NEW ACER® ASPIRE X1200 DESKTOP IS A SMALL YET MIGHTY PACKAGE

No-compromise solution boasts desktop power and value in a compact, expandable and environmentally-friendly design

SAN JOSE, CALIF., July 8, 2008 - Acer America, the third largest vendor in the PC market,(1) today announced the Acer® Aspire X1200, a truly dynamic and sleek entertainment center with prices beginning at just $450.

Offering powerful desktop components and expansion capabilities in a small box, the Acer® Aspire X1200 desktop enables users to enjoy high-definition movies, games and theater-like sound while maximizing space in the home. Featuring AMD dual-core processors, NVIDIA® GeForce® 8200 on-board graphics and PCI Express® 2.0, it's ideal for entertainment enthusiasts and space-conscious consumers desiring phenomenal performance in an environmentally-friendly design.

"Our innovative, low energy consumption desktop is a no-compromise solution providing desktop power, performance and value in a compact form factor," said Stephanie Hatchel, Senior Manager, Retail Desktop Product Planning for Acer America. "Aspire X1200 was designed to be an appealing, easy to use media hub for making the most of entertainment. From broadcasting MP3s in crystal clear acoustics to showcasing HD movies, this sleek system is a multimedia powerhouse and available at a price today's budget-minded consumers will appreciate."

Expandable and Elegant Space-Saving Design

Measuring just 10.6-inches (H) x 4.0-inches (W) x 14.4-inches (L), the stylish, compact chassis maximizes desktop real estate. Its high gloss coating and recessed venting sport an elegant look and feel. Translucent plastic knobs on the speakers are attractive and make it simple to adjust volume. Peripherals including the keyboard and mouse showcase subtle color differences that enhance the overall design appeal.

Providing room for expansion, the system offers two PCI Express slots (X1 and X16). For easy access and reach, five USB 2.0 ports, a multi-in-1 card reader, IEEE 1394 port and audio jacks are conveniently located on the front of the PC. Four additional USB 2.0 ports are positioned on the back for connecting to a wide array of peripherals and digital devices.

Dynamic Digital Media Powerhouse

Unlike similar small form factor PCs that leverage mobile components with higher costs and lower performance, the Aspire X1200 offers a choice of models that scale up to an AMD Athlon™ X2 5000 processor and up to 4GB DDR2 memory for taking on advanced multitasking. The AMD processors support downloadable AMD Live! applications for optimal recording, transferring, sharing and organizing of photos, videos, music and media. The energy-efficient designs employing the AMD Athlon™ X2 Dual Core 4850e processor, consume less power, resulting in less wasted energy, lower operational cost as well as cooler and quieter operation.

Boasting the NVIDIA® GeForce® 8200 Chipset with PureVideo HD Technology, the Aspire X1200 supports the hottest games with Microsoft® DirectX 10 for realistic, life-like images. The system also promises high-definition movie picture quality with supported formats including H.264, VC1 and MPEG2. Fully integrated high-definition audio with 7.1-channel audio support provides dynamic sound for games, music and movies. In conjunction with an HD display, the Acer Aspire X1200 delivers a superb home theater experience.

HDMI makes it easy to hook the PC to a big screen TV and gives users a full range of support for any high-definition format via a single cable. A high-performance 14-in-1 digital media card reader makes it easy to transfer video, music and movies from a host of digital devices. The mini-desktop also come with a large SuperMulti Double-layer drive, which provides enough room to record significant data, hours of DVD-quality video and thousands of songs.

Front- and rear-access audio jacks speed up connection of headphones, microphones and other audio peripherals. PCI Express 2.0 optimizes computer components, such as high-end discrete graphics cards and network cards for the fastest performance available.

Specifications, Pricing and Availability

The Acer® Aspire X1200 desktop PC is available now at major retailers nationwide. Prices range from $449.99 to $699.99 depending on configuration. See following for available models.

Acer® Aspire X1200-U1520A: Available now for $449.99

* AMD Athlon™ X2 Dual Core 4850e Processor
* NVIDIA® GeForce® 8200 On-Board Graphics
* 4GB DDR2 Memory
* 320GB SATA II Hard Drive
* 16x DVD+R/RW, DVD-RAM SuperMulti, Double-Layer Drive
* 14-in-One Media Card Reader
* Windows Vista® Premium 64 with SP1

Acer® Aspire X1200-U1510A: Available now for $459.99

* AMD Athlon™ X2 Dual Core 5000+ Processor
* NVIDIA® GeForce® 8200 On-Board Graphics
* 4GB DDR2 Memory
* 320GB SATA II Hard Drive
* 16x DVD+R/RW, DVD-RAM SuperMulti, Double-Layer Drive
* 14-in-One Media Card Reader
* Windows Vista® Premium 64 with SP1

Acer® Aspire X1200-B1581A: Available for $699.99 starting on July 13

* AMD Athlon™ X2 Dual Core 4850e Processor
* NVIDIA® GeForce® 8200 On-Board Graphics
* 4GB DDR2 Memory
* 500GB SATA II Hard Drive
* 16x DVD+R/RW, DVD-RAM SuperMulti, Double-Layer Drive
* 14-in-One Media Card Reader
* 22-inch Widescreen LCD Display
* Windows Vista® Premium 64 with SP1

Other specs: 1920x1200 res, 2ms response time, 400 nits, HDMI and DVI out ports. The arguably most important numbers—price and date—are nowhere to be found. But "not cheap" and "later" sound like reasonable guesses! [Acer via Engadget]

Acer Presents the Aspire one

Your New Mobile Internet Device
TAIPEI, Taiwan & SAN JOSE, Calif. —(Business Wire)— Jun. 3, 2008 Acer, the third largest vendor in the global PC market (source: Gartner data, 4Q 2007), today presented the Aspire one, an all-new communication device designed to make online activities fast, simple and cool.

The Aspire one is a brand new product which, despite its size, is not just another notebook: it's a stylish all-new digital device designed to deliver continuous access to the internet no matter where you are.

The Aspire one is something that can go everywhere and opens the door to new and unexplored areas of the online world. For this reason it was important to reduce weight and dimensions.

The result is a masterpiece of technological simplicity with an intuitive and specifically optimized software interface to support connectivity needs. At just 9.8-inches x 6.7-inches x 1.14-inches and weighing a little more than two pounds, the Aspire one is not only extremely compact (smaller than an average office diary) but offers numerous connectivity possibilities, a full and easy-to-use software application suite and battery life of up to six hours(1).

Get connected

Small and smart, the Aspire one can go anywhere and keeps users connected everywhere. The Aspire one comes standard with 802.11b/g WiFi built-in for easy access to available wireless networks and in the future may be specified with 3G(2) wireless technology for even greater online freedom. In addition, Acer Signal Up technology ensures maximum quality and stability to the wireless signal.

Let's get organized

The Aspire one is great for getting things done: whether checking email, managing online accounts or chatting with friends, the Aspire one offers a simple, intuitive Linux(3) interface that clearly organizes everything needed to surf the Internet, work or simply have fun. The pre-installed software is separated by functions and presented in four distinct areas on the screen - Connect, Works, Fun and Files - making it so simple it's difficult to get confused.

Ergonomics and reduced dimensions do not mean the view isn't spectacular: the Aspire one has an 8.9-inch CrystalBrite LED backlit display with a resolution of 1024x600 pixels. Integrated in the top of the screen is the unique Acer CrystalEye webcam for live video streaming, video chats and conferences.

Choose your Style

The Aspire one uses color to combine connectivity with inimitable style. Initially available in blue and white, the range of colors available for the Aspire one will be expanded later this year with two new soft, warm tones: brown and pink.

The four colors - sapphire blue, seashell white, golden brown and coral pink - give the Aspire one an individual and quite distinctive look and feel that matches the style and personality of its owner.

Bits & bytes for data freedom

The Aspire one is equipped with Intel(R) Atom(TM) processor, Linpus(TM) Linux(R) Lite or Windows XP(R) Home, and comes with 512MB or 1GB of RAM memory installed.

There are two alternatives for data storage: a NAND flash module of 8GB or an 80GB(4) internal HDD. In addition the Aspire one reads five different types of memory card - Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD-Picture Card - for absolute data freedom.

To increase storage capacity, the Aspire one features the unique Smart File Manager, a simple solution that instantly and seamlessly merges extra storage from any SD card inserted in the second SD card slot into the memory available to the user.

Simple, Sophisticated Software

Acer has improved the user experience by designing a friendly, easy-to-use and comprehensive interface utilizing a more natural approach to screen layout and functionality, which simplifies interaction between users and the Aspire one. The Linpus(TM) Linux(R) Lite version is the result, guiding and accompanying even novice users through the Internet in an intuitive, "virus-safe" and super-responsive Linux environment.

The Aspire one features the one Mail software suite that lets users manage up to six email accounts with a single application interface, including office accounts. A small icon to the right of the message quickly and clearly shows the appropriate mail account. Nothing could be simpler to replace push e-mail services without using a corporate server.

The Aspire one uses Messenger for Instant Messaging, an application that allows users to simultaneously access Skype, Microsoft Messenger and various other instant messaging services. The software can be used with the integrated video camera for instant video-chats and video conferences.

The Aspire one series comes preinstalled with Linpus(TM) Linux(R) Lite version or Windows XP(R) Home. Additional software such as OpenOffice 2.3, one Mail, Messenger, Acer eRecovery Management, Acer Launch Manager, Adobe(R) Reader(R), McAfee(R) Internet Security Suite, Microsoft(R) Office Trial 2007 are also installed5.

Pricing and Availability

The new Aspire one will be available in early Q3 through Acer authorized resellers and selected retailers throughout North America, with pricing beginning at US$379.

The Aspire one comes with a standard one-year parts and labor warranty, which includes concurrent International Traveler's Coverage that can be extended to three years with the Acer Advantage service that also covers accidental damage to the notebook. Additionally, all Acer notebooks are backed by toll-free service and support.

About Acer America

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. Acer Inc. employs 5,000 people worldwide. Estimated revenue for 2007 is US $14.07 billion. For more information, please visit http://www.acer.com/us.

(1) Up to 3 hours battery life with standard 3-cell battery; up to 6 hours battery life with optional 6-cell battery

(2) Coverage depending on network availability. Upon launch the Aspire one will be WiFi enabled only. Embedded WiMax and 3G will be available later this year.

(3) only for the Linpus version

(4) (2.5-inch)

(5) System memory and/or bundled software depending on version or installed OS

Windows Vista OS
Intel Core 2 Extreme or Quad processor
Nvidia nForce 780i SLI chipset
8GB memory
1TB SATA hard disk
4 x 3.5-inch Easy-swap HDD drive bays with either:
BD+ SuperMulti burner
BD/HD DVD reader
Supermulti
Multi-in-one card reader
TV tuner card
Dolby Home Theater audio enhancement
Gigabit Ethernet
56K modem
Front ports:
4 x USB 2.0 ports
Headphone and microphone jacks
Rear ports:
4 x USB 2.0 ports
IEEE 1394 port
PS72 keyboard and mouse ports
2 x Ethernet ports
2 x eSATA ports
6 x audio jacks
S/PDIF jack
Clear CMOS button
TV-out port
2 x DVI-D ports
Acer Empowering Technology software
Acer eRecovery Management
Acer Arcade Live
McAfee Internet Security Suite 2008
Adobe Reader
eSobi
NTI MediaMaker
Dimensions: 490 x 430 x 190 mm

The Predator also has a bunch of accessories, including a Logitech G11 gaming keyboard, GS gaming mouse, remote control, and an Acer LCD monitor and stereo speakers. No word on pricing or availability as yet. [Acer via PC World]

They also announced that E-10 would ditch their PDA business and focus exclusively on smartphones, with the new Acer release headed for sale through wireless carriers (in opposition to E-10's direct to retail roots). Whether Acer can muscle its way into the crowded cellphone market remains to be seen—but it is definitely a logical move for a major PC maker at this point. [CNET]

• When the rollout is already slower than people initially hoped, the aforementioned delays are never good.

• Aside from the Nokia N810, Asus Eee PC and Everex Cloudbook, Xohm lacks any mainstream WiMax-compliant devices, and we were hoping CTIA 2008 would be a good time to hear about them. An infrastructure is only as good as its end-user products (and vice-versa).

• Speaking of that, where are Intel's WiMax-compatible chips? What about the 20% of 2008 devices scheduled to have WiMax? What about the Montevina chipsets allegedly eagerly awaited by Lenovo, Acer, Asus, Panasonic and Toshiba? WiMax needs some love from its $2 billion champion.

• Xohm partners we spoke to were under the impression that a full Xohm demo would be set up for CTIA. However, Wired's Joe Brown attended Nokia's press conference and noted the N810 WiMax Edition Tablet was demoed over Wi-Fi. What's up with that?

• Similarly, while previewing the N810's HAVA Player at Nokia's booth, the Hava rep told me he was using Wi-Fi for demos because the Xohm booth just across the hall didn't have a strong enough WiMax signal. Laptop Magazine even suffered dropped connections inside the Xohm booth. What ever happened to 10Mbps at 10 kilometers?

• The WiMax demos that did work seemed promising, but the people running the booth operated with a healthy amount of paranoia. We weren't allowed to get too hands-on and they tried to kill our photos, suggesting perhaps things weren't as fully functional as they seemed.

• An early WiMax service rolled out in Australia last month suffered an EPIC FAIL, quickly closed up shop and prompted the CEO to say "WiMax may not work." Could Xohm be suffering from similar problems?

• WiMax's direct 4G competition, LTE, chosen by America's two biggest and most powerful wireless carriers, already seems to be gaining steam, not to mention showing well in recent demos.

So guys, anything we can do to help? I want the future of technology to actually make it to the future. Lord knows I'd feel better knowing I could play World of Warcraft lag-free while sitting in the middle of the Mojave Desert, not that I own WoW or plan to visit the Mojave Desert, but you never know. Seriously, just give me my damn WiMax already!!

Signed,
Adrian Covert

That was a major misunderstanding as JT was wrongly interpreted. Acer is not going to release any game console but the idea is to develop a high-end PC targeted at the serious gamer.

Well, according to our German pals at GameStar, James Wong was said to take issue with the fact that the current state of the console market relies solely upon closed and proprietary systems. He sees this as an opportunity for Acer to get in on some gaming fun, and they plan to do this by creating a console utilizing PC technology, which will be, wait for it, a completely open platform. Such a preposterous claim must be taken with a large, Everest sized mountain of salt, but it is interesting nonetheless. For now, we know nothing more, but watch this space for more information. [GameStar]

It's got a cool touchdial on the left for some nice multimedia controls; it's called CineDash, and it's got volume, mute, hold, media transport and menu navi.

The largest of the two models, the 8920, has a 1920x1080 18.4" screen, and a 90% (ATSC?) color gamut. The smaller, the 6920, is 16" with same resolution and 60% of the color gamut. As you can guess from those screen resolutions, both can support full Blu-ray playback. (Another blue reference.) They're saying 3 hours playback on the 18.4", and 2.5 hours of movie playback on the 16" one. There will be an "SD" version with 720p playback of either DVD or Blu-ray.

They're shipping in a month. The starting price point is $1,700, with a typical config around $1,900.

UPDATE: The weights are a bit troubling for anyone interested in mobility: Over 9 lbs for the 18.4 incher, and nearly 8 lbs for the 16 incher.

Check out some additional specs:
[Acer]

The Nostalgia Video

[Tiger Direct]

•Acer will be adding to their Aspire line with five new models (2920, 4920, 5920, 7720 and 9920). Their Travelmate line will also gain two new machines (6492 and 6592G.)

•Fujitsu-Siemens will join the parade with the Amilo Xi 2550 / 2428

•Sony will have a piece of the Penryn pie with five new VAIO lappies (FZ31, TZ2, SZ71, CR31 and AR61.)

[Notebook Italia; Aspire, Travelmate, Amilo, Vaio via Engadget]

Rip-Off Of Sort of a cross between a conventional Bollywood musical and the Elvis Presley vehicle Jailhouse Rock. Suffice to say that the spot's not meant to translate well to different markets—if they ran this ad during an NFL game, for example, Acer would become an instant Stateside laughingstock. (Especially with that clumsy dubbing—an unavoidable consequence, I gather, of Acer's goal of doing Hindi, Tamil, and Bengali versions of the spot, too.)

The Spin It's no secret that India's the vaunted Next Big Thing for computer makers, owing to its rapid economic growth and technophilic middle class. But for too long, many Indian consumers have settled for native brands such as HCL, whose laptops are notoriously fickle. Those two incarcerated geeks in the ad? Note how their screens are flashing all sorts of gobbeldygook—that's Acer taking a swipe at HCL's alleged penchant for head-scratching software schemes. Also, don't think Hrithik Roshan came cheap—he's a bigtime star who surely commanded a sizeable endorsement fee. Taiwan-based Acer obviously senses a major opportunity in India, as well as a pressing need to head-off archrival Lenovo at the pass.

Counterspin It took a few viewings, but I finally got what Acer's pushing here: a software suite formally known as Empowering Technology, which lets users set-up quick launch commands and other shortcuts. While I'm sure Acer's intentions were noble, this is exactly the sort of infantilizing measure that tends to aggravate users rather than help them—and, yes, that includes newbies. Acer vets have mostly carped about eTechnology, while notebook forums are littered with system-performance complaints. Once again, a computer manufacturer may have grossly underestimated the acumen of consumers.

Takeaway According to Gartner, laptop sales in India were up 74 percent in the first half of this year, versus the same time period in 2006. Things should get even frothier real soon, thanks to a recent, extremely esoteric court decision that's going to reduce tariffs on imported laptops. So you can see why Acer's going full-bore in India, hiring the likes of Roshan instead of going the usual spokesmodel route. The big question now is whether Indian consumers will prioritize price or performance. HCL is already striking back, by announcing the development of an ultra-cheap laptop line called Classmate PC. And HP's heavy in the mix, having opened a new Delhi factory earlier this year. Acer's definitely making a name for itself with the Gemstone lineup, but the competition for rupees is gonna be fierce.

Hype-O-Meter 4.5 (out of 10). Note that this is virtually impossible for a Westerner like myself to grade an ad like this, since I can barely sit through five minutes worth of Bollywood dreck. (A more learned observer hates this spot with a fiery passion.) But nice to see Roshan pop up again, after catching his utterly incomprehensible Dhoom 2 on my trip to India last year.

Brendan I. Koerner is a contributing editor at Wired, a columnist for Slate, and author of the forthcoming Now the Hell Will Start. His Hype Sheet column appears every Thursday on Gizmodo.

Read more Hype Sheet

Though the Wired story didn't specifically say it, the applications probably wouldn't be the exact same ones you'd run in Windows. There might be a word processor, but it probably wouldn't be Word.

Lenovos, Dells and Acers of the world can start tailoring computers with HyperSpace functionality to very specific demographics. A student-aimed laptop, for instance, could come with apps like word processing, e-mail and IM preloaded into HyperSpace.

A widespread implementation of HyperSpace across consumer laptops would still be a coup and a half.

Microsoft regards HyperSpace as "outside their sphere of influence," and is not too happy with Phoenix's offering, which adds yet another voice to the already loud chorus of voices complaining about operating-system bloat.

UPDATE: Here's a link to the press release.

The smaller sibling, the Aspire 2920, will house a Santa Rosa Core 2 Duo, unfortunate Intel GMA X310 graphics, 250GB hard drive and a 12.1" screen at 1280 x 800 resolution. Both systems will run Vista.

The final new release is the Ferrari 1100 (above), with an AMD 2.3GHz Turion processor, ATI Radeon X1250 with up to 960MB of HyperMemory, LED backlighting and 12.1" screen at 1280 x 800 resolution. Notably the Ferrari 1100 comes with a new revamped look, although we detest gizmos that pointlessly bare fancy Italian car badges on their surface, the old horse seems to be making a splash this time. We like the new body, so we will forgive them just this once. Full launch information and complete price list not available state side as yet. [PC Launches via TrusteReviews]

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
122 grams
58 x 108 x 16.8 mm
2.8-inch screen
Touchscreen GPS
Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 OS includes Pocket Outlook, MSN, Word, Excel and the new Power Point Mobile.
SirfStarIII LP GPS receiver
Navteq pre-installed maps (latest 2006 issues)

The peeps at Acer haven't put a pricetag on it, but expect it to be too 'spenny for what it is. [Acer via MobileWhack]

The Pitch They still make laptop commercials? Apparently so, and stylish ones at that. "Everything you want in a notebook," the narrator intones, as a slinky, possibly Icelandic model experiences all the Acer Aspire 5920G has to offer: a "holographic 3D finish," "opalesque contours," and "Enlightener media flow." (No, I have no idea what any of that means, either.) Donning a curve-hugging, sleeveless white pantsuit, our captivating model slides around oversized laptops and enjoys some Dolby surround sound before the familiar Intel jingle caps the pitch. Is Acer's new Aspire Gemstone lineup about to supplant Sony's Vaios as the preferred notebooks of design-conscious PC users? Or is Acer getting too fancy with its aesthetics-first schtick?

Rip Off Of A jillion ads for German cars, which is no accident. The 5920G was co-designed by none other than BMW; after the success of the Acer's Ferrari laptops, you knew this was coming, didn't you? So the aesthetic here is pure automotive porn: Instead of twisting around an Alpine road at impossible speeds, the Acer model romps about a Matrix-like netherworld replete with sapphires, opals and $1,919 laptops. There's no sense of irony or humor here—it's all about wowing you with the Teutonic care that's gone into the product's creation.

The Spin The marketing approach is very non-Apple, but Acer seems to be positioning its Aspire Gemstones as the premier PC rivals to the Macbooks. That was once the Sony Vaios' gig, but those laptops seem to have lost some of their luster—the brand was diluted, perhaps, by overproduction on the low-end (such as the VGN-FE670s). This commercial tries to seize the Vaio's mantle, then, by accenting frills similar to those that won Sony so many laptop customers: eye-catching design and attention to multimedia features. As previously noted, for example, the Gemstones claim to be the first notebooks with Dolby-certified surround sound. And there's a nifty built-in webcam, as well as dedicated volume buttons—Apple-like tricks that the Vaio series adopted long ago.

Counterspin The ad briefly namechecks the Intel Centrino chipset, but no other performance specs are mentioned. In other words, Acer's betting the farm that looks, not power, are what drive laptop customers with $2,000 to spend (i.e. the mid-range folks). But is Acer covering up for some deal-killing flaws? Word is the battery life is rated a mere 130 minutes, and an early CNet Asia review dinged the 5920G for poor setup (particularly the dunderheaded arrangement of the USB ports and DVD-ROM drive). The specs are solid enough—two gigs of RAM, a Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics card—but not spectacular; smart shoppers can save a few hundred bucks by going for a comparably outfitted (though far less sexy) Lenovo or HP (such as the HP Pavilion dv5375us).

Takeaway Props to Acer for picking a strategy and sticking to it. They've concluded that they can grow market share with this laptops-are-the-new-cars tactic, and they understand that aesthetics do matter. For the past two years or so, the conventional wisdom has been that price is paramount in the notebooks space; Acer senses a shift in the prevailing sentiment. The Taiwanese company has already made tremendous inroads in its native Asia; it controls 42 percent of the market in Thailand, for example. But how much of a premium are American consumers willing to pay in order to hear their friends say, "Wow, cool-looking laptop"? And will the automotive gimmick wear thin?

Hype-O-Meter 8 (out of 10). I usually like my commercials with at least some hint of humor, an attribute that's entirely lacking here. But the 5920G pitch accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do, and with a with an alluring lady to boot; if nothing else, it's tough to hate on a commercial starring a circa-1997 Milla Jovovich clone. If a few geek luminaries start showing up in Fast Company with Gemstones, the masses could soon follow—at least the masses for whom $400-$500 is no great amount to sacrifice in the name of sharp design.

Brendan I. Koerner is a contributing editor at Wired and a columnist for both The New York Times and Slate. His Hype Sheet column appears every Thursday on Gizmodo.

Read more Hype Sheet

The New Acer V200 [Navigadget]

These are the first laptop speakers to be Dolby Surround certified. Granted, there's no way of telling how the speakers will sound unless you hear them in person, but it still manages to make me raise an eyebrow. Rumor has it they might also come with high-definition optical drives (your choice of Blu-ray or HD DVD). An extra bonus: 7 new touch-sensitive media keys. No word yet on specs, pricing or availability, but I'll update as soon as we hear back from the Acer camp. In the meantime, enjoy the pics. – Louis Ramirez

Product Page

Product Page

Take Acer's president, Gianfranco Lanci, who has just said that "PC makers are really not counting on Vista to drive high demands for the industry." Or Samsung Electronics, who now says that DRAM demand has not matched anyone's predictions based on Vista's now failed projections, something that is being echoed by the industry as a whole.

So forget about Señor Gates' words on Vista pushing PC sales. You may want to punch us, Bill, but apparently those 20 million copies sold are indeed business as usual. –Jesus Diaz

Hasta la Vista baby, say PC makers [India Times]

Product Page [Via Dealhack]

Product Page [Via Dealhack]

For anyone interested in a Viiv media center, I guess this is a good thing. But I can't get excited.

My problem is that I just don't get Viiv. The Viiv architecture and its attached software should handle all the details of ensuring I can play back my copyrighted standard of choice in my manner of choice. Why do I need a TV that can translate the signal from Viiv's language? Don't such nuisances defeat my reasoning for going Viiv in the first place - compatibility and ease of use?

We know that these ridiculous standards come from entertainment industry pressure. But the harder consumers need to work in order to access their precious copyrighted material, the sooner they will realize the deeper truth: the content isn't that good in the first place, so these hoops aren't worth their time. – Mark Wilson

Aside from their gorgeous looks, these notebooks have features that are quite similar to countless others. Although you'll pay a bit more for this high styling, it might just be worth it. I've seen these notebooks' predecessors and their build quality is impressive. I found myself lusting after them as if they were that spectacular babe wearing that $6.5 million bra we saw yesterday. – Charlie White

More laptop porn, after the jump.

Acer Ferrari 5000

Acer Ferrari 5000

Acer Ferrari 1000

Acer Ferrari 1000

Inside? an AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-60 CPU, and an ATI XPRESS 1150 chipset that provides integrated graphics. Hmm...integrated graphics aren't very racy. Still, this machine has a decent set of ports and wireless options. The rest of the stat-smather after the jump.

When it comes to connectivity and multi-media options, the notebook promises the best. With options like Gigabit Ethernet , Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth 2.0 EDR and Extensions ports like AC adapter, Docking-port, Firewire, Infra-red, Line In, LineOut, RJ-11, RJ-45, S/PDIF, S-video ,USB 2.0 and VGA-out.

No info forthcoming on US availability or pricing.–Brian Lam

Acer Ferrari 1005WTMi Laptop [Mobilewhack]

This laptop also comes with the essentials: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ExpressCard, SATA, Acer SignalUp and is all housed in a pretty case. No worries for those planning ahead, this laptop is very Vista-friendly. No word on pricing or availability, but we'll keep you posted. Our guess? Probably well over $2,000 and available in the next month or two. – Travis Hudson

Product Page [Acer]

The guts of this laptop are pretty impressive. It is powered by a Centrino Duo with support for Extended Memory 64 and graphics are powered by an ATI Mobility Radeon X1600. Other goodies include a 14.1-inch WXGA widescreen display, Bluetooth Wi-Fi, ExpressCard, card reader, SATA hard drive and dual-channel DDR2 memory. Not too shabby for a tough laptop designed for travel. – Travis Hudson

Product Page [Acer]

Too bad there's no flash memory slot (see correction below). It's said to deliver four hours of navigation time or eight hours of other uses such as playing music. Now if these GPS functions could be incorporated into every cellphone, our interest would be piqued. No release date or pricing was set. – Charlie White

Update: Thanks, Martin, for translating the company's German site, and letting us know the Acer e310 does have an SD/MMC memory slot!

Acer e310 GPS [MobileWhack]

Acer MP-340 DAP with Sudoku [Anything But iPod]

Acer Aspire 9800 [CNet]

The laptop—and we use that term very loosely—is available now in the North American market. We suppose it's useful if you want to use this as a desktop replacement that can be moved around the house or office easily. But if you want HD DVD in a "laptop" form factor, this is one of your only options for now. – Jason Chen

Acer Aspire 9800 20.1" Screen Notebook Officially Released in North America [Notebook Review via TechEBlog]