Acer Predator 21 X User Manual

User’s Manual

2 -

Important

Open the Acer Portal app to sign up for an Acer ID or sign in if you already have an Acer ID.

There are three great reasons for you to get an Acer ID:

• Create your own connected world.

• Get the latest offers and product information.

• Register your device for quick, personalized customer support.

For more information, please visit the Acer BYOC website:

www.acer.com/byoc-start

This manual contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright laws. The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. Images provided herein are for reference only and may contain information or features that do not apply to your computer. Acer Group shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained in this manual.

Model number: ___________________________________________ Serial number: ___________________________________________ Date of purchase: _______________________________________ Place of purchase: ______________________________________

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of contents - 3

First things first 6

Your guides .................................................... 6

Basic care and tips for using your

computer........................................................... 7

Turning your computer off....................... 7

Taking care of your computer................ 7

Dual AC adapters ........................................... 8

Taking care of your AC adapters ......... 8

Cleaning and servicing ................................ 8

Your Predator notebook tour 10

Screen view.................................................. 10

Keyboard view............................................. 11

Front view ..................................................... 12

Left view ........................................................ 13

USB 3.0 information ................................. 13

Right view...................................................... 14

Rear view ...................................................... 14

USB Type-C information ........................ 15

Base view ...................................................... 16

Using the keyboard 17

Lock keys ...................................................... 17

Hotkeys .............................................................. 17

Windows keys............................................. 19

The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. 19 Alternative WASD and space key-

caps................................................................... 19

Reversible Slide Module 20

Installing the Slide Module .................. 20

Using the Precision Touchpad 21

Touchpad gestures.................................. 21

Changing touchpad settings............. 23

Tobii Eye Tracking 25

Illumination and sensor bar.............. 25

Setting up..................................................... 25

Further settings (options may vary) 26

Games and Experiences ......................... 26

Settings ............................................................. 27

Gaze Trace...................................................... 28

User profiles.................................................. 28

Tips and more help................................. 28

Recovery 29

Creating a factory default backup 29 Backing up your wireless and LAN

drivers ............................................................ 32

Restoring your computer................... 32

Reset this PC and keep my files ........ 32

Reset this PC and remove everything 34

Using a Bluetooth connection 36

Enabling and disabling Bluetooth . 36

Enable Bluetooth and add a device 36

Connecting to the Internet 39

Connecting to a wireless network . 39

Connecting to a wireless LAN ............ 39

Connecting with a cable ...................... 42

Built-in network feature ........................ 42

Connecting to a cellular network... 43

PredatorSense 44

The PredatorSense main screen ... 44

Overclocking.................................................. 45

PredatorSense settings ......................... 45

Adjusting the keyboard backlight . 46

Dynamic lighting .......................................... 47

Lighting zones ............................................... 47

Adjusting the hotkeys .......................... 48

Assign an action to a hotkey............... 49

Record a macro ........................................... 49

Creating profiles ...................................... 50

Fan control................................................... 51

Monitoring .................................................... 51

Bluelight Shield 52

Securing your computer 54

Using a computer security lock...... 54

Using passwords ..................................... 54

Entering passwords ................................... 55

BIOS utility 56

Boot sequence .......................................... 56

Setting passwords.................................. 56

Power management 57

Saving power............................................... 57

Battery pack 59

Battery characteristics........................ 59

Charging the battery................................ 59

Optimizing battery life............................. 60

Checking the battery level..................... 61

Battery-low warning ................................. 61

Traveling with your computer 62

Disconnecting from the desktop.... 62

Moving around .......................................... 62

Preparing the computer......................... 62

What to bring to meetings.................... 63

Taking the computer home................ 63

Preparing the computer ......................... 63

What to take with you............................. 64

4 - Table of contents

Special considerations ............................ 64

Setting up a home office........................ 64

Traveling with the computer............. 65

Preparing the computer......................... 65

What to take with you............................. 65

Special considerations ............................ 65

Traveling internationally..................... 66

Preparing the computer......................... 66

What to bring with you........................... 66

Special considerations ............................ 66

Universal Serial Bus (USB) 69

Thunderbolt 3 port 70

Displays......................................................... 70

SD card reader 71

Video and audio connectors 72

HDMI 73

Customizing your computer’s inside panel 74

Eligibility and limitations..................... 74

Installing the new panel....................... 75

Frequently asked questions 77

Requesting service .................................. 79

Tips and hints for using Windows

10 ....................................................................... 81

How do I get to Start?............................. 81

How do I turn off my computer? ...... 81

How do I unlock my computer? ........ 82

How do I set the alarm? ........................ 83

Where are my apps? ................................ 84

What is a Microsoft ID (account)? .. 85 How do I check for Windows

updates? .......................................................... 85

Where can I get more information? 86

Troubleshooting....................................... 87

Troubleshooting tips ................................. 87

Error messages ............................................ 87

Internet and online security 89

First steps on the net ........................... 89

Protecting your computer .................... 89

Choose an Internet Service Provider 89

Network connections ................................ 91

Surf the Net! ................................................. 93

Security ............................................................ 93

Getting started...

In this section you will find:

• Useful information on caring for your computer and your health

• Where to find the power button, ports and connectors

• Tips and tricks for using the touchpad and keyboard

• How to create recovery backups

• Guidelines for connecting to a network and using Bluetooth

• Information on using Acer’s bundled software

6 - First things first

FIRST THINGS FIRST

We would like to thank you for making this Predator notebook your choice for meeting your mobile gaming computing needs.

Your guides

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

First off, the Setup Guide (or Setup Poster) helps you get started with setting up your computer.

The Quick 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 User’s Manual. This guide contains detailed information on such subjects as system utilities, data recovery, expansion options and troubleshooting.

There are two ways to download the User’s Manual. You must first be connected to the internet.

1. Open Acer Care Center from the desktop and select My System > Summary and click User’s Manual to download the User’s Manual.

2. Click on the link under Support.

1. The link will open the Acer Service & Support webpage.

2. From this page you can download and install the Acer identification tool that will automatically detect your computer’s serial number and SNID and allow you to copy it to the clipboard.

3. Scroll down to Drivers and Manuals and search for your model by pasting in or manually entering the serial number, SNID, or product model.

4. Once you have found your product model, select

Documents and select your language to download the User’s Manual.

First things first - 7

Note

Basic care and tips for using your computer

Turning your computer off

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

• Use the Windows shutdown command: Press the Windows

key or select the Windows Start button, select Power > Shut down.

•Right-click the Windows Start button > Shut down or sign out > Shut down.

If you need to power down the computer for a short while, but don’t want to completely shut it down, you can put it to Sleep by doing any of the following:

• Press the power button.

• Press the sleep hotkey.

•Press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button, select Power > Sleep.

•Right-click the Windows Start button > Shut down or sign out > Sleep.

If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold the power button for up to ten 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.

8 - First things first

• 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.

Dual AC adapters

Your computer uses one adapter for basic performance, but requires two adapters for full performance with all graphical abilities.

• Only use the adapters provided with your device, or Acerapproved adapters to power your device.

• Use the provided support to hold both adapters securely.

Taking care of your AC adapters

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

• Do not connect the adapters to any other device.

• Do not step on the power cords or place heavy objects on top of them. Route the power cords and any cables away from where people walk.

• When unplugging the power cords, 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.

Cleaning and servicing

When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the computer.

2. Disconnect the AC adapters.

First things first - 9

3. Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol

cleaners.

If your computer is dropped or visibly damaged, or does not work normally, please contact your nearest authorized Acer service center.

10 - Your Predator notebook tour

YOUR PREDATOR NOTEBOOK

TOUR

After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Setup Guide, let us show you around your new Acer computer.

Screen view

# Icon Item Description

Web camera for video comm

1 Webcam

2 Microphones

3 Screen Displays computer output.

Eye Tracking sens

A light next to the webcam indic active.

Internal stereo digital m recording.

Eye Tracking for cursor and game control. See page 25.

unication.

ates that the webcam is

icrophones for sound

Keyboard view

# Icon Item Description

Your Predator notebook tour - 11

Power button Turns the computer on and off.

Keys that allow you to change comput

Programmable ke

current game.

You can define settings for each ke

er settings to suit your

y in the PredatorSense

application. See page 44.

For entering data into your

Backlit ke

yboard

comp

uter. See "Using the keyboard" on page 17.

4 Speakers Deliver stereo audio output.

Reversible module that features

Slide module

ouchpad or

(T keypad)

a ke

ypad or touchpad pointing device. See "Reversible Slide Module" on page 20.

12 - Your Predator notebook tour

# Icon Item Description

Power indicator

Hard drive indicator

Battery indicator

Main storage

and memory

ompartment

Indicates the computer’s power status.

Indicates when the computer’s hard drive is active.

Indicates the computer’s b

attery status.

Charging: Lights amber the battery is charging. Fully ch arged : Lights in AC mode.

Houses the computer’s main

orage and memory.

st See "Customizing your computer’s inside panel" on page 74.

You may upgrade your computer’s main storage and memory. Acer recommends asking an approved service center to do this.

when

teal when

Front view

# Icon Item Description

1 Speakers Deliver stereo audio output.

Left view

421 3

# Icon Item Description

Ventilation

and c

ooling

fan

USB ports Connect to USB devices.

Mic-in jack

Headset/ speaker jack

SD card reader

Your Predator notebook tour - 13

Allows the computer to stay cool.

Do not cover or obstruct the

enings.

Connects to an external micr

ophone for recording audio.

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

Accepts one Secure Digital (SD

DHC) card.

or S

Only one card can operate at a time.

USB 3.0 information

• USB 3.0 compatible ports are blue.

• Compatible with USB 3.0 and earlier devices.

• For optimal performance, use USB 3.0-certified devices.

• Defined by the USB 3.0 specification (SuperSpeed USB).

14 - Your Predator notebook tour

3 421

2 4 53 6

Right view

# Icon Item Description

USB port with

power-off charging

USB port Connects to USB devices. Kensington

lock slot

Ventilation and c

ooling

fan

Connects to USB devices.

Connects to a Kensingtoncompatible security lock.

Allows the computer to stay cool.

Do not cover or obstruct the

enings.

Rear view

# Icon Item Description

Ventilation and c fan

HDMI port

ooling

Allows the computer to stay cool.

Do not cover or obstruct the

enings.

Supports high-definition digital video c

onnections.

# Icon Item Description

External display (DisplayPort) ports

USB Type-C / Thunderbolt 3 port

Ethernet (RJ-

45) port

Connect to display devices using the high-definition interface.

Connects to USB devices with a USB T

ype-C connector. Supports Thunderbolt displays.

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

Connects to the two AC adapt

ers.

Only one AC adapter is required

DC-in jacks

for nor adapters are required to power

mal use, but both

advanced graphic capabilities. Warning: Shut down your computer before unplugging either AC adapter.

Your Predator notebook tour - 15

DisplayPort

™

USB Type-C information

• USB 3.1 Gen 2 with transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps.

• Supports DisplayPort

• Compatible with Thunderbolt

• Delivers up to 3 A at 5 V DC for USB charging.

™

audio/video output.

™

16 - Your Predator notebook tour

2 3 4 5

Base view

# Icon Item Description

Reduces dust accumulation,

Acer DustDefender

Main storage

and memory

ompartment

Ventilation and c

ooling

fan

Battery reset pinhole

5 Subwoofer Delivers enhanced bass audio.

enabling

the components to stay cool, perform better and last longer.

Houses the computer’s main st

orage and memory.

You may upgrade your computer’s main storage and memory. Acer recommends asking an approved service center to do this.

Allows the computer to stay cool.

Do not cover or obstruct the

enings.

Simulates removing and reinst

alling the battery.

Insert a paperclip into the hole and press f

or four seconds.

Using the keyboard - 17

Note

USING THE KEYBOARD

The keyboard has backlit keys with mechanical action, separate cursor, lock, Windows, function and special keys. A reversible module allows you to add a keypad for quick number entry or game control (see "Reversible Slide Module" on page 20).

You can adjust backlight settings in the PredatorSense application.

Lock keys

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

Lock key Description

Caps Lock

Num Lock

Scroll Lock

When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in uppercase.

When Num Lock is on, the 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.

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.

Hotkeys

The computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most of the computer's controls like screen brightness and volume output.

18 - Using the keyboard

To activate hotkeys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination.

Hotkey Icon Function Description

Fn + F3

Airplane mode

Fn + F4 Sleep

Turns on / off the computer's network devices. Puts the computer in Sleep mode. Switches display output

Fn + F5

Display toggle

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

Fn + F6 Display off

backlight off to save power. Press any key to return.

Fn + F7

Fn + F8

Fn +

Speaker toggle Keyboard backlight toggle Brightness upIncreases the screen

Brightness down

Turns the speakers on and off.

Turns the keyboard backlight on and off.

brightness. Decreases the screen brightness.

Fn + Volume up Increases the sound volume.

Fn +

Volume down

Decreases the sound volume.

Using the keyboard - 19

Note

Windows keys

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

Key Description

Pressed alone it returns to the Start screen or to return to the last open

Windows key

Application key

You can turn these keys off and on in the PredatorSense application.

app. It can also be used with other keys

or special functions, please check

f Windows Help.

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

Alternative WASD and space key-caps

A set of alternative kep-caps have been provided with your computer.

Use the provided tool to extract the keys from the accessory box. Use the same tool to carefully remove the same keys from the keyboard, and then insert the replacement keys in the appropriate locations.

20 - Reversible Slide Module

REVERSIBLE SLIDE MODULE

Your computer includes a reversible touchpad/keypad module. Choose the function that best matches your needs, and install or reverse the module in an instant.

Installing the Slide Module

1. Remove the Slide Module from the packaging.

2. Remove any protective covers and stickers.

3. Choose either the touchpad or keypad function.

4. Slide the top of the Slide Module into the area to the right of the keyboard so that the connectors match.

5. Rotate the Slide Module down until it snaps into place.

Using the Precision Touchpad - 21

USING THE PRECISION

TOUCHPAD

The touchpad controls the arrow (or 'cursor') on the screen. As you slide your finger across the touchpad, the

cursor will follow this movement. The Precision Touchpad (PTP) is designed to provide a more uniform, smooth, and accurate touchpad experience. Many applications support precision touchpad gestures that use one or more fingers, however, some gestures may not be supported by the specific application or program you are using.

Touchpad gestures

Single-finger slide

Slide a finger across the touchpad to move the cursor.

Single-finger press or tap

Press the touchpad down, or lightly tap the touchpad with your finger, to perform a 'click', which will select or start an item. Quickly repeat the tap to perform a double tap or 'double click'.

Two-finger press

Lightly tap the touchpad with two fingers to perform a

the Start app commands. In most apps this will open a context menu related to the selected item.

screen, this will toggle the

'right click'. In

22 - Using the Precision Touchpad

Two-finger slide

Swiftly scroll through web pages, documents and playlists by placing two fingers on the touchpad and moving both in any direction.

Two-finger pinch

Zoom in and out of photos, maps and documents with a simple finger-andthumb gesture.

Three-finger press

Lightly tap the touchpad with three fingers to open Cortana (if your computer supports Cortana) or open the Action Center (if your computer does not support Cortana).

Three-finger swipe

Swipe across the touchpad with three fingers.

• Swipe up to open Ta the cursor over a window and tap the touchpad to select that window, or swipe downwards to exit Task View.

• Swipe down to minimize all open windows and show Desktop; swipe upwards to restore the minimized windows.

•Swipe left or right to switch between open windows.

sk View. Move

Using the Precision Touchpad - 23

Note

The precision touchpad includes added technology features that help recognize and prevent unintentional gestures such as accidental taps, gestures, and pointer movement.

The touchpad is sensitive to finger movement; the lighter the touch, the better the response. Please keep the touchpad and your fingers dry and clean.

Changing touchpad settings

To change the touchpad settings to suit your personal requirements, please do the following.

1. In the icon tray in the lower right-hand corner of the screen, select the Notifications icon to open the Notifications pane.

2. Select All settings.

24 - Using the Precision Touchpad

3. Select Devices > Mouse & touchpad.

4. Now you can adjust the settings to suit your personal needs. You can change the primary button for left- or right-handed use, turn the touchpad off if you prefer to use a mouse, or set a delay to prevent the cursor from moving if you accidentally tap the touchpad with your palm while working. Scroll down to see more settings.

Tobii Eye Tracking - 25

TOBII EYE TRACKING

Your computer includes a sensor bar below the screen that allows you to control cursor movements on the desktop and character movements in games with just a glance.

Illumination and sensor bar

The eye tracker uses near-IR illumination and cameras to provide an additional input method, offering new browsing and in-game experiences.

Setting up

Everyone’s eyes are different, so eye tracking requires a profile for each user. A simple process calibrates the sensors for best accuracy.

Open the Start menu and select Tobii EyeX Interaction >

Tobii Eye Tracking.

Alternatively click the Tobii icon in the Notification area. Sit comfortably and naturally, as you intend to use your

computer and follow the instructions on the screen.

26 - Tobii Eye Tracking

Note

Finally name your profile; the name of the current profile will be shown in the Notification area menu.

If you occasionally wear glasses or contacts, for best accuracy you may need to set up multiple profiles, one with and one without glasses or contacts.

Further settings (options may vary)

Select the Tobii icon in the Notification area.

Games and Experiences

Many games support eye tracking to control movement and viewing angles. Select Games and Experiences to see games extensions and options

Tobii Eye Tracking - 27

Note

Select Tobii Eye Tracking Intro to see a more information about eye tracking extensions.

Select Infinite Screen Extension to download and activate infinite screen options for many games. Please see tobiigaming.com for a list of compatible games and more information on using Tobii Eye Tracking with games.

Settings

The Settings allow you to control Security, Touchpad, Mouse, and Windows control options.

Security

Use eye tracking to lock your Windows if you are not in front of your computer.

You may also use eye tracking to sign in with Windows Hello:

1. Select Windows Start.

2. Select Settings > Accounts > Sign-in Options.

Make sure you are using a PIN to secure access to your computer.

3. Select Windows Hello > Face > Improve recognition.

4. When you next sign in, select Sign-in options, then the Face recognition icon.

Touchpad

Touch at gaze and Scroll and zoom at gaze. Tap to instantly

click, scroll and zoom without dragging the pointer around the screen.

Mouse

Avoid larger hand movements by ’warping’ the pointer to wherever you look. Use the settings to define which key will warp the pointer.

28 - Tobii Eye Tracking

Windows

Use eye tracking to control the Application switcher, Task view and Windows snap assist.

About

Check for updates and get help with a troubleshooter.

Gaze Trace

A circle highlights the gaze point while you use your computer, and allows you to check your profile's calibration or show where you are looking in demos and videos.

User profiles

Select the eye tracking area at the bottom of the options to open User Profiles. You may add profiles for different users, and delete or recalibrate existing profiles.

Tips and more help

For best results, set up your desk so you sit in a comfortable, consistent seating position, and open the screen to the same position each time.

For more help, please go to: help.tobii.com/hc/en-us/categories/201724565-Acer

Recovery - 29

Note

Important

Note

RECOVERY

If you are having trouble with your computer, and the frequently asked questions (see Got a question? on page 76) do not help, you can recover your computer.

This section describes the recovery tools available on your computer. Acer provides Acer Care Center, which allows you to reset your PC, refresh your PC, or create a factory default backup.

Acer Care Center is only available with a pre-installed Windows operating system.

We recommend that you create a Factory Default Backup as soon as possible. In certain situations a full recovery will require a USB recovery backup.

Creating a factory default backup

Backup allows you to quickly and easily back up your operating system, installed apps and data.

1. From Start, select All apps then Acer. Select Acer

Recovery Management in the list of Acer apps.

Since the recovery backup requires at least 8 GB of storage afte r formatting, it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity of 16

GB or larger.

30 - Recovery

2. Select the Backup tab and click Get Started for Create Factory Default Backup to open the Recovery Drive

window.

3. Make sure Backup system files to the recovery drive is selected and click Next.

4. Plug in the USB drive and wait for the PC to detect the USB drive then click Next.

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