Acer ASPIRE 9100 User Manual

Aspire 9100 Series

User’s Guide

Aspire 9100 Series User’s Guide Original Issue: January 2005

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 9100 Series Notebook Computer

Model Number: __________________________________

Serial Number: ___________________________________

Purchase Date: ___________________________________

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.

iii

First things first

We would like to thank you for making the Aspire series of notebook computers your choice for your mobile computing needs.

Your guides

To help you use your Aspire, we have designed a set of guides:

First off, the Just for starters... 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:

English

1 Click on Start, All Programs, AcerSystem. 2 Click on AcerSystem User's Guide.

Note: Viewing the file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. If Adobe Acrobat Reader is not installed on your computer, clicking on TravelMate User’s guide will run the Acrobat Reader setup program first. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation. For instructions on how to use Adobe

Acrobat Reader, access the Help and Support menu.

Basic care and tips for using your computer

English

Turning your computer on and off

To turn on the computer, simply press and release the power button below the LCD screen beside the launch keys. See "Front view" on page 1 for the location of the power button.

To turn the power off, do any of the following:

• Use the Windows shutdown command Click on Start, Shut Down; then click on Shut Down.

• Use the power button

Note: You can also use the power button to perform power management functions. See "Preparing the computer" on page 28 of the AcerSystem User’s Guide for details about power management.

You can also shut down the computer by closing the display cover, or by pressing the sleep hot key <Fn> + <F4>. See "Preparing the computer" on page 28 of the AcerSystem User’s Guide for details.

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 0º C (32º F) or above 50º C (122º F).

• 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 and 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 adaptor

Here are some ways to take care of your AC adaptor:

• Do not connect the adaptor 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.

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

at all possible.

English

Cleaning and servicing

When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:

1 Power off the computer and remove the battery pack. 2 Disconnect the AC adaptor. 3 Use a soft cloth moistened with water. 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 57 of the AcerSystem User’s Guide for details.

Caution

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority, which is granted by the Federal Communications Commission, to operate this computer.

Operation conditions

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.

Users are requested to follow the RF safety instructions on wireless option devices that are included in the user's manual of each RF option device.

An improper installation or unauthorised use may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Also any tampering of the internal antenna will void the FCC certification and your warranty.

To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be operated indoors and installation outdoors is subject to licensing.For more information about our products, services, and support information, please visit our website: http://global.acer.com/

First things first iii

Your guides iii Basic care and tips for using your computer iv

Turning your computer on and off iv Taking care of your computer iv Taking care of your AC adaptor v Taking care of your battery pack v Cleaning and servicing vi

An Aspire tour 1

Front view 1 Closed front view 3 Left view 4 Right view 5 Rear view 6

Bottom view 7 Specifications 8 Indicators 11 Using the keyboard 12

Lock keys 12

Embedded numeric keypad 13

Windows keys 14

Hot keys 15

The Euro Symbol 17

Launch keys 18 Touchpad 19

Touchpad basics 19 Ejecting the optical drive tray 21 Using a computer security lock 21 Audio 22

Adjusting the volume 22

Using system utilities 23

Acer eManager 23

Launch Manager 24

Enabling dual displays 24

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) 25 Moving around with your notebook PC 27

Disconnecting from the desktop 27

Moving around 27

Preparing the computer 27 What to take to short meetings 28 What to bring to long meetings 28

Taking the computer home 28

Preparing the computer 28 What to take with you 29

Special considerations 29 Setting up a home office 30

Traveling with the computer 30

Preparing the computer 30 What to take with you 30 Special considerations 30

Traveling internationally with the computer 31

Preparing the computer 31 What to bring with you 31 Special considerations 31

Securing your computer 32

Using a computer security lock 32 Using passwords 32

Entering passwords 33 Setting passwords 33

Expanding through options 35

Connectivity options 35

Fax/Data modem 35 Built-in network feature 36 Universal Serial Bus 37 IEEE 1394 port 37 PC Card slot 38

BIOS Utility 40

Boot sequence 40 Password 40

Using software 41

Playing DVD movies 41 Power management 42 Arcade 43

Arcade Hot keys 44 The Arcade remote control 45 Finding and playing content 46

Advanced Settings 46

Arcade controls 47

Navigation controls 47

Player controls 47

Cinema 48

DVD settings 48

Album 50 Video 52

Playing a video file 52

Editing a video file 52

Music 53 Burner 53

Copy - backup your CD/DVD collection 53 Audio - create your own greatest hits CDs 54 Data - store files simply and easily 54 Video - your world in pictures 54

TV(Optional) 54

Troubleshooting 57

Frequently-asked questions 57 Troubleshooting tips 60 Error messages 60 Requesting service 61

International Travelers Warranty (ITW) 61

Before you call 62

Regulations and safety notices 63

An Aspire tour

After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters... poster, let us show you around your new Aspire computer.

Front view

English

# Item Description

1 Display screen Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD),

displaying computer output.

# Item Description

English

2 Launch keys Buttons for launching frequently used

programs. See "Launch keys" on page 18 for more details

3 Power button Turns the computer on and off.

4 Keyboard Inputs data into your computer.

5 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands

when you use the computer.

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

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

7 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which

functions like a computer mouse.

8 Click buttons

(Left and right)

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

Closed front view

# Item Description

1 Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio

2 Speaker/Line-

Out/Headphone jack

3 Mic-in jack Accepts inputs from external microphone.

4 CIR Receiver Receives remote control infrared signals.

output.

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

English

5 Arcade/Media/Volume

buttons

6 Indicators (power, Hard

disc, and battery)

7 Wireless

communication button/ indicator

8 Latch Locks and releases the lid.

For use with Acer Arcade and other media playing programs.

Light to indicate the computer’s status.

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

English

Left view

# Item Description

1 Security keylock Connects to a Kensington-compatible

2 Power jack Connects to an AC adaptor.

3 Two USB 2.0 ports Connect to Universal Serial Bus (USB)

4 Optical drive Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or

5 LED indicator Lights up when the optical drive is

6 Optical drive eject button Ejects the optical drive tray from the

7 Emergency eject hole Ejects the optical drive tray when the

Note: The positions of the AcerMedia indicator, eject button and

emergency eject hole may differ depending on the optical drive

module installed.

computer security lock.

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

DVDs depending on the optical drive type.

active.

drive.

computer is turned off

Right view

# Item Description

1 3-in-1 card reader Accepts MS, SM and SD card.

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

2 PC Card slot Connects to one Type II CardBus PC Card.

3 PC Card slot eject button Ejects the PC Card from the slot.

4 USB 2.0 port Connects to Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0

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

English

Rear view

# Item Description

1 IEEE 1394 port Connects to IEEE 1394 devices.

2 Network jack Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/1000-

based network (for selected models).

3 Modem jack Connects to a phone line.

4 Audio/video in

port

5 Antenna port Connects to a (PAL/NTSC) TV antenna

6 External display

port

7 S-video out

port

8 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool, even

Supports both audio and video input.

cable.

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

Connects to a television or display device with S-video input.

after prolonged use.

Bottom view

# Item Description

1 Battery release latch Unlatches the battery to remove the

battery pack.

2 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.

3 Hard disc bay Houses the computer's hard disc

(secured by a screw).

English

4 Memory compartment Houses the computer's main memory and

5 Cooling fan Helps keep the computer cool.

Mini PCI Card.

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

Specifications

English

Microprocessor

• Intel® Pentium® M 730 processor at 1.6 GHz or higher

Memory

• 256 MB of DDR 333 SDRAM standard, upgradeable to 2 GB with

dual soDIMM modules

• 512 KB flash ROM BIOS

Data storage

• One 60 GB and above E-IDE hard disc (2.5", 9.5mm, UltraDMA-100)

• One internal optical drive

• 3-in-1 MS/SM/SD card reader

Display and video

• Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) displaying at:

- 15.4” WXGA (1280 x 800)

• Acer CrystalBrite

• ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON® X600 with 128 MB of video memory

• Simultaneous LCD and CRT display support

• Dual independent display

Connectivity

• Integrated gigabit Fast Ethernet connection (for selected models)

• Built-in 56Kbps fax/data modem

• Three Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 ports

• InviLink™ 802.11b/g dual-band Wireless LAN

Audio

• 16-bit AC’97 stereo audio

• Dual speakers

• Separate audio ports for headphone-out, line-in/microphone-in

devices

Keyboard and pointing device

• 86/87/88-key Windows keyboard

• Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device

I/O ports

• One Type II PC Card slot

• One RJ-11 phone jack (V.92, 56Kbps modem)

• One RJ-45 network jack

• One DC-in jack (AC adaptor)

• One external monitor port

• One speaker/headphone-out jack

• One audio line-in/microphone-in jack

• One infrared (CIR) port

• One IEEE 1394 port

• One S-video/TV-out port

• One Audio/Video-in port

• One PAL/NTSC TV-in port

• Three USB 2.0 ports

• 3-in-1 MS/SM/SD card reader

Weight (with battery)

• 6.5 lbs. (2.9 kg)

English

Dimensions

- 360 (W) x 265 (D) x 32.2 - 35 (H) mm

English

Environment

• Temperature:

- Operating: 5°C - 35°C

- Non-operating: -20°C - 65°C

• Humidity (non-condensing):

- Operating: 20% - 80% RH

- Non-operating: 20% - 80% RH

System

• Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional/ Home/ Media Center

Edition

• ACPI 1.0b support

• DMI 2.0-compliant

• Wi-Fi®-compliant

Power

• 8-cell (65 W) Li-ion battery pack

• 65 W AC adaptor 19 V 3.42 A

Options

• 256 MB/512 MB/1 GB memory upgrade module

• Additional 65 W AC adaptor

• Addition Li-ion battery pack

• Media player remote control

Indicators

The computer has three easy-to-read status icons on the upper-right above the keyboard.In addition, there are four indicators located on

the front panel.

Icon Function Description

Caps Lock Lights when Caps Lock is activated.

Num Lock Lights when Num Lock is activated.

Scroll Lock Lights when Scroll Lock is activated.

English

Power Lights when the computer is on.

Battery

indicator

Media activity Lights when the hard disc or optical drive is active.

Wireless

communication

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

2. Fully charged: light shows green when in AC mode.

Lights when the battery is being charged.

Lights to indicate the status of wireless LAN communications.

Using the keyboard

English

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

Lock keys

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 (Fn-F11)

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.

Scroll Lock (Fn-F12)

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.

Embedded numeric keypad

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.

Desired Access Num Lock On Num Lock Off

Type numbers Use embedded keypad in

the same way as the numeric keypad on a standard keyboard.

Type letters Hold Fn while typing letters

on embedded keypad.

Type the letters in a normal manner.

English

Windows keys

English

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:

< > + <Tab> Activates the next Taskbar button. < > + <E> Opens the My Computer window. < > + <F1> Opens Help and Support. < > + <F> Opens the Find: All Files dialog box.

< > + <M> Minimizes all windows. <Shift> + < > + <M> Undoes the minimize all

windows.

<> + <R> Opens the Run dialog box.

Application key This key has the same effect as clicking the right mouse

button; it opens the application's context menu.

Hot keys

The computer employs hot keys 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 hot key combination.

Hot Key Icon Function Description

Fn-F1

Hot key help Displays help on hot keys.

English

Fn-F2

Fn-F3 Acer ePowerMana-

Fn-F4 Sleep Puts the computer in Sleep mode.

Acer eSetting

gement

Launches the Acer eSetting in the Acer eManager set by the Acer

Empowering Key " " See "Acer eManager" on page 23

Launches the Acer ePowerManagement in the Acer eManager set by the Acer Empowering Key

" " See "Acer eManager" on page 23

Hot Key Icon Function Description

English

Fn-F5 Display toggle Switches display output between

the display screen, external monitor (if connected) and both the display screen and external monitor.

Fn-F6 Screen blank Turns the display screen backlight

off to save power. Press any key to return.

Fn-F7 Touchpad toggle Turns the internal touchpad on

Fn-↑ Volume up Increases the sound volume.

Fn-↓ Volume down Decreases the sound volume.

Fn-→ Brightness up Increases the screen brightness.

Fn-

←

Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness.

and off.

The Euro Symbol

If your keyboard layout is set to United States-International, United Kingdom or if you have a keyboard with a European layout, you can type the Euro symbol on your keyboard.

1 Open a text editor or word processor. 2Hold <Alt Gr> and then press the Euro symbol 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 more information.

for

English

+ 63 hidden pages

Acer ASPIRE 9100 User Manual

Aspire 9100 Series

First things first

Your guides

Basic care and tips for using your computer

Contents

An Aspire tour

Front view

Closed front view

Left view

Right view

Rear view

Bottom view

Specifications

Indicators

Using the keyboard

Lock keys

Embedded numeric keypad

Windows keys

Hot keys

The Euro Symbol