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This appendix lists the general notices for 
your computer.

Summary of Contents for Aspire 1500 Series

Page 1: ...Acer Aspire 1500 series User s Guide Model MS2143 ...

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: ...cting a diskette 22 Ejecting 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 Optimiz...

Page 8: ...1 Moving around 52 Preparing the computer 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...

Page 9: ...English Troubleshooting 61 Frequently asked questions 63 Requesting service 66 International Traveler s Warranty ITW 66 Before you call 66 Appendix A Specifications 67 Appendix B Notices 73 Index 85 ...

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: ...ects to IEEE 1394 devices 5 Infrared port Interfaces with infrared devices e g infrared printer and IR aware computer 6 LED indicator Lights up when the optical drive is active 7 Eject button Ejects the optical drive tray from the drive 8 Emergency eject slot Ejects the optical drive tray when the computer is turned off See page 23 for more details 9 Optical drive Internal optical drive accepts CD...

Page 16: ...vers stereo audio output 2 Floppy activity indicator Lights up when the floppy is active 3 Floppy drive Internal diskette drive accepts a 3 5 inch diskette 4 Floppy disk eject button Push to eject the floppy disk 5 Security keylock Connects to a Kensington compatible computer security lock ...

Page 17: ...Connects 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 Gigabit 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 audio ...

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: ...Supports 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 CD ROM DVD ROM DVD CD RW combo or DVD Dual MS DirectSound compatible Built in dual s...

Page 20: ...ve optical drive and floppy disk drive 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: ... 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 Light...

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: ...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 manufacturing opti...

Page 32: ... 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 these drives Inserting and ejecting a diskette To insert a diskette in the floppy disk drive Push the diskette into the drive Make sure that the label is on the outer edge and ...

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: ...er a phone line Ethernet and LAN The integrated network feature allows you to connect your computer to an Ethernet based 10 100 1000 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: ...he 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 ...

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 1500 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: ...s Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules The computer supports DDR Double Data Rate SDRAM Note Memory modules are strictly required to be JEDEC compliant There are two memory slots on your computer You can upgrade mem ory 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...

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 1500 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 1500 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: ...mats One E IDE hard disk 2 5 9 5mm UltraDMA 100 One internal optical drive Display and video 14 1 or 15 0 Thin Film Transistor TFT displaying at 1024 x 768 XGA resolution or 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 automatic...

Page 80: ...I 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 Gigabit Ethernet 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 14 1 display model 3 3 kg 7 32 lbs 326 W x 290 D x 38...

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 95W 12 cell Li Ion battery pack 120W AC adapter 19V 4 74A 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 Notices ...

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

Page 85: ...ice and receiver Connect the device into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected Consult the dealer or an experienced radio television technician for help Notice Shielded cables All connections to other computing devices must be made using shielded cables to maintain compliance with FCC regulations Notice Peripheral devices Only peripherals input output device...

Page 86: ...u will be notified as soon as possible You will also be informed of your right to file a complaint with the FCC Your telephone company may make changes in its facilities equipment operations or procedures that could affect the proper functioning of your equipment If they do you will be notified in advance to give you an opportunity to maintain uninterrupted telephone service If this equipment shou...

Page 87: ...t register or in a built in installation unless proper ventilation is provided 6 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 7 Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord Do not locate this product where persons will walk on the cord 8 If an extension cord is ...

Page 88: ...children and dispose of used batteries promptly 14 Use only the proper type of power supply cord set provided in your accessories box for this unit It should be a detachable type UL listed CSA certified type SPT 2 rated 7A 125V minimum VDE approved or its equivalent Maximum length is 15 feet 4 6 meters Laser compliance statement The CD or DVD drive used with this computer is a laser product The CD...

Page 89: ...e til leverandøren ADVARSEL Eksplosjonsfare ved feilaktig skifte av batteri Benytt samme batteritype eller en tilsvarende type anbefalt av apparatfabrikanten Brukte batterier kasseres i henhold til fabrikantens instruksjoner VARNING Explosionsfara vid felaktigt batteribyte Anvãnd samma batterityp eller en ekvivalent typ som rekommenderas av apparattillverkaren Kassera anvãnt batteri enligt fabrika...

Page 90: ...ight protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U S patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation Reverse engin...

Page 91: ...eral This product complies with the radio frequency and safety standards of any country or region in which it has been approved for wireless use Depending on configurations this product may or may not contain wireless radio devices such as wireless LAN and or Bluetooth modules Below information is for products with such devices ...

Page 92: ...ay not cause harmful interference and 2 This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation Caution Exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation The radiated output power of the wireless module is far below the Federal Communications Commission FCC radio frequency exposure limits Nevertheless the wireless module shall be used in such a manner that t...

Page 93: ...lled inside the notebook and are specific for this model not for generic computer FCC Caution To assure continued compliance any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user s authority to operate this equipment ...

Page 94: ...Appendix B Notices 84 English ...

Page 95: ...r 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 optio...

Page 96: ...k upgrade 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 78 FCC notice 75 general instructions 77 lithium battery 79 modem notic...

Page 97: ...glish T touchpad 19 hotkey 17 using 19 travel 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 98: ...Index 88 English ...

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