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Acer TimelineX Notebooks: Fast CPUs, All Day Battery

James Kendrick — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:01:11 +0000

Consumers can be demanding in their expectations with notebooks. They want the notebook to be a good performer, so no skimping on CPUs is acceptable. On top of that they insist the mobile computer be capable of delivering long battery life, so they can maximize our time away from a power outlet. They want it all. Acer has released a new line of notebooks that attempts to deliver in both of these areas: good CPU performance while providing 8 hours of battery life. The TimelineX series of notebooks comes in four sizes to appeal to a broad audience– 11.6, 13.3, 14, and 15.6 inches.

Acer is putting full voltage Core i3 or i5 processors coupled with either 3 or 4 GB of memory for performance. The Aspire TimelineX notebooks range in weight from 3 to 5.5 pounds for good portability given the screen size options. The 14-inch model 4820TG has discrete graphics that are switchable from video performance to power saving mode.

The TimelineX line is available at major retailers starting at $599.99.

Related research on GigaOM Pro (sub. req’d): To Win In the Mobile Market, Focus On Consumers

Coffee Break: 18.4-Inch Notebook Goodness

James Kendrick — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:28:22 +0000

Taken with Palm Pre

This coffee break is not the kind I usually take. I simply wanted a change of scenery while working, something I recommend all home workers do from time to time. So I’m working in the breakfast nook at home, but I am using the Acer Aspire 8940G. This beauty has the 18.4-inch high-resolution screen that is a joy to use. I can run two programs side-by-side using the Windows 7 Aero drag feature, and neither window requires horizontal scrolling to view everything. It’s also a performance beast with the Core i7 processors on board. Throw in the 4 GB of memory and the 500 GB hard drive and it’s like a high-power workstation. One I can carry into the kitchen to work. :)

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Acer Pushes the Mobile Limit With 18.4-Inch Aspire

James Kendrick — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:26:10 +0000

There are notebooks and then there are notebooks, and the Acer Aspire AS8940G-6865 is definitely in the latter category. Acer’s new entertainment notebook has a whopping 18.4-inch screen (1920×1080) that is powered by the Intel Core i7 Quad-Core 720QM processor. The AS8940G packs in Acer’s CineSurround technology, composed of five speakers including the Tuba bass boost.

The graphics get the horsepower to drive the giant display from the NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250M with 1GB of video memory. It can be configured with a Blu-ray drive for total movie immersion on the go.

The giant Acer will be available in time for the holidays. A typical configuration with pricing looks like this:

Intel Core i7 processor 720QM (1.60GHz, 6MB L3 cache, 1,333MHz FSB)
18.4″ full HD widescreen CineCrystal LED-backlit display
(1920×1080 Resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio)
4GB DDR3 dual-channel 1066MHz memory
NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250M with 1GB dedicated DDR3 VRAM
500GB 5400RPM SATA hard drive (1)
4X Blu-ray Disc/DVD SuperMulti double-layer drive
Multi-in-1 digital media card reader
Intel wireless Wi-Fi link 5100 802.11a/bg/Draft-N Wi-Fi certified
Acer Crystal Eye integrated webcam
Touch-capacitive media control interface
5 USB 2.0 Ports, 1 HDMI Port, 1 eSATA Port
8-cell Li-Ion Battery (4800mAh)
Dolby home theater audio enhancement
Acer CineSurround sound system (five built-in speakers)
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
MSRP $1,349.99

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