Acer announced its first 13.3-inch Aspire S3 Ultrabook at IFA (Berlin).

The Acer Aspire S3 integrates the best features of notebook – powerful performance for digital creation, ultrafast responsiveness and interaction for content consumption.

The Aspire S3 features the latest 2nd generation Intel Core i3/i5/i7 processors for full computing and digital creation capability, and a choice of 240 GB SSD or 320/500 GB HDD with embedded SSD (for ultra-fast access). Packing professionally-tuned Dolby Home Theater v4, the Aspire S3 delivers cinema-style surround sound.

Standard HDMI output is also included for connecting the Aspire S3 to HD peripheral devices for video playback. Also, users can share data or download photos from digital cameras using the 2-in-1 card reader (SD, MMC).

On-the-go users can keep in touch with friends thanks to the integrated Acer Crystal Eye 1.3MP camera and microphone — with superior Wi-Fi connections guaranteed by Acer InviLink Nplify 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi CERTIFIED technology. Wireless convenience is enhanced by the addition of latest-generation Bluetooth v4.0 + HSR technology with lower power consumption.

Modern notebook users want to maximize their time and effort wherever they go. The Aspire S3 helps them make the most with Acer Green Instant On, which delivers ultrafast responsiveness, energy efficiency and enhanced power management. Also, Acer Instant Connect provides access to the Internet in just 2.5 seconds – four times faster than conventional connections.

Acer Green Instant On provides two sleep modes from which the Aspire S3 responds with surprising speed:

• From Sleep the Aspire S3 will resume in 1.5 seconds
• From Deep Sleep it resumes in 6 seconds

With these energy-innovations, the Aspire S3′s battery life lasts up to 50 days – even longer than regular mobile phone batteries!

The Aspire S3 measures 13mm thin and weighs less than 1.4 kg (3 lbs.). It’s also equipped with a full-size Acer FineTip chiclet keyboard, designed for comfortable use and maximum productivity. All-day usability is assured by a super-lightweight, high-density battery that delivers up to 7 hours (depending on use). The aerodynamic design of the Aspire S3 features a strong and lightweight aluminum-magnesium alloy chassis, and a lid with a fingerprint-free metal finish.

The 13.3-inch ultra-thin HD LED display adopts an open cell design to conserve materials by using the lid and bezel to form an aluminum frame for the screen. This creates a super-slim yet protective profile and reduces the energy required during manufacture as compared to conventional panel designs.

The Aspire S3 features a vent-free bottom so the notebook rests comfortably on the user’s lap. Warm components are placed away from the palmrest and touchpad area, so users won’t feel any heat. The new airflow design dissipates warm air from the rear of the notebook. Finally, the fan motor is optimized to enhance efficiency and lower power consumption to help increase OS battery life. 

Campbell Kan, president of Personal Computer Global Operations, Acer Inc., said, “The Aspire S3 is truly designed to meet notebook users’ needs, combining essential features of the smartphone and tablet PC, such as fast startup and Internet connectivity, with long battery life. Matched with its slim form, the Aspire S3 will provide a fresh experience and set a major milestone in the history of Acer’s notebook development.” 

“As the only Ultrabook with an HDD option, the Aspire S3 offers the computing power and storage needs of a notebook, along with the mobile communication advantages of the smartphone and tablet PC,” added Kan.”It’s a major breakthrough in notebook design and will surely fortify our notebook competitiveness in the ICT market.” 

“We are very happy to see the formal launch of the Acer Aspire S3, Acer’s first Ultrabook, and to be one of the leading time-to-market partners to place an Ultrabook in the market. The features of the Aspire S3, powered by 2nd generation Intel Core processors — including instant on, instant connect, long battery life, and its elegant slim and light design — will satisfy many users’ desire for a free and easy life on the go,” said Mooly Eden, vice president and general manager of the Intel PC Client Group. 

The Acer Aspire S3 is priced between €799 ($1135 USD) and €1199 ($1703 USD), and will start to roll out in select regions in September and ramp-up in October, and is expected to become Acer’s star product during the fourth quarter.