Acer Debuts Its First 11.6-inch Aspire One Netbook; Part of Thinner, Lighter Second-Generation Line

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Acer America, part of the world’s third largest PC company¹, today extends its industry-leading line of netbooks with two new models optimized for mobile customers – the 11.6-inch Acer Aspire One AO751h and the 10.1-inch Acer Aspire One AOD250.

The new Aspire One AO751h lets customers attain a new level of productivity and efficiency with its large 11.6-inch high-definition screen and full-sized keyboard. Acer’s first netbook of this size, the new AO751h has a large 11.6-inch high-definition LED-backlit widescreen (16:9 ratio) display that is large enough to easily view multiple windows and reduces the need to scroll to view Internet sites, providing a better end user experience. Thinner than previous generation netbooks, the AO751h still comes with all the same easy-to-use features, sophisticated design and incredibly portable form factor that have made Acer netbooks so wildly popular. In addition, the wider size allows room for a full size keyboard that is easier and more comfortable to use, even for touch-typists.

“As the worldwide leader in the netbook market, we designed our new 11.6-inch AO751h after careful consideration about how customers use and most enjoy their netbooks,” said Sumit Agnihotry, vice president of product management for Acer America. “We predict that the larger display and keyboard will be a game-changer for mobile consumers looking to take it to the next level with the ultimate mobile device.”

Acer is the global market share leader in the netbook category with 30.5 percent market share with 1.8 million units shipped in Q1 2009 according to DisplaySearch². The company will deliver these new offerings in the U.S. through its extensive network of retailers and distributors.

In addition, the Acer Aspire One AOD250 will satisfy the demands of mobile consumers who want a compact, light-weight netbook for Internet access and communications. With a 10.1-inch display and a thinner and lighter design than its predecessor, this new netbook is ideal for anyone on the go.

Agnihotry added, “These two new Acer Aspire One offerings will satisfy the needs of today’s extremely diverse mobile users – from professionals who need a streamlined, highly mobile form factor to students who want a productivity-enhancing large keyboard and display. In all cases, Aspire One customers get a reliable, easy-to-use, stylish device that will let them remain connected.”

The new Acer Aspire Ones models offer the ultimate in mobile Internet connectivity. They can provide continuous access to the Internet via Wi-Fi 802.11b/g to browse websites, check email, make VOIP calls, and enjoy online music. In addition, Acer Aspire One netbooks are the ideal device for the millions of people who are using the latest social networking platforms like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, to give them a quick and easy way to post updates, send tweets, view and respond to video links, and stay connected. Select Acer Aspire One models come with the option for 3G broadband wireless connectivity.

Consumers can enjoy being productive and staying in touch even longer with the new Acer Aspire One netbooks; they deliver exceptional everyday battery life. The extended 6-cell battery for the AO751h can provide uptime of up to eight hours, while the 3-cell battery can provide four hours of uptime.³ The AO250’s standard 3-cell battery can provide up to three hours and 15 minutes of battery life, while the 6-cell battery can provide up to six hours.³ The new devices use the latest Intel® Atom™ processors (N270 on the AOD250 and N270 or Z520 on the AO751h) that further extend battery life and power efficiency to deliver excellent mobile performance and Internet connections on the go.

Sleek, Eye-Catching Design is Highly Portable, Useful

The new Acer Aspire One models have been designed to be even more streamlined than their sales-leading predecessors; they now measure only one inch thin. The sleek aerodynamic design includes elegant touches and comes in four color-rich chassis choices (Diamond Black, Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue and Seashell White). Both models weigh less than three pounds (2.75 pounds for the AO751h and 2.44 pounds for the AO250), so they won’t weigh down a compact backpack or purse.

The Acer Aspire One AO751h uses a clever Multi-Gesture Touchpad that allows users to pinch, flick and swirl their fingers across the touchpad for more natural photo and video viewing as well as intuitive navigation of websites such as Google Earth. The Multi-Gesture Touchpad allows users to scroll, zoom in and out and flip through web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more. Both new models feature a soft-touch palm rest to increase typing comfort.

Packed with Additional Performance Features

The Aspire One AO751h has a high definition WXGA 11.6-inch CrystalBrite™ LED backlit display, offers the largest viewing area on an Acer netbook. The Aspire One AO250’s large 10.1-inch WSVGA LED backlit display also includes a large viewing area for Web page navigation and reviewing documents. Well-equipped with a full 1GB of memory and 160GB of hard drive space, the new Acer Aspire Ones are ready for customers who want to take their digital media and files with them. Select new models will feature up to 2GB of DDR2 memory and up to a 250GB internal hard drive, providing even more capabilities and storage space for mobile enthusiasts.

The Acer Crystal Eye™ webcam delivers smooth video streaming and high quality images for online chats and business video conferences, even in low-light situations. The built-in digital microphone conveys superior voice quality, keeping background noise levels low and minimizing echoes. Consumers will enjoy music and video sound with the Dolby Headphones and two built-in stereo speakers.

Connecting to the latest peripherals such as printers, a display and consumer electronics such as digital cameras is easy with the Acer Aspire Ones’ useful ports (three USB 2.0, Ethernet, VGA) as well as Bluetooth capabilities that can be activated with the Easy Launch Bluetooth key. Both new models also feature a multi-in-one digital card reader, while the AO751h also features a dedicated SD card slot.

Available Configurations Pricing and Availability

The new Acer Aspire One AO751h and AOD250 are available in several configurations. Sample configurations follow:

Acer Aspire One AO751h-1192 Specifications

• Intel^® Atom™ Processor Z520 (1.22GHz, 490MHz FSB, 512KB L2 Cache)
• Genuine Microsoft Windows XP® Home (Service Pack 3)
• 11.6-inch WXGA 16:9 ratio Acer CrystalBrite™ High Definition LED back-lit TFT LCD (1364 x 768 resolution)
• Mobile Intel® US15W Express Chipset
• 1024MB DDR2 533 MHz SDRAM Single Channel Memory
• Integrated Intel^® Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• 160GB SATA 5400RPM Hard Drive
• Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader and Dedicated SD Card
• Acer InviLink™ 802.11b/g Wi-Fi CERTIFIED®
• Acer Crystal Eye Web Camera
• Two Built-in Stereo Speakers
• Three USB 2.0 Ports
• 6-cell Li-ion Battery (5200mAh)
• 11.18” (W) x 7.79” (D) x 1” (H)
• Sapphire Blue
• One-Year Standard Warranty
• Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $379.99

Acer Aspire One AOD250-1042 Specifications

• Intel^® Atom™ Processor N270 (1.60GHz, 533MHz FSB, 512KB L2 Cache)
• Genuine Microsoft Windows XP® Home (Service Pack 3)
• 10.1-inch WSVGA 16:9 ratio Acer CrystalBrite™ LED back-lit TFT LCD (1024x600 resolution)
• Mobile Intel® 945GSE Express Chipset
• 1024MB DDR2 533 MHz SDRAM Single Channel Memory
• Integrated Intel^® Graphics Media Accelerator 950
• 160GB SATA 5400RPM Hard Drive
• Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader
• Acer InviLink™ 802.11b/g Wi-Fi CERTIFIED®
• Acer Crystal Eye Web Camera
• Two Built-in Stereo Speakers
• Three USB 2.0 Ports
• 3-cell Li-ion Battery (2600 mAh)
• 10.17” (W) x 7.24” (D) x 1” (H)
• Ruby Red
• One-Year Standard Warranty
• Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $298.00

The Acer Aspire One AO751h 11.6-inch netbook line has a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $349.99. Several models are available with an extended 6-cell battery at an MSRP starting at $379.99. The Acer Aspire One AOD250 10.1-inch netbook line has a starting MSRP of $298. Models in these lines are available now.

The Acer Aspire One comes with additional preinstalled software including Microsoft Works with Office Home and Student 2007 Trial, Acer Recovery Management, Adobe^® Reader^®, and a 6-0-day trial of McAfee^® Internet Security Suite.

The new Acer Aspire One models come with a standard one-year parts and labor warranty, which can be extended to three years with the Acer Advantage service. Additionally, some models have longer warranties offered through specific channel partners. All Acer netbooks 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. The Acer Group employs more than 6,000 people worldwide. 2008 revenues reached US$16.65 billion. See www.acer.com for more information.

© 2009 Acer Inc. All rights reserved. Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners.

¹⁾ Source: Gartner data, 4Q 2008

²⁾ Source: DisplaySearch, May 13, 2009

³⁾ Battery life varies depending on product specifications, computer settings, and applications or features launched, and may be reduced if Windows Aero™ is enabled. All batteries' maximum capacity diminishes with time and use.

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