playing, please make sure the plastic strip is removed from the bottom of
the unit.
CONNECTING THE MOUSE
Use the mouse only on a clean, flat surface so that the roller ball is not damaged and the
cursor moves freely across the screen. Use only a mouse that is compatible with VTech®
products.
1. Make sure the unit is OFF.
2. Locate the mouse jack on the back of the unit.
3. Plug the mouse into the mouse jack.
USING THE MOUSE
1. Move the mouse in the direction you want the cursor to move.
2. Click the mouse button to make a selection.
CLEANING THE MOUSE
1. Following the arrows, use a screwdriver to open the cover on the bottom of the mouse.
2. Take the ball out of the mouse and use a dry cloth to clean the mouse and the ball.
3. Place the ball back in the mouse, replace the mouse cover and screw the cover closed.
BATTERY INSTALLATION
The Slimline Notebook operates on 4 “AA” size batteries (UM-3/LR6) or a VTech® 9V
adaptor (sold separately).
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1. Make sure the unit is turned OFF.
2. Locate the battery cover on the bottom of the unit and open it.
3. Insert 4 new “AA” batteries (UM-3/LR6) as illustrated.
4. Close the battery cover.
NOTE: Replace with new, alkaline batteries.
RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES ARE NOT RECOMMENDED.
BATTERY NOTICE
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Do not try to recharge non-rechargeable batteries;
Rechargeable batteries are to be removed from the toy before being charged;
Rechargeable batteries are only to be charged under adult supervision;
Do not mix different types of batteries; Do not mix new and used batteries;
Only use batteries of the recommended or equivalent type;
Always insert batteries properly matching the plus (+) and minus (-) signs;
Batteries that have run out of energy must be removed from the toy;
Do not short circuit the supply terminals;
Do not use more batteries than recommended;
Remove batteries from the toy if it will not be used for an extended period of time.
AC-DC ADAPTOR
Use a VTech® adaptor or any other standard adaptor that complies with EN61558 DC 9V
300mA
center-positive adaptor.
CONNECTION
1. Make sure the unit is OFF.
2. Locate the adaptor jack on the left side of the unit.
3. Insert the adaptor plug into the unit’s adaptor jack.
4. Plug the adaptor into a wall outlet.
5. Turn the unit ON.
NOTE: If the unit stops working or the sound seems weak, it may be the result of the
adaptor connection. Turn the unit OFF and unplug the adaptor for 15 seconds.
Next, plug the adaptor back in and turn the unit ON. If the problem persists, it
may be the result of the adaptor’s wiring.
ADAPTOR NOTICE
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The toy is not intended for use by children under 3 years old;
Only use the recommended adaptor with the toy;
The adaptor is not a toy;
Never clean a plugged-in toy with liquid;
Never use more than 1 adaptor;
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Do not leave plugged-in for extended periods of time.
NOTICE TO PARENTS
Regularly examine the adaptor, checking for damage to the cord, plug, transformer or
other parts. Do not use the adaptor if there is any damage to it.
BACKUP BATTERY INSTALLATION
The Slimline Notebook uses 2 additional “AA” sized batteries (not included) to save
information you input. To avoid damage from leaky batteries, replace the batteries at least
once a year.
To replace the backup batteries:
1. Make sure the unit is OFF.
2. Locate the backup battery cover on the bottom of the unit.
3. Using a screwdriver, loosen the screw on the battery cover.
4. Insert 2 “AA” sized batteries as illustrated.
5. Close the battery cover and tighten the screw to secure it.
Important: While replacing the backup batteries, the 4 “AA”
batteries must be kept in the unit or the unit must
be plugged into the wall outlet with the adaptor.
Otherwise you will lose any information saved on the
unit.
PRODUCT FEATURES
1. THE INTELLI-SYSTEM
All of our Artificial Intelligence Learning™ Series units have a unique feature called
the Intelli-System, which helps you learn as much as possible in a way that fits you best.
How does the system work?As you play, the Intelli-System is always running, and keeping
track of how you do in every subject. When you have played enough activities, the Intelli-
System has enough information to guide your learning: it knows when you should switch
to another subject, which level of an activity is best for you, and which subjects you could
use more work on. Simply put, the Intelli-System teaches you what you need to learn.
These are two ways in which the Intelli-System helps you:
1. When you choose an activity in a certain subject from the Main Menu, the Intelli-
System checks to see how you’re doing in each curriculum of that subject. Then it
automatically chooses a curriculum that you need more practice in.
2. When you press the Intelli-Challenge button or choose Intelli-Challenge from the Main
Menu, the Intelli-System picks activities for you based on how you’ve done in the past.
In Fun Mode, the Intelli-System picks activities that you play often, or do very well in.
In Challenge Mode, the Intelli-System picks activities that are more challenging for
you.
2. PLAY MODES
In the Slimline Notebook, you can choose from 3 different modes of play and learning:
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• Menu Mode
• Adventure
• Intelli-Challenge
MENU MODE
Pick the games and subjects you want to explore! How about Word games? Math games?
Or would you like Social Studies or Science? Check out the Main Menu to get started.
ADVENTURE - EXPLORER QUEST
Help our daring explorer find the treasure in the Room of the Scarab! The treasure is
hidden deep underground in a cleverly designed tomb. Can you open the four locks and
get into the Room of the Scarab?
Enter the Explorer Quest by selecting it from the Main Menu, or by pressing theAdventure
button on the keyboard. After you get 4 keys and open the lock, you must help our explorer
make her way through the path by dodging a flood of creepy bugs! Will our hero find the
treasure? That depends on you!
INTELLI-CHALLENGE
In this mode, the Intelli-System takes over and challenges you with all kinds of different
subjects and questions. You can choose from Fun mode and Challenge mode.
Fun Mode
This mode is best when you want to relax and have some fun. The Intelli-System will
choose questions for you from subjects you’ve done particularly well in, or from games
that you have played often and enjoy most.
Challenge Mode
Now you’re in for a real challenge! The Intelli-System will test you with questions from
subject areas that may not be as familiar to you, and in which you could use a little
practice.
3. GENERAL BUTTONS
ON/OFF BUTTON
Press the On/Off Button to turn the unit ON. Press it again to turn the unit OFF.
VOLUME/CONTRAST BUTTON
Press this button once to change the sound level of the speaker. Use the “+” or “-” buttons
on the unit, or click the left/right arrow on the screen by using the mouse.
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Press this button twice to change the darkness or lightness of
the screen. Use the “+” or “-” buttons on the keyboard, or click
the left/right arrow on the screen by using the mouse.
Press this button a third time to turn the background music ON
or OFF.
Press this button a fourth time to exit. You can also press the
Esc key to exit.
INTELLI-CHALLENGE BUTTON
Press this button to enter the Intelli-Challenge Mode. Our Intelli-System, which keeps
track of your progress in every subject, will pick activities for you, based on how you’ve
done in the past. Choosing Fun Mode will give you activities you’ve done particularly well
in, or have played most often. Choosing Challenge Mode will give you activities in which
you need the most work.
MAIN MENU BUTTON
Press this button to return to the Main Menu at any time.
ADVENTURE BUTTON
Press this button to enter the Adventure mode.
UTILITIES BUTTON
Press this button to select a utility from the Utilities menu.
PROGRESS REPORT BUTTON
Press this key to see how you’re doing in every subject.
PC CONNECTION BUTTON
Press this button to connect your Slimline Notebook to a PC.
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CARTRIDGE BUTTON
Your Slimline Notebook comes with three bonus cartridges with three extra activities:
Number Maze, Music Mixer and Think Fast. Once you insert the cartridge, the activity on
it will automatically download to the unit. You can select cartridge activities by pressing
the Cartridge button, or by choosing them from the Main Menu.
How to insert a cartridge:
1. Make sure the unit is OFF.
2. Insert a cartridge, with the label facing up, into the cartridge
slot.
3. Turn the unit ON.
4. Press the Cartridge button on the keyboard to start the
activity on the cartridge.
4. KEYBOARD LAYOUT
Your Slimline Notebook has a full alphanumerical keyboard that doubles as a music
keyboard. You will also find the function keys described below:
CURSOR PAD
You can control the mouse cursor with your fingers, by touching the cursor pad on the
keyboard.
FUNCTION KEYS
F1 - F13:
Using the Bookmark utility, you can assign each of these keys to
quick-start any activity you like.
Esc Key:
Press this key to exit the current activity.
Level Key:
Press this key to select an activity’s level of difficulty (easy, medium
or hard).
Caps Lock Key: Press this key to type capital letters. Press it again to type lowercase
letters.
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Shift Key:
Press this key to capitalize letters. This key can also access the alternate
function of another key, when both are pressed at the same time.
Status Key:
Help Key:
Repeat Key:
Hint Key:
Press Shift and Status to get the status of the current game.
Press this key to see instructions for an activity.
Press this key to repeat an instruction or a question.
Press this key to get helpful hints about the activity you’re playing.
Your score will be reduced if this key is pressed.
Answer Key:
Symbol Key:
Press this key to see the correct answer to a question. You will not
receive points if this key is pressed.
Press this key to access the symbol menu. Use the mouse to select
and input a symbol.
Space Bar:
Save Key:
When typing, use this key to insert a space between words or numbers.
Press this key to save information in the activities Word Processor,
Artwork Studio, Phone Book, and Music Composer.
Player Key:
Press this key to choose One or Two Player mode.
Directional Keys: Press these keys to move the cursor up, down, left or right.
Press these keys and the Shift key to access the Page Up, Page
Down, Home and End functions.
Enter Key:
Delete Key:
Press this key after choosing your answer, to enter your selection.
Press this key to delete the character highlighted by the cursor.
Backspace Key: Press this key to erase the character to the left of the cursor.
Bookmark Key: Press this key to set activity shortcuts for function keys F1-F13.
5. AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF
To save power, the Slimline Notebook automatically shuts down if it does not receive
any input after several minutes. Press the On/Off button to wake your unit. We recommend
that you turn off the unit when finished playing. Remove the batteries and unplug the
adaptor if your Slimline Notebook will not be used for an extended period of time.
PC CONNECTION
Your Slimline Notebook has the ability to link to a computer and exchange files with it. In
order to use this function, you must install the special PC Connection software provided
with your unit. You may do this by following these steps:
DESKTOP SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
1. Save your work and quit all open programs.
2. Insert the Artificial Intelligence Learning™ Desktop Software CD-ROM into your
computer’s CD-ROM drive.
3. If the Setup program does not begin automatically, open the CD-ROM directory on
your computer, and then click the Setup icon.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
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CONNECTING TO YOUR COMPUTER BY USING THE PC
CONNECTION CABLE
The PC Connection cable connects your VTech® learning product to your computer so
your Slimline Notebook can exchange information with the computer by using the Artificial
Intelligence Learning™ Desktop Software.
Connecting the PC Connection cable:
1. Turn off your computer.
2. Plug the serial connection of the PC Connection cable
into an available serial port on the back of your
computer.
3. Make sure the unit is turned OFF.
4. Plug the other end of the PC Connection cable into
your VTech® learning product.
Important!
Your PC Connection cable requires a dedicated serial port (COM1 or COM2). If you are
unsure of the exact location of the serial port, refer to the manual supplied with your
computer. Any programs sharing the serial port must be closed in order for the VTech®
PC Connection Manager to function properly.
UPLOADING FILES FROM THE MAIN UNIT TO THE PC
After you have successfully set up a connection between your unit and the PC, and installed
the desktop software, press the PC Connection button on the unit in order to upload
information from the Phone Book, Progress Report, Word Processor and Artwork Studio.
INSTALLING ACTIVITIES FROM THE PC
1. Press the website button on the desktop software, and you will be taken to an Internet
site from which you can download activities.
2. Select the activities you would like to download.
3. Click the Download icon on the desktop software to display the Download screen.
4. At the Download screen, you can select which activities you want to install on your
VTech® learning product. To install an activity, select the activity and click “
it to the install list. To remove an activity from the install list, select the activity and click
”.
” to add
“
5. The activities in the install list will be installed to your VTech® learning product during
the next PC Connection. You may press the PC Connection button on your VTech®
learning product for immediate installation. All previously installed activities on your
VTech® learning product will be replaced by the newly installed activities.
learning activities and games that become available for your VTech® learning product.
You can automatically go to the website from the desktop software by clicking on the
Website button. To download activities, follow the instructions on the website.
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ACTIVITIES
The Slimline Notebook includes a total of 105 activities.
Index Main Menu
Sub-Menu
Curriculum
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