Acer Aspire 1610 series, User Manual

Page 1: ...Acer Aspire 1610 series User s guide ...

Page 2: ...ed 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 Model Number ____...

Page 3: ... 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 for more information The Just for starters poster shows ...

Page 4: ...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 ...

Page 5: ...ose 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 63 if any...

Page 6: ...vi English ...

Page 7: ...the optical drive tray 23 Emergency ejection of the optical drive tray 23 Connectivity options 24 Ethernet and LAN 24 Fax data modem 25 Audio 26 Securing your computer 27 Security slot 27 Operating on battery power 29 Battery pack 31 Battery pack characteristics 31 Installing and removing the battery pack 32 Charging the battery 33 Checking the battery level 33 Optimizing battery life 33 Battery l...

Page 8: ...mputer 52 What to bring to short meetings 52 What to bring to long meetings 52 Taking the computer home 53 Preparing the computer 53 What to bring with you 53 Special considerations 53 Setting up a home office 54 Traveling with the computer 54 Preparing the computer 54 What to take with you 54 Special considerations 54 Traveling internationally with your computer 55 Preparing the computer 55 What ...

Page 9: ...English Requesting service 66 International Traveler s Warranty ITW 66 Before you call 66 Appendix A Specifications 67 Appendix B Regulation safety notices 73 Index 81 ...

Page 10: ...English ...

Page 11: ...Getting familiar with your computer ...

Page 12: ...k 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 ...

Page 13: ...rated in the Just for starters 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 and off to show the status of the computer its functions and components ...

Page 14: ...your hands when you use the computer 6 Click buttons 4 way scroll key The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse buttons the 4 way scroll key scrolls the contents of a window up down left and right 7 Touchpad Touch sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer mouse 8 Keyboard Inputs data into your computer 9 Ventilation Slot Enables the computer to stay cool eve...

Page 15: ...faces with infrared devices e g infrared printer and IR aware computer 5 Eject button Ejects the optical drive tray from the drive 6 LED indicator Lights up when the optical drive is active 7 Emergency eject slot Ejects the optical drive tray when the computer is turned off See page 23 for more details 8 Optical drive Internal optical drive accepts CDs or DVDs depending on the optical drive type 9...

Page 16: ...Getting familiar with your computer 6 English Right view Item Description 1 Speaker Delivers stereo audio output 2 Security keylock Connects to a Kensington compatible computer security lock ...

Page 17: ...nnects to a display device e g external VGA monitor and LCD projector 5 Four USB 2 0 ports Connect to Universal Serial Bus USB 2 0 devices e g USB mouse and USB camera 6 Network jack Connects to an Ethernet 10 100 Mbps LAN network 7 Modem jack Connects to a phone line 8 Speaker line out headphone jack Connects to audio line out devices e g speakers and headphones 9 Line in mic in jack Accepts audi...

Page 18: ...th 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 ...

Page 19: ...rts simultaneous display between LCD and CRT display S video for output to a television or display device that supports S video input Automatic LCD dim feature that automatically selects the best setting for the display in order to conserve power DualViewTM support Multimedia High speed built in optical drive DVD Dual MS DirectSound compatible Built in dual speakers Connectivity Integrated 10 100 ...

Page 20: ...Rugged yet extremely portable construction Stylish appearance Full size keyboard with four programmable launch keys Comfortable palm rest area with well positioned touchpad Expansion PC card slot enables a range of add on options Upgradeable hard disk and memory modules ...

Page 21: ...f the computer while the cover is closed Icon Function Description Wireless communication button Lights when the Wireless LAN capability is enabled Power Lights when the computer is on Sleep Lights when the computer enters Standby mode and blinks when it enters into or resumes from hibernation mode Media activity Lights when the floppy drive hard disk or optical drive is active Battery charge Ligh...

Page 22: ...asy to read icons are shown indicating which state or feature is enabled or disabled Num Lock Lights when Num Lock is activated Icon Description Lights up when the computer is on Lights when the computer enters Standby mode and blinks when it enters into or resumes from hibernation mode Icon Function Description ...

Page 23: ...s on all alphabetic characters typed are in uppercase Num Lock Fn F11 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 Scroll Lock Fn F12 When Scroll Lock is on the screen moves one line up or d...

Page 24: ...fy the keyboard legend cursor control key symbols are not printed on the keys Desired Access Num Lock On Num Lock Off Number keys on embedded keypad Type numbers using embedded keypad in a normal manner Cursor control keys on embedded keypad Hold Shift while using cursor control keys Hold Fn while using cursor control keys Main keyboard keys Hold Fn while typing letters on embedded keypad Type the...

Page 25: ...tart menu It can also be used with other keys to provide a variety of functions Tab activates the next Taskbar button E opens the My Computer window F1 opens Help and Support F opens the Find All Files dialog box M minimizes all windows Shift M undoes the minimize all windows M action R opens the Run dialog box Application key This key has the same effect as clicking the right mouse button it open...

Page 26: ...ter provides the following hot keys Hot Key Icon Function Description Fn F1 Hot key help Displays help on hot keys Fn F2 Setup Accesses the computer s property window Fn F3 Power Management Scheme toggle Switches the power management scheme used by the computer function available if supported by operating system Fn F4 Sleep Puts the computer in Sleep mode Fn F5 Display toggle Switches display outp...

Page 27: ... F8 Speaker toggle Turns the speakers on and off Fn Volume up Increases the sound volume Fn Volume down Decreases the sound volume Fn Brightness up Increases the screen brightness Fn Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness Fn PgUp Home Functions as the Home key Fn PgDn End Functions as the End key Alt Gr Euro Euro Types the Euro symbol Hot Key Icon Function Description ...

Page 28: ...eyboard type 1 Click on Start Control Panel 2 Double click on Regional and Language Options 3 Click on the Language tab and click on Details 4 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 States International and click on OK 5 Click on OK To type the Euro symbol 1 Locate the Euro symbol on ...

Page 29: ...iddle 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 ...

Page 30: ...the touchpad s responsiveness Function Left Button Right Button 4 Way Scroll Key Tap Execute Click twice quickly Tap twice quickly Select Click once Tap once Drag Click and hold Then slide your finger across the touchpad to drag the cursor over the selection Tap twice quickly On the second tap slide your finger across the touchpad to drag the cursor over the selection Access content menu Click onc...

Page 31: ...be set by the user To set the other four launch keys run the Acer Launch Manager Caution It s important that the Bluetooth and Wireless LAN features are turned off before boarding an airplane Launch Key Default application 1 Email Launches your email application 2 Web browser Launches your Internet browser 3 P1 User programmable 4 P2 User programmable 5 Bluetooth Enables your Bluetooth manufacturi...

Page 32: ...ou 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 CD ROM DVD ROM DVD CD RW combo or DVD Dual drive 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 thes...

Page 33: ... 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...

Page 34: ... 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 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 for information on setting up a network connection ...

Page 35: ...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...

Page 36: ...sted 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 option...

Page 37: ...d 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 ...

Page 38: ...Getting familiar with your computer 28 English ...

Page 39: ...Operating on battery power ...

Page 40: ...ur Aspire 1610 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 ...

Page 41: ...ve 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 Condi...

Page 42: ...seful 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...

Page 43: ...next day with a fully charged battery Checking the battery level The Windows Power Meter indicates the current battery level Rest the cursor over the battery power icon on the taskbar to see the battery s present charge level Optimizing battery life Optimizing battery life helps you get the most out of battery operation prolonging the charge recharge cycle and improving recharging efficiency You a...

Page 44: ...r and a power outlet are available 1 Plug the AC adapter into the computer and then connect to the mains power supply 2 Save all necessary files 3 Resume work Turn off the computer if you want to recharge the battery rapidly An extra fully charged battery pack is available 1 Save all necessary files 2 Close all applications 3 Shut down the operating system to turn off the computer 4 Replace the ba...

Page 45: ...is detected for a period of time the settings are controlled in Windows Power Management the computer turns off some or all of these devices in order to conserve power Your computer employs a power management scheme that supports ACPI Advanced Configuration and Power Interface enabling maximum power conservation without compromising system performance ACPI allows Windows to control the amount of p...

Page 46: ...Operating on battery power 36 English ...

Page 47: ...Peripherals and options ...

Page 48: ...erals to expand your system It also describes how to upgrade key components to enhance system performance and keep your computer in step with the latest technology You are advised to consult your dealer for information on peripherals In addition make sure that you read the manuals and other documentation provided with new hardware ...

Page 49: ...ures a full size keyboard However if you prefer you can connect an external keyboard to one of your computer s USB ports This enables you to enjoy the comfort and added features of a full size desktop system keyboard when inputting typed data on your notebook computer External keypad Your computer features an embedded keypad that when combined with the Num Lock feature enables you to easily input ...

Page 50: ... connecting a USB keyboard keypad mouse or printer Other common USB devices include digital cameras scanners and external storage devices USB is plug and play which means that you can connect and start using a USB device without having to restart your computer You can also disconnect the device at any time A further advantage of USB is the ability to use USB hubs This means that several devices ca...

Page 51: ...English English IEEE 1394 Port The computer s IEEE 1394 port allows you to connect to an IEEE 1394 supported device like a digital video camera See your video or digital camera s documentation for details ...

Page 52: ...o the parallel port and then restart the computer Wait for Windows to find the new hardware Audio devices Your computer offers built in stereo speakers See the section entitled Audio on page 26 for more information on these features However in addition to the integrated devices the two audio ports on the rear side of the unit enable you to connect external audio input and output devices You can pl...

Page 53: ...rd options for your computer Note Refer to your card s manual for details on how to install and use the card To insert a PC Card 1 Align the card with your computer s PC card slot Make sure that the edge with the connectors is facing the slot and that the card is the right way up Many cards are marked with an arrow to help you insert them correctly 2 Slide the card into the slot and push gently un...

Page 54: ... 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 eject the card 1 4 Pull the card from the slot 2 ...

Page 55: ... computer This greatly increases your productive range when you are on the move AC adapter Having a spare AC adapter allows you to keep one in two different places For example you could have one AC adapter at home and another at work This means that you don t have to carry an AC adapter when traveling between your two base locations ...

Page 56: ... dual industry standard soDIMMs Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules The computer supports DDR Double Data Rate SDRAM There are two memory slots on your computer You can upgrade memory by installing a memory module into the other available slot or replacing the standard memory with a higher capacity memory module Installing memory 1 Turn off the computer Make sure that the AC adapter is discon...

Page 57: ...rtment door and fasten the screw The computer automatically detects the new module and reconfigures the memory Hard disk upgrade It is possible to replace your hard disk with a higher capacity drive when you need more storage space Your computer uses a 9 5mm 2 5 inch Enhanced IDE hard disk Consult your dealer if you need to perform a hard disk upgrade ...

Page 58: ...Peripherals and options 48 English ...

Page 59: ...Moving with your computer ...

Page 60: ...Your Aspire 1610 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 ...

Page 61: ...ons 2 Shut down Windows to turn off your computer 3 Unplug the AC adapter from the mains outlet and then disconnect it from the computer 4 Disconnect any external devices such as a keyboard mouse or printer that are attached to your computer 5 If you are using a security lock cable disconnect the lock from the computer 6 Pack your computer in a strong waterproof bag or case ...

Page 62: ...your computer again open the lid and then press the power button to bring it out of Standby mode What to bring to short meetings If your battery is fully charged you probably won t need to take anything else with you to the meeting What to bring to long meetings For longer meetings take along the AC adapter You can use mains power throughout the meeting or you can run down your battery first and t...

Page 63: ...at to bring with you If you don t have spare items at home it is advisable to take along the AC adapter and this User s Guide Special considerations To protect your computer in transit it is advisable to pay attention to the following Minimize the effect of temperature changes Keep your computer with you instead of placing it in storage holds Avoid leaving your computer in a hot car Changes in tem...

Page 64: ...ttery is fully charged If you are traveling by air you might be required to turn on the computer during security checks What to take with you It is advisable to take the following items with you AC adapter Spare fully charged battery packs Additional printer driver files if you plan to use another printer Phone and network cables if you plan to use the computer s modem and network connections Spec...

Page 65: ...uter s modem and network connections Check that your modem is suitable for the telephone system in the countries you plan to visit You might have to use a PC card modem in some locations Special considerations In addition to the considerations for normal travel with your computer keep the following in mind when traveling internationally Check that your power cord is suitable for the local power su...

Page 66: ...Moving with your computer 56 English ...

Page 67: ...Software ...

Page 68: ...Your Aspire 1610 series notebook computer includes system utilities This chapter provides information on the important software that comes with your computer ...

Page 69: ... on the Start button Next select the appropriate folder and then click on the application icon To learn about the software and utility make use of the online help provided by the software Launch Manager Launch Manager allows you to set the four launch keys located above the keyboard See Launch keys on page 21 for the location of the launch keys You can access the Launch Manager by clicking on Star...

Page 70: ...ftware SCU system configuration utility It can be started shortly after you turn the computer on by pressing the F2 key during Power On Self Test POST The BIOS setup utility displays summary information on your computer its devices processor and memory Your computer is already configured for optimal performance and so you should not need to run this utility However you may need to change the BIOS ...

Page 71: ...Troubleshooting ...

Page 72: ... 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 ...

Page 73: ...restart the system Nothing appears on the screen The computer s power management system automatically blanks the screen to save power Press any key to turn the display back on If pressing a key does not turn the display back on check the following The brightness level might be too low Press Fn hot key to increase the screen brightness level The display device might be set to an external monitor Pr...

Page 74: ... tray with my computer turned off The computer needs to be turned on for the optical drive eject button to function 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 See Emergency ejection of the optical drive tray on page 23 for more information The keyboard does not respond Try attaching an exter...

Page 75: ...ter is connected to a power outlet and it is turned on Check that the cable is properly connected to the appropriate ports on both the computer and the printer If you are using a printer connected to your computer s parallel port restart the computer Windows needs to find the new hardware and install the necessary drivers I want to set up my location to use the internal modem Follow these steps Cl...

Page 76: ... in does not have an Acer authorized ITW service site you can still get in contact with our offices worldwide Please consult www acersupport com Before you call Please have the following information available when you call Acer for online service and please be at your computer when you call With your support we can reduce the amount of time a call takes and help solve your problems efficiently If ...

Page 77: ...Appendix A Specifications ...

Page 78: ...This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer ...

Page 79: ...aDMA 100 One internal optical drive Display and video 15 0 Thin Film Transistor TFT displaying at 1400 x 1050 SXGA resolution respectively Simultaneous LCD and CRT display support Dual display capability S video for output to a television or display device that support S video input Automatic LCD dim feature that automatically selects the best setting for the display in order to conserve power Con...

Page 80: ...ad pointing device I O ports Two Type II or one Type III PC CardBus PCMCIA slot One IEEE 1394 port One FIR port One RJ 11 modem jack V 90 V 92 56K One RJ 45 network jack One DC in jack One parallel port ECP EPP One S video port One external monitor port One microphone in jack 3 5mm mini jack One headphone jack 3 5mm mini jack Four USB 2 0 ports Weight and dimensions 15 0 display model 3 52 kg 7 75...

Page 81: ... C 65 C Humidity non condensing Operating 20 80 RH Non operating 10 90 RH Operating system Microsoft Windows XP operating system Power 59 2W 8 cell Li Ion battery pack 120W AC adapter 20V 6A Options 256 MB memory upgrade module Additional AC adapter Additional Li Ion battery pack ...

Page 82: ...Appendix A Specifications 72 English ...

Page 83: ...Appendix B Regulation safety notices ...

Page 84: ...This appendix lists the general notices for your computer ...

Page 85: ...ce of successful operation on every PSTN termination point In the event of problems you should contact your equipment supplier in the first instance List of Applicable Countries EU member states as of April 2003 are Belgium Denmark Germany Greece Spain France Ireland Italy Luxembourg the Netherlands Austria Portugal Finland Sweden and the United Kingdom Usage allowed in the countries of European U...

Page 86: ...oducts plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed the fuse rating 9 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 on the product 10 Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to danger...

Page 87: ... risk of electric shock from lightning Laser compliance statement The CD or DVD drive used with this computer is a laser product The CD or DVD drive s classification label shown below is located on the drive CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT CAUTION INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM APPAREIL A LASER DE CLASSE 1 PRODUIT LASERATTENTION RADIATION DU FAISCEAU LASER INVISIBLE EN CAS D OUVE...

Page 88: ...ly unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited Apparatus Claims of U S Patent Nos 4 631 603 4 577 216 4 819 098 and 4 907 093 licensed for limited viewing uses only Radio Device Regulatory Notice Note Below regulatory information is for models with wireless LAN and or Bluetooth only General This product complies with the radio frequency a...

Page 89: ... 2003 are Belgium Denmark Germany Greece Spain France Ireland Italy Luxembourg the Netherlands Austria Portugal Finland Sweden and the United Kingdom Usage allowed in the countries of European Union as well as Norway Switzerland Iceland and Liechtenstein This device must be used in strict accordance with the regulations and constraints in the country of use For further information please contact l...

Page 90: ...ber Aspire 1610xx x 0 9 a z or A Z Is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the following EC directives Reference No Title 89 336 EEC Electromagnetic Compatibility EMC directive 73 23 EEC Low Voltage Directive LVD 1999 5 EC Radio Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Directive R TTE The product specified above was tested conforming to the applicable Rules u...

Page 91: ...er bringing to meetings 52 caring for iv cleaning v disconnecting 51 features 9 moving around 52 on indicator 11 security 27 setting up a home office 54 taking home 53 traveling internationally 55 traveling on local trips 54 turning off iii connections audio 42 external display devices 39 external input devices 39 keyboard external 39 keypad external 39 mouse 39 printer 42 USB 40 connectivity opti...

Page 92: ...grade 47 memory upgrade 46 PC Cards 43 spare AC adapter 45 spare battery 45 P PC Card inserting 43 removing 44 power management 35 printer connecting 42 troubleshooting 65 problems 63 audio 64 CD 65 diskette 64 display 63 DVD 65 floppy drive 64 keyboard 64 printer 65 startup 63 R rear view 7 right view 6 S safety CD or DVD 77 FCC notice 75 general instructions 75 scroll lock 13 security slot 27 se...

Page 93: ...83 English English international flights 55 local trips 54 U USB connecting 40 utility BIOS Setup 60 V volume adjusting 26 W warranty International Traveler s Warran ty 66 Windows keys 15 ...

Page 94: ...Index 84 English ...