User Guide

This guide will introduce you to the many features of your customized notebook including descriptions of the hardware features along with some useful information concerning the software that has been pre-loaded.

It is important to note that this notebook PC has been customized specifically for Microsoft PDC attendees and as such – is different than the standard configuration offered by Acer for their retail 1420P model. As a result – BIOS firmware and other common Acer software and drivers may not be compatible with your Microsoft PDC Edition notebook. Configuring your system with BIOS, Software or Driver updates that are not specifically intended for this 1420P configuration could result in loss of functionality.

All driver updates intended for this notebook will be available on Windows Update.

For additional information regarding BIOS and driver updates, please refer to the FAQ section.

Your Acer notebook tour

This section will highlight the many hardware features of your Acer Aspire 1420P Convertible Tablet PC – Microsoft PDC Edition.

Top view

#	Icon	Item	Description
1		Acer Crystal Eye webcam	Web camera for video communication.
2		Display screen	Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD), displays computer output and accepts 2-finger touch input
3		Ctrl+Alt+Del key	Single button equivalent to pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del. Useful when notebook is in tablet mode.
4		Flip 3D key	Press to initiate Windows Flip 3D. Continue pressing to flip through open application windows.
5		HDD	Indicates when the hard disk drive is active.
		Num Lock	Lights up when Num Lock is activated.
		Caps Lock	Lights up when Caps Lock is activated.
6		Power¹	Indicates the computer's power status.
		Battery¹	Indicates the computer's battery status. 1. Charging: The light shows amber when the battery is charging. 2. Fully charged: The light shows blue when in AC mode.
		Bluetooth communication indicator	Indicates the status of Bluetooth communication.
		Communication indicator	Indicates the status of WLAN / 3G communication.
7		Click buttons (left and right)	The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse buttons.
8		Touchpad	Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer mouse.
9		Palmrest	Comfortable support area for your hands when you use the computer.
10		Keyboard	For entering data into your computer.
11		Stylus	A pen tool for entering data into your computer.
12		Microphone	Internal microphone for sound recording.
13		Magnetic lock	A lock that snaps into place to prevent the screen from inadvertently rotating.

1. The front panel indicators are visible even when the computer cover is closed up.

Hotkeys

The computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most of the computer's controls like screen brightness and volume output.

To activate hotkeys, press and hold the <Fn> key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination.

Note: Hotkeys are not available from the virtual keyboard.

Hotkey	Icon	Function	Description
<Fn> + <F1>		Mobiliy Center	Launch Windows mobility Center.
<Fn> + <F2>		System property	Starts System Property for displaying system information.
<Fn> + <F3>		Bluetooth	Enables / disables the Bluetooth function. (only for certain models)
<Fn> + <F4>		Sleep	Puts the computer in Sleep mode.
<Fn> + <F5>		Display toggle	Switches display output between the display screen, external monitor (if connected) and both.
<Fn> + <F6>		Screen blank	Turns the display screen backlight off to save power. Press any key to return.
<Fn> + <F7>		Touchpad toggle	Turns the internal touchpad on and off.
<Fn> + <F8>		Speaker toggle	Turns the speakers on and off.
<Fn> + <>		Brightness up	Increases the screen brightness.
<Fn> + <>		Brightness down	Decreases the screen brightness.
<Fn> + <>		Volume up	Increases the sound volume.
<Fn> + <>		Volume down	Decreases the sound volume.

Closed front view

#	Icon	Item	Description
1		Communication key	Slide left to enable / disable WWAN (3G) – slide right to enable / disable WLAN (WiFi) functions.
2		Speakers	Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio output.

Rear view

#	Icon	Item	Description
1		Battery bay	Houses the computer's battery pack.

Left view

#	Icon	Item	Description
1		External display (VGA) port	Connects to a display device (e.g., external monitor, LCD projector).
2		DC-in jack	Connects to an AC adapter.
3		Ventilation slots	Enables the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use.
4	HDMI	HDMI port	Supports high definition digital video connections.
5		USB 2.0 port	Connect to USB 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera).

Right view

#	Icon	Item	Description
1		Multi-in-1 card reader	Accepts Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick PRO (MS PRO), xD-Picture Card (xD). Note: Push to remove/install the card. Only one card can operate at any given time.
2		Headphones/speaker/line-out jack with S/PDIF support	Connects to audio line-out devices (e.g., speakers, headphones).
2		Microphone-in jack	Accepts inputs from external microphones.
3		USB 2.0 port	Connects to USB 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera).
4		Power button / indicator	Slide the power button to turn the computer on and off. / Indicates the computer's power status.
5		Kensington lock slot	Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security lock. Note: Wrap the computer security lock cable around an immovable object such as a table or handle of a locked drawer. Insert the lock into the notch and turn the key to secure the lock. Some keyless models are also available.
6		Ethernet (RJ-45) port	Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/1000-based network.

Base view

#	Icon	Item	Description
1		Battery bay	Houses the computer's battery pack. Note: Remove battery to reveal SIM card slot for WWAN operation.
2		Hard disk bay	Houses the computer's hard disk (secured with screws).
3		Memory compartment	Houses the computer's main memory.
4		Ventilation slots and cooling fan	Enables the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use. Note: Do not cover or obstruct the opening of the fan.
5		Battery lock	Locks the battery in position.
6		Battery release latch	Releases the battery for removal.

Specifications

Operating system	•Genuine Windows^® 7 Ultimate 64-bit
Platform	•Intel^® Core^™2 Duo U2300 processor •Mobile Intel^® GS45 Express Chipset
System memory	•Dual-Channel SDRAM support •2GB of DDR3 1066 MHz memory, upgradeable to 8 GB using two soDIMM modules
Display	•11.6" HD 1366 x 768 •Convertible multi-touch display
Graphics	•Mobile Intel^® GS45 Express Chipset
Communication	•Integrated Acer Crystal Eye webcam •WWAN: UMTS/HSPA at 850/900/1900/2100 MHz and quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) •WLAN: Intel^® WiFi Link 1000 •WPAN: Bluetooth^® 2.1+Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) •LAN: Gigabit Ethernet; Wake-on-LAN ready
Audio	•Optimized 2nd Generation Dolby^®Sound Room^®audio enhancement •High-definition audio support •S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) support for digital speakers •MS-Sound compatible •Built-in microphone
Storage subsystem	•2.5" 250GB hard disk drive •Multi-in-1 card reader
Privacy control	•BIOS user, supervisor, HDD passwords •Kensington lock slot
Dimensions and weight	•285 (W) 208.9 (D) 28.5/34.5 (H) mm (11.22 x 8.22 x 1.12/1.36 inches) •1.72 kg (3.79 lbs.) (non-3G SKU)
Power subsystem	•ACPI 3.0 •62.16 W 5600 mAh •3-pin 30 W AC adapter
Special keys and controls	•84-/85-/88-key keyboard •Multi-gesture touchpad pointing device
I/O interface	•Multi-in-1 card reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS PRO/xD) •USB 2.0 port •HDMI^™ port with HDCP support •External display (VGA) port •Headphones/speaker/line-out jack with S/PDIF support •Microphone-in jack •Ethernet (RJ-45) port •DC-in jack for AC adapter
Environment	•Temperature: •Operating: 5 °C to 35 °C •Non-operating: -20 °C to 65 °C •Humidity (non-condensing): •Operating: 20% to 80% •Non-operating: 20% to 80%

Pre-loaded Software

Your Acer Aspire 1420P Convertible Tablet PC – Microsoft PDC Edition comes pre-loaded with software. Here is some important information related to that software:

Corel Paint It! Touch

Corel’s Paint It! Touch application has recently been updated. We recommend you apply the product update when prompted. Updates can be applied from within the Paint It! Touch Help menu, by clicking on “Check for Updates”.
Office 2010 is on this machine. Is it the Beta?

Because of the timing for manufacturing the machines, a Pre-Beta build of Office Professional Plus 2010 has been installed on this computer. This build is newer than the Technical Preview made available earlier this year, and is close to but does not exactly match the official Beta build. Please enjoy this special sneak peek and thanks for being a part of PDC 2009.
Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC

This machine supports hardware assisted virtualization. Using the pre-loaded Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC feature, users can run multiple environments from their Windows 7 desktop. More information is available at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/
Windows Live is pre-loaded and includes:
- Windows Live Movie Maker
- Windows Live Mail
- Windows Live Call
- Windows Live Messenger
- Windows Live Family Safety
- Windows Live Photo Gallery
- Windows Live Writer
- More information is available at http://download.live.com/
Microsoft Security Essentials

This is a free antivirus solution from Microsoft providing high-quality and hassle-free protection for your PC. More information is available at http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/
Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7

This is a set of six multi-touch optimized applications and games that are designed to showcase the capabilities of Windows Touch in Windows 7.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Who is eligible to receive the Acer notebook?

This personal use giveaway is for full-conference attendees who are onsite at PDC. It is not available to Microsoft attendees, members of the media, government employees, staff, speakers, crew, volunteers, day pass attendees, guests, or Workshop-only attendees.
When will eligible attendees receive the Acer notebook?

Eligible attendees may pick up their Acer notebooks at PDC Materials Distribution as follows:

Wed, November 18 12:30pm – 9:00pm

Thurs, November 19 7:30am – 4:00pm

Acer notebooks will only be distributed onsite at the Los Angeles Convention Center. There is no post-event fulfillment option for eligible attendees.
Is the Acer notebook mine to keep?

Yes, for eligible attendees, the Acer notebook loaded with Windows 7 is yours to keep. You should carefully consider your personal circumstances, such as your employment policy, and ensure this allows you to receive personal use giveaways. This is particularly relevant if your employer paid for you to attend PDC09. Government employees are not allowed to receive personal use items, and as such, they are not eligible to receive the Acer notebook.
How much does the Acer notebook cost?

The Acer notebook is a promotion for eligible attendees with no increase to the conference registration price.
What happens if I lose my Acer notebook?

We will not provide replacements for lost notebooks.
Can I install BIOS updates intended for the retail version of the Acer Aspire 1420P?

No. This machine has been customized with features that are unique to it and not shared by the general retail version of the Acer Aspire 1420P. Items such as hotkey support and hardware assisted virtualization are made possible through customized BIOS and firmware. Replacing the BIOS with a general release version may disable this functionality and cause unexpected behavior.
Can I install Acer system software like that which is available on the retail version of the Acer Aspire 1420P?

While this software may work – its functionality has not been tested. Much of Acer’s software is designed to support hotkey functionality which differs from the implementation on your Microsoft PDC Edition notebook. While some hotkeys require Acer’s system software in order to function properly on the retail version of the 1420P – all hotkey functionality on the Microsoft PDC Edition notebook is supported through the customized BIOS and firmware present on the system. No additional software is required to support the hotkey features.
Should I accept driver updates from Windows Update?

Yes. All tested and supported driver updates for this machine will be made available through the Windows Update service and should be installed.
Should I install drivers directly from the various manufacturer’s websites?

Unless specifically directed to do so, all driver updates should only come from the Windows Update service. In rare instances – it may be necessary to obtain a driver from the device manufacturer directly – but in general – this is not necessary as all driver updates will be made available through Windows Update.
Can I install the Synaptics Touchpad driver on my machine?

This machine comes equipped with a Synaptics touchpad and the driver software from Synaptics allows for additional functionality and customization not provided by the general inbox driver that is currently installed. While the Synaptics driver will support this touchpad device – its functionality has not been fully tested by Microsoft for the PDC Edition notebook. As such, users may install the Synaptics driver to see if it is more suitable to use. If it is not suitable, Windows 7 provides the ability to roll back to the previously installed driver. The Synaptics driver is not currently on Windows Update and must be obtained directly from Synaptics.
What do I do if I need service and support for my machine?

This machine is backed by a 1 year service and support warranty from Acer. Details are provided in the documentation supplied with the notebook as well as Acer’s website.
How can I restore my machine to the way I received it from the factory?

This machine contains a hidden partition on the hard drive containing the original factory installed Windows 7 PDC image. This image can be restored to the main partition by pressing Alt+F10 when the Acer logo is visible during initial power on. You will be presented with a warning message to ensure you really want to restore the factory image. Note that restoring the factory image will destroy all data that exists on the machine. Please ensure you backup any important data before you restore the factory image as the data will not be recoverable afterwards.
My multi-touch display does not seem to be very accurate. How can I improve that?

It may be necessary to calibrate the multi-touch display. This will ensure that the display is optimized for your touch usage pattern. Calibration is a simple process and can be invoked by running Tablet PC Settings from Control Panel and clicking the Calibrate button.
I am having trouble with my display rotation. It doesn’t appear to work sometimes.

Display rotation is handled automatically by an accelerometer embedded in the machine. If you rotate the display while the machine is sitting motionless on a flat surface – it may not be detected by the accelerometer. In this case, you may need to pick up the machine and hold it in the orientation you desire in order to trigger the accelerometer.

The accelerometer driver that originally shipped with this machine displays a pop-up message when switching to portrait mode. It has been discovered that this message can be problematic. An updated driver is available on Windows Update which will correct this issue and remove the pop-up message. The accelerometer device is described as ST Micro ScreenDetection Sensor Driver.