Showing posts with label aspire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aspire. Show all posts

2/24/2012

Dell Inspiron Mini IM10-2863 10.1-Inch Obsidian Black Netbook Review

Dell Inspiron Mini IM10-2863 10.1-Inch Obsidian Black Netbook
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
So far I'm very impressed with this system. The keyboard is just awesome for a netbook, and with Windows XP Home, it's really not all that slow. I've had several heavier applications open at the same time and didn't really have any problems. Aptana Studio (My web development IDE of choice), FireFox 3, TrueCrypt, XAMPP (Apache & MYSql) just to name a few. I've only got a few real complaints about this computer. One, the touchpad is horrible. It really shouldn't have had the two buttons integrated into the bottom of it, it's not possible to have your index finger navigating and thumb clicking at the same time. It's quite annoying (I bought a cheap travel mouse). The other complaint I have is the video playback quality. It's really just not that good. It's actually quite choppy for the most part if you try watching videos in fullscreen. I have however found a workaround for this, and it makes the video quality look awesome (see notes at the bottom).
Pros:
Awesome 10" display
Great almost full-size keyboard
3 USB ports (one of the left, two on the right)
2.6lbs, it's super light
Decent speed for a 1.3Ghz system.Cons:
Cruddy video playback (mostly full screen problems)
Horrible Linux video driver support (Intel GMA 500, google it)
Battery life is a little bit lacking compared to other netbooks.
Touchpad needs to be redesigned.
Video Playback Notes/Quality tweak:
As far as the cruddy video playback is concerned, the one thing that I have found to help with this is the usage of a third party media player. A friend of mine turned me on to a player called KMPlayer [...] which comes bundled with just about every video codec ever made, and not to mention that it's portable (it runs off of a thumb drive). Anyway, you can customize the video rendering to allow for a much smoother playback of videos even on this slower model. Here's what I do:
Right-Click in the main KMPlayer window
Click on "Video (Advanced)"
Click "Video Renderer" up near the top.
Down near the bottom select "Enhanced Video Renderer".
Be amazed at how much better your videos look.
The playback quality that I received from doing this rivaled my full-size desktop with a real graphics card in it. This is definitely the most redeeming quality about this netbook because it really unlocks the ability for this to be a good portable media player. Cheers.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Dell Inspiron Mini IM10-2863 10.1-Inch Obsidian Black Netbook

A larger sibling to Dell's Inspiron Mini 9, the Inspiron Mini 10 in obsidian black adds keyboard comfort and even more entertainment-friendly dimensions to the Inspiron Mini family. Like the Inspiron Mini 9 and Mini 12, the Mini 10 is a compact, easy-to-carry Internet companion that's ideal for teens, tweens, travelers and "Tweeters" to surf the Web, chat with friends (both via text and using the integrated 1.3-megapixel webcam), stream video and audiocontent, and upload on-the-go photos to blogs or social networking sites. Standard built-in Wi-Fi means quick and easy wireless internet access to hotspots in the home, on campus, in a local coffee shop, in the office or at a conference.
The Inspiron Mini 10 features an intuitive Dell-developed custom home screen interface that is designed to make it easy to find what you're looking for. Intuitive icons link directly to groups of similar applications, like games, Web and entertainment, and favorite web links for quick access. Plus, the home screen can be personalized, putting your favorites front and center.

A bright 10.1-inch display is designed to be able to present web sites without a lot of left-right scrolling, and the 92-percent full-size keyboard is large and easy to navigate. An HDMI port also allows you to connect the Mini 10 to your HDTV for large-screen, high-def viewing. Other features include a 160 GB hard drive, 1 GB of RAM (533 MHz; maximum capacity), integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, three USB ports, 3-in-1 memory card reader, and up to 3 hours of battery life.

It comes preinstalled with the Microsoft Windows XP Home operating system, which offers more experienced users an enhanced and innovative experience that incorporates Windows Live features like Windows Live Messenger for instant messaging and Windows Live Mail for consolidated email accounts on your desktop.

A Better Keyboard You won't lose any flexibility with the Mini 10's keyboard. At 92 percent the size of a standard laptop, it's almost as if the Mini 10's keyboard is at full range. And with a multi-touch track pad, your fingers will have an easy time navigating. Plus, it's spill resistant, so you can rest assured if accidents happen.

Display and Audio The Inspiron Mini 10 has a 10.1-inch LCD screen (1024 x 576; WSVGA) with TrueLife high-gloss/anti-reflective technology, which features a sharp contrast finish that's well suited to immersive 3D games and watching videos. Its widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio is designed to present websites without lots of left-right scrolling, as well as with a smoother line of sight. Expand your screen by connecting to an external monitor or TV using the HDMI port. This notebook has two speakers for stereo sound.

Power-Sipping Processor Newly designed from the ground up, the Intel Atom Z520 uses a 45nm (nanometer) design structure with new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--to conserve even more energy and give you more time away from the wall outlet. The Intel Atom Z520 provides a 1.3 GHz CPU speed with a 533 MHz front-side bus (FSB) and 512 KB L2 cache--which uses just 2 watts of power. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.) It supports Intel's 64-bit computing architecture, which can allow the use of extended virtual and physical memory with compatible 64-bit software, as well as Intel's Hyper-Threading technology for speedier multitasking.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion This notebook has an integrated 54g wireless LAN that's fully compatible with 802.11b/g wireless networks. With the integrated Bluetooth connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones as well as use Bluetooth-enabled headsets for handsfree video chats. It comes with the following external connectors:

3 USB 2.0 ports (1 powered) for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
1 HDMI output (for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable)
Analog video output: None
10/100 Fast Ethernet networking
1 headphone (line-out) and 1 microphone (line-in)
3-in-1 memory card reader compatible with Secure Digital (SD), Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC), Multimedia Card (MMC), and Memory Stick

Dimensions This laptop measures 10.28 x 7.2 x 1.1 inches and weighs 2.6 pounds.

What's in the Box This package includes the Dell Inspiron Mini IM10-2863 (obsidian black), 3-cell rechargeable battery, AC adapter, and printed documentation. It's backed by a 1-year limited warranty with mail-in service. Dell provides a variety of service offerings and add-on options to help ensure devices are easy to use and maintain optimal performance, including:

Dell Support Center: Quickly access Dell service and support from an icon on your desktop that provides automated fixes, software upgrades and tools to help keep your system up-to-date and running efficiently.
DellConnectRemote Assistance: Dell experts help diagnose and solve PC problems via an Internet connection (available only on Windows-based systems).

Even More Storage and Access to Your Files Dell has teamed up with Box.net to offer exclusive web-based file storage, access and sharing to Inspiron Mini users, including a free Basic plan with 2 GB of remote storage space that's expandable to 25 GB. The Inspiron Mini 12 includes a direct link to a Dell-exclusive home page on Box.net (www.box.net/dell), providing you with an easy way to add incremental online storage space to easily manage your digital lives. Individuals can safely and securely upload files of any type to their Box, including photos, videos, music, documents and presentations, and then access those files from almost anywhere on any device.

Box.net's world-class service requires no software to download. With its OpenBox platform, Box.net enables people to edit documents and photos directly from their web-browser and post media to their blog or social networks, further enhancing the mobility and user experience on the Inspiron Mini.

Additionally, with Dell Remote Access you can find, use and share your digital world, even while away from home. Whether you use a mobile phone with a web browser, a computer outside your home, or share files and folders with a friend; you will have the ability to access files and devices in your home from anywhere with Internet access. Here are some examples on how you could use Dell Remote Access:

Remotely control any PC running Windows XP or Vista on your home network as if you were sitting in front of it.
If you have a smart phone with document viewers, you can open presentations, spreadsheets, and documents.
Take a picture on your phone and upload it to a folder on your computer... and then share the folder with a friend.
While on a vacation, transfer pictures from your camera (using an Internet connected PC) to a folder on your home computer, so your friends and family can see your vacation in real time.



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1/30/2012

Acer Aspire AS5251-1805 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black) Review

Acer Aspire AS5251-1805 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've been using this Laptop PC for more than a couple of weeks now and I would give it a 3.5 out of 5 ratings. Here are my findings and opinion about it-
Its a good starter / entry level Laptop that was sent well packed by Amazon. One can rightly term this LPC as "BIG BROTHER OF LITTLE NET-BOOK".
BUILD - It showcases a well-build body made up of tough Plastic with a contoured dotted touch which makes it non-glossy and fingerprint resistant. Extended numeric key-pad is an added advantage, though I feel that the keybaord would accumulate dirt very fast and would mis-operate. Missing are the LED indicators for Number / Caps lock key which a "kind-of-a" is compensated by an OSD (On Screen Display) indicators which informs the user about the current state of these Keys the moment these keys are pressed but still, LED indicators would surely be the first preference for many.
PROCESSOR - AMD V 120 single core with 2.2 Ghz clockspeed and 512 KB L2 cache is not a "Fast Enough" Processor compared to today's technology and customer demands, but, it well complements a Laptop thats priced below $400 (NOT $479.99). There heven't been any heating issues so far with the processor after prolonged usages ranging up to 5:00 Hrs of operation with Internet, Media player, PDF and MS Paint, Skype/Yahoo chat running in parallel.
LCD - This came to me as the most surprising feature, This laptop features a wide 15.6" LED-backlit LCD that is really very crisp, clear and bright . Another thing that impressed me a lot is the steadyness/stiffness of its LCD BEZEL, unlike Dell LPC's, it really holds to its place to what ever angle you may want to set.
ADD-ONs (WEBCAM/MIC/CARD READER/HDMI) - The LPC has an average performing integrated Webcam on the LCD bezel. You may not find it impressive on the very first use but, some tweaks and change in settings (Pixel resolution, Brightness, Contrast etc) will make it a bit better. In-built MIC really scores over the webcam with its good reception and quality of voice either recorded on-board or when transmitted onto the other side (when used with Skype / Yahoo voice chat). It also has a Multi-in-1 card reader along with a HDMI port something that makes it unique in its class.
O/S ISNTALLATION - The LPC came pre-installed with Windows-7 Home Premium and it was really very easy to configure (or should I say, Finalize) the installation though it took the system about 15-20 mins to get fully functional.
WIRELESS INTERNET - The wireless internet access was satisfactory as I couldn't find any edge over my old Dell D600 LPC with Intel Pro 2915 Wireless Mini card.
OTHERS - This system comes with 3GB DDR3 RAM,out of which hardly 2 GB is available for you to run your Apps. The HDD capacity is claimed to be 250GB but available/visible Lot is only 218GB (lesser RAM and HD space are though a normal and universal phenomena). The sound quality of the inbuilt speakers is good. The system does not comes with the recovery CDs, but it does has an option to create recovery / installation CD/DVDs, which should be created at the very first use when you Log in the system.
To sum up, Acer Aspire AS5251-1805 seems to be a good, above average, entry level Laptop PC with an attractive price tag that most can avail.
Thanks for reading...
Farah.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Acer Aspire AS5251-1805 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black)


Acer AS5251: Everyday Multitasking
The stylish Acer Aspire AS5251 laptop (model AS5251-1805) offers powerful AMD V Series performance, the latest connectivity technology and rich media features at practical price. Starting from the gorgeous 15.6-inch widescreen LED-backlit display with integrated HD webcam to the full-size keyboard with dedicated numeric keypad, you have everything you need for efficient multitasking and smooth communication at home or away.

This Aspire laptop's modish yet practical design brings a slenderized look, and the mesh-patterned cover brings a rich appearance while also preventing fingerprints and scratches. The full size keyboard extends to a Dedicated Numeric Keypad making number key in's quick.

A Multi-Gesture Touchpad enables you to pinch, flick and swirl your fingers across the touchpad for more natural photo and video viewing as well as intuitive navigation of websites. Other features include ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking, an integrated webcam for video chats, and a SuperMulti optical drive that's compatible with double-layer DVD discs. You'll also be able to connect this laptop to your HDTV via the HDMI port.

This Aspire laptop comes pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version).

Key Features
15.6-inch CineCrystal LED-backlit widescreen display with native 720p resolution for high-definition viewing. Its widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio is designed to present websites without lots of left-right scrolling, as well as with a smoother line of sight.
2.20 GHz AMD V Series V120 single-core processor with 512 KB L2 cache and 1066 MHz front-side bus for good multi-tasking. And with Vision Technology from AMD, you'll get a combination of cutting-edge processing and video power that allows you to experience vivid web and video content, sharp photos and crystal-clear music.
250 GB SATA hard drive (5400 RPM)
3 GB of installed DDR3 RAM (1066 MHz; expandable to 8 GB)
ATI Radeon HD 4250 graphics (with 256 MB of discrete video memory) is equipped with 40 stream processors and an advanced 3D engine to provide support for hybrid graphics when paired with this system's Windows operating system. It provides up to 1919 MB of total shared system memory and is compatible with Microsoft DirectX 10.1.
8x SuperMulti DVD±R/RW drive can also write to CD, DVD-RAM, and dual-layer (DL) DVD±R discs--which can hold up to 8.5 GB of data.
Multi-Gesture Touchpad allows you to pinch, flick and swirl your fingers across the touchpad for more natural photo and video viewing as well as intuitive navigation of websites such as Google Earth. It also enables you to scroll, zoom in and out and flip through web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more. (Learn more)
Crystal Eye webcam with a built-in digital microphone that helps keep background noise levels low and minimizes echoes. Acer Video Conference Manager software supports 640 x 480 resolution online video calls.
Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking capability provides up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range using 802.11n-compatible routers as you would with 802.11g networks. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found at Wi-Fi hotspots and in older home routers).
Fast Ethernet (10/100/1000)
Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader compatible with Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick PRO (MS PRO), xD-Picture Card (xD)
Three USB 2.0 ports
HDMI high-definition audio/video output allows a single cable to transmit uncompressed high-definition video to your digital TV or LCD. It also includes a standard VGA video output.
Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. And you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV on Windows Media Center. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium.
Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade. It's the best way to add features to Windows 7, takes as few as ten minutes, requires no software or downloads, and you'll keep your existing programs, files, and settings. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process. (Learn more)
Pre-loaded software includes Microsoft Works SE 9.0 for word processing and spreadsheet work. Enjoy a 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007.
6-cell battery (4400 mAh)
Weight: 5.74 pounds
Warranty: One-year parts and labor limited warranty with concurrent International Traveler's Warranty

What's in the Box This package contains the Acer Aspire AS5251-1805 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions

It also comes with the following software: McAfee Internet Security Suite (trial version); NTI Media Maker; Google Toolbar; Acer Recovery Management; Acer GridVista; Microsoft Works; Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 Trial (60 days); Norton Online Backup

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The Acer Multi-Gesture Touchpad
A Multi-Gesture Touchpad allows you to pinch, flick and swirl your fingers across the touchpad for more natural photo and video viewing as well as intuitive navigation of websites. The Multi-Gesture Touchpad enables you to scroll, zoom in and out and flip through Web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more.

The TouchPad can also be disabled with a one-touch button, eliminating accidental cursor movement with palms and wrists when using an external mouse.

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you'll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to.

And with Windows Anytime Upgrade, you'll be able to add new features to your PC in as little as 10 minutes. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process, it requires no software or downloads, and you'll keep your existing programs, files, and settings


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1/25/2012

Acer Aspire TimelineX AS4820T-5570 14-Inch HD Display Laptop (Black Brushed Aluminum) Review

Acer Aspire TimelineX AS4820T-5570 14-Inch HD Display Laptop (Black Brushed Aluminum)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
First, I would just like to compliment Acer on this masterpiece. I say masterpiece in the sense that it is perfect for what I do, which is a lot of excel, downloading files, surfing the internet, checking email, etc. No gaming whatsoever except for a game of solitaire here and there. The build quality is excellent. Having read plenty of reviews about its build quality, I would just like to point out that the professionals reviewing it put it through strenuous tests that if, you use it as it should be used, you will never encounter problems or inconveniences they speak of. This machine is lightning fast with its Intel i3 processor and 4 GB of RAM. It doesn't slow up when I have 6 programs running at the same time either, which is key for me, as it is for many people. One aspect that I love is how light the computer is. It isn't incredibly light, but by no means is it heavy. I expect to have no problems when I put it in my backpack and ride my bike to school. It's that light. The screen is crystal clear, and I have had absolutely no problems viewing text, as some reviews claim. Also, the viewing angles are pretty good, although not stellar, but lets be honest, who views their laptops with it completely opened? No one. So don't worry about viewing angles being a problem if that is your concern.The one downside, if you can even call it a downside, is the battery life. Acer claims 8 hours, although I have only been able to get about 6 out of it. Plenty long enough for me, and if you manage your power settings and brightness correctly, it should be plenty for just about anyone. The black brushed aluminum is very sleek and proves to be a favorite for those who are tech-savvy, and want a sophisticated looking machine(like myself). The price is pretty reasonable for what you get with this laptop-not too many better buys out there. Overall, this is a great computer, and Acer has really outdone themselves. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who is in need of a computer for the uses that I have talked about previously.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Acer Aspire TimelineX AS4820T-5570 14-Inch HD Display Laptop (Black Brushed Aluminum)

The new Acer TimelineX All Day Computing Notebook pursues the extreme combining regular voltage processing performance and extended battery life in a breathtaking thin and lightweight design that keeps up with your fast-paced mobile lifestyle. Enjoy the freedom to roam anywhere with this stylish notebook featuring a 14-inch HD LED-backlit display, advanced Intel Core i3 Processor, Bluetooth Technology, amazing connectivity and convenience features that keep you connected to your digital world in an easier way without compromise.


Performance Without Compromise





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1/20/2012

Acer Aspire AS8943G-6190 18.4-Inch Laptop (Aluminum) Review

Acer Aspire AS8943G-6190 18.4-Inch Laptop (Aluminum)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've had this laptop for 3 weeks now. I haven't even had time to really push it to it's potential because it has so much to offer. Don't know about any wireless malfunctioning. Mine works just fine anywhere I go, in an N or G WIFI environment. I use it at home using my DOCSIS 3 cable internet with gigabit wired network or WIFI N class whenever I want to move to an unwired room,and I have not had a problem at all. The HDMI 1080P HD output using the onboard blueray is simply fantastic when hooked up to my LED flatscreen TV. Simply put, this laptop is flawless. Just a beautiful machine, with a gorgeous screen, big sound and a great useable keyboard. You will not be disappointed buying this laptop. I am certainly very satisfied.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Acer Aspire AS8943G-6190 18.4-Inch Laptop (Aluminum)


Acer Aspire AS8943G: Ultimate Multimedia Center
Whether are used for creating multimedia content, watching movies or dominating the latest PC games, the Acer Aspire 8943G notebook PC (model AS8943G-6190) delivers high-end styling and world-class performance. It features a brilliant 18.4-inch CineCrystal edge-to-edge glass LED back-lit display with full high-definition (1080p) resolution. And it combines best-in-class Intel Core i7 processing power and stunning ATI Radeon HD graphics with a Blu-ray Disc drive for viewing movies in crystal-clear HD resolution and a Dolby-optimized surround-sound system for an immersive on-the-go cinema experience. And the Blu-ray Disc drive includes an integrated SuperMulti drive for creating your own DVDs and CDs.

The AS8943G's exterior sports an aluminum cover that not only looks sharp, but also protects the seamless, frameless display. Upon opening the lid, you'll be wowed by sharp design lines as well as a host of balanced contrasts, including glossy and matte finishes and silver and black accents. The new dual-mode touchpad combines Acer's multi-gesture actions with a touch-sensitive media console. And the new chiclet style keyboard (keys with straight edges vs. slanted sides) extends to a dedicated numeric keypad.

You'll be able to burn through the hottest new digital media, content creation and advanced 3D gaming with the breakthrough performance of the Intel Core i7 processor thanks to the combination of Intel Turbo Boost technology and Intel Hyper-Threading technology, which maximizes performance to match your workload.

Quickly retrieve and store all your media files on the large 500 GB hard drive, and with dual hard drive support you can add another drive for backups or up to 1.2 TB of extra storage.

Enjoy the next generation of video playback with the HDMI output, which allows a single cable to transmit uncompressed high-definition video and audio to your digital TV or capable external monitor. The 1.3-megapixel HD webcam presents vivid images even in low-light situations so you can go face-to-face in online chats and easily take still pictures and videos to share. And to make data transfer painless, it includes an eSATA port to speed up large file transfers while a FireWire port moves videos quickly from your digital camcorder.

This Aspire laptop comes pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version).

Key Features
18.4-inch CineCrystal LED-backlit widescreen display with 1920 x 1080-pixel resolution (native 1080p for Full HD viewing). Its widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio is designed to present websites without lots of left-right scrolling, as well as with a smoother line of sight. Specs include a 220-nit high brightness rating, 8ms response time, and 60 percent color gamut.
1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM processor (with Turbo Boost Technology up to 2.80 GHz) delivers maximum processing power in response to peak demands. Intel's Turbo Boost technology maximizes speed for demanding applications, dynamically accelerating performance to match your workload--providing more performance when you need it the most. It also comes equipped with Intel HD Graphics--an advanced video engine that delivers smooth, high-quality HD video playback, and advanced 3D capabilities, providing an ideal graphics solution for everyday computing.
500 GB SATA hard drive (5400 RPM) with support for a second hard drive
4 GB of installed DDR3 RAM (1066 MHz; expandable to 16 GB)
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 graphics deliver advanced technology to deliver cinema-quality audio and video with 1 GB of DDR3 discrete graphics memory. Using ATI Stream technology, it helps accelerate even the most demanding applications, enabling you to do more than ever with your notebook. It's compatible with the latest DirectX 11 games
Watch Blu-ray Disc movies in crystal clear resolution with the read-only Blu-ray drive; this notebook also includes an integrated 4x DVD±R/RW SuperMulti drive capable of reading/writing of CD-R/RW, DVD±R, DVD±RW, DVD±R DL, and DVD-RAM.
Dual-Mode Touchpad lets you switch functions between a Multi-Gesture Touchpad and a Media Console.Control the show with touch-sensitive buttons that take you straight to your favorite movies or music. In addition, the scrolling volume wheel puts sound management at your fingertips. (Learn more)
Bio-Protection Fingerprint Reader provides an extra level of laptop security safeguarding unauthorized users from accessing your PC at the touch of your fingerprint.
Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking capability provides up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range using 802.11n-compatible routers as you would with 802.11g networks. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found at Wi-Fi hotspots and in older home routers). This laptop uses Acer InviLink Nplify technology that enables multi-stream input or output for faster and more reliable bandwidth, and it also offers Acer SignalUp technology for enhanced antenna efficiency.
Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity enables you to communicate and synchronize wirelessly with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as printers and cell phones.
Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000)
5 built-in speakers and dedicated subwoofer simulate surround sound with trumpeting clear tones and deep bass beats while Dolby Home Theater Audio delivers riveting sound from any pair of PC speakers or headphones.
Headphones/speaker/line-out with SPDIF support for true 5.1-channel surround-sound output
Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader compatible with Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick PRO (MS PRO), xD-Picture Card (xD)
Four USB 2.0 ports
Next-generation eSATA port offers a transfer speed of 3GB/s, delivering enhanced scalability and doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and saves. It allows easy sharing and transfer of entertainment content and digital media on external devices.
FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals.
HDMI high-definition audio/video output allows a single cable to transmit uncompressed high-definition video to your digital TV or LCD. It also includes a standard VGA video output.
Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. And you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV on Windows Media Center. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium.
Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade. It's the best way to add features to Windows 7, takes as few as ten minutes, requires no software or downloads, and you'll keep your existing programs, files, and settings. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process.(Learn more)
Pre-loaded software includes Microsoft Works SE 9.0 for word processing and spreadsheet work. Enjoy a 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007.
Up to 3 hours of battery life (8-cell battery)
Dimensions: 17.3 x 11.6 x 1.7 inches (WxDxH)
Weight: 10.1 pounds
Warranty: One-year parts and labor limited warranty with concurrent International Traveler's Warranty

What's in the Box
This package contains the Acer Aspire AS8943G-6190 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions

It also comes with the following software: McAfee Internet Security Suite (trial version); NTI Media Maker; Google Toolbar; Acer Recovery Management; Acer GridVista; Microsoft Works; Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 Trial (60 days); Norton Online Backup

Learn More
The Acer Dual-Mode Touchpad
The dual-mode touchpad offers integrated, capacitive touch media controller icons that allows you to switch between multi-gesture mode to media console mode. At the flick of a finger, you can go straight to your favorite movies or music. Integrated into the touchpad, the backlit media console icons glow underneath the pad, providing a clean simplistic design. In addition, a convenient scrolling volume wheel directly under the touchpad makes it easy to control volume levels.

With built-in multi-gesture capabilities, you can pinch, flick and swirl your fingers across the touchpad for more natural photo and video viewing as well as intuitive navigation of websites. It also enables you to scroll, zoom in and out and flip through Web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more.

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you'll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to.

And with Windows Anytime Upgrade, you'll be able to add new features to your PC in as little as 10 minutes. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process, it requires no software or downloads, and you'll keep your existing programs, files, and settings


Buy Now

Click here for more information about Acer Aspire AS8943G-6190 18.4-Inch Laptop (Aluminum)

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12/30/2011

Acer Aspire One AOD150-1165 10.1-Inch Sapphire Blue Netbook - 6.5 Hour Battery Life Review

Acer Aspire One AOD150-1165 10.1-Inch Sapphire Blue Netbook - 6.5 Hour Battery Life
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I ordered my Acer Aspire One 10.1 Netbook (AOD150-1165) on Feb 28, 2009 from Amazon. Item shipped on March 2nd and arrived on March 14.
When I ordered only Sapphire Blue color was available but I am happy with Sapphire Blue. It looks very attractive. I would normally order either white or black model but I am glad they were not available :) The only thing I can complain is that it easily gets finger marks so I try not to touch the shiny surfaces.
When you unpack the box and hold it on your hand, you will realise how light this is (especially if you have been lugging a 17" laptop) This is very transportable and ideal for those small airplane tray tables (or your lap)
The 1.6Ghz N270 Intel Atom processor is a single core processor but it is pretty snappy and certainly more than enough for most office type usage. The Netbook ships with Windows XP Home w/SP3 installed instead of Vista so to me it feels as responsive as (or better than) a Core 2 Duo based laptop running Vista.
The unit is rather quiet. The fan or hard disk noise is minimal. The fan does not kick in often during normal use. It might be more active with some heavy CPU/HD activity tasks.
The screen is 1024x600 CrystalBright (shiny) type LCD but very comfortable to read under various light conditions. There is an integrated 0.3M megapixel (640x480) webcam and microphone embedded in the screen frame. Ideal to use a video phone/conferencing software like Skype, etc. BTW, to gain some vertical space on desktop, you might want to set Windows XP taskbar to auto-hide and pop-up when you move the cursor to the edge of the screen.
The keyboard is actually pretty well designed. Unlike some models from competitors, the shift, control, alt, tab, enter, backspace keys are all in the right places. Initially, I found the keys a bit small but after a few days of use, you get used to and avoid hitting two keys. The arrow keys could have been a bit bigger as there is room along the lower right side of the keyboard.
The touchpad on this model is made by Synaptics and is pretty configurable. Like everything else it is a bit small but works acceptably well. It would have been better if it was made wider. Touchpad buttons is another story. They are correctly placed below the touchpad but instead of using two independent buttons the designers chose to use one bar over the two buttons. This made the buttons much harder to press. I would have preferred two independent buttons. I think this is the biggest complaint about the design of this netbook. Nevertheless, the buttons do get softer over time. I have softened the buttons out by pressing both ends of the button bar at the same time repeatedly. I do this a number of times before using the laptop each day. So, it is not that hopeless.
Well, I do try to get myself used to build-in keyboard and mouse but those that are doing extensive work can still attach a regular USB keyboard and a USB mouse. For example, Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 3000 is a perfect match.
Alternatively, you can tap on the touchpad instead of pressing the buttons. The synaptics touchpad is pretty configurable. You can configure a corner of the touchpad for right button and anywhere else would be left button.
The speakers for this netbook is under it. They are pretty loud and sound quality is pretty decent. However, since the speaker openings are underside of the netbook, if you are holding it on a soft surface such as carpet or bed the sound can get muffled as the openings will be blocked. It's not a very good idea to keep it on the soft surfaces for a long time anyway as this will block the fan vents as well and cause the netbook to overheat.
There is 1GB RAM memory on DDR2 SODIMM module installed (mine was made by Samsung). There is no on-board soldered memory (the description on Amazon is incorrect and is referring to older 8.9" model). The memory is easily upgradable to 2GB by replacing the SODIMM module. I upgraded the memory on 10.1" Aspire One to 2GB by installing a "Mushkin 2GB 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Laptop Memory - Retail" module (Mushkin part #991618). It works great! Please note that this module has CAS4 (4-4-4-12) timing instead of more common CAS5 (5-5-5-16). In other words, it is slightly faster memory as it has less wait states :)
The hard disk is a Hitachi HTS543216L9A300, 160GB 2.5" 5400rpm, Serial ATA, 8MB Cache disk. It's pretty quiet. I think there is plenty of space for most applications. If you need more you can attach an external USB hard drive or the hard disk itself can be upgraded almost as easily as the RAM memory.
The wireless chip (AR5007EG) is made by Atheros and supports 802.11b/g. The range is decent enough. I had no issues connecting to my home WiFi Access Point, at work or other free public hotspots. I used wifi at Starbucks, Barnes and Noble Bookstore and McDonald's among others (I get free WiFi at these locations since I have AT&T DSL). However, some users are reporting that they have some issues. The Atheros driver installed by default is old (version 7.6.0.260). The latest I have found for the AR5007EG wifi chipset is version 7.6.1.244 (dated 2/25/2009) and I believe might solve issues that some people are experiencing. (As a convenience, I've provided instructions at the bottom of this review for access to updated drivers) The device properties indicate that the WiFi chip is setup for maximum power saving. By the way, just like RAM and HDD, the wireless module is also accessible. Who knows, someone (or Acer) would come up with an replacement module for 802.11n or a Bluetooth+WiFi combo.
There is no build-in bluetooth capability. If you need to interface with Bluetooth devices you will need to buy a USB adapter such as Cirago Bluetooth BTA3210 v2.1 EDR Class 2 Micro Bluetooth Adapter or you can get a combo with a bluetooth mouse such as Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks (Black) Update: Apparently, Acer Aspire One AOD150 models build for some Asian markets do come with build-in Bluetooth. It's a pity Bluetooth is not included for American version. :(
Like many other early adopters, the laptop arrived with Panasonic Built 5800mAh, 59W battery. It lasts 7-8hrs under normal office type work with Wi-Fi enabled. This is a bigger capacity battery than it would ship normally (4400mAh, also 6-cell) but most everyone got the larger one so far.
There are 3x USB 2.0 ports, 1x 10/100 Ethernet port, 1x VGA external monitor port and a single Multi-format flash memory card reader/writer (again, Amazon's description is incorrect about 2nd SD card slot). There are also a headphone and external microphone jacks and a Kensington style lock slot.
There is also a slot for 3G SIM chip beside the battery. My netbook did have the slot but no 3G hardware in there to accept the SIM card. Presumably some models will be equipped to have 3G wireless capability.
Unlike 8.9" predecessor, this 10.1 model did not come with a case. I picked a Neoprene sleeve from a local store that is designed for an 11" laptop (Sony VAIO 11.1-Inch Neoprene protection case). Please note that with 6-cell battery the width of the netbook is about 8.5". So, most 10" cases with width around 7-8" will either not fit or will require signficant stretching so choose your case accordingly. Actually, I personally use two cases. The neoprene sleeve goes inside a larger 12-13" laptop bag with enough storage pockets for the charger and other cables. When I go out to a cafe, I only take the netbook in sleeve and leave the rest in the car.
The netbook also does not come with system recovery disks. There is a Acer recovery utility pre-installed that will generate your recovery disks for you. You should do this as soon as possible. You never know when you will need them. You will need a USB attached CD/DVD writer and some recordable media (6 CD-Rs for System Recovery + 2 for Apps and Drivers, OR alternatively 2 DVD-R for Recovery + 1 DVD-R for Apps and Drivers). I've purchased a NU Slim USB External SuperMulti Drive DVD Burner ESW860 and worked for me well. It's slim enough to carry along with your netbook and you can watch DVDs if you like. You should be able to use it on any other laptop or desktop computer with USB 2.0 interface. Update: You can also order a set of recover CDs directly from Acer for $20. You need to go to Acer Support Website www.acerpanam.com and click on US on the map and select "eRecovery CD Purchase" link. It will verify the serial number of your netbook first.
Besides Windows XP Home, there is MS Works, a trial version of Microsoft Office 2007, a 30-day version of McAfee anti-virus suite and a couple other trialware installed. These can be uninstalled from Control Panel easily if desired (or needed).
Overall, I am very satisfied with it and highly recommend it. Obviously, I cannot talk about Customer Support/Service as I did not need to use the service. If your aim is to run your usual applications and surf the net with a decent screen size, this is the right one.
------
Update: Updating Atheros AR5007EG WiFi driver:
You can download version 7.6.1.244 (2/25/2009) driver free from Softpedia. Go to drivers.softpedia.com and enter AR5007EG at the top search box. Download the zip file (ar5_ar9_7.6.1.244.zip) and unzip it. Then go to Install_CD sub-folder and run setup.exe. When prompted choose to upgrade the driver. It's simple and painless... If you are still having problems after driver update, change the channel of your AP/Router. There may be high interference from a nearby wifi router/access point. Good luck!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Acer Aspire One AOD150-1165 10.1-Inch Sapphire Blue Netbook - 6.5 Hour Battery Life

Building on its line of popular Aspire One netbooks, Acer makes it even easier to stay productive while on the go with the larger 10.1-inch screen of the Aspire One AOD150-1165. A great choice for students as well as business travelers who like to travel light, the affordable Acer Aspire One weighs just under 3 pounds and has a 6-cell battery that provides up to 5 hours of battery life for extended use and productivity when away from an AC outlet. Designed especially for mobile devices, the 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 processor uses a brand new design structure new hafnium-infused circuitry, which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors to conserve energy
Offering a cool deep blue chassis, the netbook's smooth surface is comfortable to touch, and it's accented with distinctive details, such as the attractive orange hinge ring. You'll be able to easily video chat wherever you roam thanks to the Crystal Eye webcam integrated into the LCD's bezel, delivering smooth video streaming and high quality images even in low-light situations. And the built-in digital microphone delivers superior voice quality keeping background noise level low and minimizing echoes.

Packed with roomy 160 GB hard drive--great for storing a mobile digital audio and video library--this Aspire One also features 1 GB of installed RAM (2 GB maximum), 54g Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g), multi-format memory card reader, multiple USB ports, and built-in email, web browsing, and digital media applications.

It comes preinstalled with the Microsoft Windows XP Home operating system, which offers more experienced users an enhanced and innovative experience that incorporates Windows Live features like Windows Live Messenger for instant messaging and Windows Live Mail for consolidated email accounts on your desktop.

Processor The Intel Atom processor uses a brand new design structure that packs in 47 million transistors into a single chip sized at just 22mm (0.87 inches), and it uses just 2.5 watts of power--less than 1/10 of the 35 watts used by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor--for excellent battery management. This 1.6 GHz Atom N270 processor also includes a power-optimized front side bus of 533 MHz for faster data transfer on demanding mobile applications and a 512 KB L2 cache (which temporarily stores data).

Storage This version of the Aspire One comes with a 160 GB hard disk drive (5400 RPM), which offers enough to room to hold a an extra-large digital audio library of and still have room left over for movies, games, and a large collection of software. This Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.

Memory The 1 GB of installed RAM (512 MB onboard memory and one 512 MB DIMM, 533 MHz) can be expanded to a maximum of 1.5 GB of RAM,

Screen, Video and Audio The 10.1-inch screen has a WSVGA resolution (1024 x 600) and support for up a 262K color depth. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which uses shared video memory with the main memory. Acer's CrystalBrite display technology guarantees the best possible visual experience by preventing the diffusion of surrounding light and internal ray. Compared to normal TFT LCDs, Acer CrystalBrite technology is able to read color coordinates more accurately, thus minimizing distortion and creating high-fidelity colors in all environments.

This notebook includes an integrated audio card with Microsoft DirectSound compatibility, and it includes two stereo speakers.

Connectivity This Acer Aspire One notebook has an integrated 54g wireless LAN (Acer InviLink) that's compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g networks and offers Acer's SignalUp technology for enhanced antenna efficiency. It has has one dedicated SD memory card slot as well as a second multi-in-one card reader that's compatible with five different types of memory cards--Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO and xD-Picture Card--for maximum flexibility. The ability to have both a multi-in-1 card reader and a SD card reader at the same time allows you to download photos from the multi-in-1 to share with others and store to the SD card as an internal storage device simultaneously. Here's the full list of ports and external connections:

3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
Multi-in-one card reader supports Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Reduced Size MultiMedia (RS-MMC), Memory Stick/Memory Stick PRO, and XD Picture Cards
1 VGA monitor port
1 headphone jack and 1 microphone jack
RJ-45 port for 10/100 Fast Ethernet connection
Kensington lock slot

DVD/CD Drive Because of its size, the Aspire One does not come with an integrated optical drive, but optional CD/DVD read/write drives can be connected to the laptop via one of the three USB ports, enabling you to create your music mixes, burn movies to DVD, and more.

Operating System and Software

Windows XP Home with Service Pack 3 (SP3)
Acer eRecovery Management; Acer Launch Manager; Adobe REader; McAfee Internet Security Suite; Microsoft Office 2007 (Trial)

Dimensions and Weight This netbook measures 10.2 x 7.28 x 1.31 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 2.95 pounds.

What's in the Box This package contains the Acer Aspire One notebook PC (AOA150-1635), rechargeable 6-cell lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase.


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11/10/2011

Acer Aspire AS1410-8414 11.6-Inch Sapphire Blue Laptop - 6 Hour Battery Life Review

Acer Aspire AS1410-8414 11.6-Inch Sapphire Blue Laptop - 6 Hour Battery Life
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I keep checking out the Netbooks that come into the hardware lab where I work, looking for something to replace a cheap one I bought for my kids to play with, but they all just seem too small. As a result I've been poking around the high-end of the Netbook spectrum / low end of the Ultra-portable spectrum for something more usable. The Acer Aspire 1410 series does a great job of bridging the gap between small low cost "Netbooks" and more expensive "Ultra-portables" (which is what Acer classes this as). It manages to overcome many of the short comings of Netbooks without getting anywhere near the $1000+ price range of most ultra-portables. It has a few drawbacks, notably material quality: like a lot of Acer products the plastic molding is attractive and the tolerances are tight. However the quality of the plastic is more in line with what you would expect with a Netbook (which is to say it is lower density plastic and more likely to scratch or break). To me it's reasonable that the overall component quality is lower than what I would get if I spent $1000 (display not as nice, finish not as refined, buttons not as responsive, etc...). Still, overall this is a well put together computer with good build quality considering the price. While I didn't end up buying one myself if might be the right fit for you: if you are on a budget and you need a small laptop that can do more than browse web pages this would be a very good choice.
Let's go over the specs:
CPU: The Core 2 ULV SU3500 is a great CPU choice and far more powerful than the Atom CPU found in most Netbooks. This is a single core (as opposed to the two core "Core2 Duo") Ultra Low Voltage cpu running at 1.4GHz. Depending on the exact application this CPU is about 3-6x more powerful than the typical Atom Processor. It also has 3 MB of cache (cache is a form of on-chip high speed memory) vs the Atom's 512 KB. With 6x the cache of the Atom this CPU is going to spend a lot more time running instructions and a lot less time waiting on the memory sub-system. It also helps that the Core 2 ULV SU3500 memory bus is about 25% faster than what you will find on an Atom. The Core2 is technically more power hungry than the Atom but when running applications the difference isn't significant (5 watts for the Core2 vs 1.5 watts for Atom). The main difference happens when in standby or sleep mode where the Atom will use much less power than the Core2 (because the kind of transistors on the Atom "leak" less power than those used on the Core2 when in those modes). So if you need long battery life while carrying your computer around in standby with brief periods of activity you might prefer the Atom based Netbooks (say for sales calls on the road). I think most users will probably prefer the Core2 - I know that I do. Update: there may be a dual core version of this coming out soon. It's on the list to arrive where I work but that doesn't mean it will be sold in the US.
MEMORY: 2GB of DDR2 RAM is plenty and the 667Mhz memory speed is good enough (faster notebooks go up to 1066Mhz). This system runs Vista which is more memory hungry than the Windows XP or Linux found on most Netbooks so 2GB, while enough, doesn't go as far as you might think. Still, as long as your aren't planning on doing any really serious gaming 2GB will handle the typical office application with no troubles.
HDD: The 250GB HDD has plenty of storage given that most users don't use more than 50GB. Serious gamers and video encoders will need a lot more space than this.
DISPLAY: The 11.6" 1366x768 screen looks good and is a lot more useable than the 8-10" screens found on most Netbooks. The resolution is much better than what you will find on most Netbooks and it is reasonably bright (200 nits vs 300+ nits on higher end laptop). I passed on this model because the viewing angle is limited (the manufacturer list the viewing angles as 60vert/90horiz compared to 120v/140h on a high end display) and my sons like to sit with me and watch YouTube videos. The limited viewing angles might be a selling point for somebody traveling who would prefer not to share what's on their screen with others. So while Acer clearly saved some money here it's still a good display: unless you need a really high quality LCD I think most people will be pretty happy with this screen (again it's far better than what you'll find in most Netbooks). For those few who care it's made by AU Optronics and I think it's model B116XW01.
GRAPHICS: The Intel Mobile GMA X4500HD graphics won't impress any gamers but if you're running business applications it will do just fine. Update: they loaded Autocad on this thing at work and it wasn't pretty. It might have been a driver issue but the render times were terrible. It's not really a surprise but don't buy this to run your CAD software. Of course for most users this won't be an issue.
AUDIO: notebooks are not known for great speaker sound and this notebook doesn't break from that trend. Again it's better than most Netbooks but not by a lot. Update: With headphones on I found the sound to be fine.
DRIVES: Like most Netbooks and Ultra-portables this has no CD or DVD drive. I recommend buying an external CD Drive. The software industry may start to switch over to USB drives soon (Windows 7 will be sold on USB drives) so this may not be a big deal for much longer. Today it's a pain to not have a CDROM.
BATTERY: The 6 cell battery is perfect for this notebook (thanks to the low power components). This notebook is probably too small for an 8 cell to fit cleanly but the 4 cell found in most Netbooks just isn't adequate, even for an Atom CPU. This 6 cell battery will provide about 3-5 hours of real use though with aggressive power saving modes you can get over six hours. Update: we have two of these in our hardware lab and it was just pointed it out to me that one (which came pre-release) had a higher capacity battery than the release version (5600mAH vs. 4400mAH). I've adjusted my battery life numbers down to reflect the release version. Interestingly the non-US version of this laptop has the higher capacity battery. I can only assume Acer was trying to bring the price down to compete in the tight US netbook market.
WEIGHT: Coming in a 3.1 lbs this is tiny bit heavier than the typical Netbook but not by much (Netbooks will range from 2-3lbs). Most regular notebooks are 6-8 lbs.
WIRELESS: The usual Intel 5100 A/G/N supports the most common standards ("A" and "G") along with the new "N" standard. You should have no trouble connecting to wireless networks. This is pretty standard though a few laptops will support 3G out of the box.
In short: while this notebook isn't perfect it is well built and unlike most Netbooks, actually has a decent CPU. It's small and light but big enough that you can actually use it. If you've got 1K-2K to spend you can get a better Ultra-Portable notebook (I'm partial to Sony's and Apple's offerings in that segment) but in this price range there isn't much competition.
Oh I should note that while this model is dark blue, Acer makes this in two other colors you can buy:
Acer Aspire AS1410-8913 11.6-Inch Ruby Red
Acer Aspire AS1410-8804 11.6-Inch Black
Also if you're outside the US this might be sold as the "Acer Timeline 1810T" locally and may have slightly different specs (such as a better battery).


Click Here to see more reviews about: Acer Aspire AS1410-8414 11.6-Inch Sapphire Blue Laptop - 6 Hour Battery Life

Weighing just over 3 pounds and measures 1.2 inches slim, the Acer Aspire AS1410-8414 makes it easy to roam the globe with a powerful PC. It includes a 6-cell battery that provides up to 6 hours of continuous use and a vividly colorful 11.6-inch LCD screen as well as an HDMI port for connecting it to an external monitor or HDTV for viewing presentations and movies. Presented in a stylish sapphire blue case, the thin and light Aspire 1410 also features a full-size keyboard and Acer's Comfy Touch technology, which uses an innovative Laminar Wall Jet Engine design to air-cool the processor and notebook case.
A Multi-Gesture Touchpad enables you to pinch, flick and swirl your fingers across the touchpad for more natural photo and video viewing as well as intuitive navigation of websites. The Multi-Gesture Touchpad allows you to scroll, zoom in and out and flip through web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more. An integrated Acer Crystal Eye webcam delivers smooth video streaming and high quality images for online chats and business video conferences, even in low-light situations.

Other features include a 1.4 GHz Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500 processor, 250 GB hard drive, 2 GB of installed RAM, Draft-N Wi-Fi networking, and a multi-format memory card reader.



Key Features
11.6-inch LED-backlight widescreen display with 1366 x 768-pixel resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio and 200-nit high brightness (Learn more)
Energy efficient 1.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500 processor with ultra-low voltage uses only 5.5 watts of energy--less than 1/10 that of a normal desktop processor--for extended battery life (Learn more)
250 GB SATA hard drive (5400 RPM)
2 GB of installed DDR3 RAM (667 MHz; 2 x SODIMM slots; 4 GB maximum capacity)
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with up to 1700 MB of shared video memory and support for DirectX 10 games (Learn more)
Multi-gesture touchpad supporting circular-motion scrolling, pinch-action zoom, page flip (Learn more)
Thermal-efficient cooling innovation ensures the notebook achieves comfortable skin temperature during use. (Learn more)
Crystal Eye webcam supports Acer PrimaLite technology, which consists of a premium sensor, firmware and lenses to provide superior video performance under low-light conditions. A built-in digital microphone helps keep background noise levels low and minimizes echoes.
Draft-N Wi-Fi wireless networking (802.11a/b/g/n) with SignalUp technology for enhanced antenna efficiency
Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000)
5-in-1 memory card reader
HDMI (with HDCP) and VGA video output
Stereo speakers with Dolby Sound Room audio enhancement transforms the experience of movies, music, and games.
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit) operating system (Learn more)
Up to 6 hours of battery life with included 6-cell battery
Dimensions: 11.2 x 8 x 1.2 inches (WxDxH)
Weight: 3.1 pounds
Warranty: One-year parts and labor limited warranty with concurrent International Traveler's Warranty

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion With its integrated Draft-N Wi-Fi networking capabilities, this laptop provides up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range using 802.11n-compatible routers as you would with 802.11g networks. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found at Wi-Fi hotspots and in older home routers) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). This notebook also provides ultra-fast Gigabit Ethernet networking (10/100/1000).

3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
1 HDMI output for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable
Analog video output: 1 VGA
5-in-1 card reader compatible with MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO and xD-Picture Card
1 headphone/line-out jack (with SPDIF digital audio support), 1 microphone jack
10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet

What's in the box This package contains the Acer Aspire AS1410-8414 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions

It also comes with the following software: McAfee Internet Security Suite (trial version); CyberLink PowerDVD; Google Desktop; Acer Backup Manager; Acer GridVista

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11.6-Inch Widescreen Display with True 16:9 Aspect Ratio The 11.6-inch LED-backlit display (1366 x 768 pixels) presents true 16:9 aspect ratio with high-def resolution and fast 8ms (millisecond) response time for high-quality media playback as well as increased readability in low-light conditions. And the LED backlight technology is 33 percent more energy efficient than standard CCFL LCD screens.
Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD, which uses shared video memory (providing up to 1700 MB of video memory as allocated by the system memory). This graphics card is built with Intel Clear Video technology, which delivers clearer, more detailed images by eliminating many of the jagged edges and video artifacts seen when viewing interlaced content and features powerful color control to ensure videos are not too dark, overly bright, or washed out.



Energy Efficient Intel Core 2 Solo Processor Offering the latest in ultra-low voltage processing power, the single-core Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500 processor has a has a power consumption rating of just 5.5 watts and a 1.4 GHz speed that's paired with a fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB) and extra-large 3 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.) The Core 2 Solo processor delivers enhanced performance for today's demanding applications such as CAD tools, 3D and 2D modeling, video editing, digital music, digital photography and gaming. And Intel's Smart Cache technology enables smarter, more efficient cache and bus design for enhanced performance, responsiveness and power savings.


The Multi-Gestured Aspire 1410
Cool to the Touch The Acer Aspire 1410 notebook includes Acer's ComfyTouch technology, which uses an innovative Laminar Wall Jet Engine design to air-cool the processor and notebook case. Even when running for a full day the notebook remains cool in your hands or on your lap.




Windows Vista Home Premium Operating System Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit version) is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.
Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.


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9/14/2011

Acer Aspire TimelineX AS1830T-6651 11.6-Inch Laptop (Black) Review

Acer Aspire TimelineX AS1830T-6651 11.6-Inch Laptop (Black)
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I never dreamed that I would ever purchase an Acer computer. I always thought of them as being low end budget computers. Boy was I wrong! The Acer Aspire Timelinex AS1830T-6651 is the perfect little powerhouse. I wasn't satisfied with the idea of purchasing a Netbook of any flavor. I wanted a full computer. I wanted decent battery life, large hard drive, lots of RAM and a decent speed processor. I did my research (I've been a computer tech for 28 years)--lots of research. This was not an impulse buy. I looked at every ultra portable on the market. Every other laptop with similar specs was twice the price. None had the battery life. It doesn't have a gamer's graphics card, but I'm not a heavy gamer and knew that going into it, but playing back a movie was perfect. I read one review that said the speakers weren't very loud and didn't work very well on an airplane. Excuse me? Who would listen to music or watch a movie on a plane with the speaker? That is what headphones are for. I found the volume was on the low side, but adequate for my uses. If I know I will need more, I'll pick up some little speakers.
I have had the laptop for over a month now and my opinion has not lessened at all. The battery life is almost unbelievable. I typically get about 6 to 7 hours and I don't use a lot of the battery saving features either. If I did I would get even more. Even though the case is plastic, I find that it has a good solid feel. It doesn't feel cheap at all, unless you are comparing it to the more expensive Sony or a MacBook Air. I am certainly satisfied.
Pros: Size, price, keyboard size, expandability, RAM and hard drive size, upgradeable RAM and hard drive, light weight, great battery life, features.
Cons: Slow hard drive (5400rpm - adequate, but faster would have been nice)
I highly recommend this laptop for anyone wanting the portability of a netbook but with the power of an upper mid-range laptop.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Acer Aspire TimelineX AS1830T-6651 11.6-Inch Laptop (Black)


The latest generation of Acer's popular "all day computing" lineup, the 11.6-inch Aspire TimelineX 1830 (model AS1830T-6651) is an ultra-portable powerhouse that weighs just over 3 pounds yet packs in a full-size keyboard and ultra-low voltage Intel Core i5 dual-core processing.
Designed in a chic black case, the Acer AS1830T TimelineX features an 11.6-inch display and weighs just over 3 pounds.

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9/04/2011

Acer Aspire TimelineX AS5820T-6401 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black Brushed Aluminum) Review

Acer Aspire TimelineX AS5820T-6401 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black Brushed Aluminum)
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I was on a budget when shopping for my new laptop, and I did a lot of research. In the end, I went with this Acer. There were three primary aspects that sold me on this laptop, i5 CPU, slim profile brushed aluminum design, and 6000mAh rated battery.
Other features on this laptop are pretty common in the $630 price range. The screen is clear and vibrant. The actual hard drive space is 581GB with the operating system taking 30GB, so you are left with 551GB. This should be plenty more than enough for most users. These days, I almost never look at the hard drive capacity when purchasing a new computer. I think all of them have a hard drive that is big enough for me. What I care more is its clocked speed. This is not a gaming machine, so don't expect the laptop to play heavily 3D rendered games. It will play HD videos and casual games fine.
=====Battery Test=====
1). Default brightness and volume halfway, laptop gets around 4.5 hours for watching YouTube videos with no other application running in the background.
2). Default brightness and volume halfway, laptop also gets around 4.5 hours for browsing the web, chatting on an instant messenger, and playing music using Windows Media Player.
3). Brightness to its lowest but not turning off the screen and idling the laptop without any application running, it will last 10+ hours.
Overall the laptop does not achieve its claimed 8-hour limit under practical use. For most users, you will probably end up between 4 and 5 hours, but this is still better than 2-3 hours that you could get from other competitors in this price range.
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Here I'm going to list the pro's and con's of this laptop that I think are relevant in the $630 price range.
=====Pro's=====
*** 2.66GHz Intel Core i5-480M dual-core processor (hard to find an i5 CPU in this price range)
*** 640GB SATA hard drive (more than most competitors in the same price range)
*** 1.3-megapixel HD webcam (some competitors are still using non-HD webcams)
*** 6000mAh rated battery (4400mAh rated battery from almost all other competitors in the same price range)
*** One of the thinnest 15.6" laptops currently available on the market (however, it is not thinner than the MacBook Pro as pointed out by other reviewers but only a fraction thicker)
*** Multi-Gesture (a convenient feature normally doesn't exist in this price range. To use the circular-motion, you must start your finger from the top right hand corner. This can also be accomplished by sliding with two fingers vertically.)
=====Con's=====
*** 1066MHz RAM (this is nowhere to be considered slow as most competitors and last generation of MacBook Pro are using RAMs clocked at this speed also, but some have upgraded to 1333MHz RAMs such as the Dell Inspiron)
*** No Bluetooth (personally I almost never use this, but this is no longer a premium feature)
*** Keyboard (not a major issue but typing on this keyboard feels a bit awkward. If you are a fast and heavy typist, you might not like this.)
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Apple has been setting benchmark on many things. The hardware specs on their 2011 MacBook Pros will likely to set the benchmark for upcoming PCs as well. Here, I am going to compare the hardware specs between this Acer and the 2011 base 13.3" MacBook Pro priced at $1,199.
* CPU: Acer's processor is slightly faster.
>>> Acer: 2.66GHz Intel Core i5-480M dual-core processor (2.93GHz with Turbo Boost)
>>> MacBook Pro: 2.3GHz Intel Core i5-2410M dual-core processor (2.9GHz with Turbo Boost)
* GPU: MacBook Pro has the second generation of Intel GPU whereas Acer is using the first generation of Intel GPU.
>>> Acer: Intel HD Graphics with 128MB of dedicated system memory
>>> MacBook Pro: Intel HD Graphics 3000 with 384MB of shared system memory
* RAM: Both have the same capacity, but MacBook Pro's is clocked faster.
>>> Acer: 4GB of 1066MHz DDR3 RAM
>>> MacBook Pro: 4GB of 1333MHz DDR3 RAM
* Hard drive: Both are clocked at the same speed, but Acer doubled the amount of capacity.
>>> Acer: 640GB 5400-rpm SATA hard drive
>>> MacBook Pro: 320GB 5400-rpm SATA hard drive
* Battery: Acer actually has a stronger battery, but MacBook Pro has a more energy efficient OS and a smaller screen, so real life battery test can still favor the MacBook Pro.
>>> Acer: 6000mAh rated battery
>>> MacBook Pro: 5800mAh rated battery
Overall I think the Acer stacks up against the 2011 base 13.3" MacBook Pro very well in terms of hardware specs. For almost half the price, this Acer is a bargain. If you are not loyal to any brand, on a budget, and want a fast and long lasting 15" laptop, this is one of the best options out there. If you are waiting for the price drop of Intel second generation of Core processors, don't bother. There really aren't that many changes between the first and second generations of Intel Core processors. It could also take several months before we would see the price drop. I would recommend picking this up before it's gone.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Acer Aspire TimelineX AS5820T-6401 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black Brushed Aluminum)


8-Hour, All-Day Performance with the Acer Aspire TimelineX 5820T
Combining Intel Core i5 processing performance with extended battery life, the breathtaking thin and lightweight Acer Aspire TimelineX laptop (model AS5820T-6401) gives you the freedom to roam all day long with an 8-hour battery life and stay productive with its 15.6-inch LED-backlit display.
Designed with a durable black brushed aluminum cover that exudes classy digital chic.

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Click here for more information about Acer Aspire TimelineX AS5820T-6401 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black Brushed Aluminum)

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8/27/2011

HP EliteBook 2530p - Core 2 Duo SL9400 / 1.86 GHz LV - Centrino 2 with vPro - RAM 3 GB - HDD 120 GB - DVD?RW (+R DL) / DVD-RAM - GMA 4500MHD - Gigabit Ethernet - WLAN : Bluetooth 2.0 EDR, 802.11 a/b/g/n (draft) - TPM - fingerprint reader - Vista Business / XP Pro downgrade - 12.1" Widescreen TFT 1280 x 800 ( WXGA ) - camera - Smart Buy - Microsoft Office Ready - with HP 2500 Series Docking Station Review

HP EliteBook 2530p - Core 2 Duo SL9400 / 1.86 GHz LV - Centrino 2 with vPro - RAM 3 GB - HDD 120 GB - DVDRW (+R DL) / DVD-RAM - GMA 4500MHD - Gigabit Ethernet - WLAN : Bluetooth 2.0 EDR, 802.11 a/b/g/n (draft) - TPM - fingerprint reader - Vista Business / XP Pro downgrade - 12.1 Widescreen TFT 1280 x 800 ( WXGA ) - camera - Smart Buy - Microsoft Office Ready - with HP 2500 Series Docking Station
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought this computer about 9 months ago, and it has been the best buying decision that I have made on a computer. The size is a big factor. It's a 12" computer, but it also has an optical drive (it's optional anyway). So it's small but versatile. You can get it with 80GB, 120GB, and 250GB hard drives, so the expandability is fantastic. Mine is 120 GB Hard Drive. It's got an Intel dual core 1.86 GHz processor, so it's pretty fast for a netbook/ultraportable sized laptop. The new 2540p has a processor that it 2.1 to 2.5 GHz - the newer version is much faster, but I've had no issues with mine as it relates to speed. I have 4GB of RAM in mine, but you can expand up to 8GB (which is more than enough). The Processor bus speed is 1066MHz and the RAM bus speed is 800MHz, so not perfectly ideal (matching bus speeds would be better to avoid bottle-necking), but again as it relates to speed... not much of an issue. The screen is FANTASTIC!!! No glare at all, and great resolution! It's no commercial art quality screen, but more than functional. Great for watching movies and television online. The keyboard is HUGE! I can't believe that they fit one this size on an ultraportable! I love it. I will probably buy the upgraded 2540p when this one has had it (but don't expect that to be for a long time). I have MIcrosoft Windows XP on mine (it's faster than Windows Vista and Windows 7), so mine is configured for business functionality and not multimedia ultra-userfriendly. I still think it's great. I LOVE this computer!!!!
Quick Specs:
12.1" 1280 x 800 non-glare screen
1.86 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor @ 1066 MHz bus
4 GB RAM @ 800 MHz bus (up to 8GB RAM possible)
120 GB Hard Drive (80, 120, and 250 GB HD available)
95% full size Keyboard
DVD-RW Optical Drive


Click Here to see more reviews about: HP EliteBook 2530p - Core 2 Duo SL9400 / 1.86 GHz LV - Centrino 2 with vPro - RAM 3 GB - HDD 120 GB - DVDRW (+R DL) / DVD-RAM - GMA 4500MHD - Gigabit Ethernet - WLAN : Bluetooth 2.0 EDR, 802.11 a/b/g/n (draft) - TPM - fingerprint reader - Vista Business / XP Pro downgrade - 12.1" Widescreen TFT 1280 x 800 ( WXGA ) - camera - Smart Buy - Microsoft Office Ready - with HP 2500 Series Docking Station



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Click here for more information about HP EliteBook 2530p - Core 2 Duo SL9400 / 1.86 GHz LV - Centrino 2 with vPro - RAM 3 GB - HDD 120 GB - DVDRW (+R DL) / DVD-RAM - GMA 4500MHD - Gigabit Ethernet - WLAN : Bluetooth 2.0 EDR, 802.11 a/b/g/n (draft) - TPM - fingerprint reader - Vista Business / XP Pro downgrade - 12.1" Widescreen TFT 1280 x 800 ( WXGA ) - camera - Smart Buy - Microsoft Office Ready - with HP 2500 Series Docking Station

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