At CES today, Acer introduced a new Ultrabook model that it's calling the thinnest Ultrabook yet, along with a high-definition Iconia Tab tablet, a new cloud storage service and New Aspire Timeline Ultra notebooks.
Aspire S5
The Aspire S5 is an ultra-slim device that measures only 15 mm at the maximal point. It weighs less than 1.35 kg (less than 3 lbs.) and is built with a 13.3-inch (34 cm) LCD. In addition, it features the Acer Green Instant On technology for fast boot and resume, and Acer Always Connect, which lets users manage their multimedia and data on all their devices at anytime, anywhere - even from sleep.
Acer Green Instant On and Acer Always Connect technologies enable data upload and retrieval anytime, anywhere, and deliver power-saving features as well.
Acer Green Instant On provides instant-resume functionality (in 1.5 seconds) and ensures battery life that lasts several weeks.
Acer Always Connect gets users online faster than conventional. With their Facebook, Twitter and Outlook email accounts open, users can see updates instantly upon resuming. Furthermore, Acer Always Connect can wake up the Aspire S5 from a remote device like a smartphone.
The Aspire S5 is Acer's first Ultrabook to feature a MagicFlip I/O port panel concealed just below the hinge. When needed, a press of the MagicFlip key opens the panel to reveal a selection of I/O ports: HDMI, USB 3.0 and 20 Gbps Thunderbolt.
The Aspire S5 features an Intel Core processor, SSD storage, Dolby Home Theater v4, long battery life via the PowerSmart battery pack (with a 3X longer life cycle than traditional batteries), and is equipped with a chiclet keyboard.
The Aspire S5 will start shipping in Q2 2012.
Ultrabooks powered by Windows 8 will be released by Acer after Microsoft releases the new version of its computer operating system later this year, according to the company.
Since Aspire S5 is Windows based it is not likely to be a direct challenge to MacBook Air laptops, which have been winning converts to the sleek machines powered by Apple software.
Aspire Timeline Ultra series
Since Acer rolled out the first Ultrabook in September 2011, the company has extended the product's features across its mainstream line of notebooks with 14-inch and 15-inch models. Acer today unveilled the Aspire Timeline Ultra featuring 8 hours of battery life, high performance and a 2-spindle design in an Ultrabook. They feature Acer Green Instant On for fast boot and resume, and Acer Always Connect technology.
The new Aspire Timeline Ultra are slimmer and lighter than earlier generations of the Timeline series. They measure just 20 mm thin, boast more than 8 hours of battery life, the latest Intel Core i processor performance, dedicated graphics for intensive 3D gaming, and a slim DVD-Super Multi optical drive.
The Aspire Timeline Ultra features the latest Intel Core i Series processors, an SSD/HDD storage option, Dolby Home Theater v4 surround sound, as well as HDMI and USB 3.0 ports. They also retain the Timeline design heritage of more than 8 hours of battery life via the PowerSmart long-life battery pack and a thermal technology that keep users comfortable even when the Timeline Ultra is placed on their lap.
The Aspire Timeline Ultra will start shipping in Q1 2012.
Acer also unveiled the HD Iconia Tab, which comes with a full-HD (1920x1200) 10.1-inch inch display. Scheduled for release in Q2 of 2012, it will run Google's Android 4.0 OS powered by Nvidia's Tegra 3 quad-core processor. The device is is 9.8mm thick and weighs 650g. It's battery will offer approximately 10 hours operation, according to Acer.
To compete with Google and Apple cloud services, Acer also introduced AcerCloud, a service that will sync photos, music, and documents across devices. The service is expected to be open to PC and Android devices on the whole, and will use the company's Clear.fi branding for its syncing apps. Acer says it will include the service on all of its consumer PCs starting in the second quarter of this year.The service will be available in America, Europe, Asia and China.