Acer Aspire TimelineX AS4820T-3697 14-Inch Laptop (Aluminum)

by Acer

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 13.5 x 1.9 inches ; 5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 8.6 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B003LL2D0A
• Item model number: AS4820T-3697
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,156 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 20, 2010

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

11.5-Hour, All-Day Performance with the Acer Aspire TimelineX 4820T

Combining Intel Core i5 processing performance with extended battery life, the breathtaking thin and lightweight Acer Aspire TimelineX laptop (model AS4820T-3697) gives you the freedom to roam all day long with an 11.5-hour battery life and stay productive with its 14-inch LED-backlit display.

A perfect balance to mobility and portability at just a feather heavier than 5 pounds, the TimelineX features a premium durable design with a black brushed aluminum cover and a brushed metal palm rest that not only looks sharp but protects from fingerprints as well. Burn through the hottest new digital media, content creation and advanced 3D gaming with the breakthrough performance of the Intel Core i5 processor--with 4-way multitasking processor power to work on four tasks simultaneously.

Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you'll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to.

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Key Features

• 14-inch HD widescreen CineCrystal LED-backlit display
• 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5-450M dual-core processor for smart performance with a speed boost (2.66 GHz with Turbo Boost Technology; 3 MB L3 cache). Intel's Turbo Boost technology maximizes speed for demanding applications, dynamically accelerating performance to match your workload--providing more performance when you need it the most. It also comes equipped with Intel HD Graphics--an advanced video engine that delivers smooth, high-quality HD video playback, and advanced 3D capabilities, providing an ideal graphics solution for everyday computing.
• 500 GB SATA hard drive (5400 RPM)
• 4 GB of installed DDR3 RAM (1066 MHz)
• Intel HD Graphics with 128 MB of dedicated system memory
• 8x SuperMulti DVD±R/RW drive can also write to CD, DVD-RAM, and dual-layer (DL) DVD±R discs--which can hold up to 8.5 GB of data.
• 1.3-megapixel HD webcam lets you go face to face in online chats and VOIPs with 1280 x 1024 resolution, and easily take still pictures and videos that you can share with friends.
• Stereo speakers with third-generation Dolby Home Theater audio enhancement technologies transforms the experience of movies, music, and games. Includes Dolby Digital Live, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Headphone, Dolby Natural Bass, and Dolby Sound Space enhancer technologies.
• Wireless-N Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) for ultra-fast connectivity to home and business networks.
• Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000)
• Next-generation Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity provides faster throughput while minimizing on power requirements. It's compatible with new Bluetooth 3.0-enabled devices as well as backward compatible with older Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as printers and cell phones.
• Multi-Gesture Touchpad allows you to pinch, flick and swirl your fingers across the touchpad for more natural photo and video viewing as well as intuitive navigation of websites such as Google Earth. It also enables you to scroll, zoom in and out and flip through Web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more. (Learn more)
• Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader compatible with Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick PRO (MS PRO), xD-Picture Card (xD)
• 4 USB ports
• HDMI high-definition audio/video output allows a single cable to transmit uncompressed high-definition video to your digital TV or LCD
• Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. And you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV on Windows Media Center. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium.
• Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade. It's the best way to add features to Windows 7, takes as few as ten minutes, requires no software or downloads, and you'll keep your existing programs, files, and settings. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process.
• Acer Backup Manager Software enables you to set up backup your valuable data or media portfolio with ease, and protect your assets intelligently and quickly.
• Up to 11.5 hours of battery life (9-cell battery)
• Weight: 5.03 pounds
• Warranty: One-year parts and labor limited warranty with concurrent International Traveler's Warranty

What's in the Box
This package contains the Acer Aspire TimelineX AS4820T-3697 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions

Learn More

Stay Entertained Wherever you Are A cinematic 14-inch HD Widescreen LED-backlit display features a 16:9 True Cinematic View for enriched multimedia playback. View HD content and DVDs in full HD and integrated Intel HD graphics bring stunning clarity to your display. Enjoy a perfect view from any angle; this notebook opens up to 165 degrees for easy use anywhere. With 802.11b/g/n wireless and Gigabit Ethernet LAN you will always have a way to jump on the Internet and access email, browse the web, connect to your social networks and more! Dolby Home Theater V3 Audio Enhancement delivers audio that's true to the original source, so you hear every detail. And with 5.1-Channel output you can enjoy intuitive surround sound through any pair of speakers, or set of headphones. An HDMI port delivers crisp high-quality visuals and high fidelity audio to an external LCD or big screen TV through only a single cable connection.

Unbeatable Extras Provide Ease of Use 1.3 Megapixel HD Webcam and Microphone deliver smooth video and superior voice quality when face to face in online chats or on conference calls. Snap still pictures and create videos to share. Stay backed up with peace of mind. Acer Backup Manager Software enables you to set up backup your valuable data or media portfolio with ease, and protect your assets intelligently and quickly. Smart controls like the Easy-launch P-Key let you open your favorite or most used program with a single touch.

The Acer Multi-Gesture Touchpad

A Multi-Gesture Touchpad allows you to pinch, flick and swirl your fingers across the touchpad for more natural photo and video viewing as well as intuitive navigation of websites. The Multi-Gesture Touchpad enables you to scroll, zoom in and out and flip through Web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more. The TouchPad can also be disabled with a one-touch button, eliminating accidental cursor movement with palms and wrists when using an external mouse.

Product Description

Acer Aspire TimelineX AS4820T-3697 Notebook comes with these specs: Intel Core i5-450M Processor with Turbo Boost Technology, Windows 7 Home Premium, 14-inch HD Widescreen CineCrystal LED-backlit Display, Mobile Intel HM55 Express Chipset, 4096 MB DDR3 1066MHz Memory, Intel HD Graphics, 500 GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive, Built-In HD 1.3MP Webcam, Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader, Dolby Home Theater v3 Audio Enhancement, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi CERTIFIED, Bluetooth, 4 - USB 2.0 Ports, 1 - HDMI Port, Easy-launch Programmable Key, 9-cell Li-ion Battery (9000 mAh), Up to 11.5 hours of battery life, 5.03 lbs. | 2.28 kg (system unit only), AC Power Adapter, AC Power Cord, Wireless Setup Card, Registration/ Limited Warranty Card, McAfee Internet Security Suite (60-day insert).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, portable, frustration-free, July 7, 2010

By 

drenchedinwine (NYC) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Acer Aspire TimelineX AS4820T-3697 14-Inch Laptop (Aluminum) (Personal Computers)

I bought this laptop for grad school after looking into several thin-and-light laptops with long battery life. I will be commuting several hours in the subway and staying on campus more or less all day, so I wanted a laptop that would be relatively light to schlep, and have a long battery life to last all day without being plugged in. My laptop usage consists of mainly webbrowsing, word processing, movie watching, and occasionally playing games. At first, I bought the ASUS UL80, but the trackpad was intolerable so I returned it. Then I bought this model, which I am very happy with so far.

Weight/size/battery: It's not VERY light...definitely heavier than the Asus, but still a portable weight. It is very thin and compact as advertised. Mine has a 9 cell battery which does stick out and add significantly to the weight - the laptop doesn't lie flat because the battery makes a little ledge. On the plus side, it probably helps keep the laptop cooler by allowing the heat to dissipate (btw the laptop does have good heat control), but the con is that if you do actually put the laptop on your lap it's kind of annoying because it juts into your legs, but that's a minor gripe. I haven't tried to push the battery life limits, but I used the laptop on battery for about 4 hours with most of the battery indicator still full. ETA: with screen brightness turned to minimum & power saving settings, my battery lasts about 9-10 hours. While playing a graphics-heavy game with sound, off of a CD, it still lasted an amazing 5-6 hours. Also, all the heat blows out of the left side, so make sure you keep that side uncovered.

Build quality: It has a nice matte metal finish that doesn't pick up fingerprints easily. The area around the keyboard is a shiny black plastic, but it doesn't seem to pick up fingerprints either. (ETA: When I just touch the surfaces it doesn't leave prints. But if I smear/slide my fingers on it, it'll leave a mark. The cover will get printy, but the area around the trackpad won't.) There is some flex in both the screen and the keyboard, but it doesn't bother me because it's not as if opening the laptop or typing will snap either in half. The screen is incredibly thin though, so I can see how some people could be worried about durability...but again, I don't see how normal usage could possibly break it.

Screen: For me, the 14" screen was a good compromise - not too bulky to schlep, but not too cramped for typing and watching movies either. I'm no graphics expert, but to me the colors and everything look fine. I'm not used to the aspect ratio though, so things appear more horizontally stretched out than I'm used to.

Keyboard: I like the way that the keys look - like flat rocks floating in space. Neither chiclet keys nor old school keys. They feel a little different and I will have to get used to it, but I can type with ease. They keys aren't very quiet but nothing outrageous. There is no numberpad, but I like that they wrote a numberpad over existing keys that you can use if you push Fn. I don't like that you need to use 2 hands to push Fn and the media keys to control your media though (i.e. play, stop, volume etc.). The Fn button is all the way on the left, and all the media control keys are all the way on the right so you can't do things like pause your music with one hand. The key placement isn't terribly intuitive either - volume up/down are on the arrow keys, while mute is up on F8. I wish the laptop had dedicated physical one-touch buttons for things like media control and wireless. Also, the arrow keys are about half the size of regular keys, which I don't like. I'm just nitpicking though - the keyboard in general is adequately functional and easy to use.

Trackpad: The trackpad is comfortable to use - neither under nor oversensitive. The multi-touch gestures are easy and intuitive. The pinch gesture for zoom is the most useful to me because it's not redundant. I don't use horizontal flick ever because the screen is so wide it's generally not necessary to scroll sideways. I don't tend to use the 2 finger scroll either because I prefer to use the scroll area on the right side of the trackpad (and it's a little ridiculous that there are 3 ways to scroll vertically on the trackpad - scroll area, 2 finger, spiral). If you do want to use the 2 finger scroll, be sure to keep your fingers far apart enough to register as 2 fingers. The right/left click buttons are just 1 single bar under the trackpad. They are easy to click, but I wish they were 2 separate buttons. The trackpad is off-center and aligned slightly to the left from the keyboard, so I often click too much in the middle when I want to left click, and have to slide my thumb to the left to complete the action, and then realign my hand back to the keyboard. I'm not even sure why it's off-center, since this model doesn't have a number pad, and it's not even centered with the space bar. It's slightly annoying, but something I'm sure I can adjust to quickly.

Speed: I had a 3.5 year old laptop with a Core 2 Duo processor, 4 GB of RAM, running Windows 7 before this one, with very mediocre speed. It would take a full minute to open firefox at startup, and sometimes decide that copy/pasting a paragraph of text was too much work and freeze. The new Asus I tried out also had these specs and was only mildly less mediocre in speed than my old laptop. This Acer laptop is much faster. I haven't tried to run anything too crazy on it, but for simple multitasking (e.g. firefox + word + utorrent + gridrepublic) it worked really well. I haven't found myself constantly waiting for things to open...at most a few seconds once in a while. For simple everyday student use, this laptop is speedy and frustration-free. For me the perfect mix of performance and portability - a desktop replacement that you can take anywhere.

Guts: I'm a fan of Windows 7. Came with junk stuff to uninstall though...but what doesn't.

Webcam: It's obviously not digital camera quality resolution, but it's good for a webcam. I just wish there was a light indicator to show when it was on. The Acer Crystal Eye Webcam software was user-friendly and easy to figure out, unlike the software for my old HP's webcam. ETA: The webcam picture quality is like this: imagine if you took a normal digital picture and got photoshop to add a mild/moderate "illustrate" or "oil painting" effect.

Multimedia: Can't comment much on graphics because I haven't played any crazy games etc. Watching stuff, everything looked fine. The sound is not fantastic, but pretty standard as laptops go. I wish the speakers were on the edge of the laptop though, so that you can close the laptop and still listen to music. ETA: The sound is a little on the quiet side. When I watch some movies, the sound is just loud enough when I set the volume all the way up.

ETA: Here are some Windows Experience numbers from my computer for an objective measure of performance:
Processor: 6.8
Memory (RAM): 5.9
Graphics: 4.7
Gaming graphics: 5.1
Primary hard disk: 5.8

Hope my review was helpful! I didn't include specs or technical things because you can just scroll up to Amazon's description for that. Over all, I'd recommend this laptop to other commuter students. I'm very happy with my purchase. I'll post updates if anything comes up.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Display, Awesome battery life, August 14, 2010

By 

Juan Romero (COLOMBIA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Acer Aspire TimelineX AS4820T-3697 14-Inch Laptop (Aluminum) (Personal Computers)

First I must say that this is one of thinnest laptops I ever had.
The battery life is real good if you use the right energy profile,
a really nice LED display and a beautiful Aluminium case. The most important
about the case, is the fact that doesn't get too warm, even though using it in your lap,
the battery pack works as if using an inclinated base, allowing the air flow through
the laptop.

Although the sound it's great, I will prefer a louder speaker system, I have
to use my earphones or find myself a very silence place to hear everything, e.g. in
a movie.

My only complain is the fact that the price dropped about $100 one week after my purchase...
not so lucky I guess.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT laptop, August 6, 2010

By 

tmoney - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Acer Aspire TimelineX AS4820T-3697 14-Inch Laptop (Aluminum) (Personal Computers)

Have had it for a month now... perfect for me. Thin, light, fast, looong battery life... everything Acer claims. The 9-cell battery does physically extend from the back, giving it a nice tilt up, but adds a little weight and kind of negates the thin profile when it is installed. But hey, I travel a lot and man does this thing go and go and go! Looking to buy the 6-cell battery to swap when the monster life isn't needed. Again, as I travel a lot I debated between the 3820 and the 4820 (3820 being smallest but with a premium processor/OS, screen, and keyboard you give up on a netbook). I decided on the 4820 with CD/DVD drive that doesn't come on the 3820. Glad I did, as I use it more in my work than I thought I did. Anyway, no complaints; very happy with this unit.