Acer Travelmate 6493 Service Manual

TravelMate 6493 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 TravelMate 6493 Series service guide.

Date Chapter Updates

II

Copyright

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

Disclaimer

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

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

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

III

Conventions

The following conventions are used in this manual:

SCREEN MESSAGES Denotes actual messages that appear

on screen.

NOTE Gives bits and pieces of additional

information related to the current
topic.

WARNING Alerts you to any damage that might

result from doing or not doing specific
actions.

CAUTION Gives precautionary measures to

avoid possible hardware or software
problems.

IMPORTANT Reminds you to do specific actions

relevant to the accomplishment of
procedures.

IV

Preface

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

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

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

V

VI

Table of Contents

System Specifications 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

Right View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

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

Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

System Utilities 29

BIOS Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Navigating the BIOS Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

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

Advanced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Intel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

BIOS Flash Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Remove HDD/BIOS Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Machine Disassembly and Replacement 47

Disassembly Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Pre-disassembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

External Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

External Modules Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Removing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Removing the SD dummy card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Removing the NewCard Dummy card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Removing the Lower Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Removing the DIMM Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Removing the 3G Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Removing the Hard Disk Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Removing the Optical Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

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

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

Removing the Switch Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

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

VII

Table of Contents

Removing the eKey Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Removing the Power Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Removing the WLAN Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Removing the 3G Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Removing the WLAN Antenna and MIC Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

Removing the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Removing the Upper Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Removing the Card Reader Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Removing the Finger Print Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Removing the TouchPad Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Removing the Speaker Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Removing the Bluetooth Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

Removing the Modem Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Removing the Mainboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Removing the USB Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

Removing the Thermal Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

Removing the CPU Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Removing the CPU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

LCD Module Disassembly Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

LCD Module Disassembly Flowchart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

Removing the LCD Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Removing the Camera Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

Removing the Inverter Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

Removing the LCD Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99

Removing the LCD Brackets and FPC Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

Removing the Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Removing the MIC Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

LCD Module Reassembly Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

Replacing the LCD Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106

Replacing the LCD Bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

Main Module Reassembly Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

Replacing the CPU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

Replacing the CPU Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

Replacing the Thermal Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

Replacing the USB Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

Replacing the Mainboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115

Replacing the Modem Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

Replacing the Bluetooth Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Replacing the Speaker Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Replacing the TouchPad Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119

Replacing the Finger Print Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120

Replacing the Card Reader Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120

Replacing the Upper Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121

Replacing the LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123

Replacing the WLAN Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124

Replacing the WLAN Antenna and MIC Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

Replacing the 3G Antenna Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

Replacing the Power Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

Replacing the eKey Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127

Replacing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128

Replacing the Switch Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

Replacing the ODD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

Replacing the Hard Disk Drive Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131

Replacing the 3G Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131

Replacing the DIMM Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132

VIII

Table of Contents

Replacing the Lower Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133

Replacing the NewCard and SD Card Dummy Trays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134

Replacing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134

Troubleshooting 135

Common Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

Power On Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

No Display Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137

Random Loss of BIOS Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

LCD Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

Built-In Keyboard Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

Touchpad Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

Internal Speaker Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

Internal Microphone Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

HDD Not Operating Correctly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143

ODD Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

USB Failure (Rightside) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

Modem Function Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

Wireless Function Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148

3G Module Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149

EasyTouch Button Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149

Fingerprint Reader Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150

Thermal Unit Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150

External Mouse Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151

Other Failures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151

Intermittent Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152

Undetermined Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152

POST Codes Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153

Port 80 POST Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153

POST Keys and Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155

Jumper and Connector Locations 157

Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157

Bottom View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158

Clearing Password Check and BIOS Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159

Clearing Password Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159

BIOS Recovery by Crisis Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160

FRU (Field Replaceable Unit) List 161

TravelMate 6493 Exploded Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162

Upper Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162

Lower Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163

LCD Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164

TravelMate 6493 FRU List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165

Model Definition and Configuration 178

TravelMate 6493 Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178

Test Compatible Components 211

Microsoft® Windows® Vista Environment Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212

Online Support Information 215
Index 217

IX

Table of Contents

X

System Specifications

Features

Below is a brief summary of the computer’s many features:
NOTE: Items marked with * denote only selected models.

Operating System

• Genuine Windows® Vista™

• Genuine Windows® XP

Platform

• Intel® Centrino® 2 with vPro™ technology, featuring:

• Intel® Core™2 Duo processor

• Mobile Intel® GM45 Express Chipset

• Intel® 82566MM

• Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5100/5300*

• Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5150/5350 (Subject to availability)

Chapter 1

System Memory

• Dual-Channel DDR3 support

• Up to 2 GB of DDR3 1066 MHz memory, upgradeable to 4 GB using two soDIMM modules*

Display and graphics

• 14.1" WXGA TFT LCD, 1280 x 800

• 14.1" WXGA+ TFT LCD, 1440 x 900

• Mobile Intel® GM45 Express Chipset (Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X4500)

Storage subsystem

• 2.5" hard disk drive

• Intel® Turbo Memory supported*

• Optical drive options:

• DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive*

• DVD/CD-RW combo drive*

• 5-in-1 card reader

Audio

• Two built-in Acer 3DSonic stereo speakers

• High-definition audio support

• MS-Sound compatible

• Built-in microphone

Chapter 1 1

Communication

• Acer Video Conference, featuring:

• Integrated Acer Crystal Eye webcam

• Optional Acer Bluetooth® VoIP phone

• WLAN: Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5100/5300*

• WiFIi®/WiMAX™: Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5150/5350

NOTE: Subject to availability.

• WPAN: Bluetooth® 2.0+EDR

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

• WWAN: UMTS/HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) (3.5G) at 2100 MHz and quad-

band GSM/ GPRS/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz*

• Modem: 56K ITU V.92

Privacy control

• Enhanced Acer DASP (Disk Anti-Shock Protection)

• Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint solution

• TravelMate SmartCard solution

• TravelMate TPM (Trusted Platform Module) solution

• BIOS user, supervisor, HDD passwords

• Kensington lock slot

Dimensions and Weight

• 338 (W) x 245 (D) x 33.6/39.5 (H) mm (13.3 x 9.65 x 1.32/1.55 inches)

• 2.67 kg (5.89 lbs.) with 9-cell battery pack, Acer MediaBay 6-cell 2nd battery pack and 3G

• 2.56 kg (5.64 lbs.) with 9-cell battery pack, optical drive and 3G

• 2.51 kg (5.53 lbs.) with 6-cell battery pack, Acer MediaBay 6-cell 2nd battery pack and 3G

• 2.4 kg (5.29 lbs.) with 6-cell battery pack, optical drive and 3G

• 2.64 kg (5.82 lbs.) with 9-cell battery pack and Acer MediaBay 6-cell 2nd battery pack

• 2.53 kg (5.57 lbs.) with 9-cell battery pack and optical drive

• 2.48 kg (5.46 lbs.) with 6-cell battery pack and Acer MediaBay 6-cell 2nd battery pack

• 2.38 kg (5.24 lbs.) with 6-cell battery pack and optical drive

Power subsystem

• ACPI 3.0

• 79.9 W 4800 mAh

• 58.8 W 4400 mAh

• 3-pin 65W AC adapter

• Energy Star 4.0

Input Devices

• 88-/89-key keyboard

• Acer FineTrack™ with two FineTrack™ buttons

• Touchpad pointing device

2 Chapter 1

I/O interface

• Acer ezDock II/ II+ connector

• PC Card slot (Type II)

• Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint reader*

• TravelMate SmartCard reader

• 5-in-1 card reader (SD™, MMC, MS, MS PRO, xD)

• Three USB 2.0 ports

• DVI-D port with HDCP support

• Fast infrared (FIR) port

• External display (VGA) port

• Headphone/speaker/line-out jack

• Microphone-in jack

• Ethernet (RJ-45) port

• Modem (RJ-11) port

• DC-in jack for AC adapter

Environment

• Temperature:

• Operating: 5 °C to 35 °C

• Non-operating: -20 °C to 65 °C

• Humidity (non-condensing):

• Operating: 20% to 80%

• Non-operating: 20% to 80%

NOTE: Items marked with * denote only selected models. 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

4 Chapter 1

Your Acer Notebook tour

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

Front View

No. Icon Item Description

1 Acer Crystal Eye Web camera for video communication.
2 Display screen Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD),

displays computer output.

3 Empowering key Launch Acer Empowering Technology.

4 Productivity Keys Three productivity keys give users one-touch

access to protection and manageability features
for a more secure, smarter and easier way to

work.
5 Keyboard For entering data into your computer.
6 Fine Track Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions

like a computer mouse when used together with

the click buttons.
7 Fine Track buttons

(left and right)

8 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when

Chapter 1 5

Function like the left and right mouse buttons

when used together with the center-keyboard

FineTrack.

you use the computer.

No. Icon Item Description

9 TouchPad Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions

like a computer mouse.
10 Click buttons (left,

center*, and right)

11 Status indicators Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that light up to

12 Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio

13 Power button Turns the computer on and off.

The left and right buttons function like the left

and right mouse buttons.

*The center button serves as Acer BioProtect

fingerprint reader supporting Acer FingerNav 4-

way control function (only for certain models).

show the status of the computer's functions and

components.

output.

14 Easy-launch

buttons

15 Microphone Internal microphone for sound recording.

Buttons for launching frequently used programs.

Closed Front View

No. Icon Item Description

1 3G switch/indicator Enables/di sables the 3G function. Indicates the

status of 3G communication (only for certain

models).
2 Bluetooth

communication
switch/indicator

3 Wireless

communication
switch/indicator

4 5-in-1 card reader Accepts Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard

5 Latch Locks and releases the lid.
6 Microphone jack Accepts inputs from external microphones.

Enables/disables the Bluetooth function.

Indicates the status of Bluetooth

communication.

Enables/disables the wireless function.

Indicates the status of wireless LAN

communication.

(MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick Pro

(MS PRO), and xDPicture Card.

Note: Push to remove/install the card. Only

one card can operate at any given time.

7 Headphones/

speaker/line-out
jack

8 Infrared port Interfaces with infrared devices (e.g.,infrared

6 Chapter 1

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

speakers, headphones).

printer and IR-aware computer).

Left View

No. Icon Item Description

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

prolonged use.

2 External display

(VGA) port

3

DVI-D

4 PC Card slot Accepts one Type II PC Card.

Digital Video
Interface -Digital
port

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

Supports digital video connections.

5 PC Card slot

eject button

Ejects the PC Card from the slot.

Right View

No. 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 Two USB 2.0 ports Connect to USB 2.0 devices (e.g. USB mouse,

6 Kensington lock

slot

Lights up when the optical drive is active.

Ejects the optical disk from the drive.

Ejects the optical drive tray when the computer is
turned off.

Note: Insert a paper clip into the emergency eject
hole to eject the optical drive tray when the
computer is off.

USB camera).
Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer

security lock.

Chapter 1 7

Rear View

No. Icon Item Description

1 Ethernet (RJ-45)

port

2 Modem (RJ-11)

port

3 USB 2.0 port Connect to USB 2.0 devices (e.g. USB

4 DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter

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

Connects to a phone line.

mouse, USB camera).

Bottom View

No. Icon Item Description

1 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack.

2 Battery release latch Releases the battery for removal.

3 Battery lock Locks the battery in position.

4 Acer DASP (Disk Anti-

Shock Protection)

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

6 Acer MediaBay

release latch

7 Memory compartment Houses the computer's main memory.

8 Chapter 1

Protects the hard disk drive from shocks and
bumps (only for certain models).

screws).
Lock or unlock Acer MediaBay device.

No. Icon Item Description

8 Acer ezDock II/II+

connector

9 Ventilation slots and

cooling fan

Connects to Acer ezDock II/II+.

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

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

Chapter 1 9

Indicators

The computer has several easy-to-read status indicators:
The front panel indicators are visible even when the computer cover is closed.

Icon Function Description

Bluetooth Indicates the status of Bluetooth communication.

WLAN Indicates the status of wireless LAN

communication.

Power Indicates the computer's power status.

Battery Indicates the computer's battery status.

HDD Indicates when the hard disk drive is active.

Num Lock Lights up when Num Lock is activated.

Caps Lock Lights up when Caps Lock is activated.

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

shows green when in AC mode.

Easy-Launch Buttons

Located beside the keyboard are application buttons. These buttons are called easy-launch buttons. They are:
WLAN, Internet, email, Bluetooth, Arcade and Acer Empowering Technology.

The mail and Web browser buttons are pre-set to email and Internet programs, but can be reset by users. To
set the Web browser, mail and programmable buttons, run the Acer Launch Manager.

Icon Function Description

Empowering Technology Launch Acer Empowering Technology.

(user-programmable)

Web browser Internet browser (user-Programmable)
Mail Email application (user-Programmable)

Bluetooth communication
switch

Wireless communication
switch

Enables/disables the Bluetooth function.

Enables/disables the wireless function.

10 Chapter 1

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 (1) to move the cursor.

• Press the left (2) 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) or the 4-way scroll (3) button (only for certain models) to scroll up or down
and move left or right a page. This fingerprint reader or button mimics your cursor pressing on the
right scroll bar of Windows applications.

Function Left Button (2) Right Button (4) 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.

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.
Access

Click once.

context menu

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 too hard will not increase the
touchpad’s responsiveness.

Chapter 1 11

Using the Keyboard

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

Lock Keys and embedded numeric keypad

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

Lock key Description

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

<Fn> + <F11>

Scroll Lock <Fn> +
<F12>

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

When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line up or down when you press
the up or down arrow keys respectively. Scroll Lock does not work with some
applications.

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

Desired access Num Lock on Num Lock off

Number keys on
embedded keypad

Cursor-control keys on
embedded keypad

Main keyboard keys Hold <Fn> while typing letters on

Type numbers in a normal manner.

Hold <Shift> while using cursor­control keys.

embedded keypad.

Hold <Fn> while using cursor­control keys.

Type the letters in a normal
manner.

12 Chapter 1

Windows Keys

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

Key Description

Windows key Pressed alone, this key has the same effect as clicking on the Windows Start button;

it launches the Start menu. It can also be used with other keys to provide a variety of
functions:

<>: Open or close the Start menu
<> + <D>: Display the desktop
<> + <E>: Open Windows Explore
<> + <F>: Search for a file or folder
<> + <G>: Cycle through Sidebar gadgets
<> + <L>: Lock your computer (if you are connected to a network domain), or

switch users (if you're not connected to a network domain)

<> + <M>: Minimizes all windows
<> + <R>: Open the Run dialog box
<> + <T>: Cycle through programs on the taskbar
<> + <U>: Open Ease of Access Center
<> + <X>: Open Windows Mobility Center
<> + <BREAK>: Display the System Properties dialog box
<> + <SHIFT+M>: Restore minimized windows to the desktop
<> + <TAB>: Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D
<> + <SPACEBAR>: Bring all gadgets to the front and select Windows Sidebar

Application
key

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

Note: Depending on your edition of Windows Vista, some shortcuts may not function

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

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

taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D

as described.

Chapter 1 13

Hot Keys

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

To activate hot keys, press and hold the <Fn> key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination.

Hotkey Icon Function Description

<Fn> + <F1> Hotkey help Displays help on hotkeys.

<Fn> + <F2> Acer eSettings

Management

<Fn> + <F3> Acer ePower

Management

<Fn> + <F4> Sleep Puts the computer in Sleep mode.

<Fn> + <F5> Display toggle Switches display output between the display

<Fn> + <F6> Screen blank Turns the display screen backlight off to save

<Fn> + <F7> Touchpad toggle Turns the internal touchpad on and off.

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

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

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

Launches Acer eSettings Management in Acer
Empowering Technology.

Launches Acer ePower Management in Acer
Empowering Technology.

screen, external monitor (if connected) and
both.

power. Press any key to return.

14 Chapter 1

Special Key

You can locate the Euro symbol and the US dollar sign at the upper-center and/or bottom-right of your
keyboard.

The Euro symbol

1. Open a text editor or word processor.

2. Hold <Alt Gr> and then press the <5> key at the upper-center of the keyboard.
NOTE: Note: Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol. Please refer to www.microsoft.com/

typography/faq/faq12.htm for more information.

The US dollar sign

1. Open a text editor or word processor.

2. Hold <Shift> and then press the <4> key at the upper-center of the keyboard.
NOTE: This function varies by the operating system version.

Chapter 1 15

Using the System Utilities

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

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

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

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible)

NOTE: This feature is only available on certain models.

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

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

16 Chapter 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

recommended value.

Chapter 1 17

Hardware Specifications and Configurations

Processor

Item Specification

CPU type Intel Mobile Montevina Centrino/PDC/Celeron FCPGA, Socket M, 6M L2, FSB

800/1066MHz
Core Logic Intel® Cantiga-GM+ICH9M-E
CPU Package Micro FC-PGA
CPU Core Voltage 1.0375V ~ 1.3V

CPU Fan True Value Table

Action Lower Limit Higher Limit Fan Speed (RPM) SPL Spec (dBA)

Fan Off - 45 0 ­Fan Speed2 40 55 2900 31
Fan Speed3 50 65 3300 34
Fan Speed4 55 75 3600 37
Fan Speed5 70 100 3900 40
Throttling 50% 85 105 3900 40

• Throttling 50%: On= 100°C; OFF=85°C

• EC shut down (DTS) at 105°C; EC shut down (diode) at 105°C

BIOS

Item Specification

BIOS vendor Phoenix SecureCore
BIOS Version v0.15A
BIOS ROM type Flash
BIOS ROM size 1 MB
Features

• Support ISIPP

• Support Acer UI

• Support multi-boot

• Suspend to RAM (S3)/Disk (S4)

• Va rious hot-keys for system control

• Support SMBIOS 2.3, PCI2.2.

• ACPI 2.0 compliance with Intel SpeedStep Support C1, C2,

C3, C4, C6 and S3, S4 for mobile CPU

• DMI utility for BIOS serial number configurable/asset tag

• Support INTEL IAMT4.0 & TXT & PXE & VPro

• Support Y2K solution

• Support WinFlash

• Wake on LAN from S3

• Wake on LAN form S4 in AC mode

• System information

Cache

Item Specification

Cache controller Built in
Cache size 6MB L2 Cache on CPU

18 Chapter 1

System Memory

Item Specification

Memory size 0 MB on board
DIMM socket number 2
Supports memory size per socket 2 GB
Supports maximum memory size 4 GB
Supports DIMM type 204-pin +1.5V DDRIII SO-DIMM
Supports DIMM Speed 800/1067 MHz

Memory Combinations

Slot 1 Slot 2 Total Memory

0MB 512MB 512MB
0MB 1024MB 1024MB
0MB 2048MB 2048MB
512MB 512MB 1024MB
512MB 1024MB 1536MB
512MB 2048MB 2560MB
1024MB 0MB 1024MB
1024MB 512MB 1536MB
1024MB 1024MB 2048MB
1024MB 2048MB 3072MB
2048MB 0MB 2048MB
2048MB 512MB 2560MB
2048MB 1024MB 3072MB
2048MB 2048MB 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.

Video Subsystem

Item Specification

Chipset Cantiga-GM Integrated Graphic
Features

• Intel Gen 5 integrated graphics engine with 10 fully programmable

cores

• Estimated 457-MHz core, render clock at 1.0-V core voltage

• Estimated 533-MHz core, render clock at 1.1-V core voltage (Hi Def

Playback only)

• Supports TV-Out, LVDS, CRT and SDVO

• Intel® Dynamic Video Memory Technology (Intel ® D VMT 4.0)

• Video Capture via x1 concurrent PCIe port

• High performance MPEG-2 decoding

• WMV9 (VC-1) and H.264 (AVC) support

• Hardware acceleration for VLD/iDCT

• Microsoft DirectX*10 support

• Hardware motion compensation

• Intermediate Z in classic rendering

Chapter 1 19

Audio Subsystem

Item Specification

Chipset Realtek ALC268VC
Audio Onboard or Optional Onboard
Mono or Stereo Stereo
Resolution

Compatibility

• Two DACs channels support 16/20/24-bit PCM format playback

• Two stereo ADCs support 16/20/24-bit PCM format recording

• Support hardware digital volume control for digital microphone input

• Software programmable boost gain (+20/+40dB) for analog

microphone input

• Built-in headphone amplifiers for port-A and port-D.

• Four GPIOs (General Purpose Input and Output) for customized

applications

• Supports Anti-pop mode when analog power AVDD is on and digital

power is off

• Integrates high pass filter to cancel DC offset generated from digital

microphone (ALC 268B)

Sampling Rate

• All DACs supports 16/20/24-bit, 44.1k/48k/96k/192kHz sample rate

• All ADCs supports 16/20/24-bit, 44.1k/48k/96k Hz sample rate

• 16/20/24-bit S/PDIF-OUT support 44.1k/48k/88.2k/96k/192kHz

sample rate
Internal Microphone Support stereo digital microphone interface to improve voice quality
Internal Speaker/Quantity 2
Features

• High-performance DACs with 95dB SNR (A-Weighting), ADCs with

90dB SNR (A-Weighting) Meets premium performance requirements

for Microsoft WLP 3.1

• High-quality analog differential CD input

• Supports external PCBEEP input, built-in digital BEEP generator, and

pass through function in D3 mode

• Software selectable 2.5V/3.75V/4.2V VREFOUT

• Two jack detection pins each designed to detect up to 4 jacks

• 1dB resolution of analog output volume control

• 48-pin LQFP 'Green' package

• Support low voltage IO for HDA Link (1.5V~3.3V) (3.3 ~ 5 V) for

analog power

20 Chapter 1