14 DAY TRIAL // With Advanced Micro Devices launching its line of mobile processors, it can be said that real competition on the laptop front can finally start, after a long while during which Intel practically held a monopoly in this area. Already, several notebooks and netbooks based on these parts have revealed themselves. But Intel has not been slacking off either. In fact, not long ago, it presented the first Atom N series chips with support for DDR3 RAM.
So far, netbooks had to make do with DDR2 because the Atom N450 didn't support anything faster. The Atom N455 and N475, on the other hand, can cope with DDR3. In fact, the latter even has a higher clock speed (1.83GHz instead of 1.66GHz). Considering this, it is not so surprising that Acer, being the primary netbook advocate, would use them in a new product.
The new 10.1-inch netbook goes by the name of Aspire One AO533 and comes in two basic configurations, one for either aforementioned CPUs. A 93% standard-sized keyboard and a multi-gesture touchpad will make sure the 1GB of DDR3 memory and the CrystalBrite LED-backlit display (1,024 x 600) can be fully enjoyed. Other specifications include a 250GB hard disk drive, a battery life of up to 10 hours, optional Bluetooth 3.0, 10/100 LAN and wireless connectivity via 802.11 b/g/n WiFi.
Of course, all would not be complete without the same old GMA 3150 integrated graphics and the HDMI port, which will provide the possibility for videos to be played on a TV. A final element that end-users will probably notice is the refined design of this latest entry-level mobile computer, with the large Aspire One logo encrusted on the lid and a glossy finish. As for pricing and availability, July 1 should be the day that shipment starts, although a final price tag has not yet been announced.