Acer Aspire 4930, Aspire 4930G Service Manual

Aspire 4930/4930G 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 4930 Series service guide.

Date Chapter Updates

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.

Preface

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

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

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

Table of Contents

System Specifications 1

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

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

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

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

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

Left View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Right View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

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

Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Easy-Launch Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Touch Pad Basics (with fingerprint reader) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Using the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Lock Keys and embedded numeric keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Windows Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Hot Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Special Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Acer Empowering Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Empowering Technology password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Acer eNet Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

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

Acer eAudio Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Acer ePresentation Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Acer eDataSecurity Management (for selected models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

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

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

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

Windows Mobility Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Using the System Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Launch Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Norton Internet Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Hardware Specifications and Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

System Utilities 39

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

Navigating the BIOS Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Main . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Advanced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

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

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

BIOS Flash Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Remove HDD/BIOS Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Machine Disassembly and Replacement 57

Disassembly Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Pre-disassembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

External Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

VII

Table of Contents

External Modules Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Removing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Removing the SD dummy card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Removing the ExpressCard dummy card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Removing the Lower Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Removing the DIMM Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Removing the WLAN Board Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Removing the Hard Disk Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Removing the Optical Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Main Unit Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

Main Unit Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

Removing the Switch Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Removing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Removing the Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Removing the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

Removing the Upper Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Removing the Touch Pad Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

Removing the Finger Print Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Removing the Launch Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Removing the Speaker Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

Removing the Switch Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

Removing the Touch Pad Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

Removing the I/O Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99

Removing the Bluetooth board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Removing the Modem Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

Removing the Main Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

Removing the Thermal Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110

Removing the CPU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

Removing the CPU Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

Removing the HDMI Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

LCD Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

LCD Module Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

Removing the LCD Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119

Removing the Inverter Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121

Removing the Camera Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123

Removing the LCD Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

Removing the LCD Brackets and FPC Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

Removing the Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

Removing the MIC Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131

LCM Module Reassembly Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132

Replacing the LCD Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132

Replacing the LCM Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134

Main Module Reassembly Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

Replacing the CPU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

Replacing the Thermal Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

Replacing the CPU Fan Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

Replacing the HDMI Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

Replacing the Mainboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137

Replacing the I/O Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

Replacing the Bluetooth Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

Replacing the Modem Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

Replacing the Finger Print Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

Replacing the Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141

Replacing the Launch Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

Replacing the Switch Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

VIII

Table of Contents

Replacing the Antenna Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143

Replacing the Speaker Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

Replacing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

Replacing the Switch Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145

Replacing the WLAN Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145

Replacing the Hard Disk Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146

Replacing the DIMM Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

Replacing the ODD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148

Replacing the Lower Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148

Replacing the Express and SD Card Trays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149

Troubleshooting 151

Common Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151

Power On Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152

No Display Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153

Random Loss of BIOS Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154

LCD Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155

Built-In Keyboard Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155

Touch Pad Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156

Internal Speaker Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156

Internal Microphone Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158

HDD Not Operating Correctly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159

ODD Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160

USB Failure (Rightside) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163

Modem Function Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163

Wireless Function Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164

EasyTouch Button Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164

MediaTouch Button Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165

Fingerprint Reader Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165

Thermal Unit Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166

HDTV Switch Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166

External Mouse Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167

Other Failures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167

Intermittent Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168

Undetermined Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168

Jumper and Connector Locations 169

Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169

Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170

Clearing Password Check and BIOS Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171

Clearing Password Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171

BIOS Recovery by Crisis Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) List 173

Aspire 4930 Exploded Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174

Model Definition and Configuration 182

Aspire 4930 Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182

Test Compatible Components 205

Microsoft® Windows® Vista Environment Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .206

Online Support Information 209 Index 211

Table of Contents

System Specifications

Features

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

Operating System

• Windows® Vista™

Platform

• Intel® Centrino® 2 processor technology, featuring:

• Intel® Core™2 Duo processor*

• Mobile Intel® PM45/GM45 Express Chipset*

• Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5100/5300, 5150/5350*

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*

TV Tuner

• Digital TV-tuner supporting DVB-T*

Display and graphics

• 14.1" WXGA 1280 x 800

• Mobile Intel® GM45 Express Chipset

• NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS / 9600M GT (For Aspire 4390G only)

Storage subsystem

• 2.5" hard disk drive

• Optical drive options:

• Blu-ray Disc™ /DVD-Super Multi double-layerdrive

• DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive

• 5-in-1 card reader

Audio

• Dolby-certified surround sound system with two built-in stereo speakers and one subwoofer

supporting low-frequency effects

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

• Acer PureZone technology with two built-in stereo microphones

Chapter 1 1

Dimensions and Weight

• 340.4 (W) x 247 (D) x 22.9/42.3 (H) mm (13.4 x 9.7 x 0.9/1.6 inches)

• 2.4 kg (5.29 lbs.)

Communication

• Acer Video Conference, featuring:

• Integrated Acer Crystal Eye webcam

• Acer Video Conference Manager software

• Acer PureZone technology

• Optional Acer Xpress VoIP phone

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

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

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

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

• Modem: 56K ITU V.92

Privacy control

• Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint solution

• BIOS user, supervisor, HDD passwords

• Kensington lock slot

Power subsystem

• ACPI 3.0

• 48.8 W 4400 mAh*

• 3-pin 90 W AC adapter*

• 3-pin 65 W AC adapter*

• Energy Star 4.0

Special keys and controls

• 88-/89-/93-key keyboard

• Touch Pad pointing de vi ce

• Empowering Key

• Easy-launch buttons: WLAN, Internet, email, Bluetooth, Acer Arcade™

• Acer MediaTouch keys: play/pause, stop, previous, next and record keys

• Volume wheel

• Acer Media Center remote control*

I/O interface

• Acer EasyPort IV connector

• ExpressCard™/54 slot

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

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• 3 USB 2.0 ports

• HDMI™ port with HDCP support

• Consumer infrared (CIR) port

• External display (VGA) port

• Headphones/speaker/line-out port with S/PDIF support

• Microphone-in jack

• Line-in jack

• Ethernet (RJ-45) port

• Modem (RJ-11) port

• DC-in jack for 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%

NOTE: Items marked with * denote only selected models.

Chapter 1 3

System Block Diagram

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

displays computer output. 4 Status indicators Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that light up to

show the status of the computer's functions

and components. 5 Empowering key Launch Acer Empowering Technol ogy

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 program.

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 Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio

13 Acer MediaT ouch

keys

14 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 Bio-Protection fingerprint

reader supporting Acer FingerNav 4-way

control function.

show the status of the computer's functions

and components.

output.

For use with Acer Arcade and other media

playing programs.

Closed Front View

No. Icon Item Description

1 CIR receiver Receives signals from a remote control.

2 5-in-1 card

reader

3 Latch Locks and releases the lid

Accepts Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard

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

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

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Left View

No. Icon Item Description

1 Acer EasyPort IV

connector

2 Ethernet (RJ-45)

port

3 External display

(VGA) port

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

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

7 Microphone-in

HDMI

HDMI Connects to a television or display device with

jack

Connects to Acer EasyPort IV.

Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/1000-based

network.

Connects to a display device

(e.g. external monitor, LCD projector).

HDMI input.

USB camera).

player, stereo walkman).

Accepts input from external microphones.

8 Headphones/

speaker/line-out jack with S/PDIF support

9 Unlimited volume

control wheel

10 ExpressCard/54

slot

Connects to audio line-out devices

(e.g. speakers, headphones).

Adjust the volume of the audio-out.

Accepts one ExpressCard/54 module.

Chapter 1 7

Right View

No. Icon Item Description

1 Kensington lock

slot

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 Modem (RJ-11)

port

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

8 DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter

Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security lock.

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.

Connects to a phone line.

USB camera).

Rear View

No. Icon Item Description

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

prolonged use.

8 Chapter 1

Bottom View

No. Icon Item Description

1 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.

2 Battery release

latch

3 Memory

compartment

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

5 Battery lock Locks the battery in position.

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.

Chapter 1 9

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 battery status.

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.

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

green when in AC mode.

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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.

Icon Function Description

Empowering Technology Launch Acer Empowering Technology.

(user-programmable)

Acer Arcade Launch Acer Arcade utility

Wireless communication button/indicator

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

Bluetooth communication button/indicator

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

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

Chapter 1 11

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 Touch Pad (2) to move the cursor.

• Press the left (1) and right (4) buttons located beneath the Touch Pad to perform selection and

execution functions. These two buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse. Tapping on the Touch Pad 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) or the 4-way scroll (3) button (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 (1) Right Button (3) Main Touch Pad (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 Touch Pad to drag the cursor.

Tap twice (at the same speed

as double-clicking a mouse

button); rest your finger on

the Touch Pad on the second

tap and drag the cursor. Access

Click once.

context menu

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.

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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

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

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 13

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 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

Application key

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

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

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

as described.

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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> + < > 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.

Chapter 1 15

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.

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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:

• Acer eNet Management hooks up to location-based networks intelligently.

• Acer ePower Management optimizes battery usage via customizable power plans.

• Acer ePresenta tion Management connects to a projector and adjusts display settings.

• Acer eDataSecurity Management protects data with passwords and encryption.

• Acer eLock Management limits access to external storage media.

• Acer eRecovery Management backs up and recovers data flexibly, reliably and completely.

• 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!

Chapter 1 17

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.

18 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.

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.

Chapter 1 19

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

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

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.

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