Acer first with sub-$1000 ultrabook

Stephen Withers
Monday, 28 November 2011 11:37

Your IT - Mobility

Ultrabooks look like being a hot item for users who need more than a tablet but don't want the bulk and weight of a conventional notebook. Acer claims to be the first to release an ultrabook for less than $1000.

iTWire's report on the launch of the HP Folio13 ultrabook noted that getting such models on the market for less than $1000 was proving a challenge for vendors.

One week later, Acer has announced that it has rejigged its Aspire S3 range, with the entry level model priced at $999 instead of the originally announced $1199. That gets you an Intel Core i3 processor, a 320GB hard drive and an embedded 20GB SSD.

Other configurations are Core i5 with 500GB hard drive ($1299), Core i5 with 256GB SSD ($1699) and Core i7 with 256GB SSD ($1999).

All models feature a 13.3in 1366 x 768 screen, 4GB of RAM, an SD/MMC reader, Wi-Fi (b/g/n), Bluetooth, webcam, two USB 2.0 ports, and an HDMI port.

Aaron Jambrovic, Acer's consumer notebook product manager, said "We're the only vendor to offer our customers the best of both worlds - great specs as well as an affordable price of $999. Our 320GB HDD gives users ample storage for movies, documents, images, music and of course the operating system, while the embedded 20GB SSD allows for caching and fast wake-up times."

"A key design feature of our ultrabooks is its ability to lower heat output due to its unique thermal comfort design. With this new airflow design, warm air is dispelled from rear of the Aspire S3, away from your hands. Also the vent-free bottom lets you place the S3 comfortably on your lap. We have also smartly placed warm components away from the palm rest and touchpad area so you won't feel any heat discomfort." he added.