The most annoying thing happens when using this keyboard. There is nothing in the manuals that show how to set/use the keys with the alternate "green" symbols for the french/english layout. It seems to turn onto "french layout" by itself and I can't figure out how to turn it off. I write in english! The Acer helpdesk couldn't figure it out either. The battery shows a full charge and then within seconds it's flat and the computer shuts down. It's only 9 months old and is already acting like it's much older. Can you help?

A battery should last longer than 9 months, but the indications seem to be saying that it's in it's death throes. Can you borrow a battery for a test.

I doubt it. Aren't batteries built to fit in specific models?

"Aren't batteries built to fit in specific models?" Yup, they are. I was hoping you were in an office where there are a lot of people with the same laptop. I think I would take it to a shop and have it tested. But someone here might have a better idea.