AfterDawn: News

Acer introduces 1080p Blu-ray notebooks

Acer has launched a complete overhaul of their Aspire notebook line, dubbed the Gemstone Blue.

The new design revolves around "CineDash", a "touch-sensitive control that lets users navigate music, videos, and menus without having to resort to the trackpad." Each system also has a 10-watt subwoofer and an "advanced speaker system that generates virtual Dolby 5.1-channel Surround Sound."



The first two systems released in the line are the 16-inch Aspire 6920 and 18.4-inch Aspire 8920G. Each are the first notebooks ever to sport a true 16:9 ratio display and can output 1080p (1920x1080) Resolution and can play Blu-ray discs. Each sport a relatively fast 8ms response time.

Among the other impressive specifications, the larger model sports a NVIDIA GeForce 9650 GS video card, dual 320 GB HDDs, HDMI output and even a built in VoIP phone.

There was no word on when the notebooks will ship nor what processor options will be available but the company did say the notebooks will be priced between $1900 and $2200 respectively.






Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 16 Mar 2008 18:17

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• 9 comments

• vinny13

  Not bad... Expensive but your not getting crap, I hope. I bought an Acer years ago and this little part broke and it was like $50 for the part and then $85 for shipping because it came over the border, and then I had to get this guy to install it... Total BS. After that all I've owned were HPs and my iMac :)
  
  'Bout time I build my own computer :D

  16.3.2008 20:55 #1

• tripplite

  maybe this will get europe started on blu ray quicker then the initial estimate?

  16.3.2008 22:25 #2

• fgamer

  The price will be outragous, so i'll pass!

  16.3.2008 22:29 #3

• riplord

  I don't know about you guys but i've been using acers for the past two decades. I want to pick up the high end model of one of these babys. Acer always provides good power for the price.

  16.3.2008 23:15 #4

• c1c

  Cheaper to buy a blu ray external player. Who really watches blu ray on a laptop, just doesnt make sense. Yes you can hook it up to a tv buy external is cheaper.

  17.3.2008 01:12 #5

• Ryu77

  Originally posted by c1c: Cheaper to buy a blu ray external player. Who really watches blu ray on a laptop, just doesnt make sense. Yes you can hook it up to a tv buy external is cheaper.Yes, you are right but this is a laptop, it isn't just for viewing Blu-ray. You do actually get a PC thrown in too. A couple points to consider...
  
  What about people looking to buy a laptop anyway?
  
  What about the BD ripping and burning facilities?
  
  Edit: I just googled this model (Aspire 8920G) for extra information and it seems that this model also includes a TV tuner, inbuilt VoIP phone, and a spare HDD bay (as the news article mentioned) meaning it can be upgraded to 640GB!! That is awesome for a Laptop.
  

  
  
  "Dream... Believe... Achieve"

  17.3.2008 03:51 #6

• 7thsinger

  Good lookin' features. A wee bit salty on the price.
  
  Personally, i've not had good luck with Acers in the past. I'm sure their quality must've risen since then. At least, i hope so.
  
  I'll pass on this one with that price tag.

  18.3.2008 12:49 #7

• domie

  Surely those of us who are looking for blu ray as an additional feature to a laptop or PC are going to want a blu ray burner not just a player ?
  
  I´m not jumping in just to watch my blu ray discs on a 16 " screen - I would want the burner for its storage capabilities via BD-R.

  19.3.2008 05:19 #8

• Ryu77

  Originally posted by domie: Surely those of us who are looking for blu ray as an additional feature to a laptop or PC are going to want a blu ray burner not just a player ?
  
  I´m not jumping in just to watch my blu ray discs on a 16 " screen - I would want the burner for its storage capabilities via BD-R.Very true... I assumed it was a burner. After reading the specs closer, it seems it is only a BD ROM. :-(
  

  
  
  "Dream... Believe... Achieve"

  19.3.2008 16:44 #9