Acer Extensa 500 User Manual

This computer has a built-in power management unit that 
monitors system activity.  System activity refers to any 
activity involving one or more of the following devices: 
keyboard, mouse, floppy drive, hard disk, peripherals 
connected to the serial and parallel ports, and video 
memory.  If no activity is detected for a period of time (called 
an inactivity time-out), the computer stops some or all of 
these devices in order to conserve energy.

Power management methods used by most computers are 
timer-based.  You set inactivity time-out values for the 
display, hard disk, and other devices.  The computer then 
"sleeps" when these time-outs elapse.  The problem with 
this is that no two users are alike.  Each of us has his or her 
own habits when using the computer, which makes timer-
based power management ineffective.

This computer manages its power according to the way you 
use your computer.  This means the computer delivers 
maximum power when you need it, and saves power when 
you don’t need the maximum — all without your 
intervention.  There are no timers to set, because the power 
management system figures out everything for you.

Screen activity is determined by the keyboard, the built-in 
touchpad, and an external PS/2 pointing device.  If these 
devices are idle for the period determined by the computer’s 
power management system, the display shuts off until you 
press a key or move the touchpad or external mouse. 

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