Acer Aspire 5550 Service Manual

Aspire 5550/3670 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 5550/3670 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.

System Specifications

Features

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

Operating system

T Windowsl

NOTE: Windows VistaTM capable PCs come with Windows XP instaled, and can be upgraded to Windows

Vista windowsvista.

T Genuine Windows

T Genuine Window

Platform and memroy

For Aspire 5550

T Intel

t Intel

t Mobile Intel

t Intel Pro/Wireless 3945ABG or 3945 BG network connection (dual-band tri-mode 802.11a/b/g)

T Mobile Intel

T Up to 2 GB of DDR2 533/677 MHz system memory, upgradeable to 4 GB using two soDIMM

modules

For Aspire 3670

T Intel

higher

T Mobile Intel

T Up to 2 GB of DDR2 533/677 MHz system memory, upgradeable to 2 GB using two soDIMM

modules

VistaTM capable

. For more information on Windows VistaTM and how to upgrade, go to: Microsoft.com/

XP Professional (Service Pack 2)

XP Home Edition (Service Pack 2)

Centrino® Duo mobile techonlogy, featuring:

CoreTM Duo processor T2300/T2400/T2500/T2600 (2 MB L2 cache, 1.66/1.83/2/2.16

GHz, 667 MHz FSB)

945GM/PM Express chipset

Wi-Fi CERTILFIED

945GM/PM Express chipset+ICH7M

Celeron® M Processor 410/420/430 (1MB L2 cache, 1.46/1.60/1.73 GHz, 533 MHz FSB) or

940GML Express chipset+ICH7M

solution, supporting Acer SignalUpTM wireless technology

Chapter 1

Display and graphics

T 14.1” WXGA Acer CrystalBrite

multi-window viewing via AcerAcer DridVista

T ATI Mobility

Radeon® X1300 with up to 512 MB of HyperMemoryTM (128 MB of dedicated

GDDR2 VRAM, up to 384 MB of shared system memory) supporing DualView PowerPlayTM 5.0, Microsoft DirectX 9.0, PCI Express (for Aspire 5550 discrete models)

T Mobile Intel

945GM Express chipset with integrated 3D graphics, featuring Intel® Graphics Media

Accelerator (GMA) 950 with up to 224 MB of shared system memory, supporting dual independent

displays, Microsoft

T Mobile Intel

DirectX® 9.0, PCI Express ( for Aspire 5550 UMA models)

940GML Express chipset with integrated 3D graphics, featuring Intel® Graphics

Media Accelerator (GMA) 950 with up to 224 MB of shared system memory, supporting Microsoft

DirectX

9.0, PCI Express ( for Aspire 3670 models)

Chapter 1 1

TFT LCD, 1280 x 800 pixel resolution, supporting simultaneous

, ATI

T 16.7 million colors

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

T MPEG-2/DVD hardware-assisted capability

Storage subsystem

T 60/80/100/120/160 GB hard disk drive (5400 rpm) (for Aspire 5550)

T 40/60/80/100/120 GB ATA/100 hard disk drive (for Aspire 3670)

T Optical drive options:

t DVD-Super Multi double-layer

t DVD-Dual double-layer

t DVD/CD-RW combo drive

T 5-in-1 card reader, supporting Secure Digital (SD)m MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick

Memory Stick Pro

Input devices

T 88-/89-key keyboad with inverted “T” cursor layout, 2.5 mm (minimum) key travel

T Touchpad with 4-way scroll button

T 12 function keys, four media keys (play/pause, stop, previous, next), four cursor keys, two

Windows

T Four easy-launch buttons: Empowering Key, Internet, email, user-programmable button

T Two front-access switches: WLAN,Bluetooth

(MS PRO), xD-Picture CardTM (xD) (for Aspire 5550)

keys, hotkey controls, embedded numeric keypad, international language support

(MS),

Audio

T Audio system with two built-in speakers (2W) and microphone

T Intel

T Sound Blaster Pro

High-Definition audio support (audio codec: ALC833)

and MS-Sound compatible

Communication

T Acer Video Conference featuring Voice and Video over Internet Protocol (VVoIP) support via Acer

OrbiCam

T Acer OrbiCam

featuring:

t 225 degree ergonomic rotation

t Acer VisageON

t Acer PrimaLite

T WLAN: Intel

802.11a/b/g) Wi-Fi CERTIFIED

T LAN: Fast Ethernet; Wake-on-LAN ready

NOTE: wake-on-LAN refers to “wake on LAN-on”. To be more specific, LAN packets can wake up the laptos

from S3 Standby Mode (with battery or AC power in) or S4 Hibernation Mode (with AC power in). Please notice that the client needs to install a specific software to recognize the LAN packets.

T Modem: 56K ITU V.92 modem with PTT approval; Wake-on ring ready; wake (from S3 Stand-by or

S4 Hibernation mode) on modem ring in

NOTE: wake-on ring ready refers to “wake on modem ring in”. As modem ring in, the signals can wake up the

system from S3 Standby Mode (with AC power in) or S4 Hibernation Mode (with AC power)

and optional Acer Bluetooth® VoIP phone

integrated 1.3 megapixel or 310,000 pixel CMOS camera (for selected models),

technology (for 1.3 megapixel camera models only)

technology

PRO/Wireless 3945ABG or 3945BG network connection (dual-band tri-mode

solution, supporting Acer SignalUpTM wireless technology

I/O Ports

T PC Card slot (one Type II)

2 Chapter 1

T 5-in-1 card reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS PRO/xD) (for Aspire 5500)

T 3 USB 2.0 ports

T External display (VGA) port

T Headphones/speaker/line-out jack

T Microphone-in jack

T Ethernet (RJ-45) port

T Modem (RJ-11) port

T DC-in jack for AC adapter

Environment

T Temperature:

t operating: 5 C to 35 C

°°

t Non-operating: -20 C to 65 C

T Humidity (non-condensing):

t operating: 20%~80%

t Non-operating: 20%~80%

°°

Chapter 1 3

System Block Diagram

1D05V_S0

1D8V_S3

INPUTS OUTPUTS

1D8V_S3

DDR_VREF_S0

TPS51116

DCBATOUT

APL5332KAC

TPS51120

SYSTEM

5V_S5

OUTPUTS

INPUTS

DCBATOUT

3D3V_S5

APL5912

SYSTEM DC/DC

PCB STACKUP

VCC

TVO

CRT

14"WSXGA+

LCD

LVDS

RGB CRT

GND

TOP

Project code: 91.4P401.001

PCB P/N : 55.4P401.XXX

DATE:2006/05/10

REVISION : 06208-3

(Hannstar, GCE)

ATI

APL5912

3D3V_S0 2D5V_S0

BOTTOM

45,46,47,48,49

VRAM x4

M54P / M52P

1D8V_S3 1D5V_S0

PCMCIA

SLOT

PCMCIA I/F

50,51

ENE CB1410

128/256M

OUTPUTSINPUTS

CHG_PWR

18V 4.0A

ISL6255

MAXIM CHARGER

Support

TypeII

MS/MS Pro/xD/

1394

R5C832

RICOH

CONN

TPS2211

PWR SW

24,25

CARDBUS

38,39

UP+5V

5V 100mA

CPU

ISL6262

DCBATOUT

6 in 1

MMC/SD/SDIO

RJ45

TXFM

802.11A/B/G

Mini-PCI

27,28

LAN

GIGA or 10/100

CardReader

RTL8110 or RTL8100CL

0~1.3V

44A

OUTPUTS

VCC_CORE_S0

INPUTS

DCBATOUT

802.11A/B/G

Mini Card*1

VGA_CORE_S0

OUTPUTS

ISL6269

DCBATOUT

INPUTS

ATI M52 DC/DC

LPC

Thermal

KBC

BIOS

SST25LF080A

SIO

APL5331

1D8V_S0 1D2V_S0

DEBUG

CONN.

G792SFUF

FAN CONN

INT.

RE144B

Renesas

Touch

NS87381

u Rd., Hsichih,

Acer Inc.

8F, 88, Sec.1, Hsin Tai W

33 33

Pad

FIR

Taipei Hsien 221, Taiwan, R.O.C.

BLOCK DIAGRAM

Title

Size Document Number Rev

Title

Size Document Number Rev

Title

Size Document Number Rev

AG3 3

AG3

155Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Date: Sheet

G791/G792

M56 Ver.: B24

M52 Ver.: A12

M54 Ver.: A12

PCI Express x16

4, 5

400/533/667MHz

6,7,8,9,10

100MHz

Mobile CPU

HOST BUS

Calistoga

Yonah 478

(Discrete)

IDT CV125PA

(ICS 954206)

CLK GEN.

Garda-3 Block Diagram

Garda-3 Block DiagramGarda-3 Block Diagram

Garda-3 Block Diagram

533/667MHz

11,12

DDR2

533 MHz

Ver.:A2 :71.945PM.00U / QK46

533/667MHz

11,12

DDR2

533 MHz

DMI I/F

Line In

AZALIA

Codec

ALC883

PCI BUS

MIC In

ICH7M

Ver. : B0, 71.ICH7M.A0U / QK65

INT.MIC

Line Out

(SPDIF)

OP AMP

MAX4411

PCIEx1

G1432Q

OP AMP

INT.SPKR

SPI I/F

LPC BUS

15,16,17,18

MODEM

MDC Card

RJ11

USB

PATA

SATA

PCI Express

New card

3 PORT

MINI USB

Blue-tooth

CDROM

HDD

PWR SW

TPS2231

4 Chapter 1

Board Layout

Top View

1 CVR1 LID switch 8 BTBTN1 Bluetooth launch switch

2 MIC1 Microphone cable connector 9 SPK1 Speaker set cable

3 LCD1 LCD cable connector 10 BT1 Bluetooth module cable connector

4 U38 Cardbus controller (ENE CB-1410) 11 LEDB1 LED FFC connector

5 U43 LAN controller (Realtek

RTL8100CL)

6 N/A Card reader controller (Ricoh

R5C832)

7 WLBTN1 Wireless launch switch

12 TAPD1 Touchpad cable connector

13 KB1 Keyboard cable connector

Chapter 1 5

Bottom View

NOTE: This is engineering sample. The image above may not be exactly the same as the real main board you

get.

1 DCIN1 DC-in jack 14 USB3 USB port

2 CRT1 External display port 15 U67 Audio codec (Reltek ALC833)

3 N/A Modem cable connector 16 LIN1 Line-in jack

4 MDC1 Modem board connector 17 MIC2 Microphone jack

5 BAT1 Battery connector 18 LOUT1 Headphone/speaker/line-out jack

6 CDROM1 ODD module connector 19 HDD1 HDD module connector

7 FAN1 System fan connector 20-21USB1 USB ports

8 DM2 DIMM 2 socket 22 U58 CPU socket

9 DM1 DIMM 1 socket 23 U56 North Bridge

10 RTC1 RTC battery 24 U53 VGA controller

11 CN2 Card reader board connector 25 TRING1 Modem jack

12 MINIC1 Wireless LAN card slot 26 RJ1 LAN jack

13 U62 South bridge (Intel ICH7M)

6 Chapter 1

Jumper Settings/Clear BIOS Password Procedures

1. Remove the DIMM cover and the lower DDR2 memory module, then find out the G96 position on the main board. Please just the lower DDR2 memory module, you will need the upper DDR2 memory module to boot up the system. (You should tear off the mylar to see G96).

2. Use a tweezers or a screwdriver to short the G96 pad and remain the short status.

3. Power on the system until POST is completed. Then you can release the tweezers or screwdriver. The

BIOS password should be cleared after these steps.

Chapter 1 7

Your Acer Notebook 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),

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

3 Keyboard For entering data into your computer.

4 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which

5 Click buttons (left,

center and right)

6 Palmrest Comfortable support area for our hands

7 Microphone Internal microphone for sound recording.

8 Power button Turns the computer on and off.

9 Easy-launch Buttons Buttons for launching frequently used

10 Built-in camera 310,000 pixel web camera for video

displays computer output.

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

functions like a computer mouse.

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

when you use the computer.

programs.

communication.

8 Chapter 1

Closed Front View

"Easy-launch buttons" on page 18

# Icon Item Description

1 Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio

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

output.

mouse, USB camera).

4 Wireless

5 Line-in jack Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g., audio

6 Microphone-in jack Accepts input from external microphones.

7 Headphones/

8 Battery indicator Indicates the computer’s battery status.

9 Power indicator Indicates the computer’s power status

Bluetooth communication button/ indicator

communication button/ indicator

speakers/line-out jack with S/PDIF support

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

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

CD player, stereo walkman).

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

10 Latch Locks and release the lid.

Chapter 1 9

Left View

Note:

# Icon Item Description

1 Kensington lock slot Connects to a Kensington-compatible

computer security lock.

2 Optical drive Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or

3 Optical disk access

4 Optical drive eject

5 Emergency eject hole Ejects the optical drive tray when the

6 5-in-1 card reader Accepts Secure Digital (SD),

Right View

DVDs.

Lights up when the optical drive is active.

indicator

Ejects the optical disk from the drive.

button

computer is turned off.

MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick PRO (MS PRO), xDPicture Card (xD) (for Aspire 5550)

Note: Only one card can operate at any given time.

# Icon Item Description

1 PC Card slot Accepts on Type II PC Card.

2 PC Card slot eject

10 Chapter 1

button

Ejects the PC Card from the slot.

3 Three USB 2.0 ports Connect to USB 2.0 devices (e.g., USB

4 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool, even

5 Modem (RJ-11) port Connects to a phone line.

6 Ethernet (RJ-45) port Connects to an Ethernet 10/100-based

Rear Panel

mouse, USB camera).

after prolong use.

network.

# Icon Item Description

1 DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter.

External display (VGA) port

Battery Powers the computer

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

Chapter 1 11

Bottom Panel

# Item Description

1 Battery lock Locks the battery in position.

2 Cooling fan Helps keep the computer cool.

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

4 Memory compartment Houses the computer’s main memory.

5 Battery release latch Release the battery for removal.

6 Battery bay Houses the computer’s battery pack.

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

with screws)

Indicators

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

12 Chapter 1

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.

HDD Indicates when the hard disc or optical

drive is active.

Bluetooth Indicates the status of Bluetooth

Wireless LAN Indicates the status of wireless LAN

Battery Lights up when the battery is being

Power Lights up when the computer is on.

communication.

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 above the keyboard are four buttons. These buttons are called easy-launch buttons. They are: mail

Web browser, Empowering Key “ “and one user-programmable button.

Press “ “ to run the 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.

Aspire 3640:

Chapter 1 13

Launch key Default application

P User-programmable

Acer Empowering Technology (user-programmable)

Web browser Internet browser (user-programmable)

Mail Email application (user-programmable)

Touchpad Basics

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.

14 Chapter 1

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

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 the mouse button)

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.

Chapter 1 15

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 numeric keypad

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

Lock Key Description

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

are in uppercase.

Num lock

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.

16 Chapter 1

Key Icon 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 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

Applicati

on key

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.

Chapter 1 17

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 :

The Euro symbol

1. Open a text editor or word processor.

18 Chapter 1

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.

Chapter 1 19

Acer Empowering Technology

Acer’s innovative Empowering Technology makes it easy for you to access frequently used functions and manage your new Acer notebook. It features the following handy utilities:

T Acer eNet Management hooks up to location-based networks intelligently (for selected models) T Acer ePower Management extends battery power via versatile usage profiles. T Acer ePresentation Management connects to a projector and adjusts display settings conveniently. T Acer eDataSecurity Management protects data with passwords and advanced encryption algorithms

(for selected models)

T Acer eLock Management limits access to external storage media. T Acer eRecovery Management backs up and recovers data flexibly, reliably and completely. T Acer eSettings Management accesses system information and adjusts settings easily. T Acer ePerformance Management improves system performance by optimizing disk space, memory and

registry settings.

For more information, press the < > key to launch the Empowering Technology menu, then click on the appropriate utility and select the Help or Tutorial function.

Empowering Technology password

Before using Acer eLock Management and Acer eRecovery Management, you must initalize the Empowering Technology password. Right-click on the Empowering Technology toolbard and select “Password Setup” to do so. If you do not initialize the Empowering Technology password, you will be prompted to do so when running Acer eLock Management or Acer eRecovery Management for the first time.

Acer eNet Management

Acer eNet Management helps you to quickly and easily connect to both wired and wireless networks in a variety of locations. To access this utility, either click on the “Acer eNet Management” icon on your netebook, or start the program from the Start menu. You also have the option to 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 freedom to manually adjust the settings to match your needs.

20 Chapter 1

Acer eNet Management can save network settings for a location to a profile, and automatically switch to the appropriate profile when you move from one location to another. Settings stored include network connection settings (IP and DNS settings, wireless AP details, etc.), as well as default printer settings.

Security and safety concerns mean that Acer eNet Management does not store username and password information.

Chapter 1 21

Acer ePower Management

Acer ePower Management features a straightforward user interface. To launch it, select Acer ePower Management from the Empowering Technology interface.

AC Mode (Adapter mode)

The default setting is “Maximum Performance.” You can adjust CPU speed, LCD brightness and other settings, or click on buttons to turn the following functions on/off: Wireless LAN, Bluetooth, CardBus, FireWire (1394), Wired LAN and Optical Device if supported.

DC Mode (Battery mode)

There are four pre-defined profiles - Entertainment, Presentation, Word Processing, and Battery Life. You can also define up to three of your own.

To create new power profile

1. Change power settings as desired.

2. Click “Save as...” to save to a new power profile.

3. Name the newly created profile.

4. Select whether this profile is for Adapter or Battery mode, then click OK.

22 Chapter 1

5. The new profile will appear in the profile list.

Battery status

For real-time battery life estimates based on current usage, referto the panel on the lower left-hand side of the window.

For additional options, click “Settings” to:

T Set alarms. T Re-load factory defaults. T Select what actions will be taken when the cover is closed or the power button is pressed. T View information about Acer ePower Management.

Chapter 1 23

Acer ePresentation Management

Acer ePresentation Management lets you project your computer’s display to an external device or project using the hot key: Fn + F5. If auto-detection hardware is implemented in the system, your system display will be automatically switched out when an external display is connected to the system.

24 Chapter 1

+ 92 hidden pages