The Official Arrandale Timeline Thread

i dont want to jump the gun here but i really think these ARE backlit!!

below is a picture of a backlit keyboard and non-backlit... main thing to notice is the extra power cable



i googled the part number from the ebay listing above and i found several websites selling it and they have this picture in their descriptions



notice the extra power cable?

 

Looks like you finally found something to occupy your time while your waiting for the 3820TG . This is very cool. A backlit 3820TG.

Somebody on this site should be able to helo you locate a power source to take off from. Obviously, the 3810T has one.

 

Oh yeah thats 100% backlit keyboard. Funny that now a german supplier just sold out of 3820TG's I was watching. Looks like someone here brought one?

Looking at the ebay keyboard photos and now the photos of the 3820TG keyboard from a review. I can see they are pretty much 100% identical...All good!! Just the 3820TG has a matte surface and the 3810T is more of a shiny one

 

Well I just did it , ordered my 3820TG with i5 430m / 5650 combo from Germany for about 1050 USD delivered to where I live here in Spain And I plan to buy the backlit US keyboard and hopefully I can find a 5v connection to make it work.

Anyone got a guide on how to remove the keyboard in the 3810T ? I guess its the same.

 

@ bronksy

haha yea man.. so excited... a backlit keyboard completes what the 3820tg needed most for me

my only concern is.. if this is a legit 3810 backlit keyboard, why are there no youtube videos or google images with ANYONE doing this mod? I can't even find a google image of this backlit keyboard turned on.

@ hendrickson

congrats man!!

and the 3810t backlit keyboard actually looks like it has a matte surface too!

 

Removing the keyboard is fairly easy as there are simply 5 little tabs along the top of the keyboard (above the Esc, F4, F8, F12, Del keys)

 

where did you buy it?

 

Yeshhhh & hendrickson - you guys are my new heros. Backlit 3820TG - this is going to be so cool.

 

I've searched around the net but can't seem to find out how ATI switchable graphics actually work. Is there an easy-to-use software interface, or do you have to go into the hardware manager or something? Is the switch like that of the UL*0VT series, where the screen might black out a couple seconds then you're good to go, or do you have to restart?

Thanks in advance.

 

There's a software that you can use to switch the GPU from ATI to Intel.
It comes in with the package from acer just like what i have. You don't have to do a hardware switch =)

 

computeruniverse.net/ They ship internationally too. However I think I brought the last unit in stock from them.

Just search google for more German sellers with the 3820TG-434G64n in stock.

When I get it I plan to whip out the German Qwertz keyboard and replace it with a 3810T backlit one (If I can get the power to it)

I'm fine with missing out on the i5 520m, for me losing under 200Mhz and two modes I would never use is worth it. I originally wanted the i7 620m, till I saw how hot it gets. For those with cash to burn could always buy a i7 620m for $275 with shipping here: http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Intel-Core-...7274?cmd=ViewItem&pt=CPUs&hash=item3cacac181a

Ebay seller replied and told me that it is backlit. I asked does it light up? Ie backlit and its confirmed by the seller as "Yes its backlit" I guess I will see, if not I have a mattee US keyboard anyway.

 

There's a software that you can use to switch the GPU from ATI to Intel.
It comes in with the package from acer just like what i have. You don't have to do a hardware switch =)

 

Not experiencing that much heat with my i7 620m ati5650 640GB. In that case i5 is probably freezing in action! =)

 

Defiantly is backlit as you can see the other connector for the lights.

Edit: Note F9 has a backlit logo too...So I got a good feeling about this.

 

How much would that backlit keyboard cost? Is it only available in ebay? So it does come from a 3810T or are there any other models that could be used to replace that of 3820tg?

 

Wow so u mean this can be used for any 11" laptop to make it into a laptop for some gaming?

 

They are around $20 from ebay shipped. The are the same size as the 3820TG so it should be easy to swap. Getting power to the backlights might be a mission.

I'm also looking to install a 3G / HSDPA modem card. Apparently the sim card slot is behind the battery and all that needs to be done is install the PCI-E half card 3g modem and anntena. (Just like the 3810T)

 

Show us some pics on how to mod the 3820tg with a backlit keyboard eh? =)

Isn't it that there is a usb dongle that you can use as 3g/hsdpa modem? Like Huawei? Why don't you just buy one of those instead of installing one? =)

 

omg ur right! nice catch man

powering this thing should be easy. get a cheap voltmeter and find some 5v sources on the motherboard

this thread should be useful (see first post)

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/465841-ul30-backlit-keyboard-mod.html


@ Bronsky

shall we dare say this laptop is near perfect? all its missing is usb 3.0 and/or e-sata

 

If we can get German units shipped and slap US 3810T backlit keyboards's on them we are not at the mercy of Acer's unbelievably crappy marketing and distribution in the US. This is really brilliant. I think the German retailers will be getting the higher spec models in a bit too. Acer committed to completely "re-releasing" the Timelinex's in the german markets by mid-june. There is hope for me yet. Of course, even if they do release the 3820TG here in the states, I would put one of these on if the mod works. Really - my hat is off to you.

German versions of windows support english - right? I guess we can just do a clean install if not.

Bronsky

 

Notebook.it says the 11.6" Travelmate 8172 has Bluetooth 3.0. Do the TimelineX's have it?

 

I'm fairly sure that the 3820T has BT 2.1.

Bronsky

 

Yes I think we can just run the recovery again and when installing select English. Btw how do we enter the recovery partition on Acer's? (F10 on boot up?)

If not I will just do a clean install via USB and use the cd key underneath.

Also a second seller of these backlit keyboards has commented:

So its 100% confirmed these are backlit, from two sellers.

 

This is really a win-win either way. If the German retailers are the only one's who can ship 3820TG's we will need to change keyboards. So, even without the backlighting we would need to get these. Backlighting would just be a bonus.

I wonder how different the 3820's internals are from the 3810. My guess would be not very. Has anyone located the site where these keyboards draw power in a 3810 installation? There must be some shop manual on-line. Knowing Acer, that power coupling might have survivied the redesign.:yes:

In your dealings with the german retailer, was it your impression that they would ship anywhere internationally?

Keep up the amazing work. At least this will keep us occupied until we can see if this week's press conference is just a typical roll out or if Acer really has something to say about the Timelinex series in the US.

Bronsky

 

I bought that 6-cell battery from eBay (shipped from Hong Kong; 1 week to receive it here in Sweden).

Although the battery fits perfectly, and seems to work, my BIOS and/or Windows 7 refuses to recognize it. Makes it kinda akward to use it, no idea when it's fully charged, and no idea when it's empty until the laptop just dies

 

Some german user testing:

4820TG and the heat issues.



at 90°C the CPU started with throttling to 1200MHz. After that GPU temp graph slightly decreased. Rly annoying and this is only Core i5 430M :/

*edit*
Room temperature was 19°C
30min Battlefield Bad Company 2 -> 85°C !!!!

 

They ship internationally via DHL, just now they are out of stock as I got the last one. My order has been processed and ready to be shipped Monday, they will advise the tracking number Hopefully I will have it in 2-3 days. The keyboard will no doubt take 2 weeks or so.

I think I might be able to tap into the usb power as my 5v source. I just hope I can do this without too much hassle. Wouldn't it be great if the motherboard that that plug for the backlit power flex cable.

 

The 4820TG has only 1 fan I think, different cooling. I will burn in my 3820TG when I get and and insure it doesn't do something like that! Pretty sure that the 3820TG has two fans and two heat pipes.

 

before this heating issue i would buy 4820tg, but now i don't

 

In germany the i5 and i3 versions of the 4820 and 3820 come with BT 2.1. The i7 version (with SSD) of the 4820 comes with BT 3.0. I'm still waiting for the i7 3820 .

Edit.: Just found out, that you can order the 3820 (and 4820) with i5 450 and UMTS in germany.

 

Quite strange, the core i5-430M is supposed to have an throttle temp of 105 C, not 90 C.

Could be that temps are incorrectly reported?
Could be that Acer has programmed the bios to throttle the CPU at 90 C?

I've had my Core i5-430m running at 97 C without any throttling in my asus X77JA.

Still disappointing and makes the 4820TG an not so attractive computer.

 

i checked out 3820tg on cyberport.de. Any idea if it comes with QWERTY or AZERTY keyboard ? Do they ship internationally like to Poland or UK ? Also i've noticed it comes with HSDPA module, can anyone confirm that ?

 

Every TimelineX model arriving here (norway) in June is supposed to have BT 3.0, all current TimelineX model in stock have BT 2.1.

BT 3.0 config numbers:

3820TG:
LX.PXZ02.003 Core i5-450m, HD5650, 320GB, 6 cell battery
LX.PXZ02.004 Core i5-450m, HD5650, 640GB, 9 cell battery

4820TG:
none confirmed but I guess these have BT 3.0:

LX.PSG02.143 Core i5-450m, HD5470, 320GB, 6 cell battery
LX.PSE02.187 Core i5-450m, HD5650, 500GB, 6 cell battery
LX.PSE02.188 Core i5-450m, HD5650, 640GB, 9 cell battery

5820TG:
LX.PTN02.187 Core i5-450m, HD5650, 500GB, 6 cell battery
LX.PTN02.188 Core i5-450m, HD5650, 640GB, 9 cell battery
LX.PTN02.234 Core i7-620m, HD5650, 640GB, 9 cell battery

 

I remember seeing a write up of that test ... wasn't that on a prototype? It doesn't make sense that the I5-430 would throttle from heat 15decrees C less than its max temp. We have seen 3820tg's operate at 89C with no problem. I would take the test with a grain of salt.

Bronsky

@S3K7M5 - Is the SSD version of the 4820TG for sale in Germany yet? Is it in stock?

@OC-Freak - the specs are getting better. Finally an I7-620M outside of Singapore. What kind of keyboards do those units have in Norway?

@ Hendrickson. I never even thought about upgrading the CPU. Are the cores soldered in? If I could do that I would order a 430 or 450M as soon as they are back in stock. It might be cool to put an I5-540M in there. How much longer can it be till the German retailers get I7's in anyway?

This is starting to look at lot like the way the LG P310 made its way around initially.

 

re: backlit keyboard mod

we have to be careful and see if there is any difference between the two keyboards

in the asus thread, it was reported the backlit keyboard was a few mm thicker, so it touched the screen slightly when closed

if its the same case with the 38x0 keyboards, lets hope there is enough screen clearance in the 3820 model. worst case... i'll fashion some small circular rubber stoppers and place one on each corner of the lid.. that should give everything enough clearance and hopefully it will blend in seamlessly and not look out of place.

 

None of them. In germany every notebook comes with QWERTZ keyboard. And yes, there will be HSDPA (and BT 3.0).

You can order the 4820 with i7 and SSD. It should be available by the 10th of June. You can find it here.

 

Scandinavian QWERTY keyboards. Pic:

 

It would be the socket type, just remove the fan heat sink. Unlock the cpu and remove it. Swap it with your i7. I think only atom's where part of the motherboard.

I'll check it out when I swap my keyboard over. Hopefully there is no difference. If so I will come up with a plan.

Ouch the i7 model is nice, but then @ 1299 euros its not cheap. Better of buying a Sony Vaio Z. And If I brought the i7 and SDD myself it would be cheaper. I'm not 100% sure but I think my model I brought has no HSDPA module. But I should be able to add one (I hope)

Funny how those 640GB models all seem to have the 9 cell battery. Lucky I got the 6 cell one.

 

I don't think so. The 160 Gb intel SSD is about 380€ and the cheapest 4820 with ati 5650 is about 899€. Even if you get a cheaper SSD you still have to buy the i7 and you will have only BT 2.1 instead of BT 3.0.

 

I am getting very tired using my 11.6" 1410T as my everyday notebook. I need a larger display and keyboard. I think that the German retailer/keyboard switch is a great option. I'll wait to see how your keyboard works out. Be sure to take lots of pictures. It would be an added bonus if you can actually get the backlighting to work.

That way, if the German online stores don't get the 3820TG with the I7 soon (real soon), I can order the I5-450M version and swap in an I7-620M. It will also give my the opportunity to put some good thermal paste in there. I guess I shouldn't even bother with an extended warranty since I'm probably going to void it on the first day I have the notebook.

Bronsky

@s3k7m5 - we can get that drive here in the states for $380-400 USD. I will be putting the X25-M(G2) 160GB HD in my 3820TG as soon as I get it.

 

I hate you all.

Not really, but this is sometimes frustrating. In europe everything about tech is always more expensive (380USD = 300€ . The best example is sony. Their notebooks cost exactly the same in € and US Dollar.
We have to pay 2499 € for a vaio z with i7 and 256 Gb SSD.

 

Just do what I do, order from the USD. Works out well since the euro is stronger than the USD.

I plan on installing a 120GB OCZ vertex into my 3820TG.

 

That's true. Because of the strong €, i ordered many things (like games/DVD) from amazon uk.
But i wouldn't order a complete notebook. I need a german keyboard and i don't know were i can get one to change it myself.

 

won't it cost much more from germany than from USA?

 

What happened to arbitrage?!

 

I'm sure it will cost more to buy it now. That's why I'll at least wait to see what the press conference brings. But I'm starting to run out of time. I need a fully functioning multimedia computer by the end of June. I have to start figuring this out. I really like my 1410T but I need something a bit larger for everyday use. If I can get a 3810Tg with the HD 5650 now, I have to give it some thought. If this doesn't work, I'm going to wind up ordering an Envy 14 on June 27th.

I just left an email with notebook.de. I'm going to price it out. I can buy the I5-430M without paying VAT if I'm exporting. That is 713.45E. I assume that Hendrickson had to pay VAT beacuse he was buying w/in EU. Can it cost more than $100 to ship FedeX Ground from Germany (plus my company has a fedex account. )

If it costs $100 or less to ship it 3 day Ground with FedeX, it is probably worth it to get one now. That is still less than $1,000 delivered, including the price of the US keyboard. An extra $275 for the I7-620M. $1,275 total. Plus, the CPU will have good thermal paste. If the keyboard works out, we could even have backlit keyboards.

By the time I'm done, I could have the only I7-620M/backlit keyboard 3820TG in North America. Most of all, no more waiting. It would be worth it if my numbers are right. I'll let you know. Of course, Acer could save me a lot of trouble and just get the I7-620M 3820TG to a US retailer.

Bronsky

 

I asked a guy on the 3810T for a link to the online service manual. I send it along when i get it. It would be nice to find the 3820TG manual too. If the notebooks are out, the manual should be too.

 

Acer Aspire 3820TG-5454G64Nks TimelineX Core i5 13" HD5650 & UMTS

Look at this one!

It's with UMTS, Bluetooth 3.0 and the Core i5-450M.

But i would have love to see an upgrade of USB 2.0 to USB 3.0 to make things almost perfect.

 

can you get a normal US keyboard from them or are you going to be stuck with german layout keyboard ? thx

 

If I go in this direction I can swap the keyboard for $20. But, i will have to do it myself. The 3810T seems to fit. Yeshhh and Hendrickson even found backlit models. Hendrickson is going to try it first. I'm trying to locate the keyboard backlighting power coupling on the 3810T to see if it remained on the 3820T mother board. Hendrickson should be able to tell us if it is possible in a week or so.

Bronsky