Yesterday was an interesting day as many PC vendors had the opportunity of introducing their WiMAX-enabled portable systems, in support of XOHM's launch of the nation's first US WiMAX wireless broadband network. Like Toshiba and Lenovo, Acer America is also among the first systems vendors to announce their support for WiMAX, a next-generation wireless technology that can provide faster connection speeds and a wider coverage to allow users to stay connected wherever they need to, granted they find themselves in the coverage area.

 

“With the launch of WiMAX in the United States, Acer is building on its commitment to deliver first-to-market cutting-edge PC technology for mobile customers," said Sumit Agnihotry, director of notebook product management for Acer America. "By leveraging Intel Centrino 2 mobile technology and the XOHM wireless network capabilities, users will have the availability for anytime, anywhere wireless connectivity. The Acer Aspire notebooks provide users with perfect combination of mobile and multimedia functionality.”

 

The company has introduced two new Aspire notebooks to support WiMAX, both of which leverage Intel's Centrino 2 technology and come with the first combined WiMAX/Wi-Fi module, previously codenamed “Echo Peak,” part of the Intel WiMAX/Wi-Fi Link 5050 Series.

The Aspire 4930-6862 and Aspire 6930-6771 have been designed with different form factors to address a wide as possible customer range. While the former is built as a 14-inch notebook meant to deliver a higher level of portability, the latter boasts a 16-inch widescreen display to provide a richer multimedia experience. In addition, the 16-inch model also comes with 3GB of memory and a fast 320GB hard drive.

 

Other specifications include Intel's Graphics Media Accelerator 4500HMHD, a Super Multi Double-Layer optical drive, 5-in-1 media card reader, integrated webcam and Window's Vista Premium operating system. Price-wise, both systems start at an MSRP of $899.99.