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* [http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/acer-aspire-one-linux.aspx Acer Aspire one (Linux) Review] (Laptopmag.com)
* [http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/acer-aspire-one-linux.aspx Acer Aspire one (Linux) Review] (Laptopmag.com)
* [http://www.umpcportal.com/ UMPC Portal] (features comparison of all current UMPCs, including the Aspire One)
* [http://www.umpcportal.com/ UMPC Portal] (features comparison of all current UMPCs, including the Aspire One)
* [http://www.ubergadget.net/photos/thumbnails-7.html Aspire One Gallery] - Image Gallery featuring the Aspire One
* [http://www.ubergadget.net/photos/thumbnails-7.html Aspire One Gallery] - Image Gallery featuring the Aspire One
* [http://simplynetbook.com SimplyNetbook Forums for Acer Aspire Users]


{{Low-cost mobile computing}}
{{Low-cost mobile computing}}

Revision as of 21:53, 6 September 2008

Acer Aspire One
DeveloperAcer
TypeSubnotebook/Netbook
Media8 GB Solid-state drive, 120 GB 2.5" HDD
Operating systemLinpus Linux, Windows XP Home Edition
CPU1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270
Memory512 MB (Linux, Windows) or 1 GB (Linux, Windows)
Display8.9" (22.6 cm) 1024x600 LED-backlit TFT LCD
Input95% Full-size Keyboard
Touchpad
0.3 Megapixel Webcam
Connectivity10/100 Mbit Ethernet
802.11b/g wireless LAN
3 USB 2.0 ports
PowerLinux: 3-cell (~3 Hours) & Windows: 3-cell (~2.5 Hours) or Linux: 6-cell (~7 Hours) & Windows: 6-cell (~5.5 Hours)

The Acer Aspire One is a small notebook computer (also known as a netbook computer), with a 8.9" TFT screen and moderate performance. It contains an Intel Atom N270 processor, Mobile Intel 945GSE Express (GMA950) and 82801GBM (ICH-7m) chipsets.[1]

Models are pre-installed with either Windows XP Home edition or Fedora 8 based Linpus Linux[2][3] offering a simplified user interface, default applications like the Firefox 2 browser and OpenOffice 2.3 applications like Writer available directly in a fixed windows on the main screen.[citation needed]

The "One" became available in July 2008, while the slightly more expensive Windows XP version was available in August. It was initially available in white and blue, with a 3-cell battery. Acer proposed to introduce models later with the larger 6-cell battery, as well as a wider selection of colors including pink, red and black.[4]

Certain models of the Aspire One have a built-in 3G wireless adapter for accessing the internet through a mobile network. These models are expected later in 2008.[citation needed]

The netbook is manufactured by Quanta Computer.[5]

Storage

Current versions of the Aspire One are configured with either 8 GB of flash-based solid state storage (SSD) or a traditional 120 GB hard disk drive.

The SSD may be either an Intel Z-P230 or Samsung P-SSD 1800.[citation needed]

The 1.8" Intel Z-P230 PATA (SSDPAMM0008G1)[6] has a specified maximum read speed of 38 MB/s and write speed of 10 MB/s. Also, it consumes 1.65 mW at idle and 314 mW when active. The Samsung P-SSD 1800 is somewhat faster (~36 MB/s read and ~12 MB/s write).[citation needed]

According to the official Aspire One website, the internal HDD is 2.5" 9.5mm 120 GB.[7] However there is no 80 GB version as per the original press release.[8]

There is also an SD storage expansion slot for additional storage, and a "multi-in-1" flash memory card reader.[9]

The HDD is a Seagate Momentus 5400.4 120GB Hard Drive available in Australia. [10]

The Seagate model is ST9120817AS. Spec is 2.5", SATAII 3GB, NCQ, 2.0 Watts reading and seeking. Aspire One has a ICH7-M, and it should support NCQ in its AHCI controller. However Acer has disabled the AHCI function in the BIOS. The HDD is recognized as a normal IDE HDD in Windows with lower performance. It seems all other Acer laptop models pre-installed with vista have AHCI enabled. A future BIOS patch should be able to turn on AHCI, but it is fully determined by Acer.

The AOA 150-1570 (WinXP, 1GB, 120GB) US version (blue), purchased from Best Buy in late Aug 2008, contains a Hitachi HTS543212l9A300 hard drive: 2.5" SATA 3GB, 2.2W Avg Seek, 1.8W Avg Read/Write. [11]

Reception

The Acer Aspire One has been warmly received by much of the internet community. It has become extremely popular in Taiwan and even display models are being sold. The most appreciated features of the Aspire One are its low cost, high-quality keyboard, bright screen, and above-average build quality. Despite the initial enthusiasm, some customers are having misgivings about the netbook's solid state drive as well as apparently-broken promises from Acer regarding the netbook's future functionality.

SSD drive

The solid state hard drive is probably the biggest complaint. Two different models of solid state drive may be received by the end-user, apparently at random. One model is significantly faster than the other, but both models are extremely slow compared to contemporary solid state drives and even "old fashioned" hard disk drives. Although the solid state drive's access time is far superior to any regular hard disk drive, its read and write speeds are extremely slow, crippling the system for use with demanding programs and operating systems, such as Windows XP. This is believed to be why Acer has thus far not sold any models with a SSD/Windows XP configuration. Technically-minded individuals have made some progress in reducing the impact of the SSD's slow speed when used with Windows XP, so the problem could possibly be eliminated in the future. It should be noted that the solid state drive works perfectly with the included version of Linux and has been reported to work well with Ubuntu and other distributions as well, so this may be a strictly Windows-only problem.

One potential solution to the SSD problem is to replace the SSD with a higher-quality one.[12] Unfortunately in the SSD-based models there is no room to insert a standard 2.5" or even 1.8" SSD, so the only option currently known to work is to use a memory card such as a CompactFlash. This must be connected to the Aspire One using a special adapter and cable which aren't easy to obtain. Models available in August 2008 came with conventional hard drives.

Wireless upgrades

Contrary to initial public speculation, the Aspire One models currently sold cannot be upgraded to 3G and/or WiMax connectivity [13]. Individuals who have disassembled their Aspire One have determined that such upgrades would likely be impossible without hardware modification. A blocked SIM card slot in the back of the unit as well as a compartment on the bottom of the unit containing a plug (apparently intended for a wireless device) added to the confusion. There has been speculation as to whether Acer might have begun selling the netbook before it was really ready for distribution.

Operating system

The default Linux OS is seemingly locked from any modification. However, there are steps [14] that can be taken to have it unlocked, giving the user a series of advanced features including a "right-click" menu (similar to Start in XP) as well as a more traditional desktop.

Keyboard

Many Canadian customers are irritated by the fact that the unit comes with a bilingual keyboard. This displaces some keys, adds new keys, and changes the size of other keys, potentially making typing difficult. The reason it comes exclusively with a bilingual keyboard remains a mystery. One possible reason for this decision on Acer's part is that manufacturing might be cheaper if only one keyboard is used for all their Aspire One units sold in Canada, but this seems unlikely. On many forums, Canadian customers are claiming to have canceled their pre-orders directly as a result of this. Others have said they don't intend to buy an Aspire One until a "proper" keyboard is introduced in the Canadian market.

LCD

A common problem is Screen flicker on LCD at dimmest setting. When Dimming the LCD down to minimal (FN + left arrow key) in battery mode, a lot of users have noticed screen flicker. This problem occurs on all versions (SSD HDD Linux XP). Some users claim it is a design fault that internal +5VDC cannot supply sufficient electric current to LED backlight. Thus all other device that using +5VDC (USB device, internal HDD) will cause screen flicker[15]. Acer has noticed the issue and released a special BIOS[16] to solve this problem by disallowing 3 dimmest levels. After BIOS updating, the dimmest level now is the level 4 of original brightness.[17] However many users still find little flicker in battery mode after applying the BIOS. This can be thought as factory defect, all users must check LCD flicker in battery mode with dimmest setting right after they buy it. Once the defect is found, the only way is to exchange or refund. [18]

Bricking issues

It has been reported that some Acer Aspire Ones have been bricking. At first this was thought to be because of a ram upgrade that the users had performed themselves, but it was soon linked to the bios update to version .3114. What happens is that upon shutdown everything is working fine but when the user powers up the next time the netbook simply will not boot up; instead it just sits there with the power LED lit up and the fan spinning. A user posted a fix for this on their blog here. Using this method seems like a temporary fix for anyone experiencing problems. Acer has not commented so far about this issue but is replacing units that have this problem, but at this time it appears that updating the firmware can have ill effects. [19]

Other issues

Minor complaints include the built-in camera being of low resolution, battery life being relatively short (especially with Windows XP), and that it doesn't include bluetooth connectivity. The camera has been found to work unusually well in low-light situations however, so this makes up for its low resolution somewhat. An expanded-size 6-cell battery pack is available, however it sticks out the back of the unit and also prevents it from being inserted into the original sleeve case provided by Acer with some units. However, it has been reported that recent shipments of the Aspire One ship with a new case that opens along the length (as opposed to along the width) to allow for the 6-cell Aspire One to fit.

Regional availability

Model Regions
available 		Price OS CPU Speed
in GHz 		Storage Type Storage Size
in GB 		RAM Battery
A110L Eur, N. Am Linpus Atom 1.6 SSD 8 512 MB 3-cell
China Linpus Atom 1.6 SSD 8 1 GB 3-cell
Canada Linpus Atom 1.6 SSD 8 1.5 GB 3-cell
Canada, France, UK Linpus Atom 1.6 HDD 120 512 MB 3-cell
A150L Europe Linpus Atom 1.6 HDD 120 1 GB 3-cell
A150X Widespread WinXP Atom 1.6 HDD 120 1 GB 3-cell
Canada WinXP Atom 1.6 HDD 120 1 GB 6-cell
Canada WinXP Atom 1.6 HDD 120 1.5 GB 3-cell
A150X France, US WinXP Atom 1.6 HDD 160 1 GB 6-cell

Pricing

In cases where multiple prices are available, the lowest known price will be listed.

Australia

Currently (August 18, 2008) available in only two models:

  • Blue - Linux, 512MB RAM, 8GB SSD, 3-cell battery: $399 AUD (at Officeworks after $99 AUD cashback)

Officeworks catalogue price is $498 with $99 cashback from Acer Australia. The identical version in US is sold at $329 USD. [citation needed]

  • Blue - WinXP, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD, 3-cell battery: $546 AUD(at Officeworks after $99 AUD cashback)

Officeworks catalogue price is $645 with $99 cashback from Acer Australia. The identical version in US is sold at $349 USD. [citation needed]

Bulgaria

Currently (August 24, 2008) available in only two models:

  • White and Blue- Linux, 3-cell battery, 512MB RAM, 8GB SSD: 328€ (VAT included) [20]
  • White and Blue- WinXP, 3-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD: 358€ (VAT included) [21]

Canada

Currently (September 4th, 2008) there are many different models including recent ones with 160 GB hard drives and new colours:

  • Unspecified model: White - Linux, 3-cell battery, 512MB RAM, 8GB SSD: $338.88 CAD [22]
  • 110-1698 Sapphire - Linux, 3-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 8GB SSD: $347.68 CAD [23]
  • Unspecified model: Blue - Linux, 3-cell battery, 512MB RAM, 120GB HDD: $349.99 CAD [24]
  • 150 Golden Brown - WinXP, 3-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 160GB HD: $390.00 CAD [25]
  • Unspecified model: White - Linux, 3-cell battery, 1.5GB RAM, 8GB SSD: $394.80 CAD [26]
  • 110-1698 Onyx - Linux, 3-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 16GB SSD: $397.50 CAD [27]
  • Unspecified model: White - WinXP, 3-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD: $399.99 CAD [28]
  • 150 Sapphire/White/Onyx - WinXP, 3-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 160GB HD: $413.40 CAD [29]
  • Unspecified model: Blue - WinXP, 6-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD: $425.00 CAD [30]

Denmark

  • Linux, 3-cell battery, 512MB RAM, 8GB SSD, blue or white: 2.299 DKR [31]
  • Windows XP, 3-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD, blue or white: 2.799 DKR [32]

France

Will be available starting in late July/early August in the following configurations:[33]

  • Linux, 3-cell battery, 512MB RAM, 8 GB SSD: 299€ - A110L [citation needed]
  • Linux, 3-cell battery, 512MB RAM, 120 GB hard drive: 329€ - A150L (?) [citation needed]
  • Linux, 3-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 120 GB hard drive: 349€ - A150L (?) [citation needed]
  • WinXP, 6-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 160 GB hard drive, 399€ - A150X [citation needed]

Germany

  • A110L Linux, 3-cell battery, 512 MB RAM, 8GB SSD, 299,-€
  • A150L Linux, 3-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD, 349,-€
  • A150X Windows XP, 3-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD, 399,-€

India

Currently (August, 2008) available in one model:

  • Windows XP, 3-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 120 GB HD: Approx Rs 22-23,000. [citation needed]

Italy

Currently (August, 2008) available in three models:

  • Linux, 3-cell battery, 512MB RAM, 8 GB SSD: 299€ - A110L (Available at Unieuro) [citation needed]
  • Linux, 3-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 120 GB HD: 334€ - A150L [citation needed]
  • Windows XP, 3-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 120 GB HD: 359€ - A150X [citation needed]

The last two versions are available in a PC Shop in Turin. [citation needed]

Japan

Will be available starting in mid to late August:

  • White/Blue - WinXP, 3-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD: ¥54,800 [citation needed]

Mexico

  • Blue - WinXP, 3-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD: MX$4499 (US$437) [34]
  • Blue - Linux, 512MB RAM, 8GB SDD: MX$4365 (US$424) [35]

New Zealand

Currently (August 6, 2008) available in only one model:

  • WinXP, 3-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD: $849 NZD (offered with $99 NZD cashback)[citation needed]

People's Republic of China

Linux, 3-cell, 1GB RAM, 8GB SSD: RMB 3200 ($466)[citation needed]

Portugal

  • Linux, 3-cell battery, 512MB RAM, 8 GB SSD: 299€ - A110L [citation needed]

Romania

  • Linux, 512MB RAM, 8GB SSD, 3 cell battery, Intel N270: RON: 1.128 (€320) [citation needed]
  • Windows XP Home, 1024MB RAM, 120GB HDD, 3 cell battery, Intel N270: RON: 1.343 (€380) [citation needed]

Spain

  • Linux, 3-cell battery, 512MB RAM, 8GB SSD: €299[36]
  • Linux, 3-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD: €349[citation needed]
  • Windows XP, 3-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD: €399[citation needed]

Taiwan

All the above models are currently available in Taiwan, but are mostly sold-out due to unexpectedly high demand in that area.[citation needed]

Slovenia

  • Blue - WinXP, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD, 3-cell battery: €379,90 EUR[37]

United Kingdom

  • Blue Linux, 512MB RAM, 8GB SSD: £199 GBP (inc VAT)[38]
  • White Linux, 512MB RAM, 120GB HDD: £229 GBP (inc VAT)[39]
  • A150-Bb Netbook, Windows XP Home, 1GB DDR2 RAM, 120GB HD (Sapphire Blue): £283.16 (inc VAT)[40]

United States

  • Linux, 3-cell battery, 512MB RAM, 8GB SSD: $329 USD[41]
  • Linux, 6-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 8GB SSD: $399 USD[42]
  • WinXP, 3-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD: $349 USD[43]
  • WinXP, 6-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD: $399 USD[44]

See also

References

  1. ^ Aspire One
  2. ^ Operating System
  3. ^ [1]
  4. ^ http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/06/03/acer_launches_one/
  5. ^ http://www.digitimes.com/systems/a20080710PD222.html
  6. ^ Z-P230_319955.book
  7. ^ http://www.acer.com/aspireone/
  8. ^ http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/07/02/acer_ups_linux_laptop_price/
  9. ^ http://www.acer.com/aspireone/
  10. ^ http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/products/laptops/momentus/momentus_5400.4/
  11. ^ http://www.hitachigst.com/tech/techlib.nsf/products/Travelstar_5K320
  12. ^ http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/07/23/aspire_one_ssd_replaced/
  13. ^ http://www.acer.com/aspireone/ - FAQ - Chapter "Hardware", as retrieved on 2008-08-29
  14. ^ http://www.laptopmag.com/advice/how-to/aspire-one-apps.aspx
  15. ^ http://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail.php?f=232&t=746806&last=7789863
  16. ^ http://twcsddl.acer.com.tw//acerdl/upload/Notebook/Aspireone/AOA150/BIOS//PGM26021-BI-3301FD.zip
  17. ^ http://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail.php?f=232&t=713728&p=4
  18. ^ http://www.aspireoneuser.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=1196
  19. ^ http://www.aspireoneuser.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=903&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=60
  20. ^ http://www.jarcomputers.com/l_bg/?m=7&i=533664
  21. ^ http://www.jarcomputers.com/l_bg/?m=7&i=534039
  22. ^ [http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=10140ST9996&vpn=LU.S020A.011&manufacture=ACER
  23. ^ [2]
  24. ^ [http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=10140ST8396&vpn=LU.S050A.006&manufacture=ACER
  25. ^ [3]
  26. ^ [http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=10140ST8318&vpn=NCIX-LU.S020A.011-1.5GB&manufacture=ACER
  27. ^ [4]
  28. ^ [5]
  29. ^ [6]
  30. ^ [7]
  31. ^ http://www.fona.dk/default.aspx?m=2&i=305
  32. ^ http://www.fona.dk/default.aspx?m=2&i=305
  33. ^ Acer Aspire One : première prise en main. » By Pierre Lecourt » acer, aspire, linux, one, presentation, prix » Blogeee.net : La communauté Netbook
  34. ^ : Acer Aspire One at OfficeDepot Mexico
  35. ^ : Acer Aspire One at Paguito
  36. ^ "NETBOOK ACER ASPIRE ONE 110-AB en PCCITY". July 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-16.
  37. ^ http://www.comshop.si/Article.asp?articleid=58559
  38. ^ [8]
  39. ^ [9]
  40. ^ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Acer-Aspire-One-Netbook-Sapphire/dp/B001BZ9234
  41. ^ http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/acer-drives-outstanding-value-netbook/story.aspx?guid={DA12E182-9176-4834-A985-5090FF8C4171}&dist=hppr
  42. ^ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115498
  43. ^ http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/08/22/acer_us_cuts_aa1_price/
  44. ^ http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/08/22/acer_us_cuts_aa1_price/

External links

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