Acer Aspire Timeline Owner's Lounge

Newegg has a new Timeline model (AS3810T-6775) with SU9400 and 80GB SSD:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115593

My question is: What brand of SSD comes with it? Only 80GB I've seen have been X25's (all others are 64GB then 128GB) but surely it doesn't come with an Intel SSD since the laptop is only $799! Anyone have any info on the SSD?

 

I think it is the 1st gen Intel SSD, i'm pretty sure somebody on here said that it is. This makes me jealous. I want an ssd in my timeline, the fan is driving me crazy. can't wait to put one of the new 2nd Gen Intel's in here.

 

HDMI works perfectly with sound, my main reason for buying this.. whilst it does not support a Docking station at least my Monitor SUpports HDMI so only one Plug to plugin for Video & Sound.. Also runs great to show Movies on my Bid @ss LG LCD TV

 

What difference is there, if any, in terms of longevity/performance between the 1st/2nd gen Intel SSD's?

 

If you are using or planning to use Windows 7, it is better to get a 2nd Gen one. The 2nd Gens feature TRIM support (see Here, here, and here for good explanation of TRIM), and though offer not too much of a performance increase over the 1st gen, they are much cheaper. The TRIM support will not be added to 1st gen Intel SSD's, 2nd Gen only via an upcoming firmware that will be available around the Windows 7 launch. Also some other SSD's feature TRIM support, and future versions of Linux distros may support it.

 

Damn that deal is even better than the one on JR site. That's the Timeline to buy if you have the cash. Also it can only be an X-25M SSD and the G2's are way too new to be inside them.

 

If you look at the pcper.com SSD tests the Intel drives are the only ones in the market that don't really benefit from TRIM.

 

Does the timeline/travelmate use SATA1 or SATA2? Acer's specs say just "SATA". This could be very important when choosing SSD etc.

 

If it really is an Intel X25-M then damn that's a good deal. I mean, the AS3810TZ-4880 model on Newegg costs $550, so for $250 more you go from single core SU2700 to dual core SU9400, 320GB HDD to 80GB SSD, and added bluetooth. Maybe it is the new 34nm Gen 2 Intel drive, how else are they making money as the Gen 1 drives were priced $300+ and the Gen 2 drives are $225. Hrm. Someone buy that model, open it up, and tell us

 

Yes 100% it is an X25M. the first generation drives were pricier and shipped in lower volumes. Acer didn't buy old SSDs to put into the notebooks. It is all state of the art equipment. Acer has even stated that the Intel X25M would be an option in its notebooks. They obviously waited for the drives to come out and so they could score a contract for volume purchasing.

Those who waited get the premium model with SSD at a lower cost than getting the regular HD versions.

I sorta knew this was coming and I waited and in fact I am glad I did. I still am waiting further but for those who want a consumer grade notebook with SSD at a good price, this Acer Timeline 3810T-6775 is best of breed considering the high battery life, and feature set of this notebook. Considering the 500GB NON SSD models got very good reviews, this SSD only adds to the notebook with everything except for storage space.

A 500GB vs SSD model still needs to compete side by side since people have different needs.

Will likely take a little while for reviews to come in, but it is just the same as the 3810T-6415 with Intel X25M 80 GB SSD instead of a Toshiba 500GB drive. Exact same notebook otherwise.

Acer is pulling the punches hard now with new product releases and releasing the best of breed Timeline and hopefully soon Travelmate Models. Then competition will emerge from other manufacturers as they come out with their own competing line of notebook pc's.

 

Sata 2. .

 

Just wondering, beside the 100% CPU over load, is there anything else that
can go wrong with the 4810T-8480?

this is the one that I might buy:
http://www.staples.com/office/suppl...ess_Supplies_1_10051_SC3:CG71:DP4118:CL161747

And also...
Is multi tasking alright for the notebook listed above?
Like having 2 internet explorer open, 1 microsoft word open, 1 microsoft
powerpoint open, and itunes playing music, all opened at one time?
Will this computer be able to handle it?

Oh, no gaming, most gaming would be gameboy emulator or java-based games.
No youtube either.

 

I just got that one from staples, it is alright, but I haven't fully set my notebook up yet though. I currently having wifi issues..

 

Ok cool, thx RuntoHell.

Does it handle multi tasking well? Cause my main use of
this will be for school research and typing papers and stuff.

 

I'm using the 3810T with SU3500, 4GBRAM and Win7 RC x64. Multitasking is great--I've had no issues running Firefox, Pidgin, and Photoshop CS4 simultaneously with Aero going in the background. Just be smart and turn off things like Windows indexing and you'll probably have plenty of performance for your needs.

 

The Acer SU9400 with SSD is really sounding tempting right now. I just wish J+R would carry these as it seems to be a newegg exclusive so I could take a look at this inside the store.

I still am waiting as long as possible but the truth is when dependent on the internet to make things as good as possible in life, a carry eveywhere full day notebook PC is a must have and the Acer is fitting the bill and I need to see the notebook in person before I buy it to check it over.

 

Does it really make a difference which model you demo in the store? I usually check out these things in stores to get an idea for their aesthetics, build quality, size, etc. which will be the same across all models. For performance I usually need a few days to get a good sense what the system can and can't do. Seeing how long it takes the floor model to open IE doesn't cut it IMO. Unless you plan on bringing a benchmark suite to J&R on a USB drive

My recommendation is go to J&R just to see what the 3810T looks and feels like. If you like it, get the exact version you want off Newegg. They have some exclusive models, like the 3810T-8503 which I haven't seen anywhere else.

 

OMG. keep getting suprised!
Fantastic!.
So it´s no problem to have dts to your receiver?

The important thing is that it´s just hell of a lot better sound trough hdmi.

appreciate your help guys. great forum.

just 1 day left to the release here in sweden of 1810 can´t wait

 

I ordered this one today. Was just about to order the 500GB model from J&R but this model is a better deal at -$100!

 

hmm.. i don't know why my wifi always say unidentify network.. sometime it works.. sometime it doesn't

 

People are all thinking the same thing with the Acer's since it is a great notebook for the mass market. Other notebook vendors haven't kicked in their new products yet and the longer it takes, the more marketshare Acer will get.

The 3810T-6775 is a stellar deal at $799 + shipping considering what you get.

Can have a small notebook, last all day, get full functional capability and a 80GB SSD. I wonder if the SSD model gets better battery life. I bet performance on the SSD model will be noticeably stronger. This is an all around perfect mobile workhorse since netbooks are just too weak and this has the dual core ULV CPU and the like.

 

When you say the fan is driving you crazy, that worries me! I have a low tolerance for whiny fans, so I wonder, is it really that bad? Most of the reviews I've read mention low noise levels on the Timelines, is that not your experience? Don't hesitate to elaborate

 

Intel has ceased production on the new X-25M G2 drives until they fix the data corruption issue so the newegg model has to have a G1 which is still a great drive especially for the total price of the machine.

 

X-25M 80GB SSD has no issues. There was a FIRMWARE issue on the X-25M 160GB Model. 80GB was unaffected.

Im not sure what you mean by Gen 1 + 2. Intel stopped production on the 160GB models due to a bug which was fixed in a firmware upgrade which is downloadable via the internet which only affected systems that used a boot password for security.

If you want an Intel X25M and the Acer 3810T then don't hesitate. X25M was introduced just recently. Has a low price and a good performance and is faster than previous SSD drives from Intel.

 

http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/30/acer-further-bolsters-timeline-lineup-with-new-8000-series/

 

Incorrect.
http://www.techreport.com/discussions.x/17322

 

Anyone know how Windows 7 is with battery life anyway? That's the only thing keeping me from stepping up from Vista...

 

When plugged in, it is always on. When on battery, it is much quieter. But it is easily covered up with something like music, but alone it is annoying.

 

One thing I don't understand, why is the 6415 w/500GB HDD $899 and the 6775 w/80GB SDD $799? A 500GB HDD costs less than $100, the SSD is at least $230 (and gen 1 was $300+). So your paying $100 less for $130 more value. Makes no sense

 

the SSD version from Newegg is currently on sale

 

Now with this recent development, I don't know if I should pull the trigger now or wait to see if they role out one with the ATI in the states...

 

I'm personally hoping for a 14" with the ATI and dual core processor. I'll be sold if it's below $1000.

 

Stories are conflicting on the 80GB SSD vs 160GB SSD BOOT ISSUE. The story I read said it only affected the 160GB Drives.

Regardless: It is fixable with a new firmware. Don't hesitate on buying these. It is unclear if the Acer ones are affected or not.

If you are still concerned, then just wait a little as all future shipments wont have this issue.

As we get closer to October, models will get better from Acer with more selection as well as more competition from other vendors.

 

All G2 drives no matter the size have ceased production until new firmware is released.

http://www.dailytech.com/Update+Int...ents+Pending+Firmware+Update/article15827.htm

 

It does not matter which article is right. It is just firmware. Can be upgraded no problem.

No need to hesitate. If you do get some of the earliest batches with the bad firmware you can upgrade it. Just remember what the issue is and keep it disabled and then upgrade the firmware when it is released if not already.

 

Hi, I still have a few days left to take back my 3810TZ with the SU2700 CPU running at 1.3GHZ which I purchased for $599 (now discounted to $549). I installed in it 120 gig OCZ Sata II Vertex SSD drive and find the machine to be quite snappy. I use the machine for work processing and database applications. I see that Newegg has the Intel Core 2 Duo SU9400 running at 1.4 GHZ with a 80 gig for $799. Putting aside the SSD (which I could take out and put in my desktop), is the SU9400 worth the extra money? The speed jump between the CPUs is what 10%? Is the main difference that the second core on the SU9400 means I can have more applications running simultaneously? Should I retun the machine and wait for the newly announced Travelmate Timeline machines?

 

Hello again. If I do a clean instal of xp or a slimmed down version of vista, is this all the drivers I need for my computer to work normal?

by navigating in this webpage:
http://us.acer.com/acer-v2/service....tx1g.c2att92=447&ctx1.att21k=1&CRC=2141378519

 

It is more than 10% as SU9400 is dual core unlike SU2700.
If your database is optimized for multicore the performance should improve considerably.
But the Processor is soldered hence not upgradable.

 

Yeah you're a little behind the times. Intel announced recently they're shrinking the NAND on the drives, which will allow for slightly better performance, lower power consumption and lower costs. These new 34nm drives are the second generation (G2) of the X-25M. See Dailytech or Anandtech for more information.

If the SSD in the new Timeline on Newegg really is an Intel, it's probably a first-generation drive. Newegg lowered the price on X-25 80GB from $305 to $230 yesterday afternoon. This move is probably an effort to clear inventory before the new drives arrive in a few weeks.

EDIT: Damnit didn't realize I had another unread page. Oh well.

 

No, the Acer is a X25M. 100% positive. Early batches of X25M had firmware issues.

The 1st gen vs 2nd gen distinction has nothing to do with the Acer. It is all 2nd gen.

The Acer came out after X25M was released. Acer is using the newest technologies, not some old SSD where they cant buy in bulk because it was discontinued.

The only issue here there could possibly be if any is a firmware issue on the SSD which needed to be upgraded since some articles did in fact report it as only being an issue on 160GB SSD's but others do say the 80GB model as well for the X25M line.

It is unclear if the Acer drive's have the firmware issues and why Acer didn't pull the machines with the SSD pending firmware updates if it did.

"Newegg lowered the price on X-25 80GB from $305 to $230 yesterday afternoon."

Whats the point? The going rate for X25M is still cheaper and volume is much higher. Acer is a current generation computer maker, they aren't in the market of buying old pricey models. They added the X25M after the new low cost Intel in volume productions came out and they secured bulk contracts with Intel.

As I said: Don't hesitate to buy it if you want it, and if it is one of those HD's with the issue, Intel is NOT RMA'ing those, it is fixable with a firmware fix.

With that being said, the 80GB SSD X25M is new on the Timeline 3810T.

I am waiting for one of these:

Timeline 8000 series notebooks will be offered in 13.3 inch, 14 inch and 15.6 inch displays that support 1366x768 resolutions. These notebooks will feature Intel Core 2 Duo or Intel Core 2
Solo Ultra Low Voltage Platform based processors. Up to 4GB or 8GB DDR3 RAM would be packed according to the 32-bit or 64-bit operating system
chosen. Storage features either 160GB or 500GB HDD or 80GB Intel X25-M SSD. Graphics would be taken care of by Intel 4500MHD integrated chip or users can choose discrete ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4330 graphics card.

 

I just received mine.. Its a Intel X-25 G1

 

All it says is X25-M. You haven't showed a picture of the HD itself and the manufacturer date and if its G1 or G2. There is no way Acer would disclose G1 or G2 on the front of the system itself.

If it somehow was G1, which somehow I doubt till I see the evidence reported coming in, then Acer must have gotten a sweet deal on remaining inventory which is why prices are really good.

If those HD's were RMA'ed, one will likely get a G2 instead as they are also cheaper to manufacturer. But I haven't seen any proof one way or the other.

Even if those Acer's were G1, you are getting a manufacturing process that is more expensive and performance is not much slower. I still think its a great deal.

Please show a picture of the actual SSD itself. Newegg just put those on and somehow I doubt Acer could even get hands on old inventory.

I remain skeptical because Acer is a volume producer and I was confident it was X25-M with the new process because of the prices Acer would pay and the like and I really doubt a firm like Acer would use a 1 year old SSD in a brand new model and no evidence has been posted yet.

X-25M on the case itself does not have any bearing on Generation 1 or 2. We need SSD pictures.

 

ONLY G2 80gb drives are affected. They are halting shipments right now. It is not affected by anything but adding an HD level password in the BIOS. So don't do that, and the drive works as normal.

 

I want to update my BIOS, so I downloaded the 1.10 version (I own a 3810T) and tried to flash it. But I couldn't, because my Timeline came with Vista 64 bit, so the flashing program (which is 32 bit) couldn't be run.

So I'm sure someone has encountered this issue, but I haven't seen any solutions. What I pretend to do is put a copy of FreeDOS on a usb stick (using, say, unetbootin) and then run the BIOS update from there.

I just want to know if that is safe or not, since I've never done it and screwing up my BIOS doesn't sound like a good idea. Acer support wasn't very helpful about this as you would expect...

 

Any plans to to sell a Timeline Travelmate with an SSD ?

 

It can run on a 64bit Vista. I just did mine...

 

Its a G1 like i said, here is a picture.. there are plenty of g1 still in the channel

 

Yes.

Timeline 8000 series notebooks will be offered in 13.3 inch, 14 inch and 15.6 inch displays that support 1366x768 resolutions. These notebooks will feature Intel Core 2 Duo or Intel Core 2 Solo Ultra Low Voltage Platform based processors. Up to 4GB or 8GB DDR3 RAM would be packed according to the 32-bit or 64-bit operating system
chosen. Storage features either 160GB or 500GB HDD or 80GB Intel X25-M SSD. Graphics would be taken care of by Intel 4500MHD integrated chip or users can choose discrete ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4330 graphics card.

http://www.techtree.com/India/News/Acer_unveils_Timeline_8000_Series_Laptops/551-105014-893.html

I wonder when it will hit the USA market.

 

OEM adoption does not work like you think. Just because the G2 drives came out 2 weeks ago and the new acer model just hit this week doesn't mean that the new configuration will have the new drives. It takes weeks and sometimes months for a manufacturer to pick up a new part for their retail channels. You are not going to see an acer laptop or any other manufacturer's laptop with a G2 drive for a while.

That new laptop newegg has was built over a month ago. Retailers always get a new item one to two months after the manufacturing date.

 

Exactly

mine was made 6/24/09