Acer Aspire TimelineX 1830T Thread

Have you connected your Monitor to your laptop using an audio cable?

Check the power management settings of the VGA driver. I read that some silly default settings (full power on battery) increase the power demand of that lappy.


Michael

 

Phil: thanks for the trackpad driver link, I'll check it out.

Michael_recycled: No, the monitor only has a headphone jack. My windows XP laptop worked fine just using the one regular monitor cable. But my Acer with Windows 7, no luck.

 

Use the cable that came with your monitor from the headphones connector of your laptop to this connector of the monitor.

EDIT: I just did some RTFM:

Source: Multisync LCD1770NXM User Manual

Unbelievable. VGA and DVI-D don't carry audio signals.


Michael

 

HDMI does but you usually have to change the output device setting in Windows sound properties (control panel) to HDMI.

 

Hey Ray, how fast and easy is it to install/partition ubuntu on this laptop? I don't want to lose windows 7 and I heard partitioning can be difficult for beginners.

 

Easy. Type "diskmgmt.msc" in the start menu search box and press enter. Select your Windows (large) partition and then right-click on it and select shrink. It's best to defrag your windows drive first (makes the whole process faster). Before it shrinks, it will ask you "how much". Leave at least 10GB for Ubuntu. If you plan to use Ubuntu for downloading large files, leave more space for Ubuntu. I give it about 30 to 50GB. When this process is done (usually just a minute or two) you'll have "unallocated space" at the end (right side of display) of the drive. Don't create a partition there, just leave it as blank space. That's it.

Then, when installing Ubuntu it will ask you where to put it. Choose "use largest available free space" (or something like that) -- it's a choice on the partitioning part of the installation.

For additional info... see the Linux threads here in the NBR forums or go to the Ubuntu Forums.

NOTE: Windows will not see your Linux partition(s). But you can access your Windows files from within Linux. Your Windows account password means nothing to Linux... you can get to all your files on the NTFS partition from within Linux. So can anyone else who boots your machine with a Linux LiveCD either from an actual CD or from a USB flash drive. That's just one measure of how bad Windows security is.

 

I am asking this question 4th time, can ANYBODY look at it???? please??


Can anybody tell me, if there is a second full size mini pci-e slot connector present in 1830t?

 

No. There is a place for one right next to the wi-fi card, but there is no connector there. And I still don't know where the bluetooth is. Under keyboard maybe.

 

Okay, new problem. After I quit and return to Ubuntu, the ethernet is not working. Do I need to compile it everytime I re-enter Ubuntu?

 

I had the same problem. I did the make-install again and the modprobe atl1e and the 2nd time it stuck. Or maybe try just the modprobe command and maybe it will stick without the re-compile.

 

Thank you. I hope if I solder in the connector, it will work

 

Also I now have this problem in Windows 7 where it takes 2 or 3 tries to get to the desktop. The first time it says "preparing desktop" and I am shown my desktop with icons missing and the classic theme, log off and log back the 2nd time it is my desktop with aero but some icons missing, log off and log back in the third time and it is my normal desktop. Before I had an error where it said "C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\desktop is not accessible". Been dealing with this for the past two days, not sure what caused it. Been searching for Google and no fixes are working.

 

You might want to talk to the guys over in the hardware threads. What you want to do might "brick" your laptop. And I don't know if the BIOS will support another PCI-e slot.

Ouch! You may have to re-install Windows. Too many tweaks and changes maybe? A virus?

 

I scanned with Avast, SuperAntiSpyware, and Malwarebytes and non found anything (except SAS which as usual found lots of tracking cookies). I will keep searching for answers because I really don't want to reinstall.

 

What ubuntu is better for this machine? Ubuntu desktop or netbook?

 

Desktop edition for this model, it's not a netbook... we have much better resolution (1366x768) than a netbook.

"get rid of partition" -- you mean the free space you created? Just expand the Windows partition back to where it was. If you created a partition in that free space and there's nothing on it, just delete it.

Running Ubuntu inside Windows is not really running Ubuntu. Best way to learn it is install it and run it natively without Windows running which will take up most of your computer's resources.

 

Forget everything I've said. Made a third new profile, copied setting and favorites over to it and now everything seems fine. No errors at startup with this profile, plus all the programs are still where they should be and work fine. Now to fix the ethernet in Ubuntu...

 

Michael, yes that does do it, though for some reason I really do get it from just connecting the VGA with xp. I even double checked just now. Trying to limit my cables but the headphone cable is thin at least. Maybe I'm just missing something here, but I'm glad to hear you recommend the second cable, so at least I'm not off base. Thank you.

 

I think he means that the machine might not boot if you add a connection that the BIOS isn't expecting to be there. Laptops are famous for that.

I also saw a space for a connector but it didn't look like the kind of spot you could solder a connector to. Open it up and look.

 

I'm going to order the Intel 6200 while my laptop is away in TX for the fan noise issue; before sending it out I was FINALLY able to get the screw out by using a 0x2" screwdriver from autozone of all places. It looked really stripped from my other screwdriver, but using the correct size made it too easy even though the screw head looked destroyed.

 

There is no reason NOT to use Remix unless you need a 64-bit OS. I like remix better myself. I don't use the desktop interface though. Just a small menu icon in the upper left corner that gives me a nice drop down. (You can see it in my signature below.) It's a really stripped down desktop everything is at the top of the screen, right were almost all application menus are located. This minimizes the distance I need to move the tracking device. What I don't like about the desktop version is that it has panels at the top and bottom which in my opinion is a waste of space. Remix (and Windows) keeps it all in one place.

I've also been playing with Peppermint Linux which is based on Ubuntu and I like it a lot. I move the taskbar to the top, do a few simple tweaks and I have a nice replica of my stripped down remix desktop. The OS is stripped down so It's really lightweight and boots really fast! I think I'm going to move from Ubuntu to Peppermint One as my main OS.

 

As someone mentioned previously, it is physically impossible for a VGA cable plugged into a VGA socket to carry any sort of audio information whatsoever. Is it perhaps possible that you are mistaking it with HDMI? HDMI is the first widely used cable standard that I am aware of to carry both a digital audio and video signal to a single connector.

We're not trying to give you a hard time, it's just that what you describe is literally impossible! ^_^

p.s. Take a look at the pin-out diagram here: VGA connector - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

You will note that none of the 15 pins carry any sort of audio signal at all. The 15 pins are all used for colors, syncing, power, ground, and monitor ids.

 

Doesn't matter. This monitor does not have HDMI.

Michael

 

Hi! I made a clean install. Thanks a lot for the help!

Just one question. It seems that I need drivers for PCI and ethernet. I have looked at Acers download page, but which drivers do I have to use?

 

The ethernet driver should be listed on the 1830T download page. If there are several try which one works for you.

I did not need to install any PCI driver.

 

Looking for some help in acquiring the UK plug for the 1830T power supply. It was bought in the USA, however I am living in the UK for the next year and I am having to carry around a converter.

I have spent ages looking for somewhere that sells the removable UK plug; the pictures below illustrates the part I am looking for:





If anyone can point me in the right direction that would be great. I don't understand why this is so hard to source - if Acer made that part removable so you could put different plugs on then there should be somewhere that supplies the plugs to fit different sockets world-wide.

On another note I have just purchased some bags to carry it around, I am going back to University next week and this is what I came up with (waiting for them to arrive).



Victorinox Trift Deluxe Laptop Messenger



CASE LOGIC LNEO-10

 

DaveGT it might be easier to find a completely new charger on Ebay or Dealextreme. Acer 1810 might use the same one, I'm not sure.

 

Aye.....looking to see if I could find this removable plug first and then if not I would look into that. However I could just carry around the plug converter and save the cash on a whole new power supply unit....but I don't like having extra things to carry around

 

If you look at the Acer product page for the 1830T, it says, "65-watt AC adapter". I got a 40-watt with mine.

I ordered a 65-watt adapter with compatible laptop connector from Amazon for about $9US plus shipping. It's the same voltage (19v) but 3.42 amps. It's always good to have an extra adapter. This one should charge my battery a bit faster.

As long as the voltage is the same, no worries, regardless of wattage rating.

@ohiomoto:
Thanks for that info -- I'll give Peppermint a try. I like trying new distros now and then.

 

Have you noticed it charges faster? My wall mount takes about 5 hours... that's pretty bad.

 

I haven't received it yet.... should arrive this week sometime. I'll let you know about battery charging time.

 

There is no fan noise issue, mine is loud too. Compared to my undervolted 3810T the 1830T is very loud, but I deal with it.

 

Ok, I found something that might fit although it doesn't specifically say so...it looks like it has the UK plug that would fit in my existing adapter from the USA...still £35 is a lot to pay for a UK plastic plug if the notebook connection part on this one doesn't fit my 1830T.



Acer Store - United Kingdom - AC Adapter (40W)

 

How about this one?
1810TZ LAPTOP AC ADAPTER CHARGER on eBay (end time 08-Oct-10 23:56:20 BST)

Here's a 65 watt one for 8 pounds
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AC-Adapter-Ac...=Laptop_Adapters_Chargers&hash=item4aa49b2ac4

 

the prettiness of the first one (the pricey) that its like a wall charger and small/compact. But 35 pounds its a rip off. I was looking for just only plugs/tips, but could not find any. Another way is just to get a UK plug adapter and that's it, like this: US/EU/AU TO UK TRAVEL AC POWER ADAPTER PLUG CONVERTER - eBay (item 120536059008 end time Sep-23-10 10:57:25 PDT)

 

if there is a circuit, then it should not be a problem, BIOS can address that device, it's a PC architecture..

I don't have the laptop yet, that's why I am asking here.. so that spot does not have prepared tracks for soldering like this?

 

Acer Germany wants 39,90 Euro for the same article. Basically the same price.

I'd personally go for a simple plug adapter (often sold as travel adapter) for a few coins from the hardware store round the corner.

Michael

 

buy also US2EURO converter, in case if you happen to travel to Paris for example, while you are in UK, or somewhere else in Europe, like Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen nice places )

 

I'm using an updated Dell driver for the Alps touchpad now. Best one I used sofar.

download link

 

Hi guys, first time poster here

I've been thinking of getting an ultraportable device that I can take with me while traveling/vacation.

I have a laptop at home now, but at just about 6lbs, it can be pretty heavy to lug around. Been was checking out the latest offerings by different manufacturers and the 1830T series by Acer caught my eye and has all the features that I'm looking for (lightweight, compact, decent processor, decent battery life).

I'm not going to be playing much games on it, or use it for any CPU intensive programs. All it's going to be used for is internet surfing, email, facebook, saving/uploading pictures from my camera, MS Office 2010, and some music/movies, etc.

I'm undecided whether to get the i3 or the i5 version.

Amazon sells the i3 version for $599 and the i5 version for $699.

The only main difference, besides the processor, is the HDD size, 1GB more RAM, and Bluetooth.

HDD size does not matter to me, since I'll be slapping in an SSD and doing a clean install of Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit once I receive the notebook.

I've never used Bluetooth and never had the need for it.

RAM prices seem to be going down again lately, perhaps I can snag a 2GB stick of RAM for cheap later on.

So, which one should I get. I've checked out other manufacturers' offerings as well, but I've got it pretty much narrowed down to the 1830T.

Should I get the i3 or i5?

Any input/suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

myke

 

get i3 and buy more RAM, nice bag and some nice accessories with 100$, that you save

 

It sounds like you could get by with a netbook, so buy the i3 and DON"T spend the money on any upgrades.

 

Does it make a loud buzzing sound? I was able to hear my fan before but it never stood out like this; it sounds like a quiet moped or like a fly caught in blinds, and it is consistently loud.

In other words, I doubt it is something likely to happen without user error, and is probably a result of me tinkering with the screw or letting the laptop drop the other night from a 3 inch height (it was on carpet and poised up by my ipod so it could cool down properly...kind of a hard position to imagine... and in the morning it was flat on the carpet).

 

I just installed this newer (beta) Intel RST driver and no problems, so far. I seem to boot a little faster but I haven't timed it.

IRST 10.0.0.1043

(This is a beta driver, use at your own risk)

 

If you are deadset on the 1830T then definitely get the i3. Your planned usage seems pretty comfortably in netbook territory and the i3 will be far more than enough machine.

Another strong candidate would be the $340 Gateway EC1440U at Tigerdirect which is just a rebranded Acer 1410. The Celeron 743 is of course not as fast as the newer i3um but it is still very powerful for the purposes you've outlined above and the price is speaks for itself. I've been recommending these to people looking at netbooks who plan to do exactly what you outlined in your post (surfing, office, media, facebook, photos).

In any case, the i5 is overkill.

 

Is *that* what they sell in the USA as a standard plug? I've been jumping through hoops, finessing language barriers, trying to order a *3-prong* plug for the adapter for my Travelmate 8172 here in Thailand.

(By "3-prong," I mean the standard two like in your picture, and then a third round prong for the ground/earth plug.)

What you show there is identical to what is sold in the domestic Thai market. I was trying to get a 3-prong plug in advance of trips to the USA, but if there *isn't* a 3-prong plug available, I'll stop all my efforts.

 

I have no buzzing, just straight loud fan noise.

 

Yes that is the standard plug that comes with the USA models - only has the 2 prongs. If its the exact same it will work fine in the states....there is a number on it: 1025 and then below is says USA JP TW.

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions regarding what I should do about this situation. I think I am just going to have to stick to carrying around a converter....I see purchasing a new adapter as a waste of money so my £1 travel adapter will do me for now until I return to the USA. However if anyone does manage to source the UK removable plug - please let me know.

Cheers

 

No need for an US2something adapter here
And in case I travel to Berlin, I don't need an adapter at all

If I want to go Acer original stuff, I could buy:
Denmark: Acer Store - Germany - NETZKABEL 250V Dänemark (3-PIN)
Switzerland: Acer Store - Germany - NETZKABEL 250V SCHWEIZ (3-PIN)
Italy: Acer Store - Germany - 3-adriges Netzkabel Italien
United Kingdom: Acer Store - Germany - 3-adriges Netzkabel UK
Rest of Europe: Acer Store - Germany - 3-adriges Netzkabel (this is what I have)



Michael