The new Acer Aspire One netbook is now available in the U.S. with prices beginning at $379. The sub-notebook measures 9.8 x 6.7 x 1.14 inches and weighs just 2.17 lbs. Other features include an 8.9 inch WSVGA LED backlit display with a resolution of 1024 x 600, integrated webcam, 8GB SSD or 120GB HDD, memory card reader with support for five media card formats (Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO and xD-Picture Card), built-in stereo speakers, HD audio, Wi-Fi, and of course the Intel Atom processor. Initial colors for the Aspire One will be Sapphire Blue and Seashell White. Acer will add Golden Brown and Diamond Black later this year to the mix.

Here are the specs to all the models:

Acer(R) Aspire one AOA110-1722: Available now for a MSRP of $379

• Intel(R) Atom(TM) Processor N270 (1.60GHz, 533MHz FSB, 512KB L2 Cache)
• 512MB Memory
• 8GB SSD NAND Flash Module(3)
• 8.9-inch WSVGA Acer CrystalBrite(TM) 1024 x 600
• Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• Acer Crystal Eye Web Camera
• 10/100 Mbps LAN
• 802.11b/g Wi-Fi Certified WLAN
• 3-Cell battery
• Multi-in-1 Media Card Reader
• SD Storage Expansion Card Reader
• Linpus(TM) Linux(R) Lite
• 3 USB 2.0 Ports

Acer(R) Aspire one AOA150-1570: Available now for a MSRP of $399

• Intel(R) Atom Processor N270 (1.60GHz, 533MHz FSB, 512KB L2 Cache)
• 1GB Memory (512MB On-board)
• 120GB Internal Hard Drive(3)
• 8.9-inch WSVGA Acer CrystalBrite(TM) 1024 x 600
• Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• Acer Crystal Eye Web Camera
• 10/100 Mbps LAN
• 802.11b/g Wi-Fi Certified WLAN
• 3-Cell Battery
• Multi-in-1 Media Card Reader
• SD Card Reader
• Windows XP(R) Home
• 3 USB 2.0 Ports

Acer(R) Aspire one AOA110-1566: Available for a MSRP of $449

• Intel(R) Atom(TM) Processor N270 (1.60GHz, 533MHz FSB, 512KB L2 Cache)
• 1GB Memory
• 8GB SSD NAND Flash Module(3)
• 8.9-inch WSVGA Acer CrystalBrite(TM) 1024 x 600
• Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• Acer Crystal Eye Web Camera
• 10/100 Mbps LAN
• 802.11b/g Wi-Fi Certified WLAN
• 6-Cell Battery
• Multi-in-1 Media Card Reader
• SD Card Reader
• Linpus(TM) Linux(R) Lite
• 3 USB 2.0 Ports

According to Acer, the new Aspire one will be available at places like Best Buy, Circuit City, and CDW.

Technorati Tags: Acer, Aspire one, netbook

Acer is introducing a new small form factor desktop PC series called the Aspire X1200. The chassis measures 10.4 x 3.9 x 2.4 inches, making it slighter smaller than the HP Pavilion Slimline series PC. Specs for the X1200 include:

• AMD Athlon X2 4850e or X2 5000+ processor
• 4GB RAM
• 320GB or 500GB HDD
• Dual layer DVD burner
• 14 in 1 media card reader
• Windows Vista Home Premium 64 bit OS
• NVIDIA GeForce 8200 integrated graphics
• eSATA and HDMI ports

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Technorati Tags: Acer, Aspire X1200 Desktop PC

PC Magazine has published one of the first reviews of the new Acer Aspire One ultra-portable notebook. The Acer Aspire One features an Intel Atom processor and competes directly with the ASUS Eee PC and the MSI Wind notebook. If you need a refresher on the Aspire One, here are the major specs (at least for the reviewed model):

• 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor
• 512MB RAM
• 2.1 lb
• 8.9 inch screen
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• 8GB SSD
• Wi-Fi

The verdict?

The Acer Aspire One is aggressively priced and will entice customers with an Intel Atom processor and a well-developed Linux operating system

The Aspire One is certainly a bargain at $399 - considering you get the 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor and an 8.9 inch display. Unfortunately PC Mag found the keyboard cramped, the battery a bit small, and the touchpad and mouse buttons awkward. It’s a sweet looking system though! In any case, this doesn’t really change my plans on waiting for at least the MSI Wind or perhaps even the upcoming Dell E.

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Technorati Tags: Acer, Aspire One, PC Magazine, Review

Acer is jumping into the ultra-low cost portable notebook market with the introduction of the new Acer Aspire one. Billed as an “all-new communication device”, the Aspire one measures 9.8 x 6.7 x 1.14 inches and features an Intel Atom processor as well as your choice of Linux or Windows XP Home. The full specs are as follows:

• 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi built-in
• 8.9 inch CrystalBrite LED backlit display with 1024 x 600 resolution display
• Acer CrystalEye webcam
• Available initially in blue and white with brown and pink coming out later this year
• Intel Atom processor
• Linpus Linux OS or Windows XP Home
• 512MB or 1GB of RAM
• 8GB NAND flash or 80GB HDD
• Memory card reader for SD, MMC, MS, MS PRO, xD Picture Card

If you’re up for Linux, then you might enjoy Acer’s new easy to use interface for the Linpus Linux OS. The system also comes with one Mail software suite which can manage up to six email accounts with a single application interface. Other software features include Messenger for IM, OpenOffice 2.3, Acer eRecovery Management, Acer Launch Manager, Adobe Reader, McAfee Internet Security, Microsoft Office Trial 2007.

The new Acer Aspire one will become available during the third quarter with prices beginning at $379.

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Technorati Tags: Acer Aspire one, Intel Atom

Acer has officially entered the PC gaming enthusiast market with the introduction of the new Acer PREDATOR lineup of desktop PCs and folks.. this is one bad ass looking desktop system. The PREDATOR system (model Aspire G7700) is highlighted by a new desktop chassis design colored in a cool deep metallic copper color. The chassis gives easy access to the internal drives and ports. (BTW.. don’t you just love the metallic copper color? I do!) But I digress…

As I was saying, the chassis gives easy access to drives. The front of the body can be raised to reveal a rewritable DVD and Blu-ray disc reader drive. USB and audio ports can be accessed via the top of the tower. The four internal hard drive bays can be accessed thanks to a special door on the front of the lower part of the chassis. Hard drives are stored using the Acer Easy-swap Hard Drive solution which even supports hot-swapping of hard drives.  The system itself supports RAID 0, 1, 5, and 1+0 modes with NVIDIA MediaShield Storage technology.

Specs include:

• Intel Core 2 Extreme quad core processor with 1333 FSB
• nTune overclocking utility
• NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI MCP
• Up to 8GB of memory
• Multimedia card reader
• 1000W/750 W PSU
• Optional TV tuner
• Gigabit Ethernet
• 3-way SLI capable motherboard with 2 x G9600 GT, 2 x G9800 GTZ or 2 x 9800GX2 (4 X GPU) extreme graphics cards
• Advanced liquid cooling system
• Multimedia gaming keyboard with illuminated keys
• Dolby Home Theater audio and EAX 4.0 support

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Technorati Tags: Acer, PREDATOR, Aspire G7700

Those new Acer Aspire Gemstone Blue notebook PC series which were announced back in March are now available for purchase here in North America. The new Aspire Gemstone Blue notebooks feature the market’s first 18.4 inch and 16 inch notebook form factors and deliver full HD capabilities.

Key features of the 18.4 inch Aspire 8920 include:

• Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T9500
• Intel(R) PM965 Express chipset
• 1 or 2 hard disk drive, up to 320GB each
• Integrated Blu-ray Disc drive or 8X DVD Super Multi double-layer drive
• 18.4-inch Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution Acer CineCrystal display
• Discrete NVIDIA GeForce 9650M GS or NVIDIA GeForce 9500M GS
• 6-in-1 card reader
• Express Card/54 slot, HDMI port with HDCP support
• 802.11a/g/n WLAN, Bluetooth, gigabit LAN, V.92 modem, integrated webcam
• second generation Dolby Home Theater
• Prices start at $1299

Key features of the 16 inch Aspire 6920 include:

• Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T9500
• Mobile Intel PM965 Express chipset
• Hard disk drive up to 320GB
• Integrated Blu-ray Disc drive or 8X DVD Super Multi double-layer drive
• 16-inch Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution Acer CineCrystal display
• Discrete NVIDIA GeForce 9500M GS
• 6-in-1 card reader
• Express Card/54 slot, HDMI port with HDCP support
• 802.11a/g/n WLAN, Bluetooth, gigabit LAN, V.92 modem, integrated webcam
• second generation Dolby Home Theater
• Prices start at $849

Technorati Tags: Acer, Aspire Gemstone Blue notebook PC series, Aspire 8920, Aspire 6920

Acer announced a brand new notebook lineup designed to bring high definition wherever you go in the form of the Aspire Gemstone blue. The Gemstone blue merges features found in previous versions of the Gemstone lineup into a 16 inch or 18 inch form factor. Yup.. you heard me.. 16 inches or 18 inches. In fact, Acer is the first to market a 16 inch notebook system featuring a full HD display with 1920 x 1080 resolutions.

Powering the new notebook is Intel’s Core 2 Duo processor coupled with an Intel PM965 Express Chipset. From the graphics standpoint, the Gemstone blue comes with the latest NVIDIA GeForce graphics along with 1280MB of TurboCache.

Other multimedia features include an HDMI port with HDCP support, Wide Color Gamut displays, Dolby Home Theater technology with CineSurround, Tuba CineBass booster, and True 5.1 output.

Storage wise, the blue comes with up to 320GB of HDD space per drive as well as your choice of either a DVD Super Multi drive or a Blu-ray drive. There’s also a 6 in 1 card reader, an integrated TV tuner, and Acer’s multimedia software suite.

One of the more interesting new features found on the Gemstone Blue is the touch-sensitive CineDash media console found to the left of the keyboard. The console responds to the lightest contact and is designed to give you full control over your multimedia playback experience.

Acer has two models already listed for the Gemstone blue - the Aspire 8920G and the 6920G

The Aspire 8920G features:

• Intel Core 2 Duo processor with Intel PM965 Express Chipset
• Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN
• Windows Vista Ultimate or Home Premium
• Up to 4GB of DDR2 667 MHz Memory
• Up to 320GB HDD
• 2x Blu-ray drive or 8x DVD Super Multi Drive
• 6 in 1 card reader
• 16 inch Full HD 1920 x 1080 display with 250 cd/m2 brightness, 8ms response time, 16:9 aspect ratio
• NVIDIA GeForce 9500M GS with 1280MB of TurboCache
• Dolby Home Theater
• Integrated Webcam
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
• Gigabit Ethernet
• 56K modem
• ExpressCard/54 slot
• 4 USB ports
• HDMI port
• VGA port
• Fingerprint reader
• Measures 385 x 275 x 43.6 mm and weighs 3.5 kg

The Aspire 6920G features:

• Intel Core 2 Duo processor with Intel PM965 Express Chipset
• Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN
• Windows Vista Ultimate or Home Premium
• Up to 4GB of DDR2 667 MHz Memory
• 1 or 2 HDD - up to 320GB each
• 2x Blu-ray drive or 8x DVD Super Multi Drive
• 6 in 1 card reader
• 18.4 inch Full HD 1920 x 1080 display with 300cd/m2 brightness, two lamps, 8ms response time, 16:9 aspect ratio
• NVIDIA GeForce 9650 GS or NVIDIA GeForce 9500M GS with 1280MB of TurboCache
• Dolby Home Theater
• Integrated Webcam
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
• Gigabit Ethernet
• 56K modem
• ExpressCard/54 slot
• 4 USB ports
• HDMI port
• VGA port
• Fingerprint reader
• Measures 441.4 x 300 x 40.2 mm and weighs 4.1 kg

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Technorati Tags: Acer Aspire Gemstone Blue, Aspire 8920G, Aspire 6920G

Interesting tidbit for today. Acer spent roughly $46 million dollars yesterday to acquire a 75% stake in PB Holding which is the mother company of Packard Bell. This officially completes Acer’s acquisition plan of the company.. which lead me to wonder - wow.. Packard Bell was still around?!?!?

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Technorati Tags: Acer, Packard Bell

While we’re on Acer, I came across this review of the Acer Aspire 4710-2013 notebook over at PC Magazine. The Aspire 4710-2013 is a low end notebook designed for people who don’t mind playing with yesterday’s technology. Features of the reviewed unit include:

• Intel Core Duo T2080 processor running at 1.73GHz
• 1GB of RAM
• 14.1 inch widescreen display
• 120GB HDD
• 802.11g Wi-Fi
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• Weighs 5.5 lbs

Here’s the verdict:

There is little to complain about with the Acer Aspire 4710-2013 laptop, especially since it costs only $600.

Not bad for something that’ll probably cost you around $600 bucks. Mobility on the cheap.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Acer Aspire 4710-2013, PC Magazine, Review

Looking to capitalize on the small business market, Acer has introduced the Extensa 4620 notebook here in North America. The 14.1 inch Extensa 4620 features the Acer Profile chassis found in TravelMate notebooks and come with Windows XP Professional, Intel Centrino Duo or Pentium Dual Core Processors, and hard drives up to 120GB. Here are the full specs for the Extensa 4620 models.

Extensa 4620-6294

• Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5450
• 1GB DDR2 667 SDRAM
• 120GB HDD
• Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3100
• 802.11a/b/g WLAN, Gigabit LAN, V.92 modem
• MSRP of $799

Extensa 4620-4054

• Intel Pentium Dual-Core Processor T2310
• 1GB DDR2 667 SDRAM
• 120GB HDD
• Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3100
• 802.11a/b/g WLAN, Gigabit LAN, V.92 modem
• MSRP of $699

Technorati Tags: Acer, Extensa 4620