Acer Introduces sub-$700 Aspire Timeline Ultrabooks
Acer today announced the Aspire Timeline Ultra M5 line of Ultrabooks in the U.S. Starting at $679.99, the ultrabooks will be upgradable to Microsoft's upcoming Windows 8 Pro for $14.99.
Slimmer and lighter than earlier generations of the Timeline series, the new Timeline Ultra models are just .81 inches thin, weigh 4.3 pounds. The 15.6-inch models include an edge-to-edge display and a full-size chiclet keyboard with an independent standard numeric keypad .
The Ultrabooks provide up to 8 hours of computing on a single charge via the PowerSmart long-life battery pack which provides up to three times longer battery life cycles than traditional batteries (1,000 vs. 300 cycles). These batteries also maintain 80 percent capacity after the 1,000 cycle count.
Acer Green Instant On resumes the Timeline Ultra's computing session from sleep in less than 2 seconds and from deep sleep in 6 seconds; the 20GB SSD drive returns to the PC's state just as it was left.
Acer Always Connect connects to the web in 2.5 seconds by remembering previously used Wi-Fi spots. When they come within range again, the Timeline Ultra M5 instantly connects to the Internet.
Depending on configuration, the Timeline Ultra Series offers 3rd Generation Intel Core i3 or Core i5 processors, NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M LE discrete graphics and 14-inch LCDs or 15.6-inch edge-to-edge displays. All models include a 2-spindle design (DVD drive and hard drive), a 500GB hard disk drive and a 20GB integrated solid state drive.
The ultrabooks also offer two USB 3.0 ports, backlit keyboards, Dolby Home Theater v4 and premium speakers, a built-in optical drive, an 1.3 megapixel HD webcam and an HDMI port.
Intel Anti-Theft Technology (Intel AT) allows owners to quickly disable their lost or stolen Ultrabook remotely from anywhere in the world. Because the technology is built right into the BIOS, it's activated as soon as the machine is turned on - even before startup. It works without Internet access and is hardware based, so it is tamper resistant. If the Timeline Ultra M5 is lost or stolen, a local or remote "poison pill" can be activated that renders the laptop completely inoperable. Once it's returned, it can be easily reactivated without harm to the notebook?s data or digital content.
This feature is available on all Timeline Ultra M5 models, and requires a service subscription from an Intel AT-enabled service provider.
All models in the Timeline Ultra M5 Series also include Acer AntiTheft, a free software based solution. When enabled, the Ultrabook recognizes the distance from a designated WiFi signal source, and if the system moves beyond 10 feet of the signal, a loud siren will sound from the Ultrabook's speakers. This feature can easily be enabled and disabled, and will be especially useful when traveling.
The Acer Aspire Timeline Ultra M5 Series of Ultrabooks will be available at http://us-store.acer.com/ and retailers across the U.S. beginning at the end of June. Prices begin at $679.99 and range up to $829.99.
Users who buy an Acer Ultrabook PC pre-loaded with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate will be eligible to purchase Windows 8 Pro for only $14.99 (U.S.) ERP. The Offer is valid June 2, 2012 through January 31, 2013.
Sample configurations
The Ultrabooks provide up to 8 hours of computing on a single charge via the PowerSmart long-life battery pack which provides up to three times longer battery life cycles than traditional batteries (1,000 vs. 300 cycles). These batteries also maintain 80 percent capacity after the 1,000 cycle count.
Acer Green Instant On resumes the Timeline Ultra's computing session from sleep in less than 2 seconds and from deep sleep in 6 seconds; the 20GB SSD drive returns to the PC's state just as it was left.
Acer Always Connect connects to the web in 2.5 seconds by remembering previously used Wi-Fi spots. When they come within range again, the Timeline Ultra M5 instantly connects to the Internet.
Depending on configuration, the Timeline Ultra Series offers 3rd Generation Intel Core i3 or Core i5 processors, NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M LE discrete graphics and 14-inch LCDs or 15.6-inch edge-to-edge displays. All models include a 2-spindle design (DVD drive and hard drive), a 500GB hard disk drive and a 20GB integrated solid state drive.
The ultrabooks also offer two USB 3.0 ports, backlit keyboards, Dolby Home Theater v4 and premium speakers, a built-in optical drive, an 1.3 megapixel HD webcam and an HDMI port.
Intel Anti-Theft Technology (Intel AT) allows owners to quickly disable their lost or stolen Ultrabook remotely from anywhere in the world. Because the technology is built right into the BIOS, it's activated as soon as the machine is turned on - even before startup. It works without Internet access and is hardware based, so it is tamper resistant. If the Timeline Ultra M5 is lost or stolen, a local or remote "poison pill" can be activated that renders the laptop completely inoperable. Once it's returned, it can be easily reactivated without harm to the notebook?s data or digital content.
This feature is available on all Timeline Ultra M5 models, and requires a service subscription from an Intel AT-enabled service provider.
All models in the Timeline Ultra M5 Series also include Acer AntiTheft, a free software based solution. When enabled, the Ultrabook recognizes the distance from a designated WiFi signal source, and if the system moves beyond 10 feet of the signal, a loud siren will sound from the Ultrabook's speakers. This feature can easily be enabled and disabled, and will be especially useful when traveling.
The Acer Aspire Timeline Ultra M5 Series of Ultrabooks will be available at http://us-store.acer.com/ and retailers across the U.S. beginning at the end of June. Prices begin at $679.99 and range up to $829.99.
Users who buy an Acer Ultrabook PC pre-loaded with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate will be eligible to purchase Windows 8 Pro for only $14.99 (U.S.) ERP. The Offer is valid June 2, 2012 through January 31, 2013.
Sample configurations
| Model | M5-481T-6670 | M5-481TG-6814 | M5-581TG-6666 |
| MSRP | $679.99 | $779.99 | $829.99 |
| Display | 14" HD widescreen CineCrystal LED-backlit (1366 x 768) | 14" HD widescreen CineCrystal LED-backlit (1366 x 768) | 15.6" HD widescreen edge-to-edge CineCrystal LED-backlit (1366 x 768) |
| Processor | 2nd Generation Intel® Core i3-2377M Processor (1.5GHz, 3MB L3 cache) |
3rd Generation Intel Core i5--3317U Processor (3MB L3 cache, up to 2.6GHz) with Turbo Boost Technology | 3rd Generation Intel Core i5--3317U Processor (3MB L3 cache, up to 2.6GHz) with Turbo Boost Technology |
| Total Memory | 6GB DDR3 dual channel | 4GB DDR3 dual channel | 6GB DDR3 dual channel |
| Storage | 500GB HDD 20GB SSD cache DVDRW |
500GB HDD 20GB SSD cache DVDRW |
500GB HDD 20GB SSD cache DVDRW |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 3000 with 128MB of dedicated system memory | NVIDIA® GeForce GT640M LE w/1GB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM | NVIDIA® GeForce GT640M LE w/1GB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM |
| Battery | 3-cell, up to 8 hours Rated for 1000 cycles |
3-cell, up to 8 hours Rated for 1000 cycles |
3-cell, up to 8 hours Rated for 1000 cycles |
| Other | 1.3MP HD Webcam Backlit keyboard Dolby Audio Acer Clear-fi SD/MMC card reader |
1.3MP HD Webcam Backlit keyboard Dolby Audio Acer Clear-fi SD/MMC card reader |
1.3MP HD Webcam Backlit keyboard with 10-key Dolby Audio Acer Clear-fi SD/MMC card reader |
| Weight | 4.3 lbs | 4.3 lbs | 5.07 lbs |
