Acer Aspire 2930, Aspire 2930z Service Manual

Aspire 2930 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 2930 Series service guide.

Date Chapter Updates

II

Copyright

Copyright © 2008 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

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

Rear View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

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

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

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

Touch Pad Basics (with fingerprint reader) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Using the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Lock Keys and embedded numeric keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Windows Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Hot Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Special Key (only for certain models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Using the System Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Hardware Specifications and Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

System Utilities 23

BIOS Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Navigating the BIOS Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Main . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Advanced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

BIOS Flash Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

DOS Flash Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

WinFlash Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Remove HDD/BIOS Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Machine Disassembly and Replacement 41

Disassembly Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Pre-disassembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

External Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

External Modules Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Removing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Removing the ExpressCard dummy card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Removing the SD dummy card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Removing the Lower Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Removing the WLAN Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Removing the Hard Disk Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Removing the Optical Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Removing the DIMM Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Main Unit Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Main Unit Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

VII

Table of Contents

Removing the Switch Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Removing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Removing the Speaker Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Removing the Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Removing the LED Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Removing the Power Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Removing the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Removing the Upper Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Removing the Finger Print Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Removing the TouchPad Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Removing the Launch Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Removing the USB Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Removing the I/O Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Removing the Bluetooth Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Removing the Modem Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Removing the Mainboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Removing the RJ-11 Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Removing the Fan/Thermal Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Removing the CPU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

LCD Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

LCD Module Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Removing the LCD Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

Removing the Inverter Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Removing the Camera Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

Removing the LCD Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

Removing the LCD Brackets and FPC Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

Removing the LCD Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Removing the LCD MIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

LCD Module Reassembly Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

Replacing the LCD Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

Replacing the LCD Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102

Main Module Reassembly Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

Replacing the CPU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

Replacing the Thermal Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

Replacing the RJ-11 Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

Replacing the Mainboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

Replacing the Modem Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108

Replacing the Bluetooth Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108

Replacing the I/O Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

Replacing the USB Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

Replacing the Launch Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

Replacing the TouchPad Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110

Replacing the Finger Print Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

Replacing the Upper Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

Replacing the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

Replacing the Power Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Replacing the LED Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Replacing the Speaker Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Replacing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

Replacing the Switch Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119

Replacing the WLAN Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119

Replacing the Hard Disk Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120

Replacing the DIMM Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121

Replacing the ODD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122

Replacing the Lower Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122

VIII

Table of Contents

Replacing the Express and SD Card Trays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123

Troubleshooting 125

Common Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

Power On Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

No Display Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127

Random Loss of BIOS Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128

LCD Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

Built-In Keyboard Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

Touch Pad Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

Internal Speaker Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

Internal Microphone Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132

HDD Not Operating Correctly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133

ODD Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134

USB Failure (Rightside) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137

Modem Function Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137

Wireless Function Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

EasyTouch Button Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

MediaTouch Button Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

Fingerprint Reader Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

Thermal Unit Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

HDTV Switch Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

External Mouse Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141

Other Failures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141

Intermittent Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

Undetermined Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

POST Codes Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143

Port 80 POST Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143

POST Keys and Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145

Jumper and Connector Locations 147

Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148

Clearing Password Check and BIOS Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149

Clearing Password Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149

BIOS Recovery by Crisis Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150

FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) List 151

Aspire 2930 Exploded Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152

Upper/ Lower Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152

LCD Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153

Aspire 2930 FRU List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154

Screw List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162

Model Definition and Configuration 164

Aspire 2930 Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164

Test Compatible Components 229

Microsoft® Windows® Vista Environment Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .230

Online Support Information 235
Index 237

IX

Table of Contents

X

System Specifications

Features

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

Operating System

• Genuine Windows® Vista™

Platform

• Intel® Centrino® 2 processor technology, featuring:

• Intel® Core™2 Duo processor

• Mobile Intel® GM45 Express Chipset

• Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5100/5300*

• Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5150/5350 (Subject to availability)

System Memory

Chapter 1

• Dual-Channel DDR2 SDRAM support

• Up to 2 GB of DDR2 667 MHz memory, upgradeable to 4 GB using two soDIMM modules*

Display and graphics

• 12.1" WXGA 1280 x 800

• Graphics • Mobile Intel® GM45 Express Chipset (Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD)

Storage subsystem

• 2.5" hard disk drive

• Optical drive options:

• DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive

• DVD/CD-RW combo drive

• 5-in-1 card reader

Audio

• Dolby®-optimized surround sound system with two built-in stereo speakers

• High-definition audio support

• S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) support for digital speakers

• MS-Sound compatible

• Acer PureZone technology with two built-in stereo microphones

Chapter 1 1

Special keys and controls

• 88-/89-key keyboard

• Touchpad pointing device

Power subsystem

• ACPI 3.0

• 48.8 W 4400 mAh 6-cell Li-ion battery pack

• 3-pin 65 W AC adapter

• Energy Star 4.0

Dimensions and weight

• 304.8 (W) 230 (D) 35.7/42.1 (H) mm (12 x 9 x 1.4/1.6 inches)

• 2.1 kg (4.6 lbs.) with 6-cell battery pack

Privacy control

• Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint solution*

• BIOS user, supervisor, HDD passwords

• Kensington lock slot

Communication

• Acer Video Conference, featuring:

• Integrated Acer Crystal Eye webcam*

• Acer PureZone technology*

• Optional Acer Xpress VoIP phone*

• WLAN: Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5100/5300*

• WiFIi®/WiMAX™: Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5150/5350

NOTE: Subject to availability.

• WPAN: Bluetooth® 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)*

• LAN: Gigabit Ethernet; Wake-on-LAN ready

• Modem: 56K ITU V.92

I/O interface

• Acer EasyPort IV connector

• ExpressCard™/54 slot

• 5-in-1 card reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS PRO/xD)

• 3 USB 2.0 ports

• External display (VGA) port

• Headphones/speaker/line-out jack with S/PDIFsupport

• Microphone-in jack

• Line-in jack

• Ethernet (RJ-45) port

• Modem (RJ-11) port

• DC-in jack for AC adapter

2 Chapter 1

Environment

• Temperature:

• Operating: 5 °C to 35 °C

• Non-operating: -20 °C to 65 °C

• Humidity (non-condensing):

• Operating: 20% to 80%

• Non-operating: 20% to 80%

NOTE: Items marked with * denote only selected models. The specifications listed above are for reference

only. The exact configuration of your PC depends on the model purchased.

Chapter 1 3

System Block Diagram

LED

RTC CKT.

Power On/Off CKT.

DC/DC Interface CKT.

Docking CONN

Card reader(XD/SD
MMC/MS/MS-Pro

HD SD)

New Card

Fan Control

Thermal Sensor
EMC1402-1

Card Reader

JMB385

LAN(GbE)

RTL8111C

RJ45

LVDS conn

CRT

CH7318

Touch Pad CONN.

Mini-Card X 1

SLOT1 : PCIE

Mobile Penym

uFCPGA-478 CPU

H_A#(3..35)
H_D#(0..63)

Intel Cantiga GM

FCBGA 1329

Intel ICH9-M

mBGA-676

PCI-E

EnE KB926

page 30

BIOS

FSB

667/800/1066MHz 1.05V

DMI X4

LPC BUS

Int.KBD

Clock Generator
SLG8SP553V

DDR2 800MHz 1.8V

Dual Channel

USB2.0

Azalia

SATA0

SATA1

DDR2-SO-DIMM X2

BANK 0, 1, 2, 3

BT Conn USB x 1

Finger printer x1

USB conn x 3(For I/O)

USB x1(Camara)

HD Codec

ALC888

page 25

MDC CONN

page 31

Ver 1.5

2.5" SATA HDD Connector

SATA ODD Connector

page 22

Docking CONN

Docking cable

Audio AMP

MIC ARRAY

SM BUS

PAGE 24

page 26

page 25

CRT

DVI-D Conn.

10/100 LAN

USB 2.0

Headphone

MIC

Line in Jack

Line in Jack

page 26

Headphone
SPDIF Jack

MIC JACK

page 26

4 Chapter 1

Your Acer Notebook tour

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

Front View

No. Icon Item Description

1 Acer PureZone Two internal stereo microphones for sound

recording.

2 Acer Crystal Eye Web camera for video communication (only for

certain models).

3 Display screen Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD),

displays computer output.

4 Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio

output.

5 Empowering key Launch Acer Empowering Technology

6 Easy-launch

buttons

7 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when

8 T ouch Pad T ouch-sensitive pointing device which functions

Chapter 1 5

Buttons for launching frequently used
programs.

you use the computer.

like a computer mouse.

No. Icon Item Description

9 Click buttons

(left, center* and
right)

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

11 Keyboard For entering data into your computer.
12 Status indicators Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that light up to

13 Power button Turns the computer on and off.

The left and right buttons function like the left
and right mouse buttons.

*The center button serves as Acer Bio­Protection fingerprint reader supporting Acer
FingerNav 4-way control function (only for
certain models).

show the status of the computer's functions
and components.

show the status of the computer's functions
and components.

Closed Front View

No. Icon Item Description

1 Line-in jack Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g. audio CD

player, stereo walkman, mp3 player).

2 Microphone-in

jack

3 Headphones/

speaker/line-out
jack with S/PDIF
support

4 Unlimited volume

control wheel

5 5-in-1 card

reader

Accepts input from external microphones.

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

Adjust the volume of the audio-out.

Accepts Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard
(MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick Pro
(MS PRO), xD-Picture Card.

Note: Push to remove/install the card. Only
one card can operate at any given time.

6 Chapter 1

Left View

No. Icon Item Description

1 External display

(VGA) port

2 Acer EasyPort IV

connector

3 Ethernet (RJ-45)

port

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

5 ExpressCard/54

slot

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

Connects to Acer EasyPort IV.

Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/1000-based
network.

USB camera).
Accepts one ExpressCard/54 module.

Note: Push to remove/install the card.

Right View

No. Icon Item Description

1 USB 2.0 ports Connect to USB 2.0 devices (e.g. USB mouse,

USB camera).
2 Optical drive Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or DVDs.
3 Optical disk access

indicator

4 Optical drive eject

button

5 Emergency eject

hole

6 USB 2.0 ports Connect to USB 2.0 devices (e.g. USB mouse,

7 Modem (RJ-11)

port

8 DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter

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.

Note: Insert a paper clip into the emergency eject

hole to eject the optical drive tray when the

computer is off.

USB camera).

Connects to a phone line.

Chapter 1 7

Rear View

No. Item Description

1 Kensington lock

slot

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

Connects to a Kensington-compatible
computer security lock.

prolonged use.

Bottom View

No. Icon Item Description

1 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.

2 Battery release

latch

3 Memory

compartment

4 Ventilation slots

and cooling fan

5 Battery lock Locks the battery in position.

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

8 Chapter 1

Releases the battery for removal.

Houses the computer's main memory.

Enable the computer to stay cool, even after

prolonged use.

Note: Do not cover or obstruct the opening of the

fan.

screws).

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

HDD Indicates when the hard disk drive is active.

Num Lock Lights up when Num Lock is activated.

Caps Lock Lights up when Caps Lock is activated.

Power Indicates the computer's power status.

Battery Indicates the computer's battery status.

Bluetooth communication
button/indicator

Wireless communication
button/indicator

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

green when in AC mode.

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

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

Easy-Launch Buttons

Located beside the keyboard are application buttons. These buttons are called easy-launch buttons. They are:
WLAN, Internet, email, Bluetooth 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, you can access the
Launch Manager by clicking on Start, All Programs, and then Launch Manager to start the application.

Icon Function Description

Empowering Technology Laun ch Acer Empowering Technology.

(user-programmable)

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

P Programmable key User-programmable

Chapter 1 9

Touch Pad Basics (with fingerprint reader)

The following items show you how to use the Touch Pad with Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint reader:

• Move your finger across the touchpad (1) to move the cursor.

• Press the left (2) and right (4) buttons located beneath the touchpad to perform selection and

execution functions. These two buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse.
Tapping on the touchpad is the same as clicking the left button.

• Use Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint reader (3) supporting Acer FingerNav 4-way control function

(only for certain models) to scroll up or down and move left or right a page. This fingerprint reader
or button mimics your cursor pressing on the right scroll bar of Windows applications.

Function Left Button (2) Right Button (4) Main Touch Pad (1) Center button (3)

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.

Access

Click once.
context
menu

Scroll Swipe up/down/left/

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.

right using Acer
FingerNav 4-way
control function
(Manufacturing
option).

NOTE: When using the Touch Pad, keep it - and your fingers - dry and clean. The Touch Pad is sensitive to

finger movement; hence, the lighter the touch, the better the response. Tapping too hard will not
increase the Touch Pad’s responsiveness.

10 Chapter 1

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 charac ters typed are in uppercase.
Num Lock

<Fn> + <F11>

Scroll Lock <Fn> +
<F12>

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

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.

Note: <Fn> + <F11> only for certain models.
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.

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.

Chapter 1 11

Windows Keys

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

Key Description

Windows key Pressed alone, this key has the same effect as clicking on the Windows Start button;

it launches the Start menu. It can also be used with other keys to provide a variety of
functions:

<>: Open or close the S tart 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

Application
key

<CTRL> +
<CTRL> + <> + <TAB>: Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the

Note: Depending on your edition of Windows Vista or Windows XP, some shortcuts

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

<> + <F>: Search for computers (if you are on a network)

taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D

may not function as described.

12 Chapter 1

Hot Keys

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

To activate 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> Touch Pad toggle Turns the internal Touch Pad on and off.

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

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

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

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.

Special Key (only for certain models)

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. Press € at the bottom-right of the keyboard, or hold <Alt Gr> and then press the <5> key at the upper-

center of the keyboard.

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. Press $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.

Chapter 1 13

Using the System Utilities

Acer Bio-Protection (only for certain models) Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution is a multi-purpose
fingerprint software package integrated with the Microsoft Windows operating system. Utilizing the uniqueness
of one's fingerprint features, Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution has incorporated protection against
unauthorized access to your computer with centralized password management with Password Bank, easy
music player launching with Acer MusicLaunch, secure Internet favorites via Acer MyLaunch, and fast
application/website launching and login with Acer FingerLaunch, while Acer ProfileLaunch can launch up to
three applications/websites from a single finger swipe.

Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution also allows you to navigate through web browsers and documents
using Acer FingerNav. With Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution, you can now enjoy an extra layer of
protection for your personal computer, as well as the convenience of accessing your daily tasks with a simple
swipe of your finger!

For more information refer to the Acer Bio-Protection help files.

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible)

NOTE: This feature is only available on certain models.

To enable the dual monitor feature of the notebook, first ensure that the second monitor is connected, then
select Start, Control Panel, Display and click on Settings. Select the secondary monitor (2) icon in the
display box and then click the check box Extend my windows desktop onto this monitor. Finally, click
Apply to confirm the new settings and click OK to complete the process.

Acer GridVista is a handy utility that offers four pre-defined display settings so you can view multiple windows
on the same screen. To access this function, please go to Start´ All Programs and click on Acer GridVista.
You may choose any one of the four display settings indicated below:

14 Chapter 1

Double (vertical), Triple (primary at left), Triple (primary at right), or Quad Acer Gridvista is dual-display
compatible, allowing two displays to be partitioned independently.

Acer Gridvista is dual-display compatible, allowing two displays to be partitioned independently.
AcerGridVista is simple to set up:

1. Run Acer GridVista and select your preferred screen configuration for each display from the task bar.

2. Drag and drop each window into the appropriate grid.

3. Enjoy the convenience of a well-organized desktop.

NOTE: Please ensure that the resolution setting of the second monitor is set to the manufacturer's

recommended value.

Chapter 1 15

Hardware Specifications and Configurations

Processor

Item Specification

CPU type Intel Montevina Centrino/PDC/Celeron
Chipset Intel GL40+ICH9-M
Features
CPU core voltage

System Memory

Item Specification

Memory controller Built-in
Memory size 0MB (no on-board memory)
DIMM socket number 2 sockets
Supports memory size per socket 2 GB
Supports maximum memory size 4G for 64bit OS (with two 2GB SODIMM)
Supports DIMM type DDR2 667/800 SDRAM memory interface design
Supports DIMM Speed 667/1066 MHz
Memory module combinations You can install memory modules in any combinations as long as

•

they match the above specifications.

Memory Combinations

Slot 1 Slot 2 Total Memory

0MB 512MB 512MB
0MB 1024MB 1024MB
0MB 2048MB 2048MB
512MB 512MB 1024MB
512MB 1024MB 1536MB
512MB 2048MB 2560MB
1024MB 0MB 1024MB
1024MB 512MB 1536MB
1024MB 1024MB 2048MB
1024MB 2048MB 3072MB
2048MB 0MB 2048MB
2048MB 512MB 2560MB
2048MB 1024MB 3072MB
2048MB 2048MB 4096MB

16 Chapter 1

Hard Disk Drive Interface

Item Specifications

Vendor &
Model
Name

Capacity

Hitachi
5K250-250
5K250-160

250, 160 250, 160, 120 160, 120 250, 120 320, 160

(MB)
Bytes per

512 512 512 512 512

sector
Data heads

4, 3 4, 3, 2 3, 2 4, 2 4, 2

Drive Format
Disks
Spindle

2, 2 2, 2, 1 2, 1 2, 1 2, 1
5400 5400 5400 5400 5400

speed
(RPM)

Performance Specifications
Buffer size
Interface
Internal

8 MB 8 MB 8 MB 8 MB 8 MB
SATA SATA SATA SATA SATA
643 ~ 665 778 370 ~ 730

transfer
rate (Mbits/
sec, max)

I/O data

150 / 300 300 300 150 maximum 300 maximum

transfer
rate

(Mbytes/
sec max)

DC Power Requirements
Voltage

5V ±5% 5V ±5% 5V ±5% 5V ±5% 5V ±5%

Segate
ST9250827AS
ST9160827AS
ST9120817AS

Toshiba
MK1646GSX
MK1246GSX

typical

WD
WD2500BEVS
WD1200BEVS

850 Mbits/s
maximum

WD
WD3200BEVT
WD1600BEVT

850 Mbits/s
maximum

Super Multi Drive Module

Item Specification

Vendor & model name HLDS/GSA-T50N, Philips DS-8A2S, Sony/AD-7560S, Toshiba Digi/TS-L633A
Performance S p ecification With CD Diskette With DVD Diskette
Transfer rate (MB/sec) Sustained:

Max 3.5 Mbytes/sec

Sustained:

Max 10 Mbytes/sec
Buffer Memory 2MB
Interface SATA

Chapter 1 17

Item Specification

Applicable disc format Applicab le media types:

Writing:
Confirms to DVD+R Version 1.2 and DVD+RW Version 1.3 / DVD+R DL

Version 1.0 /DVD-R Version 2.0 / DVD-RW Version 1.2 / DVD-R DL Version

3.0.
Reading:
DVD single/dual layer (PTP, OTP), DVD-R single/dual layer
DVD+R single/double layer
DVD-RW
DVD+RW
CD-DA
CD-ROM
CD-ROM/XA
Photo-CD, Multi-session, Video CD
CD-I FMV, CD Extra, CD Plus, CD-R, and CD-RW

Loading mechanism Drawer (Solenoid Open)

Tact SW (Open)

Emergency Release (draw open hole)
Power Requirement
Input Voltage DC 5 V +/- 5%

Combo Drive Module

Item Specification

Vendor & model name Sony BC-5500S
Performance Specification With CD Diskette With DVD Diskette
Transfer rate (MB/sec) Sustained:

Max 2.4 Mbytes/sec
Buffer Memory 4.5 MB
Interface SATA
Applicable disc format Applicable media types:

BD-ROM (Single and Dual Layer)

BD-R (Single and Dual Layer)

BD-RE (Single and Dual Layer)

DVD-ROM (Single and Dual Layer)

DVD+R (Single and Double Layer)

DVD-R (Single and Dual Layer)

DVD+RW (Single Layer) and DVD-RW (Single Layer) discs

DVD-RAM (Ver.2)

CD-ROM

CD-R

CD-RW
Loading mechanism Drawer (Solenoid Open)

Tact SW (Open)

Emergency Release (draw open hole)
Power Requirement
Input Voltage DC 5 V +/- 5%

Sustained:
Max 11 Mbytes/sec

18 Chapter 1

Thermal Sensor Control

Click the red paper clip icon for more panel spec.

Item Specification

Thermal Sensor Chip
Package
Features
Interface

BIOS

Item Specification

BIOS vendor Insyde BIOS code
BIOS Version v0.17-T01
BIOS ROM type Serial Flash Memory
BIOS ROM size 1MB
BIOS package 8 pins SOIC
Supported protocols

• Flash ROM 1MB- Support ISIPP

• Support Acer UI

• Support multi-boot

• Suspend to RAM (S3)/Disk (S4)

• Va rious hot-keys for system control

• Support SMBIOS 2.3,PCI2.2

• DMI utility for BIOS serial number configurable/asset tag-

Support PXE

• Support Y2K solution

• Support WinFlash

• Wake on LAN from S3

• Wake on LAN from S4 in AC mode

• System information

BIOS password control Set by setup manual

LCD 12”

Item Specification

Vendor/model name
Screen Diagonal (mm)
Active Area (mm)
Display resolution (pixels)
Pixel Pitch
Pixel Arrangement
Display Mode

2

Typical White Luminance (cd/m

)

also called Brightness
Luminance Uniformity
Contrast Ratio
Response Time (Optical Rise

Time/Fall Time) msec
Nominal Input Voltage VDD
Typical Power Consumption (watt)
Weight (without inverter)

Chapter 1 19

Item Specification

Physical Size (mm)
Electrical Interface
Support Color
Viewing Angle (degree)

Horizontal: Right/Left
Vertical: Upper/Lower

Temperature Range (°C)
Operating
Storage (shipping)

KBC

Item Specification

Chipset Built in
Features

• LPC interface

Memory Card Reader

Item Specification

Chipset JMicro JMB385
Features

• 5-in-1 Card Reader (MS, MS Pro, SD, MMC, xD)

• Push-push type, with dummy card

Audio Interface

Item Specification

Audio Controller Realtek ALC888S
Features

• HD Audio- Internal Mic. Array (digital)

• 1.5Watt speaker x2-

• VC Audio Codec

• True 5.1 channel, Dolby Home Theater

LAN Interface

Item Specification

LAN Chipset Realtek RTL8111C-GR
Features

• PCI-E Giga LAN

Modem

Item Specification

Chipset Liteon-Agere
Features

• V.90/V.92, WWDAA

• MDC1.5 card (HD)

• Apply CISPR22

• Wake-on-Ring (S3) support

Bluetooth Interface

Item Specification

Chipset Broadcom 2045/ 2070(NA)
Features

• Mini USB module

• Built-in 1 antenna- Bluetooth 2.0-

20 Chapter 1