Acer 1620 Series manual

A c er Aspire 1620 Series User’ s Guide[...]

Changes may be made peri odically to the infor mation in this publication wit hout 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 publ ications. This company makes no representations or warra nties, either express ed or implied, with respec[...]

iii English English First things first Yo u r g u i d e s A set of guides is provided to h e lp you set up and use your Aspire computer: For more information on Acer’s products, services, and support, please visit the web site: http:// www.acer.com. Basic care and tips f or using your computer T urning your computer on and off To turn on your com[...]

iv English Note : If you are unable to sh ut down the computer in the u sual way, press and hold the power butto n for more than four seconds. You should then wait at least two seconds before turning the computer on again. T aking care of your computer Your computer will serv e you well if y ou take care of it. • Do not expose the computer to dir[...]

v English English T aking care of your battery pack 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 of f before removin g or replacing th e battery. • Do not tamper with the battery. Keep the battery away fr om [...]

vi English[...]

English First things first iii Your guides iii Basic care and tips for using your computer iii Getting familiar with your computer 1 A tour of your comput er 3 Front view 3 Left view 5 Right view 6 Rear view 7 Bottom view 8 Features 9 Indicators 11 Indicators on cover 12 Keyboard 13 Special keys 13 Touchpad 19 Touchpad b asics 19 Launch keys 21 Sto[...]

English External keyboard 39 External keypad 39 External pointing device 39 USB devices 40 IEEE 1394 Port 41 Printer 42 Audio devices 42 Expansion de vices 43 PC Card 43 44 Miscellaneous op tions 44 Battery pack 44 AC adapter 44 Key component upgrades 45 Memory upgrade 45 Hard disk upgrade 46 Moving with your computer 47 Disconnecting from the desk[...]

English Troubleshooting 59 Frequently asked qu estions 61 Requesting service 64 International Traveler’s Warr anty (ITW) 64 Before you call 64 Appendix A Specifications 65 Appendix B Regulation & safety notices 71 Index 85[...]

English[...]

Getting familiar with your computer[...]

Your Aspire 1620 seri es notebook computer combines solid perform ance, 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 English English A tour of your computer After setting up your new Aspire no tebook computer, as illustr ated in the Just for starter s… poster, take a few minutes to explore the unit. Front view # Item Description 1 Display screen Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD) provides visual output. 2 Status indicators Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that turn on [...]

Getting familiar with your computer 4 English 3 Power button Turns the computer on and off. 4 Launch keys Buttons for launching freque ntly used programs. See“Launch keys” on page 21 for more details. 5 Palmrest Comfortable support area for your hands when you use the computer. 6 Click buttons & 4-way scroll key The left and right buttons f[...]

5 English English Left view # Item Description 1 PC Card slots Support one Type III or two Type II CardBus PC Ca rd(s). 2 Eject buttons Ejects the PC Card(s) from the slots. 3 Optical drive Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or DVDs depend ing on the op tical drive type. 4 IEEE 1394 port Connects to IEEE 1394 devices. 5 Infrared port Interfaces wi[...]

Getting familiar with your computer 6 English Right view # Item Description 1 Speaker Delivers stereo audio output. 2 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use. 3 Security keylock Connects to a Kensington-co mpatible computer security lock.[...]

7 English English Re a r v i e w # Item Description 1 Power jack Connects to an AC adapter. 2 Parallel port Connects to a paral lel device (e.g., parallel printer). 3 Ventilation slots Enable the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use. 4 S-video port Connects to a television or disp lay device with S-video input. 5 External display port Co[...]

Getting familiar with your computer 8 English Bottom view # Item Description 1 Battery bay Houses the computer's battery pack. 2 Battery release latch Unlatches to remove the battery pack. 3 Memory compartment Houses the computer's main memory.[...]

9 English English Features Perf ormance • Intel® Pentium® 4 proc esso rs 2.80 GHz and above • 256/512 MB of DDR333 SDRAM, up gradeable to 20 48 MB with dual soD IMM module s • 30 GB and above high-capacit y, Enhanced-IDE hard disk • Advanced Configurati on Power Interface (ACPI) power management system Display • The 15.0” XGA (1024x76[...]

Getting familiar with your computer 10 English Connectivity • Integrated 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet connection • Built-in 56Kbps fax/da ta modem • Four Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 ports • One IEEE 1394 port • IEEE 802.11b or IEEE 802.11g Wir eless LAN (manufacturing option) • Bluetooth (manufacturin g option) Human-centric design • [...]

11 English English Indicators Your computer pr ovides an array o f seven indicators located below the display screen, showing the sta tus of the computer and its components. The Power and Slee p status ic ons are visible ev en when yo u close the display cover so you can see the status of the computer while the cover is close d. Icon Function Descr[...]

Getting familiar with your computer 12 English Indicators on cover When the cover of your computer is closed, 2 easy-to-read icons are shown, indicati ng which state or feature is enabled or disabl ed. Icon Description Lights up when the computer is on. Lights when the computer enters Standby m ode, and blinks when it enters into or resumes from hi[...]

13 English English Ke y b o a r d The keyboard features full-size keys with an embedded ke ypad, separate cursor control keys, two Windows keys, and twelve function keys (hot keys). Special keys Lock keys The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off. Lock Key Description Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alpha betic characters[...]

Getting familiar with your computer 14 English Embedded keypad The embedded numeric keypad func tions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is indicated b y small ch aracters located on the upper right corner of the keycaps. To simplify the keyboard legend, cursor-cont rol key symbols are not printed on the keys. Desired Access Num Lock On Num Lock Off[...]

15 English English Windows keys The keyboard features two keys that provide 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 oth er keys to provide a variety of functions: + Tab Activates the next Taskbar [...]

Getting familiar with your computer 16 English Hot keys Using the Fn key with another key creates a hot key, providing a quick and conveni ent method f or co ntrolling various functions. To use a hot key, fi rst hold down th e Fn key. Next, press the second key in the combin ation. Finally, release both keys. Your computer provides the fol lowing h[...]

17 English English Fn-F5 Display toggle Switches display output between the display screen, external monitor (if connected) and b oth the display screen and external monitor. Fn-F6 Screen blank Turns the display screen backlight off to save power. Press any key to return. Fn-F7 Touchpad toggle Turns the internal touchpad on and off. Fn-F8 Speaker t[...]

Getting familiar with your computer 18 English The Euro symbol If your keybo ard la yout is set to United Stat es-International or United Kingdom or if you have a keyboard with a Euro pean layout, you can type the Euro symbol on your keyboard. Note for US keyboard users: The keyboard layou t is set when you first set up Windows. For the Eu ro symbo[...]

19 English English To u c h p a d The built-in touchpad is a PS/2- compat ible pointing device that senses movement on its surface. The cu rsor responds to your finger movements on the touchpad. In addition, the two click buttons provide the same functi onality as a computer mouse, while the scroll key enables easy 4-way scrollin g in documents an [...]

Getting familiar with your computer 20 English Note : Keep your fingers, as well as the surface of the to uchpad, clean and dry. The touchpad is sensitive to yo ur finger movements: the lighter your t ouch, the better the response. Tapping hard will not increase the touchpad 's responsiveness. Function Left Button Right Button 4-Way Scroll Key[...]

21 English English Launch keys Located at the top of the keyboard are six buttons. These buttons are called launch keys. They are design ate d as mail button, We b browser button, P1, P2, Bluetooth and Wire less buttons. The Wireless and Bluetooth bu ttons cannot be set by the user. To set the other four launch ke ys, run the Acer Launch Manager. C[...]

Getting familiar with your computer 22 English Storage Your computer offers a variet y of data storage options: • The high capac ity Enhanced-IDE hard dis k drive. The hard drive is up gradeable, enabl ing you to increase your storage capacity in the future. Cons ult your dealer if you need to upgrade. • The high spee d optical drive . Dependin[...]

23 English English Ejecting the optical drive tray To eject the optical drive tray: • With the computer turned on, press the optical dr ive eject button. • The tray will be released, and partially popped open. • Gently pull the tray out to it s limit. To load an optical disc: • Place a CD or DVD on the open tra y. Align the disc 's cen[...]

Getting familiar with your computer 24 English Connectivity options Your computer has buil t-in connec tivity options, enabling you to hoo k up to a network or commu nicate over a phon e line. Ethernet and LAN The integrated network feature allo ws you to c onnec t your computer to an Ethernet-based (10/100 BASE-T) network. To use the network featu[...]

25 English English F ax/Data modem Your computer features a built-in fax/data modem, enabling you to communic ate over a ph one line. Thi s means that you can connect to the Internet via a dialup acc ount with an ISP, log in to your n etwork from a remote location, or send faxes. Warning: Your modem is no t compatible with digital phon e lines. Plu[...]

Getting familiar with your computer 26 English Audio Your computer includes an in tegrated stereo audio system. Built-in stereo speakers are located at the front on both sides of the unit. Volume is adjusted usi ng software, such as Volume Control in Windows, Volume Fn keys, or any othe r application that provides a volume adjustment control. Two a[...]

27 English English Securing your computer Your comput er featur es hardwar e and softwar e security so lutions, in the form of a slot for a Kensingt on lock an d a password facili ty. Security slot A slot for a Kens ington slot ena ble s you to physically pr otect your computer from theft. Use this feature as follows: • Wrap a security lock cable[...]

Getting familiar with your computer 28 English[...]

O perating on battery power[...]

Your Aspire 1620 series notebook computer operates on battery or AC power. This chapter provi des information for operating on battery power, as well as information on how your computer manages and saves power.[...]

31 English English Battery pack The computer uses a batt ery pack that gi ves 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 pow[...]

Op e r a t i n g o n battery power 32 English Follow these steps ag ain until the batte ry has been charged and discharged three times. Use this conditioning process fo r all new batteries, or if a b attery 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[...]

33 English English To remove a battery pack: 1 Slide the battery release latch to relea se the battery. 2 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 in to the computer, and connect to a mains power outlet. You can co ntinue[...]

Op e r a t i n g o n battery power 34 English Battery-low warning When using battery power pay attention to the Windows Power Meter. Warning: Connect the AC adapte r as soon as possible after the battery-low warning app ears. Data will be lost if the battery to become fully depleted and the computer shu ts down. When the battery-low warning appe ar[...]

35 English English Power management Your computer features a built-i n power management unit that constantly monitors syst em ac tivity. System ac tivity refers to any activity involving one or more of the following devices: keyboard, touchpad/mo use, hard disk drive, optical drive, peripherals conn ected to the computer, and video memory. If no ac[...]

Op e r a t i n g o n battery power 36 English[...]

Peripherals and options[...]

Your Aspire 1620 series notebook computer offers good expansion capabilities. This chapter provides information on connecting peripherals to expand your system. It also describes how to upgrade key co mponents to enhance system performance and k eep your computer in step with the latest technology. You are advised to c onsult your dealer for inform[...]

39 English English External display devices You can connect an external (VGA) monitor or projec tor to your computer's extern al display port. Use the Fn + F5 hot key to toggle t he display setting between the computer 's LCD panel and the ex ternal disp lay device. See “H ot keys” on page 16 for more information. External input devic[...]

Peripherals and options 40 English USB devices Your computer features four Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 ports for connecting a ra nge of USB periphe ral s. See “Externa l input devices” on page 39, and “Printer” on page 42 for information on connect ing a USB keyboard, keypad, mous e or pr inter. Other common USB devices include digital c[...]

41 English English IEEE 1394 Port The computer’s IEEE 1 394 port allo ws you to connect to an IEEE 1394 supported devi ce like a digital video camera. See your video or digital c ame ra’s documentation for details.[...]

Peripherals and options 42 English Printer Your computer supp orts both parallel and USB printers. Refer to the printer's ma nual for information on: • Setting up the hardware • Installing the nec essa ry drivers in Windows • Operating instructions To use a USB printer, simply conn ect the device to one of your computer's USB ports,[...]

43 English English Expansion devices PC Card Your computer features two PC Ca rd slots that support two standard Type II or one Type III CardBus (PCM CIA). This greatly increases your computer's usa bility and expandabi lity. A variety of PC Cards are available, such as flash memory, SR AM, fax/data modem, LAN, and SCSI Cards. Consult your dea[...]

Peripherals and options 44 English To remove a PC Card: 1 Close the applicatio n that is using the PC Card. 2 Double click on the PC Card icon on the taskbar, and then select the option to safely remove the card. Wait for the message telling you that it is now safe to remove the card. 3 Press the PC Card eject button to partially eje ct the card (1[...]

45 English English K ey component upgrades Your computer is designed to deliv er solid performanc e. However, in time, you might find th at your appl ications de mand even m ore computing power. For this reason , you are able to upgrade key components. Note : Contact your authorized dea ler if you decide to perform a key component upgrade. Memory u[...]

Peripherals and options 46 English 3 Insert the memory module diagonal ly in the slot (1), and then press down gently until it c licks in place (2). 4 Replace the me mory compartmen t door, and fasten the screw. The computer automatically dete cts the new module and reconfigures the memory. Hard disk upgrade It is possible to replace your hard disk[...]

Moving with your computer[...]

Your Aspire 1620 series notebook computer is ideal for taking with you when you move around. This chapter provides tips on things to consider when traveling with your computer.[...]

49 English English Disconnecting from the desktop Before moving with your com puter, you must turn it off and disconnect al l peripherals: 1 Save your work and close all applications. 2 Shut down Wi ndows to tu rn off your computer . 3 Unplug the AC adapter f rom the mains outlet, and then disconnect it from the computer. 4 Disconnect any external [...]

Moving with your computer 50 English Moving around Sometimes you might need to move your computer a short distance. For example, you mi ght need to move from your office desk to a meeting room. In these situations, you don't have to sh ut down the operatin g system . Preparing the computer First, disconnect any peri pherals that you don't[...]

51 English English T aking the computer home When you move between your office and home you will need to prepare your computer for the short trip. Preparing the computer After disconne cting your compu ter from the deskto p, prepare the uni t as follows: 1 Remove all media from the drives . Loaded media can damage the drive heads du ring transit. 2[...]

Moving with your computer 52 English Setting up a home office If you frequently work on your computer at home, as well as at work, it may be worthwhile purcha sing a second AC adapter. This will allow you to travel ligh ter, as you can keep an AC adapter in each location . You might also find it worthwhile keeping a second set of peripherals at hom[...]

53 English English T raveling internationally with your computer Occasionally you might need to travel between countries with your computer. Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as you would for normal tra vel. Remem ber to take special precautions for a ir travel. What to take with you It is advisable to take th e following items with you: [...]

Moving with your computer 54 English[...]

Software[...]

Your Aspire 1620 seri es notebook computer includes system utilities. This chapter provides information on the important software t hat comes with your computer.[...]

57 English English System software Your computer comes p reloaded with the following software: • Microsoft® Windows® operating system • Hardware BIOS S etup Utility • System utilities, driver s and application software Note : To run software applications in Windows, first click on the Start button. Next, select the appr opriate folder, a nd[...]

Software 58 English BIOS Setup Utility The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) contains important information used to configure the hardware an d system sof tware settings. Your computer reads the BIOS when it first starts up, before it loads the operatin g system . Your computer's BIOS i ncludes a bu ilt-in setu p utility ca lled Phoeni x Softwa[...]

T roubleshooting[...]

This chapter instructs y ou on how to deal with common system problems. Please read it before calling a technician. Solutions to more serious problems may require opening the computer. Do not attempt to open and service the computer by yourself. Contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance.[...]

61 English English Frequently asked questions This sec tion sugge sts solu tions to commonly encountered problems. I press the power bu tton, but my c o mputer does not start or boot-up. Look at the Power status indicator: • If it is not lit, no po wer is being delivered to the computer. Check the following: - If you are running on battery power,[...]

T roublesh ooting 62 English control icon on th e taskbar. If it is crossed-out, cli ck on the icon and deselect the Mute option. • The volume level may be too low. In Windows, click on the volume contro l icon on the tas kbar, an d then use th e slider cont rol to increase the volume level. • If headphones are connected to the headph one jack [...]

63 English English The printer does not work. Check the following: • Make sure that the pr inter is conn ected to a power outlet and it is turned on. • Check that the cable is properly connected to the appr opriate ports on both the comp uter and the printer. • If you are using a printer connecte d to your computer's parallel port, resta[...]

T roublesh ooting 64 English R equesting service International T raveler’s W arranty (ITW) Your computer is backed by an International Travele r’s Warranty (ITW) that gives you security and peac e of mind when tr aveling. Our worldwide network of service center s are there to give you a helping hand. An ITW passport comes with your co mputer. T[...]

Appendix A Specifications[...]

This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer.[...]

67 English English Microprocess or • Intel® Pentium® 4 proc esso rs 2.80 GHz and above Memory • 256/512 MB of DDR333 SDRAM stand ard, upgradeable to 204 8 MB with dual soD IMM modules • 512 KB flash ROM BIOS Data storage • One 30 GB and above E-IDE hard disk (2.5", 9.5mm, UltraDMA-100) • One internal optical drive Display and video[...]

Appendix A Specifications 68 English Audio • Two built-in stereo speakers • MS DirectSound compatible • Audio po rts for micr ophone-in and headph ones K eyboard and pointing device • 84/85/88-key Windows keyboard • Ergonomical ly-centered touc hpad pointing devic e I/O ports • One Type III or two Type II PC CardBus (PCM CIA) slots • [...]

69 English English Environment • Temperature: - Operating: 5°C ~ 35°C - Non-operating : -20°C ~ 65°C • Humidity (non-condensing ): - Operating: 20% ~ 80% RH - Non-operating : 20% ~ 80% RH O perating system • Microsoft® Windows® XP Home/Pro operating system • ACPI 1.0b support • DMI 2.0-compliant Power • 8-cell Li-ion battery pack [...]

Appendix A Specifications 70 English[...]

Appendix B Re g u l a t i o n & safety notic es[...]

This appendix lists the general notices for your computer.[...]

73 English English Energy Star Guidelines Compliance As an Energy Star Partner, Acer In c. has determined that this product meets the Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency. FCC notice This device has been tested and foun d to comply with the limits for a Class B digital de vice pursuan t to Par t 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designe[...]

Appendix B R egu lation & safety no tices 74 English O peration conditions This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rule s. Oper ation is subj ect to the following tw o conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept an y interf erence received, including interference that may cause undesired [...]

75 English English the problem is with the equipment, disc ontinue use and contact your dealer or vendor. Caution: To reduce th e risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger UL Listed or C SA Certif ied Telecom munication L ine Cord. TBR 21 This equipment has been approved [Council Decision 98/482/EC - "TBR 21"] for single terminal connec[...]

Appendix B R egu lation & safety no tices 76 English Notice f or New Zealand For Modem with approval number PTC 211/03/008 1 The grant of a Telepermit for any item of terminal equipment indicates only that Telecom has ac cepted that the item co mplies with minimum co nditions for connection to its network. It indicates no endo rsement of the pr[...]

77 English English Important safety instructions Read these instructions carefully. Save them for future reference. 1 Follow all wa rnings and ins tructions marked on the product. 2 Unplug this product from th e wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. 3 Do not use this product near[...]

Appendix B R egu lation & safety no tices 78 English d If the product do es not operate normally when the ope rating instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions si nce improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technicia[...]

79 English English PRODUCTO LÁSER DE LA CLASE I ADVERTENCIA: RADIACIÓN LÁSER IN VISIBLE AL SER ABIERTO. EVITE EXPONERSE A LOS RAYOS. ADVARSEL: LASERSTRÅLING VEDÅBNING SE IKKE IND I STRÅLEN. VARO! LAVATTAESSA OLET ALTTINA LASERSÅTEILYLLE. VARNING: LASERSTRÅLNING NÅR DENNA DEL ÅR ÖPPNAD ÅLÅ TUIJOTA SÅTEESEENSTIRRA EJ IN I STRÅLEN VARNI[...]

Appendix B R egu lation & safety no tices 80 English General This product complies w i th the radio frequency an d safety standards of any country or regi on in which i t ha s been approved for wireless use. Depending on config urations, this product may or may not contain wireless radio devices (such as wireless LAN and/or Bluetooth™ modules[...]

81 English English The FCC RF safety requirement The radiated output power of Wire less LAN Mini-PCI Card and Blue- tooth Card is far below the FCC r adi o frequency exposure limits. Never- theless, the Aspire 1620 series shall be used in such a manner that the potential for human contact duri ng normal operatio n is minimized as follows. 1 Users a[...]

Appendix B R egu lation & safety no tices 82 English Federal Communications Commission Declaration of Conformity This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept a ny interference received, including inter[...]

83 English English Acer Incorporated 8F, 88, Sec. 1, Hsin Tai Wu Rd., Hsichih Taipei Hsien 221, Taiwan, R.O.C. Tel : 886-2 -2 696- 1234 Fax : 886-2- 2696-3535 www.acer.com Declaration of Conformity for C E ma r king We , Acer Inc. 8F, 88, Sec. 1, Hsin Tai Wu Rd., Hsichih, Taipei Hsien 221, T aiwan, R. O. C. Contact Person: Mr. Easy Lai Tel: 886-2- [...]

Appendix B R egu lation & safety no tices 84 English[...]

85 English English Index A audio 26 connecting externally 42 controlling volume 26 troublesh ooting 61 B battery pack battery-low warning 34 caring for v characteristics 31 charging 33 charging indicator 11 checking charge level 33 installing 32 low conditions 34 maximizing life 31 optimizing 33 removing 33 using the first time 31 BIOS Setup Utilit[...]

Index 86 English connecting externally 39 hotkeys 16 lock keys 13 troublesh ooting 62 Windows keys 15 keypad connecting externally 39 L launch keys 21 left view 5 M media access on indicator 11 memory installing 45 upgrading 45 micropho ne troublesh ooting 62 modem setting location 63 mouse connecting externally 39 N Notebook Man ager hotkey 16 not[...]

87 English English U USB connect ing 40 utility BIOS Setup 58 V volume adjusting 26 W warranty International Traveler’s Warran- ty 64 Windows keys 15[...]

Index 88 English[...]