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Acer Aspire Timeline 3810T 13.3-Inch Ultra-Low Voltage Laptop

Netbook Dad — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 08:20:22 +0000

The Timeline 3810T is Acer’s latest 13.3-inch laptop which uses Intel’s Ultra-Low Voltage platform. The 3810T does not include a DVD drive, but it does provide a nice compact package with excellent battery life. With it’s six-cell lithium ion battery, Acer is claiming over 8-hours of battery life. Now, not many Netbook Dads are going to see that kind of time, but a solid 5-hours-plus on a regular basis should be possible. All Acer Timeline 3810T laptops are available with the following features:

Acer® CineCrystal 13.3" WXGA (1366 x 768) high-brightness (200-nit) TFT display with 16:9 aspect ratio and LED backlight
Integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD (64MB dedicated memory, up 1695MB shared system memory)
Mobile Intel® GS45 Express chipset
User upgradeable DDR3 memory. 4GB Maximum (one 2GB memory card in each slot)
Intel® Wireless WiFi Link network connection supporting 802.11b/g/Draft-N wireless LAN, Acer® SignalUp technology for enhanced antenna efficiency
Integrated Webcam with Microphone
VGA and HDMI™ (High-Definition Multimedia Interface™) with HDCP (high-bandwidth digital-content protection) support ports
5-in-1 card reader for optional MultiMediaCard™, Secure Digital card, Memory Stick®, Memory Stick PRO™ or xD-Picture Card™
Three USB 2.0 ports
Headphones/speakers/line-out with SPDIF support
Six-cell lithium ion battery (5600 mAh).
12.67" (322.0mm) W x 8.97" (228.0mm) D x 0.92" – 1.13” (23.4mm – 28.9mm) H
3.5 lb. (1.6kg) reported weight, which can depend on the configuration

Available Acer Aspire Timeline 3810T Configurations

AS3810TZ-4880

Genuine Windows Vista^® Home Premium; 64-bit version
Intel® Pentium® Processor SU2700 (2MB L2 cache, 1.30GHz, 800MHz FSB)
4GB (2/2) DDR3 1066 SDRAM Memory
320GB hard drive
MSRP $599.99 (Available at Amazon, B&H Photo, and Newegg for less)

AS3810T-6415

Genuine Windows Vista^® Home Premium; 64-bit version
Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor SU9400 (3MB L2 cache, 1.40GHz, 800MHz FSB)
4GB (2/2) DDR3 1066 SDRAM Memory
500GB hard drive
MSRP $899.99 (Available at Amazon for less)

AS3810T-6775

Genuine Windows Vista^® Home Premium ; 64-bit version
Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor SU9400 (3MB L2 cache, 1.40GHz, 800MHz FSB)
4GB (2/2) DDR3 1066 SDRAM Memory
80GB solid state drive
MSRP $799.99 (Available at Amazon and Newegg for less)

AS3810T-8503

Genuine Windows Vista^® Home Premium ; 64-bit version
Intel® Core™2 Solo Processor SU3500 (3MB L2 cache, 1.40GHz, 800MHz FSB)
4GB (2/2) DDR3 1066 SDRAM Memory
320GB hard drive
MSRP $699.99 (Available at Amazon and Newegg for less)

AS3810T-8640

Genuine Windows^® XP Professional ; 32-bit version
Intel® Core™2 Solo Processor SU3500 (3MB L2 cache, 1.40GHz, 800MHz FSB)
2GB (2/0) DDR3 1066 SDRAM
250GB hard drive
MSRP $699.99 (Available at Amazon for less)

Acer Press Release

Acer Brings “All Day Computing” to the U.S. Market with the Aspire Timeline Thin and Light Notebook Family

With Prices Beginning at $598, Acer’s Affordable Sleek and Elegant Notebooks Offer More Than Eight Hours of Battery Life⁽²⁾

SAN JOSE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Acer America, part of the world’s second largest manufacturer of notebook PCs ⁽¹⁾, today introduced the U.S. availability of its much anticipated Aspire Timeline Series of “all day computing” notebooks. Averaging more than 8 hours of battery life⁽²⁾, Acer Timeline sets a new standard for value, mobility and productivity.

The Aspire Timeline breaks the notebook paradigm with a thin and light mainstream notebook that doesn’t break the bank. The secret to its extended battery life lies in Acer’s unique design that combines Intel’s ultra low-voltage processors, advanced power management, high-capacity batteries and LED backlit displays, which result in a thinner, lighter, more energy-efficient and longer lasting notebook PC.

For road warriors and others on-the-go, concerns about battery life, spare batteries and cables just became a thing of the past. On just a single charge, consumers can remain productive or entertained an entire coast-to-coast flight, or work remotely from 9 to 5 without ever stopping to plug in and recharge.

“Acer has introduced yet another game changer in the world of notebook PCs,” said Sumit Agnihotry vice president of product marketing, Acer America. “The Timeline sets new standards in both value and battery life, which are sure to be well received in this economy by on-the-go, yet always connected consumers.”

With prices beginning as low as $598, the Timeline delivers high-end styling and excellent performance in a thin and light design. Finally, the pricey ultra portable class of notebooks, long coveted by high-paid corporate business executives, is now more affordable to general consumers.

Unparalleled Battery Life Achieved with Low Power Components and Acer’s PowerSmart Features

While most notebooks with long battery life use higher cell batteries which protrude from the back of the notebook, Acer combined numerous low power components with a standard high-capacity 6-cell battery, allowing them to keep the design as small as possible.

In addition, a conveniently located PowerSmart button located above the keyboard allows consumers to easily extend battery life. A simple press of the button activates the advanced power savings settings, traditionally a tedious procedure accessed through numerous software-based steps. This one-button approach simplifies the process.

Lastly, an Acer PowerSmart adapter senses when the notebook is unplugged, and stops sending needless energy. It also stops pulling power from the wall outlet when the adapter is full.

Battery Testing by Principled Technologies^® Validates Revolutionary Battery Life

Using Bapco’s MobileMark 2007 Productivity benchmark test, an industry standard created to measure PC battery life and performance, Principled Technologies, the industry leader in technology assessment services, found Acer’s Aspire Timeline notebook PCs averaged more than eight hours of battery life. The AS3810T achieved 9 hours and 7 minutes of battery life, while the AS3810TZ logged in a whopping 9 hours and 48 minutes, clearly outpacing the industry norm and significantly outlasting competitive systems. The Principled Technologies reports may be viewed here:

http://www.principledtechnologies.com/clients/reports/Acer/3810T_3810TZ_0509.pdf

http://www.principledtechnologies.com/clients/reports/Acer/4810T_0509.pdf

http://www.principledtechnologies.com/clients/reports/Acer/5810TZ_0509.pdf

A Thin and Lightweight Design and Price Point for Everyone

The Acer Aspire Timeline proves that thin and lightweight doesn’t have to come at a cost premium. With prices ranging from $598 to $899 and three lines to chose from, students, small businesses and families trying to economize will find the Timeline is easily within their reach.

Road warriors demanding the smallest and lightest notebook possible will find the 3.5 pound AS3810 with a 13.3-inch display is the ideal traveling companion. For those who need a slightly larger display and an integrated optical drive, the 4.2 pound AS4810 with a 14-inch display will more than satisfy their requirements. The AS5810 includes a large 15.6-inch display, integrated optical drive and dedicated numeric keyboard.

At its slimmest point, all models are less than one-inch thin, and just over one-inch at their thickest. Weighing between 3.5 and 5.3 pounds, they are lighter and easier to carry than comparable systems. Fitting easily in a backpack, purse or laptop carrying case, they won’t break the bank or a shoulder.

Providing an elegant, high-tech design, a stylish brushed aluminium finish on the display also provides solid protection to the display and internal components. The system is also lead- and mercury-free, making it easier to recycle.

In addition, Acer has incorporated Intel’s Laminar Wall Jet technology for the first time, directing air flow in parallel layers, to keep the notebook significantly cooler.

Small, but Powerful Enough to Get the Job Done and Then Some

With a range of models, consumers can choose from a number of well-equipped, full featured systems.

Offering either Intel Pentium, Intel Core Solo or Intel Core 2 Duo ultra low voltage processors and 3GB or 4GB of memory, the Timeline Series packs enough power to easily handle daily productivity tasks such as email, Internet browsing and Office applications.

The Acer Aspire Timeline features high-definition CineCrystal LED backlit widescreen displays (16:9 ratio), which offer 33 percent more energy savings than traditional notebook screens, bringing significant power savings to mobile computing.

Internet access is provided through Gigabit Ethernet or Wi-Fi 802.11b/g Draft-N, making it easy to browse websites, check email, make VOIP calls, and enjoy online entertainment, including the latest social networking platforms like facebook, twitter and YouTube.

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. The built-in digital microphone conveys superior voice quality, keeping background noise levels low and minimizing echoes. Consumers can also enjoy music and video sound with the Dolby Headphones and two built-in stereo speakers.

A Multi-Gesture Touchpad allows users to pinch, flick and swirl their fingers across the touchpad for more natural photo and video viewing as well as intuitive navigation of websites. The Multi-Gesture Touchpad allows users 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.

The Timeline family of notebooks also includes a backup button that lets consumers easily select and protect their irreplaceable digital files through regular scheduled backups or on an as- needed basis. Data can be backed up to an external hard drive, flash card, thumb drive or to a secure hidden partition on their PC.

All models come with a standard one-year parts and labor warranty, which can be extended to three years with the Acer Advantage service. Additionally, some models have longer warranties offered through specific channel partners. All Acer notebook PCs are backed by toll-free service and support.

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Netbooks Grow Up with Intel’s Ultra Low Voltage Platform

Netbook Dad — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:31:07 +0000

Netbooks are really good at what they do: provide a very portable, long-lasting small notebook at a very low price. However, what if you really need some additional horsepower? What if you want more than a 10-inch, 1024 x 600-pixel LCD screen? What if you actually want to view some of that 720p video footage that you just shot on your new Nikon D300s dSLR Camera? And what if you want to do all of that but still have a light and compact laptop with great battery life that doesn’t cost too much more than a high-end Netbook?

Well, the answer is something old becoming new again. Companies like Intel are repurposing mature chip designs and running them through their latest silicon process technology. The results are a smaller, more capable processor that uses little power (only 10 Watts for a Dual-Core CPU) but offers many more transistors (410 million) versus a comparable Atom (47 million). Intel is calling their latest platform Ultra Low Voltage (ULV). You may also see Consumer ULV (CULV) listed on various websites. However, in an effort to make things more confusing, Intel will label their parts as Core 2 Duo, Solo and Pentium CPUs. Either way, the results should be quite impressive for a Netbook Dad. In fact, Acer, with it’s Timeline series is claiming 8 hours of battery life from their latest laptops… Pretty Impressive for Dual-core laptop.

In the coming months, you will begin to see many ULV Laptops coming to a retailer near you. with screens as small as 11-inches, these smaller laptop packages will promise greater mobility. Some will eliminate the optical drive, most will be under 1-inch thick, but all will trend towards a competitive price. In fact, Intel and Microsoft are highly motivated because the margins for this platform are much higher compared with traditional netbooks. So expect to see as many product variations and competitiveness in this space as you have for Netbooks.

Intel Ultra Low Voltage Processor Specifications

For those Netbook Dads who may be searching for a nice laptop for you kid as they go back to school, here is a list of processors from Intel that you may find inside:

	Processor Number	Cores	Clock Speed	Max TDP(Watts)	L2 Cache	Silicon Tech	Price (per 1k)
Core 2 Duo	SU9600	2	1.60 GHz	10 W	3 MB	45nm	$ 289.00
Core 2 Duo	SU9400	2	1.40 GHz	10 W	3 MB	45nm	$ 262.00
Core 2 Duo	SU9300	2	1.20 GHz	10 W	3 MB	45nm	$ 262.00
Core 2 Solo	SU3500	1	1.40 GHz	5.5 W	3 MB	45nm	$ 262.00
Core 2 Solo	SU3300	1	1.20 GHz	5.5 W	3 MB	45nm	$ 262.00
Pentium	SU2700	1	1.30 GHz	10 W	2 MB	45nm	$?

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Microsoft Announces the Windows 7 Family Pack

Netbook Dad — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Captain Obvious Overheard Wondering What Took Them So Long

Microsoft has announced pricing and delivery details on the Windows 7 Family Pack. For a retail cost of $150 in the United States ($200 Canadian), Netbook Dads can pick up an upgrade copy of Windows 7 Home Premium. The Family Pack will include licenses for up to three PCs. The Windows 7 Family Pack will be available starting on October 22nd. You can probably expect to see retailers like Amazon and Newegg offering around a 10% discount on that retail price. No word yet from Microsoft if this is going to be a permanent product and also if it will be available in other countries.

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ASUS Eee PC Windows 7 Upgrade Details

Netbook Dad — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:05:21 +0000

ASUS has announced details regarding which systems are eligble for the free Windows 7 upgrade. Well, free as in you only have to pay for shipping. The good news is that if you have purchased a qualifying Eee PC between June 26, 2009 and January 31, 2010, you can register with ASUS to get your new copy of Windows 7. The bad news is that your Eee PC probably doesn’t qualify and you will have to spend $50 at Amazon to get your Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade. In order to qualify, your Eee PC must have shipped with Windows Vista or XP Professional (which is only offered in Japan on an Eee PC). The Eee’s that do qualify are:

EeePC 1101HA with Vista Home Premium (Japan Only)
EeePC 1005HA with XP Pro/Vista Business (Japan Only)
EeeTop ET2002
EeeTop ET2002T
EeeTop ET2202
EeeTop ET2203T
EeeBox EB1501

You can read all of the nitty gritty at ASUS Global.

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ASUS Eee PC 1005HA 10-inch Seashell Netbook

Netbook Dad — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:43:56 +0000

The 10-inch Eee PC 1005HA is ASUS’ latest netbook to continue the “Seashell” design philosophy. This model will be available in multiple configurations at a lower price point than the 1008HA. The 10.1-inch 1024 x 600 WSVGA LED backlit display also incorporates a 1.3-megapixel webcam. The 1005HA will be available with either an Intel Atom N280 or N270 Processor with 1GB of DDR2 RAM.

The 1005HA carries over the same outstanding keyboard of the 1008HA. All buttons are properly configured and well spaced.

Coming in at a thicker than the 1008HA at 25.9 to 36.5 mm, the 1005HA is able to offer ports that are not hidden behind doors. With the additional thickness, ASUS is also offering three removable Lithium-Ion battery options:

3-Cell / 23Wh / 4 hours
6-Cell / 48Wh / 8.5 hours
6-Cell / 63Wh / 10.5 hours

Specifications

10.1-inch 1024 x 600 WSVGA LED backlit display
Intel Atom N280 or N270 Processor
160GB Hard Drive plus 10GB of Eee cloud storage
1.3-megapixel webcam
802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
Windows XP Home
Three USB ports
SD/SDHC card reader
Ethernet port
VGA port
262mm(W) x 178mm(D) x 25.9mm~ 36.5mm(H)
1.27Kg with a 6-Cell battery, 1.1Kg with the 3-Cell battery

Resources

ASUS 1005HA product page

ASUS 1005HS driver download support

More information of ASUS’ “Seashell” design philosophy

The 10-inch ASUS Eee PC 1005HA netbook is available at Amazon.com.

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Intel’s Pine Trail Atom Platform Headed for 2009 Q4 Release

Netbook Dad — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:00:40 +0000

Intel is redesigning it’s current Netbook/Nettop Atom platform for a 4th quarter 2009 release. The new Intel Atom platform, codename Pine Trail, will integrate entire northbridge onto the CPU. By moving both the memory controller and Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) onto the CPU die, Intel will be able to increase performance, reduce power consumption, and reduce packaging.

Intel’s two chip headed netbook monster or the Pineview CPU and Tiger Point will also provide potential for fanless cooling and simpler 4-layer motherboard designs. It will also have nice little side benefit of making it difficult for companies like nVidia to sell integrated GPU solutions like ION, especially at a competitive cost.

Digitimes is reporting that Pine Trail could arrive as early as October of 2009:

Intel is scheduled to phase out its Atom N270 CPU by launching its successor – the Atom N450 – for netbooks in October at the earliest, according to industry sources.

Codenamed Pine Trail, Intel’s 45nm Atom N450 will be a single-core CPU with built-in northbridge functions, and will be paired with the new NM10 (Tiger Point) chipset.

Intel will issue last order notice for the Atom N270 in the first quarter of 2010 and the CPU will phase out before the end of the first half next year.

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ASUS 1008HA BIOS Upgrade Improves Wi-Fi

Netbook Dad — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:20 +0000

ASUS Computer Inc. has released a BIOS update for the Eee PC 1008HA Netbook. ASUS claims that the 0402 BIOS revision will help upgrade your Wi-Fi performance. You can read the instructions and download the update here.

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The ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1008HA 10-inch Netbook

Netbook Dad — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0000

ASUS Computer has taken your typical netbook image and raised it to 11. The Eee PC 1008HA 10-inch netbook is ASUS’ first Seashell design. Taking design queues from much more expensive ultra-portables, like the Apple MacBook Air, ASUS has produced a very elegant netbook.

With a height that tapers to an inch (18-to-25.7mm), the 1008HA is very thin for a netbook. Meanwhile, weighing in at just 2.42 pounds means that you will hardly notice it’s around. Incorporating a non-removable 2900 mAH lithium polymer battery, instead of Lithium Ion, ASUS claims a 6 hour run time. I’m not exactly sure how you would stretch it’s Intel Atom N280 that long, but we shall see.

The Keyboard layout of the Eee PC 1008HA netbook is outstanding. No longer does a Netbook Dad need to fight the infuriating battle of the 1005H’s Right Shift-vs-Page Up. All keys look well spaced and the placement is very functional.

ASUS has incorporated a 10-inch LCD screen with LED-backlighting in the 1008HA. The resolution is a netbook standard 1024 x 600 pixels and it does have a glossy coating. The top of the bezel also integrates a 1.3-megapixel camera.

Other notable bits include 802.11b/g/n as well as Bluetooth2.1 + EDR. All of the Two USB ports, 1 Ethernet, and dual audio jacks are hidden behind rubber doors on either side of the chassis. The single Mini VGA connector is cleverly hidden in it’s own bay underneath. All of this to make sure that you have clean sides.

You really don’t expect a 10-inch netbook to combine this level of style while still remaining usable. For this ASUS should be commended for raising the Eee PC 1008HA to height not yet seen.

Where to Buy

You can purchase the 10-inch ASUS Eee PC 1008HA Seashell Netbook at Amazon.com:

Resources

ASUS Press Release

ASUS USA Eee PC 1008HA Product Page

More information on the ASUS Eee PC Seashell design can be found here.

Wi-Fi Performance BIOS upgrade Information

Specifications

Display	10" LED-backlit WSVGA Screen (1024×600 pixels) with Color-Shine (Glare-type)
Operating System	Genuine Windows® XP™ Home GNU Linux
Processor	Intel® Atom™ N280
Default Memory	1GB DDR2 SO-DIMM
Hybrid Storage	160GB 2.5” SATA II 5400RPM HDD + 10GB Eee Storage
Wireless Data Network	WLAN 802.11b/g/n @2.4GHz, Bluetooth2.1 + EDR
Battery	Slimmer and eco-friendly Li-polymer Battery, 6 hrs*
Multi-media Camera	1.3M Pixel
Audio Codec	Hi-Definition Audio CODEC
Speakers	Stereo Speakers
Built-in Mic	Digital Array Mic
Interface	1 x Mini VGA Connector, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 x Audio Jack (Head Phone / Mic-in), Card Reader: MMC/ SD(SDHC)
Physical Dimensions	262mm (W) x 178mm (D) x 18~25.7mm (H)
Weight	1.1Kg (2.42lbs)
Colors	White, Black, Blue, Pink, Sapphire Blue, Ruby Red

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Windows 7 Starter is a Non Starter (MSFT)

Netbook Dad — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:00:28 +0000

Windows 7 Starter has received a lot of press over the last few months. Most of it bad, most of it deserved. As discussed previously, one of it’s biggest issues up until now was it’s 3 open application limit. That little restriction has wisely been removed by Microsoft. But all is not well, there are still many issues with Windows 7 Starter Edition for Netbook Dads.

Microsoft has very clearly laid out for us a list of Windows 7 features that the Starter edition will not include:

Aero Glass, meaning you can only use the “Windows Basic” or other opaque themes. It also means you do not get Taskbar Previews or Aero Peek.
Personalization features for changing desktop backgrounds, window colors, or sound schemes.
The ability to switch between users without having to log off.
Multi-monitor support.
DVD playback.
Windows Media Center for watching recorded TV or other media.
Remote Media Streaming for streaming your music, videos, and recorded TV from your home computer.
Domain support for business customers.
XP Mode for those that want the ability to run older Windows XP programs on Windows 7.

I’m curious, how far did you get down the list before you uttered the phrase “…Are you kidding me?!?” I’m not sure how that list reads, but the elimination of Aero Glass and Personalization features above only make a Personal Computer not Personal. Something that even Microsoft should realize isn’t acceptable.

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Dell Mini 9 is On the Outs

Netbook Dad — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:34:22 +0000

Ahhh, it was their first, but certainly not the last. Those Netbook Dads who have visited Dell’s website recently may have noticed that the Mini 9 is no longer listed. Engadget has confirmed from Dell that Mini 9 will be phased out. It’s official “end of Life” may come soon.

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