The Official Arrandale Timeline Thread

I originally ordered it on sunday with my debt card. I couldn't use my other credit card because i only had $500 away from my credit limit. I didn't contact them until today for a tracking number. They emailed me within minutes explaining what happened with the debt card transaction. computeruniverse gave me the second payment option, and I went with it. They provided IBAN and SWIFT/BIC information for the wire to proceed. Then I called my bank to cancel the authorization on my debt card and had the money put back into my account. Went to my bank website and made the wire transfer and had to get verification by calling the bank to verify it is indeed me making the wire. Answered some security questions and settled the payment within 3 hours.

The processing of the wire transfer takes 2-3 business days and since its an international wire, there is an added 1-2 business days, so I'm looking at 4-5 days to process the wire and 1 day for computeruniverse to process the order themselves. I expect it to arrive in 2-3 weeks But its not bad, I still have 1 week to spare since I'm travelling at the end of July.

From my experiences with DHL, they do use USPS because DHL is partnered with USPS. DHL usually makes the first delivery attempt and if you miss the package, they will give the package over to USPS and they will leave you a notice that you can pick it up at the post office.

The customer service agent from computeruniverse pointed out

" By the way: you have ordered a notebook. Are you aware that we carry only the German models, which will always have German keyboard layout, operating system and software? The power plug won't match the US sockets either and Volatge is 220V instead of the 110V you use in the US (as far as we know). We cannot acquire any other versions at this time."

Does anyone know if I can use a plug converter? Or do I have to buy a US replacement power cable?

 

Edit: on second thought, I don't know if the converter will work. I'll have to test it when it comes. I have one somewhere. I'll let you know. I just bought a US 65W power converter ($15).

Every email I got from them had a ton of those disclaimers.

Bronsky

 

is it the europlug?

Europlug - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

So no word yet on your shipping, Bron? I know how that is, cuz as I said earlier, the ebay purchase was shipped via DHL, and my school took over (USPS service), so you end up losing the "tracking" feature. Pretty lame, and USPS is really inefficient sometimes. Say, what will you do with the i5-430M that it comes with? People say sell it, but what kind of buyers would buy it? Do resellers? Or can people with lower-than-430M-cpu's upgrade to a 430m (i.e., i3 peeps) ?

 

Nowhere near the i5-540M for what? If you don't say what exactly are you gonna do with it we can't really tell you if you'd tell any difference between them.
Also, the turbo only kicks in on single-threaded applications, that is, on most nowadays' demanding applications it's not gonna do anything.

Also, VT-d is only useful in certain situations within VM use. Current known apps that use this set are:

The AES instructions are only used by cryptographic apps, and I'm fairly sure that you'd know about it if you actually worked with them on a daily basis. Here's a list:

Finally we have Intel's Trusted Execution Technology, which doesn't really have an impact on performance, it's a security feature.


To conclude, unless you're always pushing your CPU to its limits and using a quite select range of applications, I doubt you'd notice any real difference between a i5-450M and a i5-540M. For most users, it's a measly 5-10% GHz difference.

 

for games, I don't think most of them are multi-threaded, so they do bennefit from the turbo boost, which tops much lower in the i5 450m

 

here is another review:

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

not a well made review. don't like it's comparations, they are pointless.

 

That was a repost, one of the tiest and worthless reviews every.

 

They mention about international on-site service there. I've never seen Acer offer any on-site service ever on laptops, at least in Europe. It's always carry in. And depending on where you are located, the laptop can even be sent to another country to be repaired.

 

Man, you guys with the 430(450)M vs 520/540M debate... Making me delirious. I still dunno which I should go for, but instinct tells me 520M, for either ENVY14 or 3820TG.

 

Hmm... the CNET Asia review has surprisingly good battery life results, but also a ridiculous price...

I've seen very different things in other reviews. Can anyone clear any of this up?

 

Any reason to prefer the 4820tg over the k42jv?

Only reason I can see is the 4820tg apparently will be available
with a "core i7" option, but the k42jv is already available in the US
whereas the 4820tg is not.

The nvidia 335m vs. 5650 ATI should be roughly equal, right?

 

Hi,


I'm looking for a new laptop, and have come across these three Acers that I am considering, and would like to know what opinions are of them. I haven't heard great things about the keyboard on the 3820 and 4820, although I'd like to know other things like how loud the fans run and how hot they get, as these are important to me too.


1. Acer Aspire 5745G from PC World - i5-430, 4GB, 500GB, GeForce 310M graphics for £730.


2. Acer Aspire TimelineX 4820TG from AcerDirect.co.uk - i5-430, 4GB, 500GB, ATI MobilityRadeon 5470 graphics for £822.


3. Acer 3820TG from AcerDirect - i5-430, 4GB, 640GB, 5470 graphics for £767.


What are people's opinions on these three options?

 

For games you can be sure that the HD5650 will limit you well before the CPU. In 95% of the games the most you'll get will be 1-2 fps difference, and that's being generous. Adding that fps above 60 are pointless, and fps below 25 is crappy anyway, you won't really tell the difference.
Also, most if not all recent (2 year old at most) games are multithreaded, even if using only 2 cores.


Again, if you need to ask if there'll be any visible differences between the CPUs, most likely you won't. Unless you feel the difference of every extra Hz in your daily duties, the only thing that makes you want anything above the 450M is that little voice in your head saying "i want the most powerful of them all, despite my needs".

I can also say that a 540M will be a tiny bit more "future-proof" than the 450M. That is, unless that jump in the DMI transfer rate makes any visible difference.

 

So are the 5820 heating problems true? does it really reach temps of 90+ onde the GPU while gaming? If so that would be a real deal breaker for me

 

We can't be sure whether the cooling problems on both 4820TG and 5820TG in the reviews were caused by defective units \ BIOS issues.
I've heard that the new BIOS released for the 4820TG at least is supposed to fix some fan "problems".

Unfortunately there's too little information about these models at the moment. The 3820TG seems to be a winner though.

 

The only things I can see are size (1.4" thick), looks (somewhat subjective on my part but I really hate the plastic body) and price (almost $150 more than the 4820TG).

On the other hand, when it finally hits stores in the US, the 4830TG will not yet be offered with the more powerful processors. The K42JV on New egg also has a 7200rpm HD standard. Oh yea ... and its actually available. The 335M is a fine GPU.

It is no N82 or N43, but it's here. At that price, I would wait to see what the base model Envy costs. If it is $999 with the I5-430M/HD5650/1600x900 the envy might be the better option.

Bronsky

 

Acer to make Gateway the ulv ultrathin brand, for full power processors you'll need to buy an Acer (except for the 1830).

 

I found another Version of the 3820. It has the same specs as the normal 3820 (i5 450, Ati 5650, ...) which costs 849€. The new one cost 899€ like the UMTS version of the 3820. It has v2 in the name, but the only difference is, that it comes with MS office starter 2010. I knew that some manufacturers were going to bundle a starter version of office 2010. But 50€ extra? I thought this was going to be free. Do you think it might be some kind of refresh. Well.... i don't think so.

 

go for the 520M if you can/don't bother in waiting/don't need the extra features of the 5XXM series. Otherwise, as said by bolt.pt, they do almost the same.

One thing that I would like to know, I would like to have my notebook encripted in the case someone steal it. Will the AES feature make the encrypt/decrypt much faster?

 

This should help answering your question:

AES-NI Performance Analyzed; Limited To 32nm Core i5 CPUs : Is Intel?s AES-NI Support A Must-Have Feature?

As said, AES-NI support only matters when encrypting \ decrytping stuff using the AES algorithm. If you plan spending some time (as in regularly) encrypting \ decrypting data using that algorithm it's probably worth the upgrade.

 

Wait around 5 months and the better and faster 580M will come on market ...

Just buy it, if you need the laptop.

 

In almost any modern business setting you will encounter these protocols quite a bit. In my buisiness, i encounter them constantly and more databases, destinations and sites are encrypted every day. Again, it comes down to "what is the use of this computer".

I think most of the buyers of powerful CPU/GPU computers like the 3820TG are gamers. Most business users have no idea how to take advantage of the features offered by such a wonderful business machine. That is, in part, becuase most business IT purchasers have no idea about the equipment they are buying or the environment in which it operates. They most certaintly have no idea of the innovations offered by the improvements in power and portability offered by these new devices.

For instance, I have heard purchasing departments refuse to authorize dedicated GPU's in laptops becuase they have been told by the commercial dealers that business machines have integrated graphcis only. This is true in less and less businesses every day. We are shifting from a print standard in the business world to a visual, multimedia standard. New portable laptops should be able to compile, create, edit, project and display, the most demanding visual presentations, including 3D simulations, which are proven to be more effective presentations than 2D or print. Tell that to 90% of my profession who still use presentation boards.

OK rant over ... back to topic. What was the question?

Bronsky

 

I'm sorry, but I think I've answered all questions already .

And yes, I'd bet over 90% of the 3820TG's buyers won't be buying it having that kind of business in mind. It's mostly for gamers and for multimedia \ art creators and editors, and as such Acer included the cheaper yet as effective i5-450M instead of 520M.

For performance-maniacs, there's also that 4820TG "il diavolo" model . Too bad there isn't any decent review on it.

 

When I'm done with my 3820TG it will duplicate the specs of the Il Diavolo and add a backlit keyboard.

The model will be called "Pequeño Il Diavolo"

Bronsky

 

Actually, it would be "Il Diavoletto", as in "the little devil".

pequeño = spanish
il diavolo = italian



Oh, don't forget to post reviews, pics, tutorials, etc if you find something worth it

 

Bronsky,

I am almost as eager to receive mine as I am for you to receive yours. Just can't wait for you to show us all the potential this little guy has...

 

this guy is good =)

 

what I need to know is if those "transparent" encryption software (and I believe microsoft itself ships some of that kind embbed in windows 7) takes advantage of CPU AES. I would like to have all my hard disk encrypted, and transparently unencrypted the in use files after I login with my password.

 

Yes, BitLocker Drive Encryption that comes with Windows 7 supports and takes advantage of the new AES instruction set, as shown in the benchmarks that I linked from TomsHardware before.

As you seem to not have checked that link, at least check this one, it's useful info on BitLocker.

Download details: Windows 7 Walkthrough: BitLocker and BitLocker to Go


Do note though that BitLocker isn't bullet-proof.

 

i´ve watched the movie and read tom´s hardware, and it just made me convince that I was right when I tought hardware accelerated AES is something I desire. Now I will see if it´s possible to me buy from computeruniverse and if I do so I will replace the CPU in the future with one faster and with AES support. Otherwise I will just wait for an USA 3820TG with AES-accelerated CPU.

 

Well, buying from computeruniverse is pretty simple, but if you have any trouble you can just ask Bronski, I'm sure he'll be glad to assist you .

I wouldn't count on i5-520M and up 3820TG's that soon. There were a few sold in Singapore, but it seems they went out of stock and never passed borders anyway. If you can wait though, it's probably worth the wait as new models will be appearing.

 

So bolt, when are you getting your TimelineX? What are you waiting for?

 

Oh, I've already ordered an old timeline 4810TG, SU7300, 4G DDR3, HD4330 512MB GDDR3, 160GB SSD for 530€. I just couldn't pass this up, the SSD alone is almost the price I paid for the laptop xD

I decided I won't be needing anything powerful these next couple years, so I decided to cheap out and save money for "vacations" in Sweden this next year .

 

Everybody I ever knew from Sweden always left there on vacation and went to southern Crete.

Bronsky

 

Hehe, I know what you mean, we get sun and high temperatures almost every day, and there're plenty of beaches around.

Thing is, I want to go to the the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden, next year . I went to the last one in London, it's truly awesome.

Imagine a small town with 5000 people from all over the world living together for 17 days. It's almost like you're traveling everywhere at the same time, being there with real people, see the culture shock and stuff.

Only got 2 major negative stuff from last one:
- Having to work with vinegar everyday. Augh, vinegar, let me count the ways I loathe thee.
- Meat pie! Oh Lord, that's gotta be the most disgusting food I've ever smelled. Fortunately it was only a part of one dinner and I actually never tasted it. It looked like a succulent and delicious pie until I cut through the cover and smelled that damned disgusting brown and gray paste that was inside; ugh!

 

Anybody been able to find the 4820TG in the US yet?

 

its available in india . The same US models have been lauched in india . The only difference being i3 330M inplace of i3 350M and i5 430M inplace of i5 450M

 

HP Envy 14 is official. Base price is $1,099. That includes the 1600 x 900 display and an I3-370M (first I've seen of these). Upgrade to single Dimm 4GB Ram is $25. The Intel 160GB SSD costs only $315. What a great price for the SSD. Builds ordered today on CTO are shipping July 7. The only real dissapointment is the lack of an I5-540M or better dual core as a CTO option. The I5-520M looks like the most powerful dual core you can get.

The 4820TG is lighter and thinner but, oh yea, you can't buy one here. Wat up wit dat Acer?

With no real competition from the Acer 4820TG or Asus N82JV on its release date, HP has elected to forgoe 25% Bing Cash back like it did when the 17 was released. There is still a 10% discount available. If there are no heat issues with the I5 and HD5650, this is going to be a big seller here in the US IMO.

 

bronsky, when do you think you'll receive your 3820TG?

cant find in this thread if you know already or not, not sure if its something that will be less than 2 weeks shipping...

 

Once the package leaves DHL's hands, there is no way to track it until it is delivered. I'm hoping this week. It's like Dumas said:

"Until the day when God shall deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is summed up in these two words,--'Wait and hope'. "
Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo.



I'm becoming wise I guess.

Bronsky

 

Is this correct? I thought Acer just announced releasing the 4820TG in the US (I'm assuming you live in the United States).

 

The T models are in the stores. Nobody has the TG models yet. They are, allegedly on their way (so is Q3 and Q4). You would think that US retailers would have liked to have had a product to compete with the Envy on the date of its release. No?

Bronsky

 

Acer launches new TimelineX series - DQ Week Global

The worldwide demand for this product is quite strong and as of now the supply is less. We expect the supply situation to get better by mid-July by which time we will have a more formal launch with a press announcement as well. At all our retail outlets, we have already trained people to focus on the three USPs of this product which is performance, battery life and slimness.” Elaborating on the marketing strategy on the product,

 

@Bron,

You can ignore my PM....

I decided to pull the trigger on the HP Envy....not sure if its the right decision, I only got the i5 430m...

It was too expensive when I built it last night running on no sleep, but then I got the education discount.
I figured with the power cord, and keyboard replacements for the 3820TG I'd be at 1000$, having it shipped from overseas, and having to do the keyboard replacement (I wouldn't feel comfortable doing the backlit so I'd just swap out).

The HP Envy has the 430m instead of the 450m, but I do get a better screen and a backlit keyboard built in. Its slightly heavier, but I weighed up the price i paid (no pun intended)...$1100 vs the $1000 for the 3820TG modded, and I just thought I might as well...

Its supposed to be built by July 7th (estimate). If thats not hit I will have to cancel, I paid for 2 day shipping on it. Due to this I am thinking of buying a Lenovo Y460 tonight/Tomorrow aswell, seems that will ship out faster, I just wont open it and return it if the Envy comes in time before my trip. I leave Sunday July 11th, so the last delivery day will be July 9th.

PS, I do like the fact HP has a 21 day full refund after date of delivery, it also means that they have a 21 day price guarantee, so I am hoping its possible some price drop happens a bit so that I can get a bit back still...

 

The decision to go 3820TG vs the Envy 14 was a hard one. I really like the look of it and the display is a real attraction. I don't think you can go wrong. Let us know how you like it and how it performs. BTW, you can always upgrade the processor.

Congratulations on your new HP. There are a lot of potential 4820TG owners in the US who "Envy" you. They would love to be able to order theirs.

Bronsky

 

I just cancelled my order and re-ordered with the i3 370m...from what people are saying the 370m would be better choice over 430m, so I though for $25 less, if i want to upgrade later thats $25 towards a new processor.

 

Bronsky, don't forget that unboxing video .

Anyway, is there a US keyboard for the 3820TG without backlit?

 

Yes. Just search ebay.

 

Is there a company in Singapore that ships 3820TG's to the USA?

That seems great since supposedly they sell the 3820TG's with U.S. keyboard.