Quick Guide for Acer Aspire 1820PT / 1420P Series
Quick guide for the Acer Aspire 1820PT and 1420P series laptops. Includes diagrams of ports, keyboard layout, hotkey functions, and full technical specifications.
Table of contents
Manual images
Click an image to enlargeQuick guide from the manual
This document provides a quick overview of the Acer Aspire 1820PT / 1420P series. For detailed information, including system utilities, data recovery, expansion options, and troubleshooting, please refer to the preloaded AcerSystem User Guide. To access it, click on Start, select All Programs, then AcerSystem, and click on AcerSystem User Guide. Viewing this file requires Adobe Reader.
Laptop tour
Top view
The top view includes the following key components:

- Acer Crystal Eye webcam: For video communication.
- Display screen: Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD).
- Programmable key: Launches predefined or user-defined programs.
- Backup key: Starts the automatic backup procedure.
- Indicators: HDD activity, Num Lock, Caps Lock, Power, Battery, Bluetooth, and WLAN/3G status.
- Touchpad and click buttons: Pointing device with left and right click functions.
- Stylus: Pen tool for data entry.
- Magnetic lock: Prevents the screen from inadvertently rotating.
Closed front and rear views
- Communication key: Enables/disables WLAN/3G functions.
- Speakers: Stereo audio output.
- Battery bay: Houses the battery pack.
Hotkeys
To activate hotkeys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the other key in the combination. Note that hotkeys are not available from the virtual keyboard.
- Fn + F1: Power management.
- Fn + F2: System property.
- Fn + F3: Bluetooth (certain models).
- Fn + F4: Sleep mode.
- Fn + F5: Display toggle.
- Fn + F6: Screen blank.
- Fn + F7: Touchpad toggle.
- Fn + F8: Speaker toggle.
- Fn + Arrow keys: Adjust brightness and volume.
Ports and connections
Left view

- External display (VGA) port: Connects to external monitors or projectors.
- DC-in jack: Connects to the AC adapter.
- HDMI port: High-definition digital video connection.
- USB 2.0 port: For USB devices.
Right view

- Multi-in-1 card reader: Supports SD, MMC, MS, MS PRO, and xD cards.
- Audio jacks: Headphones/speaker/line-out with S/PDIF support and microphone-in jack.
- Ethernet (RJ-45) port: For network connections.
- Kensington lock slot: For security locks.
Base view

- Battery bay: Houses the battery.
- Hard disk bay: Houses the hard drive.
- Memory compartment: Houses the main memory.
- Ventilation slots: Ensure the computer stays cool; do not obstruct.
Specifications
Key technical specifications include:
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo, Pentium, or Celeron mobile processors.
- Memory: Up to 4 GB DDR3 1066 MHz, upgradeable to 8 GB.
- Display: 11.6 inch HD (1366 x 768) convertible display.
- Communication: Integrated webcam, WLAN, Bluetooth 2.1, Gigabit Ethernet.
- Storage: 2.5 inch hard disk drive and multi-in-1 card reader.
- Environment: Operating temperature 5 °C to 35 °C; Humidity 20% to 80%.
Manufacturer information
Acer Inc.
Practical help
Common problems
The light shows amber when the battery is charging and blue when fully charged in AC mode.
Only one card can operate at any given time in the multi-in-1 card reader.
Ensure you are not using the virtual keyboard; hotkeys require the physical Fn key.
Before use
- Check the 'Just for Starters...' poster for initial setup.
- Ensure Adobe Reader is installed to view the full user guide.
- Verify the battery is locked in position using the battery lock.
- Do not cover or obstruct the ventilation slots and fan opening.
Specs in practice
- Operating Temperature
- 5 °C to 35 °C.
Images and diagrams
- Top view shows the location of the webcam, programmable keys, and touchpad.
- Left view details the VGA, HDMI, and USB ports.
- Right view details the card reader, audio jacks, and Ethernet port.
- Base view identifies the battery, hard disk, and memory compartments.
Model compatibility
- Specifications vary by model; some features like Bluetooth or 3G are only for certain models.
- The exact configuration of your PC depends on the model purchased.
Manual page author
David Miller
Documentation analyst
Organizes user manual content into clear summaries, with attention to model details, product context, and everyday usability.