Acer 1510 Series User Manual

Acer aspire 1510 series user's guide
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Acer Aspire 1510 Series
User's Guide

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  • Page 1 Acer Aspire 1510 Series User’s Guide...
  • Page 2 Copyright © 2004 All Rights Reserved Acer Aspire 1510 Series Notebook Computer User's Guide Original Issue: March 2004 Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation to notify any person of such revision or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual or supplementary documents and publications.
  • Page 3: First Things First

    You are advised to read it thoroughly and keep it handy for future reference. For more information on our products, services, and support, please visit our web site: www.acer.com. Basic care and tips for using your computer Turning your computer on and off To turn on your computer, open the lid and press the power button above the keyboard.
  • Page 4: Taking Care Of Your Computer

    Note: If you are unable to shut down the computer in the usual way, press and hold the power button for more than four seconds. You should then wait at least two seconds before turning the computer on again. Taking care of your computer Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it.
  • Page 5: Taking Care Of Your Battery Pack

    Taking care of your battery pack It is also important that you look after your computer's battery pack. • Use the correct battery model for your computer. Do not use other kinds of batteries. • Turn the power off before removing or replacing the battery. •...
  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    First things first Your guides Basic care and tips for using your computer Getting familiar with your computer A tour of your computer Front view Left view Right view Rear view Bottom view Features Display Indicators Keyboard Special keys Keyboard ergonomics Touchpad Touchpad basics Launch keys...
  • Page 8 Peripherals and options External display devices External input devices External keyboard External keypad External pointing device USB devices IEEE 1394 Port Printer Audio devices Expansion devices PC Card Miscellaneous options Battery pack AC adapter Key component upgrades Memory upgrade Hard disk upgrade Moving with your computer Disconnecting from the desktop Moving around...
  • Page 9 Troubleshooting Frequently asked questions Appendix A Specifications Appendix B Notices Index...
  • Page 11: Getting Familiar With Your Computer

    your Getting familiar with computer...
  • Page 12 Your Aspire 1510 series notebook 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: A Tour Of Your Computer

    A tour of your computer After setting up your new Aspire notebook computer, as illustrated in the Just for starters… poster, take a few minutes to explore the unit. Front view Item Display Power button Launch keys Description Large liquid crystal display (LCD) provides visual output.
  • Page 14 Item InviLink™ button (Manufacturing option) Bluetooth™ button (Manufacturing option) Touchpad Click buttons & 4-way scroll key Speakers Palm rest Keyboard Status indicators Latch Note: The wireless communication and Bluetooth buttons work for models with 802.11g wireless LAN and Bluetooth only. Getting familiar with your computer Description Enables or disables wireless LAN...
  • Page 15: Left View

    Left view Item Ventilation slots Floppy activity indicator Floppy disk drive / 4-in-1 card reader Floppy disk eject button Infrared port Modem jack Microphone-in jack Headphone jack Description Enables the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use. LED that turns on and off when the floppy is activated.
  • Page 16: Right View

    Right view Item Optical drive Optical disc access indicator Optical drive eject button Optical drive emergency eject hole PC card eject button PC card slot Getting familiar with your computer Description Depending on your model, the optical drive is one of the following: •...
  • Page 17: Rear View

    Rear view Item DC-in jack Network jack IEEE 1394 port S-video USB ports External display port Parallel port Ventilation slots Kensington lock slot Description Connects the AC adapter. Connects the computer to an Ethernet 10/ 100/1000-based network. Connects IEEE 1394 devices. Connects to a television or display device with S-video input.
  • Page 18: Bottom View

    Bottom view Item Ventilation slots Reset switch Battery pack release latch Battery pack Hard disk bay Memory compartment Getting familiar with your computer Description Enables the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use. Forces the computer to shut down in the event of system lockup.
  • Page 19: Features

    Features Performance • AMD Athlon™ 64 processor with 1MB L2 cache, supporting HyperTransport™ technology. • nVIDIA® nForce™3 chipsets • 2 memory slots supporting DDR SDRAM, upgradeable to 2GB. • High-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk. Multimedia • Built-in optical drive (DVD/CD-RW combo, DVD Dual or DVD Super Multi).
  • Page 20: Display

    Display • The 15.0” display panel provides a large viewing area for maximum efficiency and ease-of-use. The Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) supports XGA or SXGA+ resolution. • nVIDIA® 8X GeForce™4 448 Go or GeForce™ FX Go5700 AGP card with 64MB of video memory. •...
  • Page 21: Indicators

    Indicators Your computer provides an array of three indicators located above the keyboard, in addition to four indicators positioned at the front of the palm rest area. These indicators show the status of the computer and its components. The three indicators located above the keyboard provide the following status information: Icon Description...
  • Page 22 The four indicators located at the front of the unit provide the following status information: Icon Item Power mode Battery mode Wireless LAN mode Bluetooth mode Getting familiar with your computer Description • Steady green -- power on • Flashing orange -- standby mode •...
  • Page 23: Keyboard

    Keyboard The keyboard features full-size keys with an embedded keypad, separate cursor control keys, two Windows keys, and twelve function keys (hot keys). Special keys Lock keys The computer features three lock keys, each with its own status indicator light. Lock Key Description Caps Lock...
  • Page 24: Embedded Keypad

    Embedded keypad The embedded keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is indicated by small blue numbers and characters on the applicable keys. To use the embedded numeric keys, toggle the Num Lk on by pressing the Fn + F11 keys simultaneously. With the embedded keypad turned on, the following actions are possible: Desired Access...
  • Page 25: Windows Keys

    Windows keys The keyboard features two keys that provide Windows-specific functions. Description Windows key Pressed alone, this key has the same effect as clicking on the Windows Start button; it launches the Start menu. It can also be used with other keys to provide a variety of functions: + Tab activates the next Taskbar button.
  • Page 26: Hot Keys

    Hot keys Using the Fn key with another key creates a hot key, providing a quick and convenient method for controlling various functions. To use a hot key, first hold down the Fn key. Next, press the second key in the combination. Finally, release both keys. Your computer provides the following hot keys: HotKey Function...
  • Page 27: Keyboard Ergonomics

    HotKey Function Fn + F6 Screen blank Fn + F7 Touchpad toggle Fn + F8 Speaker toggle Fn + ↑ Volume up Fn + ↓ Volume down Fn + → Brightness up Fn + ← Brightness down Euro key Your computer supports the new Euro currency character. First, hold down the Alt Gr key, and then press the Euro key.
  • Page 28: Touchpad

    Touchpad The built-in touchpad is a PS/2- compatible pointing device that senses movement on its surface. The cursor responds to your finger movements on the touchpad. In addition, the two click buttons provide the same functionality as a computer mouse, while the scroll key enables easy up and down scrolling in documents and web pages.
  • Page 29 Function Left Button Execute Click twice quickly. Select Click once. Drag Click and hold. Then, slide your finger across the touchpad to drag the cursor over the selection. Access content menu Scroll Note: Keep your fingers, as well as the surface of the touchpad, clean and dry.
  • Page 30: Launch Keys

    Manager application. Key 5 and Key 6 are used to enable the Wireless LAN and Bluetooth features. The first four launch keys can be set by the user. To set the launch keys, run the Acer Launch Manager. Launch key...
  • Page 31: Storage

    Storage Your computer's all-in-one design offers a variety of data storage options: • The high capacity Enhanced-IDE hard disk drive. The hard drive is upgradeable, enabling you to increase your storage capacity in the future. Consult your dealer if you need to upgrade.
  • Page 32: Ejecting The Optical Drive Tray

    Ejecting the optical drive tray To eject the optical drive tray: • With the computer turned on, press the optical drive eject button. • The tray will be released, and partially pop open. • Gently pull the tray out to its limit. To load an optical disc: •...
  • Page 33: Connectivity Options

    Connectivity options Your computer has built-in connectivity options, enabling you to hook up to a network or communicate over a phone line. Ethernet and LAN The integrated network feature allows you to connect your computer to an Ethernet-based (10/100/1000Mbps) 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.
  • Page 34: Fax/Data Modem

    Fax/data modem Your computer features a built-in fax/data modem, enabling you to communicate over a phone line. This means that you can connect to the 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.
  • Page 35: Audio

    Audio Your computer includes an integrated stereo audio system. Built-in stereo speakers are located at the front of the unit. Volume is adjusted using software, such as Volume Control in Windows, or any other application that provides a volume adjustment control.
  • Page 36: Securing Your Computer

    Securing your computer Your computer features hardware and software security solutions, in the form of a slot for a Kensington lock and 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: •...
  • Page 37: Operating On Battery Power

    battery Operating on power...
  • Page 38 Your Aspire 1510 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 39: Battery Pack

    Battery pack The computer uses a battery pack that gives you long use between charges. Battery pack characteristics The battery pack has the following characteristics: • Employs current battery technology standards. • Delivers a battery-low warning. The battery is recharged whenever you connect the computer to the mains power supply.
  • Page 40: Installing And Removing The Battery Pack

    Follow these steps again until the battery has been charged and discharged three times. Use this conditioning process for all new batteries, or if a battery hasn't been used for a long time. If the computer is to be stored for more than two weeks, you are advised to remove the battery pack from the unit.
  • Page 41: Charging The Battery

    To remove a battery pack: Slide the battery release latch to release the battery. Pull the battery from the battery bay. Charging the battery To charge the battery, first make sure that it is correctly installed in the battery bay. Plug the AC adapter into the computer, and connect to a mains power outlet.
  • Page 42: Battery-Low Warning

    Battery-low warning When using battery power pay attention to the Windows Power Meter. Warning: Connect the AC adapter as soon as possible after the battery-low warning appears. Data will be lost if the battery to become fully depleted and the computer shuts down.
  • Page 43: Power Management

    Power management Your computer features a built-in power management unit that constantly monitors system activity. System activity refers to any activity involving one or more of the following devices: keyboard, touchpad/mouse, floppy disk drive, hard disk drive, optical drive, peripherals connected to the computer, and video memory. If no activity 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.
  • Page 44 Operating on battery power...
  • Page 45: Peripherals And Options

    Peripherals and options...
  • Page 46 Your Aspire 1510 series notebook computer offers good expansion capabilities. This chapter provides information on connecting peripherals to expand your system. It also describes how to upgrade key components to enhance system performance and keep your computer in step with the latest technology.
  • Page 47: External Display Devices

    External display devices You can connect an external (VGA) monitor or projector to your computer's external display port. See the section entitled "Display" for information on using the computer's simultaneous display and multi- display features. Use the Fn + F5 hot key to toggle the display setting between the computer's LCD panel and the external display device.
  • Page 48: Usb Devices

    Peripherals and options USB devices Your computer features four USB (Universal Serial Bus) 2.0 ports for connecting a range of USB peripherals. See “External input devices” on page 37 and “Printer” on page 40 for information on connecting a USB keyboard, keypad, mouse or printer.
  • Page 49: Ieee 1394 Port

    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 50: Printer

    Printer Your computer supports both parallel and USB printers. Refer to the printer's manual for information on: • Setting up the hardware. • Installing the necessary drivers in Windows. • Operating instructions. To use a USB printer, simply connect the device to one of your computer's USB ports, and then wait for Windows to find the new hardware.
  • Page 51: Expansion Devices

    Expansion devices PC Card Your computer features a PC card slot that supports a standard Type II or Type III PC card (PCMCIA or CardBus). This greatly increases your computer's usability and expandability. A variety of PC cards are available, such as flash memory, SRAM, fax/data modem, LAN, and SCSI cards.
  • Page 52 To remove a PC card: Close the application that is using the PC card. 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. Press the PC card eject button to partially eject the card.
  • Page 53: Miscellaneous Options

    Miscellaneous options Battery pack It is a good idea to have a spare battery, especially when you travel with your 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.
  • Page 54: Key Component Upgrades

    Key component upgrades Your computer is designed to deliver solid performance. However, in time, you might find that your applications demand even more computing power. For this reason, you are able to upgrade key components. Note: Contact your authorized dealer if you decide to perform a key component upgrade.
  • Page 55: Hard Disk Upgrade

    Insert the memory module diagonally in the slot, and then press down gently until it clicks in place. Replace the memory compartment 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.
  • Page 56 Peripherals and options...
  • Page 57: Moving With Your Computer

    Moving with your computer...
  • Page 58 Your Aspire 1510 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 59: Disconnecting From The Desktop

    Disconnecting from the desktop Before moving with your computer, you must turn it off and disconnect all peripherals: Save your work and close all applications. Shut down Windows to turn off your computer. Unplug the AC adapter from the mains outlet, and then disconnect it from the computer.
  • Page 60: Moving Around

    Moving with your computer Moving around Sometimes you might need to move your computer a short distance. For example, you might need to move from your office desk to a meeting room. In these situations, you don't have to shut down the operating system.
  • Page 61: Taking The Computer Home

    Taking the computer home When you move between your office and home you will need to prepare your computer for the short trip. Preparing the computer After disconnecting your computer from the desktop, prepare the unit as follows: Remove all media from the drives. Loaded media can damage the drive heads during transit.
  • Page 62: Setting Up A Home Office

    Moving with your computer Setting up a home office If you frequently work on your computer at home, as well as at work, it may be worthwhile purchasing a second AC adapter. This will allow you to travel lighter, as you can keep an AC adapter in each location. You might also find it worthwhile keeping a second set of peripherals at home, such as a keyboard, keypad, mouse and printer.
  • Page 63: Traveling With The Computer

    Traveling with the computer Sometimes you might need to make longer trips with your computer. Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as you would for moving between your office and home. It is advisable to make sure that the battery is fully charged. If you are traveling by air, you might be required to turn on the computer during security checks.
  • Page 64: Traveling Internationally With Your Computer

    Traveling internationally with your computer Occasionally you might need to travel between countries with your computer. Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as you would for normal travel. Remember to take special precautions for air travel. What to take with you It is advisable to take the following items with you: •...
  • Page 65: Software

    Software...
  • Page 66 Your Aspire 1510 series notebook computer includes system utilities. This chapter provides information on the important software that comes with your computer.
  • Page 67: System Software

    System software Your computer comes preloaded with the following software: • Microsoft® Windows® operating system. • Hardware BIOS setup utility. • System utilities, drivers and application software. Note: To run software applications in Windows, first click on the Start button. Next, select the appropriate folder, and then click on the application icon.
  • Page 68: Bios Setup Utility

    Software BIOS Setup Utility The BIOS (basic input/output system) contains important information used to configure the hardware and system software settings. Your computer reads the BIOS when it first starts up, before it loads the operating system. Your computer's BIOS includes a built-in setup utility called Insyde Software SCU (system configuration utility).
  • Page 69: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting...
  • Page 70 This chapter instructs you on how to deal with common system problems. Please read it before calling a technician. Solutions to more serious problems may require opening the computer. Do not attempt to open and service the computer by yourself. Contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance.
  • Page 71: Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently asked questions This section suggests solutions to commonly encountered problems. I press the power button, but my computer does not start or boot-up. Look at the Power status indicator: • If it is not lit, no power is being delivered to the computer. Check the following: If you are running on battery power, the battery may be low and unable to power the computer.
  • Page 72 There is no audio coming from my computer. Check the following: • The volume may be muted. In Windows, look at the volume control icon on the taskbar. If it is crossed-out, click on the icon and deselect the Mute option. •...
  • Page 73 The optical drive cannot read a disc. Check the following: • Make sure that the disc is supported by the drive. If your computer connects a CD-ROM drive, it can read CDs but cannot read DVDs. If your computer has a DVD drive, it can read CDs and DVDs. •...
  • Page 74 Troubleshooting...
  • Page 75: Appendix A Specifications

    Appendix A Specifications...
  • Page 76 This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer.
  • Page 77 Microprocessor • AMD Athlon™ 64 processors with 1MB L2 cache, supporting HyperTransport™ technology . Memory • Main memory expandable to 2GB. • Dual 200-pin soDIMM sockets. • DDR SDRAM (Double Date Rate-Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) support. • 512 KB flash ROM BIOS. Data storage •...
  • Page 78 Keyboard and pointing device • 84/85-key Windows keyboard. • Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device. Appendix A Specifications...
  • Page 79 I/O ports • One type III or type II PC Card slot (PCMCIA and CardBus). • One IEEE 1394 port • One RJ-11 modem jack (V.90/V.92, 56K). • One RJ-45 network jack (Fast Ethernet 10/100/1000). • One DC-in jack. • One parallel port (ECP/EPP).
  • Page 80 Options • 256/512 MB or 1 GB memory upgrade module. • Additional AC adapter. • Additional battery pack. Appendix A Specifications...
  • Page 81: Appendix B Notices

    Appendix B Notices...
  • Page 82 This appendix lists the general notices for your computer.
  • Page 83 Energy Star Guidelines Compliance As an Energy Star Partner, Acer Inc. has determined that this product meets the Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency. FCC notice This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
  • Page 84: Modem Notices

    Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme a la norme NMB- 003 du Canada. Declaration of Conformity for EU countries Hereby, Acer, declares that this Aspire 1510 series is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. (Please visit www.acer.com/about/certificates/nb for complete documents.)
  • Page 85 the problem is with the equipment, discontinue use and contact your dealer or vendor. Caution: To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger UL Listed or CSA Certified Telecommunication Line Cord. TBR 21 This equipment has been approved [Council Decision 98/482/EC - "TBR 21"] for single terminal connection to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
  • Page 86 Notice for New Zealand For Modem with approval number PTC 211/03/008 The grant of a Telepermit for any item of terminal equipment indicates only that Telecom has accepted that the item complies with minimum conditions for connection to its network. It indicates no endorsement of the product by Telecom, nor does it provide any sort of warranty.
  • Page 87 For Modem with approval number PTC 211/01/030 The grant of a Telepermit for any item of terminal equipment indicates only that Telecom has accepted that the item complies with minimum conditions for connection to its network. It indicates no endorsement of the product by Telecom, nor does it provide any sort of warranty.
  • Page 88: Important Safety Instructions

    Important safety instructions Read these instructions carefully. Save them for future reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
  • Page 89: Laser Compliance Statement

    If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service. 12 The Aspire 1510 series uses the lithium battery. Replace the battery with the same type as the product's battery we recommend in the product specification list. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.
  • Page 90: Lcd Pixel Statement

    Appendix B Notices PRODUCTO LÁSER DE LA CLASE I ADVERTENCIA: RADIACIÓN LÁSER INVISIBLE AL SER ABIERTO. EVITE EXPONERSE A LOS RAYOS. ADVARSEL: LASERSTRÅLING VEDÅBNING SE IKKE IND I STRÅLEN. VARO! LAVATTAESSA OLET ALTTINA LASERSÅTEILYLLE. VARNING: LASERSTRÅLNING NÅR DENNA DEL ÅR ÖPPNAD ÅLÅ TUIJOTA SÅTEESEENSTIRRA EJ IN I STRÅLEN VARNING: LASERSTRÅLNING NAR DENNA DEL ÅR ÖPPNADSTIRRA EJ IN I STRÅLEN...
  • Page 91 General 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).
  • Page 92: The Fcc Rf Safety Requirement

    The radiated output power of Wireless LAN Mini-PCI Card and Blue- tooth Card is far below the FCC radio frequency exposure limits. Never- theless, the Aspire 1510 series shall be used in such a manner that the potential for human contact during normal operation is minimized as follows.
  • Page 93 Exposure of humans to RF fields (RSS-102) Aspire 1510 series employs low gain integral antennas that do not emit RF field in excess of Health Canada limits for the general population; consult Safety Code 6, obtainable from Health Canada’s Web site at...
  • Page 94: Appendix B Notices

    --------------------------- Easy Lai/ Director Qualification Center Product Assurance, Acer Inc. Appendix B Notices Acer Incorporated 8F, 88, Sec. 1, Hsin Tai Wu Rd., Hsichih Taipei Hsien 221, Taiwan...
  • Page 95 Contact Person: Phone No.: Fax No.: Notebook Personal Computer Aspire 1510 Aspire 151xxx (“x” = 0~9, a ~ z, or A ~ Z) Acer America Corporation 2641 Orchard Parkeay, San Jose CA 95134, U. S. A. Mr. Young Kim 408-922-2909 408-922-2606...
  • Page 96 Appendix B Notices...
  • Page 97: Index

    Index ACPI audio connecting externally controlling volume troubleshooting battery bay battery pack battery-low warning caring for characteristics charging checking charge level installing low conditions maximizing life optimizing removing using the first time battery release latch BIOS Setup Utility entering caps lock on indicator care battery pack...
  • Page 98 Windows keys keypad connecting externally launch keys left view memory compartment installing 44– 45 upgrade slot upgrading microphone troubleshooting modem setting location mouse connecting externally notice DVD copyright protection num lock on indicator numeric keypad embedded optical drive options hard disk upgrade memory upgrade PC Cards spare AC adapter...
  • Page 99 connecting volume adjusting Windows keys...

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