Acer announces new Timeline 8x72 series laptops

 

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Posted on 4 Mar 2010 at 11:24

Acer has announced a new generation of TravelMate Timeline laptops based on Intel's new Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 mobile processors.

The new Acer TravelMate 8x72 Timeline series pairs Intel's latest CPUs with an Intel HM55 chipset to allow Acer to combine "top performance with energy efficiency" thanks to Intel's Turbo Boost technology. Turbo Boost dynamically increases performance to match the task you're doing and turns off parts of the processor when they're not in use.

In addition to the energy efficiency from Intel's new processors, Acer has built further energy-saving technologies into its new 8x72 Timelines. These include Acer CineCrystal LED backlit displays which the firm says saves "up to 33 per cent" power compared to "standard notebook panels" and Acer's PowerSmart button to give you quick access to controlling system performance and battery life.

All of this helps the new TravelMate Timeline 8x72 laptops to deliver more than eight hours battery life according to Acer, but it does say that "actual battery life varies by usage, settings and operating conditions" so we'll take that number with a pinch of salt until we've tested them.

The new Timelines will be available in 13.3in, 14in and 15.6in screen sizes with all models using WXGA (1,366x768) resolution panels. The models weigh in at anywhere between 1.6kg for the 13.3in model to 2.6kg for the 15.6in one. All models are less than an inch thick at their thickest point, but still pack a lot of hardware into their sleek form factors.

All of the 8x72 series include up to 640GB of hard drive space (or a 160GB solid state drive), multi-card reader and a DVD drive. Connectivity options include the standard WiFi, Gigabit Ethernet and Bluetooth, as well as 3G on some models. There's also a built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam and a multi-gesture touchpad.

Acer hasn't announced pricing or availability yet, but we will bring you reviews of the new Timeline series as soon as we can.

Author: Tim Smalley