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TravelMate C100 Service Guide Service guide files and updates are available on the CSD web; for more information, please refer to http://csd.acer.com.tw 49.48R01.001 PART NO.: PRINTED IN TAIWAN...
Revision History Please refer to the table below for the updates made on Travelmate C100 service guide. Date 02/07/2002 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 02/27/2002 Appendix B 03/05/2002 Chapter 1 Chapter 5 05/18/2002 Chapter 1 06/03/2002 Chapter 3 Chapter 6 09/13/2002...
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Conventions The following conventions are used in this manual: Screen messages NOTE WARNING CAUTION IMPORTANT Denotes actual messages that appear on screen. Gives bits and pieces of additional information related to the current topic. Alerts you to any damage that might result from doing or not doing specific actions.
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DIFFERENT part number code to those given in the FRU list of this printed Service Guide. You MUST use the list provided by your regional Acer office to order FRU parts for repair and service of customer machines.
System Specifications Features This computer was designed with the user in mind. Here are just a few of its many features: Performance ® Intel low voltage Tualatin power, fully static and with SMI feature. 64-bit memory bus AcerMedia bay (removable CD or DVD drive) High-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk Li-Ion main battery pack Power management system with ACPI (Advanced Configuration Power Interface)
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Keyboard and Pointing Device 84-/85-key Windows keyboard Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device with scroll function I/O Ports One type II CardBus PC Card slot One RJ-45 jack for Ethernet One RJ-11 phone jack One DC-in jack (AC adapter) One external monitor port One speaker/headphone-out jack One audio line-in jack One microphone-in jack...
Board Layout Top View Power switch (SW1) LCD cover switch connector Choke (increase power consumption efficiency) AC adapter connector RJ11 and RJ45 connectors LCD coaxial cable connector LED/Inverter board connector Fax/Modem board connector Intel FW82443MX100 (Core Logic) VGA port CPU socket USB port 1 USB port 2 1394 port...
Outlook View A general introduction of ports allow you to connect peripheral devices, as you would with a desktop PC. Front View Item Latch Display screen Launch keys Touchpad Click buttons (left, center and right) Microphone Infrared port Palmrest Keyboard Enter button Page up/Page down buttons...
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Item Status indicators Stylus Chapter 1 Description LEDs (light-emitting diode) that turn on and off to show the status of the computer, its functions and components. Used to input data in tablet mode.
Right Panel Item Stylus PC Card eject button PC Card slot Smart Card eject button Speaker/Headphone- out jack Line-in jack IEEE 1394 port USB 1 port USB 2 port Smart Card slot Chapter 1 Description For data input on the screen in tablet mode.
Rear Panel Item Security keylock External display port Modem jack Network jack Power jack Description Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security lock. Connects to a display device (e.g., external monitor, LCD projector) and displays up to 1024x768 resolution. Connects to a phone line. Connects to an Ethernet 10/100-based network Connects to an AC adapter...
Bottom Panel Item Memory compartment Battery lock/unlock latch Battery release latch Battery bay Hard disk bay Hard disk anti-shock protection Personal identification slot Chapter 1 Description Houses the computer’s main memory. Locks and unlocks the battery bay. Unlatches the battery to remove the battery pack.
Indicators The computer has seven easy-to-read status icons on the right of the display screen. The Power and Standby status icons are visible even when you close the display cover so you can see the status of the computer while the cover is closed. Icon Function Num Lock...
Lock Keys The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off. Lock Key Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in uppercase. Num Lock When Num Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in numeric mode. The keys function as a (Fn-F11) calculator (complete with the arithmetic operators +, -, *, and /).
Embedded Numeric Keypad The embedded numeric keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is indicated by small characters located on the upper right corner of the keycaps. To simplify the keyboard legend, cursor-control key symbols are not printed on the keys. Desired Access Number keys on embedded keypad...
Windows Keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Windows logo key Start button. Combinations with this key perform shortcut functions. Below are a few examples: + Tab (Activates next taskbar button) + E (Explores My Computer) + F (Finds Document) + M (Minimizes All) + R (Displays the Run...dialog box) Application key...
Hot Keys The computer employs hot keys or key combinations to access most of the computer’s controls like screen contrast and brightness, volume output and the BIOS Utility. To activate hot keys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the other key in the hot key combination. Hot Key Icon Fn-F1...
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Hot Key Icon Function Description Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness. Chapter 1...
Touchpad The built-in touchpad is a PS/2-compatible pointing device that senses movement on its surface. This means the cursor responds as you move your finger on the surface of the touchpad. The central location on the palmrest provides optimum comfort and support. NOTE: When using an external USB or serial mouse, you can press Fn-F7 to disable the touchpad.
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Left Function Button Execute Click twice quickly Select Click once Drag Click and hold, then use finger to drag the cursor on the touchpad Access context menu Scroll NOTE: Keep your fingers dry and clean when using the touchpad. Also keep the touchpad dry and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to finger movements.
700MHz CPU with on-die 512K cache FCBGA2 package 1.10V/0.95V/0.85V 1.25V Specification Acer V 3.3 Flash ROM 512KB 32-pin TSOP ACPI 1.0b, WfM 2.0, PC 2001, SM BIOS 2.3.1, IEEE 1394, IrDA V1.0, PCI 2.2, PnP BIOS 1.0a, Intel AC 97, USB specification 1.1, LDCM 6.0, PC card standard 1995 (PCMCIA V3.0 compliant device), Microsoft Simple...
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Memory Combinations Slot 1 0 MB 64 MB 0 MB 64 MB 128 MB 64 MB 128 MB 128 MB Above table lists some system memory configurations. You may combine DIMMs with various capacities to form other combinations. NOTE: The shipping specification for DIMM combination is 64MB in slot 1. LAN Interface Item Chipset...
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Floppy Disk Drive Interface Item Data transfer rate (Kbit/s) Rotational speed (RPM) Read/write heads Encoding method Power Requirement Power voltage (Vcc) Hard Disk Drive Interface Item Vendor & Model Name Capacity Bytes per sector Data heads Recording zone Drive Format Disks Spindle speed (RPM) Performance Specifications...
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Audio Interface Item Audio Controller Audio onboard or optional Mono or Stereo Resolution Compatibility Mixed sound source Voice channel Sampling rate Internal microphone Internal speaker / Quantity Video Interface Item Chip vendor Chip name Chip voltage Supports ZV (Zoomed Video) port Graph interface Maximum resolution (LCD) Maximum resolution (CRT)
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USB Port Item USB Compliancy Level OHCI Number of USB port Location Serial port function control IrDA Port Item IrDA FIR port controller Number of IrDA FIR port Location IrDA FIR port function control IrDA FIR port (in BIOS Setup) IrDA FIR port IRQ (in BIOS Setup) ECP DMA channel (in BIOS Setup)
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Keyboard Item Windows 95 keys Internal & external keyboard work simultaneously Battery Item Vendor & model name Battery Type Pack capacity Cell voltage Number of battery cell Package configuration Package voltage DC-AC LCD Inverter Item Vendor & model name Input supply voltage (V) Input signal voltage Output current (mA) Environmental Specifications...
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Item Optical Specification Brightness control Contrast control Recommended Operating Conditions Supply voltage for LCD display (V) Fluorescent lamp driving voltage (Vrms) Electronic Stylus Item Vendor Model number Maximum pressure Weight Environmental Specification Operating temperature Storage temperature Operating humidity Storage humidity Digitizer Unit Item Vendor...
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AC/DC Adapter Item Nominal input voltages Input voltage variation range Inrush current Efficiency Output Ratings (CV mode) DC output voltage Noise + Ripple Load Output Ratings (CC mode) Constant output Dynamic Output Characteristics Turn-on delay time Hold up time Over Voltage Protection (OVP) Short circuit protection Electrostatic discharge (ESD) Dielectric Withstand Voltage...
Power Management Power Saving Mode Hibernation Mode When customized functions for power management are set to Hibernation and the corresponding action is taken. Display Standby Mode Keyboard, built-in touchpad, and an external PS/2 pointing device are idle for a specified period.
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Direct memory access controller Numeric data processor Primary IDE channel ISAPNP Read Data Port ISAPNP Read Data Port Motherboard resources Acer Laptop Fast Infrared port Silicon Motion Lynx3DM Silicon Motion Lynx3DM Primary IDE channel Wacom Serial Pen HID Tablet Tablet PC Buttons...
System Utilities BIOS Setup Utility The BIOS Setup Utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer’s BIOS (Basic Input/ Output System). Your computer is already properly configured and optimized, and you do not need to run this utility. However, if you encounter configuration problems, you may need to run Setup.
Multi-Boot Menu Users can press F12 during POST to enter the Multi Boot Selection Menu. In this menu users can change boot device without entering BIOS SETUP utility. NOTE: If users disable the “Boot from LAN” option in BIOS SETUP utility, then the option of Lan Desk Service Agent will not appear.
Basic System Settings The Basic System Settings screen allows you to set the system date and time. Basic System Setting Basic System Setting Date Date Time Time = Move highlight bar, = Move highlight bar, The following table describes the parameters in this screen. Parameter Date Sets the system date.
Startup Configuration The Startup Configuration screen contains parameter values that define how your computer behaves on system startup. The following table describes the parameters in this screen. Settings in boldface are the default and suggested parameter settings. Boot Display Boot Display Boot Display Boot Display Screen Expansion...
The following table describes the parameters in this screen. Settings in boldface are the default and suggested parameter settings Parameter Hotkey Beep Fast Boot Network Device Boot on LAN 1394 Legacy Mode Boot Drive Sequence Floppy Disk Drive CD-ROM Hard Disk 4th: LANDesk Service Agent 5th:---------------------------...
System Security The System Security screen contains parameters that help safeguard and protect your computer from unauthorized use. Setup Password Setup Password Power On Password Power On Password Hard Disk Password Hard Disk Password Processor Serial Number Processor Serial Number = Move highlight bar, = Move highlight bar, The following table describes the parameters in this screen.
Setting a Password Follow these steps: Use the cursor up/down keys to highlight a Password parameter (Setup, Power-on, Hard Disk, or Resume) and press the Type a password. The password may consist of up to eight characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9). IMPORTANT:Be very careful when typing your password because the characters do not appear on the screen.
You have three chances to enter a password. If you successfully entered the password, the system starts Windows. If you fail to enter the password correctly after three tries, the system hangs. To change a password, follow the same steps used to set a password. To remove a password, follow the same steps used to set a password, except type nothing in the password boxes.
NOTE: This program contains a readme.txt file. This readme.txt file will introduce on how to use IFlash utility. System Utility Diskette This utility diskette is for the Acer TravelMate C100 notebook machine. You can find the utility in Service CD kit. It provides the following functions:...
Running PQA Diagnostics Program Press to move around the main menu. Press are Diag, Result, SysInfo, Option and Exit. The Diag option lets you select testing items and times. The following screen appears when you select Diag from the main menu. One Test performs a single test and Manual checks the selected test items in sequence.
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The screen below appears if you select Multi Test. Specify the desired number of tests and press After you specify the number of tests to perform, the screen shows a list of test items (see below). Move the highlight bar from one item to another. Press Space to enable or disable the item. Press view the available options of each selected item.
Machine Disassembly and Replacement This chapter contains step-by-step procedures on how to disassemble the notebook computer for maintenance and troubleshooting. To disassemble the computer, you need the following tools: Wrist grounding strap and conductive mat for preventing electrostatic discharge Flat-bladed screw driver Phillips screw driver Tweezers Flat-bladed screw driver or plastic stick...
General Information Before You Begin Before proceeding with the disassembly procedure, make sure that you do the following: Turn off the power to the system and all peripherals. Unplug the AC adapter and all power and signal cables from the system. Remove the battery pack.
Disassembly Procedure Flowchart The flowchart on the succeeding page gives you a graphic representation on the entire disassembly sequence and instructs you on the components that need to be removed during servicing. For example, if you want to remove the system board, you must first remove the keyboard, then disassemble the inside assembly frame in that order.
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Screw List Item Description Screw M2.5 X L6 (Black) Screw M3 X L4 (Silver) Screw M2 X L4 ((Black) Screw M2 X L4 (Silver) Screw M2 X L4.5 (Golden) Hex Screw (Silver) Screw M2 X L4 (Black) Chapter 3...
Removing the Battery Pack Push the battery lock latch forward to unlock the battery. Push the battery release latch to release the battery. Remove the battery. Chapter 3...
Removing the Wireless LAN Module See “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 47 First remove the two screws as shown here, and then lift the DIMM cover up. Detach the gray and black RF cables from the wireless LAN module. Push the two latches on both sides of the socket to release the wireless LAN module.
Removing the Hard Disk Drive Module See “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 47 Remove the screw of the HDD cover, then remove the HDD cover. Remove the HDD module in the way as shown here. Disassembling the Hard Disk Drive Module See “Removing the Battery Pack”...
Disassembling the Main Unit Removing the Middle Covers See “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 47 First, push outward the middle cover as shown here, and then detach the other middle cover on the rear of the unit. NOTE: The disassembly procedures of the middle covers are reversed due to the change of the material which the middle covers are made of.
Removing the LCD Module See “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 47 See “Removing the Middle Covers” on page 50 See “Removing the Keyboard” on page 50 Remove the two screws as shown here, and then disconnect the LCD coaxial cable from the main board. Disconnect the inverter cable from the main board Pull up the two RF cables with the tweezers gently.
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NOTE: We would like to hightlight the correct way to rotate the LCD module here. Please note that the LCD module can only be rotated at 180 degrees. Rotating the LCD module in the wrong direction may cause the damage to the cables. Pressing the two LCD support knobs inward, rotate the LCD module clockwise at 180 degrees.
Removing the DIMM Upper Plate See “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 47 See “Removing the Middle Covers” on page 50 See “Removing the Keyboard” on page 50 Remove the two screws, and then detach the DIMM upper plate from the heat sink plate. Removing the Internal Memory Module See “Removing the Battery Pack”...
Separating the Upper Case from the Lower Case See “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 47 See “Removing the Middle Covers” on page 50 See “Removing the Keyboard” on page 50 See “Removing the LCD Module” on page 51 Disconnect the touch pad cable from the main board with a plastic flat screwdriver. Disconnect the cover switch cable and RTC cable from the main board respectively.
Removing the RTC Battery See “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 47 See “Removing the Middle Covers” on page 50 See “Removing the Keyboard” on page 50 See “Removing the LCD Module” on page 51 See “Separating the Upper Case from the Lower Case” on page 54 Remove the tape and then detach the RTC battery from the upper case carefully.
Removing the Touch Pad FPC See “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 47 See “Removing the Middle Covers” on page 50 See “Removing the Keyboard” on page 50 See “Removing the LCD Module” on page 51 See “Separating the Upper Case from the Lower Case” on page 54 See “Removing the Touch Pad Module”...
Removing the System Board See “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 47 See “Removing the Middle Covers” on page 50 See “Removing the Keyboard” on page 50 See “Removing the LCD Module” on page 51 See “Separating the Upper Case from the Lower Case” on page 54 Disconnect the sensor switch &...
Press the PC card eject button, and then remove the CardBus dummy card. Detach the PCMCIA socket from the main board. Removing the VGA Plate See “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 47 See “Removing the Middle Covers” on page 50 See “Removing the Keyboard”...
Release the four black screws and two hex screws as shown here. 10. Lift and pull the main board backward, and then slide the main board out from the heat sink plate in the direction at 45 degree as shown here. Removing the Modem Cable See “Removing the Battery Pack”...
Disassembling the LCD Module Removing the LCD Bezel See “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 47 See “Removing the Middle Covers” on page 50 See “Removing the Keyboard” on page 50 See “Removing the LCD Module” on page 51 Remove the stylus and the two video capture kit covers. Remove the three LCD screw cushions and then the three screws on the LCD bezel..
Removing the LCD Hinges with the Center Hinge See “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 47 See “Removing the Middle Covers” on page 50 See “Removing the Keyboard” on page 50 See “Removing the LCD Module” on page 51 See “Removing the LCD Bezel” on page 60 Pull the cables out from the center hinge, remove the two screws, push the cables out through the center hinge and then remove the LCD hinges together with the center hinge from the LCD panel.
Disconnect the LCD power cable from the inverter board and then detach the button board together with inverter board from the LCD panel carefully.. Disconnect inverter cable from the inverter board. Removing the Main and Auxiliary Antenna See “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 47 See “Removing the Middle Covers”...
NOTE: Please do not detach the protection cover from the LCD. The intention to do so will cause the damage to the protection cover and the LCD. Removing the Coaxial Cable See “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 47 See “Removing the Middle Covers” on page 50 See “Removing the Keyboard”...
Troubleshooting Use the following procedure as a guide for computer problems. NOTE: The diagnostic tests are intended to test only Acer products. Non-Acer products, prototype cards, or modified options can give false errors and invalid system responses. Obtain the failing symptoms in as much detail as possible.
System Check Procedures External Diskette Drive Check Do the following to isolate the problem to a controller, driver, or diskette. A write-enabled, diagnostic diskette is required. NOTE: Make sure that the diskette does not have more than one label attached to it. Multiple labels can cause damage to the drive or cause the drive to fail.
Keyboard or Auxiliary Input Device Check Remove the external keyboard if the internal keyboard is to be tested. If the internal keyboard does not work or an unexpected character appears, make sure that the flexible cable extending from the keyboard is correctly seated in the connector on the system board. If the keyboard cable connection is correct, run the Keyboard Test.
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Check the Power Adapter Unplug the power adapter cable from the computer and measure the output voltage at the plug of the power adapter cable. See the following figure If the voltage is not correct, replace the power adapter. If the voltage is within the range, do the following: Replace the System board.
Check the Battery Pack To check the battery pack, do the following: From Software: Check out the Power Management in control Panel In Power Meter, confirm that if the parameters shown in the screen for Current Power Source and Total Battery Power Remaining are correct.
Power-On Self-Test (POST) Error Message The POST error message index lists the error message and their possible causes. The most likely cause is listed first. NOTE: Perform the FRU replacement or actions in the sequence shown in FRU/Action column, if the FRU replacement does not solve the problem, put the original part back in the computer.
Index of Error Messages Error Code List Error Codes <No Error Code> <No Error Code> Error Message List Error Messages Failure Fixed Disk Stuck Key Keyboard error Keyboard Controller Failed Keyboard locked - Unlock key switch Monitor type does not match CMOS - Run Setup Run “Load Default Settings” in BIOS Setup Utility. Shadow RAM Failed at offset: nnnn System RAM Failed at offset: nnnn Extended RAM Failed at offset: nnnn...
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Error Message List Error Messages Real time clock error Previous boot incomplete - Default configuration used Memory size found by POST differed from CMOS Diskette drive A error Incorrect Drive A type - run SETUP System cache error - Cache disabled CPU ID: DMA Test Failed Software NMI Failed...
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Error Message List No beep Error Messages No beep, power-on indicator turns off and LCD is blank. No beep, power-on indicator turns on and LCD is blank. No beep, power-on indicator turns on and LCD is blank. But you can see POST on an external CRT.
Index of Symptom-to-FRU Error Message LCD-Related Symptoms Symptom / Error LCD backlight doesn't work LCD is too dark LCD brightness cannot be adjusted LCD contrast cannot be adjusted Unreadable LCD screen Missing pels in characters Abnormal screen Wrong color displayed LCD has extra horizontal or vertical lines displayed.
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PCMCIA-Related Symptoms Symptom / Error System cannot detect the PC Card (PCMCIA) PCMCIA slot pin is damaged. Memory-Related Symptoms Symptom / Error Memory count (size) appears different from actual size. Speaker-Related Symptoms Symptom / Error In Windows, multimedia programs, no sound comes from the computer.
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Power Management-Related Symptoms Symptom / Error System hangs intermittently. Peripheral-Related Symptoms Symptom / Error System configuration does not match the installed devices. External display does not work correctly. USB does not work correctly Print problems. Serial or parallel port device problems. Keyboard/Touchpad-Related Symptoms Symptom / Error Keyboard (one or more keys) does not work.
Intermittent Problems Intermittent system hang problems can be caused by a variety of reasons that have nothing to do with a hardware defect, such as: cosmic radiation, electrostatic discharge, or software errors. FRU replacement should be considered only when a recurring problem exists. When analyzing an intermittent problem, do the following: Run the advanced diagnostic test for the system board in loop mode at least 10 times.
System Check” on page 67): Power-off the computer. Visually check them for damage. If any problems are found, replace the FRU. Remove or disconnect all of the following devices: Non-Acer devices Printer, mouse, and other external devices Battery pack Hard disk drive...
Index of AFlash BIOS Error Message Error Message Hardware Error VPD Checksum Error BIOS Update Program Error System Error Without AC adapter Battery Low Chapter 4 Action in Sequence See “System Diagnostic Diskette” on page 40 Reboot the system and then retest with this diskette. Turn off the power and restart the system.
Index of PQA Diagnostic Error Code, Message Error Code 16XXX 01XXX 02XXX 03XXX 04XXX 05XXX 06XXX 07XXX 08XXX 09XXX 10XXX 11XXX 12XXX Message Backup battery error CPU or main board error Memory error Keyboard error Video error Parallel Port error Serial port or main board error Diskette drive error Hard disk error...
Jumper and Connector Locations Top View CN10 CN11 CN13 CN14 PCB 01201-SD Power switch LCD cover switch connector AC adapter connector RJ11 and RJ45 connectors LCD coaxial cable connector LED/Inverter board connector Fax/Modem board connector VGA port SKT1 USB port 1 SKT2 USB port 2 1394 port...
DIFFERENT part number code from those given in the FRU list of this printed Service Guide. You MUST use the local FRU list provided by your regional Acer office to order FRU parts for repair and service of customer machines.
Model Definition and Configuration 10xT: T: below 12” TFT model 10xTx: The first x: define CPU speed. Celeron 500 / ULV Pentium III 0: ULV Celeron 500 1: Intel ULV Pentium III-T CPU 600 MHz 2: Intel ULV Pentium III-T CPU 700 MHz The second x: define CD-ROM/DVD/CD-RW Appendix A Appendix A...
Appendix B Test Compatible Components This computer’s compatibility is tested and verified by Acer’s internal testing depatment. All of it’s system functions are tested under Windows XP environment. Refer to the following list of components, adapter cards and peripherals which have passed this test.
IBM PS/2 Style Mouse (Black) Logtech Serial Mouse Microsoft IntelliMouse PS/2 Microsoft IntelliMouse USB Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical Lgotech USB Wheel Mouse Logitech MouseMan Wheel USB Comb for DOSV & iMac Logitech PS Style Mouse Acer Aspire USB Mouse Logitech USB Wheel Mouse Appendix B...
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Panasonic USB Digital Speaker AIWA Multimedia Digital Speaker System (USB) JS USB Digital Speaker Microsoft Sidewinder Precision Pro (USB) USB Rockfire Avant Garde Flightstick Acer USB Video Capture Kit Intel Digital Camera IBM PC Camera Belkin USB Ethernet adapter Linksys USB Network Adpter...
This section describes online technical support services available to help you repair your Acer Systems. If you are a distributor, dealer, ASP or TPM, please refer your technical queries to your local Acer branch office. Acer Branch Offices and Regional Business Units may access our website. However some information sources will require a user i.d.