Acer Aspire 2920, Aspire 2920Z, Aspire 2420 Service Manual

Aspire 2920/2920Z/2420 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 2920/2920Z/2420 Series service guide.

Date Chapter Updates

Copyright © 2007 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

System Specifications 1

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

System Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Your Acer Notebook tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Closed Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Left View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Right View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Rear View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Easy-Launch Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Touchpad Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Using the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Lock Keys and embedded numeric keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Windows Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Hot Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Special Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Acer Empowering Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Empowering Technology password. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Acer eNet Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Acer ePower Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Acer eAudio Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Acer ePresentation Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Acer eDataSecurity Management (for selected models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Acer eLock Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Acer eRecovery Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Acer eSettings Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Windows Mobility Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Using the System Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Launch Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Norton Internet Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Hardware Specifications and Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

System Utilities 39

BIOS Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Navigating the BIOS Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Main. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Exit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

BIOS Flash Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Removing HDD Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Machine Disassembly and Replacement 53

Disassembly Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Pre-disassembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Disassembly Process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

External Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

External Modules Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Removing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

VII

Table of Contents

Removing the SD dummy card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Removing the ExpressCard dummy card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Removing the Lower Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Removing the DIMM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Removing the WLAN Board Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Removing the Hard Disk Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Removing the Optical Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Main Unit Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Main Unit Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Removing the CPU and VGA Heatsink Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Removing the CPU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Removing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Removing the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Separating the Upper Case from the Lower Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Removing the Launch Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Removing theTouch Pad Board Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Removing the main board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Removing the Speaker Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

Removing the Modem Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Removing the Bluetooth board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

LCD Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

LCD Module Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

Removing the LCD Bezel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Removing the LCD module with the Brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

Removing the Inverter Board and FPC Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Removing the LCD Brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

Removing the Antennas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Removing the Internal Microphone and Web Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

Troubleshooting 97

System Check Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

External Diskette Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

External CD-ROM Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Memory check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Power System Check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Touchpad Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Index of Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Phoenix BIOS Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

Index of Symptom-to-FRU Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Intermittent Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Undetermined Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

Jumper and Connector Locations 117

Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

Clearing Password Check and BIOS Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119

Clearing Password Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

BIOS Recovery by Crisis Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) List 121

Aspire 2920/2920Z/2420 Exploded Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122

Aspire 2920/2920Z/2420 Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

VIII

Table of Contents

Model Definition and Configuration 130 Test Compatible Components 153

Microsoft® Windows® Vista Environment Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154

Online Support Information 157 Index 159

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

System Specifications

Features

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

Platform

For Aspire 2920

K Intel® Centrino® Duo mobile processor technology, featuring: K Intel® Core™2 Duo mobile processor T7300/T7500/T7700/T7800 (4 MB L2 cache, 2/2.20/2.40/2.60

GHz, 800 MHz FSB), T5250/T5450/T5550/T7100/T7250 (2 MB L2 cache, 1.50/1.66/1.83/1.80/2 GHz, 800 MHz FSB), supporting Intel® 64 architecture

K Mobile Intel® GM965 Express Chipset K Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (dual-band quad-mode 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N) Wi-Fi CERTIFIED®

network connection, supporting Acer SignalUp™ with InviLink™ Nplify™ wireless technology, or

K Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG (dual-band tri-mode 802.11a/b/g) Wi-Fi CERTIFIED® network

connection, supporting Acer SignalUp™ wireless technology

For Aspire 2920Z

K Intel® Pentium® mobile processor T2310/T2330 (1 MB L2 cache, 1.46/1.60 GHz, 533 MHz

FSB),supporting Intel® 64 architecture

K Mobile Intel® GL960 Express Chipset K Acer InviLink™ 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi CERTIFIED® solution, supporting Acer SignalUp™ wireless technology

For Aspire 2420

K Intel® Celeron® mobile processor 530/540/550 (1 MB L2 cache, 1.73/1.86/2 GHz, 533 MHz FSB),

supporting Intel® 64 architecture

K Mobile Intel® GL960 Express Chipset K Acer InviLink™ 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi CERTIFIED® solution, supporting Acer SignalUp™ wireless technology

System Memory

K Dual-Channel DDR2 SDRAM support K Up to 2 GB of DDR2 533 MHz memory using two soDIMM modules (for selected models) K Up to 2 GB of DDR2 667 MHz memory, upgradeable to 4 GB using two soDIMM modules (for selected

models)

Display and graphics

K 12.1" WXGA High Brightness (200nits), Acer CrystalBrite™ TFT LCD, 1280 x 800 pixel resolution,

supporting simultaneous multi-window viewing via Acer GridVista™

K Mobile Intel® GL960/GM965 Express Chipset with integrated 3D graphics, featuring Intel® Graphics

Media Accelerator X3100(Intel® GMA X3100) with up to 358 MB of Intel® Dynamic Video Memory Technology 4.0 (8 MB of dedicated system memory, up to 350 MB of shared system memory), supporting Microsoft DirectX® 9

K Dual independent display support K 16.7 million colors

Chapter 1 1

K MPEG-2/DVD hardware-assisted capability (acceleration) K WMV9 (VC-1) and H.264 (AVC) acceleration K S-video/TV-out (NTSC/PAL) support K AcerArcade™, featuring Acer CinemaVision™ and Acer ClearVision™ technologies

Storage subsystem

K 80/120/160/250 GB or larger hard disk drive K Optical drive options:

jDVD-Super Multi double-layer drive jDVD/CD-RW combo drive

K 5-in-1 card reader, supporting Secure Digital™ (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick® (MS),

Memory Stick PRO™ (MS PRO), xD-Picture Card™ (xD)

Input devices

K 84-/85-key keyboard with inverted "T" cursor layout, 2.5 mm (minimum) key travel K Touchpad pointing device K 12 function keys, four cursor keys, two Windows® keys, hotkey controls, embedded numeric keypad,

international language support

K Media keys (printed on keyboard): play/pause, stop, previous, next K Empowering Key K Easy-launch buttons: WLAN, Internet, Bluetooth, email, Acer Arcade ™ K Volume wheel

Audio

K Dolby®-certified surround sound system with two built-in stereo speakers K Dolby® Home Theater audio enhancement featuring Dolby® Digital, Dolby® Digital Live, Dolby® Pro

Logic® II, Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator, Dolby® Headphone and Dolby® Virtual Speaker technologies

K Intel® High Definition Audio support K MS-Sound compatible K Acer PureZone technology with two built-in stereo microphones featuring beam forming, echo

cancellation, and noise suppression technologies

Communication

K Acer Video Conference, featuring:

jIntegrated Acer Crystal Eye webcam, supporting enhanced Acer PrimaLite™ technology jAcer PureZone technology jOptional Acer Xpress VoIP phone

K WLAN:

jIntel® Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (dual-band quad-mode 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N) network connection, supporting

Acer SignalUp™ with InviLink™ Nplify™ wireless technology, or Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG (dual-band tri-mode

802.11a/b/g) Wi-Fi CERTIFIED® network connection, supporting Acer SignalUp™ wireless technology (for selected models)

jAcer InviLink™ 802.11b/g Wi-Fi CERTIFIED® solution, supporting Acer SignalUp™ wireless technology

K WP AN: Bluetooth® 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) K LAN: Gigabit Ethernet, Wake-on-LAN ready K Modem: 56K ITU V.92 with PTT approval, Wake-on-Ring ready

2 Chapter 1

I/O Ports

K ExpressCard™/54 slot K 5-in-1 card reader (SD™, MMC, MS, MS PRO, xD) K Three USB 2.0 ports K External display (VGA) port K S-video/TV-out (NTSC/PAL) port K Headphone/speaker/line-out jack K Microphone-in jack K Ethernet (RJ-45) port K Modem (RJ-11) port K DC-in jack for AC adapter

Environment

K Temperature:

jOperating: 5 °C to 35 °C jNon-operating: -20 °C to 65 °C

K Humidity (non-condensing):

jOperating: 20% to 80% jNon-operating: 20% to 80%

Chapter 1 3

System Block Diagram

HDD

CDROM

3 PORT

USB

SATA

PATA

USB

RJ11

MDC Card

MODEM

ICH8 : 71.80101.024

71. 8 . 0 , 5 , 3ICHMCU SLAQ B

16,17,18,19

(No-SPDIF)

Line Out

OP AMP

G1412

Active Managemnet Technology(DO)

INT.SPKR

Matrix Storage Technology(DO)

Serial Peripheral I/F

LPC I/F

High Definition Audio

LPC BUS

INT.MIC(Digital)

OP AMP

APA2031

ETHERNET (10/100/1000MbE)

10 USB 2.0/1.1 ports

1 PATA 66/100

PCIex1

MIC In

Codec

ALC268

AZALIA

6 PCIe ports

3SATA

ACPI 1.1

PCI/PCI BRIDGE

ICH8M

533/667 MHz

12,13

400MHz

X4 DMI

71.GL960.00U, SLA5V

C-Link0

6,7,8,9,10,11

GM965 : KI.96501.008

GL960 :KI.96501.010

DDR2

533/667MHz

INTEGRATED GRAHPICS

LVDS, CRT I/F

533/667 MHz

DDR2

12,13

533/667MHz

Intel GM965/GL960

HOST BUS

AGTL+ CPU I/F

DDR Memory I/F

667/800MHz@1.05V

(ICS 9LPRS502 71.09502.B0W)

RTM875T-605 71.00875.C0W

2.0G : 71.MEROM.A0U

2.33G : 71.MEROM.B0U

Merom 479

Celeron M

4, 5

CLK GEN.

Mobile CPU

Cardreader

RTS5158

USB 5in1

Pad

29 29

07563

Touch

INT.

PWR BD

WPC8763L

Winbond

KBC

SPI I/F

W25X80-VSS

BIOS

DEBUG

CONN.

LPC

New card

24 24

PWR SW

P2231NFC

Mini Card

abgn/bg

BCM5787MKMLG

GIGA LAN

TXFM

RJ45

2323

CRT

RGB CRT

LCD

LVDS

14" WXGA

G792

SVIDEO/COMP

TVOUT

4 Chapter 1

Your Acer Notebook tour

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

Front View

3 4

11 12

5 6 7

8 9

Icon Item Description

1 Microphone Internal microphone for sound recording. 2 Display screen Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD),

displays computer output.

3 Empowering key Lanuch Acer Empowering Technology 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

and right)

The left and right buttons function like the left

and right mouse buttons.

Chapter 1 5

Icon Item Description

9 Status indicators Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that light up to

show the status of the computer's functions and

components. 10 Acer Crystal Eye Web camera for video communication.

(for selected models) 11 Easy-launch

button

12 Power button Turns the computer on and off.

Buttons for launching frequently used program.

Closed Front View

12 3

Icon Item Description

1 Microphone-in

jack

2 Headphones/

speaker/line-out jack

3 Unlimited volume

control wheel

4 Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio output.

Accepts input from external microphones.

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

Adjust the volume of the audio-out.

Left View

# Icon Item Description

1 DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter.

2 External display

3 S-video/TV-out

4 2 USB 2.0 ports Connect to USB 2.0 devices (e.g., USB

5 ExpressCard/54

6 Chapter 1

(VGA) port

(NTSC/PAL) port

slot

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

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

mouse, USB camera). Accepts one ExpressCard/54 module.

Right View

2 41

Icon Item Description

1 Optical drive Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or DVDs. 2 Optical disk

access indicator

3 Optical drive eject

button

4 Emergency eject

hole

5 USB 2.0 port Connect to USB 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse,

6 Ethernet (RJ-45)

port

7 Modem (RJ-11)

port

Lights up when the optical drive is active.

Ejects the optical disk from the drive.

Ejects the optical drive tray when the computer is

turned off.

USB camera).

Connects to an Ethernet 10/100-based network.

Connects to a phone line.

65 7

8 5-in-1 card reader Accepts Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard

(MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick PRO

(MS PRO), xD-Picture Card (xD).

Rear View

# Icon Item Description

1 Kensington lock slot Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer

security lock.

2 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool, even after

prolonged use.

Chapter 1 7

Bottom View

Icon Item Description

1 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.

2 Battery release

latch

3 Battery lock Locks the battery in position.

4Memory

compartment

5 Hard disk bay Houses the computer's hard disk (secured with

6 Ventilation slots

and cooling fan

Releases the battery for removal.

Houses the computer's main memory .

screws).

Enable the computer to stay cool, even after

prolonged use.

Note: Do not cover or obstruct the opening of the

fan.

8 Chapter 1

Indicators

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

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

Icon Function Description

Power Indicates the computer's power status.

Battery Indicates the computer's batttery

status.

HDD Indicates when the hard disk drive is

Num Lock Lights up when Num Lock is activated.

Caps Lock Lights up when Caps Lock is activated.

NOTE: 1. Charging: The light shows amber when the battery is charging. 2. Fully charged: The light shows

green when in AC mode.

active.

Easy-Launch Buttons

Located beside the keyboard are application buttons. These buttons are called easy-launch buttons. They are: WLAN, Internet, email, Bluetooth, Arcade and 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.

Chapter 1 9

Icon Function Description

Empowering Technology

Acer Arcade Launch Acer Arcade utility

Launch Acer Empowering Technology. (user-programmable)

Wireless communication button/ indicator

Web browser Internet browser (user-Programmable) Mail Email application (user-Programmable)

Bluetooth communication button/ indicator

Touchpad Basics

The following teaches you how to use the touchpad:

Enables/disables the wireless function. Indicates the status of wireless LAN communication.

Enables/disables the Bluetooth function. Indicates the status of Bluetooth communication.

K Move your finger across the touchpad (2) to move the cursor. K Press the left (1) and right (3) 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.

10 Chapter 1

Function Left Button (1)

Right Button

(3)

Main touchpad (2)

Execute Quickly click twice. Tap twice (at the same speed

as double-clicking a mouse

button). Select Click once. Tap once. Drag Click and hold, then use

finger on the touchpad to drag the cursor.

Tap twice (at the same speed

as double-clicking a mouse

button); rest your finger on

the touchpad on the second

tap and drag the cursor. Access

Click once.

context menu

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.

Chapter 1 11

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.

Lock key Description

Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are

in uppercase.

Num Lock

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 letters on

12 Chapter 1

Type numbers in a normal manner.

Hold <Shift> while using cursorcontrol keys.

embedded keypad.

Hold <Fn> while using cursorcontrol keys.

Type the letters in a normal manner.

Windows Keys

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

Key Description

Windows key

Application 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:

<> : Open or close the Start menu <> + <D>: Display the desktop <> + <E>: Open Windows Explore <> + <F>: Search for a file or folder <> + <G>: Cycle through Sidebar gadgets <> + <L>: Lock your computer (if you are

connected to a network domain), or switch users (if you're not connected to a network domain)

<> + <M>: Minimizes all windows <> + <R>: Open the Run dialog box <> + <T>: Cycle through programs on the taskbar <> + <U>: Open Ease of Access Center <> + <X>: Open Windows Mobility Center <> + <BREAK>: Display the System Properties

dialog box

<> + <SHIFT+M>: Restore minimized windows

to the desktop

<> + <TAB>: Cycle through programs on the

taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D

<> + <SPACEBAR>: Bring all gadgets to the

front and select Windows Sidebar

<CTRL> +

<> + <F>: Search for computers (if

you are on a network)

<CTRL> +

<> + <TAB>: Use the arrow keys to

cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D

Note: Depending on your edition of Windows Vista, some shortcuts may not function as described.

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

Chapter 1 13

Hot Keys

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.

Hotkey Icon Function Description

<Fn> + <F1> Hotkey help Displays help on hotkeys.

<Fn> + <F2> Acer eSettings

Management

<Fn> + <F3> Acer ePower

Management

<Fn> + <F4> Sleep Puts the computer in Sleep mode.

<Fn> + <F5> Display toggle Switches display output between the display

<Fn> + <F6> Screen blank Turns the display screen backlight off to save

<Fn> + <F7> Touchpad toggle Turns the internal touchpad on and off.

<Fn> + <F8> Speaker toggle Turns the speakers on and off.

<Fn> + < > Brightness up Increases the screen brightness.

<Fn> + < > Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness.

<Fn> + <F1> Hotkey help Displays help on hotkeys.

<Fn> + <F2> Acer eSettings

Management

Launches Acer eSettings Management in Acer Empowering Technology.

Launches Acer ePower Management in Acer Empowering Technology.

screen, external monitor (if connected) and both.

power. Press any key to return.

Launches Acer eSettings Management in Acer Empowering Technology.

14 Chapter 1

Special Key

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

The Euro symbol

1. Open a text editor or word processor.

2. Hold <Alt Gr> and then press the <5> key at the upper-center of the keyboard. NOTE: Note: Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol. Please refer to www.microsoft.com/

typography/faq/faq12.htm for more information.

The US dollar sign

1. Open a text editor or word processor.

2. Hold <Shift> and then press the <4> key at the upper-center of the keyboard. NOTE: This function varies by the operating system version.

Chapter 1 15

Acer Empowering Technology

The Empowering Technology toolbar makes it easy for you to access frequently used functions and manage your new Acer system. Displayed by default in the upper half of your screen, it provides access to the following utilities:

K Acer eNet Management hooks up to location-based networks intelligently. K Acer ePower Management optimizes battery usage via customizable power plans. K Acer ePresentation Management connects to a projector and adjusts display settings. K Acer eDataSecurity Management protects data with passwords and encryption. K Acer eLock Management limits access to external storage media. K Acer eRecovery Management backs up and recovers data flexibly, reliably

and completely.

K Acer eSettings Management accesses system information and adjusts settings easily.

For more information, right click on the Empowering Technology toolbar, then select the "Help" or "Tutorial" function.

Empowering Technology password

Before using Acer eLock Management and Acer eRecovery Management, you must initialize the Empowering Technology password. Right-click on the Empowering Technology toolbar and select "Password Setup" to do so. If you have not initialized the Empowering Technology password and run Acer eLock Management or Acer eRecovery Management, you will be asked to create it.

NOTE: If you lose the Empowering Technology password, there is no way to reset it except by reformatting

your system. Make sure to remember or write down your password!

Acer eNet Management

Acer eNet Management helps you quickly connect to both wired and wireless networks in a variety of locations. To access this utility, select "Acer eNet Management" from the Empowering Technology toolbar or run the program from the Acer Empowering Technology program group in Start menu. You can also set Acer eNet Management to start automatically when you boot up your PC.

Acer eNet Management automatically detects the best settings for a new location, while offering you the option to manually adjust the settings to match your needs.

16 Chapter 1

Acer eNet Management can save network settings for a location to a profile, and automatically switch to the appropriate profile when you move from one location to another. Settings stored include network connection settings (IP and DNS settings, wireless AP details, etc.), as well as default printer settings. Security and safety concerns mean that Acer eNet Management does not store username and password information.

Chapter 1 17

Acer ePower Management

Acer ePower Management features a straightforward user interface for configuring your power management options. To access this utility, select "Acer ePower Management" from the Empowering Technology toolbar, run the program from the Acer Empowering Technology program group in Start menu, or right-click the Windows power icon in the system tray and select "Acer ePower Management".

Using power plans

Acer ePower Management comes with three predefined power plans: Balanced, High performance and Power saver. You can also create customized power plans. You can create, switch between, edit, delete and restore power plans, as described below.

View and adjust settings for On Battery and Plugged In modes by clicking the appropriate tabs. You can open Windows power options by clicking "More Power Options".

NOTE: You cannot delete the predefined power plans.

To create a new power plan:

Creating customized power plans allows you to save and quickly switch to a personalized set of power options.

1. Click the Create Power Plan icon.

2. Enter a name for your new power plan.

3. Choose a predefined power plan to base your customized plan on.

4. If necessary, change the display and sleep settings you want your computer to use.

5. Click "OK" to save your new power plan.

18 Chapter 1

To switch between power plans:

1. Select the power plan you wish to switch to from the drop-down list.

2. Click "Apply".

To edit a power plan:

Editing a power plan allows you to adjust system settings like LCD brightness and CPU speed. You can also turn on/off system components to extend battery life.

1. Switch to the power plan you wish to edit

2. Adjust settings as required.

3. Click "Apply" to save your new settings.

To delete a power plan:

Y ou cannot delete the power plan you are currently using. If you want to delete the active power plan, switch to another one first.

1. Select the power plan you wish to delete from the drop-down list.

2. Click the Delete Power Plan icon.

Battery status

For real-time battery life estimates based on current usage, refer to the panel in the upper half of the window. Click the to view estimated battery life in sleep and hibernate modes.

Chapter 1 19

Acer eAudio Management

Acer eAudio Management allows you to easily control the enhanced sound effects of Dolby® Home Theater™ on your system. Select "Movie" or "Game" mode to experience the awesome realism of 5.1-channel surround sound from just 2 speakers, via Dolby Virtual Speaker technology. "Music" mode lets you enjoy your favorite tunes, in vivid detail..

Acer ePresentation Management

Acer ePresentation Management lets you project your computer's display to an external display device or projector using the hotkey: <Fn> + <F5>. If auto-detection hardware is implemented in the system and the external display supports it, your system display will be automatically switched out when an external display is

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