Product Description

Intel Centrino2 Processor Technology; Intel Core2 Duo Processor P8600 (2MB L2 Cache | 2.0GHz | 800MHz FSB); Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit w/ Service Pack 1; 18.4 WXGA HD Widescreen Display (1680 x 945); Mobile Intel PM45 Express Chipset; 4096MB DDR2 667 MHz Dual Channel Memory; NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT Graphics; 320GB SATA 5400RPM Hard Drive; 8X DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive;6-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader; Intel Wireless WiFi Link 5100 802.11a/g/Draft-N; Acer Crystal Eye Webcam; Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution; Dolby Home Theater Audio Enhancement; 4 - USB 2.0 Ports; 1 - HDMI port with HDCP Support; Bluetooth 2.0+EDR; 8-Cell Lithium-Ion (2.4); 9.04 lbs. | 4.1 kg (system unit only).

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2076 in Personal Computers
• Brand: Acer
• Model: AS8730-6951
• Dimensions: 1.74" h x 17.30" w x 11.80" l, 9.04 pounds
• CPU: Intel Core Duo 2.4 GHz
• Memory: 4000MB DDR2 SDRAM
• Hard Disk: 320GB
• Processors: 2
• Display size: 18.4

Features

• Multimedia-focused laptop with award-winning sapphire blue Gemstone design and 18.4-inch screen for true 16:9 aspect ratio
• 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 processor (Centrino 2), 320 GB hard drive, 4 GB RAM (8 GB max), dual-layer DVD-R drive
• Draft-N Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n); Bluetooth; Gigabit Ethernet; Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics (up to 1791 MB total)
• Connectivity: 4 USB, 1 HDMI, 1 VGA, ExpressCard 54/34, 6-in-1 memory card reader
• Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Premium with SP1 (64-bit version)

Amazon.com Product Description
Featuring Acer's eye-catching, award-winning Gemstone design the Acer Aspire AS8730-6951 presents a cool, confident look and delivers powerful mobile computing. Designed for high-definition multimedia entertainment at home or on the go, the Aspire 8730 boasts a 15.6-inch HD Acer CineCrystal TFT LCD panel with a native 16:9 aspect ratio for a true cinematic view. And it includes two Acer 3DSonic stereo speakers and high-definition audio support for a complete, immersive multimedia experience.

The cover is shaped to resemble a precious stone, with the Acer logo floating on a polished midnight sapphire sublayer. The palm rest area has a matt grey finish that gives remarkable tactile feedback, while contrasting with the gleaming cover. Easy-to-use media keys allow access to frequently used functions and allow total multimedia control. The multi-gesture touchpad with circular-motion scrolling and pinch-action zoom puts swift, flawless navigation and intuitive zoom in and out at your fingertips.

The Acer Video Conference solution integrating real-time video and voice over internet delivers highly mobile and extremely flexible communication, and it includes the Acer Crystal Eye webcam and PrimaLite technology, which incorporates a premium sensor and lenses to provide superior video performance under low-light conditions. (An optional Acer Xpress VoIP phone provides hands-free VoIP via a Bluetooth connection for added freedom.) In addition to Bluetooth connectivity, the Aspire 8730 comes with Draft-N Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n) networking, featuring MIMO technology and supporting Acer SignalUp with Nplify wireless technology for a smooth connection to wireless networks.

It's powered by the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processor--with Centrino 2 technology--which boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. The 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 includes a quick 1066 MHz front-side bus and 3 MB of L2 cache, providing an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved multimedia and multitasking performance. Other features include a 320 GB hard drive, 4 GB of RAM (maximum capacity), Super-Multi drive for burning single- and dual-layer DVDs as well as CDs, Gigabit Ethernet networking, Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics (512 MB dedicated memory with up to 1791 MB of shared video memory), and pre-installed Windows Vista Home Premium operating system.

Spec Check 18.4-inch LCD screen 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 processor 320 GB hard drive 4 GB RAM (maximum) Dual-layer DVD±R drive Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n) Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics (512 MB dedicated) Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit) Weighs 9 pounds

The Basics

• Processor: Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 45nm Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 processor featuring Intel Centrino 2 technology. This processor has a 2.4 GHz processor speed, super-sized 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a extra-large 3 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

  Formerly codenamed Montevina, Intel Centrino 2 processor technology improves upon every facet of a laptop's main features, including performance and battery life via new processors and chipsets, faster draft 802.11n wireless, and new business-class manageability capabilities. The new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--conserves even more energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet.

  The Intel Core 2 Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and it can run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background.

• Hard Drive: The large 320 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 4 GB of installed RAM (PC2-5300, 2 x 2 GB) maximizes the capacity for this notebook,. It also offers a fast 667 MHz speed.

• DVD/CD Drive: The dual-layer DVD drive is compatible with a wide range of formats, including both DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs, CD-RW discs, and dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can hold up to 8.5 GB of data--great for backing up your MP3 collection or your most important documents. It features the following speeds: 4x for DVD+R DL, 4x for DVD-R DL, 8x for both single layer DVD±R, 8x for single layer DVD+RW, 6x for single layer DVD-RW, 5x for DVD-RAM, and 24x/16x for CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x and CD-ROMs at 24x.

• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a 105-key keyboard (12 function, four cursor, two Microsoft Windows keys; independent US dollar and Euro sign keys ), inverted T cursor layout, standard numeric keypad, hotkey controls, 2.5mm minimum key travel, and international language support. The touchpad has multi-gesture technology, including circular-motion scrolling and pinch-action zoom.

Screen, Video & Audio
The wide-aspect 18.4-inch Acer CineCrystal Full HD display provides a true cinematic view with 16:9 aspect ratio for HDTV and the latest Blu-ray Disc format. The 1680 x 945 resolution captivates with its precision and ensures flawless, pixel-for-pixel reproductions of entertainment created in the 720p high-def format. An 8 ms high-def response time diminishes ghosting in games with finely rendered, complex graphics. Acer GridVista software simultaneously shows up to eight windows on dual displays and automatically resizes open application windows to fit the screen for fantastic multitasking.

Video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics/video card, which provides 512 MB of dedicated video RAM and offers up to 1791 MB of total available graphics memory as allocated by Windows Vista. Enabled by PureVideo HD, movies come to life with outstanding picture clarity, ultra-smooth video and vivid color. The lifelike images have up to six times the detail of standard DVD movies. Delivering state-of-the-art graphics performance, The GeForce 9600M GT graphics card is sure to give you the power and performance you crave to play the hottest DirectX 9 and DirectX 10 titles. Its 16x full-screen antialiasing technology delivers superior quality along with astounding performance and since it's optimized for Windows Vista. This notebook also includes an integrated audio card with Microsoft DirectSound compatibility and two Acer 3DSonic stereo speakers.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and wi-fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). With the integrated Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones.

It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 54/34 card slot (replacing the PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. It comes with the following external connectors:

• 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 ExpressCard/54 slot (compatible with ExpressCard/34 media)
• 1 HDMI output (for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable)
• Analog video output: 1 VGA
• 6-in-1 memory card reader, compatible with Secure Digital (SD), MMC, MMCplus, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, and XD Picture Card
• 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
• 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
• 56K modem (V.92)

Operating System
The 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium (with SP1) is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Acer Crystal Eye, Acer Empowering Technology (eRecovery, eSettings, ePower Management), Acer GridVista, Acer Launch Manager, Adobe Acrobat Reader, CyberLink PowerDirector (trial version), McAfee Internet Security Suite (trial version), NTI Media Maker (OEM, not full-featured, version)

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 17.3 x 11.8 x 1.7 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 9 pounds.

Power
It's powered by an 8-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of up to 2.5 hours (depending on usage; 2.0 hours recharge time with power off, 3.0 hours with power on, 80% charge in 1.0 hour.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Acer Aspire AS8730-6951 (LX.AYE0X.018) notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase.

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Customer Reviews

Great performance and style, incorrect product description
I had my eye on this notebook as I was looking to replace my dying 4 year old 17" Toshiba laptop. When the price dropped 10% I felt the price became worthwhile. It quickly arrived in 4 days with regular super saver shipping.

This notebook mainly stands out for its large 18.4" screen and crisp audio. The screen is impressive for videos and gameplay. The audio quality sounded superb when I plugged in my headphones. The processor and video card are also quite good - I tested gameplay on "Devil May Cry 4 (PC version)" and it was pretty awesome.

I was also surprised that all input/output ports are on the left and right sides - there are no rear ports. Initially I wasn't sure whether I liked this, but it turns out to be easier than plugging cables into the rear :)

Shortfalls:
- the angled viewing is not as good as my old 17" Toshiba screen
- the touch pad is not centered - it is slightly to the left
- the incorrect product description (no Blu-ray drive)

In summary, I give this five stars as it is a great high performance laptop for multimedia and gaming with a reasonable price point.

Nice Overall
Very good product overall; it functions as advertised. However, Acer support is pretty poor. They do not support the software they install, especially the eSecurity software, such as the Personal Security Disk (PSD). The PSD is hidden, and there's no way to get to it, particularly to back it up. So I use Steganos Personal Safe program. There is also a bug in the PSD opening function, which Acer refuses to deal with, asking to be paid to do so. I also don't like the disk partitioning, and especially the third, hidden partition that holds system recovery data. I like to have control over the storage. They partition the disk into the visible C: and D: drives and the third hidden one, and this cannot be changed.

Review by Photographer / Graphic Artist / Printer
I purchased this computer in March 2009 and purchased it to upgrade my previous laptop - a Dell Inspiron 17" - and as it turns out, it upgrades my desktop - an HP media center w/ 4 gig mem and an intel e6400 chip - as well. I am a severe multi-tasker. Besides working on business transactions and browsing the web, I am an active concert photographer and take it on the road with me, when shooting a music festival, for example. I not only process photos but print up to 13"x19" inches, meaning file sizes of several hundred megabytes. On my web site / photography blog, I have a photo exhibit of over 20 plus 11x17 to 13x19 prints - almost all processed on and printed from the Acer.

My HP desktop would regularly go through long freezes or totally freeze up when working in photoshop with such files. Especially as I am usually surfing the web and watching tv on the computer while having word and a multitude of other programs open while working in photoshop. I have no such problems with this laptop. I don't have an "official" measure, but the Acer feels at least 20-25% faster than my HP [the e6400 dual core cpu is a very good cpu]. A lot of credit must go to the updated dual core p8600.

The 18.4" is a noticeable difference, allowing me to view side by side documents and windows much easier than the dell 17" screen, even though I don't think the screen, height wise is any taller (it is noticeably wider). I think I will post a longer article / review / video on my website / blog on how I use and can't live without my 18.4" Acer. Fwiw, I am a very active Amazon user, including ordering almost all my big ticket photography items via Amazon.