Acer 5050, 3050 User Manual 2

Aspire 5050/3050 Series

Service Guide

Service guide files and updates are available

on the ACER/CSD web; for more information,

please refer to http://csd.acer.com.tw

PRINTED IN TAIWAN

Revision History

Please refer to the table below for the updates made on Aspire 5050/3050 service guide.

Date Chapter Updates

Copyright © 2006 by Acer Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.

Disclaimer

The information in this guide is subject to change without notice.

Acer Incorporated makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Any Acer Incorporated software described in this manual is sold or licensed "as is". Should the programs prove defective following their purchase, the buyer (and not Acer Incorporated, its distributor, or its dealer) assumes the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair, and any incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect in the software.

Acer is a registered trademark of Acer Corporation. Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. Pentium and Pentium II/III are trademarks of Intel Corporation. Other brand and product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

III

Conventions

The following conventions are used in this manual:

SCREEN MESSAGES Denotes actual messages that appear

on screen.

NOTE Gives bits and pieces of additional

information related to the current topic.

WARNING Alerts you to any damage that might

result from doing or not doing specific actions.

CAUTION Gives precautionary measures to

avoid possible hardware or software problems.

IMPORTANT Reminds you to do specific actions

relevant to the accomplishment of procedures.

Preface

Before using this information and the product it supports, please read the following general information.

1. This Service Guide provides you with all technical information relating to the BASIC CONFIGURATION decided for Acer's "global" product offering. To better fit local market requirements and enhance product competitiveness, your regional office MAY have decided to extend the functionality of a machine (e.g. add-on card, modem, or extra memory capability). These LOCALIZED FEATURES will NOT be covered in this generic service guide. In such cases, please contact your regional offices or the responsible personnel/channel to provide you with further technical details.

2. Please note WHEN ORDERING FRU PARTS, that you should check the most up-to-date information available on your regional web or channel. If, for whatever reason, a part number change is made, it will not be noted in the printed Service Guide. For ACER-AUTHORIZED SERVICE PROVIDERS, your Acer office may have a DIFFERENT part number code to those given in the FRU list of this printed Service Guide. You MUST use the list provided by your regional Acer office to order FRU parts for repair and service of customer machines.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 System Specifications 1

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

System Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Board Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Your Acer Notebook tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Closed Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Left View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Right View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Bottom Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Easy-Launch Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Touchpad Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Using the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Lock Keys and embedded numeric keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Windows Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Hot Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Special Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Acer Empowering Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Empowering Technology password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Acer ePower Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Acer ePresentation Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Acer eDataSecurity Management (for selected models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Acer eLock Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Acer eRecovery Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Acer eSettings Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Acer ePerformance Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Acer OrbiCam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Using the System Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Launch Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Hardware Specifications and Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Chapter 2 System Utilities 43

BIOS Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Navigating the BIOS Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Main . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

BIOS Flash Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Remove HDD/BIOS Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Chapter 3 Machine Disassembly and Replacement 61

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Disassembly Procedure Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Removing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Removing the HDD Module/the Memory/the Wireless LAN Card/

the Modem Board/the ODD Module and the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

VII

Table of Contents

Removing the HDD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Removing the Memory/the Wireless LAN Card/the Modem Board . . . . . . . . . . .66

Removing the ODD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Removing the LCD Module (including Keyboard) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Disassembling the Main Uint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Separating the Main Unit into Upper Case and Lower Case Assembly . . . . . . .69

Disassembling the Upper Case Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Disassembling the Lower Case Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Disassembling the LCD Module (with video camera) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Disassembling the External Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Disassembling the HDD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Disassembling the ODD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Chapter 4 Troubleshooting 75

System Check Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

External Diskette Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

External CD-ROM Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Memory check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Power System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Touchpad Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Index of Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Phoenix BIOS Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Index of Symptom-to-FRU Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Intermittent Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Undetermined Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

Chapter 5 Jumper and Connector Locations 95

Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Chapter 6 FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) List 99

Aspire 5050/3050 Exploded Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

Appendix A Model Definition and Configuration 112

Aspire 5050 Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

Aspire 3050 Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134

Appendix B Test Compatible Components 139

Microsoft® Windows® XP Pro Environment Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Environment Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

Appendix C Online Support Information 145

VIII

Chapter 1

System Specifications

Features

Below is a brief summary of the computer’s many feature:

Platform and memroy

T AMD Turion

TL-50 (1.6 GHz, 2x 256 KB L2 cache) processor, featuring Dual-core processing, supporting AMD

PowerNow!

T AMD Turion

PowerNow!

T Mobile AMD Sempron 3200+/3500+ (1.6/1.8 GHz, 512 KB L2 cache), or Mobile AMD Sempron 3400+/

3600+ (1.8/2.0 GHz, 512 KB L2 cache), supporting AMD PowerNow! HyperTransport. technology, 64bit OS support

T ATI Radeon

T Up to 2 GB of DDR2 533/677 MHz system memory, upgradeable to 4 GB using two soDIMM modules

(dual-channel support)

64 X2 Mobile Technology TL-52/TL-56/TL-60 (1.6/1.8/2 GHz, 2x 512 KB L2 cache), or

, technology and AMD HyperTransportTM technology, 64bit OS support

64 Mobile Technology MK-36 (2.0 GHz, 512 KB L2 cache), supporting AMD

, technology and AMD HyperTransportTM technology, 64bit OS support

, technology and AMD

Xpress 1100 chipset

Display and graphics

T 14.1” WXGA Acer CrystalBrite

window viewing on dual displays via Acer GridVista

T 14.1” WXGA TFT LCD, 1280 x 800 pixel resolution, supporting simultaneous multi-window viewing on

dual displays via Acer GridVista

T ATI Radeon

T ATI DualView

T 16.7 million colors

T MPEG-2/DVD hardware-assisted capability

T S-video/TV-out (NTSC/PAL) support

T Acer Arcade

Xpress 1100 integrated 3D graphics, with up to 128 MB of shared system memory

support

, featuring Acer CinemaVisionTM and Acer ClearVisionTM technologies

TFT LCD, 1280 x 800 pixel resolution, supporting simultaneous multi-

Storage subsystem

T 40/60/80/100/120/160 GB or higher hard disk drive

T Optical drive options:

t 8X DVD-Super Multi double-layer

t 24X DVD/CD-RW combo

T 5-in 1 card reader, supporting Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick

Memory Stick PRO

(MS PRO), and xD-Picture CardTM (xD)

(MS),

Input devices

T 88/89-key keyboard, inverted “T” cursor layout, 2.5 mm (minimum) key travel

T Touchpad with 4-way scroll button

T Four easy-launch buttons: EMpowering key, Internet, email, user-programmable

Chapter 1 1

T Two front-access LED-switches: WLAN, Bluetooth

Audio

T Intel

T Two built-in Acer 3DSonic stereo speakers (1.5W)

T Built-in microphone

T Sound Blaster Pro

High-Definition audio support

and MS Sound compatible

Communication

T Acer Video Conference featuring Voice and Video over Internet Protocol (VVoIP) support via Acer

OrbiCam

T Acer OrbiCam

t 225 degree ergonomic rotation

t Acer PrimaLite

T WLAN: Acer InviLink

technology

T WPAN: Bluetooth

T LAN: Fast Ethernet; Wake-on-LAN ready

T Modem: 56K ITU V.92 with PTT approval, Wake-on-Ring ready

and optional Acer Bluetooth® VoIP phone

integrated 310,000 pixel CMOS camera, featuring:

technology

802.11b/g Wi-Fi CERTIFIEDTM solution, supporting Acer SignalUpTM wireless

2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)

I/O Ports

T PC Card slot (Type II)

T 5-in-1 card reader (SD, MMC, MS, MS PRO, xD)

T Three USB 2.0 ports

T External display (VGA) port

T S-video/TV-out (NTSC/PAL) port

T Headphones/speaker/line-out jack with S/PDIF support

T Microphone-in jack

T Line-in jack

T Ethernet (RJ-45) port

T Modem (RJ-11) port

T DC-in jack for AC adapter

Environment

T Temperature:

toperating: 5 C to 35 C

tNon-operating: -20 C to 65 C

T Humidity (non-condensing):

toperating: 20%~80%

tNon-operating: 20%~80%

°°

2 Chapter 1

System Block Diagram

Power

+1.5V

+1.8VSUS

+1.8V

+0.9V_VTER

+1.8VS5

+1.2V

+5VSUS

+5V

+5VPCU

+3V

+3VPCU

+3VS5

+3VSUS

+VCC_CORE

+2.5V

Name

Power State Table

ISL6251

MAXIM

BATTERY CHARGER

+1.5V/+2.5V

GMT

G966/913-C

TPS51120

+3V_S5

+3V/+5V

+3VSUS/+5VSUS

TPS51116/51117

+3VPCU/+5VPCU

+0.9V_VTER

+1.2V

+1.8VSUS/+1.8V

MAXIM

MAX8774

CPU CORE

MAIND

MAINON

S5_ON

SUSON

S0-S5

S0-S3

Page: 24

Page: 26

MAINON

LINEOUT

SPEAKER

(External)

RJ11

Touchpad

Keyboard

FAN

MAIND

MAINON

N/A

SUSD

ALWAYS

S0-S3

MAX4411

Page: 23

MAX9710

Page: 24

N/A

S5_ON

SUSD

MAIND

ALWAYS

S0-S5

S0-S3

Page: 24

Audio AMP

FOXCONN MDC

Page: 23

NS PC97541V

176-Pins Package

Page: 25

LINE-IN

48-pins Package

Page: 23

MODEM

KBC

SST39VF080

BIOS

Control

Signal

MAINON

VRON

Power

State

MIC-IN

Page: 24

AUDIO CODEC

REALTEK- ALC883

X'TAL

32.768KHz

LPC 33MHZ

Page:27

BATTERY

IDE-ODD

Page: 22

Azalia

549-Pins BGA Package

Page: 13, 14, 15, 16

PCI BUS 33MHZ

USB 2.0

Page:31

PATA HDD

SATA HDD

Page: 22

SATA

ATA 66/100

ATi SB460

RTC

Page: 14

Page:30

+5V

+5VSUS

+1.5V

+2.5V

Manufacturing Option

mini CARD

Page: 20

PCIE

465-Pins FCBGA Package

Page: 8, 9 ,10, 11

2X PCIE

LVDS

+3VSUS

+3V

+3V_S5

+3VPCU

+5VPCU

S-Video

Page: 21

TV-OUT

ATi RS485

RGB

Page:29

+1.2V

+1.8VSUS

+1.8V

+0.9V_VTER

DDR-II SODIMM1

DDR-II SODIMM2

Page: 7

DDR-II 533/667MHz

Turion 64 Rev.F Dual-Core/

Sempron Rev.F Single-Core

Dual-Core 35W / Single-Core 25W

(638 S1g1 socket)

AMD S1

HT_LINK

Page:3, 4, 5, 6

Page:28

VCC_CORE

ZR3

CPU THERMAL

SENSOR

Page:5

Clock generator

ICS951462

Page:12

X'TAL

14.31818MHz

USB2

Size Document Number Rev

Date: Sheet of

Size Document Number Rev

Date: Sheet of

Size Document Number Rev

Date: Sheet

BLOCK DIAGRAM

131Friday, August 04, 2006

USB CAMERA

Page: 20

USB0,1,4

Page: 20

SYSTEM

USB PORT*3

interface

USB6

Page:20

Page: 20

Bluetooth

USB

REQ2# / GNT2#

AD20

INTG#,

INTE#

MINI-PCI

Wireless LAN

Page: 18

Page: 19

CARD

READER

Cardbus controller

REQ3# / GNT3#

AD17

INTH#,INTG#

Page: 19

PCMCIA

SLOT

ENE CB714/1410

Page: 17

RJ45

10/100 LAN

INTE#

AD18

REQ0# / GNT0#

Page: 17

TRANSFORMER

Page: 17

LVDS

Page: 21

REALTEK 8100SBL/CL

CRT

Page: 21

Chapter 1 3

Board Layout

Top View

6 7

1 CN1 LCD Cable Connector 6 U9 ENE CB714

2 SW1-4 Quick Key Switch 7 SW5-10 Touchpad Switch

3 CN2 Touchpad Board Connector 8 U7 EC PC97551

4 U6 LAN RTL8100CL 9 CN3 Keyboard Connector

5 CN4,5,28 5-in-1 Card Reader Connector

4 Chapter 1

Bottom View

NOTE: This is engineering sample. The image above may not be exactly the same as the real main board you

get.

3 4 5

202122252326

1 CN6 RJ45 Connector 14 CN15 RTC Connector

2 CN8 Fan Connector 15 CN16 Bluetooth Connector

3 CN11 So-Dimm Connector (4H) 16 CN18 HDD Connector

4 CN10 So-Dimm Connector (8H) 17 CN20 MDC Connector

5 CN9 Power Board Connector 18 CN21 Internal MIC Connector

6 CN7 CRT Connector 19 CN22 Internal Speaker Connector

7 U16 CPU ATHLON64 20 CN26 Line-in Jack

8 U19 North Bridge RS485 21 CN27 MIC Jack

9 CN12 S-Video Connector 22 CN28 SPDIF Connector

10 CN14 USB Connector 23 CN24 Mini PCI Connector

Chapter 1 5

11 U22 South Bridge SB460 24 PJ1 Battery Connector

12 CN19 PCMCIA Connector 25 SW11 Wireless Switch

13 CN13 ODD Connector 26 SW12 Bluetooth Switch

Jumper Settings/Clear BIOS Password Procedures

1. Please see the bottom side of the main board.

2. Find G1 jumper and short the jumper to clear BIOS password.

G1: CMOS clear Jumper

6 Chapter 1

Your Acer Notebook tour

After knowing your computer features, let us show you around your new TravelMate computer.

Front View

# Icon Item Description

1 Built-in camera 1.3 megapixel/310,000 pixel web

camera for video communication. (for selected models)

2 Display screen Also called Lliquid-Crystal Display

(LCD), displays computer output.

3 Easy-launch buttons Buttons for launching frequently used

program.

4 Status indicators Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that light

up to show the status of the computer’s functions and components.

5 Keyboard For entering data into your computer.

6 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your

hands when you use the computer.

7 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which

functions like a computer mouse.

8 Click buttons (left,

center and right)

The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse buttons; the center button serves as a 4-way scroll button.

Chapter 1 7

9 Microphone Internal microphone for sound

"Easy-launch buttons" on page 18

recording.

10 Power button Turns the computer on and off.

Closed Front View

# Icon Item Description

1 Latch Locks and release the lid

2 Power indicator Indicates the computer’s power status.

3 Battery indicator Indicates the computer’s battery

status.

4 Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo

audio output.

6Wireless

7 Headphones/

8 Microphone-in jack Accepts input from external

9 Line-in jack Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g.,

Bluetooth communication switch/indicator

communication button/indicator

speakers/line-out jack with S/PDIF support

Press to enable/disable Bluetooth function. Lights to indicate the status of Bluetooth-communications (optional).

Press to enable/disable Wireless function. Lights to indicate the status of wireless LAN communications (optional).

Connects to audio line-out devices (e.g., speakers, headphones).

microphones.

audio CD player, stereo walkman).

8 Chapter 1

Left View

Note:

# Icon Item Description

1 External display

(VGA) port

2 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool,

3 S-Video/TV-out

(NTSC/PAL) port

4 USB 2.0 port Connects to USB 2.0 devices (e.g.

Connects to a display device (e.g., external monitor, LCD projector).

even after prolonged use.

Connects to a television or display device with S-video input.

USB mouse, USB camera).

5 5-in-1 card reader Accepts Memory Stick (MS), Memory

Stick PRO (MS PRO), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Secure Digital (SD) and xDPicture Card (xD).

Note: Only one card can operate at any given time.

6 PC Card slot Accepts one Type II PC Card.

7 PC Card slot eject

button

Ejects the PC Card from the slot.

Right View

Chapter 1 9

# Icon Item Description

1 Optical drive Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or

DVDs (slot-load or tray-load depending on model).

2 Optical disk access

indicator

3 Optical drive eject

button

4 Emergency eject

hole

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

6 DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter.

Lights up when the optical drive is active (location depends on model).

Ejects the optical disk from the drive (location depends on model).

Ejects the optical drive tray when the computer is turned off (location depends on model).

Rear Panel

# Icon Item Description

1 Kensington lock

slot

2 USB 2.0 ports Connect to USB 2.0 devices (e.g.,

3 Battery Powers the computer

4 Ethernet (RJ-45)

port

10 Chapter 1

Connects to a Kensingtoncompatible computer security lock.

USB mouse, USB camera).

Connects to an Ethernet 10/100based network.

Bottom Panel

# Item Description

1 Memory

compartment

2 Cooling fan Helps keep the computer cool.

3 Battery release latch Release the battery for removal.

4 Battery bay Houses the computer’s battery pack.

5 Battery lock Locks the battery in position.

6 Hard disk bay Houses the computer’s hard disk

Houses the computer’s main memory.

Note: Do not cover or obstruct the opening of the fan.

(secured with screws)

Indicators

The computer has four easy-to-read status indicators:

Chapter 1 11

The front panel indicators are visible even when the computer cover is closed up.

Icon Function Description

Cap lock Lights when Cap Lock is activated

Num lock Lights when Num Lock is activated.

HDD Indicates when the hard disc or

optical drive is active.

Bluetooth Indicates the status of Bluetooth

communication.

Wireless LAN Indicates the status of wireless LAN

communication.

Power Lights up when the computer is on.

Battery Lights up when the battery is being

charged.

NOTE: 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

Located above the keyboard are four buttons. These buttons are called easy-launch buttons. They are: mail

Web browser, Empowering Key “ “and one user-programmable button.

Press “ “ to run the Acer Empowering Technology. 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.

12 Chapter 1

Launch key Default application

1. Charging:

2. Fully charged:

"Acer

"Launch Manager" on page 51

Easy-launch button Default application

Acer Empowering Technology (userprogrammable)

Email application (user-programmable)

Internet browser (user-programmable)

P User-programmable

Touchpad Basics

The following teaches you how to use the touchpad:

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

T 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

Chapter 1 13

touchpad is the same as clicking the left button.

T 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.

Function Left Button (1)

Execute Click twice

quickly

Right Button

(4)

Main touchpad

(2)

Tap twice (at the same

Center button (3)

speed as doubleclicking the mouse button)

Select Click once Tap once

Drag Click and

hold, then use finger to drag the cursor on the touchpad

Tap twice (at the same speed as doubleclicking a mouse button) then hold finger to the touchpad on the second tap to drag the cursor.

Access

Click once

context 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 too hard will not increase the touchpad’s responsiveness.

NOTE: By default, vertical and horizontal scrolling is enabled on your touchpad. It can be disabled under

Mouse settings in Windows Control Panel.

14 Chapter 1

Using the Keyboard

The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded keypad, separate cursor keys, two Windows keys and twelve function keys.

Lock Keys and embedded numeric keypad

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

Lock Key Description

Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters

typed are in uppercase.

Num lock <Fn>+<F11>

Scroll lock <Fn>+<F12>

When Num Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in numeric 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.

When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line up or down 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 embedded keypad

Cursor-control keys on embedded keypad

Main keyboard keys Hold <Fn> while typing

Type numbers in a normal manner.

Hold <Shift> while using cursor-control keys.

letters on embedded keypad.

Hold <Fn> while using cursor-control keys.

Type the letters in a normal manner.

Windows Keys

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

Chapter 1 15

Key Icon Description

Windows key

Applicat

ion key

Hot Keys

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 function:

+ <Tab> Activates next taskbar button.

+ <E> Opens the My Computer window

+ <F1> Opens Help and Support.

+ <F> Opens the Find: All Files dialog box.

+ <R> Opens the Run dialog box.

+ M Minimizes all windows.

<Shift>+ + <M> Undoes the minimize all windows action.

This key has the same effect as clicking the right mouse button; it opens the application’s context menu.

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

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

Hot Key Icon Function Description

Fn-F1 Hot key help Displays help on hot keys.

Fn-F2 Acer eSettings Launches the Acer eSettings in Acer eManager.

Fn-F3 Acer ePower

Management

16 Chapter 1

Launches the Acer ePowerManagement in Acer eManager.

Hot Key Icon Function Description

Fn-F4 Sleep Puts the computer in Sleep mode.

Fn-F5 Display toggle Switches display output between the display

screen, external monitor (if connected) and both.

Fn-F6 Screen blank Turns the display screen backlight off to save

power. Press any key to return.

Fn-F7 Touchpad toggle Turns the internal touchpad on and off.

Fn-F8 Speaker toggle Turns the speakers on and off.

Fn-w Volume up Increases the speaker volume.

Fn-y Volume down Decreases the speaker volume.

Fn-x Brightness up Increases the screen brightness.

Fn-z Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness

Special Key

You can locate the Euro symbol and US dollar sign at the upper-center and/or bottom-right of your keyboard. To t y pe :

Chapter 1 17

The Euro symbol

1. Open a text editor or word processor.

2. Either directly press the <Euro> symbol at the bottom-right of the keyboard, or hold <Alt Gr> and then press the<5> symbol at the upper-center of the keyboard.

The US dollar sign

1. Open a text editor or word processor.

2. Either directly press the <Dollar> key at the bottom-right of the keyboard, or hold <Shift> and then press the <4> key at the upper-center of the keyboard.

NOTE: This function varies by the operating system version.

NOTE: Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol. Please refer to www.microsoft.com/

typography/faq/faq12.htm for more information.

18 Chapter 1

Acer Empowering Technology

Acer’s innovative Empowering Technology makes it easy for you to access frequently used functions and manage your new Acer notebook. It features the following handy utilities:

T Acer ePower Management extends battery power via versatile usage profiles. T Acer ePresentation Management connects to a projector and adjusts display settings conveniently. T Acer eDataSecurity Management (for selected models) protects data with passwords and advanced

encryption algorithms.

T Acer eLock Management (for slected models) limits access to external storage media. T Acer eRecovery Management backs up and recovers data flexibly, reliably and completely. T Acer eSettings Management accesses system information and adjusts settings easily. T Acer ePerformance Management improves system performance by optimizing disk space, memory and

registry settings.

For more information, press the < > key to launch the Empowering Technology menu, then click on the appropriate utility and select the Help or Tutorial function.

Empowering Technology password

Before using Acer eLock Management and Acer eRecovery Management, you must initalize the Empowering Technology password. Right-click on the Empowering Technology toolbard and select “Password Setup” to do so. If you do not initialize the Empowering Technology password, you will be prompted to do so when running Acer eLock Management or Acer eRecovery Management for the first time.

Acer ePower Management

Acer ePower Management features a straightforward user interface. To launch it, select Acer ePower Management from the Empowering Technology interface.

AC Mode (Adapter mode)

The default setting is “Maximum Performance.” You can adjust CPU speed, LCD brightness and other settings, or click on buttons to turn the following functions on/off: Wireless LAN, Bluetooth, CardBus, FireWire (1394), Wired LAN and Optical Device if supported.

DC Mode (Battery mode)

There are four pre-defined profiles - Entertainment, Presentation, Word Processing, and Battery Life. You can also define up to three of your own.

To create new power profile

1. Change power settings as desired.

2. Click “Save as...” to save to a new power profile.

3. Name the newly created profile.

4. Select whether this profile is for Adapter or Battery mode, then click OK.

5. The new profile will appear in the profile list.

Chapter 1 19

Battery status

For real-time battery life estimates based on current usage, referto the panel on the lower left-hand side of the window.

For additional options, click “Settings” to:

T Set alarms. T Re-load factory defaults. T Select what actions will be taken when the cover is closed or the power button is pressed. T View information about Acer ePower Management.

20 Chapter 1

Acer ePresentation Management

Acer ePresentation Management lets you project your computer’s display to an external device or project using the hot key: Fn + F5. If auto-detection hardware is implemented in the system, your system display will be automatically switched out when an external display is connected to the system.

Chapter 1 21

Acer eDataSecurity Management (for selected models)

Acer eDataSecurity Management is handy file encryption utility that protexts your files from being accessed by unauthorized persons. It is conveniently integrated with Windows explorer as a shell extension for quick and easy data encryption/decryption and also supports on-the-fly file encryption for MSN Messager and Microsoft Outlook.

The Acer eDataSecurity Management setup wizard will prompt you for a suvervisor password and default encryption. This encryption will be used to encrypt files by default, or you can choose to enter your won filespecific password when encrypting a file.

NOTE: The password used encrypt a file is the unique key that the system needs to decrypt it. If you lose the

password, the supervisor password is the only other key capable of decrypting the file. If you lose both passwords, there will be no way to decrypt your encryped file! Be sure to safeguard all related

passwords!

22 Chapter 1

+ 127 hidden pages