11.6-inch Aspire One blurs the line between Netbook and Notebook
by Stevie Smith - Apr 8 2009, 16:15
With an 11.6-inch screen, where does the Netbook end and the notebook begin? Image: Acer.
With Dell’s Inspiron Mini 12 already blurring the true definition of ‘ultra portable’ when it comes to the supposedly small-form Netbook category, Taiwan-based computer manufacturer Acer is today joining the push towards system sizes that are more notebook than Netbook.
Following a similar sizing plan as the recently leaked Dell product roadmap suggesting an imminent Inspiron Mini 11, the refreshed iteration of Acer’s Aspire One Netbook (751h) is not only heavier and wider than the existing 8.9-inch model, but it also sports a generous 11.6-inch WXGA display with LED backlighting.
However, while technically bigger than its established hardware stable mate, the new Aspire One attempts to balance any portability shortfall thanks to the introduction of a skinny profile thickness of just 2.5cm.
Other new additions to the Aspire One line include Dolby Pro Logic sound, a multi-gesture touchpad for enhanced navigation and page zooming, and a six-cell battery that Acer claims will provide users with up to eight hours of operational longevity on a single charge.’
Although Acer has not yet rolled out a complete list of internal specifications, it is lauding the new Aspire One as a Netbook entrant and, as such, it will come equipped with largely Netbook attributes.
These will include a (possibly refreshed) Intel Atom processor, the Mobile Intel US15W Express Chipset, Wi-Fi, 3G and Bluetooth connectivity, and 160GBs of hard disk drive (HDD) data storage.
Expect the complete specification listing along with regional prices and retail dates in the very near future. Prospective buyers swayed by colour selection will be pleased to note that Acer’s latest Netbook comes in choices of black, white, red or blue.
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