Acer Offers Updated Aspire Notebooks

Computer maker Acer announced a series of notebooks from Acer America, including a 17.3-inch Aspire AS7735Z and the 15.6-inch Aspire AS5536, both boasting high-definition CineCrystal LED-backlit 16:9 widescreen displays. The 15.6-inch model starts at $479.99, while the larger Aspire notebook starts at $599.99.

Acer also announced the availability of the Aspire AS5739G, a 15.6-inch notebook powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile processor with 4GB of memory and a 250GB hard drive. Marketed as a "mobile multimedia powerhouse," the notebook comes equipped with a Dolby Home Theater surround sound system, two built-in stereo speakers, an Acer Tuba CineBass booster and 5.1-channel output.

The AS5739G, which starts at $749.99, includes security features such as an Acer PowerSmart key that backs up data by duplicating files to another location with one-touch capability and an Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint reader for securing and privatizing personal information. Acer said the notebook would be available to U.S. customers at the end of June. 

Ray Sawall, senior manager of product marketing for Acer America, said consumers are increasingly selecting notebooks as their primary computing device. "As proven by our latest Aspire notebooks, we recognize that value-based mobile PCs need to offer appealing aesthetics as well as great performance and multimedia capabilities," he said. "As part of our highly acclaimed Gemstone Blue family, the latest Aspire notebooks feature excellent price/performance and mainstream entertainment in a mobile PC that delivers significant value for their investment."

The 17.3-inch Aspire AS7735Z displays images with high-definition graphics from Nvidia and has a PowerSave key. Located above the keyboard, the PowerSave function allows customers to prolong battery life by activating advanced power-saving settings. The notebook, which, like the smaller AS5739G, is available in the United States now, runs on an Intel Pentium T4200 processor and includes a 250GB hard drive and an 8X DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive.

The updated Aspire notebooks also have a multigesture touch-pad, allowing users to pinch and brush their fingers across it. Users can scroll, zoom in and out, and flip through Web pages, photos and business documents. To prevent accidental cursor movement, Acer has incorporated a touch-pad lock. The systems also come with Acer Backup Manager, a one-touch way to back up all files and information. Users can set Acer Backup Manager to schedule a regular time to back up data automatically or press the button for an immediate backup. The notebooks ship with Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1, the company said.

Finally, all models include an Acer Crystal Eye Webcam for video chats and VOIP (voice over IP) video calls. "An integrated multi-in-one media reader enables connection to peripherals and electronic devices, while an HDMI port allows the system to support any PC or TV video format via a single cable," Acer said in a news release.