$US1350 also gets you 4GB of 1066-DDR3 memory, 500GB storage, 1GB Nvidia GeForce GTS 250M graphics and a Blu-ray drive. Unfortunately, there’s no integrated TV tuner, but you do get nice touches like Acer’s touch-capacitive media control interface and surround sound via five built-in speakers.

The series will be user configurable and is expected to arrive “this holiday season”.

Acer Aspire AS8940G-6865
• Intel® Core(TM) i7 Processor 720QM (1.60GHz, 6MB L3 Cache, 1333MHz FSB)
• 18.4″ Full HD Widescreen CineCrystal(TM) LED-backlit Display
(1920×1080 Resolution, 16:9 Aspect Ratio)
• 4GB DDR3 Dual-Channel 1066MHz Memory
• NVIDIA® GeForce® GTS 250M with 1GB dedicated DDR3 VRAM
• 500GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive (1)
• 4X Blu-ray Disc(TM)/DVD SuperMulti Double-Layer Drive
• Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader
• Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5100 802.11a//bg/Draft-N Wi-Fi CERTIFIED®
• Acer Crystal Eye(TM) Integrated Webcam
• Touch-Capacitive Media Control Interface
• 5 USB 2.0 Ports, 1 HDMI Port, 1 eSATA Port
• 8-cell Li-Ion Battery (4800mAh)
• Dolby Home Theater® Audio Enhancement
• Acer CineSurround Sound System (5 built-in speakers)
• Windows® 7 Home
• MSRP $US1,349.99

Bloatware, the crap software that manufacturers pre-install on their computers that include demos, media software and other junk you never use, is infuriating. And seeing the numbers, it’s even more insane that these companies are crippling their own products with this junk. Here’s how the worst offenders break down, compared to clean installs on the same machines:

Acer: 2:01 longer boot time, 952MB larger memory footprint, 2.4GB less HDD space
HP: 1:35 longer boot time, 1.06GB larger memory footprint, 2.18GB less HDD space
Dell: 0:52 longer boot time, 1.18GB larger memory footprint, 3GB less HDD space
Sony: 1:54 longer boot time, 1.11GB larger memory footprint, 1.3GB less HDD space

Pretty repulsive stuff; at least Microsoft isn’t including this garbage on PCs sold in their stores. Be sure to check out PC Pro for the full study and results. [PC Pro via Slashdot]

It looks like the same unit that the US sells for $US400, complete with 1.6GHz Atom processor and 1TB HDD (and three spare slots), although no firm local pricing or release dates have been announced. But one thing’s for sure, the Home Server market looks like it might actually be going somewhere…

[APC – Thanks Dean!]

The AS1410 offers options more powerful than a netbook but not as powerful as what we think of as a full-fledged notebook. It’s got a Celeron instead of an Atom, offers 2GB or 4GB of memory, up to a 250GB hard drive, runs Windows 7 and has both a multitouch trackpad and a full-sized keyboard (despite the laptop’s screen size being only 11.6 inches). It’ll be available sometime this holiday season, starting at $US400, which should make it a solid netbook competitor. Press release below. [Acer]

NEW ACER AS1410 SERIES BRINGS STYLE AND AFFORDABILITY TO ULTRAPORTABLE COMPUTING

11.6-inch notebook lightens the load for mobile users who want to enjoy social networking, video and productivity applications on the go; available for just $US399

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 20, 2009 – Bringing affordability to the ultraportable notebook platform, Acer America today announced the new Acer Aspire AS1410 Series. These new notebooks integrate enough power for enjoying digital entertainment in a very sleek, stylish design for just $US399.

“With the rising popularity of social networking, consumers are more connected than ever to the online world,” said Ray Sawall, senior manager of product marketing for Acer America. “When it comes to selecting a notebook, they’re increasingly concerned with size, weight and style. The AS1410 Series is small enough to be carried in a backpack or even a large purse but with enough power for spreadsheets and presentations. Aggressively priced, the AS1410 is an affordable mobile solution for checking Twitter updates, viewing YouTube videos and handling productivity applications on a plane, at school or a coffee house. Those in the market for a netbook should consider this notebook as an option, due to the step up in processing power.”

Just one-inch-thin and 3.08 pounds, these systems are sleek and light, but with a full-size keyboard. The full-sized keyboard is comfortable and easy to type on, particularly for taking advantage of productivity applications. The compact size combined with a traditional keyboard comprises a convenient platform for frequent travelers and students. With the needs of mobile users in mind, the AS1410 Series is designed to suit an individual’s own personal flair with three elegant colour options – Diamond Black, Sapphire Blue and Ruby Red.

Powerful Performance; Petite Package

Although it’s the size of a netbook, the Aspire AS1410 Series is truly a mainstream notebook with the performance to suit a variety of users. Featuring an Intel® Celeron® processor and 2GB DDR2 memory (upgradeable to 4GB), the notebooks have plenty of power for document creation, media playback and daily task management.

The systems are also outfitted with the new Windows 7 Home Premium operating system and up to a 250GB hard drive,(1) which is large enough to store a vast library of music, images and spreadsheets. Offering plenty of productive time when away from a power outlet, a 6-cell Lithium Ion battery provides up to a whopping six hours of battery life,(2) enough power to keep the PC charged on a coast to coast flight.

The systems are also primed for visual clarity. The 11.6-inch widescreen HD LED-backlit display is large enough to comfortably view videos, photos, documents and web pages. Featuring LED backlit technology, a 16:9 aspect ratio and Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD, the AS1410 Series delivers realistic HD pictures with crisp detail and smooth video playback.

Integrated speakers and Dolby® Sound Room® audio enhancement deliver lifelike sound for enjoying videos, movie downloads and music. A webcam and digital microphone make it fun and easy to get virtual face time with friends and family via live video streaming and video chat.

Intuitive PC Navigation, Convenient Connectivity

Affording easy, intuitive PC navigation, the new Aspire notebooks have a multi-gesture touchpad. Users can scroll, zoom in and out and quickly flip through web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more by pinching, flicking and swirling their fingers across the touchpad.

Despite the compact form factor, the new notebooks offer a wide array of ports including an integrated multi-in-one media reader to conveniently transfer files from digital devices. An HDMI port allows the systems to support any PC or TV video format via a single cable, while three USB 2.0 ports enable connection to the latest peripherals and digital devices. Advanced Intel 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N Wireless and Gigabit Ethernet LAN enable fast access to email, the web and social networks.

Pricing/Configurations/Availability
The Acer® Aspire AS1410 Series notebooks will be available for U.S. customers at leading retailers this holiday season. A sample configuration as well as specifications and pricing follow.

Acer® Aspire AS1410 Notebook PC – Prices begin at $US399.99

* Intel® Celeron® Processor SU2300 (1.2GHz, 1MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
* 11.6-Inch HD Widescreen CineCrystal™ LED-Backlit Display (16.9 Aspect Ratio; 1366×768 Resolution)
* Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
* Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
* 2GB DDR2 Dual-Channel 667MHz Memory (Upgradeable to 4GB)
* 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive(2)
* Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader
* Intel® WiFi Link 1000 802.11 a/b/g/Draft-N
* Integrated Acer Crystal Eye Webcam
* Two Built-In Stereo Speakers and Dolby® Sound Room® Audio Enhancement
* Full-Size Acer FineTip Keyboard
* Multi-Gesture Touchpad Supporting Circular Motion, Scrolling, Pinch-Action Zoom and Page Flip
* Three USB 2.0 Ports
* HDMI Port
* 6-Cell Li-Ion Battery (4400 mAh), up to Six Hours Battery Life
* 3.08 Pounds
* Two-Year International Travelers Limited Warranty

Acer had said their phone, which’ll run a customised version of Android 1.6 Donut, would have a social networking-centric contacts system, like HTC’s Sense. Photos from HDBlog.it show more: On top of the contact management system, Acer’s designed their own widgets, including an ingenious, should-be-standard single homescreen switch for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and a few other hardware functions. Acer’s also thrown in a new dialler, some kind of ALT-TAB-esque task manager and a multimedia dashboard.

Hardware specs have been leaked dry, confirming what we already knew—a 1GHz Snapdragon processor clocked to 768 Mhz, WVGA capacitive screen, and a 5MP camera—and throwing in a few precious nuggets: the Liquid’s screen will measure up at 3.5 inches, and the phone will ship with 256MB of RAM, Wi-Fi, a 3.5mm headphones jack and a 1350mAh battery.

All’s well on Acer’s side of things, so now it’s just a waiting game. Acer doesn’t exactly have a long history of making smartphones, much less a history with major US carriers, meaning Our Sweet Liquid may have some trouble immigrating. It goes without saying, this would be tragic.

Update: Apparently there are a few units kicking around Europe; here’s a video, with some clear looks at the hardware and interface, from France:

[HDBlog.it via Nexus404]

Other specs remain identical to the Windows XP, 1GB RAM, Atom 230 model that costs about $US200 bucks. Each has 802.11n Wi-Fi and is a VESA attachment so you can mount it on the back of your flat panel monitor or TV.

The $US330 AspireRevo (R3610-U9012) is new, but should already be up for grabs over at: [Acer]

• Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
• Intel® Atom™ 330 Processor (1.6GHz)
• Integrated NVIDIA® ION™ Graphics Solution
• 2GB DDR2 SDRAM Memory
• 160GB SATA Hard Drive(2)
• Six USB 2.0 Ports (Two Front, Four Back)
• HDMI Port
• eSATA Port
• VGA Port
• Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader
• 802.11b/g/Draft-N Wireless
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
• USB Stereo Speakers
• High-Definition Headphone and Microphone Jacks

Acer—which owns Gateway, eMachines and Packard Bell—scored 11.1 per cent of US computer sales between July and September this year, according to IDC. Gartner puts that figure at 13.9 per cent.

As you can see in the chart above, Garner also puts Dell in the top US spot with a 26.2 per cent share. IDC disagrees, placing HP first (25.5 per cent), Dell second (25 per cent), Apple fourth (9.4 per cent), and Toshiba fifth (8.1 per cent).

The two research firms agree on the rankings of worldwide sales, though their numbers are slightly different.

What’s also interesting is that total sales grew by as much as 3.9 per cent compared to last year. That’s pretty surprising when both predicted the down economy would make us all tech scrooges. Maybe Windows 7 has drummed up interest after all, what do you think? [Gartner Research via BusinessWire | IDC Research via Reuters] [Image Credit]

This initial $US900 Z5610 also lacks the built-in Blu-ray drive or TV tuner we saw in our April preview. If you’re after an all-in-one that doubles as a TV, you might be better off looking at HP’s TouchSmart 600 or Sony’s Vaio L. The $US1400 Gateway ZX6800 has a TV tuner, but not Blu-ray.

In terms of looks, the Z5610 holds its own. An ambient lighting strip between the display and sound bar illuminates the keyboard in the dark, and the PC’s chrome legs create room to stow away the keyboard and tilt the display 10-20 degrees.

The rest of the specs are pretty basic, though: 4GB DDR3-800 RAM (expandable to 8GB), 320GB hard disk, 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD4570 graphics, SuperMulti optical drive, six USB slots, and one eSATA port. You also get 802.11n and Gigabit networking, plus a bundled wireless keyboard and mouse.

Underpowered, yes. But not bad for the price. The Aspire Z5610 arrives sometime before Christmas for $US800.

According to PC Pro, the Aspire 5738PG’s display is bright, sharp, vivid and with only “some very slight horizontal lines”. That sounds decent for a 3D laptop, but we’ll see once it hits shelves on October 22, as we expected. No word on pricing yet, nor whether more fashionable 3d glasses will be available. [PC Pro]