Product Description

The Aspire one was designed to get you online in no time at all and thanks to the Linpus Linux Lite operating system, start up and shut down times are reduced to the minimum. With the Aspire one running on Linux environment, the simplicity continues with the intuitive and specifically optimized software interface. The Aspire one is built for Internet navigation and features an 8.9" LED-backlit LCD screen that fits the 1024*600 web resolution to perfection. Smaller than an average diary and weighing less than 1 kilo, the Aspire one puts freedom in the palm of your hands.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #991 in Personal Computers
• Brand: Acer
• Model: LU.S020A.012
• Dimensions: 5.06 pounds
• CPU: Intel Core Solo 1.6 GHz
• Memory: 512MB DDR2 SDRAM
• Hard Disk: 8GB
• Processors: 1
• Display size: 8.9

Features

• 1.6GHz Atom N270 Processor
• 8GB solid state hard drive, 512MB DDR2 SDRAM (expandable)
• 802.11b/g, Ethernet, three USB 2.0, VGA, and 3.5mm audio out
• 1.3 megapixel camera, SDHC and multi-format media readers
• Linpus Linux Lite operating system

Amazon.com Product Description
An affordable ultra-lightweight mobile Internet device, the Acer Aspire One weighs just over 2 pounds and is perfect for toting in a backpack or bag. The smooth surface is comfortable to touch, and the notebook is accented with distinctive details, such as the attractive orange hinge ring. It has a vibrant 8.9-inch CrystalBrite WSVGA LED backlit display, integrated webcam for easy video chatting, an instant-on feature that powers up the notebook in less than 15 seconds from when you switch it on, and Intel's latest mobile processor--the Atom. This model of the Aspire One (LU.S020A.012) comes in seashell white, and offers the easy-to-use Linpus Linux Lite operating system and 8 GB of solid-state NAND flash memory.

Weighing just 2.17 pounds, the stylish Acer Aspire One goes anywhere with you.

Perfect for students, this Aspire One model comes with 8 GB of storage space, expansion via SD and Memory Stick media, and integrated Wi-Fi.

The integrated webcam at the top of the screen's bezel provides easy access to video chatting.

Designed especially for mobile devices, the 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor uses a brand new design structure new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--to conserve energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet--up to 3 hours with the included 3-cell battery. Other features include 512 MB of installed RAM (1.5 GB maximum), 54g Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g), multi-format memory card reader, multiple USB ports, and built-in email, web browsing, and digital media applications.

With the Linpus Linux Lite operating system, Acer has improved the user experience by designing a friendly, easy-to-use and comprehensive interface utilizing a more natural approach to screen layout and functionality. Even novice users will be able to quickly pick up on this intuitive, virus-safe and super-responsive Linux environment. With its simple, easy-to-read interface, you'll have no trouble finding and sharing your files. And if you run out of storage space, the Aspire One's Smart File Manager instantly and seamlessly merges extra storage capacity from any SD card inserted into the memory card slot into the available main memory.

The Aspire One is great for getting things done, whether checking email, managing online accounts or chatting with friends. The pre-installed software is separated by functions and presented in four distinct areas on the Home screen--Connect, Works, Fun and Files. Each area has space for three applications, and you can easily personalize the applications.

The Aspire One Mail software suite lets you manage up to six email accounts with a single application interface, including office accounts. A small icon to the right of the message quickly and clearly shows the appropriate mail account. Nothing could be simpler to replace push e-mail services without using a corporate server. The Aspire One uses Messenger for Instant Messaging, an application that allows users to simultaneously access Skype, Microsoft Messenger and various other instant messaging services. The software can be used with the integrated video camera for instant video-chats and video conferences. The Mozilla Firefox web browser is optimized for the most popular web sites, and it supports full video streaming capabilities.

Whether you need to write, calculate or present, the Aspire One has everything under control. The Writer program is a fully functional word processing applicatnoi that is compatible with Microsoft Word, allowing you to open and save files directly in the .doc format. The intuitive spreadsheet application makes both newcomers and advanced users feel right at home. And you can create stunning multimedia presentations, complete with 3D clip art, special effects, animation, and special drawing tools.

Processor
The Intel Atom processor uses a brand new design structure that packs in 47 million transistors into a single chip sized at just 22mm (0.87 inches), and it uses just 2.5 watts of power--less than 1/10 of the 35 watts used by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor--for excellent battery management. This 1.6 GHz Atom N270 processor also includes a power-optimized front side bus of 533 MHz for faster data transfer on demanding mobile applications and a 512 KB L2 cache (which temporarily stores data).

Storage
This version of the Aspire One comes with 8 GB of NAND flash memory solid-state drive (SSD), which is adequate for students and those who want to use the laptop primarily as an email and web surfing device. Faster and more reliable, flash memory provides a rapid boot-up and quicker access to applications while improving battery life. Flash memory is also more reliable than hard disk memory, mainly because there are no moving parts. Since data is written to stationary flash memory instead of a spinning hard disk, you have less risk of hardware problems with the hard disk when you're on the move. It's an ideal feature for a travel notebook where knocks and sudden movements are par for the course.

In addition, the Aspire One reads five different types of memory cards--Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO and xD-Picture Card--for maximum flexibility. The additional SD card slot seamlessly integrates with the internal NAND flash module as an added storage device. The ability to have both a multi-in-1 card reader and a SD card reader at the same time allows you to download photos from the multi-in-1 to share with others and store to the SD card as an internal storage device simultaneously.

Memory
The 512 MB of installed RAM (1 x 512 MB, PC2-5300) offers a 667 MHz speed. This notebook can be expanded to a maximum of 1.5 GB of RAM,

Connectivity
This Acer Aspire One notebook has an integrated 54g wireless LAN (Acer InviLink) that's compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g networks and offers Acer's SignalUp technology for enhanced antenna efficiency. This notbook provides the following connections:

• 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• Secure Digital (SD) card reader, also compatible with MultiMedia cards (MMCs)
• Multi-in-one card reader supports SD, MMC, Memory Stick/Memory Stick PRO, and XD Picture Cards
• 1 VGA monitor port
• 1 headphone jack and 1 microphone jack
• RJ-45 port for 10/100 Fast Ethernet connection
• 56K modem port (V.90)

Screen, Video and Audio
The 8.9-inch screen has a WSVGA resolution (1024 x 600) and support for up a 262K color depth. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which uses shared video memory with the main memory. Acer's CrystalBrite display technology guarantees the best possible visual experience by preventing the diffusion of surrounding light and internal ray. Compared to normal TFT LCDs, Acer CrystalBrite technology is able to read color coordinates more accurately, thus minimizing distortion and creating high-fidelity colors in all environments.

This notebook includes an integrated audio card with Microsoft DirectSound compatibility, and it includes two stereo speakers.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Acer Aspire One notebook PC (AOA110-1295; LU.S020A.012), rechargeable 3-cell lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase.

Customer Reviews

Amazing little guy
I bought the blue version of this Acer One with 512mb ram and 8GB SSD at a local store instead of this white one because for a clumsy and lazy guy like me, it's gonna turn black in a few weeks. This thing is super small compared to the pictures. Lets say a regular piece of paper will swallow it whole. I am a windows guy because I'm used to it, but I am starting to love Linux on this netbook.

There is an "advanced" mode on this netbook to enable all the features of Linpus such as add and removing programs. To do this, open a terminal(Files > My Documents to open the File Manager. Then go to File > Terminal.) and type in "xfce-setting-show" without the quotation. Click on Desktop to get to the Desktop Preferences and click on the Behavior tab. Now check the "Show desktop menu on right click" option and close the window. Now you will see a menu every time you right click on the desktop. You can also add icons of the newly installed programs to the desktop; YouTube can help you with that.

With the netbook in advanced mode, it is so much fun to use; it's the same as a fully loaded laptop. The screen is very bright and nice, the lid is nice and glossy but can attract finger prints initially. The keyboard is definitely better than the Asus EEE PC that I've used before. However, the touchpad buttons on the sides take some time to get used to. The Speaker is on the bottom of the laptop so don't expect much out if it because it's not that loud, but i use headphones so that doesn't bother me. WiFi seems to be stable and has not disconnect since the day i bought the netbook(a week ago). The Intel Atom CPU is better than i thought, i can multitask on this netbook with no problems. Surfing, listening to music on Amarok and installing a program at the same time with ease. Linux will boot up in under 15 seconds every time, and programs open responsively - very speedy little guy.

The included OpenOffice is very nice, I prefer that over MS Office any day. If space is a problem, the Acer One has a dedicated SDHC storage expansion slot to add SD/HC cards in and also a 5-1 card reader for additional SD or other cards. RAM can be upgraded to a MAX of 1.5GB using the included 512MB stick and another 1GB stick, but you don't need more than 512MB if you plan on using the included Linux OS. The only disappointing thing about this netbook is the battery life. Though not really bad, it is still short for a netbook. You get about 3 hours max on minimal usage, over 2 hours for watching a video and almost 2 hours on high performance with WiFi on. I am planning to buy a 6 cell or additional 3 cell battery later on; that will solve the battery life problem. The quality on this netbook is top notch!

Initially I planned to install windows XP, but now I don't think I will because I am having so much fun with Linux and Windows XP is just dull looking and boring. But that's just a personal preference of course. With a 3 cell battery, the Acer One Windows XP 120GB HDD will give you 2.5 hours as opposed to 3 hours on this version. If you wish to install XP, you can plug in an external USB CD drive or make a bootable flash drive(google for instructions).


Edit: To close your lid without it going into STANDBY:
Right click on "kpowersave" on the tray, click on "configure powersave" go to "general settings", click on "button events" and you can change the settings from there.

Enjoy your netbook =)

Smooth 720p HD playback
Many of the reviews here are not for the AA1 XP version - they are for the Linux version with SSD which runs quiet.

My XP AA1 in blue color just came in yesterday - and I am able to hear the high pitched fan whine across the room [(google - aspire one fan noise) and check out the appropriate forums]. It seems that all the XP AA1's are faced with this problem. After a while, this UMPC gives me a headache from the noise. This problem is so big - I have to take away two stars from what is otherwise an exceptional product. This noise is not from the HDD - it is fan noise. I verified that much.

Some observations -
1) Very prone to fingerprints (blue model).
2)CPU usage is around 50 percent playing back Xvid encodes. 720p WMVHD encodes are gorgeous and playback smooth as butter. 1080p encodes - don't even try.
3) I have tweaked XP a bit - boots in under a minute. Removed fancy but useless XP features. Font is now more readable and the interface is windows classic. Pretty fast after the minor tweaks.
4) Screen is good but reflective. I prefer non-reflective screens.
5) Very light.
6) Fits in my wife's handbag - imagine her shock to find a computer in there. Well - she thought it was DVD player since my lousy Toshiba portable died after just a year.
7) Webcam's pretty good. I was having problem with Skype - need to investigate that further. CPU usage with Skype was also around 50 percent.
8) Plenty of RAM and CPU - for all common tasks.
9) Touchpad buttons are very stiff. The right touch pad button is located below the touchpad level (Manufacturing defect).
10) Keyboard is quite good. No problem touch typing away.
12) Battery life appeared to be good from the factory charged battery (2+ hrs). My unit was made 0808 - maybe 2 weeks back!
13) Sound is a bit low volume but better fidelity than expected.
14) 100 GB available HDD space(I guess 15 GB is in a hidden partition for acer system restore functionality). The HDD is made by Hitachi. I have not had good experience with Hitachi HDD's in the past. Keep my fingers crossed on this one.
15) Almost the same size as my Toshiba portable DVD player - just thinner and much lighter.
16) Has two SD card slots. One takes in the card fully - use it as another drive. Boot from it too - like Linux. Exceptional feature. Neat!
17) WiFi worked in a snap. WiFi crashes if the machine is woken up from sleep about 2 - 3 times.
18) Intel has or is going to have a more advanced chipset specific to the UMPC (4500 instead of 950) to go with the Atom CPU. Keep this in mind. However, I was fine with the 950 capabilites (I don't intend to use mine for entertainment - even though it seems to work fine in this area).
Update - Skype full screen video (using built in webcam) works fine. Ohter side reported clear picture and sound. Approx 50 - 60% CPU usage.

I may have to return mine because of the noise issue :(. I so like this thing - but imagine listening to a high pitched wheee for hrs at a time. No thanks - I'd rather save my sanity.

2nd Update - The killer whine has now gone down in intensity. It is still bothersome, but not something that will give me a headache. I am mighty puzzled.

Any questions - let me know.

The Little Workhorse That Can...
Ive been using this netbook for two weeks now. I have the XP 120GB version. I have also used the MSI Wind (borrowed from a friend) and Asus 900 (also from a friend, but only used for a day) Here is the lowdown:

Build Quality: The build quality is great. Does not feel cheap at all.Gap tolerances is miniscule. Does not creak when held. The quality of plastics used although not too thick is much better than that of Asus and comparable with MSI Wind.

Looks: Looks is subjective but the white one is quite a looker in my opinion. So many have commented how great it looks. I have chosen the white one simply because I detest dark keyboards. White or lighter colored keyboards makes it easier for use in dim places.

Keyboard: Of all the three netbooks I have used, the Aspire One has the better keyboard. It's almost fullsize, with very good key travel, not mushy, it can get a bit too clikety but for me it is just perfect. Much better than Asus 900 in my opinion.

Screen: This is one of the strenght of the Acer. It is very bright and vibrant in its color reproduction. I compared it to my Sony CR series it is very much comparable. The screen is also LED backlit so it should be better than conventional LCDs. The only gripe I have with the screen is the black borders surrounding it. They are at least an inch all on all sides. I would like to see this wasted space put to good use by increasing the screen and possibly the resolution. For the amount of money I paid for this Acer though, I am more than happy about the resolution and screen size.

OS: I have the XP orignally but I upgraded to XP Pro because I need to use it with exchange server. All drivers although not availble in the box, it is readily available in the internet. Installed the usual apps I installed in my main computer including Elements. I dared not install Photoshop because I know that my acer will crawl. So Photoshop is good enough for quick photo editing. Usual office apps are there and with my current configuration, my acer is quite snappy. Very minimal lag in opening apps and definitely very usable. In fact, I haven't touch my main computer since I have the ONe because most of the things I do in my main laptop, I can do it on my ACer.

Battery: Ok, this is where it gets nasty. The battery last me 2:20 minutes with backlight at full brightness. Getting the 6 cell battery ruins the whole look of the One so I will just get a spare 3 cell battery. Besides, I am most of the time near wall outlets so I can leave with the abysmal battery life.

Overall Impression: For the price, especially with the price drop, nothing beats the Aspire One in value. It has the one of the best keyboard in any notebook, bright screen, all the basic features and then some, small size and weight, and best of all it is one of the best looking netbooks out there. Compared to the Asus, it is a matter of taste. Compared to the wind, I will take the ACer anytime. I despise the row of status lights in the MSI wind. It ruined the whole look of the machine. It reminded me of Christmas lights. Last but not the least, the price is hard to beat at the moment. The upcoming dell and Lenovo maybe better, who knows but at the moment, the Acer One is holding up there as the most stylish, with the best keyboard, the brightest screen netbook you can find for your "mobile" computing pleasure.