Acer Aspire Timeline Range Hits US From $598

Acer's Timeline range of ultraportable notebooks has been priced for the US, and whereas we were expecting a starting price of around $699 Acer are actually delivering a $598 entry-level machine.  That gets you the 15.6-inch Timeline with Intel's 1.3GHz Pentium SU2700 and 3GB of DDR3 RAM; if you want one of the 14-inch or 13.3-inch models budget $699.99 or $899.99 accordingly.

Both of those have 4GB of DDR3 memory, Intel's GMA 4500MHD graphics and at least three USB 2.0 ports.  The 13.3 and 15.6-inch models have HDMI ports, the 13.3-inch also gets Bluetooth 2.0 and a 500GB hard-drive, while the others make do with 320GB.

All get WiFi a/b/g/n, a webcam, multitouch-capable trackpad and a multiformat memory card reader.  The 15.6 and 14-inch models thrown in a DVD burner too, and all three can apparently manage more than eight hours runtime from a full charge.  Full specs in the press release below.

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:

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.

Configurations, Pricing and Availability

Available now, the new Acer Aspire Timeline Series includes numerous models within the 13.3-inch AS3810, 14-inch AS4810 and 15.6-inch AS5810 lines. A sample configuration from each is listed below.

Acer Aspire Timeline AS3810T-6415

Intel Core 2 Duo processor SU9400 (1.40GHz, 3 MB L2 cache, 800MHz FSB, 10 W)

Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium 64-bit with Service Pack 1

13.3-inch HD Acer CineCrystal™ LED-backlit TFT LCD (resolution 1366 x 768, 16:9 aspect ratio)

Mobile Intel® GS45 Express Chipset

Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD

4 GB of DDR3 1066MHz dual channel memory (runs at 800MHz)

500GB(3) SATA hard drive

Acer Crystal Eye webcam

Multi-in-1 digital media card reader

Intel® WiFi Link 5100 802.11a/g/Draft-N wireless LAN WiFi certified

Bluetooth 2.0

3 – USB 2.0 ports

HDMI port

Multi-gesture touchpad pointing device supporting circular-motion scrolling, pinch-action zoom, page flip

Acer touch-sensitive hotkeys (Touchpad Lock, Backup Manager, PowerSmart)

Standard 6-cell Li-ion (5600 mAh) Battery

3.5 lbs.

12.67" (W) x 0.92" to 1.13" (H) x 8.97" (D)

Energy Star® 5.0 compliant

MSRP $899.99

Acer Aspire Timeline AS4810T-8480

Intel Core 2 Solo processor SU3500 (3MB L2 cache, 1.40GHz, 800MHz FSB, 5.50 W)

Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium 64-bit with Service Pack 1

14-inch HD Acer CineCrystal™ LED-backlit TFT LCD (resolution 1366 x 768, 16:9 aspect ratio)

Mobile Intel® GS45 Express Chipset

Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD

4 GB of DDR3 1066MHz dual channel memory (runs at 800MHz)

320GB SATA hard drive

Acer Crystal Eye webcam

Multi-in-1 digital media card reader

8X DVD SuperMulti double layer drive

Intel® WiFi Link 5100 802.11a/g/Draft-N wireless LAN

3 – USB 2.0 ports

Multi-gesture touchpad pointing device supporting circular-motion scrolling, pinch-action zoom, page flip

Acer touch-sensitive hotkeys (Touchpad Lock, Backup Manager, PowerSmart)

Standard 6-cell Li-ion (5600 mAh) Battery

4.2 lbs.

13.32" (W) x 0.94" to 1.13" (H) x 9.44" (D)

Energy Star® 5.0 compliant

MSRP $699.99

Acer Aspire Timeline AS5810TZ-4657

Intel Pentium processor SU2700 (2MB L2 cache, 1.3 GHz, 800MHz FSB, 10 W)

Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium 64-bit with Service Pack 1

15.6-inch HD Acer CineCrystal™ LED-backlit TFT LCD (resolution 1366 x 768, 16:9 aspect ratio)

Mobile Intel® GS45 Express Chipset

Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD

3GB of DDR3 1066MHz memory (runs at 800MHz)

320GB(3) SATA hard drive

Acer Crystal Eye webcam

Multi-in-1 digital media card reader

8X DVD SuperMulti double layer drive

Acer InviLink Nplify 802.11b/g/Draft-N wireless LAN

4 – USB 2.0 ports

HDMI port

Multi-gesture touchpad pointing device supporting circular-motion scrolling, pinch-action zoom, page flip

Acer touch-sensitive hotkeys (Touchpad Lock, Backup Manager, PowerSmart)

6-cell (5600 mAh) Li-ion Battery

5.3 lbs.

14.88" (W) x 0.97" to 1.16" (H) x 10.19" (D)

Energy Star® 5.0 compliant

MSRP $598.00

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.

About Acer

Since its founding in 1976, Acer has constantly pursued the goal of breaking the barriers between people and technology. Focused on marketing its brand-name IT products around the globe, Acer ranks as the world's No. 3 vendor for total PCs and No. 2 for notebooks, with the fastest growth among the top-five players. A profitable and sustainable Channel Business Model is instrumental to Acer's continued growth, while the successful mergers of Gateway and Packard Bell complete the company's global footprint by strengthening its presence in the U.S. and enhancing its strong position in Europe. The Acer Group employs more than 6,000 people worldwide. 2008 revenues reached US$16.65 billion. See www.acer.com for more information.

© 2009 Acer Inc. All rights reserved. Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners.

1) Source: Gartner data, FY2008.

2) Based on Principled Technologies' benchmark testing, using Bapco's MobileMark 2007 Productivity test. Battery life varies depending on product specifications, computer settings and applications or features launched. All batteries' maximum capacity diminishes with time and use.

3) Accessible capacity varies: MB =1 million bytes; GB = 1 billion bytes.