Acer Aspire 2420 Series User manual

Aspire 2920/2920Z/2420
Series
User's Guide
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Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation
to notify any person of such revisions 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 correspondence 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, electronically, mechanically, by photocopy, recording or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.
Model number: __________________________________
Serial number: ___________________________________
Date of purchase: ________________________________
Place of purchase: ________________________________
Copyright © 2007. Acer Incorporated.
All Rights Reserved.
Aspire 2920/2920Z/2420 Series User's Guide
Original Issue: 10/2007
Aspire 2920/2920Z/2420 Series Notebook PC
Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Incorporated. Other companies'
product names or trademarks are used herein for identification purposes only and belong to
their respective companies.
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Information for your safety and
comfort
Safety instructions
Read these instructions carefully. Keep this document for future reference.
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
Turning the product off before cleaning
Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid
cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
CAUTION for plug as disconnecting device
Observe the following guidelines when connecting and disconnecting power to
the power supply unit:
Install the power supply unit before connecting the power cord to the AC
power outlet.
Unplug the power cord before removing the power supply unit from the
computer.
If the system has multiple sources of power, disconnect power from the system
by unplugging all power cords from the power supplies.
CAUTION for Accessibility
Be sure that the power outlet you plug the power cord into is easily accessible
and located as close to the equipment operator as possible. When you need to
disconnect power to the equipment, be sure to unplug the power cord from the
electrical outlet.
CAUTION for Dummy Card of PCMCIA & Express Slot
Your computer shipped with plastic dummies installed in the PCMCIA & Express
slot. Dummies protect unused slots from dust, metal object, or other particles.
Save the dummy for use when no PCMCIA or Express Card is installed in the slot.
CAUTION for Listening
To protect your hearing, follow these instructions.
•Increase the volume gradually until you can hear clearly and comfortably.
•Do not increase the volume level after your ears have adjusted.
•Do not listen to music at high volumes for extended periods.
•Do not increase the volume to block out noisy surroundings.
•Decrease the volume if you can't hear people speaking near you.
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Warnings
•Do not use this product near water.
•Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand or table. If the product
falls, it could be seriously damaged.
•Slots and openings are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable
operation of the product and to protect it from overheating. These
openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be
blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug or other similar surface.
This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat
register, or in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation is provided.
•Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots as
they may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could
result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind onto or into
the product.
•To avoid damage of internal components and to prevent battery leakage,
do not place the product on a vibrating surface.
•Never use it under sporting, exercising, or any vibrating environment
which will probably cause unexpected short current or damage rotor
devices, HDD, Optical drive, and even exposure risk from lithium battery
pack.
Using electrical power
•This product should be operated from the type of power indicated on the
marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult
your dealer or local power company.
•Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this
product where people will walk on the cord.
•If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the total
ampere rating of the equipment plugged into the extension cord does not
exceed the extension cord ampere rating. Also, make sure that the total
rating of all products plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed the fuse
rating.
•Do not overload a power outlet, strip or receptacle by plugging in too
many devices. The overall system load must not exceed 80% of the branch
circuit rating. If power strips are used, the load should not exceed 80% of
the power strip's input rating.
•This product's AC adapter is equipped with a three-wire grounded plug.
The plug only fits in a grounded power outlet. Make sure the power outlet
is properly grounded before inserting the AC adapter plug. Do not insert
the plug into a non-grounded power outlet. Contact your electrician for
details.
Warning! The grounding pin is a safety feature. Using a power
outlet that is not properly grounded may result in electric shock
and/or injury.
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discharged hundreds of times, but it will eventually wear out. When the
operation time becomes noticeably shorter than normal, buy a new battery. Use
only Acer approved batteries, and recharge your battery only with Acer
approved chargers designated for this device.
Use the battery only for its intended purpose. Never use any charger or battery
that is damaged. Do not short-circuit the battery. Accidental short-circuiting can
occur when a metallic object such as a coin, clip or pen causes direct connection
of the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the battery. (These look like
metal strips on the battery.) This might happen, for example, when you carry a
spare battery in your pocket or purse. Short-circuiting the terminals may
damage the battery or the connecting object.
The capacity and lifetime of the battery will be reduced if the battery is left in
hot or cold places, such as in a closed car in summer or winter. Always try to
keep the battery between 15°C and 25°C (59°F and 77°F). A device with a hot or
cold battery may not work temporarily, even when the battery is fully charged.
Battery performance is especially limited in temperatures well below freezing.
Do not dispose of batteries in a fire as they may explode. Batteries may also
explode if damaged. Dispose of batteries according to local regulations. Please
recycle when possible. Do not dispose as household waste.
Wireless devices may be susceptible to interference from the battery, which
could affect performance.
Potentially explosive environments
Switch off your device in any area with a potentially explosive atmosphere and
obey all signs and instructions. Potentially explosive atmospheres include areas
where you would normally be advised to turn off your vehicle engine. Sparks in
such areas could cause an explosion or fire resulting in bodily injury or even
death. Switch off the notebook near gas pumps at service stations. Observe
restrictions on the use of radio equipment in fuel depots, storage and
distribution areas; chemical plants; or where blasting operations are in progress.
Areas with a potentially explosive atmosphere are often, but not always,
marked. They include below deck on boats, chemical transfer or storage
facilities, vehicles using liquefied petroleum gas (such as propane or butane),
and areas where the air contains chemicals or particles such as grain, dust or
metal powders. Do not switch the notebook on when wireless phone use is
prohibited or when it may cause interference or danger.
Replacing the battery pack
The notebook uses lithium batteries. Replace the battery with the same type as
that which came bundled with your product. Use of another battery may
present a risk of fire or explosion.
Warning! Batteries may explode if not handled properly. Do not
disassemble or dispose of them in fire. Keep them away from
children. Follow local regulations when disposing of used
batteries.
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Telephone line safety
•Disconnect all telephone lines from the equipment when not in use and/or
before servicing.
•To avoid the remote risk of electric shock from lightning, do not connect
the telephone line to this equipment during lightning or thunderstorms.
Warning! For safety reasons, do not use non-compliant parts
when adding or changing components. Consult your reseller for
purchase options.
Additional safety information
Your device and its enhancements may contain small parts. Keep them out of
the reach of small children.
Operating environment
Warning! For safety reasons, turn off all wireless or radio
transmitting devices when using your laptop under the following
conditions. These devices may include, but are not limited to:
wireless lan (WLAN), Bluetooth and/or 3G.
Remember to follow any special regulations in force in any area, and always
switch off your device when its use is prohibited or when it may cause
interference or danger. Use the device only in its normal operating positions.
This device meets RF exposure guidelines when used normally, and it and its
antenna are positioned at least 1.5 centimeters (5/8 inches) away from your
body (refer to the figure below). It should not contain metal and you should
position the device the above-stated distance from your body. To successfully
transmit data files or messages, this device requires a good quality connection
to the network. In some cases, transmission of data files or messages may be
delayed until such a connection is available. Ensure that the above separation
distance instructions are followed until the transmission is completed. Parts of
the device are magnetic. Metallic materials may be attracted to the device, and
persons with hearing aids should not hold the device to the ear with the
hearing aid. Do not place credit cards or other magnetic storage media near the
device, because information stored on them may be erased.
Medical devices
Operation of any radio transmitting equipment, including wireless phones, may
interfere with the functionality of inadequately protected medical devices.
Consult a physician or the manufacturer of the medical device to determine if
they are adequately shielded from external RF energy or if you have any
questions. Switch off your device in health care facilities when any regulations
posted in these areas instruct you to do so. Hospitals or health care facilities
may be using equipment that could be sensitive to external RF transmissions.
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Pacemakers. Pacemaker manufacturers recommend that a minimum separation
of 15.3 centimeters (6 inches) be maintained between wireless devices and a
pacemaker to avoid potential interference with the pacemaker. These
recommendations are consistent with the independent research by and
recommendations of Wireless Technology Research. Persons with pacemakers
should do the following:
•Always keep the device more than 15.3 centimeters (6 inches) from the
pacemaker
•Not carry the device near your pacemaker when the device is switched o. If
you suspect interference, switch off your device, and move it.
Hearing aids. Some digital wireless devices may interfere with some hearing
aids. If interference occurs, consult your service provider.
Vehicles
RF signals may affect improperly installed or inadequately shielded electronic
systems in motor vehicles such as electronic fuel injection systems, electronic
antiskid (antilock) braking systems, electronic speed control systems, and air bag
systems. For more information, check with the manufacturer, or its
representative, of your vehicle or any equipment that has been added. Only
qualified personnel should service the device, or install the device in a vehicle.
Faulty installation or service may be dangerous and may invalidate any
warranty that may apply to the device. Check regularly that all wireless
equipment in your vehicle is mounted and operating properly. Do not store or
carry flammable liquids, gases, or explosive materials in the same compartment
as the device, its parts, or enhancements. For vehicles equipped with an air bag,
remember that air bags inflate with great force. Do not place objects, including
installed or portable wireless equipment in the area over the air bag or in the
air bag deployment area. If in-vehicle wireless equipment is improperly
installed, and the air bag inflates, serious injury could result. Using your device
while flying in aircraft is prohibited. Switch off your device before boarding an
aircraft. The use of wireless teledevices in an aircraft may be dangerous to the
operation of the aircraft, disrupt the wireless telephone network, and may be
illegal.
Potentially explosive environments
Switch off your device when in any area with a potentially explosive
atmosphere and obey all signs and instructions. Potentially explosive
atmospheres include areas where you would normally be advised to turn off
your vehicle engine. Sparks in such areas could cause an explosion or fire
resulting in bodily injury or even death. Switch off the device at refueling points
such as near gas pumps at service stations. Observe restrictions on the use of
radio equipment in fuel depots, storage, and distribution areas; chemical plants;
or where blasting operations are in progress. Areas with a potentially explosive
atmosphere are often, but not always, clearly marked. They include below deck
on boats, chemical transfer or storage facilities, vehicles using liquefied
petroleum gas (such as propane or butane), and areas where the air contains
chemicals or particles such as grain, dust or metal powders.
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Finding your comfort zone
Find your comfort zone by adjusting the viewing angle of the monitor, using a
footrest, or raising your sitting height to achieve maximum comfort. Observe
the following tips:
•refrain from staying too long in one fixed posture
•avoid slouching forward and/or leaning backward
•stand up and walk around regularly to remove the strain on your leg
muscles
•take short rests to relax your neck and shoulders
•avoid tensing your muscles or shrugging your shoulders
•install the external display, keyboard and mouse properly and within
comfortable reach
•if you view your monitor more than your documents, place the display at
the center of your desk to minimize neck strain
Taking care of your vision
Long viewing hours, wearing incorrect glasses or contact lenses, glare, excessive
room lighting, poorly focused screens, very small typefaces and low-contrast
displays could stress your eyes. The following sections provide suggestions on
how to reduce eyestrain.
Eyes
•Rest your eyes frequently.
•Give your eyes regular breaks by looking away from the monitor and
focusing on a distant point.
•Blink frequently to keep your eyes from drying out.
Display
•Keep your display clean.
•Keep your head at a higher level than the top edge of the display so your
eyes point downward when looking at the middle of the display.
•Adjust the display brightness and/or contrast to a comfortable level for
enhanced text readability and graphics clarity.
•Eliminate glare and reflections by:
•placing your display in such a way that the side faces the window or
any light source
•minimizing room light by using drapes, shades or blinds
•using a task light
•changing the display's viewing angle
•using a glare-reduction filter
•using a display visor, such as a piece of cardboard extended from the
display's top front edge
•Avoid adjusting your display to an awkward viewing angle.
•Avoid looking at bright light sources, such as open windows, for extended
periods of time.
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Taking care of your battery pack
Here are some ways to take care of your battery pack:
•Use only batteries of the same kind as replacements. Turn the power off
before removing or replacing batteries.
•Do not tamper with batteries. Keep them away from children.
•Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if possible.
Cleaning and servicing
When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:
1 Turn off the computer and remove the battery pack.
2 Disconnect the AC adapter.
3 Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
If either of the following occurs:
•the computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged;
•the computer does not operate normally
please refer to "Frequently asked questions" on page 39.
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Information for your safety and comfort iii
Safety instructions iii
Additional safety information vii
Operating environment vii
Medical devices vii
Vehicles viii
Potentially explosive environments viii
Emergency calls ix
Disposal instructions ix
Tips and information for comfortable use x
Federal Communications Comission
Declaration of Conformity xii
Declaration of Conformity xiii
First things first xv
Your guides xv
Basic care and tips for using your computer xv
Turning your computer on and off xv
Taking care of your computer xvi
Taking care of your AC adapter xvi
Taking care of your battery pack xvii
Cleaning and servicing xvii
Acer Empowering Technology 1
Empowering Technology password 1
Acer eNet Management 2
Acer ePower Management 4
Acer eAudio Management 6
Acer ePresentation Management 7
Acer eDataSecurity Management
(for selected models) 8
Acer eLock Management 9
Acer eRecovery Management 11
Acer eSettings Management 13
Windows Mobility Center 14
Your Acer notebook tour 15
Top view 15
Closed front view 17
Left view 17
Right view 18
Rear view 19
Base view 20
Specifications 21
Indicators 25
Easy-launch buttons 26
Touchpad 27
Touchpad basics 28
Contents
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Using the keyboard 29
Lock keys and embedded numeric keypad 29
Windows keys 30
Hotkeys 31
Special keys 32
Ejecting the optical (CD or DVD) drive tray 33
Using a computer security lock 33
Audio 34
Adjusting the volume 34
Using the system utilities 35
Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) 35
Launch Manager 36
Norton Internet Security 37
Frequently asked questions 39
Requesting service 42
International Travelers Warranty (ITW) 42
Before you call 42
Battery pack 43
Battery pack characteristics 43
Maximizing the battery's life 43
Installing and removing the battery pack 44
Charging the battery 45
Checking the battery level 45
Optimising battery life 45
Battery-low warning 46
Acer Arcade (for selected models) 47
Finding and playing content 48
Settings 48
Arcade controls 49
Navigation controls 49
Player controls 49
Virtual keyboard 50
Background mode 50
Cinema 51
Settings 51
Album 52
Editing Pictures 52
Slide Show settings 52
Video 53
Playing a video file 53
Snapshot 53
Editing video 53
Music 54
Make DVDs 54
Authoring CD/DVDs 54
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