14 DAY TRIAL // Intel may be trying, and not exactly succeeding, at penetrating the consumer electronics and smartphone markets with its x86 architecture, but ARM is doing something similar on the portable PC front. Still, Intel appears to be keeping a firm hold over this segment, as is shown by the fact that even Google's Android OS has begun to show up on Atom-powered devices. One of the more curious examples is the Acer Aspire one AOD255, which actually features both Windows and Android and can allow users to select which one to boot.
The Acer Aspire One AOD255 has, at its heart, the Intel Atom N450 central processing unit, whose clock speed is of 1.66GHz. This is the 'older' chip that lacks DDR3 support, though such a feature is not absolutely necessary for Windows XP and the resource-efficient Android. Either way, Acer threw in 1GB of DDR2 DRAM and the Intel GMA (Graphics Media Accelerator) 3150 integrated graphics, which has full reign over the 10.1-inch screen. What's more, the machine is equipped with a hard disk drive with a capacity of 160GB, as well as a 3-cell lithium-ion battery, though a 6-cell option is available for an extra US$95.
The product, as already mentioned, is loaded with both Windows XP and Android OS, and can control which to boot by means of the Acer Configuration Manager from Android. Windows is seen as the main OS, since it has the wider functionality and is, after all, meant for PCs. The Android, even though it was originally intended for handsets and smartphones, is added for its ability to boot up quickly. Basically, users should have a greater flexibility when calling upon their traveling companion.
The Acer Aspire One AOD255 was unveiled on Thursday, at a computer show in Taipei, and has started selling in Taiwan, priced at what is the equivalent of roughly US$375. Unfortunately, it is unknown when, if ever, the device will make it to other regions.