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Acer Aspire One

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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 know 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 Hard 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. Furthermore, any modification of this kind would void the Acer warranty, so it is out of the question for most end-users.

Wireless Upgrades

Acer claims that the netbook could be upgraded at a later date to have 3G and/or WiMax connectivity. However, individuals who have disassembled their Aspire One have found that this is likely impossible without hardware modification, not simply with an internal plug-in card. This is made more confusing by the fact that there is a SIM card slot in the back of the unit which is blocked as well as a door on the bottom of the unit with a plug inside apparently intended for a wireless device. There is currently speculation as to whether Acer might have begun selling the netbook before it was really ready for distribution. Another possibility is that a customer might have to send their netbook to an Acer service center to have the modifications performed at a later date.

Operating System

The default Linux OS is seemingly locked from any modification. However, there are steps [13] 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). Acer has noticed the issue and released a special BIOS[14] to solve this problem by disallowing 3 dimmest levels. After BIOS updating, the dimmest level now is the level 4 of original brightness.[15] 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 defective is found, the only way is to exchange or refund. [16]

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. [17]

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 every Aspire One. 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.

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 $398 with $99 cashback from Acer Australia. The identical version in US is sold at $379 USD.

  • 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 $399 USD.

Bulgaria

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

  • White and Blue- Linux, 3-cell battery, 512MB RAM, 8GB SSD: 328€ (VAT included) [18]
  • White and Blue- WinXP, 3-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD: 358€ (VAT included) [19]

Canada

Currently (August 20, 2008) available in five models:

  • White - Linux, 3-cell battery, 512MB RAM, 8GB SSD: $338.88 CAD [20]
  • Blue - Linux, 3-cell battery, 512MB RAM, 120GB HDD: $349.99 CAD [21]
  • White - Linux, 3-cell battery, 1.5GB RAM, 8GB SSD: $394.80 CAD [22]
  • White - WinXP, 3-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD: $399.99 CAD [23]
  • Blue - WinXP, 6-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD: $429 CAD [24]

One model is available for pre-order from Best Buy, FutureShop (available in some stores starting August 25th, 2008), and The Source (expected September 15th, 2008):

  • Blue - WinXP, 3-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD: $399 CAD [25]

France

Will be available starting in late July/early August in the following configurations:[26]

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

India

Currently (August, 2008) available in one model:

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

Italy

Currently (August, 2008) available in three models:

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

The last two versions are available in a PC Shop in Turin.

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

  • White/Blue - WinXP, 3-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD: $3499 Pesos

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]

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

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

  • Linux, 3-cell battery, 512MB RAM, 8GB SSD: €299[27]
  • The models with 120 Gb HDD are expected in mid-August[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]

United Kingdom

  • Blue Linux, 512MB RAM, 8GB SSD: £199 GBP (inc VAT)[28]
  • White Linux, 512MB RAM, 120GB HDD: £229 GBP (inc VAT)[29]
  • A150-Bb Netbook, Windows XP Home, 1GB DDR2 RAM, 120GB HD (Sapphire Blue): £283.16 (inc VAT)[30]

United States

  • Linux, 3-cell battery, 512MB RAM, 8GB SSD: $329 USD[31]
  • WinXP, 3-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 120GB HDD: $349 USD[32]
  • WinXP, 6-cell battery, 1GB RAM, 160GB HDD: $399 USD[33]

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.laptopmag.com/advice/how-to/aspire-one-apps.aspx
  14. ^ http://twcsddl.acer.com.tw//acerdl/upload/Notebook/Aspireone/AOA150/BIOS//PGM26021-BI-3301FD.zip
  15. ^ http://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail.php?f=232&t=713728&p=4
  16. ^ http://www.aspireoneuser.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=1196
  17. ^ http://www.aspireoneuser.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=903&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=60
  18. ^ http://www.jarcomputers.com/l_bg/?m=7&i=533664
  19. ^ http://www.jarcomputers.com/l_bg/?m=7&i=534039
  20. ^ [http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=10140ST9996&vpn=LU.S020A.011&manufacture=ACER
  21. ^ [http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=10140ST8396&vpn=LU.S050A.006&manufacture=ACER
  22. ^ [http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=10140ST8318&vpn=NCIX-LU.S020A.011-1.5GB&manufacture=ACER
  23. ^ [2]
  24. ^ NCIX.com - Buy Acer Aspire One Intel Atom 1GB 120GB 8.9IN LED 1024X600 Webcam 6CELL XP Home Mini Notebook Blue - LU.S050B.002 In Canada
  25. ^ Future Shop: Computers: Laptops: Acer Aspire One Intel Atom Processor N270 1.60GHz Netbook (AOA150-1813) - Bilingual
  26. ^ Acer Aspire One : première prise en main. » By Pierre Lecourt » acer, aspire, linux, one, presentation, prix » Blogeee.net : La communauté Netbook
  27. ^ "NETBOOK ACER ASPIRE ONE 110-AB en PCCITY". July 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-16.
  28. ^ [3]
  29. ^ [4]
  30. ^ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Acer-Aspire-One-Netbook-Sapphire/dp/B001BZ9234
  31. ^ http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/acer-drives-outstanding-value-netbook/story.aspx?guid={DA12E182-9176-4834-A985-5090FF8C4171}&dist=hppr
  32. ^ http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/08/22/acer_us_cuts_aa1_price/
  33. ^ http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/08/22/acer_us_cuts_aa1_price/
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