Acer 8920g not 1080p?

BobInTX, I think I read of someone else having the bait and switch like yours, and, with all the versions available, it is tricky anyway, to keep track of what is what, so we all need to print out specs of our own models and ones like ours, in ads or reviews, for back-up while we sort all this out ~ besides the disclaimers for changing specs without notice, websites can change info in the blink of an eye.

Here's the Better Business Bureau site, where anyone with these issues should seriously consider logging their experience: http://welcome.bbb.org/

 

The odd thing is that he Acer website for the US lists only two configurations for the 8920, the 8920-6048 and the 8920-6671. The 6048 is the $1200 version with a T5550 and 3GB RAM. The 6671 is the $2400 version with a T9500 and 4GB RAM.

Both models listed support full HD with 1080P and screen resolutions of 1920x1080.

So, according to the Acer website, they don't make an 8920 with HD+ and a limit of 1680x945 resolution. The marketing material states that the 8920 resolution is 1920x1080. The technical specs on both configurations also shows the resolution for both models to be 1920x1080.

The weird thing is that the Microcenter advertised model is 8920-6837. It has a MFR Number of LX.APP0X.006.

The outer brown cardboard box that the laptop came in shows the 8920-6837 MFR Number. It has a cutout which shows the serial number, from the inside Acer box. However, it does not show the model number from the inner box. You don't see that until you open the box and pull out the inner box. It shows the model is the 8920-6961, which is also NOT listed as a configuration on the Acer website.

I could understand it if my laptop was made a while back with an old display. But, it isn't. It was build two weeks ago.

So tomorrow I am going down the Micocenter with a very simple complaint. They sold me one computer and delivered the wrong one. I want the one they sold me. I'll post their response. I also sent an email to Acer explaining the problem. I'll post their response too.

Bob In Texas

 

I also looked through the Acer website's for USA, Canada, Australia, UK, Mexico and several other countries. I found different configurations of the 8920 in each country, but NEVER does the Acer site indicate that ANY of the 8920's use HD+ 1680x945. They all indicate 1920x1080 LCD displays.

So, if that's the case where does the HD+ 8920-6961 come from?

Bob In Tx

 

I went to Microcenter in Richardson, TX and spoke with their customer service people. They were polite and helpful and after about 20-30 minutes of discussing it, they understood the situation. They received a new shipment of 8920-6837's today and inspected them all and found that they were all 8920-6961's. They offered to give me my money back. I held off until this evolves a bit more, to see what happens. I considered getting the refund and buying it online, but then again if they are all showing up as 6961s who is to say I wouldn't end up with another one.

So, I called Acer when I got home. I explained that the computer only goes up to 1680x945. The person told me that all of the 8920's are supposed to go to 1920x1080 regardless of configuration. However, when I explained the problem I was told that I had to go back to Microcenter. I asked if Acer could tell me the tech specs for the 6961 as they are not on the website. I was told that there is an "emergency work order" on the website and it is currently down and that the Acer person was unable to tell me the specs. I asked for a supervisor and was told that since the website was down I couldn't talk to a supervisor... go figure.

What I want to know is why is every retailer who is selling 8920-6837's finding that they are delivering 8920-6961s instead. I also want to know when did Acer start making the 8920-6961 and why are they selling it with HD+ display, but all of the stickers on the laptop, the demo installed on the laptop and all of the marketing information shipped with the product claim it displays 1080p in 1920x1080.

BobInTx

 

Purchased my 8920-6961 from Microcenter for $1149
Native Resolution 1680x945

Of course I am dissappointed that it is not 1920x1080 or 1920x1200 resolution I was expecting it to be and that was one of my decision points for purchasing the Acer.

Here is what I think is going on: Acer "clearly" has two different models of their 8920:
- A lower end with the the T5550 and T5750 processor and associated motherboard with a 667 MHz Front side bus and Vista Home Premium. And it is priced around the $1150 mark.

- A Higher end model with the T series processor and a different motherboad with a 800 MHz Front Side bus and Vista Ultimate priced around the $2400 mark.

My suspicion is that the LCD panel that is paired with the 667 FSB models is the 1680x945 panel, and the 1920 panel is paired with the more expensive 800 FSB Vista Ultimate model. The LCD panel determines the max resolution - no driver or firmware can change the max resolution of a given LCD panel.

I do totally agree that it is false advertising to claim the 1920 resolution and get a lower resolution.

Microcenter does state on their site that the Aspire AS8920-6837 has a 18.4" Widescreen UXGA+ CineCrystal Display. For those not into the letters, they do indicate the screen resolution with W indicating wide screen format and "+" indicating more pixels that the non "+" and most PC widescreen displays are 16:10 format and not 16:9 as HD programming and movies are.
XGA = 1024x768
UXGA = 1600x1200 (the last of the great 4:3 ratio resolutions)
WXGA = 1366x768
WSXGA or Wide XGA+ = 1440x900 (very common in the 17")
WSXGA+ = 1680x1050
WUXGA = 1920x1200 (which of course will play 1920x1080 nicely with a small amount of letterboxing)
WQXGA = 2560x1600 (what the 30" panels can display)
HD1080 = 1920x1080 (not really a computer resolution)

with a complete chart here

However UXGA+ and WUXGA+ seem to have been made up and do not appear to be real resolutions. Microcenter's website may have been a misprint and they meant to say WUXGA+ like what is listed on Acer's site, but frankly that is not really a viable resolution either with the "+" at the end. So in somewhat defense of microcenter, they did not claim WUXGA which is what I believe we were expecting.

If someone posts that they purchased a model for around $1150 and got a 1920x resolution LCD, that is what we need to be concerned about, and its worth exchanging. But I suspect we will learn that the lower priced models will have the lower resolution screen.

 

Both the cheaper and more expensive configurations listed on Acer's US website supprot 1920x1080.

Also, I just called Acer again and got a great CSR. She asked me for the serial number and looked up the model #. She told me that the maximum resolution for the model associated with my serial number is 1920x1080. I explained the whole situation and that it maxes out at 1680x945. She talked to a supervisor and they agreed to escalate me to tier 2 tech support.

Tech 2 Support looked up my serial number and said that it is a 8920-6961. He looked at the specs and said that maximum resolution is 1920x1080. However, he said that the 8920-6921 ships with a monitor that only supports HD+ and will only go up to 1680x945. I asked then whey does the tech spech say 1920x1080, why do the stickers and marketing information all say 1080P when it isn't. He said "I have no idea".

So, then I asked for the specs of the 8920-6837. He said it is a valid model configuration. It is almost identical to the 8920-6961 but has a different monitor that supports up to 1920x1080 resolution.

So, the problem is back to this:

Retailers are selling Acer Aspire 8920-6837's to the consumers. Acer shipped 8920-6961s to the retailers. Either the retailers ordered and purchased the 6961's but thought they ordered 6837's or Acer shipped the wrong models.

The bottom line is that you have to go back to the retailer and tell them:

You purchased an Acer Aspire 8920-6837 but received an Acer Aspire 8920-6961. Either get a refund or get the retailer to exchange your wrong model for the right one, which will take time since ALL of the ones they are receiving are the WRONG models.

Acer will not replace or fix the laptop because it is an 8920-6961 and it is "per spec".

I hope that helps everyone. Sorry for going on and on, but I figured that provided the details would be beneficial. The CSRs I spoke to at Acer were:

Level 1: Nance GWTA 151
Level 2: Blane

BobInTx

 

Here's the thing, Micro Center's site specifically lists the resolution as 1920x1080- this is what it is supposed to be, and I expect, that is what the 8920-6837 model carries- no UXGA+ confusion, there are actual numbers. The boxes MC ordered and is selling have markings that correspond to that model. It is only when you open the outer box and look at the second, inner box that you see the other Part Number. It seems clear that Micro Center and other chains ordered 6837 and similar 1080p models and were shipped something different by Acer. The only way you can tell the difference is by opening the outer cartons and comparing the numbers, something that is never done in distribution- you scan the outside and generally trust your vendor to send you the right stuff- when they sometimes don't you send the orders back- which is what my MC is doing, they pulled all the stock from the shelves after I found the problem on my machine and are working with their buyers to get the correct model in. Your local store might not be dealing with things properly, but I'd suggest having a manager/salesman open a new box and compare the part number they advertise with what's written on the box- I bet they don't match.

 

Did anyone bother to check if the rest of the specs on the laptops shipped by Micro Center match what is on their website? Does the laptop have 4gb of PC-800 ram? Does it play Blu-ray disks? Does it have Bluetooth internal? etc.?

 

The specs on Acer's website don't match the models being sold in this case. The model being sold is the 8920-6837. The model being delivered is the 8920-6961. The only difference I've seen (and confirmed by Acer support) between the two models is the display. The -6837 display supports "full hd 1080p" and 1920x1080 resolution. the -6961 display supports "HD+" and 1680x945.

So, from what I can tell, the only thing that doesn't match the spec Microcenter (and other retailers) list is the max resolution. The odd thing is that Acer says that the max resolution spec for the 8920-6961 is 1920x1080, but they admit it ships with a display that cannot do that resolution, even though they say the computer does.

I talked to Microcenter's corporate customer support people and they are looking into the ordering that was done.

Bill, are you able to hold onto the 8920-6961 while MC works out getting you are replacement? My store has not offered to extend my return policy.

Bob

 

BobInTx and billxt995 thanx for the replies
My suspicions were wrong, I didn't think Acer made the 1920 screen in the less expensive model.
I am now energized to go back to my local MicroCenter and try and work through with them locally to exchange my 8920-6961 for the 8920-6837 as advertised on their website.

I know I purchased the last one they had and it was on taxfree weekend. So I hope that doesn't interfere with the exchange. If they are indeed willing to make such an exchange

 

If our 8920's have stickers on the actual laptop, and a user's manual, that all state at least 1920 x 1080, that is to me a more important issue than whether the numbers on the outer and inner boxes match, and the Acer tech support stating to Bob that he has 'no idea' why the discrepancy. I think we will be better off in the long run if we hold out for Acer to correct our laptops rather than our retailers (although the retailers may play a part in the eventual exchange), because at the very least, we should receive delivery on what we in good faith paid for, and we should not have to spend a penny more, not even in fuel to get to the store, either. I am definitely holding on to mine for a just 'resolution' (pun intended) ~ think about this: Acer's best possible scenario will be for us to simply return the items and get our money back (and these laptops will probably eventually be re-sold on eBay or elsewhere) so that for them, this whole issue will quietly 'go away'. I am fine with 'quiet' as long as they play fair... either issue a recall and avoid the growing dissent, and/or compensate the consumers who have been cheated. Whatever models exist out there in the 8920 realm are not even the real problem; what our particular model promised us, is the real issue at hand.

Bill, thanks for the posting of the various resolutions... I have had a look at that Wiki page as well (an earlier version of it, without the disclaimer in a yellow box: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Vector_Video_Standards2.svg ), many months ago when I and my law-school-bound son first started shopping around for laptops for my two grad-school-bound (science) daughters (who ended up with Dell laptops). After having raised them alone for the latter 20 years of parenthood, this is my very first 'own' computer, having 'borrowed' time on my kid's computers since around 1992. So, a lot of time went into researching one that would somewhat future-proof me, and become my eventual television as well. I am not going to return my laptop to Best Buy without getting what I paid for in the first place. I trusted the ads, packaging, and owner's manual that I was getting what I was told and sold, and that is my bottom line.

 

My MicroCenter told me to hold on to the laptop for now, that they'd take it back if they can't get the right model in stock and that I wouldn't be subject to the 7 days+restocking fees. They pretty much agreed they got shipped the wrong machines and obviously the build they're selling isn't the one in the box. All in all a very good experience (so far).

 

And to Elisabeth's point- as far as Acer is concerned your model is built the way the model number should be: on the blue box it says its a 8920-6961, with HD+ screen. It's a valid configuration, its just not marketed. The problem is that retailers ordered a different model and the brown shipping boxes showed what was *ordered* not the actual *contents*. The retailers were straight with you, Acer sent the retailers the wrong machines. Acer has no proof you ordered anything other than a 6961, the best way to deal with this is probably to get your retailer to get a new batch in that's correct. If they have more than one they can easily see they were shipped the wrong machines, besides they have an incentive to get this fixed, after all they paid for better models than they got too.

 

Sounds really good, Bill. I think you are being treated right, and I will pass this on to my Best Buy manager when he is back on Wednesday, whom I believe thinks along similar lines. I agree that the retailers were shipped something other than they ordered. With the kind of feedback some of us are getting when we call Acer ourselves: my techie passed me off to the Acer corporate office (which we cannot call directly), which was closed at the time, I have yet to pursue that avenue further. It seems like a good idea to get one corporate authority (our retailers) to duke it out with the other (Acer), while we wait for the outcome... at least for now.

 

has anyone who bought from NCIX had any resolution (or other) issues with their gemstone?

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=30162&vpn=LX.AP50U.011&manufacture=Acer

 

If the models that are currently outputting @ 1680 x 945 without looking stretched (like when u set an LCD's monitor at a resolution that i snot the native resolution), that means that physically, this monitor has only 1680 x 945 pixels, anything more or less would make the output image scaled. I don't see how a driver upgrade would work.. here is my correspondance with acer.

and just to add, even the lowest vid card on the 8920 line, the nvidia 9500m gs, supports 1980 x 1000 because it is found on the other WUXGA+ screens.


Response (Sean) - 08/04/2008 12:05 PM

Dearxxxe, Thank you for contacting Acer America. I apologize for the inconvenience that you have experienced. Although the monitor provides wide screen resolution, the video card in your computer must support this resolution as well. The driver posted on our site at http://www.acerpanam.com will drive the monitor itself, not the ability to select the resolution in the display settings in Windows. Please contact the vendor of the video card in your computer to verify whether it will support native wide screen resolution your monitor supports. We also recommend you download the latest driver for this monitor at http://www.acerpanam.com, in the Drivers and Downloads section. Once the driver is downloaded, go to Device Manager click on the + sign by Monitors, go to the monitor Properties, click the Driver tab, then update driver and it comes up with an install wizard. Select Display a List of KnownDrivers, click Next. At the next window click Have Disk. Now input the path where you downloaded the .inf or .icm file and click Next and this installs the driver from the .inf or .icm file. Respectfully,Acer America Online Technical Support Customer


- 08/03/2008 06:28 PM I purhased an Acer 8920-6952 from BestBuy with specs claiming to come with a native resolution of 1920 x 1080, but after going into Nvidia control panel,the max resolution that can be brought up to is 1680 x 945 I have sources that report that acer has shipped certain units from this product line with the wrong 1680x945 panel. What is going on?

 

Elisabeth: Which best buy branch did you go to in BC, sounds like your manager is friendlier than the one I went to.

 

so it does sound like a mix up somewhere with Acer?

I cant believe how incompetent this person is.
Do they not have a product manager to refer to on these matters?



BTW: just noticed that Toshiba are on the HD+ bandwagon on their 18" models too.

 

More "professionalism" from acer...

Discussion Thread---------------------------------------------------------------Response (Sean) - 08/05/2008 08:12 AM

Dear , You can install any of the drivers available for your Acer product. If installing the driver will not work, you can try the other drivers available. Respectfully,Acer America


Online Technical Support Customer () - 08/04/2008 09:31 PM
Exactly Which driver should I download & install, i see a whole list of them, not too sure which to select, http://www.acerpanam.com/synapse/fo...ada&siteid=7297&areaid=17&formid=3394#results ( http://www.acerpanam.com/synapse/fo...id=7297&areaid=17&formid=3394#results) Customer () - 08/04/2008 09:02 PM Yes, this video card is the nvidia 9500m GS, the standard graphics card found in 1920x1080 models.Please advise.

Ha! "If installing the driver will not work, you can try the other drivers available."
& mess up my whole computer with loose driver files running amok on my computer. I could have easily done that without contacting the help desk.

Is it just acer's tech support that is so bad or is this problem not unique to acer

 

A quick google search of nvidia vista 64 1920x1080 showed that a lot of people have had problems with nvidia drivers on 64-bit vista not allowing 1920x 1080 resolution. Many people were disappointed after upgrading their system from Vista 32 to Vista 64. I'm not saying that is what the problem is here, but is it possible?

I have been wondering why Acer claims to only support Vista 32 with the 8920g even though that limits the usable ram to 3 gb. The additional ram can be used by the video card, however, as TurboCache. All of the reviews I have seen have been 4 gb 8920g laptops limited to 3gb because of 32-bit Vista. I understand that these "problem" laptops have Vista 64-bit pre-installed - but is it possible that Acer's problem is with what version of the OS they installed and not what LCD panel they used? I can see Acer getting the OS confused, but changing to a different resolution display panel just seems like something that would be hard for Acer to not be aware of.

So, here is the question. Has anyone been able to run Vista 64-bit on ANY version of the 8920g and set the screen resolution to 1920 x 1080? If so, what version of the Nvidia driver is installed?

 

Be sure to contact Microcenter corporate customer service via their website. They are aware of the problem and, as I was told, are suspending sales of the laptop in all Microcenter stores until it is resolved. They are working on a uniform solution for all people who purchased the laptop. However, if you want a refund you should be able to get it. They have a 7 day return policy, but I spoke to an attorney and he said that the fact that you bought an 8920-6837 and they gave you an 8920-6961, the return policy doesn't matter. He said that legally they are obligated to give you what you bought or give you your money back. But, that's his opinion.

Bob

 

I thought I'd try to summarize this for everyone.

Problem Summary:

If you bought an Acer Aspire 8920-XXXX that will only allow you set the display to a maximum screen resolution of 1680x1024 and you were lead to believe that it was supposed to handle 1080p and a maximum resolution of 1920x1080, then most likely you were sold the wrong version of the 8920.

Apparently Acer has been shipping 8920-6961s in place of 8920-6837, 8920-6048 and other configurations. This has been done without the approval or consent of the retailers involved and is compounded by the problem that you can only find the exact model number on the inner box, after breaking the factory seal on the outer box. All packaging material, stickers on the laptop and the demo/screen saver indicate that the laptop supports "Full HD Display", "Full HD 1080P" and 1920x1080 resolution. However, the 8920-6961 is intentionall, by specification, built by Acer with a screen that is physically limited to a maximum resolution of 1680x945 and is incapable of 1080P. It may be an "accident" on Acer's part for shipping the wrong laptop, or it may be that it was done due the shortage of 1080P screens, to meet the demand for the product.

Models of the 8920G that have the correct screen will allow the resolution to be set to 1920x1080. This was tested at a Microcenter store with the display model, which was the correct 8920-6837 model. Therefore, there is not an issue with 64 bit Vista, as has been speculated. The problem is simply that the 8920-6961 (and potentially other stripped down versions) intentionally have an HD+ screen (1680x945). Check you inner box labels. The 8920-6961 says:

LCD: 18.4" HD+ CineCystal(TM) LCD

If you see that on the black, inner box with the handle, then you have been sold the wrong model. Changing drivers, changing OS won't help.

If you have this problem, you should go back to the place where you purchased the laptop for a refund or exchange. Currently, there appears to be a shortage of the versions with the 1080P screen, so getting an exhange may not happen for a while. However, you were sold one model of the computer and the retailer gave you the wrong product. You have a right to get the right product or your money back. The problem has been noted by customers purchasing different versions of the 8920G at MicroCenter, Best Buy, Circuit City and online.

You can also contact Acer directly at their website (acerpanam.com for US). Their customer service is becoming increasingly aware of the issue. However, this is their official stance:

Subject
---------------------------------------------------------------
Cannot get more than 1680x945 resolution


Discussion Thread
---------------------------------------------------------------

Response (Online Agent-12) - 08/05/2008 08:44 AM
Dear CUSTOMER,

The 8920-6961 is built per spec, and unfortunately, the display is limited to 1680x945. This is through no fault of Acer, as this is per the specs of that particular model. I recommend contacting the store where you purchased the system, for a refund or exchange for the correct product.

-------- END QUOTE ----------

I hope this information is helpful to anyone who may have this problem.

Bob In Texas

 

I wanted to point out that my experience with Microcenter has been very positive thus far. They have really bent over backwards to help, unlike some other retailers. I still have the wrong computer, but we'll see.

Bob

 

well mine arrives on Thursday and you can bet it if doesnt do the full 1920 res I will be marching down to Best Buy

 

Elisabeth,

I agree with you about the stickers. I find it very shady for Acer to be touting the Aspire 8920G as the "first ever" laptop to have a full HD 1080P screen. If you go to their website and read up on the 8920G is says flatly that it displays 1080P and supports 1920x1080. All of the stickers on the laptop say the same thing. All of the internal documentation and even the flashy demo movie that they pre-install on the desktop says it too.

NOWHERE is there any asterisk (*) or a disclaimer that certain configurations do not support 1080P. I looked through all of the configurations I could find online this morning and there are several models made (in different countries) that support 1680x945 or less. The 8920-6961 is the only one I know about in the US.

And what sense is there in intentionally making a laptop whose PRIMARY purpose is to be a 1080P HD Home Theater laptop that doesn't support 1080P??

I can see some marketing people in Detroit planning the new model sports car... "Hey, let's advertise that this car will do 0 to 100 in 3.2 seconds."

"But, Dan, it has a top speed of 40MPH."

"Eh, so what, we have another car that look just like it that goes 100. Nobody will tell the difference! Ship it!"

If I could see any basis for a legal issue or a complaint to the BBB it would be on two issues:

1) Acer is ALLEGEDLY intentionally shipping less capable models of a computer to meet the demand for its more powerful laptop in order to meet the unexpected demand for the product.

2) Acer is ALLEGEDLY falsely promoting that their product supports 1080P and has a screen resolution of 1920x1080 when if fact it does not and they know it doesn't.

I have asked them in writing for a response to both issues. I doubt I'll hear anything. I've been posting this information on every 8920 review site I can find and submitted it as a news article and editorial to about 20 news sites, magazines and websites.

Bob

 

Aleicgrant,

Please let us know one way or the other and include the exact model # you ordered and the model # you received (shown on the white label on the inner, black box).

Thanks,

Bob

 

Ok, now I'm mad.

I contacted Acer again to see if anything was being done. They told me flat out that we just have to go through the retailer. Ok, fine. He said that the unit is performing as specified. So, I asked a very simple question:

Then, why does the laptop have a sticker on it in two places that says Full HD 1080P on it. Why does it have a demo movie on the desktop about using the computer that says it has a CineCrystal Full HD screen, capable of 1080P and a maximum resolution of 1920x1080.

He said, "That's because it has an HDMI port. If you connect it to an HD monitor or TV capable of 1080P then it can playback at 1080P".

I argued with him that laptop specs for graphic resolution are usually for the INTERNAL screen resolution and that this was highly misleading to the point of fraud.

Its like Sony making an HDTV that they label and market at 1080P which actually doesn't do 1080P, but it has HDMI out so you can hook it up to another HDTV that does handle 1080P. I said that is ridiculous.

So, after I hung up. I watched the demo movie again. It is clearly a generic video about the 8920G. It says "equipped with an 18.4" CineCrystal Full HD 1080P LCD screen capable of displaying up to 1920x1080 resolution with pixel perfect reproduction of high definition movies" (may not be exact quote).

During that explanation it refers to four things: 16:9 aspect ration, 8ms response time, Full HD 1080P Playback all of which have their own Logo. These logos also appear on stickers on the laptop itself. In the movie, these are discussed when talking about the SCREEN, not its HDMI output.

So, it is clear that the IMPLICATION is that the 8920-6961 is 1080P, but Acer refuses to admit that, because there is a separate sticker on the laptop lists the features that says "CineCrystal HD+ LCD". However, no resolution is listed nor a definition for HD+ anywhere. Everything else clearly says 1080P or 1920x1080.

Then I saw it. There is a single line that pops up at the bottom of the screen during the screen demonstration that says "*on selected models".

I know they won't replace it willingly, but it was worth a try.

Bob

 

I'm afraid that Acer has seriously damaged their reputation with this fiasco. I'm personally of the belief that an honest mistake was made by Acer marketing but there's too much money involved to come clean and fix it. I'm sure heads have rolled internally, but they won't admit anything publically.

 

Is there anyone that owns a true 1080p-screen version of the 8920 in North America? If so, what is the model number and where did you purchase it?

 

Well microcenter took mine back and gave me a full refund ....They know of the mistake and are sending them all back.....All I can say to all of you is take them back ASAP.......... Asab..........

 

Hi, all,

It's all pretty shady, isn't it, Bob. Grateful for all your input here, tho ~ everyone's, in fact, is above and beyond. I sent the link to this thread to the Canadian BBB over the weekend.

On page 22 of your Acer 8920's User's Guide, you come to the 'Specifications' page, where it says: "Display [is] 18.4" WUXGA". It doesn't matter how they notate at the end of the list, that the specs are for reference only, because if they built different machines, they would have listed all the possible screens, not just the one only, that is declared to be WUXGA (and that means 1920 x 1200!). So, it's not just the stickers, box, ad on websites, etc... their disclaimers might hold up in court (cos they will no doubt have a well-paid lawyer), yet I have a feeling the Better Business Bureau and our retailers will see things differently. We were sold a particular screen that we didn't get, so that is what I will be pursuing. I'm not disappointed with the screen I have, but I am very disappointed about being deceived, and that is the whole point.

Asab, taking it back is an option for probably all of us, but if we can get it replaced with one that measures up to the specs on all the written material, that is what I believe we are entitled to receive. I hope your Microcenters will call you all when the right one with the advertised screen comes in, and that they honor the same pricing, at the very least. Acer needs to step up and fix this for anyone deceived. I would also hope for (at the very least) a full-length, complete extended warranty including the International Traveler's add-on, for all the trouble!

Bobo84, you can pm me for info about my BB if you like.

Modoc, I think someone posted on one of the first couple of pages of this thread that he has the right screen, but he didn't say much else...

 

I'm afraid you put your finger on the whole issue, Elizabeth, and it's all about money. I returned mine to BestBuy for a full refund including shipping charges, within the 14 day return period because I was disappointed with the principle of misleading specifications. When Acer starts getting them back they will get the message, which is the only language any corporation understands.

Unfortunately the screen gives a pretty sharp image even if it is only 1620 x 945, so most people won't miss the 1920 x 1080 resolution. The only people that are exposed to being burned are those that bought over the Internet without good return policy, and know the difference about screen resolution. I feel badly for them, but they knowingly took their chances in return for a better price.

I wish you luck in holding out for the higher resolution screen at the same price but I wouldn't hold my breath. If they do it for one person, they'll have to do it for everyone, and that isn't going to happen. It's just not profitable.

 

I just thought I would post info about a Toshiba Qosmio 18.4... With the same HD + Screen with a 9600 GT 512 Video Card...

I wonder if its just a rebadge of the Acer lol............. http://explore.toshiba.com/laptops/qosmio/G50

 

its def. not a re-badge.

the newer 8930G also now come in the HD+ variant.

just as there are several models that have differing CPU speeds.

its a pity Toshiba couldnt offer the FULLHD panel with their top end line.

 

Bob

I ordered the AS8920-6048 from Best Buy in FL and it arrives tomorrow.
Will know soon enough if it does 1920 or not. !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

well I can rest easy, I just received my 8920 and can confirm it does 1920 x 1080 resolution !!!!!!!!

now for upgrade time !!!

 

Aleicgrant,

Congrats! That's good to know. I think if I don't hear something by Monday, I'll get a refund and order -6048 from Best Buy. It costs about $150 more than the model at MC so I figure it is a FULL HD tax.

Bob

 

That's fantastic news, aleicgrant, good to hear ~ thank you very much for that info. And if I remember correctly having looked at your link to BB when you first posted it, yours was 100.00 less than mine, as well... but then, other specs are slightly different, as I have, for instance, a 'Hard Drive Speed/Capacity 640GB 5400RPM', which I would want to keep, so they may have to find one for me that matches better.

I just now received a call back from my BB computer manager, so I feel like I am being well taken care of, so far ~ he's looking into it all, and also open to reading this thread to get to know the situation better. Good luck, as well, Bob! This really is going to be a great machine, once we get all this sorted out.

 

Hi,
First, i want to note that on the Acer web site, they have 2 models (as stated earlier). But it's logical to think that the higher price model must have more than an updated CPU and a 1GB of RAM to justify the double price. So to have the higher resolution screen, you must pay more...

Saying that, i have a canadian model (8920-6030) that i received a month ago and i paid around 1500$can. It includes a T8100 dual core cpu, 4Gb Ram, 320 Gb HD, the 1920x1080 screen, 5.1 sound and it's Vista Home Premium 64 bits. It's a billingual keyboard (english/french) and you have the same choice for the OS.

And it's working wery well.

So good luck to you all and have a nice day

 

Elisabeth, you can add another hard drive giving you the same capacity for about $100 or less now.

Get the higher res screen and pop in an extra hard drive !!!!!!!! you have two 320 gb in there right now.

My machine will soon be a quad core screamer.........more on that later

 

Yeah, ac, I was going to mention that I have two... will have to compare further... maybe this thread will turn into an upgrade subject, if all goes well... ;^D

 

Well I see some good news on BestBuy.ca site, the 8920-6952 has dropped in price by $100, but they are still claiming it has 1980 x 1080 screen resolution.

 

Thank you, Satwar! I think you just earned me a 100.00! Although, I just called them, and as they need my cc in person for this adjustment. I live a two hour drive away, so... not sure yet.

 

Thanks, Guy77, am glad for you ~ is it dual core, or core 2 duo? It sounds like a good one, from what I looked up about it in Canada.

 

I contacted MC and got in touch with their Service Manager. She had not heard of the 1920x1080 issue yet. She called me back later that day and told me that corporoate had received over 30 calls about the same issue, and corporate was working on a solution with Acer. She has been in contact with me several times and has offered a full refund return or to wait to see what type of outcome comes about. That was 6 days ago that I first contacted MC and at this point I'm still waiting. Good to know that BB has a solution if it comes to that.

 

rsadix, what model (full 8 numbers) did you buy? Yes, it sounds like one at BB in the USA has a suitable replacement with the correct resolution now, but not yet in Canada. I'm also waiting, having heard from my BB manager again last night with similar results, I can still return for refund, or wait it out for results (they have yet to contact Acer directly, as far as I know) with ability for full refund after the time limit, because of situation. Anyone else in Canada getting results?

 

go to the bestbuy.com site for the US and you will see the model

 

Thanks, aleicgrant, I found it at http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...aptop&lp=4&type=product&cp=1&id=1209166341108 and if it had the rest of the specs the same as mine (posted on an earlier page in detail here) it would make a great replacement for mine, but it has 'less of' at least three other major components (if that's the right wording). http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10107471&catid=26975

 

Hi I am new here and joined specifically for this topic, I went to the Micro Center nearest me (NJ) and to look at the 8920-6837. It was not on display but the area where it was supposed to be was still labeled Acer Aspire 8920-6837.They had something similar but lacked in features compared to that one. I plan on paying for the 8920-6837 online and doing the in-store pick-up option, how high are the chances they will give me the wrong laptop? Just curious as I am really excited about this laptop since it has more to offer than paying $1500+7% tax for a MacBook, I currently have an iBook G4...

Thanks in advance to any replies.

 

Sirius389, it's not just a chance of getting the wrong one... it's also a chance of getting the right one with the wrong resolution. Be sure to check that if at all possible, before buying. Possibly the only way of knowing is to test a display model with the exact model number of the one you would be getting.