User Guide 1
© 2011 All Rights Reserved Acer ICONIA TAB User Guide Model: A500 (Wi-Fi only models) and A501 (Wi-Fi+3G models) First issue: 03/2011 Acer ICONIA TAB Model number: __________________________________ Serial number: ___________________________________ Date of purchase: ________________________________ Place of purchase: ________________________________ 2
Table of contents End user license agreement Getting to know your tablet Features and functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Product registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Setting up Unpacking your tablet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Getting to know your tablet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Playing music and video Multimedia playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Media server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Dolby Mobile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Managing contacts Using the camera Camera icons and indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
End user license agreement IMPORTANT - READ CAREFULLY: THIS END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT ("AGREEMENT") IS A LEGAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN YOU (EITHER AN INDIVIDUAL OR A SINGLE ENTITY), AND ACER INC. INCLUDING ITS SUBSIDIARIES ("ACER") FOR THE SOFTWARE (WHETHER PROVIDED BY ACER OR BY ACER'S LICENSORS OR SUPPLIERS) THAT ACCOMPANIES THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING ANY ASSOCIATED MEDIA, PRINTED MATERIALS AND RELATED USER ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTATION WHICH MAY BE BRANDED "ACER" ("SOFTWARE").
WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF TITLE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, QUIET POSSESSION, CORRESPONDENCE TO DESCRIPTION OR NON-INFRINGEMENT WITH REGARD TO THE SOFTWARE.
Getting to know your tablet Features and functions Your new tablet offers leading, easy-to-access multimedia and entertainment features. You can: • Connect to the Internet, via Wi-Fi or, if your tablet includes 3G features, HSDPA+. • Access your email while on the move. • Keep in touch with your friends via your Contacts and social networking applications. • Listen to rich, full-impact audio via Dolby Mobile.
Setting up Unpacking your tablet Your new tablet comes packed in a protective box. Carefully unpack the box and remove the contents. If any of the following items is missing or damaged, contact your dealer immediately: • • • • • Acer ICONIA TAB Quick Guide USB cable AC adapter Warranty card Getting to know your tablet Front view 1 3 2 No. Item Description 1 Touchscreen 10.1-inch, 1280 x 800 pixel capacitive touchscreen.
Back view 2 1 3 3 No. Item Description 1 LED flash Lights to illuminate images. 2 5 MP camera A 5-megapixel camera for taking highresolution images. 3 Speakers Emits stereo audio Left and right views 1 2 4 3 5 6 7 No. Item Description 1 Power button Long press to turn the tablet on, press briefly to turn the screen on/off or enter sleep mode; press and hold to turn the tablet off. 2 3.5 mm headphone jack Connect to stereo headphones.
No. Item Description 3 Micro HDMI (Type D) connector Connects to an HDMI cable with a Type D connector. 4 DC-in jack Connects to the DC power supply. 5 Micro USB connector (Slave) Connects to a computer with a USB cable. 6 USB connector (Host) Connects USB devices to your tablet. 7 Reset button Insert a small thin object (such as a paperclip) to reset power to the tablet. Top and bottom views 1 2 No.
Using your tablet Using the SIM card slot (only for Wi-Fi+3G models) Certain tablets include a SIM slot for internet access. To take full advantage of your tablet’s Internet capabilities, you should install a SIM card with data subscription before turning on your tablet. See “Installing a SIM card (only for Wi-Fi+3G models)” on page 51. Charging your tablet For first-time use, you need to charge your tablet for four hours. After that you can recharge the battery as needed.
Turning on for the first time To turn on your tablet, press and hold the power button for two seconds. You will then be asked some questions before you can use your tablet. To start, tap to select your language, then tap Start. Follow the rest of the instructions as they are displayed. Sign in to or create a Google account If you have Internet access, your tablet allows you to synchronize information with a Google account.
any services. Your tablet will lock automatically if it is not used after a while. To change the delay, tap Apps > Settings > Screen > Timeout. Waking your tablet If the screen is off and the tablet does not react to any taps on the screen, then it has been locked and is in sleep mode. To wake your tablet, press the power button. Your tablet will display the Lock screen. Drag the lock symbol to the edge of the circle to unlock the tablet.
The Home screen When you start your tablet, or wake it from power saving, it will display the Home screen. This screen gives you quick access to information and simple controls with widgets or shortcuts. These display information such as the time and favorite bookmarks, or provide additional controls and direct access to applications. Some have been pre-installed on your tablet, while others may be downloaded from the Android Market. The Home screen already features some useful controls and information.
Home Tap this icon to go directly to the Home screen. Recent Tap this icon to see recently opened applications. Tap an application to open it, or tap anywhere on the screen to return to the Home screen. Settings This icon is displayed in some applications. Tap this icon to open a list of options. The extended Home screen The Home screen extends to either side of the initial Home screen, giving you more room to add widgets or organize shortcuts.
The application menu The application menu displays applications installed on your tablet. Two categories are available All and My apps. All displays all applications that are installed on your tablet; My apps displays applications that you have installed from the Android Market. Note: All images are for reference only. The applications installed on your tablet can be different to the applications shown in illustrations. Applications are displayed in alphabetical order.
Tap the status icons to view more status information and a summary of events. Tap the status area again to view more controls. While viewing a notification, tap the summary to see more information, if available. Some event summaries include controls, such as media controls if music is playing. Status and notification icons Connection and batterystatus icons Note: Network connection icons are blue if you have an active Google account.
Notification icons Icon Description Icon Description Alarm is set Speaker is silenced New Gmail message Tablet microphone is off New Google Talk message GPS is on Upcoming event Receiving location data from GPS Song is playing More status notifications SD card or USB storage is full Syncing data Tablet is connected to PC via USB Sync is on Application update available Problem with sign-in or sync System update available Uploading data Virtual private network (VPN) status Downloading d
Personalizing the Home screen You may personalize your Home screen by adding or removing application shortcuts or widgets, and by changing the wallpaper. Adding or removing shortcuts or widgets To add shortcuts or widgets open the Add to Home screen: tap the plus sign next to Apps in the top-right corner of the Home screen. Alternatively, tap and hold anywhere on the Home screen. Tap Widgets to see small applications that you can add to a Home screen.
Adding shortcuts from the Application menu You can add shortcuts to the Home screen directly from the application menu. Open the Application menu then tap and hold an icon until an image of the Home screens appears. Drag the icon to a Home screen to create a shortcut. The onscreen keyboard When you tap a text box to enter text, an onscreen keyboard will appear. Simply tap on keys to enter text. Tap the ?123 button to see numbers and special characters, and then tap the More key to see more options.
settings. These settings include Auto-correction and keyboard sounds and vibration. Predictive text or auto correction The Android keyboard can provide predictive text input. As you tap the letters of a word, a selection of words are displayed that continue the sequence of letters tapped, or are a close match allowing for errors. The word list changes after every key press. If the word you need is displayed, you can tap on it to insert it into your text.
listing the text input methods available on your tablet. Tap the settings icon next to the XT9 Text Input entry. Function Description Languages and settings Set the languages that will be available. Preferences Change your text input preferences. If you have selected more than one language, tap the globe in the text prediction bar to cycle through the languages. Tap and hold the globe to see a list of selected languages.
The selected text is highlighted, with a tab at each end of the selection. 2. Drag either tab to expand or reduce the amount of selected text, or tap Select all. 3. To cut or copy the text, tap the Cut or Copy button.
Connecting devices to your tablet Connecting to AC power See “Charging your tablet” on page 11. Inserting a micro SD card (optional) You may install a micro SD card to expand your device's storage space. Note: Your tablet only supports microSD cards that use the FAT or FAT32 file system. microSD 1. Open the card slot cover. 2. Insert the micro SD card as shown. Ensure that the micro SD card is inserted all the way into the card slot. 3. Replace the card slot cover.
This allows you to transfer your personal data to, or from, your PC, using your PC’s file explorer. Plug the micro USB connector to your tablet, and plug the other end of the USB cable into a USB port on your PC. After a short delay, your tablet's internal memory will be visible as an external drive in your PC’s file explorer. Connecting a USB device to your tablet USB devices are supported, such as a keyboard or USB storage device, through the Host USB port. Note: Some keys on keyboards are not supported.
Tap Find nearby devices to scan for available devices. Note: Please check for updates to the tablet's software that may add support for additional Bluetooth devices. Visit www.acer.com/support. Connecting to a television with HDMI Connect a micro HDMI (Type D) cable to your tablet then plug the other end of the HDMI cable into a TV or monitor with an HDMI port. Connecting to the dock (optional) The optional dock holds your tablet and allows you to easily charge the battery with a single connection.
Going online Managing Wi-Fi connections If you did not connect to a Wi-Fi network when you first started your tablet, or want to connect to a new network, tap Apps > Settings > Wireless & networks > Wi-Fi settings to manage your connection settings. Alternatively, tap the Wi-Fi status icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen. If Wi-Fi is not on, tap Turn on Wi-Fi, and wait for your tablet to detect nearby networks. Tap the name of your network and enter a security password, if needed.
You may open multiple tabs. When a page is open, press the small tab with a plus sign. Simply tap one of the tabs across the top of the screen to switch pages. New tab Pinch to zoom in or out of pages. Tap and hold an item on a page to open a contextual menu. Voice Search With voice actions, you can send emails, find directions to locations, search the Internet and even send a note to yourself using your voice. Tap the microphone on the Home screen or open Voice Search from the applications tab.
Setting up the Email application The Email application enables you to access email from most popular email providers. Most accounts can be set up in two steps. Open the application menu and then tap Email to start setting up your email access. If necessary, enter your email address and tap Manual setup to enter the parameters manually. Tap Next to finish the setup process. The combined inbox feature of your tablet allows you to view emails from multiple accounts in a single inbox.
Acer SocialJogger Acer SocialJogger combines your social network updates in one location, allowing you to quickly follow what your friends are doing across several platforms. From the application menu, tap Acer SocialJogger to launch the program. Select Sign in to enter your account information. When you are finished press Start. Slide the disc, located on the right, up and down to cycle through the status updates. Tap on a status to view more details and make a comment.
You can browse the market by category or tap the search icon to search for a specific application. Once you have selected an application, tap the DOWNLOAD button to download and install the application. You will be told which services (contact information, wireless access, GPS, etc.) the application requires access in order to function correctly. If none of these services seem unusual, tap OK to proceed with the installation. You may keep track of the download progress from the status area.
Using downloaded applications Once you’ve downloaded and installed an application, you may find it in the My apps or All sections of the Application menu. Certain applications also provide widgets, or only provide a widget (with no application icon). Widgets can be found in the Widget section when personalizing your Home screen. See “Personalizing the Home screen” on page 19.
Acer content folders Your tablet includes content folders that allow you to easily organize and access your favorite applications. Choose one of the four categories on the Home screen or application menu: eReading, Games, Multimedia or Social. Tap the shortcut to open a screen containing applications from that category. Using the content folders Each category already contains shortcuts to essential applications. Simply tap a shortcut to open the application.
Selecting a content folder The folder shortcuts on the home screen or Application menu give you direct access to any of the four categories. If you have opened a category, you can easily change category by swiping the screen to the left or right. Adding You can add applications to any content folder. Tap the Plus sign in the top right corner and select one or more applications from the list. Tap OK to add shortcuts for the selected applications. You may view up to twenty shortcuts on a single screen.
Playing music and video Multimedia playback Your tablet comes supplied with a variety of programs that you can use to enjoy multimedia content. Acer clear.fi With Acer clear.fi, you can browse and stream remote multimedia content from, or to, other devices with Acer clear.fi installed. Note: All devices must be connected to the same network. Note: When using an external USB storage device to access media files, the device may not be recognized for a few minutes. Tap clear.fi. Acer clear.
Drag the bar on left side for more viewing options. clear.fi photos Tap the photo album to view the thumbnails. Tap and hold an album or photo thumbnail to view the menu panel. You can view photos found on any of the connected devices and save them. Tap and hold a photo thumbnail, then tap and hold any of the connected device showing an arrow. Select Play or Save.
Note: The Acer clear.fi video player only plays MP4 files. Please check for updates to the tablet's software which may add support for other types of video. See “Updating your tablet’s operating system” on page 59. To send video files, for example, to paired devices using Bluetooth or to YouTube, tap and hold a photo thumbnail, then tap Share. clear.fi music Tap a folder to list the audio files. Tap and hold a folder or audio file to view the menu panel.
nemoPlayer Open nemoPlayer from the application menu to play media you have stored on your tablet. nemoPlayer enables you to listen to music, view video clips and pictures in all the formats supported by your tablet. See “Multimedia” on page 63. Media server Your tablet can act as a digital media server using UPnP technology. This means that you can use it to send media content to other UPnP-enabled home entertainment devices that are connected to a home wireless network.
Managing contacts Your tablet features an address book that allows you to save contacts to the internal memory, SIM card or your Google account. Tap Contacts from the application menu to view your contacts. If you don’t have any contacts stored on your tablet, you can sync with your Google account contacts, import contacts from a contact data file (vCard or csv) or add a new contact. . If you have activated a Google account that includes contacts, your contacts will be synchronised automatically.
You may now edit the new contact entry. Editing a contact If you have opened an new or existing contact you can enter information about the contact: Simply tap on a box and type the appropriate information. Click on the arrow next to the name entry to see options, such as adding a name prefix or phonetic name. To enter multiple entries, such as separate entries for mobile and home phone numbers, tap the plus sign to create a second entry. Tap the minus sign to remove an entry.
Tap on an entry (such as an email address) to open the application linked to that type of entry. For example, tap an email address to open the Gmail application. To add or change information, tap the pencil icon. Tap Done to save changes, or Cancel to discard them. Starred contacts You may quickly access your favorite contacts by adding a star. First open the contact, then tap the star next to the contact’s name. Tap All contacts and select Starred to see only your favorite contacts.
Using the camera Your tablet features two cameras: a 5-megapixel digital camera and flash mounted on the rear and a 2-megapixel digital camera mounted on the front. This section will take you through all the steps in taking photos and videos with your tablet. Note: It is recommended that you insert a microSD card into the microSD slot before using the camera. Please note you can only save photos and videos to internal memory or a microSD card, not an external USB storage device.
Icon Description Zoom out You may only zoom out after you have zoomed in. Zoom in Crop and enlarge the center of the screen. When using zoom, the image on the screen does not represent the quality of the final image. Take photo After taking a photo, tap the thumbnail in the bottom-left corner to view the photo in the Gallery. Flash mode Choose when to use the flash: Auto, On or Off White balance Change the color balance to match the lighting: Auto, Incandescent, Daylight or Fluorescent.
3. Zoom in or out as needed. Note: When using zoom, the image on the screen does not represent the quality of the final image. 4. Tap the camera icon to take the photo. After taking a photo, tap the thumbnail in the bottom-left corner to view the photo in the Gallery. Shooting a video Note: Not all controls are available when using the front-facing camera. Tap the camcorder icon to switch to camcorder mode.
Note: Zoom is only available in certain resolutions. Supported formats Type Formats Image JPEG Video H.264BP Audio AAC-LC Viewing photos and videos After you have taken your photo or video, it is automatically saved; normally to internal memory. After taking a photo or video, you can view it in the Gallery by tapping the thumbnail in the bottom-left corner of the screen. Alternatively, open the application menu and tap Gallery, then Camera.
Reading an eBook or pdf LumiRead The LumiRead application allows you to purchase, store and read books on your tablet. Tap the LumiRead shortcut in the Application menu, or the eReading content folder, to open the LumiRead application. The bookshelves The contents of your tablet are shown on the screen as a series of bookshelves. Each book is shown as an image with a name; this image is either defined by the book or a generic book cover.
Icon Item Description Sort by Change how books are organized on the bookshelves. Display Change how the books are shown. Settings Open settings to Register an Adobe ID, change the theme or edit tags. Recently read The first shelf (at the top) displays books you have recently read. This list will change to reflect your activity. Favorites / tags As you add books to your tablet, you may find it difficult to find the book you need.
Warning: Certain vendors may use copyright protection systems that cannot be opened by your tablet. Please check which DRM (Digital Rights Management) system is used. LumiRead supports books protected with Adobe ID. In order to read certain books, you must activate your tablet with an Adobe ID. See “Your Adobe ID” on page 50. Opening a book All books stored on your tablet may be seen on the shelves on the main screen. If you have many books, swipe the bookshelves up to see them.
To add books to your tablet’s internal memory or to a micro SD card, copy the books to the LumiBooks folder, see “Transferring files between a microSD card and your PC“ on page 24 or “Connecting to a PC as a USB storage device“ on page 24. Note: Connect your tablet to a computer and add books to the LumiBooks folder on your tablet’s internal memory or micro SD card to see them on the LumiRead bookshelves.
Your Adobe ID Some books available for purchase are protected with Adobe DRM (Digital Rights Management). Before you can read them, you must enter an Adobe ID to activate your tablet. Only one activation is required, as it covers all purchases. If you already have an Adobe ID, you may use this to activate your tablet. To create an Adobe ID: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Open LumiRead. Tap the Settings button. Tap Register Adobe ID. Tap Create an Adobe Account.
Using a cellular data network (only for Wi-Fi+3G models) ‘3G’, or data over a cellular network, is only available on models equiped with a SIM card slot, or through a separate 3G modem (not supplied - available from your mobile Internet provider, check for compatibility). Important: Please check the information provided by your mobile internet provider. Not all options and settings described in this section will be available, and different applications may be provided.
Important: Depending on your settings, you may be required to enter your PIN each time you switch on the cellular data function. SIM card lock Your tablet may come with a SIM card lock, i.e., you will only be able to use the SIM card provided by your network operator. To cancel the SIM lock, contact your network provider. Note: If you need to turn the 3G network on or off see “Putting your tablet in Airplane mode” on page 56 and “Activating or deactivating connections” on page 56.
Disable data when roaming You can prevent your tablet from transmitting data over other carriers’ mobile networks when you are traveling and leave an area that is covered by your carrier’s networks. This is useful for controlling expenses if your mobile data contract doesn’t include data roaming. 1. Tap Apps > Settings > Wireless & networks > Mobile networks. 2. Tap Data roaming to disable it (remove the green tick).
Wi-Fi hotspot You can turn your tablet into a portable Wi-Fi hotspot to share your mobile Internet connection with up to eight clients. 1. Tap Apps > Settings > Wireless & networks > Tethering & portable hotspot. 2. Tap Portable Wi-fi hotspot and Portable Wi-Fi hotspot settings. 3. Tap Configure Wi-Fi hotspot to set the Network SSID and adjust security settings (such as adding a password). 4. Tap Save to finish.
Advanced settings Access Settings from the Application menu. Tap Apps, then Settings. Sound Adjust the volume of your tablet using the volume buttons on the side of the tablet. Alternatively, you can adjust your tablet sound settings by tapping Apps > Settings > Sound. Item Description Vibrate Sets vibration options. Volume Sets volume for Media, Alarm, and Notifications. Notification ringtone Sets a ringtone for notifications. Audible selection Plays a sound whenever a screen selection is made.
Putting your tablet in Airplane mode You can enter Airplane mode (also known as flight mode) to turn off network and Bluetooth functions and use your tablet during a flight. Check with your airline to make sure this is permitted onboard. Switch your tablet off during takeoff and landing as it may interfere with aircraft electronic systems. Note: When Airplane mode is active, the area. icon is displayed in the status Turn Airplane mode on or off by tapping Settings > Wireless & Networks > Airplane mode.
Adjusting Bluetooth settings You can use Bluetooth to exchange information between your tablet and other mobile devices. Bluetooth connections For all Bluetooth settings, tap Apps > Settings > Wireless & networks > Bluetooth settings. Here you can switch Bluetooth on or off, set a device name and discoverability. Tap Find nearby devices to scan for available devices. To connect to a device, tap the device in the list of available devices.
Some applications, such as Gmail and Calendar, have their own synchronization settings. Open the application and tap the Menu button (four bars) and then tap Accounts. Auto-sync To have your tablet auto-sync, make sure Background data and Auto-sync are enabled. • If Background data is enabled, applications can transmit and receive data when you are not using them. • If Auto-sync is enabled, all changes are automatically transferred between your tablet and Internet accounts.
Changing language and text options Set your location and language input preferences by opening the application menu and going to Apps > Settings > Language & input. Managing applications You can allow programs from Unknown sources to be installed and Manage applications. Closing an application To close an active application, go to Settings > Applications > Manage applications. Tap the Running tab, then tap the program you wish to close. Select Force stop to close the program.
Clean boot A clean boot will restore your tablet to the factory settings. Warning! This will erase all your personal information, any contacts stored on your tablet and any programs you installed. Open Settings from the application menu, then tap Privacy > Factory data reset; click Reset tablet and then Erase everything to format your tablet. If your tablet still does not respond, refer to “FAQ and troubleshooting” on page 61.
FAQ and troubleshooting This section lists frequently asked questions that may arise during the use of your tablet, and gives easy answers and solutions to these questions. Aspect Question Answer Audio Why is there no sound coming from the device? If the headset is plugged into the device, the speaker is automatically shut off. Disconnect the headset. Check that the device volume setting is not muted. Check that the volume control is not at its lowest setting.
Aspect Question Answer Unlock pattern I forgot my unlock pattern. After a certain number of wrong entries, you will be presented with an option to reset your pattern. Tap Forgot pattern? and enter your google account username and password. Note: You must have an active Google account on the tablet. Alternatively, you can clean boot the tablet and erase all data. See “Clean boot“ on page 60. Heat The tablet heats up when charging or operating for a long period.
Specifications Performance • NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 mobile processor • Dual Core ARM® Cortex™-A9 • System memory: • 1 GB of RAM • 16 or 32 GB of flash memory • Google Android™ operating system Display • 10.
3G support (only available on Wi-Fi+3G models) • • • • • aGPS GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 UMTS 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 HSDPA 7.2 Mbps / HSUPA 5.76 Mbps / EDGE / GPRS Optional HSDPA 21 Mbps Camera • Front camera • 2-megapixel • Fixed focus • Rear camera • 5-megapixel • Flash • Auto focus Expansion • microSD memory card slot (up to 32 GB) Battery • Rechargeable high density Li-polymer batteries: 3260 mAh x 2 (24.
