Acer Travelmate 7730, Travelmate 7730A Service Manual

TravelMate 7730/7730A

Service Guide

Revision History

Please refer to the table below for the updates made on Travelmate 7730/7730G Series service guide.

Date Chapter Updates

Service guide files and updates are available on the ACER/CSD web. For more information, refer to http://csd.acer.com.tw

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.

PRINTED IN TAIWAN

Conventions

The following conventions are used in this manual:

SCREEN MESSAGES

NOTE Gives bits and pieces of additional

WARNING Alerts you to any damage that

CAUTION Gives precautionary measures to

IMPORTANT Reminds you to do specific actions

Denotes actual messages that appear on screen.

information related to the current topic.

might result from doing or not doing specific actions.

avoid possible hardware or software problems.

relevant to the accomplishment of procedures.

Preface

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

1 This Service Guide provides you with all technical information relating to the BASIC

CONFIGURATION decided for Acer's “global” product offering. To better fit local market requirements and enhance product competitiveness, your regional office MAY have decided to extend the functionality of a machine (such as add-on cards, modems, or extra memory capabilities). These LOCALIZED FEATURES are NOT covered in this generic service guide. In such cases, 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.

III

Contents

Chapter 1: System specifications 1

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

System block diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

The Acer notebook tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

LCD panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Palm rest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Bottom view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Easy-launch buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Touchpad basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Hardware specifications and configurations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

CPU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Controllers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

BIOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

DVD-CDRW drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

DVD burner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Blu-ray drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

LCD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Video subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Pointing device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

PCMCIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

ExpressCard (NewCard) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Wired LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Wireless LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

USB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Buttons/Indicators/Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Fingerprint reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Power supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Power savings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Chapter 2: System utilities 35

BIOS Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Navigating the BIOS Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

BIOS Setup Utility screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Information screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Main screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Advanced screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Contents

Security screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

BIOS Flash utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Removing a password lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Removing a HDD password lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Removing a Supervisor password lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Chapter 3: Replacing notebook components 51

Preventing static electricity discharge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Tape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Preparing your work space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Tools required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Preparing the notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Remove a PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Removing an ExpressCard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Removing a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Removing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Adding or replacing memory modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Replacing the graphics card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Replacing the primary hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Replacing the IEEE 802.11 wireless card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Replacing the CMOS battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Replacing the secondary hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

Replacing the optical drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Replacing the keyboard cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Replacing the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Replacing the power button board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

Replacing the LCD assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Replacing the inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Replacing the LCD panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Replacing the LCD panel hinges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

Replacing the web cam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

Replacing the palm rest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Replacing the microphone and speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

Replacing the touchpad button board/fingerprint assembly . . . . . . . .106

Replacing the button board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

Replacing the ExpressCard (NewCard) assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

Replacing the Bluetooth card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

Replacing the modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Replacing the system board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120

Replacing the cooling assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124

Replacing the processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

Chapter 4: Troubleshooting 135

Diagnosing problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

System test procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137

Testing the external diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137

Testing the external CD-ROM drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137

Testing the keyboard or auxiliary input device . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137

Testing the memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

Testing the power system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

Testing the touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

Power-On Self-Test (POST) error message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

Contents

Index of error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141

Error codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141

Error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141

No-beep error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143

Phoenix BIOS beep codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

Symptom-to-FRU error messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148

LCD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148

Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148

ExpressCard (NewCard) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149

Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149

Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149

Power management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149

Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150

Keyboard and touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151

Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151

Intermittent problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152

Undetermined problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153

Chapter 5: Jumper and connector locations 155

System board top connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156

System board bottom connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157

Clearing password check and BIOS recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158

Clearing the password check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158

BIOS Recovery by Crisis Diskette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159

Chapter 6: FRU (Field-Replaceable Unit) list 161

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162

Travelmate 7730/7730G exploded diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163

Notebook chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163

Notebook LCD panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164

Travelmate 7730/7730G FRU list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165

Appendix A: Model definition and configuration 173

Appendix B: Test compatible components 235

Microsoft® Windows® Vista Environment Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .236

Appendix C: Online support information 239

Index 241

Contents

VII

VIII

Contents

TravelMate 7730/7730G

Chapter 1

System specifications

❑ Features

❑ System block diagram

❑ The Acer notebook tour

❑ Using the keyboard

❑ Hardware specifications and configurations

Features

Platform

For TravelMate 7730

❑ Intel

❑ Mobile Intel

❑ Intel

For TravelMate 7730G

❑ Intel

❑ Mobile Intel

Centrino® 2 processor technology, featuring:

Core™2 Duo processor T9400/P9500 (6 MB L2 cache, 2.53 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB, 35 W/25 W), T9600 (6 MB L2 cache, 2.80 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB, 35 W) or higher, or P8400/P8600 (3 MB L2 cache, 2.26/2.40 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB, 25 W), supporting Intel

GM45 Express Chipset

Wireless WiFi Link 5100/5300 (dual-band quad-mode 802.11a/b/g/DraftN) Wi-Fi CERTIFIED

64 architecture

network connection, featuring 1x2 or 3x3 MIMO

technology, supporting Acer SignalUp™ with Nplify™2, 3 wireless technology

Centrino® 2 processor technology, featuring:

PM45 Express Chipset

64 architecture

❑ Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5100/5300 (dual-band quad-mode 802.11a/b/g/Draft-

N) Wi-Fi CERTIFIED supporting Acer SignalUp™ with Nplify™2, 3 wireless technology

System Memory

❑ Dual-Channel DDR2 SDRAM support

❑ Up to 2 GB of DDR2 667 MHz memory, upgradeable to 4 GB using two SO-DIMM

modules

Display and graphics

❑ 17" WXGA+ high-brightness (220 nit), 1440 × 900 pixel resolution, supporting

simultaneous multi-window viewing via Acer GridVista™

❑ 17" WXGA+ high-brightness (220 nit) Acer CrystalBrite™ TFT LCD, 1440 × 900 pixel

resolution, supporting simultaneous multi-window viewing via Acer GridVista™ (for selected models)

❑ Mobile Intel

Graphics Media Accelerator X4500 (Intel

Intel up to 350 MB of shared system memory), supporting Microsoft

❑ NVIDIA

dedicated GDDR3 VRAM, up to 1791 MB of shared system memory), supporting NVIDIA technology, Shader Model 4.0, Microsoft

network connection, featuring MIMO technology,

GM45 Express Chipset with integrated 3D graphics, featuring Intel®

GMA X4500) with up to 3587 MB of

Dynamic Video Memory Technology 4.0 (8 MB of dedicated system memory,

DirectX® 10

GeForce® 9600M GT with up to 23037 MB of TurboCache™ (512 MB of

PureVideo™ HD technology, OpenEXR High Dynamic-Range (HDR)

DirectX® 10 (for selected models)

Chapter 1: System specifications

❑ NVIDIA

dedicated DDR2 VRAM, up to 1791 MB of shared system memory), supporting NVIDIA technology, Shader Model 4.0, Microsoft

❑ Dual independent display support

❑ 16.7 million colors

❑ MPEG-2/DVD hardware-assisted capability (acceleration)

❑ MPEG-2/DVD decoding (for selected models)

❑ WMV9 (VC-1) support (acceleration)

❑ WMV9 (VC-1) and H.264 (AVC) decoding (for selected models)

❑ HDMI™ (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) with HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital

Content Protection) support

Storage subsystem

❑ One or two 120/160/250/320 GB or larger hard disk drives

❑ Intel

❑ Optical drive options:

❑ Blu-ray Disc™/DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive

❑ DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive

❑ DVD/CD-RW combo drive

GeForce® 9300M GS with up to 20477 MB of TurboCache™ (256 MB of

PureVideo™ HD technology, OpenEXR High Dynamic-Range (HDR)

Turbo Memory 2 GB supported

DirectX® 10 (for selected models)

❑ 5-in-1 card reader, supporting Secure Digital™ (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC),

Input devices

❑ 105-/106-key keyboard with inverted “T” cursor layout, 2.5 mm (minimum) key

❑ Touchpad pointing device

❑ 12 function keys, four cursor keys, two Windows

❑ Media keys (printed on keyboard): play/pause, stop, previous, next

❑ Empowering Key

❑ Easy-launch buttons: WLAN, Internet, Bluetooth, email, programmable

❑ Productivity keys: Lock, Presentation, Sync

Audio

❑ Two built-in Acer 3DSonic stereo speakers

❑ High-definition audio support

❑ MS-Sound compatible

❑ Built-in microphone

Memory Stick

(MS), Memory Stick PRO™ (MS PRO), xD-Picture Card™ (xD)

travel

keys, hotkey controls, standard numeric keypad, international language support, independent US dollar and Euro symbol keys

Chapter 1: System specifications

Communication

❑ Acer Video Conference, featuring:

❑ Integrated Acer Crystal Eye webcam, supporting enhanced Acer PrimaLite™

❑ Optional Acer Xpress VoIP phone

❑ WLAN: Intel

Draft-N) Wi-Fi CERTIFIED supporting Acer SignalUp™ with Nplify™2 wireless technology

❑ WPAN: Bluetooth

❑ LAN: Gigabit Ethernet supporting ASF (Alert Standard Format) 2.0, Wake-on-LAN

ready

❑ Modem: 56K ITU V.92 with PTT approval10, Wake-on-Ring ready

I/O Ports

❑ 68-pin Acer EasyPort IV connector

❑ ExpressCard™/54 slot

❑ PC Card slot (Type II)

❑ Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint reader1

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

❑ Four USB 2.0 ports

technology

Wireless WiFi Link 5100/5300 (dual-band quad-mode 802.11a/b/g/

network connection, featuring MIMO technology,

2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)

❑ HDMI™ port with HDCP support

❑ External display (VGA) port

❑ Headphone/speaker/line-out jack

❑ Microphone in jack

❑ Line in jack

❑ Ethernet (RJ-45) port

❑ Modem (RJ-11) port

❑ DC in jack for AC adapter

Environment

❑ Temperature:

❑ Humidity (non-condensing):

❑ Operating: 41 °F to 95 °F (5 °C to 35 °C)

❑ Non-operating: -4 °F to -149 °F (20 °C to 65 °C)

❑ Operating: 20% to 80%

❑ Non-operating: 20% to 80%

Chapter 1: System specifications

System block diagram

Chapter 1: System specifications

The Acer notebook tour

LCD panel

Display screen

Item Description

Display screen Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD), displays video output.

Acer Crystal Eye Web camera for video communication. (Available on select models only.)

Acer Crystal Eye

Chapter 1: System specifications

Palm rest

Status indicators

Microphone

Easy-launch

buttons

Touchpad

Speaker

Status indicators

Click buttons

Productivity keys

Keyboard

Empowering key

Speaker

Power button

Palm rest

Item Description

Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio output.

Status indicators Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that light up to show the status of the notebook's

functions and components. Refer to the

Microphone Internal microphone for sound recording. (Available on select models only.)

Easy-launch buttons

Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer mouse.

Status indicators Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that light up to show the status of the notebook's

Click buttons (left, center, and right)

Keyboard For entering data into your notebook.

Palm rest Comfortable support area for your hands when you use the notebook.

Power button Turns the notebook on and off.

Empowering key Launch Acer Empowering Technology.

Productivity keys Three productivity keys give users one-touch access to protection and

Buttons for launching frequently used programs. Refer to the for more details.

functions and components.

The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse buttons. Note: The center button serves as Acer BioProtect fingerprint reader supporting Acer FingerNav 4-way control function. (Available on select models only.)

manageability features for a more secure, smarter, and easier way to work. Refer

Generic User Guide

to the

for more details.

Generic User Guide

for more details.

Generic User Guide

Chapter 1: System specifications

Front

Latch

Item Icon Description

Latch Locks and releases the lid.

5-in-1 card reader Accepts Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick (MS),

Memory Stick Pro (MS PRO), and xD-Picture Card. Note: Push to remove or install a card. Only one card can operate at any given time.

5-in-1 card reader

Chapter 1: System specifications

Left

DC in jack Ethernet

port

Item Icon Description

DC in jack Connects to an AC adapter.

Ethernet (RJ-45) port Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/1000-based network.

Acer EasyPort IV connector Connects to an Acer EasyPort IV. (Available on select

External display (VGA) port Connects to a display device (such as an external

HDMI port HDMI Connects to a high definition digital video device.

Two USB 2.0 ports Connects to USB 2.0 devices (such as a USB mouse,

Headphones/speaker/line-out jack. Connects to audio line-out devices (such as speakers

Microphone jack Connects to an external microphone.

Acer EasyPort IV connector

VGA port

HDMI port

USB ports

models only.)

monitor or LCD projector).

(Available on select models only.)

keyboard, printer, or camera).

or headphones).

Headphone

jack

Microphone jack

Line in jack

PC Card

slot

PC Card eject button

Line in jack Connects to an audio line in device (such as an audio

CD player, stereo walkman, or mp3 player).

PC Card slot Accepts one Type II PC Card.

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

Chapter 1: System specifications

Right

ExpressCard slot

Item Icon Description

Type 54 ExpressCard slot Accepts one Type 54 ExpressCard module.

USB 2.0 ports Connects to USB 2.0 devices (such as a USB mouse, keyboard,

Optical drive Internal optical drive. Accepts CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs. (Blu-

Optical disc access indicator

Optical drive eject button Ejects the optical disc from the drive.

Emergency eject hole Ejects the optical drive tray when the notebook is turned off.

Modem (RJ-11) port Connects to a telephone line.

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

USB ports Optical drive

Access indicator

Note: Push to remove or install the card.

printer, or camera).

ray available on select models only.)

Lights up when the optical drive is active.

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

Eject hole

Eject button

Modem port

Kensington lock slot

Rear

Item Description

Ventilation slots Helps cool internal components.

Warning: Do not work with the notebook resting on your lap. If the air vents are blocked, the notebook may become hot enough to harm your skin. Caution: Do not block or insert objects into these slots. If these slots are blocked, your notebook may overheat resulting in unexpected shutdown or permanent damage to the notebook. Caution: Provide adequate space around your notebook so air vents are not obstructed. Do not use the notebook on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.

Ventilation slots

Chapter 1: System specifications

Bottom view

Battery

release

latch

Battery

Battery lock

Memory bay

Main hard disk bay

Item Icon Description

Battery bay Houses the notebook's battery pack.

Battery release latch Releases the battery to remove the battery pack.

Hard disk bay-Main Houses the notebook’s hard disk (secured with screws)

Acer DASP (Disk Anti-Shock Protection)

Hard disk bay-Secondary Houses the notebook’s hard disk (secured with screws).

Memory bay Houses the notebook's main memory.

Battery lock Locks the battery in position.

Protects the hard disk drive from shocks and bumps. (Available on select models only.)

(Available on select models only.)

Acer DASP

Secondary hard disk bay

Chapter 1: System specifications

Indicators

The notebook has several easy-to-read status indicators:

Palm rest indicators

Front panel indicators

The front panel indicators are visible even when the notebook cover is closed.

Icon Function Description

Power Indicates the notebook's power status.

Battery Indicates the notebook's battery status.

• Amber—battery is charging.

• Green—battery is charged and AC adapter is plugged in.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Num Lock Lights up when Num Lock is activated.

Caps Lock Lights up when Caps Lock is activated.

Indicates when the hard disk drive is active.

Chapter 1: System specifications

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 the user. To set the Web browser, mail, and programmable buttons, run the Acer Launch Manager.

Easy-launch

buttons

Icon Function Description

Empowering Technology Launches Acer Empowering Technology. (This

button is user-programmable.)

Acer Arcade Launches the Acer Arcade utility.

Wireless communication button/ indicator

Web browser Launches the Internet browser. (This button is

Mail Launches the Email application. (This button is

Bluetooth communication button/ indicator

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

user-programmable.)

Enables/disables the Bluetooth function. Indicates the status of Bluetooth communication.

Chapter 1: System specifications

Touchpad basics

The following teaches you how to use the touchpad:

Touchpad

Left button

❑ Move your finger across the touchpad to move the cursor.

❑ Press the left and right buttons located beneath the touchpad to perform selection

Right button

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

Function Left Button Right Button Main touchpad

Execute Quickly click twice. Tap twice (at the same speed

as double-clicking a mouse button).

Select Click once. Tap once.

Drag Click and hold, then use

finger on the touchpad to drag the cursor.

Access context menu

Note: When using the touchpad, keep it—and your fingers—dry and

clean. The touchpad is sensitive to finger movement. The lighter the touch, the better the response. Tapping too hard does not increase the touchpad’s responsiveness.

Click once.

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

Using the keyboard

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

Chapter 1: System specifications

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

Scroll lock

Caps lock

Lock key Description

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

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.

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

function as a calculator (complete with the arithmetic operators +, -, *, and /). Use this mode when you need to do a lot of numeric data entry.

Num lock

Chapter 1: System specifications

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

Windows key

Key Description

Windows key

Application key

Pressed alone, this key has the same effect as clicking on the Windows Start button. It launches the Start menu. It can also be used with other keys to provide a variety of functions:

< >: Open or close the Start menu

< > + <D>: Display the desktop

<> + <E>: Open Windows Explore

<> + <F>: Search for a file or folder

<> + <G>: Cycle through Sidebar gadgets

<> + <L>: Lock your notebook (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

<> + <T>: Cycle through programs on the taskbar

<> + <U>: Open Ease of Access Center

<> + <X>: Open Windows Mobility Center

<> + <BREAK>: Display the

<> + <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

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

<CTRL> + < > + <TAB>: Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D Note: Depending on your edition of Windows Vista, some shortcuts may not function as described.

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

Application key

Run

dialog box

System Properties

dialog box

Chapter 1: System specifications

Hotkeys The notebook employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most of the notebook’s controls like

screen brightness, volume output, and the BIOS Setup Utility.

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

Hotkeys

Fn key

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 notebook 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.

Hotkeys

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.

Chapter 1: System specifications

Volume up Increases the volume.

Volume down Decreases the volume.

Hardware specifications and configurations

CPU

Item Specification

CPU type

Core logic Intel Crestline PM965 + ICH9M chipset

CPU package Intel 479 pin Micro-FCPGA

CPU core voltage 1.05V

Controllers

Item Controller

Core logic Intel Crestline PM965 + ICH9M chipset

VGA • Nvidia NB9M-GS

LAN Broadcom 5764M

USB 2.0 Intel ICH9M

Super I/O controller N/A

MODEM LSI

Bluetooth Foxconn TT60H928.11

Wireless 802.11 b+g Intel

PCMCIA O2 Mirco OZ601

5 in 1 Card Reader JMicron JMB385

Audio Codec Realtek 268 Azadia codec and Amplifier GMT G1412+G1411

Core™2 Duo processor supporting Intel® 64 architecture:

Intel

• T9400/P9500 (6 MB L2 cache, 2.53 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB, 35 W/25 W)

• T9600 (6 MB L2 cache, 2.80 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB, 35 W) or higher

• P8400/P8600 (3 MB L2 cache, 2.26/2.40 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB, 25 W)

•Nvidia NB9P-GS

BIOS

Item Specification

BIOS vendor Phoenix

BIOS Version 1.XX

BIOS ROM type Serial Flash Memory

BIOS ROM size 2 MB

BIOS package 8 pin SOIC

(MP version) <Athena: what is the final shipping version?>

Chapter 1: System specifications

Item Specification

Supported protocols • ACPI 1.0b/2.0/3.0 compliance

• PCI 2.2 or later

• System/HDD Password Security Control

• INT 13H Extensions

• PnP BIOS 1.0a

• SMBIOS 2.4 or later

• BIOS Boot Specification

• Simple Boot Flag 1.0

• Boot Block

• PCI Bus Power Management Interface Specification

• USB Specification 1.1/2.0

• USB/1394 CD-ROM Boot Up support

• PC Card Standard 1995 (PCMCIA 3.0 Compliant Device)

• Support HD audio

• WfM 2.0, PXE 2.1

• Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) 2.1

• Boot Integrity Service Application Program Interface (BIS) 1.0

• PC2002/2005 compliant

• Intel Enhanced Speedstep Technology

• ASF 2.0

• AHCI support

BIOS password control Manually set Supervisor and User passwords.

Memory

Item Specification

Memory controller Built-in

Memory size 0 MB (no on-board memory)

SO-DIMM socket number 2 sockets

Supports memory size per socket

Supports maximum memory size

Supports SO-DIMM type • DDR 2 Synchronous DRAM

Supports SO-DIMM Speed • 667 MHz DDR 2

Supports SO-DIMM voltage • 1.8 V for DDR 2

Supports SO-DIMM package

Memory module combinations

• 1024 MB for 32 bit OS

• 2048 MB for 65 bit OS

• 2G for 32 bit OS (with two 1GB SO-DIMM)

• 4G for 64 bit OS (with two 2GB SO-DIMM)

• DDR 3 Synchronous DRAM

• 1066 MHz DDR3

• 1.5 V for DDR 3

• 200-pin SO-DIMM for DDR 2

• 204-pin SO-DIMM for DDR 3

You can install memory modules in any combinations as long as they match the above specifications.

Chapter 1: System specifications

Slot 1 Slot 2 Total Memory

0MB 256MB 256MB

0MB 512MB 512MB

0MB 1024MB 1024MB

0MB 2048MB 2048MB

256MB 256MB 512MB

256MB 512MB 768MB

256MB 1024MB 1280MB

256MB 2048MB 2304MB

512MB 256MB 768MB

512MB 512MB 1024MB

512MB 1024MB 1536MB

512MB 2048MB 2560MB

1024MB 0MB 1024MB

1024MB 256MB 1280MB

1024MB 512MB 1536MB

1024MB 1024MB 2048MB

1024MB 2048MB 3072MB

2048MB 0MB 2048MB

2048MB 256MB 2304MB

2048MB 512MB 2560MB

2048MB 1024MB 3072MB

2048MB 2048MB 4096MB

Note: Above table lists some system memory configurations. You may

combine SO-DIMMs with various capacities to form other combinations. On above table, the configuration of slot 1 and slot 2 can be reversed.

Hard Disk Drive

Item Specification

Vendor & Model Name Seagate

ST9250827AS

Capacity 250 GB 200 GB 160 GB 120 GB

Bytes per sector 512 512 512 512

Data heads4432

Disks 2221

Spindle speed 5400 RPM 5400 RPM 5400 RPM 5400 RPM

Performance Specifications

Buffer size 8 MB 8 MB 8 MB 8 MB

Interface SATA SATA SATA SATA

Max. media transfer rate (disk-buffer)

778 Mbits/sec 778 Mbits/sec 778 Mbits/sec 778 Mbits/sec

Seagate ST9200827AS

Drive Format

Seagate ST9160827AS

Seagate ST9120817AS

Chapter 1: System specifications

Item Specification

Data transfer rate (host~buffer)

Input Voltage 5 V 5 V 5 V 5 V

Item Specification

Vendor & Model Name Toshiba

Capacity 250 GB 160 GB 120 GB 80 GB

Bytes per sector 512 512 512 512

Data heads4322

Disks 2211

Spindle speed 5400 RPM 5400 RPM 5400 RPM 5400 RPM

Buffer size 8 MB 8 MB 8 MB 8 MB

Interface SATA SATA SATA SATA

Max. media transfer rate (disk-buffer)

Data transfer rate (host~buffer)

Input Voltage 5 V 5 V 5 V 5 V

300 Mbit/sec Ultra DMA mode 6

MK2546GSX

Performance Specifications

730 Mbits/sec 730 Mbits/sec 730 Mbits/sec 730 Mbits/sec

300 Mbit/sec Ultra DMA mode 6

DC Power Requirements

Toshiba MK1646GSX

Drive Format

300 Mbit/sec Ultra DMA mode 6

DC Power Requirements

300 Mbit/sec Ultra DMA mode 6

Toshiba MK1246GSX

300 Mbit/sec Ultra DMA mode 6

Toshiba MK8046GSX

300 Mbit/sec Ultra DMA mode 6

Item Specification

Vendor & Model Name Western Digital

WD2500BEVT

Capacity 250 GB 250 GB 120 GB

Bytes per sector 512 512 512

Data heads342

Drive Format

Disks221

Spindle speed 5400 RPM 5400 RPM 5400 RPM

Performance Specifications

Buffer size 8 MB 8 MB 8 MB

Interface SATA SATA SATA

Max. media transfer rate (disk-buffer)

Data transfer rate (host~buffer)

Input Voltage 5 V 5 V 5 V

850 Mbits/sec 850 Mbits/sec 850 Mbits/sec

3 Gbit/sec Ultra DMA mode 6

DC Power Requirements

Western Digital WD2500BEVS

1.5 Gbit/sec Ultra DMA mode 6

Western Digital WD1200BEVS

1.5 Gbit/sec Ultra DMA mode 6

Chapter 1: System specifications

DVD-CDRW drive

Item Specification

Vendor & model name Sony CRX890S

Performance Specification

Transfer rate XX

Buffer Memory 2 MB

Interface SATA

Applicable disc format Applicable CD Formats:

With CD Disc With DVD Disc

Applicable DVD formats:

Read:

• CD-Audio

• CD-DA

•CD-Extra/CD-Plus

•CD-I

•CD-ROM

•CD-ROM XA

• CD-TEXT

• Karaoke CD

• Photo CD

• Video CD

Write:

•CD-R

•CD-RW

Loading mechanism Tray

Power Requirement

Input Voltage 5 V

Item Specification

Vendor & model name Toshiba TS-L463A

Performance Specification

Transfer rate 3600 KB/s 8–10 MB/s

Buffer Memory 2 MB

Interface SATA

Applicable disc format Applicable CD Formats:

With CD Disc With DVD Disc

Read:

•DVD±R

• DVD±RW

•DVD-RAM

•DVD-ROM

•DVD-Video

Applicable DVD formats:

Read:

• CD-Audio

• CD-DA

•CD-Extra/CD-Plus

•CD-I

•CD-ROM

•CD-ROM XA

• CD-TEXT

• Photo CD

• Video CD

Write:

•CD-R

•CD-RW

Read:

•DVD±R

• DVD±RW

•DVD-ROM

•DVD-Video

Chapter 1: System specifications

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