14 DAY TRIAL // Mobile computer developers are constantly on the lookout for ways to optimize and reduce energy consumption in order to increase the battery life of their laptops. Netbooks will never be able to satisfy consumer requirements for both performance and lifespan, which is the reason for the invention of such technologies as switchable graphics, among others. Still, even these solutions have a limit to how much they can optimize power efficiency. Acer, however, seems to have at least gotten one step closer to the dream of always-on notebooks, now that is has launched its Timeline X Series of slim PCs.
Currently, the notebook line is made up of the 13.3-inch 1830T and 3820T, the 14-inch 4820T, and the 15.6-inch 5820T. Each of their components is optimized so that it can bring the full benefit of performance while impacting on battery life as little as possible. As such, the 1830T is powered by either Intel Centrino or Core 2 solo CPUs, whereas the other three feature a choice of Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors. These chips are paired with ATI Mobility graphics, optional 3G, Bluetooth and WiFi.
The most impressive trait of all members of the Timeline X line is their long battery life. Acer claims that the 3820T, 4820T, and 5820T can last for up to 12 hours, whereas the 1830T has a maximum of 8. Obviously, such a long life should be underlined, especially since there are very few, if any, people that have so much time on their hands to spend on the go computing. Of course, reaching such a figure was not easy.
First of all, the Intel Display Power Savings (iDPST) reduces the LED-backlit screen's energy use by 30%. Secondly, a revised cooling system employs low-energy fans that minimize battery consumption. Thirdly, the laptops come with hard drives that drain up to 40% less power than standard models.
Of course, the new Intel processor family is also a major factor in the optimization of energy use, as each chip can adapt the available power to the workload required. Finally, the Acer TimelineX notebooks boast the PowerSmart technology, which extends battery life with the press of a single key.
Unfortunately, there is still no word on pricing and availability.