14 DAY TRIAL // After it launched its new series of TimelineX notebooks in Europe at the beginning of May, Acer has now brought these stylish low-budget models to the US shores, with prices starting as low as $599 for the 15-inch system.
Compared with the previous TimelineX models, the notebooks now use a Cobalt Blue aluminum cover that is paired together with an angular silver chassis and seconded by a new chiclet keyboard set out on a silver base.
At a first glance, the keyboard looks indeed better than the one used by the older TimelineX notebooks, so let's just hope that this feeling won't change after witnessing it first hand.
In addition to the new design changes, the notebook's chassis is also thinner, as its profile now measures just 1-inch.
To allow for the thinner design, Acer had to outfit the TimelineX with a non-removable battery, which is now capable of providing up to 10 hours of use and can retain 80% of its capacity for over 1,000 charge cycles.
Other notebook features include a series of advanced power-saving modes, an one-touch LED battery indicator and Dolby Home Theater v4 certified sound with 3DSonic Stereo speakers.
Right now, the TimelineX range includes three notebooks models, the 13.3-inch 3830T, the 14.0-inch 4830T and the 15.6-inch 5830T and all of these are available with Intel second-generation Core processors.
Sadly, no matter what model one chooses, the notebooks can only be fitted with a 1366x768 resolution panel, which is definitely OK for the 13.3-inch model, but it's a serious drawback for a 15.6-inch screen.
Speaking of graphics, users can choose between going with the standard Intel HD on-die GPU or opt for an Nvidia GeForce GT 540M or 520M discrete graphics card with Optimus support.
Acer's new TimelineX models can also be configured with a regular HDD, up to 750GB in capacity, or an SSD drive as well as with USB 3.0 and Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity. A 1.3MP webcam and 802.11n WiFi come as standard.
As mentioned earlier, pricing starts at $599 for the 15-inch model, while the Aspire TimelineX 3830T and 4830T are priced at $799 and $699, respectively. (via TCMagazine)