Acer has announced its entry into the low-cost ultraportable market – the Aspire One. Based on an Intel Atom N270 processor running at 1.6GHz (same as on the MSI Wind), the Aspire One has an 8.9in (1024 x 600) LED-backlit screen and will ship with either Linux or Windows XP.

The Linux-based model will cost £199 inc VAT. Full story, specs and pics after the cut.

Other specifications vary depending on the operating system – Linux models have an 8Gb SSD and 512Mb RAM; Windows XP models have an 80Gb hard disk and 1Gb RAM (though hard disks will be optional across the range). One of the two SD Card slots can also be used to expand onboard storage.

Battery life for the Linux-based Acer Aspire One is reckoned to be around six hours with the optional six-cell battery and three hours with the standard three-cell – knock 30 minutes off for Windows XP.

Both models have onboard 802.11g but a second miniPCI slot on the motherboard leaves room for either a 3G or WiMAX module, though these options won’t be available until later in the year.

The Linux-based Acer Aspire One uses Linpus Linux Lite with a heavily customised UI that’s similar in intent to that used on the Asus Eee PC. The Desktop is split into four groups for ‘Connect’, ‘Works’, ‘Fun’ and ‘Files’.

It includes the one Mail email application that supports up to six mailboxes and will work with Outlook, Lotus Notes, AOL and Gmail accounts. The application also incorporates a cross-platform IM client that supports MSN/Live Messenger, Yahoo!, Google Chat and AIM.

The three-cell SSD Acer Aspire One measures 249 x 170 x 29mm and weighs 995g; the six-cell HDD model measures 249 x 195 x 36 and weighs 1.26kg

The Acer Aspire One will be on sale from 10 July in UK, Spain, Italy, France, Holland and Germany – there’s no word yet on US availability, though Acer does plan to launch more models under its newly-acquired Packard-Bell and Gateway brands.

The Linux model will be available first for £199 inc VAT; Windows XP will follow for £299 inc VAT.

The Acer press release:

Aspire one: Acer’s first mobile Internet device

Milan, 3rd June 2008 – Acer celebrates more than thirty years’ experience in innovating technologies with the launch of the Aspire one, Acer’s first Internet device.

The Aspire one is an all-new communication device designed to provide a true mobile and wireless experience through continuous access to the Internet no matter where you are.

Thanks to the Internet, people the world over can be everywhere regardless of time and space. There are no real limits to online social interaction apart from our own imagination and Acer has built the Aspire one with a single goal in mind: enrich people’s lives through simplicity, giving them immediate access to the Internet and easier communication across their entire online social networks.

The Aspire one was designed to get you online in no time at all and thanks to the Linpus™ Linux® Lite operating system, start up and shut down times are reduced to the minimum. With the Aspire one running on Linux environment, the simplicity continues with the intuitive and specifically optimized software interface. For example the specially developed one Mail software application simply and clearly manages up to six separate email accounts in a single window while the Messenger program can simultaneously handle the most popular IM accounts. Features like these make the Aspire one the beating heart of your online world.

The form factor of the Aspire one comes from asking ourselves what people really need to fully exploit “anywhere communication”.

To start with, product design is essential. Miniaturization of core components has reduced the dimensions of the Aspire one to less than the average diary and at the same time has brought down its weight to below one kilo, leaving a sleek, light and comfortable footprint that is truly mobile.

Then, the input interface: another crucial element for a smooth Internet experience. The Aspire one features a 95% full-sized keyboard for natural, easy typing just like you’re used to.

Finally, the Aspire one is built for Internet navigation and delivers the ideal balance between optimal viewing of online content and reduced LCD size: its 8.9” screen fits the 1024*600 web resolution to perfection without sacrificing clarity, compactness and light weight

Acer’s mission – breaking the barriers between people and technology – is brought to life through intense and consistent product research and design that translates advanced technological tools into solutions that can be easily utilized by users of all levels.

“We want the tools we develop to be truly useful in the real world.” comments Jim Wong Senior Corporate Vice President Acer Group and President of ITGO Acer Inc. “When developing new products we always follow a clear principle: we look at everyday life and current usage models of our customers, anticipate future trends and needs and then blend the best available technology with software intelligence to simplify their future. This time we came up with something really special – the Aspire one – an Internet device that delivers true mobile and a seamless wireless experience for all online users”.

"The Acer Aspire one netbook designed for internet use will help drive growth in the exciting new netbook category," said Mooly Eden, vice president and general manager, Mobile Platforms Group, Intel Corporation. "Purpose built Intel Atom processors are enabling our customers to innovate and together we will bring the next billion users online."

No matter how advanced technology becomes, simplicity is all that matters.

Acer, empowering people.

[Acer]

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