Ultrabooks are all the rage in the mobile computing world these days and Acer has introduced one of the thinnest and lightest Ultrabooks yet: the Aspire S5.
CES 2012 is starting off in a huge way with Acer announcing a number of products, among them the new svelte Aspire S5 which measures ridiculous 15mm at its thickest point and weights just under 3lbs but retains much of the functionality one expects from a notebook. As with all Ultrabooks, the S5 comes with an Intel Core processor and an SSD in order to keep weight and power consumption to a minimum but it also features some high end build features like a magnesium alloy cover and palm rest to provide some added durability. Supposedly, there’s also a “hidden” panel for the I/O connectors like we saw on Samsung’s own Series-9. Most importantly, Acer is claiming Thunderbolt support which up until now has been an Apple exclusive.
For all you road warriors, Acer is claiming good battery life (though no actual numbers are discussed) but more importantly, the battery is supposed to hold up to 80% of its charge after 1000 recharges.
The S5 is supposed to launch in Q2 2012 and the press release is below.
Acer unveiled the world’s thinnest Ultrabook with the Aspire S5, an ultra-slim device that measures only 15 mm at the maximal point. It weighs less than 1.35 kg (less than 3 lbs.) and is built with a 13.3-inch (34 cm) LCD. In addition, it features the unique Acer Green Instant On technology for fast boot and resume, and Acer Always Connect, which lets users manage their multimedia and data on all their devices at anytime, anywhere — even from sleep.
Instantly on and always connected
Innovative Acer Green Instant On and Acer Always Connect technologies enable data upload and retrieval anytime, anywhere, and deliver power-saving features as well.
Acer Green Instant On provides instant-resume functionality (in 1.5 seconds) and ensures battery life that lasts several weeks.
Acer Always Connect gets users online faster than conventional connections for better productivity and infotainment enjoyment. With their Facebook, Twitter and Outlook email accounts open, users can see updates instantly upon resuming. Furthermore, Acer Always Connect can wake up the Aspire S5 from a remote device like a smartphone. Access to all documents, music, pictures and video files is fast and always available.
Ultra-fluid contours
Adorned with a delicately curved chassis in Onyx Black, the Aspire S5′s cover rim wraps around the system body like a protective shell. A magnesium-aluminum alloy cover and palmrest provide a slimmer and sturdier form, while the metallic brushed detail presents subtle elegance. The clean and ultra-fluid contours seen from all angles make the S5 a vision of beauty.
Magical I/O port panel
The Aspire S5 is Acer’s first Ultrabook to feature a smartly designed MagicFlip I/O port panel concealed just below the hinge. This design feature enhances the overall slenderness and streamlined form of the S5. When needed, a press of the MagicFlip key opens the panel to reveal a selection of I/O ports: HDMI®, USB 3.0 and 20 Gbps Thunderbolt.
Performance and eco-friendly features
The Aspire S5 features an Intel® Core™ processor, SSD storage for speed and increased shock resistance, professionally-tuned Dolby® Home Theater® v4, long battery life via the PowerSmart battery pack (with a 3X longer life cycle The battery will hold up to 80% of its original capacity after as many as 1,000 recharges. A full recharge comprises a complete charge-and-discharge cycle, and does not always occur each time the notebook is plugged in to a power source, as several partial charges can add up to a full recharge. Over three years of typical notebook use, the Acer PowerSmart long-life battery does not require replacement; conventional Li-ion battery packs must be replaced three times, assuming one charge per day, 300 charges a year. than traditional batteries), and is equipped with a chiclet keyboard.
MSI again proves it is a market leader in the PC gaming case sector with the release of their Interceptor line of cases. Look for the Interceptor series in December at an MSRP of $79.99 and $59.99.
MSI today announced a new line of computer cases aimed at PC enthusiasts that will be exclusively distributed by Pro-Com Products in North America.
The Interceptor Series is designed to meet the rigorous demands of overclockers and gamers, yet provides extensive functionality and flexibility for everyday users.
Two models will premiere in the black steel ATX mid tower designs – the Nighthawk and the Raptor.
Key features of MSI’s new Interceptor series include:
Advanced Thermal Air Flow for superior cooling and maximized ventilation with ball-bearing and LED fans; supports additional cooling options for safe, reliable operation of high performance components.
Tool-less drive bay and expansion setup allows users to quickly and easily upgrade their PC.
3-Year Warranty for longevity akin to existing MSI Military Class series of products.
Both models boast seven (7) expansion slots, making them ideal for multi-GPU settings and accommodate high end graphics cards up to 12.2in/310mm in length. An Included USB 3.0 port and pre-installed 12-in-1 front panel card reader provides quick access to all popular storage formats.
“We are proud to continue expanding on the higher standard inspired by MSI’s award-winning Military Class series of products,” said Rajiv Kothari, Director of Product Management at Pro-Com Products. “The brand-new Interceptor series’ combination on functionality, design, and value will surely appeal to all types of passionate PC builders.”
Availability and Pricing
The Interceptor series will be readily available by the end of December in North America at authorized retailers and e-tailers. The Nighthawk has an MSRP of $79.99 and the Raptor has an MSRP of $59.99.
