| "Netbook" uses Intel's Atom N270 |
Jun. 03, 2008
 Acer has announced a low-cost notebook, aka "netbook," based on Intel's newly unveiled N270 Atom processor. The Aspire One offers Windows XP Home, 512MB or 1GB of RAM, 8GB flash, an 8.9-inch, 1024 x 600 display, WiFi, a webcam, and an optional 80GB hard drive.
(Click for larger view of Acer's Aspire One)
The Aspire One is among over two dozen notebooks, netbooks, and MIDs (mobile internet devices) that have been expected to ship this year based on Intel's energy-efficient Atom Processor. Some, like Portwell's PEB-2736, use Intel's 13mm x13mm Z-series Atoms. However, the Aspire one uses the new 22mm x 22mm N270 processors, announced today.
The N270 is clocked at 1.6GHz, with 533MHz FSB and 512KB L2 cache. It operates with the 945GSE chipset, which gives devices based on it enhanced graphics and power-saving capabilities, according to Intel.
In addition to the 8GB flash module and the optional 80GB hard drive, the Acer One supports five memory card types: Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, and xD-Picture Card. Acer touts its Smart File Manager technology, which it says automatically merges extra storage from any SD card inserted in the second SD card slot into user-available storage.
Aspire One (side view)
The Aspire One measures 9.8 x 6.7 x 1.14 inches and weighs a little more than two pounds, says Acer. Battery life is rated at three hours, or six to seven hours with an optional six-cell battery. Versions with the six-cell battery and hard drive options are slightly thicker and heavier (see spec list below).
Aspire One (closed)
The laptop is equipped with 802.11b/g WiFi, but Acer expects to offer a cellular 3G versions by the end of the year, and possibly a WiMAX option. Other I/O includes three USB ports and an Ethernet port. Integrated at the top of the 8.9-inch CrystalBrite LED backlit display is a webcam.
Aspire One (open)
(Click to enlarge) |
Specifications for the Acer One appear to include:- Processor -- Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz, with 533MHz FSB, 512KB L2 cache
- Chipsets -- Mobile Intel 945GSE Express Chipset (DDR2 400/533MHz); Mobile Intel 82801GBM Chipset
- Memory -- 512MB DDR2 533MHz SDRAM (expandable to 1GB)
- Flash -- 8GB NAND flash module
- Memory card support -- Multi-in-1 card reader supporting Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, and xD-Picture Card formats
- Storage -- optional 80GB 2.5-inch internal HDD
- Display -- 8.9-inch, 1024x600 WSVGA CrystalBrite LED backlit display with 0.3 Megapixel webcam; external VGA port
- Audio -- "High-definition" audio; 2 x built-in stereo speakers; built-in digital microphone
- Networking -- 1 x 10/100 Ethernet port
- USB -- 3 x USB 2.0 ports
- WiFi -- 802.11b/g; Acer InviLink with "Acer SignalUp"
- Cellular -- Option coming later in year: UMTS/HSPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) at 850/900/2100 MHz and quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), upgradeable to 7.2Mbps HSDPA and 2Mbps HSUPA (for 3G models)
- Dimensions -- 9.8 x 6.7 x 1.14 inches (249 x 170 x 29 mm); hard disk version with 6-hour battery 9.8 x 6.7 x 1.42 inches
- Weight -- 2.2 lbs (995 g); hard disk version with 6-hour battery 2.8 lbs (1.26 kg)
- Power -- 30 W adapter with power cord
- Battery -- Li-Ion battery with 3-hour life (6 to 7 hours with optional 6-cell pack)
- Colors -- blue and white; later this year, brown and pink.
- Operating system -- Windows XP Home or Linpus Linux Lite
Like many other vendors of netbooks -- as Intel has now dubbed low-cost mini-notebooks -- Acer has decided to offer both a Linux-based version and one running Windows XP Home. Choosing XP instead of Linux adds $20 to the Aspire One's $380 starting price but, in addition to the basic operating system, provides Acer eRecovery Management, Acer Launch Manager, Adobe Reader, McAfee Internet Security Suite, and a Microsoft Office Trial 2007 package.
Availability
The Aspire One will be available in early Q3 through Acer authorized resellers and selected North American retailers. The Windows XP version's $400 price includes a one-year parts and labor warranty.
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