User manual ACER ASPIRE 1520

Acer Aspire 1360 / 1520 Series User's Guide Copyright © 2004 All Rights Reserved Acer Aspire 1360 / 1520 Series Notebook Computer User's Guide Original Issue: 8 / 2004 Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation to notify any person of such revision or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual or supplementary documents and publications. This company makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Record the model number, serial number, purchase date, and place of purchase information in the space provided below. The serial number and model number are recorded on the label affixed to your computer. All correspondense concerning your unit should include the serial number, model number, and purchase information. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated. Acer Aspire 1360 / 1520 Series Notebook Computer Model Number : _________________________________ Serial Number: ___________________________________ Purchase Date: ___________________________________ Place of Purchase: ________________________________ All trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective companies. iii Your guides A set of guides is provided to help you set up and use your Aspire computer: The Just for starters... poster shows you how to set up your computer. This User's Guide provides clear and concise information on using your computer productively. You are advised to read it thoroughly and keep it handy for future reference. For more information on Acer's products, services, and support, please visit the web site: http://www.acer.com. Basic care and tips for using your computer Turning your computer on and off To turn on your computer, open the lid and press the power button above the keyboard. To turn the power off, you can do any of the following: · · Click on the Start button in Windows, and then select Shut Down on the popup menu. Push the power button. To use this method, you must first click on the Power Management icon in Windows Control Panel, and then check that the power button is set to shut down the computer when pressed. See Windows Help and Support for more information. English First things first English iv English Note: If you are unable to shut down the computer in the usual way, press and hold the power button for more than four seconds. You should then wait at least two seconds before turning the computer on again. Taking care of your computer Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it. · · · · · · · · · · Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it near sources of heat, such as a radiator. Do not expose the computer to temperatures below 0°C (32°F), or above 50°C (122°F). Do not expose the computer to magnetic fields. Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture. Do not spill water or any liquid on the computer. Do not subject the computer to heavy shock or vibration. Do not expose the computer to dust or dirt. Do not place objects on top of the computer. Do not slam the lid shut. Close the computer gently. Do not place the computer on unstable or uneven surfaces. Taking care of your AC adapter It is important that you look after your AC adapter. · · Do not connect the adapter to any other device. Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on it. Route the power cord away from areas where people might walk on it or trip over it. Do not pull on the power cord when disconnecting from the mains power socket. Grasp and pull the plug instead. The total ampere ratings of equipment plugged into a power strip should not exceed the ampere rating for that power strip. · · v It is also important that you look after your computer's battery pack. · · · · Use the correct battery model for your computer. Do not use other kinds of batteries. Turn the power off before removing or replacing the battery. Do not tamper with the battery. Keep the battery away from children. Dispose of batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if possible. Cleaning and servicing When cleaning your computer, it is important that you follow these steps: · · · Turn off the computer and remove the battery. Disconnect the AC adapter. Clean with a soft cloth moistened with a little water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. Refer to the chapter entitled "Frequently asked questions" on page 65 if any of the following occurs: · · · You drop the computer or damage the case. You spill liquid on the computer. The computer does not operate normally. English Taking care of your battery pack English English vi Your guides Basic care and tips for using your computer iii iii Getting familiar with your computer A tour of your computer Front view Left view Right view Rear view Bottom view Features Indicators Keyboard Lock keys Embedded keypad Windows keys Hot keys The Euro symbol Touchpad Touchpad basics Launch keys Storage Ejecting the optical drive tray Emergency ejection of the optical drive tray Connectivity options Ethernet and LAN Fax/Data modem Audio Securing your computer Security slot 1 3 3 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 12 13 14 15 17 18 18 20 22 23 23 24 24 25 26 27 27 Operating on battery power Battery pack Battery pack characteristics Installing and removing the battery pack Charging the battery Checking the battery level Optimizing battery life Battery-low warning Power management 29 31 31 32 33 33 33 34 35 English First things first iii Contents English Peripherals and options External display devices External input devices External keyboard External keypad External pointing device USB devices IEEE 1394 Port Printer Audio devices Expansion devices PC Card Miscellaneous options Battery pack AC adapter Key component upgrades Memory upgrade Hard disk upgrade 37 39 39 39 39 39 40 41 42 42 43 43 44 44 44 44 45 45 46 Moving with your computer Disconnecting from the desktop Moving around Preparing the computer What to bring to short meetings What to bring to long meetings Taking the computer home Preparing the computer What to bring with you Special considerations Setting up a home office Traveling with the computer Preparing the computer What to take with you Special considerations Traveling internationally with your computer Preparing the computer What to take with you Special considerations 47 49 50 50 50 50 51 51 51 51 52 52 52 52 52 53 53 53 53 Software Using system utilities Acer eManager 55 57 57 System software Launch Manager BIOS Setup Utility D to D Recovery (Disc to Disc) Multilingual operating system installation Restore without a Recovery CD Setup password and exit 58 58 59 60 60 60 61 Troubleshooting Frequently asked questions Requesting service International Traveler's Warranty (ITW) Before you call 63 65 68 68 68 Appendix A Specifications Appendix B Regulation & safety notices Index 69 75 91 English English Getting familiar with your computer Your Aspire 1360 / 1520 series notebook computer combines solid performance, versatility, multimedia capabilities and portability with a stylish design. Increase your productivity by working wherever you are. This chapter provides an in-depth "tour" of your computer's features. 3 After setting up your new Aspire notebook computer, as illustrated in the Just for starters... poster, take a few minutes to explore the unit. Front view # 1 Item Display screen Description Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD) provides visual output. Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that turn on and off to show the status of the computer, its functions and components. 2 Status indicators English A tour of your computer English 4 Getting familiar with your computer English # 3 4 Item Power button Launch keys Description Turns the computer on and off. Buttons for launching frequently used programs. See"Launch keys" on page 20 for more details. Comfortable support area for your hands when you use the computer. The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse buttons; the 4way scroll key scrolls the contents of a window up, down, left and right. Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer mouse. Inputs data into your computer. Enables the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use. 5 Palmrest 6 Click buttons & 4-way scroll key 7 Touchpad 8 9 Keyboard Ventilation slot 5 # 1 Item PC Card slots Description Support one Type III or two Type II CardBus PC Card(s). 2 3 Eject buttons Optical drive Ejects the PC Card(s) from the slots. Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or DVDs depending on the optical drive type. Connects to IEEE 1394 devices. 4 IEEE 1394 port 5 Infrared port Interfaces with infrared devices (e.g., infrared printer and IR-aware computer). Lights up when the optical drive is active. Ejects the optical drive tray from the drive. Ejects the optical drive tray when the computer is turned off. See page 22 for more details. Delivers stereo audio output. 6 LED indicator 7 Eject button 8 Emergency eject hole 9 Speaker English Left view English 6 Getting familiar with your computer English Right view # 1 2 Item Speaker Ventilation slots Description Delivers stereo audio output. Enable the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use. Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security lock. 3 Security keylock 7 # 1 Item Power jack Description Connects to an AC adapter. 2 Parallel port Connects to a parallel device (e.g., parallel printer). 3 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use. Connects to a television or display device with S-video input. 4 S-video port 5 External display port Connects to a display device (e.g., external VGA monitor and LCD projector). 6 Four USB 2.0 ports Connect to Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse and USB camera). Connects to an Ethernet LAN network. 7 Network jack 8 Modem jack Connects to a phone line. English Rear view English 8 Getting familiar with your computer English # 9 Item Speaker/Line-Out/ Headphone jack Description Connects to audio line-out devices (e.g., speakers and headphones). 10 Line-in/Mic-in jack Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g., audio CD player and stereo walkman). Bottom view # 1 2 3 Item Battery bay Battery release latch Memory compartment Description Houses the computer's battery pack. Unlatches to remove the battery pack. Houses the computer's main memory. 9 Performance · Mobile AMD SempronTM processors 2600 + 3300+ or higher with 128 / 256 KBL2 chache, supporting AMD PowerNow! Technology and HyperTransport technonlgy(for Aspire 1360 only) AMD AthlonTM 64 processor 3000+ to 3400+ or higher with 1 MBL2 chache, supporting HyperTransport technonlgy(for Aspire 1520 only) VIA Chipset-integrated UnichromeTM PRO graphics core, with up to 64 MB of shared memory 256/512 MB of DDR333 SDRAM, upgradeable to 2048 MB with dual soDIMM modules 30 GB and above high-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk ( for Aspire 1360 only) 40 GB and above high-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk ( for Aspire 1520 only) Advanced Configuration Power Interface (ACPI) power management system · · · · · · Display · The TFT LCD panel providing a large viewing area for maximum efficiency and ease-of-use: 14.1" XGA (1024x768) resolution( for Aspire 1360 only) 15.0" XGA (1024x768) or SXGA+ (1400x1050) resolution 15.4" WXGA (1280x800) NVIDIA GeForce4 448 Go with 64 MB of video memory (manufacturing option) NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5200 with 64 MB of video memory (manufacturing option) NVIDIA GeForce FX Go5700 with 64 MB of video memory (manufacturing option) 3D graphics support Simultaneous LCD and CRT display support S-video for output to a television or display device that supports S-video input · · · · · · English Features English 10 · Getting familiar with your computer English "Automatic LCD dim" feature, automatically selecting the best setting for the display in order to conserve power DualViewTM support · Multimedia · · · High-speed built-in optical drive: DVD/CD-RW Combo, DVD-Dual, or DVD-Super Multi MS DirectSound compatible Built-in dual speakers Connectivity · · · · · · · Integrated 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet connection ( for Aspire 1360 only) Integrated 10/100/1000 Mbps Fast Ethernet connection ( for Aspire 1520 only) Built-in 56Kbps fax/data modem Four Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 ports One IEEE 1394 port IEEE 802.11b/g Wireless LAN (manufacturing option) Bluetooth (manufacturing option) Human-centric design · · · · Rugged, yet extremely portable design Stylish appearance Full-size keyboard with four programmable launch keys Comfortable palm rest area with well-positioned touchpad Expansion · · One Type III or two Type II CardBus PC Card slots Upgradeable memory modules 11 Your computer provides an array of seven indicators located either on the right hand side of the display screen (for normal 14" and 15" screen) or below the display screen (for 15.4" wide), showing the status of the computer and its components. Icon Function Wireless communications Description Indicates status of wireless or Bluetooth (optional) communications. Orange--WLAN; Blue--Bluetooth Lights when the computer is on. Power Sleep Lights when the computer enters Standby mode, and blinks when it enters into or resumes from hibernation mode. Lights when the hard disk or optical drive is active. Lights when the battery is being charged. Media activity Battery charge Caps Lock Num Lock Lights when Caps Lock is activated. Lights when Num Lock is activated. English Indicators English 12 Getting familiar with your computer English Keyboard The keyboard features full-size keys with an embedded keypad, separate cursor control keys, two Windows keys, and twelve function keys (hot keys). Lock keys The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off. Lock Key Caps Lock Description When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in uppercase. 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. Num Lock (Fn+F11) Scroll Lock (Fn+F12) 13 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 Number keys on embedded keypad Num Lock On Type numbers using embedded keypad in a normal manner. Hold Shift while using cursor-control keys. Num Lock Off Cursor-control keys on embedded keypad Main keyboard keys Hold Fn while using cursor-control keys. Hold Fn while typing letters on embedded keypad. Type the letters in a normal manner. English Embedded keypad English 14 Getting familiar with your computer English Windows keys The keyboard features two keys that provide Windows-specific functions. Key Windows key Description Pressed alone, this key has the same effect as clicking on the Windows Start button; it launches the Start menu. It can also be used with other keys to provide a variety of functions: + Tab +E + F1 +F +M Shift + +R Activates the next Taskbar button. Opens the My Computer window. Opens Help and Support. Opens the Find: All Files dialog box. Minimizes all windows. + M Undoes the minimize all windows ( + M) action. Opens the Run dialog box. Application key This key has the same effect as clicking the right mouse button; it opens the application's context menu. 15 Using the Fn key with another key creates a hot key, providing a quick and convenient method for controlling various functions. To use a hot key, first hold down the Fn key. Next, press the second key in the combination. Finally, release both keys. Your computer provides the following hot keys: Hot Key Fn-F1 Icon Function Hot key help Description Displays help on hot keys. Fn-F2 Setup Accesses the computer's property window. Switches the power management scheme used by the computer (function available if supported by operating system). Puts the computer in Sleep mode. Switches display output between the display screen, external monitor (if connected) and both the display screen and external monitor. Fn-F3 Power Management Scheme toggle Fn-F4 Sleep Fn-F5 Display toggle English Hot keys English 16 Getting familiar with your computer English Hot Key Fn-F6 Icon Function Screen blank Description Turns the display screen backlight off to save power. Press any key to return. Turns the internal touchpad on and off. Turns the speakers on and off. Fn-F7 Touchpad toggle Fn-F8 Speaker toggle Fn- Volume up Increases the sound volume. Fn- Volume down Decreases the sound volume. Fn- Brightness up Increases the screen brightness. Decreases the screen brightness. Functions as the Home key. Fn- Brightness down Fn-Pg Up Home Fn-Pg Dn End Functions as the End key. Alt GrEuro Euro Types the Euro symbol. 17 If your keyboard layout is set to United States-International or United Kingdom or if you have a keyboard with a European layout, you can type the Euro symbol on your keyboard. Note for US keyboard users: The keyboard layout is set when you first set up Windows. For the Euro symbol to work, the keyboard layout has to be set to United States-International. To verify the keyboard type: 1 2 3 4 Click on Start, Control Panel. Double-click on Regional and Language Options. Click on the Language tab and click on Details. Verify that the keyboard layout used for "En English (United States)" is set to United States-International. If not, select and click on ADD; then select United StatesInternational and click on OK. 5 Click on OK. To type the Euro symbol: 1 2 3 Locate the Euro symbol on your keyboard. Open a text editor or word processor. Hold Alt Gr and press the Euro symbol. Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol. Please refer to http://www.microsoft.com/typography/faq/ faq12.htm for more information. English The Euro symbol English 18 Getting familiar with your computer English Touchpad The built-in touchpad is a PS/2- compatible pointing device that senses movement on its surface. The cursor responds to your finger movements on the touchpad. In addition, the two click buttons provide the same functionality as a computer mouse, while the scroll key enables easy 4-way scrolling in documents and web pages. The touchpad is located in the middle of the palm rest area, providing maximum comfort and efficiency. Touchpad basics Use the touchpad as follows: · Slide your finger over the surface of the touchpad to control the movement of the cursor. Tap the touchpad to perform selection and execution functions. Press the left (1) and right (3) click buttons to perform selection and execution functions, just as you would use the buttons on a computer mouse. Use the scroll key (2) to scroll through long documents and web pages. Press the top of the key to scroll up, bottom to scroll down; left to scroll left, and right to scroll right. · · 19 Function Execute Left Button Click twice quickly. Click once. Click and hold. Then, slide your finger across the touchpad to drag the cursor over the selection. Right Button 4-Way Scroll Key Tap Tap twice quickly. Tap once. Tap twice quickly. On the second tap, slide your finger across the touchpad to drag the cursor over the selection. Select Drag Access content menu Scroll Click once. Click and hold the up/ down/left/ right button. Note: Keep your fingers, as well as the surface of the touchpad, clean and dry. The touchpad is sensitive to your finger movements: the lighter your touch, the better the response. Tapping hard will not increase the touchpad's responsiveness. English English 20 Getting familiar with your computer English Launch keys Located at the upper-right above the keyboard are four buttons. These buttons are called launch keys. They are designated as the mail, Web browser, Empowering and programmable keys. Press the Acer Empowering Key to run the Acer eManager. Please see "Acer eManager" on page 57. The mail and Web browser are default for Email and Internet programs, but can be reset by users. To set the mail, Web browser and programmable keys, run the Acer Launch Manager. See "Launch Manager" on page 58. Launch Key 1 2 Mail Web browser Default Application Email application (User-programmable) Internet browser application (User-programmable) Acer eManager application (User-programmable) User-programmable 3 4 e P 21 Launch Key 5 Bluetooth (optional) Wireless (optional) Default Application Enables your Bluetooth. 6 Enables your 802.11b/g Wireless LAN. Caution: It is important that the Bluetooth and Wireless LAN features are turned off before boarding an airplane. Storage Your computer offers a variety of data storage options: · The high capacity Enhanced-IDE hard disk drive. The hard drive is upgradeable, enabling you to increase your storage capacity in the future. Consult your dealer if you need to upgrade. The high speed optical drive. Depending on your model, you have a DVD/CD-RW Combo, DVD-Dual or DVD-Super Multi. The optical drive provides increased storage capacity, as well as offering a host of multimedia possibilities. · See the section entitled "A tour of your computer" on page 3 for the locations of these drives. English English 22 Getting familiar with your computer English Ejecting the optical drive tray To eject the optical drive tray: · · · With the computer turned on, press the optical drive eject button. The tray will be released, and partially popped open. Gently pull the tray out to its limit. To load an optical disc: · · · Place a CD or DVD on the open tray. Align the disc's center hole with the tray's spindle. Gently push down on the disc until it clicks in place on the spindle. Gently push in the tray until it clicks closed. Emergency ejection of the optical drive tray If you need to eject the optical drive tray when the computer is turned off, push a straightened paper clip into the optical drive emergency eject hole. The tray will be released, and partially popped open. 23 Your computer has built-in connectivity options, enabling you to hook up to a network or communicate over a phone line. Ethernet and LAN The integrated network feature allows you to connect your computer to an Ethernet-based (10/100 BASE-T for Aspire 1360 or10/100/1000 BASE-T for Aspire 1520 ) network. To use the network feature, plug an Ethernet cable into your computer's network jack, and then connect the other end to a network jack or hub on your network. See Windows Help and Support for information on setting up a network connection. English Connectivity options English 24 Getting familiar with your computer English Fax/Data modem Your computer features a built-in fax/data modem, enabling you to communicate over a phone line. This means that you can connect to the Internet via a dialup account with an ISP, log in to your network from a remote location, or send faxes. Warning: Your modem is not compatible with digital phone lines. Plugging the computer into a digital phone system will damage the modem. To use the fax/data modem, plug a phone cable into your computer's modem jack, and then connect the other end to a telephone jack. Warning: Please use the delivered phone cable in the country of use. 25 Your computer includes an integrated stereo audio system. Built-in stereo speakers are located at the front on both sides of the unit. Volume is adjusted using software, such as Volume Control in Windows, Volume Fn keys, or any other application that provides a volume adjustment control. Two audio ports on the rear side of the computer enable external devices to be connected. See "A tour of your computer" for the location of the audio ports. For information on connecting external devices, see "Audio devices" in the section entitled, "Peripherals and options." English Audio English 26 Getting familiar with your computer English Securing your computer Your computer features hardware and software security solutions, in the form of a slot for a Kensington lock and a password facility. Security slot A slot for a Kensington slot enables you to physically protect your computer from theft. Use this feature as follows: · · Wrap a security lock cable around a heavy or immoveable object, such as a drawer handle on a file cabinet, or a table leg. Insert the lock into the slot on the computer, turn it 90°, and then lock it in place. 27 Passwords protect your computer from unauthorized access. When set, no one can access the computer without entering the correct password. There are three types of passwords you can set: 1 2 3 Supervisor Password secures your computer against unauthorized entry to and use of the BIOS Utility. User Password secures your computer against unauthorized use. Hard Disk Password protects your data by preventing unauthorized access to your hard disk. Important! Do not forget your Setup and Hard Disk passwords! If you forget your passwords, please get in touch with your dealer or an authorized service center. You can set the passwords using the BIOS Utility. English Setting a password English 28 Getting familiar with your computer English Operating on battery power Your Aspire 1360 / 1520 series notebook computer operates on battery or AC power. This chapter provides information for operating on battery power, as well as information on how your computer manages and saves power. 31 The computer uses a battery pack that gives you long use between charges. Battery pack characteristics The battery pack has the following characteristics: · · Employs current battery technology standards. Delivers a battery-low warning. The battery is recharged whenever you connect the computer to the mains power supply. Your computer supports charge-in-use, enabling you to recharge the battery while you continue to operate the computer. However, recharging with the computer turned off results in a significantly faster charge time. The battery will come in handy when you travel or during a power failure. It is advisable to have an extra fully charged battery pack available as backup. Contact your dealer for details on ordering a spare battery pack. Maximizing the battery's life Like all other batteries, your computer's battery will degrade over time. This means that the battery's performance will diminish with time and use. To maximize your battery's life, you are advised to adhere to the recommendations set out below. Conditioning a new battery pack Before you use a battery pack for the first time, there is a "conditioning" process that you should follow: 1 2 3 4 5 6 Insert the new battery without turning the computer on. Connect the AC adapter and fully charge the battery. Disconnect the AC adapter. Turn on the computer and operate using battery power. Fully deplete the battery until the battery-low warning appears. Reconnect the AC adapter and fully charge the battery again. English Battery pack English 32 Operating on battery power English Follow these steps again until the battery has been charged and discharged three times. Use this conditioning process for all new batteries, or if a battery hasn't been used for a long time. If the computer is to be stored for more than two weeks, you are advised to remove the battery pack from the unit. Warning: Do not expose battery packs to temperatures below 0°C (32°F) or above 60°C (140°F). Extreme temperatures may adversely affect the battery pack. By following the battery conditioning process you condition your battery to accept the maximum possible charge. Failure to follow this procedure will prevent you from obtaining the maximum battery charge, and will also shorten the effective lifespan of the battery. In addition, the useful lifespan of the battery is adversely affected by the following usage patterns: · Using the computer on constant AC power with the battery inserted. If you want to use constant AC power, you are advised to remove the battery pack after it is fully charged. Not discharging and recharging the battery to its extremes, as described above. Frequent use; the more you use the battery, the faster it will reach the end of its effective life. A standard computer battery has a life span of about 500 charges. · · Installing and removing the battery pack Important! Before removing the battery from the unit, connect the AC adapter if you want to continue using your computer. Otherwise, turn off the computer first. To install a battery pack: 1 Align the battery with the open battery bay; make sure that the end with the contacts will enter first, and that the top surface of the battery is facing up. Slide the battery into the battery bay and gently push until the battery locks in place. 2 33 1 2 Slide the battery release latch to release the battery. Pull the battery from the battery bay. Charging the battery To charge the battery, first make sure that it is correctly installed in the battery bay. Plug the AC adapter into the computer, and connect to a mains power outlet. You can continue to operate your computer on AC power while your battery is charging. However, charging the battery with the computer turned off results in a significantly faster charge time. Note: You are advised to charge the battery before retiring for the day. Charging the battery overnight before traveling enables you to start the next day with a fully charged battery. Checking the battery level