Acer Launching AMD-based Aspire One Netbook?
Details of the Acer Aspire One 521 emerge.
Liliputing reports that Acer is gearing up to launch a new 10.1-inch Aspire One netbook that uses AMD's 1.2 GHz V105 single core processor. Part of AMD's "Nile" lineup, the CPU boasts 512 KB of L2 cache, a total power draw of 9 watts, and support for DDR3 memory. Previous Aspire One models featured the Intel Atom chip.
In addition to the AMD processor, the Acer Aspire One 521 will also use the AMD M880G chipset and integrated ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4225 graphics with 384 MB of dedicated memory. With an HDMI output jack in place, the netbook should achieve HD video playback of 720p at the very least. It's assumed that the netbook's LCD screen has a native resolution of 1366 x 768, however the display's specs were not disclosed.
Also packed into the netbook will be optional Bluetooth 3.0+HS support, UVD2 support, and a battery life of up to 7 hours. Acer is also including a new compact, light power adapter with interchangeable plugs called MiniGo.
Currently there's no word on pricing or launch date.
same. had a new laptop from them fail in just few months. other brands (Lenovo and Toshiba) have decent to very good builds that still lasting even today.
HD4200 series video from AMD is about equivalent to the 9300 used by ION. So 1080p should be fine and smooth, but they're hedging their bets. By the way, ION, in my experience isn't smooth unless you're playing BluRay. once you're doing quicktime or hd web content, forget it. you need more CPU horsepower than an atom can provide. Maybe this AMD has more raw processing power?
They said at the very least. Don't blow a vein, I mean, the official specs haven't been released yet.
I have no doubt this chipset/CPU combo will easily support 1080P (384MB dedicated memory for chrissake!). The article only says 720P because traditional 10.1" screens only support 720P. Video-output could be higher assuming they get the drivers/software setup correctly.
Besides, most IONs are attached to an Atom, and I'm guessing this processor will be more powerful than Atom (that, or AMD really dropped the ball on this one).
Certainly won't rank you down for an honest opinion, but I will say it's not one I share. I've purchased 10+ Acer laptops over the years and have never had a problem one. All have had great reliability. I have noticed 1 issue with them though and that would be that the hinge area has cracked on 2 of them after several years of heavy use. This however hasn't been a hindrance of any kind yet as they're just cracks.
I for one am a fan of Acer for their "bang for your buck" appeal.
It's been the opposite with me, I have bought 4 refurb Acer laptops in last 3 years for family members (one mine), all are running perfectly with no problems at all. My brother also has an Acer desktop which is around 4 years old also running perfectly.
I am pleased.
Actually, it doesn't. At all.
I just sold my ASUS EB1501 Nettop machine, which featured a Dual-Core 330, the ION chipset and video, and an upgraded SSD for hard drive.
It struggled IMMENSELY to keep up with 720p let alone 1080p.
Don't be fooled by ION/INTEL combinations, they aren't all they are cracked up to be, and that is coming from an owner.
Owned 2 Acer laptops with no problems at all.
1. Acer Extensa 14.1" with a 2.13 dual core.
2. The one I am typing this with right now a 13.3" Acer Timeline.
Both ran Ubuntu instead of Windows.
A 10" screen is just too small, 13" is the sweet spot if you ask me.
If you see it at a Best Buy take in your own external DVD drive and politely ask them to allow you to run Ubuntu live on it with out installing. Most of the computer guys at Best Buy (at least my local one) are pretty savoy about Linux and will let you.