Acer Aspire 7736, Aspire 7736Z, Aspire 7336, Aspire 7540 Service Manual

Aspire 7736/7736Z/7336 Series

Aspire 7540 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 7736/7736Z/7336 and Aspire 7540 Series service guide.

Date Chapter Updates

Copyright © 2009 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. Other brand and product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

III

Conventions

The following conventions are used in this manual:

SCREEN MESSAGES Denotes actual messages that appear

on screen.

NOTE Gives bits and pieces of additional

information related to the current topic.

WARNING Alerts you to any damage that might

result from doing or not doing specific actions.

CAUTION Gives precautionary measures to

avoid possible hardware or software problems.

IMPORTANT Reminds you to do specific actions

relevant to the accomplishment of procedures.

Preface

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

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

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

Table of Contents

System Specifications 1

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

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

Your Acer Notebook tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

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

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

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

Touchpad Basics (with fingerprint reader) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Touchpad basics (with two-click buttons) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

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

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

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

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

Special Key (only for certain models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Windows Mobility Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Using the System Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Acer Bio-Protection (only for certain models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

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

System Utilities 27

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

Navigating the BIOS Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

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

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

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

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

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

Remove HDD Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Machine Disassembly and Replacement 41

Disassembly Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

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

Pre-disassembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

External Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

External Modules Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Removing the SD Dummy Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

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

Removing the Back Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Removing the Hard Disk Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Removing the Wireless LAN Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Removing the DIMM Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Removing the Heatsink Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Removing the CPU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Removing the Optical Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Main Unit Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Main Unit Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Removing the Middle Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Removing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Removing the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Separating the Upper Case from the Lower Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Removing the Fingerprint/Button and Touchpad Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

VII

Table of Contents

Removing the USB Board Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Removing the Modem Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Removing the Bluetooth Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Removing the Microphone Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Removing the Main Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

LCD Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

LCD Module Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Removing the LCD Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Removing the LCD panel with the Brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Removing the LCD Brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Removing the Web Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Removing the FPC Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

Removing the Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Troubleshooting 85

System Check Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

External Diskette Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

External Optical Disk Drive Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

Memory Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Power System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Touchpad Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

Index of Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Phoenix BIOS Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Index of Symptom-to-FRU Error Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

Intermittent Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Undetermined Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102

Connector Locations 103

Main Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

Clearing Password Check and BIOS Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

Clearing Password Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

BIOS Recovery by Crisis Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107

FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) List 111

Aspire 7736/7736Z/7336 Series and Aspire 7540 Series Exploded Diagram . . . . .112

Model Definition and Configuration 143

Aspire 7736/7736Z/7336 Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

Test Compatible Components 171

Microsoft® Windows® Vista Environment Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

Online Support Information 175

Index 177

VIII

System Specifications

Features

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

Platform

For Aspire 7736/7736Z/7336 Series

• Intel

• Mobile Intel

• Acer InviLink

For Aspire 7540 Series

• AMD Better By Design Program, featuring:

Centrino® 2 processor technology, featuring:

• Intel

• Intel Celeron processor

• Mobile Intel

• Intel

• AMD Turion™ II Ultra dual-core processor*

• AMD Turion

• AMD Athlon

• AMD M880G Chipset

• Acer InviLink

Core™2 Duo processor

PM45/GM45/GL40 Express Chipset*

Wireless WiFi Link 5100/5300*

Pentium® mobile processor*

GM45/GL40 Express Chipset*

™

Nplify™ 802.11b/g/Draft-N*

™

802.11b/g*

™

II dual-core processor

™

64 II dual-core processor

™

Nplify™ 802.11b/g/Draft-N

™

802.11b/g

Chapter 1

System Memory

• Dual-channel SDRAM support

• Up to 2 GB of DDR2 667 MHz memory, upgradeable to 4 GB using two soDIMM modules

Display and graphics

• 16:9 aspect ratio

• 17.3" HD+ 1600 x 900

For Aspire 7736/7736Z/7336 Series

• Mobile Intel

• NVIDIA

For Aspire 7540 Series

• ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 4570*

• ATI Radeon™ HD 4200 Graphics*

Chapter 1 1

GL40 Express Chipset

GM45 Express Chipset*

GeForce® G210M*

• Screen resolution support

For UMA models: 640x480, 720x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x480, 1024x600, 1024x768, 1152x864, 1280x600, 1280x720, 1280x768, 1600x900

• For Discrete models: 800x600, 1024x768, 1152x862, 1280x720, 1280x768, 1280*800, 1360*768,

1600x900

Storage subsystem

• 2.5" hard disk drive

• Optical drive options:

• Blu-ray Disc

• DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive*

• Multi-in-1 card reader

™

/DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive*

Special keys and controls

• 103-/104-/107-key keyboard

• Touchpad pointing device

Audio

• Dolby

• True 5.1-channel surround sound output

• High-definition audio support

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

• MS-Sound compatible

• Built-in microphone

-optimized surround sound system with two built-in stereo speakers

Communication

• Integrated Acer Crystal Eye webcam*

• WLAN:

• Intel

• Acer InviLink™ Nplify™ 802.11b/g/Draft-N*

• Acer InviLink™ 802.11b/g*

• WPAN: Bluetooth

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

• Modem: 56K ITU V.92; Wake-on-Ring ready

Wireless WiFi Link 5100/5300 (For Aspire 7736/7736Z/7336 Series)

2.1+Enhanced Data Rate (EDR)*

I/O Ports

• Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint reader* (For Aspire 7736/7736Z/7336 Series)

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

• USB 2.0 port

• HDMI

• External display (VGA) port

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

• Microphone-in jack

• Line-in jack

• Ethernet (RJ-45) port

™

port with HDCP support

2 Chapter 1

• 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%

Dimension and weight

• Dimension: 411 (W) x 274 (D) x 40/45.0 (H) mm

• Weight: <3.3kg

NOTE: 1. "*" means only for certain models".

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

Chapter 1 3

System Block Diagram

For Aspire 7736/7736Z/7336 Series:

4 Chapter 1

For Aspire 7540 Series:

Chapter 1 5

Your Acer Notebook tour

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

Front View

3 4

12 11

# Icon Item Description

1 Acer Crystal Eye

webcam

2 Display screen Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD), displays computer output

3 Power button Turns the computer on and off.

Web camera for video communication. (only for certain models)

(Configuration may vary by models).

6 Chapter 1

# Icon Item Description

4 Wireless LAN

communication button/indicator

Bluetooth communication button/indicator

Backup key Launches Acer Backup Management for three-step data backup.

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.

5 Keyboard For entering data into your computer.

6 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer

Power

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

Enables/disables the Bluetooth function. Indicates the status of Bluetooth communication. (only for certain models)

mouse.

Indicates the computer's power status.

Battery

8 Click buttons

(left and right)

9 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when you use the

10 Touchpad toggle Turns the internal touchpad on and off.

11 Microphone Internal microphone for sound recording.

12 Acer PowerSmart

key

13 Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio output.

Indicates the computer's battery status.

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

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

The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse buttons.

computer.

Puts your computer into power-saving mode.

Closed Front View

# Icon Item Description

1 Multi-in-1 card

reader

Chapter 1 7

Accepts Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick PRO (MS PRO), xD-Picture Card (xD).

Note: Push to remove/install the card. Only one card can operate at any given time.

Left View

12 3 4 5 6

# Icon Item Description

1 DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter.

2 Ethernet (RJ-45)

port

3 External display

(VGA) port

4 HDMI HDMI port Supports high definition digital video connections.

5 USB 2.0 port Connect to USB 2.0 devices

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

Microphone jack

Headphones/ speaker/line-out jack with S/PDIF support

Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/1000-based network.

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

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

walkman, mp3 player)

Accepts inputs from external microphones.

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

8 Chapter 1

Right View

1234 567

# Icon Item Description

1 Optical drive Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or DVDs.

2 Optical disk access

indicator

3 Optical drive eject

button

4 Emergency eject

hole

5 Modem

(RJ-11) port

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 to the emergency eject hole to eject the optical drive tray when the computer is off.

Connects to a phone line.

6 USB 2.0 port Connect to USB 2.0 devices

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

7 Kensington lock slot Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security lock.

Rear View

# Item Description

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

Chapter 1 9

Bottom View

2 3

# Icon Item Description

1 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.

2 Batter Lock Locks the battery in position.

3 Battery release latch Releases the battery for removal.

4 Memory compartment Houses the computer's main memory.

5 Hard disk bay Houses the computer's hard disk (secured with screws).

6 Ventilation slots and cooling fan Enable the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use.

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

Indicators

The computer has several easy-to-read status indicators.

Icon Function Description

Power Indicates the computer's power status.

Battery Indicates the computer's battery status.

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

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

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

green when in AC mode.

10 Chapter 1

Easy-Launch Buttons

Located on the left of the keyboard are the application buttons. These buttons are called easy-launch buttons. They are: WLAN, Bluetooth and Backup.

Icon Function Description

Wireless LAN communication button/ indicator

Bluetooth communication button/indicator

Backup key Launches Acer Backup Management for three-step data

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

Enables/disables the Bluetooth function. Indicates the status of Bluetooth communication. (only for certain models)

backup.

Touchpad Basics (with fingerprint reader)

The following items show you how to use the touchpad with Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint reader.

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

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

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

• Use Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint reader (3) supporting Acer FingerNav 4-way control function (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 (4) Main touchpad (2) Center button (3)

Execute Quickly click

twice.

Select Click once. Tap once.

Drag Click and

hold, then use finger on the touchpad to drag the cursor.

Access context menu

Click once.

Tap twice (at the same speed as double-clicking a mouse button).

Tap twice (at the same speed as double-clicking a mouse button); rest your finger on the touchpad on the second tap and drag the cursor.

Chapter 1 11

Function Left button (1) Right button (4) Main touchpad (2) Center button (3)

Scroll Swipe up/down/left/right

using Acer FingerNav 4way control function (Manufacturing option).

Touchpad basics (with two-click buttons)

The following items show you how to use the touchpad with two-click buttons.

• Move your finger across the touchpad (1) to move the cursor.

• Press the left (2) and right (3) 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.

Function Left button (2) Right button (3) Main touchpad (1)

Execute Quickly click twice. Tap twice (at the same speed as double-clicking

a mouse button).

Select Click once. Tap once.

Drag Click and hold, then use

finger on the touchpad to drag the cursor.

Access

Click once.

Tap twice (at the same speed as double-clicking a mouse button); rest your finger on the touchpad on the second tap and drag the cursor.

context menu

NOTE: Illustrations are for reference only. The exact configuration of your PC depends on the model

purchased.

NOTE: When using the touchpad, keep it — and your fingers — dry and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to

finger movement; hence, the lighter the touch, the better the response. Tapping harder will not increase the touchpad's responsiveness.

NOTE: By default, vertical and horizontal scrolling is enabled on your touchpad. It can be disabled under

Mouse settings in Windows Control Panel.

12 Chapter 1

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 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 When Num Lock is on, the numeric keypad is in numeric mode. The keys

function as a calculator (complete with the arithmetic operators +, -, *, and /). Use this mode when you need to do a lot of numeric data entry. A better solution would be to connect an external keypad.

Scroll Lock <Fn> +

<F12>

The keyboard has a numeric keypad with cursor-control keys.

Desired access Num Lock on Num Lock off

Number keys on embedded keypad

Cursor-control keys on embedded keypad

Main keyboard keys Hold <Fn> while typing letters on

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.

Type numbers in a normal manner.

Hold <Shift> while using cursorcontrol keys.

embedded keypad.

Hold <Fn> while using cursorcontrol keys.

Type the letters in a normal manner.

Chapter 1 13

Windows Keys

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

Key Description

Windows key

Application 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-

< > + <SPACEBAR>: Bring all gadgets to the front and select Windows Sidebar

<CTRL> + < > + <F>: Search for computers (if you are on a network)

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

taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D Note: Depending on your edition of Windows Vista, some shortcuts may not

function as described.

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

14 Chapter 1

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> + <F2> System property Starts System Property for displaying system

information.

<Fn> + <F3> Bluetooth Enables/disables the Bluetooth function.

<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> + <F8> Speaker toggle Turns the speakers on and off.

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

<Fn> + < > Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness.

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

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

Special Key (only for certain models)

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. Either press < > on the keyboard, or hold <Alt Gr> and then press the <5> key at the upper-center of

the keyboard.

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. Either press < > 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 according to the language settings.

Chapter 1 15

Windows Mobility Center

The Windows Mobility Center collects key mobile-related system settings in one easy-to-find place, so you can quickly configure your Acer system to fit the situation as you change locations, networks or activities. Settings include display brightness, volume, power plan, wireless networking on/off, external display settings, synchronization status and presentation settings.

Windows Mobility Center also includes Acer-specific settings like sharing folders overview/sharing service on or off, Bluetooth Add Device (if applicable), and a shortcut to the Acer user guide, drivers and utilities.

To launch Windows Mobility Center:

q Use the shortcut key < > + <X>.

q Start Windows Mobility Center from the Control panel.

q Start Windows Mobility Center from the Accessories program group in the Start menu.

q Launch Windows Mobility Center by right-clicking in the system tray and select Windows Mobility

Center.

16 Chapter 1

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 BioProtection 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.

Chapter 1 17

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible)

Note:

Start Control Panel Display

Settings (2)

Extend my windows desktop onto this monitor

Apply OK

Start All Programs Acer GridVista

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:

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.

18 Chapter 1

Hardware Specifications and Configurations





Processor

Item Specification

CPU type Aspire 7736/7336 Series:

Intel® Core™2 Duo P8800 PGA (2.66 GHz) Intel® Core™2 Duo T6500 PGA (2.1 GHz)

Intel Celeron 900 PGA (2.2 GHz) Aspire 7736Z Series: Intel Pentium Dual-Core T4200 PGA (2.0 GHz) Aspire 7540 Series: AMD Turion II M520 2.3 GHz

AMD Athlon II M320 2.1 GHz AMD Turion M620 2.5 GHz

Core logic Aspire 7736/7736Z/7336 Series: Mobile Intel® PM45/GM45/GL40

Express Chipset Aspire 7540 Series: AMD M880G Chipset

CPU package Aspire 7736/7736Z/7336 Series: 478-pin micro-FCPGA

Aspire 7540 Series: Socket S1

CPU core voltage Aspire 7736/7736Z/7336 Series:: 1.0375V to 1.3V

Aspire 7540 Series: 1.35V to 1.5V

CPU Fan True Value Table

DTS(degree C) Fan Speed (rpm) Acoustic Level (dBA)

45-50 0-3000 29

55-66 0-3300 33

68-74 3300-3800 38

78-83 3800-4100 40

86-91 4100-4800 40

Throttling 50%: On= 99 C; OFF=93 C

OS shut down at 105 C; H/W shot down at 110 .C

BIOS

Item Specification

BIOS vendor Phoenix

BIOS Version

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 2048MB

Supports maximum memory size 4GB for 64bit OS (with two 2GB SODIMM)

Supports DIMM type DDR 2 Synchronous DRAM

Supports DIMM Speed 667 MHz

Supports DIMM voltage 1.5V

Supports DIMM package 240-pin soDIMM

Aspire 7736/7736Z/7336 Series: v1.16 Aspire 7540 Series: v1.07

Chapter 1 19

System Memory

Item Specification

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 1024MB 1024MB

0MB 2048MB 2048MB

1024MB 0MB 1024MB

1024MB 1024MB 2048MB

1024MB 2048MB 3072MB

2048MB 0MB 2048MB

2048MB 1024MB 3072MB

2048MB 2048MB 4096MB

0MB 4096MB 4096MB

4096MB 0MB 4096MB

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.

Item Specification

LAN Chipset Broadcom BCM5784

Supports LAN protocol 10/100/1000 Mbps

LAN connector type RJ45

LAN connector location Left side

Features Integrated 10/100 BASE-T transceiver

Wake on LAN support compliant with ACPI 1.0b/2.0/3.0 PCI v2.2

Bluetooth Interface

Item Specification

Chipset Foxconn Bluetooth BRM 2046 BT2.1

Data throughput 723 bps (full speed data rate)

Protocol Bluetooth 2.1

Interface USB

Connector type USB

20 Chapter 1

Wireless Module 802.11b/g/n

Item Specification

Chipset Aspire 7736 series: Lan Intel WLAN 512AN_HMWG

Shirley Peak 5100 MM#895373;Lan Intel WLAN 512AN_MMWG Shirley Peak 5100 MM#895361

Aspire 7736Z Series: Foxconn Wirelss LAN Atheros HB95 1x1 BG (HM)

Aspire 7336 series: QMI Wireless LAN Atheros HB93 1x2 BGN (HM) EM306

Aspire 7540 Series: QMI Wireless LAN Atheros HB93 1x2 BGN (HM) EM306; Foxconn Wirelss LAN Atheros HB95 1x1 BG (HM)

Data throughput 11~54 Mbps, up to 270 Mbps for Draft-N

Protocol 802.11b+g, Draft-N

Interface PCI bus (mini PCI socket for wireless module)

Hard Disk Drive

Item

Vendor & Model Name HGST 2.5"

Capacity (MB) 160000 250000 320000 500000

Bytes per sector 512 512 512 512

Data heads 3/4 2 3 4

Drive Format

Disks2222

Spindle speed (RPM) 5400 RPM 5400 RPM 5400 RPM 5400 RPM

Performance Specifications

Buffer size 8MB 8MB 8MB 8MB

InterfaceSATASATASATASATA

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

DC Power Requirements

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

HTS545016B9A300 Panther B SATA LF F/ W:C60F

540 875

HGST 2.5" HTS545025B9A300 Panther B SATA LF F/ W:C60F WD 2.5" WD2500BEVT22ZCT0 ML160 SATA LF F/ W:11 .01A 11

(Max. 3.0 Gbit/s Bufferhost data transfer)

HGST 2.5" HTS545032B9A300 Panther B SATA LF F/W: C60F

875 (Max. 3.0 Gbit/s Bufferhost data transfer)

WD 2.5" WD5000BEVT22ZAT0 ML250 SATA LF F/W:01.01A01

875 (Max. 3.0 Gbit/s Bufferhost data transfer)

Optical Disc Drive

Item Specification

Vendor & model name HLDS Super-Multi DRIVE 12.7mm Tray DL 8X GT30N LF

TOSHIBA Super-Multi DRIVE 12.7mm Tray DL 8X TS-L633C LF

Performance Specification With CD Diskette With DVD Diskette

Transfer rate (KB/sec) Sustained:

Max 3.6Mbytes/sec

Sustained: Max 10.08Mbytes/sec

Buffer Memory 2MB

Interface SATA

Chapter 1 21

Optical Disc Drive

Item Specification

Applicable disc format Applicable disc format

CD: CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-ROM XA, Photo CD (multi-session), Video CD, Cd-Extra (CD+), CD-text

DVD: DVD-VIDEO, DVD-ROM, DVD-R (3.9GB, 4.7GB) DVD-R DL, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, DVD+R, DVD+R DL, DVD+RW

CD: CD-DA (Red Book) - Standard Audio CD & CD-TEXT CD-ROM (Yellow Book Mode1 & 2) - Standard Data CD-ROM XA (Mode2 Form1 & 2) - Photo CD, Multi-Session CD-I (Green Book, Mode2 Form1 & 2, Ready, Bridge) CD-Extra/ CD-Plus (Blue Book) - Audio & Text/Video Video-CD (White Book) - MPEG1 Video CD-R (Orange Book Part) CD-RW & HSRW (Orange Book Part Volume1 & Volume 2 Super Audio CD (SACD) Hybrid type US & US+ RW DVD: DVD-ROM (Book 1.02), DVD-Dual DVD-Video (Book 1.1) DVD-R (Book 1.0, 3.9G) DVD-R (Book 2.0, 4.7G) - General & Authoring DVD+R (Version 1.0) DVD+RW DVD-RW (Non CPRM & CPRM) DVD°”R Dual

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)

Blu-Ray Disc Drive

Item Specification

Vendor & model name HLDS BD COMBO DRIVE TRAY DL 4X CT10 LF

SONY BD COMBO 12.7mm Tray DL 4X BC-5500S LF

Performance

With CD Disc With DVD Disc With Blu-ray Disc

Specification

Transfer rate (KB/sec) Sustained:

Max 3.6Mbytes/sec

Sustained: Max 10.08Mbytes/sec

Sustained: Max 11 Mbytes/sec

Buffer Memory 2MB 4.5 MB

Interface SATA

22 Chapter 1

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