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
II
Copyright
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.
IV
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.
V
VI
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
IX
Table of Contents
X
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
21
CDROM
21
3 PORT
USB
21
SATA
PATA
USB
RJ11
22
MDC Card
MODEM
21
ICH8 : 71.80101.024
71. 8 . 0 , 5 , 3ICHMCU SLAQ B
16,17,18,19
(No-SPDIF)
Line Out
OP AMP
G1412
27
Active Managemnet Technology(DO)
INT.SPKR
27
Matrix Storage Technology(DO)
Serial Peripheral I/F
LPC I/F
High Definition Audio
LPC BUS
25
INT.MIC(Digital)
OP AMP
APA2031
ETHERNET (10/100/1000MbE)
10 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 PATA 66/100
PCIex1
25
MIC In
Codec
ALC268
26
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
3
2.0G : 71.MEROM.A0U
2.33G : 71.MEROM.B0U
Merom 479
Celeron M
4, 5
CLK GEN.
Mobile CPU
Cardreader
RTS5158
USB 5in1
25
BT
24
Pad
29 29
KB
07563
Touch
INT.
PWR BD
WPC8763L
Winbond
KBC
28
SPI I/F
W25X80-VSS
BIOS
29
DEBUG
CONN.
LPC
36
New card
24 24
PWR SW
P2231NFC
Mini Card
abgn/bg
24
BCM5787MKMLG
GIGA LAN
22
TXFM
RJ45
2323
CRT
15
RGB CRT
LCD
14
LVDS
14" WXGA
G792
20
SVIDEO/COMP
TVOUT
15
4 Chapter 1
Your Acer Notebook tour
After knowing your computer features, let us show you around your new TravelMate computer.
Front View
1
2
10
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
4
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
1
# 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
23
(VGA) port
(NTSC/PAL) port
slot
4
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.
5
Right View
8
2 41
3
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
1
# 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.
2
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
<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 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
20 Chapter 1
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