The Official Arrandale Timeline Thread

i5 430m VS i5 450m...Not even worth brothering. The difference is next to nothing. Be different if you were talking a i5 430m Vs a i7 620m. That is a difference that would be worth it.

The build issue you mentioned, I've seen the photo is nothing. The adhesive on the dolby logo has just come unstuck a bit. I would super glue that and save yourself the time and hassle of returning it. Glue it back and you wouldn't even notice it!

Here it was posted below the screen shots. Core i5 430M processor

Enjoy the HP

I don't blame you. Acer has done a poor job at getting this system out there. They are taking there sweet time and I honestly think they dont care about making money? I was almost going to do the same, wait and get the Envy 14. But I just don't need the DVD drive or the extra size and extra weight. I plan on traveling half way across the world each year so it matters to me and it also matters to get a decent spec (why I said goodbye to the UL30vt & UL30jt) and not spend over 2k on a 13" notebook (Sony Vaio Z). As this will be my travel / 2nd laptop.

Since I live in Europe I was able to snap up that 3820TG from Germany. Just waiting for my baby too arrive and her new US backlit keyboard.

 

Hi everyone, I know you guys care more about the 3820, but I have heating problem with my 2 days old 5820TG, and I need some advices.

I was told by the shop owner that within 7 days, if sth seriously wrong happen to my laptop, I can change for a brand new one immediately, so I decided to test my lap in that 7 days period. I installed Battlefield Bad Company 2, and I played for about 7 hours in an air-conditioned room, then I left the game run idle for about 7 next hours, still in that room. Nothing happened. But then tonight, when my friend played the same game, the only different now was that the room was quite hot, about 30 degree C. Then after about 1 hour, my friend told me my lap crashed, I think it was a sudden shut down because of overheating, cuz the laptop was very hot (not as hot as my old Aspire 5920G though, probably).

Well, now I just feel a lil bit dissapointed cuz I just bought it for 2 days, and the GPU was from ATI not nVidia, and there's still heating problem. I got quite used to this problem with my old 5920G which uses the 8600M GT, just run a game for 30 mins and suddenly shut down. I just wonder whether I should continue stressing it, or just try to find a cooling solution for my lap, I don't think that I can push my laptop to complete crash in 5 days by playing game anyway (i know it sounds crazy).

Anyway, the specs for my lap is as follow
Intel Core i5 430M
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650
4GB Ram

The current temperatures are very normal, around 44 degree C for both the CPU and GPU. I don't know the temperature when it crashed, cuz I only installed CPUID Hardware Monitor after it crashed.

Thanks and sorry for my broken English.

 

@ Hendrickson

It was hard for me to swallow what i'd have to give up. 3820TG = lighter, thinner, and no optical drive. Everything seemed too good to be true. Only thing missing is a standard backlit keyboard. But the biggest question is, will an i5/i7 + 5650 combo even reach the USA, at all?

The Envy 14 is 1.3lbs heavier, a little thicker, and has an optical drive (which I don't need). But the standard backlit keyboard, higher build quality (although I am completely fine with the 3820 build quality), higher quality screen, dedicated Envy 24/7 support, and a definitive june 27th release date won me over.

I know when I am traveling I am going to be reminded what a pain in the butt it is to carry around a 14.5" 5.25lb behemoth + 1lb external blu ray drive... i'll just have to make that sacrifice.

And like you, I don't want to spend over 2k on a Vaio Z .

 

any idea if 9cell batteries for 3810 on ebay would fit 3820tg ? thx

 

If the release date is the 27th, I dont see the need for deciding now. My 2 cents.

 

One of my friends also bought a 3820TG.

HWMonitor measured a max temp of 87C on both CPU cores, HWMonitor didn't show the temp of the GPU (maybe the driver should be updated).

87 C, isn't that too high for the CPU?

 

My i5 520m begins throttling @ 87°C (it happens with both cpu + gpu @ 100% with Prime95 + Furmark)... run TMonitor

 

Try running for 2 hours straight - intel burn test, prime95, furmark, 40GB archive ultra compression and PCVantage all at the same time and see what the temperatures are? If it goes over 87 degrees c or thottles I will send my unit back, As that's a realistic load for a notebook!!....... Lol

Now what about temps after playing say, SC2 beta, Left for dead 2 or COD MW2 for a few hours what are temps then? As long as it doesn't throttle during normal use. Its jsut fine.

Seriously I think Prime95 and furmark at the same time isn't a realistic gauge of the average users usage. I don't think I ever run CPU and GPU at 100% If I run prime95 and furmark for a few hours on my P6831fx I'm sure it would shut of due to high GPU temps. Infact on any notebook....

 

Hello, can you post the link to the keyboard with backlight?

 

Sure: Acer Aspire 3810T 3410T 4810T 4410T Keyboard US Backlit - eBay (item 390168759387 end time May-21-10 18:28:28 PDT) The seller has 6 left. I plan to hook up 5v to the backlight power flex cable to light this unit up

 

Did you actually find the power cable location? Or are you still thinking about drawing power from the BT module?

Bronsky

@Yeshhhh - I'm still hanging tight until the 27th. I'll look at the deal HP is offering and decide then.

 

To be safe, I would take it back and exchange it for another 5820TG. I doubt very much that an i5-430M model in a 15.6" chassis should have cooling problems. We have seen a single test on a 430M 4820TG prototype that produced a similar effect to what you observed. I think that prototype suffered from manufacturing defects and I would be concerned that there is a gap or other defect in the cooling/thermo-coupling between the CPU or GPU and the heat sinks. If the problem persists in the new model, I would be concerned about a design flaw. Yours is the first 5820TG we have heard about. If you have a moment, would you post some pics before you bring it back. Please let us know how this works out.

@blubb would you be kind enough to post screen prints showing the throttling?

Was reading through the last few days posts to catch up ... those of you who have given up on the TimelineX's, thank you for the nice words.

Bronsky

 

@Hendrickson

Thank you for the quick reply.

 

I have a video.
Link: YouTube - Belastungstest Samsung R580 Hawk
Laptop:
Samsung R580

 

Nope, Still thinking the BT module is my best bet, on and off - also less risky. Fry the module soldering Vs fry motherboard...

Huh, well that's not the laptop we are talking about here..Besides your Samsung R580 would no doubt have different cooling and bios thermal policies. Not to mention that Nvidia 330m is not doubt much hotter than a 5650.....

Edit: It also only has 1 exhaust vent , so the CPU/GPU share the same fan. Like the 5820TG... I big no no in my books. A cost cutting choice that is just asking for trouble. One fan is fine for integrated cpu/gfx chips. But a gfx chipset such as that needs its own fan if you ask me.

 

the first shops are listing the new "travelmate timelines". not in stock yet, but I thought you guys would be interested.

Travelmate Timeline X 8472TG-5454G64

Acer Travelmate Timeline 8472 Notebooks Laptops billiger notebook.de

 

Agreed, the CPU and the GPU sharing the same - and only - vent is a no go.

Although the 3820TG CPU with its dedicated vent reached 87 C degrees during GTA IV, on its defense, the game it didin't seem to throttle, plus it puts stress onj the GPU and the CPU at the same time, but I still thought it'd do better.

There seems to be no heating issues when playing other, mainly GPU dependant games.

 

Is that overclocking the GPU or standard clocks? I think I might redo the factory thermal paste they put on with AS5. Hopefully drop temps a few degrees.

 

He's not a techie at all, so it's the standard clockrates for sure.

Should he worry if HWMonitor reports a current 65 C and max 85C right after a 30-40 min GTA IV gaming session?

He dosen't want to redo the thermal paste, I told him he should get a cooler.

 

Here's about as official an announcement as you will get from the Acer Rep from the Facebook Fan Page (I'm Nate, BTW). So, it looks like the June 27 date may be right on the mark. Let's hope that is a sell by date and not a pre-order date.


Acer commented on their status:

"@Lou, Travis, Maxime, Vincent, Nate...: Hi to all TimelineX fans! Thanks for your interest and comments!

Acer is absolutely committed to the North American market and our product selection, retail availability and market share has grown dramatically here in recent years. As you already may know, Acer has a 100% indirect business model. Based on this, we tie most of our significant U.S. consumer product launches to the major U.S. retail cycles. The top U.S. retailers will roll out their new PC product offerings for the back-to-school buying season in late-June, and Timeline X will be part of that. You can expect to see a number of models with 13.3-, 14- and 15.6-inch displays and various configuration options. If Timeline X is the right product for you, we hope you’ll continue to be patient with us. And if you can’t wait, there are some fantastic deals available now on our current Acer Timeline series.

Kind regards,
- The Acer Team

 

That's great news, Nate! Thanks for sharing.

 

****ing finally. Looks like the end of June is when most manufacturers (HP, Asus, and Acer, anyway) are rolling out their new models. Can't wait!

 

All good, whats the bet Acer have these out a week or so before the Envy 14
So bronksy still going to hang in there and get a 3820TG ?

 

The 3820 models I mentioned here surprisingly came in stock here in norway yesterday! Still no signs of 4820/5820 though ( ETA jumping between mid june and early july).

 

I came. ...

 

Still here ... takin it day-by-day.

Bronsky

 

That's the spirit!

 

This rollercoaster just keeps getting better!

I still have the 3820TG as my #1 choice. Screen quality may not be great, but it should be cheaper than the Envy 14, plus it's lighter and more portable.

 

It will be cheaper than Envy 14 ($999)? WOW even better!!

 

Yay DHL tracking reports my 3820TG is finally in the country, it still has to move to the delivery depot, then out for delivery. So maybe mid week?

 

The freebies I got for 3820tg i7 5650 hd are pretty decent. Sturdy acer bag> External DVD RW> Genuine MS Office > and a mouse all under $1100. What do you think?

 

Congratulations Hendrickson!

 

I want those, too!

edit: a new unboxing to make all of us jealous

width='640' height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y6Pf7L2TOxw&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y6Pf7L2TOxw&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width='640' height="385"></embed></object>

 

So far I have only seen the extras with the I7-620M's from the poly institute.

Bronsky

 

Is it comming by horseback?

 

^ niceeee.. i'll post some pics of my timelinex soon!

 

Ah I know it seems that way!! Damnit, I hate waiting for my new toys to arrive. It was because i was fooled in to thinking because it was DHL i thought it was DHL Express. However its DHL normal service / road freight, so the same speed as say USPS boo hoo. Well at least the backlit US keyboard won't be too far behind then.

I'll do the same + benchmarks and a quick review

 

please mention fan noise levels during your reviews especially during gaming, this laptop is top of my list, if it's ever released here in the UK

 

That's what I'm waiting for.

Bronsky

 

I think waiting for Hendrick to get his notebook is almost as exciting as getting your own

 

Hello guys I am a new member here but i have been following your threads for a month now i am from Malaysia but also i can buy the timelinex from Singapore
I am really interested in a portable yet powerful laptop.

@rikoyako which specs of 3820tg you got ? from where did you buy it?

@hendrikson which specs did you order? and from where? how much did it cost?

Now are you guys sure that Acer in US will release timelinex in June 27 or at least a press release of price and specs?? Because I am also waiting for a competitve US price if i can get a i7 620m+5650 at USD 1150 with shipping i will import it

Meanwhile in Malaysia we have a Lenovo Y460 selling here at exactly USD 1060 with i5 540m+5650 many ppl bought it and really getting some good feedback. Malaysia will not have the 3820tg model.

In Singapore without the student discount there is a 3820tg with i5 520m+5650 at USD 1100 if i import to Malaysia

i5 520m is good enuf for me.

Also in notebookjournal reviews the 5650 in 3820tg performed really low than 5650 in 4820tg why??

Are there other laptops like this spec what about upcoming MSI fx series and lenovo Z series?

Also what are the pros and cons of 3820tg vs y460?

I see

1.8kg vs 2.13 kg

screen is better in y460

what else?

also hopefully if US has i5 430m+5650 at usd 800~900 it will be good then i can upgrade to i7 620m by just adding +150usd

 

it should be fixed as the lower performance of 3820tg is not intended, dont know if it is fixed already with updating drivers or something yet, but i think there was somekind of temporary fix someone found in this forum.

 

I got my 3820TG with the i5 430m / 5650 from Germany and the cost was around 1050 USD. Since it in German I have to change the win7 install and keyboard.

It proformed poorly due to the PCI-E lane being 1 x instead of 16x I would also like to hear if this is fixed and if so how to fix it

I see the 3820TG has a few bios updates too, so maybe the fix is there?

 

Reposting the solution for Display flickering (some of my friends didn't even notive it) and PCI-E issue (Post #205)

credits to cheatercrack

Acer Aspire 3820TG-434G64n (TimelineX) - 13-Zoll Timeline noch Xtremer - Seite 11 - Notebookjournal.de - Forum

Google Translated link:

Edit: the translated link dosen't seem to link to the post I've wanted to point on itself, but to the whole thread, which is not a big deal regarding the first link, bacuse the first post is updated with the "flickering" and "PCI-E" issue, while the "display calibration" is on the 14th page.

Google Fordító

Screen calibration (post #265)

credits to Seven Stars (page 14)

Acer Aspire 3820TG-434G64n (TimelineX) - 13-Zoll Timeline noch Xtremer - Seite 14 - Notebookjournal.de - Forum

Google Translated:

Google Fordító

As for the fixes, there are two updates available so far, 1.08 and 1.13 if I recall correctly.

Germans reported the 1.08 doing more harm than good, I haven't read anything of the second update though.

 

I wouldn't hesitate, You clearly have the oppurtunity of a good buy, ask Bronsky what would he do .

Are the Y460's heat issues solved? Last time I checked users reported the notebook overheating.

Differencies? 0.3 Kg is a huge difference is You're planning to carry it around.

I don't know the size of the Y460, but telling You the 3820 is really thin - I consider it a good sized gadget even with the 9 cell (BTW I've tried to purchase a 6 cell, apperantley hungarian retailers only ship the i5 modells with 9 cell, and offer the 6 cell battery for 178 USD ex VAT - hahahaha)

Screen quality is a subjective matter, well, the screen is obvioulsy bigger a bit, I'm satisfied with my 3820's screen, though I must admit I've never had and still don't have high expectations about the screen, except that I prefer matte, both of tham are glare - pity - so no difference here.

 

I would be all over that I5 (of course, i would probably have an I7 in there in a month or so).

From my brousing of the Lenovo threads, the Y460/HD5650 owners have not been complaining about the heat. Lenovo may have fixed the issue some way. It may also be that the new owners had to get accustomed to the heat of the I Cores.

If size and weight are important to you, nothing beats the Acer yet (although I am eager to see if anyone releases a model during Computex aimed at the TimelineX market). Any notebook is a trade off. Many potential buyers of the Envy 14 have decided that the extra 1.2 lbs are worth the 1600 / 900, 350 nit display and full metal chassis.

Bronsky

 

Hmm, the google translate doesnt make a lot of sense to me. Could someone please summarize the things needed to be done to fix the problems in English? Much thanks.

 

@ kiskapu, thanks for the info I will look into it and I think I new to make a 3820TG owners thread when I get mine. With keyboard mod info, Fixes and PCB photos etc.

I see 1.13 bios is out now: http://global-download.acer.com/GDF...Aspire 3820TG&OS=722&LC=en&BC=Acer&SC=EMEA_27

Edit: It looks like if you configure the display as stated by the Germans you get a result like this measured at chip.de:

Brightness: 199 cd/m²
Contrast: 751:1

 

I suggest that you make it an "Official Acer 3820TG Owners Lounge". Hopefully, I will join you someday. I'm looking forward to reading the reports out of Computex this week. I just noticed that the Dell XPS 16, which was upgraded to an HD5650 is now being offered with a HD5730 option. I wonder if they fit in the same space?

Bronsky

EDIT: For those of us considering the Envy 14 as an alternative to the TimelineX, there is a review of the new DM4T, the 14" Pavillion refresh. http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-compaq-voodoo-pc/487483-hp-dm4t-review.html The reviewer's comments about the build quality of the DM4T is a good sign for the new Envy, which will have the same type of full metal chassis. The hinges were strong, there was no flex in the chassis and the reviewer could not even flex the display. He compares the build quality to buisness machines rather than consumer notebooks (something to think about for commercial use). The keyboard is rated excellent. Battery power in the DM4T was estimated to be 8 hours (more then its HP rating). Even though the DM4T has a 720p display, it is very bright. This suggests that the Envy should have a great display. The Envy is an interesting counterpoint to the Acer 3820TG. It is strong everywhere the Acer is weak. In its I5-540M/HD5650 configuration, the Envy will perform nearly identically to the I7-620M configuration of the 3820TG. I think it will actually cost ~ $200 less that the 3820TG/I7-620M with SSD (configuring both with a 160GB SSD) because of the factory offering and HP's discounts.

If my 11.6" travel unit had graphics capability greater than the Intel 4500 (Like the 310M Ion 2) using the Envy 14 for most of my editing tasks in my office would be more of an acceptible alternative if I could use an 11.6" for presentation. I would need something with an I5M/I7M CPU. It will be interesting to see if there is anything offered like that at Computex (Something like an X201s with an Ion 2 would be perfect). I also will be looking to see if anyone is pushing the GPU envelope by adding an HD 5730 to a 13" ultra thin and light (although I seriously doubt it). In all, the DM4T review suggests that the Envy 14 is going to be a great computer. HP's cooling system in the DM4T is quiet and keeps the I5-430M under 80C in a 25C room under stress. That suggests that the Envy will run quiet and cool. I would be interested in 3820TG owners' opinions of the durability of the 3820 in a commercial setting.

 

I have found "Il diavolo" listed as available on some internet retailer stores. Unfortunately it was either on german or austrian sites without any kind of user-forum...

Patiently waiting some reviews, more availability and hopefully some 3820 "il diavolo". That would be hot