Acer Aspire 3600, Aspire 5500Z, Aspire 3603, Aspire 5500, Aspire 5502 User Manual

...

Aspire 3600/5500 Series

User's Guide

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

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

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

Model number: __________________________________

Serial number: ___________________________________

Purchase date: ___________________________________

Place of purchase: ________________________________

Aspire 3600/5500 Series User's Guide Original Issue: May 2005

Aspire 3600/5500 Series Notebook Computer

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

iii

First things first

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

Your guides

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

Basic care and tips for using your computer

Turning your computer on and off

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

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

• Use the Windows shutdown command

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

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

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

1 Click on Start, All Programs, AcerSystem. 2 Click on AcerSystem User's Guide. Note: Viewing the file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. If Adobe

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

• Use the power button

Note: You can also use the power button to perform power management functions.

• Use the customized functions for power management

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

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

Taking care of your computer

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

• Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it near sources

of heat, such as a radiator.

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

50 ºC (122 ºF).

• Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields.

• Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture.

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

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

• Do not expose the computer to dust or dirt.

• Never place objects on top of the computer.

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

• Never place the computer on uneven surfaces.

Taking care of your AC adapter

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

• Do not connect the adapter to any other device.

• Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on top of it.

Carefully route the power cord and any cables away from foot traffic.

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

on the plug.

• The total ampere ratings of the equipment plugged in should not exceed

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

Taking care of your battery pack

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

• Use only batteries of the same kind as replacements. Turn the power off

before removing or replacing batteries.

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

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

Cleaning and servicing

When cleaning the computer, follow these steps: 1 Turn off the computer and remove the battery pack.

2 Disconnect the AC adapter. 3 Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.

If either of the following occurs:

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

• the computer does not operate normally

please refer to "Frequently asked questions" on page 22.

Caution

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

Operation conditions

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

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

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

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

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

First things first iii

Your guides iii Basic care and tips for using your computer iii

Turning your computer on and off iii Taking care of your computer iv Taking care of your AC adapter iv Taking care of your battery pack v Cleaning and servicing v

An Aspire tour 1

Front view 1 Closed front view 2 Left view 3 Right view 4 Rear view 4 Base view 5

Specifications 6 Indicators 9 Easy-launch buttons 10 Touchpad 11

Touchpad basics 11

Using the keyboard 13

Lock keys and embedded numeric keypad 13 Windows keys 14 Hotkeys 14 Special keys 16

Ejecting the optical (CD or DVD) drive tray 17 Using a computer security lock 17 Audio 18

Adjusting the volume 18

Using the system utilities 19

Acer eManager 19 Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) 20 Launch Manager 21

Frequently asked questions 22

Requesting service 25

International Travelers Warranty (ITW) 25 Before you call 25

Contents

Acer Arcade (for selected models) 27

Arcade hotkeys 28 Finding and playing content 29

Settings 29

Arcade controls 29

Navigation controls 30 Player controls 30

Cinema 30

DVD settings 31

Album 32

Slideshow settings 33

Video 33

Playing a video file 33 Video authoring 34

Music 34 Burner 35

Copy — Back up your CD/DVD collection 35 Audio — Create your own greatest hits CDs 35 Data — Store files simply and easily 35 Video — Your world in pictures 35

Taking your notebook PC with you 36

Disconnecting from the desktop 36 Moving around 36

Preparing the computer 36 What to take to short meetings 37 What to take to long meetings 37

Taking the computer home 37

Preparing the computer 37 What to take with you 38 Special considerations 38 Setting up a home office 38

Traveling with the computer 38

Preparing the computer 38 What to take with you 39 Special considerations 39

Traveling internationally with the computer39

Preparing the computer 39 What to bring with you 39 Special considerations 40

Securing your computer 40

Using a computer security lock 40 Using passwords 40

Entering passwords 41 Setting passwords 41

Expanding through options 42

Connectivity options 42

Fax/data modem 42 Built-in network feature 43 Fast Infrared (selected models only) 43 Universal Serial Bus (USB) 44 IEEE 1394 port (selected models only) 44 PC Card slot 45

BIOS utility 46

Boot sequence 46 Enable disk-to-disk recovery 47 Password 47

Using software 47

Playing DVD movies 47

Power management 48 Acer eRecovery 49

Create backup 49 Restore from backup 50 Create factory default image CD 50 Re-install bundled software without CD 50 Change password 51

Troubleshooting 52

Troubleshooting tips 52 Error messages 52

Regulations and safety notices 54

ENERGY STAR guidelines compliance 54 FCC notice 54 Modem notices 56 Important safety instructions 59

English

An Aspire tour

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

Front view

# Item Description 1 Display screen Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD), displays

computer output. 2 Power button Turns the computer on and off. 3 Easy-launch

buttons

Buttons for launching frequently used programs.

See "Easy-launch buttons" on page 10 for more

details. 4 Microphone Internal microphone for sound recording.

English

Closed front view

5 Status indicators Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that turn on and off to

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

6 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when you

use the computer.

7 Click buttons (Left,

center, and right)

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

8 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like

a computer mouse.

9 Keyboard For entering data into your computer.

# Icon Item Description 1 Speaker-out/line-out/

Headphone jack

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

2 Mic-in jack Accepts inputs from external

microphone.

3 Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo

audio output.

4Bluetooth

communication button/indicator

Press to enable/disable the Bluetooth function. Indicates the status of Bluetooth communication (optional).

5 Wireless

communication button/indicator

Press to enable/disable the wireless function. Indicates the status of wireless LAN communication.

6 Power indicator Lights up when the computer is on.

# Item Description

English

Left view

7 Battery indicator Lights up when the battery is being

charged.

# Icon Item Description 1 External display

port

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

2 S-video out port Connects to a television or display

device with S-video input. (selected models only)

3 Network jack Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/1000

based network (depending on model).

4 Modem jack Connects to a phone line.

5 Two USB 2.0 ports Connect to USB 2.0 devices

(e.g., USB mouse, USB camera).

6 IEEE 1394 port Connects to IEEE 1394 devices.

(selected models only)

7 PC Card slot Accepts one Type II PC Card.

(selected models only)

8 5-in-1 card reader Accepts an MS, MS PRO, MMC, SD, or

xD-Picture card (selected models only). Note: Only one card can operate at any given time.

(selected models only)

9 Infrared port Interfaces with infrared devices

e.g., infrared printer and IR-aware computer. (selected models only)

# Icon Item Description

English

Right view

Rear view

10 PC Card slot eject

button

Ejects the PC Card from the slot.

# Icon Item Description 1 Optical drive

eject button

Ejects the optical drive tray from the

drive. 2 LED indicator Lights up when the optical drive is active. 3 Optical drive Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or DVDs

depending on the optical drive type.

(slot or tray design, depending on model) 4 Ventilation

slots

Enable the computer to stay cool, even

after prolonged use. 5Security

keylock

Connects to a Kensington-compatible

computer security lock.

# Icon Item Description 1 Battery Powers the computer.

# Icon Item Description

English

Base view

2 Power jack Connects to an AC adapter.

3 USB 2.0 port Connects to USB 2.0 devices (e.g., USB

mouse, USB camera).

# Item Description 1 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack. 2 Battery lock Locks the battery in position. 3 Cooling fan Helps keep the computer cool.

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

4Memory

compartment

Houses the computer's main memory and mini PCI Card.

5 Hard disk bay Houses the computer's hard disk (secured by a screw). 6 Battery release

latch

Releases the battery for removal.

# Icon Item Description

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Specifications

Operating system

Microsoft

Windows® XP Home Edition (Service Pack 2)

Platform Aspire 3600

Intel

Pentium® M processor 725

(2 MB L2 cache, 1.6 GHz, 400 MHz FSB) Intel

Celeron® M processor 350/360/370 or above (1 MB L2 cache, 1.3/1.4/1.5 GHz or above , 400 MHz FSB)

Intel

910GML Express chipset

Aspire 5500

Intel

Pentium® M processor 730/740/750/760/770 (2 MB L2 cache, 1.6/1.73/1.86/2.0/2.13 GHz, 533 MHz FSB)

Intel

Pentium® M processor 725 (2 MB L2 cache, 1.6 GHz, 400 MHz FSB)

Intel

915PM Express chipset

System memory 256/512 MB of DDR2 400/533 memory, upgradeable to

2 GB using two soDIMM modules

Display and graphics

14.1" WXGA Acer CrystalBrite color TFT LCD: 1280 x 800 resolution

16.7 million colors Aspire 3600

Intel

910GML integrated 3D graphics, featuring Intel

Graphics Media Accelerator 900 and up to 128 MB of VRAM, supporting Microsoft

DirectX® 9.0

Aspire 5500

ATI MOBILITY

™

RADEON® X700 with 64 MB or above

of DDR video RAM, supporting ATI POWERPLAY

™

5.0,

Microsoft

DirectX® 9.0 and PCI Express

™

Dualview™ support

S-video/TV-out support Dual independent display support MPEG-2/DVD hardware-assisted capability

Storage subsystem

40/60/80 GB or larger ATA/100 hard disk drive Optical drive options: Aspire 3600

DVD-Dual double layer DVD/CD-RW combo

Aspire 5500

DVD-Dual slot loading type double layer DVD/CD-RW combo

English

Dimensions and weight

335 (W) x 240 (D) x 31.9/34.1 (H) mm (13.2 x 9.45 x 1.26/1.34 inches)

2.38 kg (5.25 lbs.)

Power subsystem

ACPI 1.0b power management standard: supports Standby and Hibernation power-saving modes

53.6 W (6-cell) and 80.3 W (9-cell) Li-ion battery packs (for Aspire 5500)

• 3-hour battery life for models using ATI MOBILITY

™

RADEON

X700 (6-cell)

44.6 W (6-cell) Li-ion battery pack (for Aspire 3600)

• 2.5-hour battery life

2.5-hour rapid charge, 3.5-hour charge-in-use 3-pin 65 W AC adapter

Input devices 84-/85-key keyboard

Touchpad with 4-way integrated scroll button Four easy-launch buttons Two front-panel buttons: WLAN LED-button and

Bluetooth

LED-button

Audio Audio system with two built-in speakers

Sound Blaster Pro

™

and MS-Sound compatible Built-in microphone S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) support

Communication Modem: 56K ITU V.92 with PTT approval;

Wake-on-Ring ready LAN: 10/100 Mbps (Aspire 3600) or gigabit (Aspire 5500) Ethernet; Wake-on-LAN ready WLAN: Aspire 3600

Integrated 802.11b/g Wi-Fi

CERTIFIED™ solution

supporting Acer SignalUp wireless technology support

Aspire 5500

Integrated Intel

PRO/Wireless 2200BG network

connection (dual band 802.11b/g) Wi-Fi

CERTIFIED™ solution supporting Acer SignalUp wireless technology support

WPAN: integrated Bluetooth

English

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

I/O interface Three USB 2.0 ports

IEEE 1394 port (depending on model) Ethernet (RJ-45) port Modem (RJ-11) port External display (VGA) port S-video/TV-out (NTSC/PAL) port (depending on model) Microphone/line-in jack Headphones/speaker/line-out port with S/PDIF support Infrared (FIR) Port (depending on model) Type II PC Card slot 5-in-1 card reader (MS/MS PRO/MMC/SD/XD) (depending on model) DC-in jack for AC adapter

Security Kensington lock slot

BIOS user and supervisor passwords

Software Acer eManager (eSettings/ePresentation/

ePowerManagement/eNetManagement/eRecovery) Acer GridVista Acer Arcade Acer Launch Manager Acer System Recovery CD

Norton AntiVirus

™

Adobe® Reader

CyberLink® PowerDVD

™

NTI CD-Maker

™

Options and accessories

512 MB or 1 GB

soDIMM memory External USB floppy disk drive 9-cell Li-ion battery pack 65 W AC adapter

Environment Temperature:

• Operating: 5° C to 35° C

• Non-operating: -20° C to 65° C

Humidity (non-condensing):

• Operating: 20% to 80%

• Non-operating: 20% to 80%

System compliance

Cisco Compatible Extensions (CCX) Mobile PC 2001 ACPI 1.0b DMI 2.0

Warranty One-year International Travelers Warranty (ITW)

English

Indicators

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

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

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

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

Icon Function Description

Caps Lock Lights up when Caps Lock is activated.

Num Lock Lights up when Num Lock is activated.

Media activity Indicates when the hard disk or optical drive is active.

Bluetooth Indicates the status of Bluetooth communication.

Wireless LAN Indicates the status of wireless LAN communication.

Power Lights up when the computer is on.

Battery Lights up when the battery is being charged.

English

Easy-launch buttons

Located at the upper-left, above the keyboard are four buttons. These buttons are called Easy-launch buttons. They are: mail, Web browser, Acer Empowering

Key " " and one user-programmable button.

Press " " to run the Acer eManager. Please see "Acer eManager" on page 19. The mail and Web buttons are pre-set to email and Internet programs, but can

be reset by users. To set the Web browser, mail and programmable keys, run the Acer Launch Manager. See "Launch Manager" on page 21.

Launch key Default application Mail Email application (user-programmable) Web browser Internet browser (user-programmable)

Acer eManager (user-programmable)

User-programmable

English

Touchpad

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

Touchpad basics

The following items show you how to use the touchpad:

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

• Press the left (1) and right (4) buttons located beneath the touchpad to

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

• Use the 4-way scroll (3) button to scroll up or down and move left or right

a page. This button mimics your cursor pressing on the right scroll bar of Windows applications.

English

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

Function Left button (1)

Right button (4)

Main touchpad (2)

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.

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

context menu

Click once.

Scroll Click and

hold to move up/down/ left/right.

English

Using the keyboard

The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded keypad, separate cursor keys, two Windows keys and 12 function keys.

Lock keys and embedded numeric keypad

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

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.

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

in uppercase.

Num Lock <Fn> + <F11>

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.

Scroll Lock <Fn> + <F12>

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.

Desired access Num Lock on Num Lock off Number keys on

embedded keypad

Type numbers in a normal manner.

Cursor-control keys on embedded keypad

Hold <Shift> while using cursor-control keys.

Hold <Fn> while using cursor-control keys.

Main keyboard keys Hold <Fn> while typing

letters on embedded keypad.

Type the letters in a normal manner.

English

Windows keys

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

Hotkeys

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

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

Key Description

Windows key

Pressed alone, this key has the same effect as clicking on the Windows Start button; it launches the Start menu. It can also be used with other keys to provide a variety of functions:

< > + <Tab> Activates the next Taskbar button.

< > + <E> Opens the My Computer window.

< > + <F1> Opens Help and Support.

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

<> + <R> Opens the Run dialog box.

< > + <M> Minimizes all windows.

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

Application key

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

English

Hotkey Icon Function Description <Fn> + <F1> Hotkey help Displays help on hotkeys.

<Fn> + <F2> Acer

eSettings

Launches Acer eSettings in Acer eManager. See "Acer eManager" on page 19.

<Fn> + <F3> Acer ePower-

Management

Launches Acer ePowerManagement in Acer eManager. See "Acer eManager" on page 19.

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

<Fn> + <F5> Display

toggle

Switches display output between the display screen, external monitor (if connected) and both.

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

save power. Press any key to return.

<Fn> + <F7> Touchpad

toggle

Turns the internal touchpad on and off.

<Fn> + <F8> Speaker

toggle

Turns the speakers on and off.

<Fn> + <↑> Volume up Increases the sound volume.

<Fn> + <↓> Volume down Decreases the sound volume.

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

<Fn> + <←> Brightness

down

Decreases the screen brightness.

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