Acer Travelmate 550 Service Guide

Chapter 113
In addition to the status LCD, the computer includes power and email status indicators.
AC power Computer is running on AC power.
Battery charge Battery is being charged.
Battery full Battery is fully charge.
Battery gauge Batter is 75 to 100 percent full.
Battery gauge Batter is 31 to 75 percent full, and battery is 
running low.
Battery gauge Battery is 6 to 30 percent full, and battery is 
running low.
Note: Charge the battery as soon as 
possible.
Battery gauge Battery is critically-low....

14Chapter 1
Lock Keys
The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off.
Lock KeyDescription
Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed 
are in uppercase.
Pad Lock   
(Fn-F10)When Pad Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in 
cursor mode, The keys function as a directional 
keypad including Insert and Delete keys.
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 +,...

Chapter 115
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. The embedded keypad can function in numberic mode or 
cursor-control mode.
Desired AccessNum Lock OnPad Lock On
Number keys on embedded 
keypadType numbers in a normal 
manner.Hold
 j while typing 
numbers.
Cursor-control keys on 
embedded keypadHold
 j while using 
cursor-control keys.Use cursor-control keys in a...

16Chapter 1
Windows Keys
The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.
KeyIconDescription
Windows logo 
keyStart button.  Combinations with this key perform 
special functions.  Below are a few examples:
 + Tab (Activates next taskbar button)
 +  E (Explores My Computer)
 +  F (Finds Document)
 +  M (Minimizes All)
j + Windows logo key + M (Undoes Minimize All)
  + R (Displays Run dialog box)
Application 
keyOpens a context menu (same as a right-click). 

Chapter 117
Hot Keys
The computer uses hotkey or key combinations to perform functions such as controlling the screen brightness 
and specifying where to display output.
NOTE: When activating hotkeys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the other key in the hotkey 
combination.
Hot KeyIconFunctionDescription
Fn-F5 Display toggle Switches display output between the display screen, 
external monitor (if connected) and both the display 
screen and external monitor.
Fn-
wBrightness Up Increases the...

18Chapter 1
Keyboard Ergonomics
Located below the keyboard, the wide and curved palm rest is ergonomically desinged to provide you with a 
very comfortable place to rest your hands while you type. 

Chapter 119
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 palm 
rest provides you optimum comfort and support.
NOTE:  If you are using an external PS/2 mouse, the touchpad is automatically disabled. You can enable or 
disable this function in BIOS.
Touchpad Basics
The following teaches you how to use the touchpad:
❑Move your finger...

20Chapter 1
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. Hence, the lighter the touch, the better the response. 
Tapping too hard will not increase the touchpad’s responsiveness. 

Chapter 121
Launch Keys
Located near the front end of the computer (between the speakers) are launch keys that perform various 
functions.
Depending on the set mode, these launch keys may be used to launch applications for play back music CDs.
NOTE: The Audio DJ feature is also available even when the computer is off.
#IconItemDescription
1 Mode Switch This sets the launch key mode. Slide the 
switch to the desired mode.
1
AP (Application) mode.
1
Lock mode
1
Audio DJ mode
21
 (
AP mode)Launches a...

22Chapter 1
32
(
AP mode)Launches a user-configurable application.
3 Play/Pause
(
Audio DJ mode)Plays and pauses playback of the music CD.
4Email
(
AP mode)Launches your email program.
4 Previous Track
(
Audio DJ mode)Jumps to the previous track on the music CD.
(AP mode)
5 Internet Browser
(
AP mode)Launches your internet browser.
5 Next Track
(
Audio DJ mode)Jumps to the next track on the music CD.
6 Volume Buttons Decreases (-) or increase (+) the volume.
#IconItemDescription