Yesterday in New York, Acer introduced its new generation of multimedia notebooks -- the desktop replacement 18.4" Aspire 8920G (press release) and more portable 16" Aspire 6920G (press release).
Both feature 16:9 widescreen displays, with the option of Full HD 1920x1080 resolution.
With the acquisition of Gateway last year (joining its eMachines and Packard-Bell brands), Acer is now the world’s third largest PC company.These new notebooks continue Acer's focus on the consumer market, building on its "Gemstone blue" design for image-conscious consumers. For looks, the case features a sexy Holographic 3D cover with a starlit backlight. And for convenient control, the CineDash media console to the left of the keyboard provides a touch-sensitive interface for navigation and media playback.
The blue theme carries through to the integrated Blu-ray disc drives (Super Multi Blu-ray/DVD/CD double-layer), for playback of high-definition widescreen movies. For the full audio experience, the 16" 6920 has stereo speakers plus the Acer Tuba CineBass booster, and the 18.4" 8920 actually has 5 surround speakers plus the bass. There's also an integrated HDMI interface for playback on external HDTVs.
For more media fun, use the available TV Tuner to watch digital television, or the integrated Acer CrystalEye camera and stereo microphones for videoconferencing.
Acer suggested pricing from $900 / $1,700, and said these should ship around April.
More specs below ...
System
- Intel Core 2 Duo processors
- Mobile Intel PM965 Express Chipset
- Up to 4 GB memory
Storage- Hard disk up to 320 GB (2 drives on 8920G)
- Optical 2X (1X) Blu-ray disc or 8X DVD - Super Multi double-layer drive
- Memory card reader - 6-in-1
Video
- CineCrystal LCD, native 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, 8 ms response time
- 8920G: 18.4” Full HD, 1920x1080 pixel resolution
- 6920G: 16” - Full HD, 1920x1080 pixel resolution or 1366 x 768
- NVIDIA GeForce 9650M (8920G) or 9500M GS graphics engine
Audio
- Second generation Dolby Home Theater technology
- 8920G: 5 surround speakers plus Tuba CineBass booster
- 6920G: 2 stereo speakers plus Tuba CineBass booster
I/O Ports
- HDMI connector with HDCP support for external HDTV
- Audio, RF input
- VGA, audio with S/PDIF output
Communication
- Integrated Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth, 56K Modem
- Integrated Acer CrystalEye camera for videoconferencing
- Stereo microphones with echo cancellation
- Optional VoIP Bluetooth phone
- Integrated TV Tuner for digital television (on selected models)
Design
- Full 105-/106-key keyboard
- Fingerprint reader
- Acer Media Center remote control
- 8920G: 441.4 x 300 x 40.2 mm, 4.1 Kg with battery
(~ 17.4 x 11.8 x 1.6 inches, 9.0 pounds)
- 6920G: 385 x 275 x 43.6/39.3 mm, 3.5 Kg with battery
(~ 15.2 x 10.8 x 1.7/1.5 inches, 7.7 pounds)
OS
- Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate or Windows Vista Home Premium