Acer AS8730-6951 18.4-Inch Laptop

Featuring Acer’s eye-catching, award-winning Gemstone design the Acer Aspire AS8730-6951 presents a cool, confident look and delivers powerful mobile computing. Designed for high-definition multimedia entertainment at home or on the go, the Aspire 8730 boasts a 15.6-inch HD Acer CineCrystal TFT LCD panel with a native 16:9 aspect ratio for a true cinematic view. And it includes two Acer 3DSonic stereo speakers and high-definition audio support for a complete, immersive multimedia experience.

The cover is shaped to resemble a precious stone, with the Acer logo floating on a polished midnight sapphire sublayer. The palm rest area has a matt grey finish that gives remarkable tactile feedback, while contrasting with the gleaming cover. Easy-to-use media keys allow access to frequently used functions and allow total multimedia control. The multi-gesture touchpad with circular-motion scrolling and pinch-action zoom puts swift, flawless navigation and intuitive zoom in and out at your fingertips. The Acer Video Conference solution integrating real-time video and voice over internet delivers highly mobile and extremely flexible communication, and it includes the Acer Crystal Eye webcam and PrimaLite technology, which incorporates a premium sensor and lenses to provide superior video performance under low-light conditions. (An optional Acer Xpress VoIP phone provides hands-free VoIP via a Bluetooth connection for added freedom.) In addition to Bluetooth connectivity, the Aspire 8730 comes with Draft-N Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n) networking, featuring MIMO technology and supporting Acer SignalUp with Nplify wireless technology for a smooth connection to wireless networks. It’s powered by the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processor–with Centrino 2 technology–which boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. The 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 includes a quick 1066 MHz front-side bus and 3 MB of L2 cache, providing an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved multimedia and multitasking performance. Other features include a 320 GB hard drive, 4 GB of RAM (maximum capacity), Super-Multi drive for burning single- and dual-layer DVDs as well as CDs, Gigabit Ethernet networking, Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics (512 MB dedicated memory with up to 1791 MB of shared video memory), and pre-installed Windows Vista Home Premium operating system

Spec Check

• 18.4-inch LCD screen
• 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 processor
• 320 GB hard drive
• 4 GB RAM (maximum)
• Dual-layer DVD±R drive
• Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
• Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics (512 MB dedicated)
• Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit)
• Weighs 9 pounds

• Processor: Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 45nm Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 processor featuring Intel Centrino 2 technology. This processor has a 2.4 GHz processor speed, super-sized 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a extra-large 3 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system’s performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)Formerly codenamed Montevina, Intel Centrino 2 processor technology improves upon every facet of a laptop’s main features, including performance and battery life via new processors and chipsets, faster draft 802.11n wireless, and new business-class manageability capabilities. The new hafnium-infused circuitry–which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors–conserves even more energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet.The Intel Core 2 Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It’s optimized for multitasking and it can run multiple demanding applications–such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications–while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background.
• Hard Drive: The large 320 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data–akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.
• Memory: The 4 GB of installed RAM (PC2-5300, 2 x 2 GB) maximizes the capacity for this notebook,. It also offers a fast 667 MHz speed.
• DVD/CD Drive: The dual-layer DVD drive is compatible with a wide range of formats, including both DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs, CD-RW discs, and dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can hold up to 8.5 GB of data–great for backing up your MP3 collection or your most important documents. It features the following speeds: 4x for DVD+R DL, 4x for DVD-R DL, 8x for both single layer DVD±R, 8x for single layer DVD+RW, 6x for single layer DVD-RW, 5x for DVD-RAM, and 24x/16x for CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x and CD-ROMs at 24x.
• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a 105-key keyboard (12 function, four cursor, two Microsoft Windows keys; independent US dollar and Euro sign keys ), inverted T cursor layout, standard numeric keypad, hotkey controls, 2.5mm minimum key travel, and international language support. The touchpad has multi-gesture technology, including circular-motion scrolling and pinch-action zoom.

Screen, Video & Audio The wide-aspect 18.4-inch Acer CineCrystal Full HD display provides a true cinematic view with 16:9 aspect ratio for HDTV and the latest Blu-ray Disc format. The 1680 x 945 resolution captivates with its precision and ensures flawless, pixel-for-pixel reproductions of entertainment created in the 720p high-def format. An 8 ms high-def response time diminishes ghosting in games with finely rendered, complex graphics. Acer GridVista software simultaneously shows up to eight windows on dual displays and automatically resizes open application windows to fit the screen for fantastic multitasking. Video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics/video card, which provides 512 MB of dedicated video RAM and offers up to 1791 MB of total available graphics memory as allocated by Windows Vista. Enabled by PureVideo HD, movies come to life with outstanding picture clarity, ultra-smooth video and vivid color. The lifelike images have up to six times the detail of standard DVD movies. Delivering state-of-the-art graphics performance, The GeForce 9600M GT graphics card is sure to give you the power and performance you crave to play the hottest DirectX 9 and DirectX 10 titles. Its 16x full-screen antialiasing technology delivers superior quality along with astounding performance and since it’s optimized for Windows Vista. This notebook also includes an integrated audio card with Microsoft DirectSound compatibility and two Acer 3DSonic stereo speakers.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion

Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It’s also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and wi-fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range–great for closed office environments). With the integrated Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones. It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 54/34 card slot (replacing the PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. It comes with the following external connectors:

• 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals–from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 ExpressCard/54 slot (compatible with ExpressCard/34 media)
• 1 HDMI output (for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable)
• Analog video output: 1 VGA
• 6-in-1 memory card reader, compatible with Secure Digital (SD), MMC, MMCplus, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, and XD Picture Card
• 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
• 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
• 56K modem (V.92)

Operating System

The 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium (with SP1) is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi. Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family’s use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software

Acer Crystal Eye, Acer Empowering Technology (eRecovery, eSettings, ePower Management), Acer GridVista, Acer Launch Manager, Adobe Acrobat Reader, CyberLink PowerDirector (trial version), McAfee Internet Security Suite (trial version), NTI Media Maker (OEM, not full-featured, version)

Dimensions & Weight

This notebook measures 17.3 x 11.8 x 1.7 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 9 pounds.

Power

It’s powered by an 8-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of up to 2.5 hours (depending on usage; 2.0 hours recharge time with power off, 3.0 hours with power on, 80% charge in 1.0 hour.

Do you know how to choose a right laptop computer for you. there are many kinds of computer in the world. choose a right for you is important. now let me tell you how to choose.
1. Size

In the world of mobile computing, size definitely matters. The size of a laptop affects two key areas: portability and display size.

If you’re always on the go and will be using your computer only in short bursts, a so-called ultralight will save you some shoulder strain.

On the other hand, if you’re going to spend hours in front of your laptop, a larger display may be in order.

Today, some laptop displays exceed 17 inches, rivaling the display size of many desktop systems. The down side is that these monsters can easily weigh three times as much as an ultralight.

2. Hard Drive

Speaking of size, what about the size of the hard drive? One way to approach this issue is to ask yourself the following question:

Will this be my primary computer, or will it supplement my desktop system?

If the former, you should look for a bigger hard drive – 60 GB or more.

If the latter, you may be able to make it with a 20-30 GB hard drive.

But even this isn’t absolute.

If, for example, you plan to copy a huge MP3 library from your desktop system to your laptop to make your music library portable, you’d be well advised to err on the side of too big.

3. Memory

In determining the right amount of system memory, or RAM, take a look at the ways in which you intend to use your laptop:

If your needs are somewhat mundane – email, spreadsheets, word processing, etc. – 256 MB of RAM should be plenty. This is a common configuration for many laptops, so it means you probably won’t need to spend extra for more RAM.

On the flip side, if you’re an aspiring mobile digital photographer or videographer, you should stuff your laptop with as much RAM as it can hold.

In fact, exactly how much RAM your laptop can hold may in part drive your purchase decision. Applications for editing and manipulating multimedia content are notorious resource hogs.

4. Network Connections

Thanks in no small part to the Internet, computing in the 21st century relies heavily on being connected:

Connected to the Internet, connected to a corporate network, connected to a wireless network, connected to a home network, connected to an online service.

Your life will be easier if you buy a laptop that includes built-in means to connect to them all.

5. Price

If you’re considering a laptop, you’re probably wondering how much money you’ll need to spend.

A few years ago, you’d be hard-pressed to find one for under $2,000. Today, there are plenty of laptops to be had for under $1,000.

What’s more, most of the major manufacturers offer a variety of financing options.

Laptop prices have come down, to be sure. However, a laptop still represents a fairly major purchase for most people.

When purchasing a laptop, you will ave to plan ahead and think what you will use it for since every single one of them comes with a different configuration such as memory size, hard drive capacity, screen size, video and sound card types.

The most basic configuration is also considered as a budget configuration. it comes pre configured with minimal hardware and could also limit the work you are planning to do with this one.Most budget notebooks come with different screen sizes such as 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 and 17 inch monitors. While smaller screen size is always cheaper, the 7, 8 and 9 inch ones could be purchased for under $400 such as Asus, Acer and HP. They are ultra portable and work being done is very limited. They are recommended for web surfing and some word processing.

The next size up which is 14 and 15.4 inch laptops will basically do the same job but could be upgraded hardware wise. You an upgrade the memory, the hard drive and the video card to expand the work being done without noticing any slow performance. The processors come in different speed such as 1.6GHz, 1.73GHz, 2GHz and 2.2GHz.

The largest screen size which measures 17 inches is a desktop replacement. This one is recommended for any computer that needs a larger screen or simply for your own pleasure such as playing the latest 3D games and even create graphics or run your own music studio software on it.

When buying a laptop, consider getting the latest technology chip. This one will most likely last longer and guarantee a better performance. For instance, when you purchase a Core 2 Duo or an AMD x2 laptop, just make sure to reasearch online or ask your salesperson some questions to make sure that the laptop you are purchasing is the right one for you. If you wish to get the latest reviews of the latest laptops please visit http://ecompuplus.com

If you are looking for a laptop then consider some of the models we have researched below before making a decision.

If you are looking for a laptop that has a 17 inch viewable screen and that is under $1,000 then look no further. The Toshiba Satellite P205-S6237 is here. According to Cisco Cheng of PC Magazine, “it joins the Acer Aspire 9300-5005 as one of the few sub-$1,000 17-inch systems. At 7.3 pounds, though, the Toshiba is not only lighter than the Acer but also performs better.”

Gateway another brand manufacturing laptops has put performance over design however the T-140X, however, signals a change of pace. It is a 14-inch widescreen, with a choice of colors and designs laminated into the lid and palm rests. But to keep the price low, according to Cheng, “Gateway went with weak processing components, hurting performance.”

Acer introduces new this month the Aspire 5920G. According to Carla Thornton of PC World, “it bears Acers Gemstone design, which features a glossy lid, a putty-colored keyoboard, accent curves, and a custom button that looks like a blue-quartz jewel.” The laptop which features a subwoofer, “isn`t just pretty,” continues Thornton. “It`s a home and office workhorse with a panoply of attractive multimedia features.”

Another new rugges laptop is the GoBook MR-1 from Itronix. With its lightweight design, it is built to withstand rain, snow, wind and many other elements that could be harmful to your machine. It hasa touchscreen that traps ambient light so they can not reflect out and cause glare.

According to Sean Captain of Popular Science, “The Itronix screen employs a new technology called DynaVue to block most of these reflections. It uses the LCD`s polarizing films, plus extra filters to twist the incoming light to an orientation that can`t pass back out of the screen.”

Then of course there is always the big guy of the industry, Dell. Dell has done their part in using Intel`s Centrino Duo chipset. The Dell Laptop that is a highpoint is the XPS M1330, which according to Cheng, “has unseated the Lenovo ThinkPad X60 (Vista) as my Choice for ultraportables.” Cheng continues, “it`s the sum total of everything that`s cutting-edge in the ultraportable market today.” With its cleek design it includes a 160GB hard drive, DVD burner, webcam, and you can add a media center that fits nicely into the ExpressCard slot.

The M1330 weighs 3.9 pounds when you include the 4 cell batery, and that it allows it to stay just below the limit of 4 pounds to be considered an ultraportable. Larger batteries are available for the M1330, however the will put it above the 4 pound limit if you are looking for ultra.

In this article I have given a brief review and overview on a variety of latops from various companies. Being a laptop fan myself, with their ease of use, portability, and the ever growing power they can offer, you may want to look into one of these models, especially if you are student or a traveling business person.

By: Michael C. Podlesny