Acer TimelineX 3820TG Owners Lounge. Info, benchmarks, tweaks, mods and upgrades

Half size mini PCI-e, very very easy to replace.

Edit: Just to add, Atheros lid closed = 3 bars of signal, Intel 6200 = 5 bars full signal. Which is important to me as I use the laptop closed and HDMI output. 100% recommend this wifi card upgrade to all 3820TG owners.

 

@Hendrickson

I need some help please. The signal strength of the Atheros Wifi card is very bad so i decided to buy the intel wifi link 6200n but i found different versions.

1) the Centrino advanced 6200 -N (pcie, half mini etc)
6h Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 802.11N Half Mini bei eBay.de: Netzwerkkarten -Adapter (endet 15.07.10 14:12:57 MESZ)

2) a intel wifi Link 6200 (pcie, half mini etc) (see the specs on the label)
Intel Advanced-N 6200 802.11n Wireless Half Mini Card bei eBay.de: Wireless Networking (endet 28.06.10 08:01:25 MESZ)

which one did you buy for your 3820 tg? and where is the difference between these two cards?

thx

 

Have a look at the model number... it seems to be the same card

 

I want to buy this as soon as it is sighted in Canada. I hope that end of June release date will hold.

I have a few questions in the meanwhile.

What about the screen's glossy factor? I have no doubt that it is glossy, but is it crazy glossy? My current Vostro 1220 is glossy but reasonably glossy. Whereas my little sister's 3 years-old Acer's screen is virtually unreadable as soon as any sunlight enters the room...

And what about game performance, which games did u guys try and did they run OK? I mainly like western RPGs and simulations. Games I intend to play on the laptop include:

-Fallout 3
-Divinity II Ego Draconis
-Sacred 2
-Anno 1404/Dawn of Discovery
-Tropico 3
-Majesty II
-East India Company
-Mass Effect 2
-Supreme Commander 2
-Drakensang
-Dragon Age

I'd like a bit more feedback when it comes to this baby's ability to run games at decent performance (if that's not too much to ask). I know there's things I won't be able to do, like run the latest FPS and driving games at 60 FPS with settings set to high, but at least it should hold me over until I get a new desktop.

I plan to travel to south east asia and would like to be able to play games wherever I go.

 

you will be able to play all the games at native res at highest settings without any problems but sometimes you may have to O/C for better performance.

 

any reason you didnt go with the 6300?

 

Because it need 3 antenna and it would void the warranty to insert the 3rd antenna into the lid?

 

it will still work with 2 tho.

but looks like u get only 300/s instead of 450/s so if the 6200 is cheaper thats the better route

then again i want to future proof so i'll prob get the 6300 haha

 

yes, it seems to be the same but why the different notation? "Wifi Link 6200" and "intel centrino advanced N" ?!

 

Just installed the latest ACER VGA rivers, both Intel and ATI. PCI-E at x16, switchable graphics seems to have bugs with these drivers, does ATI Catalyst 10.6 fix this?

 

New review of the thing from CNET Asia released today, mostly positive

Acer Aspire TimelineX 3820TG (Core i5 520M Processor 2.4GHz, 4GB RAM) Review - Notebooks - CNET Asia

 

Kiskapu, what kind of bugs?

(I've just ordered a 3820TG too).

Greetings from Székesfehérvár, Hungary
David

 

lol @ the bad..

"The bad: Expensive; no optical drive; keyboard design makes cleaning difficult."

That's like giving a coupe a worse rating because it doesn't have 4 doors...

the reason you buy a 13.3" ultraportable is because it doesn't have an odd... what morons

 

Yeah, I just read that too. Worthless review, especially for more knowledgeable users like us.

Plus have you noticed that it's always mostly a review based on the company fact sheet? Sometimes you wonder if they even have the product on hand.

 

The price for that CNET Asia review's model seems a bit high, at least compared to what can be ordered from Germany.

 

Is there a way I can order this laptop in canada?

 

they also list the average thin and light as including "mini-FireWire" and dvd rom. uh, what? very strange review.

 

Gee Gilligan wait till the Captain hears about this. Good luck!

 

Order Status:

23.06.10 15:34 International shipment was processed at export sorting hub.

Been thinking about 2 issues while my Acer wings its way to me.

Been thinking about powering the backlit keyboard. If there is an unused plug that has power to it in the 3820TG, all we would have to do is get the female/male of that plug from that socket and solder it to the keyboard power ribbon with a jumper wire. If we could figure this out, it would eliminate the need to soldier near any of the motherboard's components. All of the modifications would be to the keyboard itself. It could be easily installed/removed by pluging it in. As an added bonus, if the socket selected has a function that can be turned on and off within the software, it could be a switchable socket, turning the backilghting on and off.

Ideas?

I need a new US plug end of the Acer power brick for the German unit. I would like to avoid buying the entire unit if I can. Anybody have a link to just the power side of the chord? I can get a whole unit at newegg for about $16 but then what do I do with the extra power side?

Bronsky

 

What shape and pin does the cord have?

So US release looking unlikely?

Crap. Hopefully canada gets it.

This laptop has been firming in my mind since the Envy 14 is looking like a power hog.

 

Well, if the powerbrick is 110-220v, then all you need is just a adapter like this:
http://www.chinawholesalegift.com/p...Others/Ipod-USB-Power-Adapter-16314366050.jpg
Just to convert it to US's two prong. They range for about $1-very expensive.

edit
Here's a link of an actual product
http://www.amazon.com/All-One-Travel-Power-Adapter/dp/B000YN01X4

 

Great idea. I'll bet I can find a small plug converter at a hardware store. Thanks.

Looks like the package tracking from Germany stops once your package is put into the hands of US shippers. Here is the latest notice on the package tracking: "Please note that to most countries the tracking for international standard post shipments only works until the parcel has been forwarded to the international parcel service of the specific country."

So once UPS or FedEx ground get the package I won't hear about it until they show up to deliver it.

Bronsky

 

that's for the better man. Tracking causes unhealthy fixation.

 

This whole process has had a theme of unhealthy fixation.

Bronsky

 

I'm not so sure UPS or FedEx handles international shipping because last time I ordered lense filters for my DSLR from Hong Kong, it was USPS that took care of my package. What you can do is take the actual tracking number you got from DHL and then plug it in USPS, UPS, or FedEx and see which one is taking care if your package. It actually works like that because that's what I did. From experience, I think USPS would most likely take care of your order.

 

seriously. What am I doing with my life.

 

What's the usual price for a good Acer notebook anyways? Does Acer typically make good notebooks for over $1k?

 

Hello there!

By bugs with switching I meant it didin’t switch to dedicated grpahics when I plugged in the adapter – there were no apps running so switching should have been easy. I’ve tried to switch manually, buti t just didn’t switch at all, no matter what I’ve tried.

My girlfriend complained about the battery draining faster, I’ve figured it didn’t switch back to the IGP. Just like the case mentioned above, no manually switching no matter what, sleep mode again to the rescue.

I’ve encountered these bugs like 2-3 times.

Sleep mode fixed the problem.

Since I’ve already updated the Acer VGA drivers, I’ll switch to dedicated in the BIOS, than update CCC to 10.6, hope it’ll help (wonder if it would also give some fps+ .

Overall great laptop, built quality is OK (though the previous unit I’ve returned was a bit more solid even with the heavier 9 cell, I can push the chassis in the front „vent hole”, nothing serious though), well priced even, till the end of June all units get 3 Years warranty extension as a gift.

 

Just get a new power cord... this one is quite expensive: SBBACCORD3 - Universal Laptop Power Cords ... but your the specialists regarding us shopping

Got a secondary cord for 1,65 € in Germany

 

Yes and shipping it to Bronsky costs 25$

 

Hi everyone, I'm planning on buying the 3820TG but I can't seem to find it with a 6-cell battery in my country (Spain), only with the hideous, heavy and bulky 9-cell battery! Saw it in stores and it totally ruins the portability of the machine, plus I don't need all that battery life.

It's a bit of a shot in the dark, but does anyone know how I could get it with a 6-cell battery with the Spanish keyboard layout? I'd really appreciate any help.

 

hrhr, I think this is a very common & cheap replacement part in every country I've had those plugs with every of my recent devices (Dell, HP, Samsung, Lenovo, Acer)... it's called cloverleaf

I don't like these more or less chunky adapters

 

I am thinking about buying a 3820TG too, as we have that 3 year warranty thing in Hungary now, it is even better. There is almost no price difference between the 9 cell and the 6 cell one, but the big one comes with a 500 GB harddrive. Is it really bulky with a 9 cell? I would like to put it in a tight sleeve, like the Zeroshock III 13". Is there any way to put in a 9 cell into a Zeroshock?

 

BTW I have just tried a demo unit in a store, it was locked to the wall, so I couldn't see about 1/4th of the screen (weird way of locking...) and couldn't move it at all but I have just realized what does that dual fan thing means: I mean it's really genious, and it was much more quiet than all the other units nearby.

Does any of you experience high pitched electrical buzz? The unit next to the 3820TG was a 4820T and it had that kind of electrical noise. That noise is the most annoying thing I have ever met, I am actually changing my Thinkpad X61 because it is producing that noise all the time... I really really hope that the 3820TG is not like that, even if there is usually a difference between individual units.

 

And for the screen, after using Thinkpads for years, beleive me, that screen is just amazing. It has real blacks and high enough brightness to overcome the glossiness. In the store, it was facing a bright window, and reading from the screen was no problem at all.

(sorry, for the 3 posts, I have to collect them...)

 

Be aware that the free additional warranty only applies to units purchased till the end of June!

Sorry for reposting, mybe You haven’t read it, I was accidentally given a 9 cell unit (the one with the larger, 500 GB HDD), the 9 cell won’t fit into any sleeve, may it be Zeroshock, or whatever…not a chance.

I've posted pictures showing the 9 cell unit next to a pack of cigarettes, that might help You decide wheter it's bulky or not. I'll post the link when I'll have time.

I’ve returned the unit, received one with a 6 cell, it perefctly fits into my sleeve, and when I say fit, I really mean it, the chassis fills the sleeve leaving no empty spaces.

The 9 cell unit’s HDD scored 5.6, the 6 cell replacement unit’s 320GB HDD scores 5.7. (Though the CPU was the same, the returned unit’s CPU scored 6.7, the one I have now scores 6.6 – maybe a turdbo boost update would help, or some OC)

Forget about the 180 GB disk space, You’ll probably swap it to an SSD, or get an external drive.

Getting a 9 cell unit with an additional 6 cell is only an option when You’re ready to pay 50.000 HUF for the battery, I think it’s a biot pricey knowing the notebook costs 215.000 HUF.

No electrical noise here.

The screen quality shows how picky „the master” is. Had to admit, wieving angles are poor, I have an external monitor as well, if I didin’t it might bothered me a bit more.

 

How's the touchpad on this model? I've had a silver colored Asus laptop before, including the touchpad, and after a while the paint starts to wear/peel off. Looks pretty terrible.

 

USPS? Nooooooooooooo!

Bronsky

 

Does anyone know where I can order a replacement 6-cell battery for the 3820TG? Shipping to Europe is a must...

I'm thinking of buying one but they only retail with a 9-cell in my country, and I really want the slimmer 6-cell. There's a Chinese seller on ebay that has them but they seem like fakes, 4400mAH/48WH instead of 6200mAh/67WH... suspicious to say the least.

 

I didn't find a source for the 6- or the 9-cell battery as well

 

Maybe someone would be willing to trade batteries with me if I purchased it, they'd be on the winning end. I'm really annoyed I can't get it with a 6-cell in my country, I really want it but the huge 9-cell is just lame and useless for my purposes.

Anyone have a clue where to find them?

 

Several hungarian retailers gave me an offer for the 6 cell, the cheapest was a total of 50.000 HUF (VAT is at 25% so net price is 40.000 HUF). Since the battery was almost 1/4 the price the notebook was, I've decided to return the oriinall notebook with the 9 cell (funny word, is it correct btw?) and swapped it for a notebook with the 6 cell.
The HUF is doing terrible ATM, so it should be like 177 EUR / 227 USD.

Batteries are available only for individual order, they might get cheaper as they hit the retailers.

 

Bronsky

 

Wow that is ridiculous. Very disappointing, I need to buy a laptop within the next 6 weeks, but if I can't find this model with a 6-cell I might just go and get a 13" from a different brand. I was considering the 3810 but the pentium dual core is a bit outdated IMO.

Sucks that nothing out there can even touch the 3820 spec-wise.

I sent an email to Spain's official Acer site and official Acer store asking about it, no reply.

 

Link to any hungarian shop carrying the 3820TG please???

edit : just realized he meant the battery would cost 177 EUR... What was I thinking?

 

You bet. Wonder why I've decided to change the whole notebook (for the 6 cell) instead of getting an additional 6 cell.

Tracking Your 3820TG?

Hendrickson had it delivered from Germany. You should find out whether You could buy a local warranty extension to it (Acer Gold or Premium).

Yup, it's only the battery, still care for some retailers link for the notebook?

 

Well the problem is I want a Spanish keyboard, not a German one.

 

@Lavabug
I wouldn't count on a decent 3820TG in Spain anytime soon.
I also contacted Acer Iberica (that serves Portugal and Spain), and at first they said that the i5 models would only come probably in August. When i asked a few more details about specs they said that they did't even know that the models will be released here at all...

 

I have decided: I am waiting for the new shippment, probably in the next 2 weeks, with the new 450M processor. The strange situation in Hungary is that the more expensive shops are shipping the laptops with 3 year warranty till the end of June, while the cheaper shops ship the laptop with 1 year, but they cheaper then the difference in additional warranty. What it means to me is that I will wait to the next batch and buy the laptop in a cheap place, with Platinum extension.

I think the 0.1 differences are just some weird windows things, if you reinstall or repartition your hard drive differently, or use different drivers or power options, you could get different results too. Anyway the whole WEI is the most stupid thing ever created, you should measure single core performance, multi core performance and GPU performance with proper tools, like wprime and Furmark. For average result the best bet would be 3dmark06 and PCMark.

 

Lame... like always we get everything last. Maybe I'll wait til the end of June/early August and see if its coming out with a 6-cell, if not I'll snatch up something different...