Acer 1640, 1640Z User Manual

Aspire 1640 Series

User's Guide

Copyright © 2005. Acer Incorporated.

All Rights Reserved.

Aspire 1640 Series User's Guide

Original Issue: August 2005

Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation to notify any person of such revisions or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual or supplementary documents and publications. This company makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Record the model number, serial number, purchase date and place of purchase information in the space provided below. The serial number and model number are recorded on the label affixed to your computer. All correspondence concerning your unit should include the serial number, model number and purchase information.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronically, mechanically, by photocopy, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.

Aspire 1640 Series Notebook PC

Model number: __________________________________

Serial number: ___________________________________

Date of purchase: ________________________________

Place of purchase: ________________________________

Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Incorporated. Other companies' product names or trademarks are used herein for identification purposes only and belong to their respective companies.

iii

Disposal instructions

Do not throw this electronic device into the trash when discarding. To minimize pollution and ensure utmost protection of the global environment, please recycle.

USA

For electronic products containing an LCD/CRT monitor or display:

Lamp(s) inside this product contain mercury and must be recycled or disposed of according to local, state or federal laws. For more information, contact the Electronic Industries Alliance at www.eiae.org. For lamp-specific disposal information, check www.lamprecycle.org.

iv

First things first

We would like to thank you for making the Aspire series of notebook PC your choice for meeting your mobile computing needs.

Your guides

To help you use your Aspire, we have designed a set of guides:

First off, the Just for Starters... poster helps you get started with setting up your computer.

The printed User's Guide introduces you to the basic features and functions of your new computer. For more on how your computer can help you to be more productive, please refer to the AcerSystem User's Guide. This guide contains detailed information on such subjects as system utilities, data recovery, expansion options and troubleshooting. In addition it contains warranty information and the general regulations and safety notices for your notebook. It is available in Portable Document Format (PDF) and comes preloaded on your notebook. Follow these steps to access it:

1Click on Start, All Programs, AcerSystem.

2Click on AcerSystem User's Guide.

Note: Viewing the file requires Adobe Reader. If Adobe Reader is not installed on your computer, clicking on AcerSystem User's Guide will run the Adobe Reader setup program first. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation. For instructions on how to use Adobe Reader, access the Help and Support menu.

Basic care and tips for using your computer

Turning your computer on and off

To turn on the computer, simply press and release the power button below the LCD screen beside the easy-launch buttons. See "Front view" on page 1 for the location of the power button.

v

To turn the power off, do any of the following:

•Use the Windows shutdown command

Click on Start, Turn Off Computer, then click on Turn Off.

•Use the power button

You can also shut down the computer by closing the display cover, or by pressing the sleep hotkey <Fn> + <F4>.

Note: If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold the power button for more than four seconds to shut down the computer. If you turn off the computer and want to turn it on again, wait at least two seconds before powering up.

Taking care of your computer

Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it.

•Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it near sources of heat, such as a radiator.

•Do not expose the computer to temperatures below 0 ºC (32 ºF) or above 50 ºC (122 ºF).

•Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields.

•Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture.

•Do not spill water or any liquid on the computer.

•Do not subject the computer to heavy shock or vibration.

•Do not expose the computer to dust or dirt.

•Never place objects on top of the computer.

•Do not slam the computer display when you close it.

•Never place the computer on uneven surfaces.

Taking care of your AC adapter

Here are some ways to take care of your AC adapter:

•Do not connect the adapter to any other device.

•Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on top of it. Carefully route the power cord and any cables away from foot traffic.

•When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself but pull on the plug.

•The total ampere ratings of the equipment plugged in should not exceed the ampere rating of the cord if you are using an extension cord. Also, the total current rating of all equipment plugged into a single wall outlet should not exceed the fuse rating.

vi

Taking care of your battery pack

Here are some ways to take care of your battery pack:

•Use only batteries of the same kind as replacements. Turn the power off before removing or replacing batteries.

•Do not tamper with batteries. Keep them away from children.

•Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if possible.

Cleaning and servicing

When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:

1Turn off the computer and remove the battery pack.

2Disconnect the AC adapter.

3Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.

If either of the following occurs:

•the computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged;

•the computer does not operate normally

please refer to "Frequently asked questions" on page 23.

Caution

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority, which is granted by the Federal Communications Commission, to operate this computer.

Operation conditions

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Users are requested to follow the RF safety instructions for wireless option devices that are included in the user's manual of each RF option device.

An improper installation or unauthorized use may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Also, any tampering of the internal antenna will void the FCC certification and your warranty.

To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be operated indoors, and installation outdoors is subject to licensing.

For more information about our products, services, and support information, please visit our website: http://global.acer.com.

Disposal instructions First things first

Your guides

Basic care and tips for using your computer Turning your computer on and off Taking care of your computer Taking care of your AC adapter Taking care of your battery pack Cleaning and servicing

An Aspire tour Front view

Closed front view Left view

Right view Rear view Base view

Specifications Indicators Easy-launch buttons Touchpad

Touchpad basics Using the keyboard

Lock keys and embedded numeric keypad Windows keys

Hotkeys Special keys

Ejecting the optical (CD or DVD) drive tray Using a computer security lock

Audio

Adjusting the volume Using the system utilities

Acer eManager

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) Launch Manager

Norton AntiVirus Frequently asked questions

Requesting service

International Travelers Warranty (ITW) Before you call

Acer Arcade (for selected models) Arcade hotkeys

InstantOn Arcade mode Finding and playing content

Settings Arcade controls

Navigation controls Player controls

iii iv iv iv iv v v vi vi 1 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 9 10 11 11 13 13 14 14 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 21 22 23 26 26 26 27 28 28 29 29 30 30 30

Contents

Virtual keyboard	31
Background mode	31
Cinema	32
Settings	32
Album	33
Editing pictures	33
Slide show settings	33
Video	34
Playing a video file	34
Capturing video (TV models only)	34
Snapshot	34
Editing video	35
Music	35
Make DVDs	35
Authoring CD/DVDs	36
Taking your notebook PC with you	37
Disconnecting from the desktop	37
Moving around	37
Preparing the computer	37
What to bring to meetings	38
Taking the computer home	38
Preparing the computer	38
What to take with you	38
Special considerations	39
Setting up a home office	39
Traveling with the computer	39
Preparing the computer	39
What to take with you	39
Special considerations	40
Traveling internationally with the computer	40
Preparing the computer	40
What to bring with you	40
Special considerations	40
Securing your computer	41
Using a computer security lock	41
Using passwords	41
Entering passwords	42
Setting passwords	42
Expanding through options	43
Connectivity options	43
Fax/data modem	43
Built-in network feature	44
Fast Infrared (FIR)	44
Universal Serial Bus (USB)	45
IEEE 1394 port	45
PC Card slot	46
ExpressCard	48

Installing memory	49
BIOS utility	49
Boot sequence	49
Enable disk-to-disk recovery	50
Password	50
Using software	50
Playing DVD movies	50
Power management	51
Acer eRecovery	51
Create backup	52
Restore from backup	52
Create factory default image CD	52
Re-install bundled software without CD	53
Change password	53
Troubleshooting	55
Troubleshooting tips	55
Error messages	55
Regulations and safety notices	57
ENERGY STAR guidelines compliance	57
FCC notice	57
Modem notices	58
Important safety instructions	61
Laser compliance statement	63
LCD pixel statement	63
Macrovision copyright protection notice	63
Radio device regulatory notice	64
General	64
European Union (EU)	64
The FCC RF safety requirement	65
Canada — Low-power license-exempt radio
communication devices (RSS-210)	66
Federal Communications Comission
Declaration of Conformity	67
Declaration of Conformity for CE Marking	68
Index	69

1

An Aspire tour

After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters... poster, let us show you around your new Aspire computer.

Front view

1

	2	9
		8
	3	7
	4	6
		5

#	Item	Description
1	Display screen	Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD); displays
		computer output.
2	Microphone	Internal microphone for sound recording.
3	Keyboard	For entering data into your computer.

English

4 Palmrest	Comfortable support area for your hands when you use
	the computer.

English

2

#	Item	Description
5	Click buttons	The left and right buttons function like the left and
	(left, center	right mouse buttons; the center button serves as a 4-way
	and right)	scroll button.
6	Touchpad	Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a
		computer mouse.
7	Status	Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that light up to show the
	indicators	status of the computer's functions and components.
8	Easy-launch	Buttons for launching frequently used programs.
	buttons	See "Easy-launch buttons" on page 10 for more details.
9	Power button	Turns the computer on and off.

Closed front view

10

#	Icon			Item	Description
1				Speakers	Left and right speakers deliver stereo
					audio output.
2				Power indicator	Lights up when the computer is on.
3				Battery indicator	Lights up when the battery is being
					charged.
4				Bluetooth	Press to enable/disable the Bluetooth
				communication	function. Indicates the status of
				button/indicator	Bluetooth communication (optional).
				(for selected models)
5				Wireless	Press to enable/disable the wireless
				communication	function. Indicates the status of WLAN
				button/indicator	communication (optional).
6				Line-in jack	Accepts audio line-in devices
					(e.g., audio CD player, stereo walkman).

3

# Icon	Item	Description
7	Microphone jack	Accepts input from external
		microphones.
8	Headphones/speakers/	Connects to audio line-out devices
	line-out jack	(e.g., speakers, headphones).
9	USB 2.0 port	Connect to USB 2.0 devices
		(e.g., USB mouse, USB camera).
10	Latch	Locks and releases the lid.

Left view

English

#	Item	Description
1	Optical drive	Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or DVDs depending
		on the optical drive type.
2	LED indicator	Lights up when the optical drive is active.
3	Optical drive	Ejects the optical drive tray from the drive.
	eject button
4	Emergency	Ejects the optical drive tray when the computer is turned
	eject hole	off.

English

4

Right view

# Icon							Item	Description
1							PC Card slot	Ejects the PC Card from the slot.
							eject button
2							PC Card slot	Accepts one Type II PC Card.
3							Two USB 2.0	Connect to USB 2.0 devices
							ports	(e.g., USB mouse, USB camera).
4							Ethernet (RJ-45)	Connects to an Ethernet
							port	10/100-based network.

5Modem (RJ-11) Connects to a phone line. port

6	Ventilation slot Enable the computer to stay cool,
	even after prolonged use.

Rear view

#	Icon Item						Description
1						DC-in jack	Connects to an AC adapter.
2						External display	Connects to a display device
						(VGA) port	(e.g., external monitor, LCD projector).

5

#	Icon Item	Description
3	Kensington lock slot Connects to a Kensington-compatible
		computer security lock.
Base view
	1
		6
		5
	2	4
		3
#	Item	Description
1	Hard disk bay	Houses the computer's hard disk (secured with screws).
2	Battery	Releases the battery for removal.
	release latch
3	Battery bay	Houses the computer's battery pack.
4	Battery lock	Locks the battery in place.
5	Cooling fan	Helps keep the computer cool.
		Note: Do not cover or obstruct the opening of the fan.
6	Memory	Houses the computer's main memory and Mini PCI card.
	compartment

English

English

6

Specifications

Operating	Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition (Service Pack 2)
system	Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional (Service Pack 2)
Platform	Processor:
	• Intel® Pentium® M processor 730/740/750/760/
	770/780 (2 MB L2 cache, 1.60/1.73/1.86/2/2.13/2.26
	GHz, 533 MHz FSB)
	• Intel® Pentium® M processor 725/725A (2 MB L2
	cache, 1.60 GHz, 400 MHz FSB)
	• Intel® Celeron® M processor 360/370/380 (1 MB
	L2 cache, 1.40/1.50/1.60 GHz, 400 MHz FSB)
	Chipset: Intel® 915GM
Memory	256/512 MB or 1 GB of DDR2 533 memory, upgradeable to
	2 GB using two soDIMM modules
Display	15.4" WXGA Acer CrystalBrite color TFT LCD, 1280 x 800
	pixel resolution, supporting simultaneous multi-window
	viewing on dual displays via Acer GridVista
	15.4" WXGA color TFT LCD, 1280 x 800 pixel resolution,
	supporting simultaneous multi-window viewing on dual
	displays via Acer GridVista
	15" XGA color TFT LCD, supporting 1024 x 768 pixel
	resolution
	16.7 million colors
Graphics	Intel® 915GM integrated 3D graphics, featuring Intel®
	Graphics Media Accelerator 900 and up to 128 MB of
	shared memory
	Microsoft® DirectX® 9.0 and dual independent display
	support
	Simultaneous LCD and CRT display with LCD panel
	resolution at 70 Hz
	Up to 2048 x 1536 resolution via non-interlaced CRT display
	MPEG-2/DVD hardware-assisted capability
Audio	Audio system with two built-in speakers
	Sound Blaster Pro™ and MS Sound compatible
	Built-in microphone
Storage	40/60/80/100 GB ATA/100 hard disk drive
Optical	Choice of:
media drive	• DVD-Dual double-layer drive
	• DVD/CD-RW combo drive

7

	Communication	Modem: 56K ITU V.92 with PTT approval;
		Wake-on-Ring ready
		LAN: 10/100 Mbps Ethernet; Wake-on-LAN ready
		WLAN: integrated 802.11b/g Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ network
		solution, supporting Acer SignalUp™ wireless technology
		WPAN: integrated Bluetooth®
	Size and weight	364 (W) x 279 (D) x 33.9/38.9 (H) mm
		(14.33 x 10.98 x 1.33/1.53 inches)
		2.91 kg (6.4 lbs) for 15" LCD model
		2.94 kg (6.5 lbs) for 15.4" LCD model
	Power	ACPI 1.0b CPU power management standard: supports
		Standby and Hibernation power-saving modes
		29.6 W or 65 W Li-ion battery pack
		2.5-hour rapid charge; 3.5-hour charge-in-use
		65 W AC adapter
	Special keys	88-/89-key keyboard, inverted "T" cursor layout, 2.5 mm
		(minimum) key travel, international language support
	and controls
		Touchpad with 4-way scroll button
		12 function keys, four cursor keys, two Windows® keys,
		hotkey controls, embedded numeric keypad
		Four easy-launch buttons: Internet, email, Empowering
		Key, one user-programmable button
		Two front-access LED-buttons: WLAN, Bluetooth®
	I/O ports	Three USB 2.0 ports
		PC card slot (one Type II)
		External display (VGA) port
		Headphones/speaker/line-out port
		Microphone jack
		Line-in jack
		Ethernet (RJ-45) port
		Modem (RJ-11) port
		DC-in jack for AC adapter
	Software	Acer Arcade
		Acer eManager (ePowerManagement, eNetManagement,
		ePresentation, eRecovery, eSettings)
		Acer GridVista 2.0
		Acer Launch Manager
		Norton AntiVirus™
		Adobe® Reader®
		NTI CD-Maker™

English

English

8

Optional items	8-cell Li-ion battery pack
	65 W AC adapter
	256/512 MB or 1 GB DDR2 533 MHz soDIMM modules
	External USB floppy disk drive
Environment	Temperature:
	• Operating: 5 °C to 35 °C
	• Non-operating: -20 °C to 65 °C
	Humidity (non-condensing):
	• Operating: 20% to 80%
	• Non-operating: 20% to 80%
System	Mobile PC 2001
compliance	ACPI 1.0b
	DMI 2.0
Warranty	One-year International Travelers Warranty (ITW)

Note: The specifications listed above are for reference only. The exact configuration of your PC depends on the model purchased.

9

Indicators

The computer has three easy-to-read status indicators on the upper-right above the keyboard, and four on the front panel.

The power, battery and wireless communication status indicators are visible even when the LCD display is closed.

Icon			Function	Description
			Caps Lock	Lights up when Caps Lock is activated.
			Num Lock	Lights up when Num Lock is activated.
			Media activity	Indicates when the hard disk or optical drive is
				active.
			Bluetooth	Indicates the status of Bluetooth communication.
			WLAN	Indicates the status of WLAN communication.
			Power	Lights up when the computer is on.
			Battery	Lights up when the battery is being charged.

English

English

10

1.Charging: The light shows amber when the battery is charging.

2.Fully charged: The light shows green when in AC mode.

Easy-launch buttons

Above the keyboard, located at the upper-right, are four buttons. These buttons are called easy-launch buttons. They are: mail, Web browser, Acer

Empowering Key < > and one user-programmable button.

Press < > to run the Acer eManager. Please see "Acer eManager" on page

19. The mail and Web browser buttons are pre-set to email and Internet programs, but can be reset by users. To set the Web browser, mail and programmable buttons, run the Acer Launch Manager. See "Launch Manager" on page 21.

Easy-launch button	Default application
P	User-programmable
	Acer eManager (user-programmable)
Web browser	Internet browser (user-programmable)
Mail	Email application (user-programmable)

11

Touchpad

The built-in touchpad is a pointing device that senses movement on its surface. This means the cursor responds as you move your finger across the surface of the touchpad. The central location on the palmrest provides optimum comfort and support.

Touchpad basics

The following items show you how to use the touchpad:

•Move your finger across the touchpad (2) to move the cursor.

•Press the left (1) and right (4) buttons located beneath the touchpad to perform selection and execution functions. These two buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse. Tapping on the touchpad is the same as clicking the left button.

•Use the 4-way scroll (3) button to scroll up or down and move left or right a page. This button mimics your cursor pressing on the right scroll bar of Windows applications.

English

English

12

Function	Left button (1)	Right	Main touchpad (2)	Center
		button (4)		button (3)
Execute	Quickly click		Tap twice (at the same
	twice.		speed as double-clicking
			a mouse button).
Select	Click once.		Tap once.
Drag	Click and hold,		Tap twice (at the same
	then use		speed as double-clicking
	finger on the		a mouse button); rest
	touchpad to		your finger on the
	drag the		touchpad on the second
	cursor.		tap and drag the cursor.
Access		Click
context		once.
menu
Scroll				Click and
				hold to
				move up/
				down/left/
				right.

Note: When using the touchpad, keep it — and your fingers — dry and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to finger movement; hence, the lighter the touch, the better the response. Tapping harder will not increase the touchpad's responsiveness.

13

Using the keyboard

The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded numeric keypad, separate cursor, lock, Windows, function and special keys.

Lock keys and embedded numeric keypad

The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off.

English

Lock key	Description
Caps Lock	When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are
	in uppercase.
Num Lock	When Num Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in numeric
<Fn> + <F11>	mode. The keys function as a calculator (complete with the
	arithmetic operators +, -, *, and /). Use this mode when you
	need to do a lot of numeric data entry. A better solution
	would be to connect an external keypad.
Scroll Lock	When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line up or down
<Fn> + <F12>	when you press the up or down arrow keys respectively.
	Scroll Lock does not work with some applications.

The embedded numeric keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is indicated by small characters located on the upper-right corner of the keycaps. To simplify the keyboard legend, cursor-control key symbols are not printed on the keys.

Desired access	Num Lock on	Num Lock off
Number keys on	Type numbers in a normal
embedded keypad	manner.
Cursor-control keys	Hold <Shift> while using	Hold <Fn> while using
on embedded keypad	cursor-control keys.	cursor-control keys.
Main keyboard keys	Hold <Fn> while typing	Type the letters in a
	letters on embedded keypad.	normal manner.

English

14

Windows keys

The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.

Key			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.
			< > + <E>: Opens the My Computer window.
			< > + <F1>: Opens Help and Support Center.
			< > + <F>: Opens the Search Results window.
			< > + <R>: Opens the Run dialog box.
			< > + <M>: Minimizes all windows.
			<Shift> + < > + <M>: Undoes the minimize all
			windows action.
Application			This key has the same effect as clicking the right mouse
key			button; it opens the application's context menu.

Hotkeys

The computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most of the computer's controls like screen brightness, volume output and the BIOS utility.

To activate hotkeys, press and hold the <Fn> key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination.