TechNurse.Net

All Things Technical

I haven’t heard anyone doing this, but I’m running Presto on Acer’s Timeline model 4810T-8480.

I loaded the Instant On OS from Presto, similar to Splashtop and Hyperspace, a watered down Linux OS.  Here’s the catch, it’ll set you back $20 USD for a single user license.  You can try it for free to make sure it works first.

Only issue I ran into was freezing of the mouse and keyboard as soon as I loaded it. Support gave me instructions on how to fix this by running it in safemode. That worked, although graphics aren’t the greatest in safe mode, but I can IM, websurf, check email, skype, plus it has alot of aps that you can load. But the real plus is under 10 sec boot time and shutdown. Great when you just want to boot up to check emails. Plus I’m guessing it does better with battery life since it doesn’t use as much resources. We’ll see. So far I’ve been working all day unplugged. Yeah!  Of course, you could just shut the lid and never turn off the computer with the way it handles battery life. It’s just another option.

If you encounter the mouse and keyboard freeze, below are the steps that tech support gave me that worked.

We have seen in the past where an unsupport, or poorly supported video card can cause other issues or system instability. If you could try to boot your system in VESA mode, just to see if this does help, it would be great.

To boot presto in Vesa mode, carry out the following steps:

1. Turn Computer on.

2. Select Presto from the Windows Boot Manager.

3. Immediately following the selection, press Esc multiple times until you reach the grub menu.

4. Highlight Xandros Presto and press ‘e’.

5. Highlight the line that begins with ‘kernel’ and press ‘e’.

6. Append SAFE_VIDEO_MODE to the end of that line, and press Enter.

7. While still highlighting the kernel line, press ‘b’.

–

Thanks and Regards,

Thomas,

Xandros/Scalix Support Team,

Xandros Corporation.

www.xandros.com

Ok, I’ve unpacked the 15.6″ timeline version from BJs.

It’s wider than my toshiba satellite by about 1/2″, but my toshiba satellite is twice as heavy and twice as thick.  I will try to post some photos later.

Keys are slightly smaller on the 15.6″ as it appears Acer wanted to squeeze in a dedicated number pad.  The touch pad is NOT centered unlike what I’ve seen other posts show.  It’s centered on the main keyboard, not based on the width of the whole notebook.

Also, I just realized on the 15.6″, they were able to squeeze in another USB port for a total of 4 vs. 3 on the 14″

I did play back the youtube videos on the 14″ in Vista mode as oppose to safe mode via Presto OS and video was much better.

That’s my first impressions, I’ll update this when I have more time to work on the 15.6″ version to see what impact the extra size and slower processor has.

Well, Staples had the Acer Aspire Timeline 14″ model 4810T-8480 and BJs had the 15.6″ model 5810TZ-4238, both supposedly do not charge restocking fees, so I’ve purchased both and trying them out.

The Staples 14″ version cost $699 and the BJs 15.6″ cost $599  Other than the size, the only difference I see is the 14″ has a slightly faster processor, a 1.4 with 3 MB cache vs. 1.3 with 2  MB cache, not sure if this warrants the extra $100.  You can go online and get the14″ 1.3 processor version from online stores for the same $599 price point.  I’ve only opened up the 14″ model so far.  BJs doesn’t appear to have it on their website.  I just saw it at one of my local stores.  One store had them, the other did not.  Sku # is: 679940.

What I like so far that the Asus U81A and the Ux50 lacks:

Thinner and Lighter
Keyboard not bad (Not backlit, but the U81A doesn’t have this either).  I think this will be a personal preferance as it is plasticy and glossy.  I was thinking I wouldn’t like it, but it isn’t as bad as I thought it might be.  Guess I was getting to like the Chiclet style keyboard, which this doesn’t have.
Mouse Trackpad I actually like, I know some reviews didn’t like the recessed buttons, but it doesn’t bother me, I usually tap the pad vs using the buttons.  Much better than the U81 or Ux50 glossy trackpad.  At least the Timeline series has a distinct border.
Multi-touch pad (more gimicky in my opinion, but maybe over time it’ll grow on me).
Small power adapter (Not like some of the bricks you see that weight as much as the notebook).  Also note, the power adapter has a feature to stop charging the battery once fully charged to save energy.  Not sure how big Asus’s adapter is.
Longer Battery Life (8 hrs, one report said with constant movie watching, lasted 4 hrs real world, but that’s pushing the HD constantly, so 8 Hrs seems realistic).
Wireless N support
Gigabit Port 1000 Base T LAN Support
Most importantly, the casing feels more solid i.e. aluminum matt finish as oppose to plastic glossy finger print finish which I’ve started to really hate now that I have a choice.
Runs Cool

What the Timeline doesn’t have:

Backlit keyboard
Faster Dual Core Processor
Facial Recognition (Personally fluff, don’t really want to see my mug shot everytime I need to log into something)
Asus’s Quickboot Splashtop (I loaded Presto, a $20 ap that does the same thing).

Wishes:

Backlit Chiclet style Keyboard
Bio-metric finger print reader
Faster Processor, Dedicated Graphics (Without loss of Battery Life of course )

I successfully loaded Presto to address the issue of not having Splashtop for quick booting.  Had to edit one parameter for it to load video in safe mode, but other than that, it works as an instant on application.  Loaded my Skype and IM accounts.  They also have alot of apps that you can add that splashtop doesn’t.

I will probably unpack the 15.6″ one to see if having the extra screen real estate and dedicated number pad with a slower processor is worth it at a $100 cheaper or keeping to the 14″ one or trading it in and purchasing a 14″ one with the slower processor to save $100.

First impressions with the timeline is, much nicer than having a netbook with similar or better battery life.  I do notice some sluggishness to response times and I haven’t loaded MS Office yet, but Acer also loads this with a ton of crapware which I haven’t removed yet, so once I decide which laptop to tote around, I’ll start loading my aps.  Because the U81A lacks so much of the features that suposedly was to make it the U80 and due to the plastic feel and terrible mouse pad, unless the response time is horrible, I’m probably going to stay with the Acer Timeline model.  The build just seems more solid.  At least the outside frame part.

Heat? The upper left side feels slightly warm if you want to be picky, but nothing compared to burning or uncomfortable.  I can have it on my lap without discomfort.  Was actually nice to have a light notebook to work and to be able to set it down without fear of it burning.  Oh, and if there was any fan or HD noise, didn’t really notice.

Sound? I just played a couple you tube videos and sound was fine for my taste.  I know some reviews didn’t like it because it didn’t have the mids or base, but I also tried it with my Bose noise canceling headphones and again sound was fine.

Video? With Presto, video was grainy for youtube, but I was having to run it in a video safe mode.  I haven’t had time to try it in Vista yet.  I will update this when I do.  It does have the same intel integrated video chip so this won’t appeal to gamers which I’m not much of.

Classify me as more a road warrior that needs light weight, reliable, long battery and decent processing power for business applications, i.e. MS Office and CBT Development using Camtasia, SnagIT, Photoshop and Dreamweaver.

I’ll let you know how the response is for these aps.  Note: the 13″ Timeline model does NOT have a DVD drive.  Only the 14″ and 15.6″ does.  The fact Acer was able to cram that in as well is amazing.  One less additional external device to lug around.  Just wish it was slot loading, I’m afraid I might press down too hard and break it.  But it’s new and I am babying it.  It’s probably as durable as any other notebook DVD, just the thin profile makes me more concious of how fragile it may or may not be.

One other sidenote, the Asus Ux50 power button Light is annoyingly blinding.  At least in the store it was.  So much I seriously considered taking it out of the running,  along with the terrible touch pad.

BTW, the U81A is lacking the following: Bluetooth (Neither Ux50 or U81a had bluetooth) Multi-touch and lighted mouse pad (Ux50 seemed to lack this as well) Backlit Keys (Ux50 did have backlit keys) Both the U81 and the Ux50 though do have the express gate feature from splashtop which gives more functions (Skype, email, etc) than say the Sony that only gives you a browser. Adding up all the missing parts that the U81A seems to be lacking, I’m thinking I will return the U81A and wait until I can get either the U20 or U80. The Ux50 was just a tad too big for travel purposes, although looked nice and having the dedicated number keys is nice, I think I’ll choose for portability this time. Of course if the U50 comes out, depending on the price point I might change my mind again.

Instructions on how to use the Samsung Instinct as a Modem.  I haven’t tried this so use at your own risk.  There may be additional charges as well, so you’ve been warned.

http://www.sprintusers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=166152

Asus U80 model at Best Buy is the U81A-RX05 Sku#: 9366562, appears to be the same as the U80 with slight modifications as you probably know Best Buy seems to water things down to decrease price point and make it their “unique” branding.

Here are the specs Best Buy printed out for me.

Dual Core T6500 800MHZ Bus, 2MB Cache 2.1 GHZ
802.11b/g/n
4 GB 6400 DDR2 RAM
DVD Mutil-format +-RW CDRW
14″ WXVGA LED 1366×768
320 GB HD 5400RPM
Intel 4500HD Graphics
1.3 Web Cam
Facial Recognition Security
8 in 1 Card Reader
3 USB Ports
10/100 Ethernet LAN RJ 45
4.7 Lbs and 1.3″ thin
7hr 18 min Battery life 6 cell Lithium Ion
Vista Home Premium 64bit SP1 OS
Azalia Audio Chip

Doesn’t mention anything about Blue Tooth or back lit keys, Hmmmm. Might have to look at the display a bit closer now that I’ve been able to do some more research. I can do without the Blue Tooth (I can get a micro usb bluetooth if I really need one later), but it would be nice to have the backlit keys. Also, the display didn’t seem to have the mouse pad light trail, more fluff than anything so not too concerned about that.

Just saw the Asus U80 at Best Buy for $649.  What a steal.  It has everything I was looking for (See earlier post)  Was initially looking at a netbook due to the long battery life and compactness, then looked at Best Buy’s 2 “Blue” computers that were $749 for the Toshiba and $899 for the HP.  HP had more options and keyboard seemed more solid, but battery life was less.  Toshiba, had a cool keyboard, but felt cheap, flexed and speakers were rated the worst.  Best Buy person stated that both models were being phased out already.

The Asus is so new, it’s not even posted on Best Buy’s Website yet or anywhere to purchase on the internet that I could find.  They appear to be in transition with their older models and replacing them with new ones in preparation for the July Holiday.

Asus u80 outbeats both though with longer battery life, backlit keys, thinner profile, better power than a netbook.  Includes both VGA and HDMI, express card, multi card reader, etc.  Includes the newer LED screens for longer battery life, multi-touch pad, facial recognition, battery life rated at around 7 -8 hrs, so I’m guessing more like 6 hours, but hey, that’s better than some netbooks.  Now I don’t need to compromise between power and battery life and it’s cheaper than some of the outdated models still selling.

Ok, the only thing it’s missing are 2 ports, eSATA and a firewire, but not deal breakers at this time.  Make note, I’m not much of a gamer, so the fact this has integrated video also isn’t a deal breaker, but I know hard core gamers won’t like this.  I travel alot, so lightweight, power and long battery life are critical.  I plan to use this for business aps, ebook reading, photo editing, video editing and programming.  Of course the typical netbook usage: email, internet, watching videos, etc.  This should replace my HP tablet which just gets too hot and battery life is dismal, not to mention the weight.  I think this may also have the new Instant On feature (unsure if it’s using spashtop or hyperspace) for those “netbook” usages, it does have that dedicated button, we’ll see, otherwise I’ll just load Presto onto it for the same functionality.  I’m waiting until Sunday to see what other notebooks come out, so I haven’t unboxed this yet because Best Buy will charge a 15% restocking fee if I decide to go with something else.  But I did purchase the only one they had as I’m sure this baby will disappear very quickly off the shelves, assuming they get any more in by Sunday.

This could be the netbook killer if all computer companies can produce these for such a low price point saving people from having to compromise speed, size and features for battery life.  Yeah, I know there are compact notebooks but for the starting prices of $1,000-$3,000 and they don’t come with backlit chicklet style keys.

For those looking to increase their screen size to 15.6″ and have a dedicated numeric keypad, for $400-600 more, there’s the U50, not sure where though you can buy one.  Tempting, but can’t justify the extra cost just for those 2 improvements.  But then I’ve also been seeing the U80 priced at $900, so perhaps the U50 will be cheaper than what the web is reporting currently.

I know Dell, MSI, HP and all the other major companies are planning on releasing their versions of full notebook computing with thin sheek style and longer battery life, but at what price and when.  At $649, I’d be hard press to see any of them doing any better.  We’ll see.

Also, if you purchase an Asus computer on June 26th or later, you qualify for a free Upgrade to Windows 7 when it’s released on Oct 22, 2009.  See details here.

Also, I just learned you might get a years worth of FREE Accidental Damage Protection.  See details here.  The fine print suggests it won’t be honored, but it did let me register, so we’ll see.  Won’t hurt to try.

Now, I’m just waiting till Sunday, to see what all the “new” models Best Buy is planning on selling since it seems to be such a big secret, all the sales people keep saying they can’t say or sell any of the new laptops they just got in until Sunday.  We’ll see.  Perhaps I’ll change my mind on this one too.  Maybe they’ll have a U50 for only $50-100 more.  If I decide to keep this one, I’ll provide an update with my first impressions.

Tech Crunch Tablet is still under development, but the prototype shows promise.  Also check out the Crunch Pad link.

Click Here to get the Free Download of Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC).  Downloads will no longer be avaliable starting Aug 15th. Although you will still be able to get activation keys just not the code.  Also, the RC is only good until March 1, 2010 which at that time a Complete re-install of a licensed version is neccessary.  Oct. 22, 2009 is when the official public release of Windows 7 happens.  Best Buy has leaked that computers purchased after June 26 will qualify for a free upgrade to Windows 7.  Read more here.  Additional Windows 7 News