Acer is the second largest PC manufacturer in the world, so its sponsorship of the second biggest global sporting event is apropos. The Aspire Timeline 1810T Special Edition is too powerful and pricey to be considered a true “netbook,” but its compact size, in addition to the etched Olympics logo, make it enticing for consumers, especially the millions who will be attending the Games in Vancouver.


The average netbook in 2009 was bogged down by Intel’s sluggish first-generation Atom processor with integrated GMA900/950 graphics, which does not even support Windows Aero effects. This year, better netbooks have AMD’s faster Neo CPU and much more potent ATi Radeon graphics. Acer’s 1810T is a premium netbook or, depending on person’s perspective, an inexpensive ultra-portable notebook.

With an 11.6″ screen (1366 x 768), the 1810T weighs merely 3.1 pounds and is 1.18″ at its thickest point. While this machine might physically resemble a conventional netbook, its specifications put it more along the lines of a slim notebook: 1.3GHz Intel Core 2 Duo SU4100 processor (same line used in the MacBook Air and Dell Adamo), 25Gb hard drive, 2Gb RAM, Wireless A/B/G/N, Bluetooth, webcam, full-size keyboard, up to 8-hours battery life, and Windows 7 Home Premium. As is the case with most Intel based laptops, the GPU is the 4500MHD, which is energy efficient and suitable for business, simple 3D, and 1080p decoding. Some entry level laptops do not even include HMDI out and digital audio out like the 1810T.

The 1810T is a netbook in size only. Its performance is similar to ultra-portables, and its $649.99 CDN price is commensurate with mid-range laptops. Perhaps the Acer creates an entirely new category because it does not fit neatly into any preexisting one. Too expensive for a netbook, not speedy enough to fare well against other laptops in its price range, and not pretty enough compared to luxury ultra-portables like the Air or the Adamo, the 1810T is a niche product that caters to a select few who are willing to accept its compromises. If viewed as a less elegant but far more affordable Adamo, then the 1810T is a bargain. Olympics fans who want to commemorate the 2010 Winter Games will likely appreciate the Acer’s aluminum designer lid.

Note: the specs vary from nation to nation –for example, a US version comes with Windows Starter instead of Home Premium and 3Gb RAM rather than 2Gb.

Source: Acer