The Timeline range
Acer currently has three CULV-based notebooks in the Aspire Timeline range - the 3810T, 4810T, 5810T. Here's how they stack up.| Notebook name | Acer Timeline 3810T | Acer Timeline 4810T | Acer Timeline 5810T |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo SU3500/SU9400 | Intel Core 2 Duo SU3500/SU9400 | Intel Core 2 Duo SU3500/SU9400 |
| Motherboard | Intel
GS45 |
Intel
GS45 |
Intel GS45 |
| Memory | 4GB DDR3 | 4GB DDR3 | 4GB DDR3 |
| Graphics card(s) | Intel X4500MHD or ATI MR HD 4330 | Intel X4500MHD or ATI MR HD 4330 | Intel X4500MHD or ATI MR HD 4330 |
| Screen size and native res | 13.3in - 1,366x768 | 14in - 1,366x768 | 15.6in - 1,366x768 |
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n |
| Disk drive(s) | 320GB, 5,400RPM, 8MB cache | 320GB, 5,400RPM, 8MB cache | 320GB, 5,400RPM, 8MB cache |
| Optical drive(s) | None | 8x DVD ReWriter | 8x DVD ReWriter |
| Operating System | Windows Vista Home Premium SP1, 32-bit | Windows Vista Home Premium SP1, 32-bit | Windows Vista Home Premium SP1, 32-bit |
| Weight | 1.6kg |
1.9kg | 2.4kg |
| Battery | 6-cell |
6-cell | 6-cell |
| Battery life (claimed) | 8
hours+ |
8 hours+ | 8 hours+ |
| Dimensions | 322mm
(H) x 228mm
(D) x 23.4/28.9mm (H) |
338.4mm (H) x 240mm (D) x 24/28.9mm (H) | 378mm (H) x 259mm (D) x 24.8/29.7mm (H) |
| Current price | £549* | £549* | £580* |
* the quoted price includes VAT and is for the base specification, including SU3500 CPU.
Looking back on the previous page, Intel is charging $262 for the cheapest CULV chip. It's clear that Acer is not paying anywhere near this amount as it can build an entire 13.3in laptop and retail it for £549.
Hooked up to the chip is the (relatively) energy-efficient GS45 chipset, which includes the Intel X4500MHD graphics, complete with the ability to offload decode of Blu-ray titles. The graphics are a step up from the GMA950 series, and Intel's documentation shows the platform - CPU and chipset - pulling 20W with the SU3500, and 24.5W with the dual-core SU9400. What's more, the chip giant has a bulk price of $315 for the combination. The Timeline configuration is such that users can opt for a discrete Mobility Radeon HD 4330 for more graphics oomph, too.
The 14in 4810T and 15.6in 5810T both house an internal optical drive, and all three are wonderfully slim, measuring no more than 30mm at the thickest point. Whilst the screen sizes change across the models, resolution does not, fixed at 1,366x768.
Weights range from 1.6kg to 2.4kg - light for a 15.6in display - and the most compelling feature is the purported eight-hour battery life across the models, made possible by a standard six-cell battery and some power-frugal technology.
We know the platform and the Acer specifics. Let's now take a look at the 5810T.
