smartech

Well, well what do we have in here…Looks like Acer just joined the rapidly growing Pine Trail family, with yesterday’s announcement of Aspire One AO532h netbook, which boasts that same Intel Atom N450 processor in a slick 10-inch display body. For the record, we’ve already heard about it only few weeks ago when a list of new Acer machines abruptly emerged from the company’s driver page – but this time it’s official. And looking at the new device, gives you the feeling that Acer has tossed a more updated design inside, although it kept this traditional up-to-date lineup which includes Intel’s GMA 1350 graphics, paired with 1GB of RAM, 160GB hard drive, Windows 7 Starter and a 4,400 mAh 6-cell battery, providing 10 hours of life. Care for price and availability? It would cost ya only $299 when it becomes available in the coming weeks. The full PR is right after the break, and there’s nothing else to say besides: Good job Acer.

Read more…

A whole  slew of Pine Trail netbooks coming to CES 2010, next month in Vegas – that we already know. But the fact that Acer has sneaked into its lineup lists an ultra-portable machine of that series, is relatively new. The newcomer, Aspire One 532, packs an Atom N450 processor (Pine Trail platform), along 1GB RAM, 5-in-1 card reader, a 10.1-inch 1280 x 720 display, Windows 7 Starter edition, and either 160GB or 250GB HDD capacities to pick at your choice. Price tag remains reasonable and stands at 299 Euros, as you get to choose between Blue, Black, Red or Silver flavors to cover your coat.

Update: Basic specs include a 3-cell battery, but you can upgrade to the 6-cell version for extra cash.

[via netbooked]

The guys at Terracode were unpleased with the lack of netbook devices that can actually play 1080P videos without stuttering. That is probably why they’ve bravely decided to take their 8.9-inch Acer Aspire One machine and sacrifice it to the modding gods. The Acer netbook, which comes with the usual 1GB of RAM, paired with a 1024 x 600 screen display and an ordinary Intel GMA 950 graphics chipset, could barely play 720p videos, not to mention the 1080p ones, but with Teracode hack, things looked a bit different. Starting with the major things, a Broadcom’s BCM70012 video accelerator was plugged into the box, while an extra 1GB of RAM added as well, together with a speedy 64GB SSD, instead of the old sluggish hard drive, that came out of the box. The results, apparently, speak for themselves, as the new revamped netbook (that costs around $442) was able to play high-def video files without any problem. True, 1080p videos are just a waste on 1024X600 resolution that most netbooks have, but hey, you can always plug them into your big flat 1920X1080 LCD screen. Check out the project’s videos, featuring “Before” and “After” demonstrations, after the break.

[via Slashgear]

Read more…

Google has just thrown a bomb to the IT world, announcing a new Chrom OS platform that suppose to give an open-source solution mainly for netbooks but also for full-size desktop systems, and is expected to go live somewhere on the second half of 2010. Additionally, the new OS from Mountain View, CA is claimed to smoothly run any x86 and ARM chips, while the company firmly says it already teamed up with manufacturers like Acer, Adobe, ASUS, Freescale, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, Qualcomm, and Texas Instruments to bring you all the best and comprehensive UI you’d get, so stay tuned for a lot more to come. Here’s what Google’s blog had to say, in a nutshell:

“Google Chrome OS is an open source, lightweight operating system that will initially be targeted at netbooks. Later this year we will open-source its code, and netbooks running Google Chrome OS will be available for consumers in the second half of 2010. Because we’re already talking to partners about the project, and we’ll soon be working with the open source community, we wanted to share our vision now so everyone understands what we are trying to achieve.

Speed, simplicity and security are the key aspects of Google Chrome OS. We’re designing the OS to be fast and lightweight, to start up and get you onto the web in a few seconds. The user interface is minimal to stay out of your way, and most of the user experience takes place on the web. And as we did for the Google Chrome browser, we are going back to the basics and completely redesigning the underlying security architecture of the OS so that users don’t have to deal with viruses, malware and security updates. It should just work.”

[Google]

Great news from Moblin Linux direction, as Intel’s free open-sourced platform will apparently receive a significant corroboration from Taiwanese corp Acer, who recently pledged on a computex conference to widely implement this phenomenal OS inside its desktop computers, laptop devices and Aspire One netbook machines, starting this year. And while anxiously waiting for self interaction, various editions of Moblin 2.0, including Suse, Xandros, Linpus, Red Flag, and Ubuntu were flauntingly demoed in that same press gathering, running on different portable netbook brands from HP, Asustek, MSI, and Hasee Computer, impressively raising our impatiemt feelings. But needless to say we’re constantly following, so just stay in touch for future updatings.

[via pcworld]

From one Zen to another, Japanese top artist UFO-Hayashi has taken the netbook decoration assignment few steps forward by adding Kyo-Yu-ZEN pattern, which is one of the most traditional painting method in Kyoto, on top of Acer’s Aspire One unit, turning it into a lavish piece of cristal art that easily can be yours in case your pockets are loaded with $3000 of cash. If not, just hit the break and watch the presentation video, or jump straight to the eBay selling page to follow the auction.

[eBay via engadget]

Read more…

Despite the fact that everything above 10.2-inches is on the verge of a non-netbook product, Acer officially releases its latest 11.6-inch Aspire One version, coming up with a LED backlit WXGA display, along with the repeatable Intel Atom CPU and some other usual stuff including Bluetooth/802.11 b/g WiFi connections, 160GB HDD, a multi-card reader and a 6 cell 5200mAh battery with up to 8 working hours. Still no word about price or availability so stick around.

Update1: Looks like Acer’s 11.6-inch netbook has finally found its way up to the company’s page as Aspire One 751, packing Intel’s Atom Z520 processor together with up to 2GB of RAM, 1366×768 screen resolution, Bluetooth, WiFi, optional 3G module and 3-cell / 6-cell battery at your choice – all priced at £349 ($518). Still no word about official release, but we expect to see this one on European shelves somewhere in May.

Update2: The 751 Aspire One gets official and you can find some more images in here.

Update3: According to Acer’s press release, the 11.6-inch portable 751h netbook will be available at your choice, either in Diamond Black, Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue or Seashell White. priced at $380. Read the full press release after the break.

Update4: The guys at GadgetMix have taken Acer’s Aspire One 751h for a ride and thankfully, fixed a short boot-up video you can watch after the break.

[via engadget]

Read more…

To be more accurate, those two have just popped up at Acer’s page in Germany, both featuring a 10.1-inch WSVGA display along with Intel’s 945GSE chipset, 160GB HDD, up to 2GB of RAM, WiFi, ethernet, built-in webcam and a 1.6GHz Atom N270 processor or 1.68GHz N280 CPU together with WWAN connectivity, in case you’re getting the upgraded version. So what’s the difference between the two? The 531 is only 1-inch thick, which makes it thinner and sleeker than the first one, and while there are no details about a Stateside release, European residents will have to shell out �379 ($502) for the D250 and �399 ($529) for the 531 flavor. Stay tuned.

Update1: Checkout the D250 unboxing video after the break.

Update2: The D250 is now available in Japan, featuring the same specs for a staggering price of 49800 Yen (381�). Us release remains unknown at this point.

Update3: Acer’s aspire One D250 is finally up for sale Stateside, competitively priced at $298.

Update4: Looks like Acer’s Aspire One 531 is finally up in the US in couple of versions, including the AO531h-1791 “Pro”, AO531h-1440 and AO531h-1766, as last two models pack the usual specs, like 10.1-inch 1,024 x 600 display, 1GB RAM, Atom N270 processor, 160GB hard drive and optional 3G module (for extra $150), while premium versions get 2GB RAM and XP Professional flavor, on top of the basic package – With prices, starting for $450.

Update5: Another D250 version is up officially, as Acer releases the dual boot Windows 7 / Android netbook edition, flavored with a 10.1-inch WSVGA screen, Atom N280 processor, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, a six-cell battery and these two operating systems sitting next to each other side-by-side. To get it, you’ll have to pay a reasonable price of $349.99 – not bad at all.

[via engadget]

Read more…

While first  Eee PC 1000HE netbooks already been shipped to some lucky customers just a week ago, turns out Asus will be offering its latest netbook, covered with some new colors, besides the usual ones. In other words, those who’ve patiently waited for interesting developements to happen, will be able to get their new ultra-portable laptop painted in brushed-silver, blue, pink or onyx instead of the already-exist black and white tinges. Other specs remain the same, including 1.66Ghz Atom N280 CPU, 160GB HDD, 1GB of RAM, 1.3MP webcam, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivities – all priced at $374  – which turns to be a real bargain, considering the 8700mAh 6-cell battery inside, that suppose to provide up to 9.5 working hours, and the new chiclet keyboard that replaces the previous “not so comfortable one.

Update: In a defying move, Asus claims that the Eee PC 1000HE is a much better netbook than Acer’s D150 latest version, in all aspects. according to the Asian corp, while taking a closer look at design and performance, it’s easy to realize that the 1000HE comes with a larger keyboard, features a faster 802.11n WiFi connection and boasts a stronger 8,700mAH battery, compared to the 5,800mAH inside the Aspire One. To get convinced, hit the jump and look at the pictures.

[via Slashgear]

Read more…

Word in the street says that Acer is about to launch a slim version of the popular Aspire One netbook. According to netbooknews.de the next model will apparently feature a chassis, sized at 0.95 inches thick, 10 inches wide, and 7.28 inches deep, while other specs will remain the same, with 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 CPU, 1GB RAM, 3-cell battery, and 10.2-inch 1024 x 600 screen resolution. Other than that, we hear speculations that you might also get an integrated UMTS along with SSD drives inside, but we have no clear evidence to verify this information at this point. Stay tuned for more to come. There’s another picture after the break.

[via netbooknews.de]

Read more…

Aspire One is one of the top selling netbooks around the globe, thanks to the nice minuscule design and the impressive 8.9-inch display, coming with a reasonable keyboard, a fair 120/160GB hard drive and some other alluring specs which make it so likable. Having said that, it seems Acer won’t settle down until a 10-inch version will be released, and while speaking, the guys at jkkmobile have managed to put their hands on Acer’s next generation netbook, carrying the name 103 and packing a 10.1-inch display, Intel Atom 1.6 Ghz N280/N270 CPU, 1GB of Ram, 160 Gb HDD, Multitouch trackpad, Bluetooth/Wifi connectivity, SDHC card reader, 1.3MP webcam, Windows XP OS, and built-in 3G capabilities (Optional). Naturally, there’s no word on price or availability, but I guess everyone expects this version to go out in the following months, so stay tuned for further developments.

Update1: Acer has confirmed the new 10-inch version. 3 models are expected to be released within Acer’s Aspire One D150 series – The first, which suppose to hit Europe on February, is the D150-0B that includes a 10.1-inch 1024 x 600 display, a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB memory, 160GB hard drive, and a 3-cell battery, all for about €329 ($425). The second, which suppose to hit Europe on March, is the D150-1B, boasting  the same specs as the previous model, only with a 6 cell battery inside, will set you back for €349 ($450). The third, which will be scheduled for March as well, is the D150-2BG, coming with an Intel Atom 1.66GHz N280 processor, a built-in 3G quadband HSDPA/UMTS broadband and a 6-cell battery, all priced at €449 ($575).

Update2: It is now available in Amazon and J&R for pre-order with a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 CPU and a 6-cell battery, but no word on N280 processor at all. Meanwhile, you can check the video preview from Netbooknews.de after the break.

[Via jkkmobile]

Read more…

Those of you, who haven’t got a trendy netbook on their laps yet, this is your moment, as AT&T has announced an attractive 3G package that includes an Acer Aspire One, equipped with an integrated 3G modem, for just $99.99, subjunctive to a two-years broadband contract from AT&T. Mind you, the minimum fee for this kind of package starts at $60 per month, which means additional $1,440 in two years. Therefor, comparing to the $390 Aspire One netbook price, it might sound like a very expensive deal, but for those who use 3G connection on a daily basis, it might be an attractive offer. Checkout the full PR announcement after the break.

Read more…

They say, if you don’t have your own netbook brand you don’t exist, and for some reason I tend to believe this allegation, otherwise, how can you explain the joining of Packard Bell to the overcrowded market, with their latest “dot” netbook, which unsuprisingly looks similar to the other gang fellows (particularly the Acer Aspire One), packing an 8.9-inch 1024 x 600 display and the usual Intel Atom N270 processor. Well, don’t think too hard, you’ve guessed it right, it comes with 1GB of RAM, a 6-cell battery, 5-in-1 card reader, a built-in webcam and Windows XP on board. But wait, there’s something exceptional, the new “dot” has a 160GB hard-drive capacity, which is bigger than the average size. Anyway, if this is the lappy that makes it for you, it should be Available in Europe around November, priced at €399 ($580).

[via Eeepc.net]

Originally written on June 5th:

After Asus, MSI, HP and Dell, there’s another player who wants to take part in the mini-laptop party, as Acer has introduced its new Aspire One notebook at Computex in Taipei. Nothing much to say, but we do know it will be equipped with a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, 8.9-inch LED-backlit display (1024 x 600), a built-in 1.3 MP camera, three USB 2.0, card reader slot, 802.11b/g and Ethernet connectivity. You will be able to choose between a Linux model with 8GB SSD storage capacity or a Windows XP model with 80GB hard drive. The Acer Aspire One will be available this month in white or blue flavors, for prices ranged from $400 (Linux version) up to $600 (XP version).

Update1: checkout the video (by Tech Digest) after the break.

Update2: Turns out there is a problem, once playing music at maximum level through the speakers. According to several reports, a guy who played U2′s “Hold Me, Thrill Me…” at full sound, caused a vibration of the speakers which completely trashed the hard drive. The problems occurs only in hard drive devices but skips out in case you have SSD drives.

[[via Acer]

Read more…