Acer Aspire 5500Z Service Manual

Aspire 5500Z 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

2006/10/04 Chapter 1 Remove SPDIF support

Please refer to the table below for the updates made on Aspire 5500Z service guide.

Date Chapter Updates

Copyright © 2006 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

Chapter 1 System Specifications 1

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

System Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Board Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

An Aspire tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Closed Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Left View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Right View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Bottom Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Easy-launch Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Touchpad Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Using the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Lock Keys and embedded mumeric keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Windows Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Hot Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Special Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Hardware Specifications and Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Chpater 2 System Utilities 29

BIOS Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Navigating the BIOS Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Main . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Advanced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

BIOS Flash Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Chapter 3 Machine Disassembly and Replacement 41

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

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Disassembly Procedure Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Removing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Removing the Wireless LAN Card/the HDD Module/the Memory/

the CPU/the ODD Module and the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Removing the Wireless LAN Card and the HDD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Removing the Memory and the CPU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Removing the ODD Module and the LCD module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Disassembling the Main Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Separate the Main Unit Into the Upper and the Lower Case Assembly . . . . . . .50

Disassembling the Upper Case Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Disassembling the Lower Case Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Disassembling the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Disassembling the External Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Disassembling the HDD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Disassembling the ODD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Table of Contents

Chapter 4 Troubleshooting 55

System Check Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

External Diskette Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

External CD-ROM Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Memory check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Power System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Touchpad Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Index of Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Insyde MobilePro BIOS POST Beep Code and POST Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Index of Symptom-to-FRU Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Intermittent Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Undetermined Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Chpater 5 Jumper and Connector Locations 71

Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Chpater 6 FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) List 75

Exploded Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

The System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Upper Case Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Lower Case Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

HDD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

ODD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

System Specifications

Features

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

Platform and memroy

Intel® CentrinoTM Mobile Technology, featuring:

t Intel

t Wireless solution: integrated Intel

T Intel

T 256/512 MB of DDR2 400/533 MHz memory, upgradeable to 2 GB using two soDIMM modules

(dual-channel support)

Pentium® M Processor 740/750/760/770 (2 MB L2 cache, 1.73/1.86/2/2.13 GHz, 533

MHz FSB)

Pentium® M Processor 735/735A (2MB L2 cache, 1.6 GHz, 400 MHz FSB)

915GM/PM Express chipset

802.11b/g) Wi-Fi

915GM/PM+Intel ICH6-M (Mobile Intel 82801FB)

CERTIFIED

PRO/Wireless 2200BG network connection (dual-band

solution, supporting Acer SignalUp wireless technology

Chapter 1

Display

T 14.1 WXGA Acer CrystalBrite

supporting simultaneous multi-window viewing on dual displays via Acer GridVista

T 16.7 million colors

T Intel

128 MB of VRAM, supporting Microsoft models)

T ATI M O B I L I TY

, Microsoft

T Simultaneous LCD and CRT display, with LCD panel refresh rate at 70 Hz

T MPEG-2/DVD hardware-assisted capability

T Acer CinemaVision

T Acer ClearVision

Storage subsystem

T 40/60/80/100 GB ATA/100 hard disk drive

T Optical drive options:

tDVD-Super Multi double-layer

tDVD-Dual double layer

tDVD/CD-RW combo

color TFT LCD, 1280 x 800 resolution, 16:10 viewing ratio,

915GM integrated 3D graphics, featuring Intel

RADEONTM X1300 256/512 HyperMemoryTM , supporting ATI PopwerPlayTM 5.0,

DirectX® 9.0, PCI Express® and and DualViewTM

video technology (Acer Arcade)

video optimization technology (Acer Arcade)

DirectX® 9.0 and dual independent display (for UMA

Graphics Media Accelerator 900 and up to

Input devices

T 84/85-key keyboard

Chapter 1 1

T Touchpad with 4-way integrated scroll button

T 12 function keys, four cursor keys, two Windows

T Four easy-launch buttons

T Two front-access LED-buttons: WLAN and Bluetooth

Audio

T Audio system with two built-in speakers

T Built-in microphone

T Intel AC’97 audio support

T Sound Blaster Pro

Communication

T Modem: 56K ITU V.92 modem with PTT approval; wake-on ring ready

T LAN: 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet; wake-on ring ready

T WLAN: integrated Intel

T Acer SignalUp wireless technology support

T WPAN: integrated Bluetooth

keypad, international language support

MS-Sound compatible

PRO/Wireless 2200BG network connection (dual-band 802.11b/g) Wi-Fi®

CERTIFIED

solution, supporting Acer SignalUPTM wireless technology

keys, hotkey controls, embedded numeric

Human-centric design and ergonomics

T Rugged, yet extremely portable design

T Stylish appearance

T Full-size keyboard with four programmable launch keys

T Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device

T Acer FineTouch keyboard with a 5-degree curve

T Internet 4-way scroll button

I/O Ports

T Three USB 2.0 ports

T PC Card slot (one Type II)

T External display (VGA) port

T Headphones/speaker/line-out jack

T Microphone/line-in jack

T Ethernet (RJ-45) port

T Modem (RJ-11) port

T DC-in jack for AC adaptor

2 Chapter 1

System Block Diagram

Mini-PCI

Sock et

CRT & TV- Out Conn.

Daughter Card (M26P)

PCI-Express x16

LVDS Conn.

BroadCOM

LAN

BCM4401K FB

/ BCM5788M

RJ 45

PCMCI A & CardRead er

Controller

ENE CB712

PCMCIA

Slot

CradReader

Con tr ol ler

TSB34AB21A

1394 Conn.

4-in-1

Slot

1394

4-Pins

Intel Pentium-M/ Celeron-M CPU

Micr o FC-PGA

Mobile Intel 915PM/ GM

and 910GML Express

Chipset (Alviso)

Mobile Intel 82801FB

ICH6-M

Thermal Sensor

Clock Generator

DDR II SODIMM 2

DDR II SODIMM 1

USB Conn. x3

USB Conn. x1 for BlueTooth

Audio Codec

Amplifier

MDC Conn.

SAT A C on n.

PAT A C on n.

Speaker

Conn.

Jack x 2

RJ-11

Internal K/B

BIOS

Touch-Pad Conn.

Power ON/ OFF

Circuit

DC/ DC In terface

Circuit

Power DC /DC

Circuit

RTC Circuit

Power-OK Circ uit

Super I/O

SMsC LPC47 N21 7

ENE KB910Q

(EC + KBC)

Chapter 1 3

Board Layout

Top Vi e w

SW3

JP1

SW2

SW4

SW5

SW6

SW1

JP5

JP4

JP7

KQ:

JP10

JP42

SW3 Power Switch SW1 Lid Swtich

JP1 Bluetooth Connector JP5 Touchpad Connector

SW2 E-mail Switch JP4 Keyboard Connector

SW4 Internet Browser Switch JP42 Speaker Connector

SW5 Emanager Switch JP7 PCMCIA Slot

SW6 User Programmable Switch JP10 Microphone Connector

4 Chapter 1

Bottom View

JP21

JP13

PCN1

PJP11

JP20

JP16

JP22

JP12

JP14

JP19

JP3

JP17

JP23

JP24

JP25

JP36

JP30

JP26

JP31

JP35

JP28

JP29

JP39

IR1

U42

JP41

JP40

JP21 Fan Connector JP24 USB Port

PJP11 Battery Connector JP25 USB Port

JP20 CPU Socket JP30 IEEE 1394 Port (No IEEE 1394

Port for this model)

JP16 LVDS Connector JP36 Card Reader Connector (No Card

Reader module for this model)

JP22 VGA Board Connector IR Infrared Receiver (No FIR function

for this model)

PCN1 AC-IN JP40 Headphone out/line-out Jack

JP13 USB Port JP41 Mic-in Jack

JP12 Reserved for Acer ezDock. (No

JP28 HDD Connector

ezDock for this model).

JP14 Modem Board Connector JP35 Wireless LAN Card Connector

JP3 External Display Port U42 BIOS

JP17 S-Video Port (No S-Video Port for

JP26 DDR2 Socket

this model)

JP19 RJ11/RJ45 JP31 DDR2 Socket

Chapter 1 5

JP23 Modem Cable Connector JP39 ODD Connector

6 Chapter 1

An Aspire tour

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

Front View

# Icon Item Description

1 Display screen Also called LCD (liquid-crystal display),

displays computer output.

2 Power button Turns the computer on and off.

3 Easy-launch buttons Buttons for launching frequently used

programs.

4 Microphone Internal microphone for sound recording.

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

6 Palmrest Comfortable support area for our hands

7 Click buttons (left,

center and right)

8 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which

9 Keyboard For entering data into your computer.

and off to show the status of the computer’s functions and components.

when you use the computer.

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

functions like a computer mouse.

Chapter 1 7

Closed Front View

# Icon Item Description

1 Speaker-out/line-out/

2 Mic-in jack Accepts inputs from external microphone.

3 Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio

Headphone jack

Bluetooth communication button/ indicator

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

output.

Press to enable/disable Bluetooth function. Lights to indicate the status of Bluetoothcommunications (optional)

5 Wireless

communication button/ indicator

6 Power indicator

7 Battery indicator

Press to enable/disable Wireless function. Lights to indicate the status of wireless LAN communications (optional).

Lights when the computer is on.

Lights when the battery is being charged

8 Chapter 1

Left View

# Icon Item Description

1 External display port Connects a display device (e.g., external

monitor, LCD projector).

2 Network jack Connects to an Ethernet 10/100-based

3 Modem jack Connects to a phone line.

4 Two USB 2.0 ports Connects to USB 2.0 devices (e.g., USB

5 PC Card slot Connects to one Type II PC Card.

6 PC Card slot eject

Right View

network.

mouse, USB camera).

Ejects the PC Card from the slot.

button

# Icon Item Description

1 Optical drive Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or DVDs

(for selected models).

2 Optical disk access

indicator

Lights up when the optical drive is active (for selected models).

Chapter 1 9

3 Optical drive eject

4 Emergency eject hole Ejects the optical drive try when the

5 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool, even

6 Kensington lock slot Connects to a Kensington-compatible

Rear Panel

button

Ejects the optical disk from the drive (for selected models).

computer is turned off (for selected models).

after prolonged use.

computer security lock.

# Icon Item Description

1 Battery Powers the computer.

2 DC-in jack Connects to an AC adaptor.

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

Bottom Panel

mouse, USB camera).

10 Chapter 1

# Item Description

1 Battery bay Houses the computer’s battery pack.

2 Battery lock Locks the battery in place.

3 Cooling fan Helps keep the computer cool.

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

4 Memory compartment Houses the computer’s main memory.

5 Hard disk bay Houses the computer’s hard disk (secured

6 Battery release latch Releases the battery for removal.

by two screws).

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.

Icon Function Description

Cap lock Lights when Cap Lock is activated

Num lock Lights when Num Lock is activated.

Media Activity Indicates when the hard disc or optical

drive is active.

Bluetooth Indicates the status of Bluetooth

communication.

Chapter 1 11

Icon Function Description

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.

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

green when in AC mode.

Easy-launch Buttons

Located at the upper-right, above the keyboard are four buttons. These buttons are called launch keys. The

are: mail, Web browser, Acer Empowering key “ “ and one user-programmable button.

Press “ “ to ru the Acer eManager. Please see “Acer eManager”. 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.

Launch key Default application

Mail Email application (user-programmable)

Web browser Internet browser (user-programmable)

Acer eManager (user-programmable)

P User-programmable

12 Chapter 1

To u c h p a d

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.

Touch pa d B asics

The following teaches you how to use the touchpad:

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

T 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.

T 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.

Function Left Button (1)

Execute Click twice

quickly

Select Click once Tap once

Right Button

(4)

Main touchpad

(2)

Tap twice (at the same speed as doubleclicking the mouse button)

Center button (3)

Chapter 1 13

Function Left Button (1)

Drag Click and hold,

then use finger to drag the cursor on the touchpad

Access context menu

Scroll Click and hold to move

Right Button

(4)

Click once

Main touchpad

(2)

Tap twice (at the same speed as doubleclicking a mouse button) then hold finger to the touchpad on the second tap to drag the cursor.

Center button (3)

up/down/left/right.

NOTE: Keep your fingers dry and clean when using the touchpad. Also keep the touchpad dry and clean. The

touchpad is sensitive to finger movements. Hence, the lighter the touch, the better the response. Tapping too hard will not increase the touchpad’s responsiveness.

14 Chapter 1

Using the Keyboard

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

Lock Keys and embedded mumeric keypad

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

Lock Key Description

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

are in uppercase.

Num lock

Scroll lock

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

Type numbers in a normal manner.

Hold <Shift> while using cursor-control keys.

letters on embedded keypad.

Hold <Fn> while using cursor-control keys.

Type the letters in a normal manner.

Windows Keys

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

Chapter 1 15

Key Icon Description

Windows key Pressed alone, this key has the same effect as

Application

key

clicking on the Windows Start button; it launches the Start menu. It can also be used with other keys to provide a variety of function:

+ <Tab> Activates 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.

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

Hot Keys

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

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

Hot Key Icon Function Description

Fn-F1 Hot key help Displays help on hot keys.

Fn-F2 Acer eSetting Launches the Acer eSettings in Acer eManager.

Fn-F3 Acer

ePowerManagement

Launches the Acer ePowerManagement in Acer eManager.

16 Chapter 1

Hot Key Icon Function Description

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-w Volume up Increases the speaker volume.

Fn-y Volume down Decreases the speaker volume.

Fn-x Brightness up Increases the screen brightness.

Fn-z Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness

Special Key

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

Chapter 1 17

The Euro symbol

1. Open a text editor or word processor.

2. Either directly press the <Euro> symbol at the bottom-right of the keyboard, or hold <Alt Gr> and then press the<5> symbol at the upper-center of the keyboard.

The US dollar sign

1. Open a text editor or word processor.

2. Either directly press the <Dollar> key 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.

NOTE: Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol. Please refer to www.microsoft.com/

typography/faq/faq12.htm for more information.

18 Chapter 1

Hardware Specifications and Configurations

Processor

Item Specification

CPU type Aspire 5500

Intel

Pentium® M Processor 740/750/760/770 (2 MB L2 cache, 1.73/1.86/

2/2.13 GHz, 533 MHz FSB)

Intel

Pentium® M Processor 735/735A (2MB L2 cache, 1.60 GHz, 400

MHz FSB)

Core logic

CPU package Intel socketable 478pin Micro-BGA

CPU core voltage 1.308V (highest frequency mode) to 0.956V (low frequency mode)

BIOS

Item Specification

BIOS vendor Insyde

BIOS Version V1.10

BIOS ROM type Flash ROM

BIOS ROM size 512KB

BIOS package 32-pin PLCC

Supported protocols ACPI 2.0, PC 2001 ready, SM BIOS 2.3, IEEE1284-ECP/EPP, PCI 2.2,

BIOS password control Set by setup manual

Second Level Cache

915GM/PM+Intel ICH6-M (Mobile Intel 82801FB)

Intel

0.748V (deeper sleep mode)

PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.0, PS/2 keyboard and mouse, USB 2.0, VGA BIOS, CDROM bootable, IEEE 1394, SMB (system managment bus), WFM 2.0 ready

Item Specification

Cache controller Built-in CPU

Cache size

1st level cache control Always enabled

2st level cache control Always enabled

Cache scheme control Fixed in write-back

2MB

System Memory

Item Specification

Memory controller

Memory size 0MB (no on-board memory)

DIMM socket number 2 sockets

Supports memory size per socket 1024MB

Supports maximum memory size 2G (by two 1024MB SO-DIMM module)

Supports DIMM type DDR Synchronous DRAM

Supports DIMM Speed 400 MHz/533 MHz

Supports DIMM voltage 2.5V and 1.25V

Supports DIMM package 200-pin soDIMM

Memory module combinations You can install memory modules in any combinations as long as they

915GM/PM

Intel

match the above specifications.

Chapter 1 19

Memory Combinations

Slot 1 Slot 2 Total Memory

0MB 128MB 128MB

0MB 256MB 256MB

0MB 512MB 512MB

0MB 1024MB 1024MB

128MB 128MB 256MB

128MB 256MB 384MB

128MB 512MB 640MB

1284MB 1024MB 1152MB

256MB 128MB 384MB

256MB 256MB 512MB

256MB 512MB 768MB

256MB 1024MB 1280MB

512MB 128MB 640MB

512MB 256MB 768MB

512MB 512MB 1024MB

512MB 1024MB 1536MB

1024MB 0MB 1024MB

1024MB 128MB 1125MB

1024MB 256MB 1280MB

1024MB 512MB 1536MB

1024MB 1024MB 2048MB

NOTE: Above table lists some system memory configurations. You may combine DIMMs with various

capacities to form other combinations. On above table, the configuration of slot 1 and slot 2 could be reversed.

LAN Interface

Item Specification

Chipset BCM4401KFB

Supports LAN protocol 10/100Mbps

LAN connector type RJ45

LAN connector location Left side

Features Integrated 10/100 BASE-T transceiver

Wake on LAN support compliant with ACPI 2.0 PCI v2.3

IR Interface (No IR Interface for this model)

Item Specification

Part name VISHAY TFU6102F

Package 8-pin SMT type

Performance 4Mbit/s

Compliant IrDA 1.1

Modem Interface

Item Specification

Data modem data baud rate (bps) 56K

20 Chapter 1

Modem Interface

Item Specification

Supports modem protocol V.90/V.92

Modem connector type RJ11

Modem connector location Left side

Bluetooth Interface

Item Specification

Chipset/Vendor for Wireless LAN Card

Data throughput 723 bps (full speed data rate)

Protocol Bluetooth 1.1 (Upgradeable to Bluetooth 1.2 when SIG

Interface USB 1.1

Connector type Mini-USB

built-in Mobile Intel

specification is ratified).

82801FB (ICH6-M)/WNC

Wireless Module 802.11b/g (optional device)

Item Specification

Chipset

Data throughput 11~54 Mbps

Protocol 802.11b+g

Interface Mini-PCI type II

built-in Mobile Intel

82801FB (ICH6-M)

Hard Disk Drive Interface

Item Specification

Vendor & Model Name

Capacity (MB) 40000 60000 80000 100000

Bytes per sector

Data heads 2/2 3/4 4/4 4/4

Drive Format

Disks 1/1 2/2 2/2 2/2

Spindle speed (RPM)

Performance Specifications

Buffer size 2MB/8192KB 8192KB 8192KB 8192KB

Interface ATA/ATAPI-6; ATA-6 ATA/ATAPI-6; ATA-6 ATA/ATA-6; ATA-6 ATA/ATA-6; ATA-6

Max. media transfer rate (disk-buffer, Mbytes/s)

Data transfer rate (host~buffer, Mbytes/s)

DC Power Requirements

SEAGATE ST94019A Toshiba Pluto MK4025GAS

512 512 512 512

4200/4200 RPM 4200/4200 RPM 4200/4200 RPM 4200/4200 RPM

372 350 350 373

100 MB/Sec. Ultra DMA mode-5

SEAGATE N2 ST960821A Toshiba Pluto MK6025GAS

100 MB/Sec. Ultra DMA mode-5

SEAGATE N2 ST9808210A Toshiba Pluto MK8025GAS

100 MB/Sec. Ultra DMA mode-5

SEAGATE ST9100822A TOSHIBA PLUTO MK1031GAS

100 MB/Sec. Ultra DMA mode-5

Chapter 1 21

Hard Disk Drive Interface

Item Specification

Voltage tolerance

5V(DC) +/- 5% 5V(DC) +/- 5% 5V(DC) +/- 5% 5V(DC) +/- 5%

Combo Drive Interface

Item Specification

Vendor & model name Philips SCB5265+UJDA770

Performance Specification With CD Diskette With DVD Diskette

Transfer rate (KB/sec) Sustained:

Max 3.6Mbytes/sec

Buffer Memory 2MB

Interface Enhanced IDE(ATAPI) compatible

Applicable disc format Read:

DVD: DVD-ROM, (DVD-5, DVD-9, DVD-10, DVD-18), DVD-Video, DVD-R (3.95 and 4.7G), DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, Multi-Border DVD-R/DVD-RW, MultiSession DVD+R, DVD+RW and DVD-RAM (optional)

CD: CD-DA, CD-ROM Mode-1, CD-ROM/XA Mode-2 Form-1 and Mode-2 Form-2, CD-i Ready, Video-CD (MPEG-1), Karaoke CD, Super Video CD, Photo-CD, Enhanced CD, CD Plus, CD Extra, i-trax CD, CD-Text, CD-R, CDRW

Write: CD-DA, CD-ROM Mode-1CD-ROM/XA Mode-2 Form-1 and Mode-2 Form-2, CD-i, Video-CD, CD-Text

Loading mechanism Load: Manual

Release: (a) Electrical Release (Release Button) (b) Release by ATAPI command (c) Emergency Release

Power Requirement

Input Voltage 5 V +/- 5 % (Operating)

Sustained: Max 10.8Mbytes/sec

DVD-Dual Interface

Item Specification

Vendor & model name DVD Dual Pioneer DVR-K15RA

DVD Dual Pioneer DVR-K05RA LiteOn SOSW-833S Panasonic UJ-845

Performance Specification With CD Diskette With DVD Diskette

Transfer rate (KB/sec) Sustained:

Max 3.6Mbytes/sec

Buffer Memory 2MBytes

Interface Enhanced IDE(ATAPI) compatible

Applicable disc format for LiteOn SOSW-833S

Read: DVD: DVD single/dual layer (PTP, OTP), DVD-R (3.9G/4.7G), DVD-R multiborders, DVD-R Double Layer, DVD+R, DVD+R multi-sessions, DVD+R Double

Layer, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW discs with diameter of 8 or 12cm CD: CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-ROM/XA, Photo-CD, Multi-session, Karaoke-CD,

Video-CD, CD-I FMV, CD Extra, CD Plus, CD-R, and CD-RW discs of 8 or 12 cm diameter

Sustained: Max 10.8Mbytes/sec

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