Acer Aspire 7730, Aspire 7730G Schematic

Aspire 7730/7730G 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 7730/7730G Series service guide.

Date Chapter Updates

II

Copyright

Copyright © 2008 by Acer Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer language, in
any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without
the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.

Disclaimer

The information in this guide is subject to change without notice.
Acer Incorporated makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the

contents hereof and specifically disclaims any warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular
purpose. Any Acer Incorporated software described in this manual is sold or licensed "as is". Should the
programs prove defective following their purchase, the buyer (and not Acer Incorporated, its distributor, or its
dealer) assumes the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair, and any incidental or consequential
damages resulting from any defect in the software.

Acer is a registered trademark of Acer Corporation.
Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
Pentium and Pentium II/III are trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Other brand and product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

III

Conventions

The following conventions are used in this manual:

SCREEN MESSAGES Denotes actual messages that appear

on screen.

NOTE Gives bits and pieces of additional

information related to the current
topic.

WARNING Alerts you to any damage that might

result from doing or not doing specific
actions.

CAUTION Gives precautionary measures to

avoid possible hardware or software
problems.

IMPORTANT Reminds you to do specific actions

relevant to the accomplishment of
procedures.

IV

Preface

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

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

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

V

VI

Table of Contents

System Specifications 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Easy-Launch Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Touch Pad Basics (with fingerprint reader) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Using the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Lock Keys and embedded numeric keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Windows Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Hot Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Special Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Using the System Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Launch Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Hardware Specifications and Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

System Utilities 27

BIOS Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Navigating the BIOS Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Main . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Advanced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

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

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

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

Remove HDD/BIOS Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Machine Disassembly and Replacement 43

Disassembly Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Pre-disassembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

External Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

External Modules Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Removing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Removing the SD dummy card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Removing the ExpressCard dummy card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Removing the Lower Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Removing the DIMM Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Removing the MXM Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Removing the Turbo RAM module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Removing the TV Tuner module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Removing the WLAN Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Removing the Hard Disk Drive1 Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Removing the Hard Disk Drive2 Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

VII

Table of Contents

Removing the Optical Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Main Unit Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Main Unit Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Removing the Switch Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Removing the Switch Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Removing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Removing the Modem Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Removing the Antenna, MIC and Speaker Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Removing the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Removing the Upper Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Removing the Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Removing the Finger Print Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Removing the Launch Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Removing the Speaker Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Removing the eKey Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Removing the Bluetooth board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Removing the Subwoofer Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

Removing the ExpressCard Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Removing the Mainboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Removing the CPU Fan Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

Removing the CPU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

LCD Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

LCD Module Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Removing the LCD Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Removing the Inverter Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

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

Removing the LCD Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Removing the LCD Brackets and FPC Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

LCD Module Reassembly Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Replacing the LCD Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Replacing the LCD Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99

Main Module Reassembly Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

Replacing the CPU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

Replacing the CPU Fan Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

Replacing the Mainboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Replacing the Bluetooth Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102

Replacing the ExpressCard Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102

Replacing the Subwoofer Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

Replacing the Finger Print Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

Replacing the eKey Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

Replacing the Touch Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107

Replacing the Launch Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107

Replacing the Switch Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108

Replacing the Antenna, MIC and Speaker Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

Replacing the Speaker Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

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

Replacing the Modem Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115

Replacing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

Replacing the Switch Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Replacing the ODD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

Replacing the Hard Disk Drive2 Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119

Replacing the Hard Disk Drive1 Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120

Replacing the WLAN Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121

Replacing the TV Tuner Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122

Replacing the Turbo Ram Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123

VIII

Table of Contents

Replacing the MXM Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123

Replacing the DIMM Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124

Replacing the Lower Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124

Replacing the ExpressCard Dummy Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

Replacing the SD Dummy Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

Troubleshooting 127

Common Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127

Power On Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128

No Display Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

Random Loss of BIOS Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

LCD Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131

Built-In Keyboard Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131

Touch Pad Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132

Internal Speaker Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132

Internal Microphone Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134

HDD Not Operating Correctly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

ODD Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

USB Failure (Rightside) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

Modem Function Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

Wireless Function Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

EasyTouch Button Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

MediaTouch Button Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141

Fingerprint Reader Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141

Thermal Unit Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

HDTV Switch Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

External Mouse Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143

Other Failures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143

Intermittent Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

Undetermined Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

POST Codes Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145

Chipset POST Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145

Core POST Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

Jumper and Connector Locations 155

Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155

Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156

Clearing Password Check and BIOS Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157

Clearing Password Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157

BIOS Recovery by Crisis Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158

FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) List 159

Aspire 7730/7730G Exploded Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160

Upper Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160

Lower Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161

LCD Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162

Model Definition and Configuration 170

Aspire 7730/7730G Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170

Test Compatible Components 193

Microsoft® Windows® Vista Environment Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .194

PCMCIA LAN Card Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .194

Express Card Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .194

IX

Table of Contents

Display Port Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .194

USB Port Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .194

Access Point Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195

Bluetooth Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195

Card Reader Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .196

Audio Jacks Port Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .196

Port Replicator Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .196

Online Support Information 197
Index 199

X

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*

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)

2 Chapter 1

• 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 Technology

6 Easy-launch

buttons

7 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when

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

Chapter 1 5

Buttons for launching frequently used 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).

6 Chapter 1

Left View

No. Icon Item Description

1 Acer EasyPort IV

connector

2 Ethernet (RJ-45)

port

3 External display

(VGA) port

4

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.

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.

10 Chapter 1

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 To uch 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.

Chapter 1 11

Using the Keyboard

The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded numeric keypad, separate cursor, lock, Windows, function
and special keys.

Lock Keys and embedded numeric keypad

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

Lock key Description

Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic charac ters typed are in uppercase.
Num Lock

<Fn> + <F11>

Scroll Lock <Fn> +
<F12>

The embedded numeric keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is indicated by small characters
located on the upper right corner of the keycaps. To simplify the keyboard legend, cursor-control key symbols
are not printed on the keys.

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.

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.

12 Chapter 1

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.

Chapter 1 13

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> + <Home> Play/Pause Play/Pause the current media.
<Fn> + <Pg Up> Stop Stop the current media.
<Fn> + <Pg Dn> Skip Backward Skip to the next track of the current media.
<Fn> + <End> Skip Forward Skip top the previous track of the current media.

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.

14 Chapter 1

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.

•

Chapter 1 15

Using the System Utilities

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

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

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

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible)

NOTE: This feature is only available on certain models.

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

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

16 Chapter 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

recommended value.

Launch Manager

Launch Manager allows you to set the four easy-launch buttons located above the keyboard. You can access
the Launch Manager by clicking on Start > All Programs > Launch Manager to start the application.

Chapter 1 17

Hardware Specifications and Configurations

Processor

Item Specification

CPU type Intel® Penryn (dual core)
CPU package Intel® 479 pin Micro-FCPGA
Features Supports Intel architecture with Dynamic execution.

On-die, primary 32-kB instruction cache and 32-kB write-back data
cache.

On-die, up to 6MB second level shared cache with advanced
transfer cache architecture.

Streaming SIMD Extensions 2 (SSE2),S treaming SIMD Extensions
3 (SSE3) Supplemental streaming SIMD extensions 3 (SSSE3)
and SSE4.1 instruction sets.

1066MHz source-synchronous front side bus (FSB)
Advanced power management features including Enhanced Intel

SpeedStep® Technology and dynamic FSB frequency switching.
Digital thermal sensor (DTS).
Execute disable bit support for enhanced security.
Intel® Dynamic Acceleration Technology and Enhanced Multi

Threaded Thermal Management (EmTTM).
Support enhanced Intel Virtualization Technology.

CPU core voltage VCC-CORE: Voltage for the future processor will depend on VID0-

6 for battery mode and setting via software for adapter mode for
the future processor

North Bridge

Item Specification

Type Intel Crestline PM965 (North Bridge)
Package FCBGA 1329 balls
Features Processor host bus supports, 667/800/1066MHz FSB support.

Supports Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667/800 MHz.
Supports Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 800/1066 MHz.
Integrated SDRAM controller up to 8GB (2 SODIMM support)
External Graphics interface for PCI Express Architecture support
DMI x2 and DMI x 4 for connection between GMCH and ICH9M
Supports ACPI 3.0

CPU core voltage 1.05V core, 1.5V,VCCSM(DDR2 = 1.8V/DDR3=1.5V),2.5V,3.3V

South Bridge

Item Specification

Type ICH9M (South Bridge)
Package BGA 676 balls

18 Chapter 1

Item Specification

Features Upstream accelerated Hub architecture interface for access to

GMCH.
PCI Express Base Specification, Revision 1.1 support.
PCI 2.3 interface. (4 PCI Request/Grant pairs).
ACPI Power Management Logic Support.
Enhanced DMA controller, interrupt controller, timers functions.
Integrated Serial ATA host controllers with indepen dent DMA

operation on six ports and AHCI support.
USB 1.1 & USB 2.0 Host controllers.
Supports Intel High Definition Audio (Intel HD Audio) Interface.
Supports Intel® Matrix Storage Technology.
Supports Intel® Active Management Technology.
Low Pin Count (LPC) interface.
6 PCIe ports.

CPU core voltage 1.05V core,1.5V,3.3V,5V CMOS I/O

CPU Fan True Value Table

CPU Temp (°C) Fan Speed (rpm)

45 0
50 3000 ± 100
65 3400 ± 100
78 3800 ± 100
90 4200 ± 100

System Clock

Item Specification

System clock chip ICS9LPRS365BGLFT or pin compatible device
Package 64 pin TSSOP
Clock Synthesizer 200/166Mhz for CPU, GMCH

100MHz clock buffer for GMCH, ICH8M and PCI-E device, SATA,
Docking station

96MHz GMCH
48Mhz for USB clock inside ICH8M
33Mhz PCI clock for PCI device, LPC

14.31818Mhz for ICH8M
Power 3.3V
Features Support spread spectrum function, for reducing EMI

Support SM bus interface.

Crystal and Oscillator

Item Specification

Features 14.31818Mhz crystal for clock chip

32.768Khz crystal for RTC inside ICH8M and WINBOND

WPC8769LDG

24.576Mhz for RICOH R5C833

25MHZ crystal for BROADCOM Lan controller BCM5787.

Chapter 1 19

System Memory

Item Specification

Memory controller Built-in
Memory size 0MB (no on-board memory)
DIMM socket number 2 sockets
Supports memory size per socket 2 GB
Supports maximum memory size 4G for 64bit OS (with two 2GB SODIMM)
Supports DIMM type DDR II 677 Mhz /DDR III 1066 MHz SDRAM memory interface

design
Supports DIMM Speed 667/1066 MHz
Memory module combinations You can install memory modules in any combinations as long as

they match the above specifications.

Memory Combinations

Slot 1 Slot 2 Total Memory

0MB 256MB 256MB
0MB 512MB 512MB
0MB 1024MB 1024MB
0MB 2048MB 2048MB
256MB 256MB 512MB
256MB 512MB 768MB
256MB 1024MB 1280MB
256MB 2048MB 2304MB
512MB 256MB 768MB
512MB 512MB 1024MB
512MB 1024MB 1536MB
512MB 2048MB 2560MB
1024MB 0MB 1024MB
1024MB 256MB 1280MB
1024MB 512MB 1536MB
1024MB 1024MB 2048MB
1024MB 2048MB 3072MB
2048MB 0MB 2048MB
2048MB 256MB 2304MB
2048MB 512MB 2560MB
2048MB 1024MB 3072MB
2048MB 2048MB 4096MB

Hard Disk Drive Interface

Item

Vendor &
Model
Name

Capacity
(MB)

Bytes per
sector

20 Chapter 1