Acer Aspire 8920G User Manual
Aspire 8920 Series
User's Guide
Copyright © 2008. Acer Incorporated.
All Rights Reserved.
Aspire 8920 Series User's Guide
Original Issue: 03/2008
Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation
to notify any person of such revisions or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new
editions of this manual or supplementary documents and publications. This company makes
no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the contents
hereof and specifically disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose.
Record the model number, serial number, purchase date and place of purchase information in
the space provided below. The serial number and model number are recorded on the label
affixed to your computer. All correspondence concerning your unit should include the serial
number, model number and purchase information.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in
any form or by any means, electronically, mechanically, by photocopy, recording or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.
Aspire 8920 Series Notebook PC
Model number: __________________________________
Serial number: ___________________________________
Date of purchase: ________________________________
Place of purchase: ________________________________
Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Incorporated. Other companies'
product names or trademarks are used herein for identification purposes only and belong to
their respective companies.
Information for your safety and comfort
Safety instructions
Read these instructions carefully. Keep this document for future reference.
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
Turning the product off before cleaning
Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid
cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
CAUTION for plug as disconnecting device
Observe the following guidelines when connecting and disconnecting power to
the power supply unit:
Install the power supply unit before connecting the power cord to the AC
power outlet.
Unplug the power cord before removing the power supply unit from the
computer.
If the system has multiple sources of power, disconnect power from the system
by unplugging all power cords from the power supplies.
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CAUTION for Accessibility
Be sure that the power outlet you plug the power cord into is easily accessible
and located as close to the equipment operator as possible. When you need to
disconnect power to the equipment, be sure to unplug the power cord from the
electrical outlet.
CAUTION for Dummy Card of PCMCIA Slot
Your computer shipped with plastic dummies installed in the PCMCIA slot.
Dummies protect unused slots from dust, metal object, or other particles. Save
the dummy for use when no PCMCIA Card is installed in the slot.
CAUTION for Listening
To protect your hearing, follow these instructions.
• Increase the volume gradually until you can hear clearly and comfortably.
• Do not increase the volume level after your ears have adjusted.
• Do not listen to music at high volumes for extended periods.
• Do not increase the volume to block out noisy surroundings.
• Decrease the volume if you can't hear people speaking near you.
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Warnings
• Do not use this product near water.
• Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand or table. If the product
falls, it could be seriously damaged.
• Slots and openings are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable
operation of the product and to protect it from overheating. These
openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be
blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug or other similar surface.
This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat
register, or in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation is provided.
• Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots as
they may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could
result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind onto or into
the product.
• To avoid damage of internal components and to prevent battery leakage,
do not place the product on a vibrating surface.
• Never use it under sporting, exercising, or any vibrating environment
which will probably cause unexpected short current or damage rotor
devices, HDD, Optical drive, and even exposure risk from lithium battery
pack.
Using electrical power
• This product should be operated from the type of power indicated on the
marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult
your dealer or local power company.
• Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this
product where people will walk on the cord.
• If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the total
ampere rating of the equipment plugged into the extension cord does not
exceed the extension cord ampere rating. Also, make sure that the total
rating of all products plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed the fuse
rating.
• Do not overload a power outlet, strip or receptacle by plugging in too
many devices. The overall system load must not exceed 80% of the branch
circuit rating. If power strips are used, the load should not exceed 80% of
the power strip's input rating.
• This product's AC adapter is equipped with a three-wire grounded plug.
The plug only fits in a grounded power outlet. Make sure the power outlet
is properly grounded before inserting the AC adapter plug. Do not insert
the plug into a non-grounded power outlet. Contact your electrician for
details.
Warning! The grounding pin is a safety feature. Using a power
outlet that is not properly grounded may result in electric shock
and/or injury.
Note: The grounding pin also provides good protection from
unexpected noise produced by other nearby electrical devices that
may interfere with the performance of this product.
• Use the product only with the supplied power supply cord set. If you need
to replace the power cord set, make sure that the new power cord meets
the following requirements: detachable type, UL listed/CSA certified, type
SPT-2, rated 7 A 125 V minimum, VDE approved or its equivalent, 4.6
meters (15 feet) maximum length.
Product servicing
Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers
may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing to
qualified service personnel.
Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service
personnel when:
• the power cord or plug is damaged, cut or frayed
• liquid was spilled into the product
• the product was exposed to rain or water
• the product has been dropped or the case has been damaged
• the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need
for service
• the product does not operate normally after following the operating
instructions
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Note: Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions, since improper adjustment of other controls may
result in damage and will often require extensive work by a
qualified technician to restore the product to normal condition.
Guidelines for safe battery usage
This notebook uses a Lithium-ion battery. Do not use it in a humid, wet or
corrosive environment. Do not put, store or leave your product in or near a heat
source, in a high temperature location, in strong direct sunlight, in a microwave
oven or in a pressurized container, and do not expose it to temperatures over
60°C (140°F). Failure to follow these guidelines may cause the battery to leak
acid, become hot, explode or ignite and cause injury and/or damage. Do not
pierce, open or disassemble the battery. If the battery leaks and you come into
contact with the leaked fluids, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical
attention immediately. For safety reasons, and to prolong the lifetime of the
battery, charging will not occur at temperatures below 0°C (32°F) or above 40°C
(104°F).
The full performance of a new battery is achieved only after two or three
complete charge and discharge cycles. The battery can be charged and
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discharged hundreds of times, but it will eventually wear out. When the
operation time becomes noticeably shorter than normal, buy a new battery. Use
only Acer approved batteries, and recharge your battery only with Acer
approved chargers designated for this device.
Use the battery only for its intended purpose. Never use any charger or battery
that is damaged. Do not short-circuit the battery. Accidental short-circuiting can
occur when a metallic object such as a coin, clip or pen causes direct connection
of the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the battery. (These look like
metal strips on the battery.) This might happen, for example, when you carry a
spare battery in your pocket or purse. Short-circuiting the terminals may
damage the battery or the connecting object.
The capacity and lifetime of the battery will be reduced if the battery is left in
hot or cold places, such as in a closed car in summer or winter. Always try to
keep the battery between 15°C and 25°C (59°F and 77°F). A device with a hot or
cold battery may not work temporarily, even when the battery is fully charged.
Battery performance is especially limited in temperatures well below freezing.
Do not dispose of batteries in a fire as they may explode. Batteries may also
explode if damaged. Dispose of batteries according to local regulations. Please
recycle when possible. Do not dispose as household waste.
Wireless devices may be susceptible to interference from the battery, which
could affect performance.
Potentially explosive environments
Switch off your device in any area with a potentially explosive atmosphere and
obey all signs and instructions. Potentially explosive atmospheres include areas
where you would normally be advised to turn off your vehicle engine. Sparks in
such areas could cause an explosion or fire resulting in bodily injury or even
death. Switch off the notebook near gas pumps at service stations. Observe
restrictions on the use of radio equipment in fuel depots, storage and
distribution areas; chemical plants; or where blasting operations are in progress.
Areas with a potentially explosive atmosphere are often, but not always,
marked. They include below deck on boats, chemical transfer or storage
facilities, vehicles using liquefied petroleum gas (such as propane or butane),
and areas where the air contains chemicals or particles such as grain, dust or
metal powders. Do not switch the notebook on when wireless phone use is
prohibited or when it may cause interference or danger.
Replacing the battery pack
The notebook uses lithium batteries. Replace the battery with the same type as
that which came bundled with your product. Use of another battery may
present a risk of fire or explosion.
Warning! Batteries may explode if not handled properly. Do not
disassemble or dispose of them in fire. Keep them away from
children. Follow local regulations when disposing of used
batteries.
vii
Telephone line safety
• Disconnect all telephone lines from the equipment when not in use and/or
before servicing.
• To avoid the remote risk of electric shock from lightning, do not connect
the telephone line to this equipment during lightning or thunderstorms.
Warning! For safety reasons, do not use non-compliant parts
when adding or changing components. Consult your reseller for
purchase options.
Additional safety information
Your device and its enhancements may contain small parts. Keep them out of
the reach of small children.
Operating environment
Warning! For safety reasons, turn off all wireless or radio
transmitting devices when using your laptop under the following
conditions. These devices may include, but are not limited to:
wireless lan (WLAN), Bluetooth and/or 3G.
Remember to follow any special regulations in force in any area, and always
switch off your device when its use is prohibited or when it may cause
interference or danger. Use the device only in its normal operating positions.
This device meets RF exposure guidelines when used normally, and it and its
antenna are positioned at least 1.5 centimeters (5/8 inches) away from your
body (refer to the figure below). It should not contain metal and you should
position the device the above-stated distance from your body. To successfully
transmit data files or messages, this device requires a good quality connection
to the network. In some cases, transmission of data files or messages may be
delayed until such a connection is available. Ensure that the above separation
distance instructions are followed until the transmission is completed. Parts of
the device are magnetic. Metallic materials may be attracted to the device, and
persons with hearing aids should not hold the device to the ear with the
hearing aid. Do not place credit cards or other magnetic storage media near the
device, because information stored on them may be erased.
Medical devices
Operation of any radio transmitting equipment, including wireless phones, may
interfere with the functionality of inadequately protected medical devices.
Consult a physician or the manufacturer of the medical device to determine if
they are adequately shielded from external RF energy or if you have any
questions. Switch off your device in health care facilities when any regulations
posted in these areas instruct you to do so. Hospitals or health care facilities
may be using equipment that could be sensitive to external RF transmissions..
viii
Pacemakers. Pacemaker manufacturers recommend that a minimum separation
of 15.3 centimeters (6 inches) be maintained between wireless devices and a
pacemaker to avoid potential interference with the pacemaker. These
recommendations are consistent with the independent research by and
recommendations of Wireless Technology Research. Persons with pacemakers
should do the following:
• Always keep the device more than 15.3 centimeters (6 inches) from the
pacemaker
• Not carry the device near your pacemaker when the device is switched o. If
you suspect interference, switch off your device, and move it
Hearing aids. Some digital wireless devices may interfere with some hearing
aids. If interference occurs, consult your service provider.
.
Vehicles
RF signals may affect improperly installed or inadequately shielded electronic
systems in motor vehicles such as electronic fuel injection systems, electronic
antiskid (antilock) braking systems, electronic speed control systems, and air bag
systems. For more information, check with the manufacturer, or its
representative, of your vehicle or any equipment that has been added. Only
qualified personnel should service the device, or install the device in a vehicle.
Faulty installation or service may be dangerous and may invalidate any
warranty that may apply to the device. Check regularly that all wireless
equipment in your vehicle is mounted and operating properly. Do not store or
carry flammable liquids, gases, or explosive materials in the same compartment
as the device, its parts, or enhancements. For vehicles equipped with an air bag,
remember that air bags inflate with great force. Do not place objects, including
installed or portable wireless equipment in the area over the air bag or in the
air bag deployment area. If in-vehicle wireless equipment is improperly
installed, and the air bag inflates, serious injury could result. Using your device
while flying in aircraft is prohibited. Switch off your device before boarding an
aircraft. The use of wireless teledevices in an aircraft may be dangerous to the
operation of the aircraft, disrupt the wireless telephone network, and may be
illegal.
Potentially explosive environments
Switch off your device when in any area with a potentially explosive
atmosphere and obey all signs and instructions. Potentially explosive
atmospheres include areas where you would normally be advised to turn off
your vehicle engine. Sparks in such areas could cause an explosion or fire
resulting in bodily injury or even death. Switch off the device at refueling points
such as near gas pumps at service stations. Observe restrictions on the use of
radio equipment in fuel depots, storage, and distribution areas; chemical plants;
or where blasting operations are in progress. Areas with a potentially explosive
atmosphere are often, but not always, clearly marked. They include below deck
on boats, chemical transfer or storage facilities, vehicles using liquefied
petroleum gas (such as propane or butane), and areas where the air contains
chemicals or particles such as grain, dust or metal powders.
Emergency calls
Warning: You cannot make emergency calls through this device. To make an
emergency call you shall dial out through your mobile phone or other
telephone call system.
Disposal instructions
Do not throw this electronic device into the trash when discarding.
To minimize pollution and ensure utmost protection of the global environment,
please recycle. For more information on the Waste from Electrical and
Electronics Equipment (WEEE) regulations, visit
http://global.acer.com/about/sustainability.htm
Mercury advisory
For projectors or electronic products containing an LCD/CRT monitor or display:
Lamp(s) inside this product contain mercury and must be recycled or disposed of
according to local, state or federal laws. For more information, contact the
Electronic Industries Alliance at www.eiae.org
information, check www.lamprecycle.org
. For lamp-specific disposal
.
ix
x
ENERGY STAR is a government program (public/private partnership) that gives
people the power to protect the environment in a cost effective way and
without sacrificing quality or product features. Products that earn the ENERGY
STAR prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency
guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US
Department of Energy (DOE). In the average home, 75% of all electricity used
to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off.
ENERGY STAR qualified home electronic products in the off position use up to
50% less energy than conventional equipment. More information refers to
http://www.energystar.gov
powermanagement.
Note: The statement above is applicable only to Acer notebooks
with an ENERGY STAR sticker located in the bottom right-hand
corner of the palm rest.
As an ENERGY STAR partner, Acer Inc. has determined that this product meets
the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
This product has been shipped enabled for power management:
and http://www.energystar.gov/
• Activate display’ Sleep mode within 15 minutes of user inactivity.
• Activate computer’s Sleep mode within 30 minutes of user inactivity.
• Wake the computer from Sleep mode by pushing power button.
• More power management settings can be done through Acer ePower
Management.
Tips and information for comfortable use
Computer users may complain of eyestrain and headaches after prolonged use.
Users are also at risk of physical injury after long hours of working in front of a
computer. Long work periods, bad posture, poor work habits, stress,
inadequate working conditions, personal health and other factors greatly
increase the risk of physical injury.
Incorrect computer usage may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis,
tenosynovitis or other musculoskeletal disorders. The following symptoms may
appear in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck or back:
• numbness, or a burning or tingling sensation
• aching, soreness or tenderness
• pain, swelling or throbbing
• stiffness or tightness
• coldness or weakness
If you have these symptoms, or any other recurring or persistent discomfort
and/or pain related to computer use, consult a physician immediately and
inform your company's health and safety department.
The following section provides tips for more comfortable computer use.
Finding your comfort zone
Find your comfort zone by adjusting the viewing angle of the monitor, using a
footrest, or raising your sitting height to achieve maximum comfort. Observe
the following tips:
• refrain from staying too long in one fixed posture
• avoid slouching forward and/or leaning backward
• stand up and walk around regularly to remove the strain on your leg
muscles
• take short rests to relax your neck and shoulders
• avoid tensing your muscles or shrugging your shoulders
• install the external display, keyboard and mouse properly and within
comfortable reach
• if you view your monitor more than your documents, place the display at
the center of your desk to minimize neck strain
Taking care of your vision
Long viewing hours, wearing incorrect glasses or contact lenses, glare, excessive
room lighting, poorly focused screens, very small typefaces and low-contrast
displays could stress your eyes. The following sections provide suggestions on
how to reduce eyestrain.
Eyes
• Rest your eyes frequently.
• Give your eyes regular breaks by looking away from the monitor and
focusing on a distant point.
• Blink frequently to keep your eyes from drying out.
Display
• Keep your display clean.
• Keep your head at a higher level than the top edge of the display so your
eyes point downward when looking at the middle of the display.
• Adjust the display brightness and/or contrast to a comfortable level for
enhanced text readability and graphics clarity.
• Eliminate glare and reflections by:
• placing your display in such a way that the side faces the window or
any light source
• minimizing room light by using drapes, shades or blinds
• using a task light
• changing the display's viewing angle
• using a glare-reduction filter
• using a display visor, such as a piece of cardboard extended from the
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display's top front edge
• Avoid adjusting your display to an awkward viewing angle.
• Avoid looking at bright light sources, such as open windows, for extended
periods of time.
Developing good work habits
Develop the following work habits to make your computer use more relaxing
and productive:
• Take short breaks regularly and often.
• Perform some stretching exercises.
• Breathe fresh air as often as possible.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body.
Warning! We do not recommend using the computer on a couch
or bed. If this is unavoidable, work for only short periods, take
breaks regularly, and do some stretching exercises.
Note: For more information, please refer to "Regulations and
safety notices" on page 79 in the AcerSystem User's Guide.
Federal Communications Comission
Declaration of Conformity
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)
This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
The following local manufacturer/importer is responsible for this declaration:
Product name: Notebook PC
Model number: LE1
Machine type: Aspire 8920
SKU number: Aspire 8920-xxxxx ("x" = 0 - 9, a - z, or A - Z)
Name of responsible party: Acer America Corporation
Address of responsible party: 333 West San Carlos St. San Jose, CA 95110 USA
Contact person: Acer Representitive
Tel: 1-254-298-4000
Fax: 1-254-298-4147
February 29, 2008
xiii
We,
Acer Computer (Shanghai) Limited
3F, No. 168 Xizang medium road, Huangpu District,
Shanghai, China
Contact Person: Mr. Easy Lai
Tel: 886-2-8691-3089 Fax: 886-2-8691-3000
E-mail: easy_lai@acer.com.tw
Hereby declare that:
Product: Notebook PC
Trade Name: Acer
Model Number: LE1
Machine Type: Aspire 8920
SKU Number: Aspire 8920-xxxxx ("x" = 0~9, a ~ z, or A ~ Z)
Is compliant with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the following EC directives,
and that all the necessary steps have been taken and are in force to assure that production units of the
same product will continue comply with the requirements.
EMC Directive 2004/108/EC as attested by conformity with the following harmonized standards:
• EN55022:1998 + A1:2000 + A2:2003, AS/NZS CISPR22:2002, Class B
• EN55024:1998 + A1:2001 + A2:2003
• EN55013:2001 + A1:2003 + A2:2005 (Applied to product with TV function)
• EN55020:2007 (Applied to product with TV function)
• EN61000-3-2:2000 + A2:2005, Class D
• EN61000-3-3:1995 + A1:2001 + A2:2005
Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC as attested by conformity with the following harmonized standard:
• EN60950-1:2001 + A11:2004
• EN60065:2002 (Applied to product with TV function)
Council Decision 98/482/EC (CTR21) for pan- European single terminal connection to the Public Switched
Telephone Network (PSTN).
RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC on the Restriction of the Use of certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and
Electronic Equipment.
R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC as attested by conformity with the followingharmonized standard:
• Article 3.1(a) Health and Safety
• EN60950-1:2001+ A11:2004
• EN50371:2002
• Article 3.1(b) EMC
• EN301 489-1 V1.4.1
• EN301 489-3 V1.4.1
• EN301 489-17 V1.2.1
• Article 3.2 Spectrum Usages
• EN300 220-3 V1.1.1
• EN300 328 V1.6.1
• EN300 440-2 V1.1.2
• EN301 893 V1.2.3
CE Issued Date: 29 February 2008
Easy Lai / Director Date
Acer Computer (Shanghai) Limited
29 Feb 2008
xiv
First things first
We would like to thank you for making an Acer notebook your choice for
meeting your mobile computing needs.
Your guides
To help you use your Acer notebook, we have designed a set of guides:
First off, the poster helps you get started with setting up your
computer.
The printed User's Guide introduces you to the basic features and
functions of your new computer. For more on how your computer
can help you to be more productive, please refer to the
AcerSystem User's Guide. This guide contains detailed
information on such subjects as system utilities, data recovery,
expansion options and troubleshooting. In addition it contains
warranty information and the general regulations and safety
notices for your notebook. It is available in Portable Document
Format (PDF) and comes preloaded on your notebook. Follow
these steps to access it:
1 Click on Start, All Programs, AcerSystem.
2 Click on AcerSystem User's Guide.
Note: Viewing the file requires Adobe Reader. If Adobe Reader is
not installed on your computer, clicking on AcerSystem User's
Guide will run the Adobe Reader setup program first. Follow the
instructions on the screen to complete the installation. For
instructions on how to use Adobe Reader, access the Help and
Support menu.
Basic care and tips for using your computer
Turning your computer on and off
To turn on the computer, simply press and release the power button below the
LCD screen beside the easy-launch buttons. See "Top view" on page 15 for the
location of the power button.
xv
To turn the power off, do any of the following:
• Use the Windows shutdown command
Click on Start then click on Shut Down.
• Use the power button
You can also put the computer in sleep mode by pressing the sleep hotkey
<Fn> + <F4>.
Note: If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and
hold the power button for more than four seconds to shut down
the computer. If you turn off the computer and want to turn it on
again, wait at least two seconds before powering up.
Taking care of your computer
Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it.
• Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it near sources
of heat, such as a radiator.
• Do not expose the computer to temperatures below 0 ºC (32 ºF) or above
50 ºC (122 ºF).
• Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields.
• Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture.
• Do not spill water or any liquid on the computer.
• Do not subject the computer to heavy shock or vibration.
• Do not expose the computer to dust or dirt.
• Never place objects on top of the computer.
• Do not slam the computer display when you close it.
• Never place the computer on uneven surfaces.
Taking care of your AC adapter
Here are some ways to take care of your AC adapter:
• Do not connect the adapter to any other device.
• Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on top of it.
Carefully route the power cord and any cables away from foot traffic.
• When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself but pull
on the plug.
• The total ampere ratings of the equipment plugged in should not exceed
the ampere rating of the cord if you are using an extension cord. Also, the
total current rating of all equipment plugged into a single wall outlet
should not exceed the fuse rating.
xvi
Taking care of your battery pack
Here are some ways to take care of your battery pack:
• Use only batteries of the same kind as replacements. Turn the power off
before removing or replacing batteries.
• Do not tamper with batteries. Keep them away from children.
• Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if possible.
Cleaning and servicing
When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:
1 Turn off the computer and remove the battery pack.
2 Disconnect the AC adapter.
3 Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
If either of the following occurs:
• the computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged;
• the computer does not operate normally
please refer to "Frequently asked questions" on page 42.
Information for your safety and comfort iii
Safety instructions iii
Additional safety information vii
Operating environment vii
Medical devices vii
Vehicles viii
Potentially explosive environments viii
Emergency calls ix
Disposal instructions ix
Tips and information for comfortable use x
Federal Communications Comission
Declaration of Conformity xii
xiii
First things first xiv
Your guides xiv
Basic care and tips for using your computer xiv
Turning your computer on and off xiv
Taking care of your computer xv
Taking care of your AC adapter xv
Taking care of your battery pack xvi
Cleaning and servicing xvi
Acer Empowering Technology 1
Launching Acer Empowering Technology 1
Empowering Technology password 3
Acer eAudio Management 5
Acer ePower Management 6
Acer eDataSecurity Management
(for selected models) 9
Acer eRecovery Management 11
Acer eSettings Management 12
Windows Mobility Center 14
Your Acer notebook tour 15
Top view 15
Closed front view 17
Left view 18
Right view 19
Rear view 20
Base view 21
Specifications 22
Indicators 24
Easy-launch buttons 25
Touchpad 26
Touchpad basics 27
Using the keyboard 29
Lock keys and separate numeric keypad 29
Contents
Windows keys 30
Hotkeys 31
Special keys 32
Ejecting the optical (CD or DVD) drive tray 33
Using a computer security lock 33
Audio 34
Tuba 34
5.1 Channel 34
Acer PureZone 34
Using Dolby Home Theater for
surround/multi-channel sound 35
Acer CineDash media console 36
Video 38
16:9 display 38
Using the system utilities 39
Acer Bio-Protection (for selected models) 39
Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) 40
Launch Manager 41
Frequently asked questions 42
Requesting service 45
International Travelers Warranty (ITW) 45
Before you call 45
Battery pack 46
Battery pack characteristics 46
Maximizing the battery's life 46
Installing and removing the battery pack 47
Charging the battery 48
Checking the battery level 48
Optimising battery life 48
Battery-low warning 49
Acer Arcade Deluxe 50
General controls 51
Navigation controls 51
Player controls 51
Cinema 51
Movies: 51
Videos: 52
Playing a video file: 52
Recent Videos: 52
HomeMedia 53
Advanced 53
Live Update: 53
Albums 55
Editing Pictures 56
Slideshow settings 56
Snapshot 56
Music 56
Background mode 56
Taking your notebook PC with you 57
Disconnecting from the desktop 57
Moving around 57
Preparing the computer 57
What to bring to meetings 58
Taking the computer home 58
Preparing the computer 58
What to take with you 58
Special considerations 59
Setting up a home office 59
Traveling with the computer 59
Preparing the computer 59
What to take with you 59
Special considerations 60
Traveling internationally with the computer 60
Preparing the computer 60
What to bring with you 60
Special considerations 60
Securing your computer 61
Using a computer security lock 61
Using passwords 61
Entering passwords 62
Setting passwords 62
Expanding through options 63
Connectivity options 63
Fax/data modem 63
Built-in network feature 64
Consumer Infrared (CIR) 64
Universal Serial Bus (USB) 65
High-Definition Multimedia Interface 65
ExpressCard 66
Installing memory 67
Connecting your TV and AV-in cables
(for selected models) 68
BIOS utility 71
Boot sequence 71
Enable disk-to-disk recovery 71
Password 71
Using software 72
Playing DVD movies 72
Power management 73
Acer eRecovery Management 74
Burn backup discs 74
Create a user backup 75
Manage user backups 75
Restore 76
Troubleshooting 77
Troubleshooting tips 77
Error messages 77
Regulations and safety notices 79
FCC notice 79
Modem notices 80
Laser compliance statement 83
LCD pixel statement 83
Macrovision copyright protection notice 83
Radio device regulatory notice 84
General 84
European Union (EU) 84
The FCC RF safety requirement 85
Canada — Low-power license-exempt radio
communication devices (RSS-210) 86
LCD panel ergonomic specifications 87
Index 88
1
Acer Empowering Technology
The Empowering Technology toolbar makes it easy for you to access frequently
used functions and manage your new Acer system. Activated by pressing the
Empowering Key, it provides access to the following utilities:
Note: The following content is for general reference only. Actual
product specifications may vary.
• Acer eAudio Management allows you to easily control the enhanced sound
effects of Dolby Home Theater on your system.
• Acer ePower Management optimizes battery usage via customizable
power plans.
• Acer eDataSecurity Management protects data with passwords and
encryption (for selected models).
• Acer eRecovery Management backs up and recovers data flexibly, reliably
and completely.
• Acer eSettings Management accesses system information and adjusts
settings easily.
For more information, right-click on the Empowering Technology toolbar, then
select Help. For help with a particular utility, launch the utility and click the
icon at the buttom of the active window.
Empowering Technology
Launching Acer Empowering Technology
To launch Acer Empowering Technology:
1 Press the Empowering Key to display the Acer Empowering Technology
toolbar on the desktop.
2 To hide the toolbar, press the Empowering Key again or click the hide
button on the toolbar.
You may also launch Acer Empowering Technology by running the program
from the Acer Empowering Technology program group in the Start menu, or by
double-clicking the icon if you have created a desktop shortcut.
2
To launch Acer Empowering Technology applications:
1 On the Acer Empowering Technology toolbar, click the icon that
corresponds to the application you want to launch.
2 When you mouse over an application icon, a quick menu appears below
the toolbar. The quick menu allows you to perform certain tasks simply
and quickly.
Empowering Technology
3 You may also run the application by selecting it from the Acer Empowering
Technology program group in the Start menu.
Note: You may also double-click or right-click to run Acer
eAudio Management, and right-click to run Acer ePower
Management from the system tray.
3
Empowering Technology password
You must set the Empowering Technology password to use the password
protection feature of Acer eRecovery Management to protect your data.
To set the Empowering Technology password:
1 Launch Acer eRecovery Management.
2 Click the Restore tab.
3 Click Password settings. The Empowering Technology Password Center
dialog box pops up.
4 Click Create a new password.
Empowering Technology
5 In the Create a New Password dialog box, key in and confirm your
password in the appropriate boxes. Your password should have a minimum
of 4 and a maximum of 12 characters.
6 Enter a password hint that will help you remember your password.
7 Make sure the box Use for Acer eRecovery Management is checked.
4
8 Click OK to set the password.
Empowering Technology
5
Acer eAudio Management
Acer eAudio Management allows you to easily control the enhanced sound
effects of Dolby Home Theater on your system. Select Movie or Game mode to
experience the awesome realism of 5.1-channel audio output from the speakers
fitted to your system via Dolby Surround sound technology. Music mode lets
you enjoy your favorite tunes, in vivid detail.
Empowering Technology
To choose your playback device, click the icon on the upper right side of
the Acer eAudio Management window.
6
Acer ePower Management
Acer ePower Management features a straightforward user interface for
configuring your power management options. To access this utility, select Acer
ePower Management from the Empowering Technology toolbar, run the
program from the Acer Empowering Technology program group in Start menu,
or right-click the Windows power icon in the system tray and select Acer ePower
Management.
Using power plans
Empowering Technology
Acer ePower Management comes with three predefined power plans: Balanced,
High performance and Power saver.
View and adjust settings for On Battery and Plugged In modes by clicking the
appropriate tabs. For more power options, click in the Acer ePower
Management utility, or right-click the Windows power icon in the system tray
and select Power Options.
You can also create customized power plans. You can create, switch between,
edit, delete and restore power plans, as described below.
To create a new power plan:
Creating customized power plans allows you to save and quickly switch to a
personalized set of power options.
1 Click the New power plan option or icon .
2 Enter a name for your new power plan.
3 Choose a predefined power plan to base your customized plan on.
4 If necessary, change the display, sleep and hibernation settings you want
your computer to use.
5 Click OK to save your new power plan.
To switch between power plans:
1 Move your mouse over the Acer ePower Management application on
the Acer Empowering Technology toolbar. The quick menu appears.
Select the power plan you want to switch to.
2 You may also switch between power plans by launching the Acer ePower
Management application.
Select the power plan you wish to switch to, then click Apply.
7
To edit a power plan:
Editing a power plan allows you to adjust system settings like LCD brightness,
CPU speed and Graphics power mode (for selected models).
1 Switch to the power plan you wish to edit.
2 Adjust settings as required.
3 Click Apply or Save to save your new settings.
Note: You can revert to the default settings of the predefined
power plans by clicking the Restore button.
To delete a power plan:
You cannot delete the power plan you are currently using. The active power
plan will mark with in upper left corner of power plan icon. If you want to
delete the active power plan, switch to another one first.
1 Select the power plan you wish to delete.
2 Click the Delete this plan icon.
Note: You cannot delete the predefined power plans, but you can
modify the settings of the predefined power plans.
Empowering Technology
Battery status
1 The quick menu shows the remaining battery life based on current usage.
2 You can also launch the Acer ePower Management application and refer
to the Battery status panel located just below the power plans.
8
3 Click the Battery tab to view remaining battery life, battery status, and
remaining battery life in standby and hibernate modes.
Empowering Technology
9
Acer eDataSecurity Management (for selected models)
Acer eDataSecurity Management is an encryption utility that protects your files
from being accessed by unauthorized persons. It is conveniently integrated with
Windows Explorer as a shell extension for quick data encryption/decryption and
also supports on-the-fly file encryption for Lotus Notes and Microsoft Outlook.
On first use, the Acer eDataSecurity Management setup wizard will prompt you
to create the Master Password. You will use this password to access the Personal
Secure Disk (PSD). The Master Password may also be used to encrypt/decrypt
files by default.
If you set a different password to encrypt a file, but you forgot the encryption
password, you can use the Master Password to decrypt the file.
Empowering Technology
Note: The password used to encrypt a file is the unique key that
the system needs to decrypt it. If you lose the password, the
Master Password is the only other key capable of decrypting the
file. If you lose both passwords, there will be no way to decrypt
your encrypted file! Be sure to safeguard all related passwords!
10
Empowering Technology
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