Description:
As the base model of Acer's new Aspire 2000 series of portable PCs, the Aspire AS2001LCi shares many of the high-end features of its slightly upscale siblings but at a more affordable price. If you need solid portability, wireless communications and satisfactory 3D performance but can make do with a marginally slower processor and no DVD burning, the Aspire AS2001LCi may be the Aspire for you. The key to the Aspire series is Intel's revolutionary new Centrino system, which combines an efficient Intel Pentium M processor with a specialized Intel chipset and integrated wireless support. Centrino-equipped notebooks are generally smaller, easier on the batteries, and more versatile than their non-Centrino counterparts. In the case of the Aspire AS2001LCi, that processor is a Pentium M running at 1.4 GHz. Acer has included a generous 512 MB allotment of RAM memory and an ATI Mobility Radeon graphics controller with 64 MB dedicated video memory. In this stock configuration, the unit makes quick work of typical home, home office and light-duty business tasks and even midlevel 3D games and animation packages. Furthermore, it's great for traveling. Measuring 14.2 by 10.7 by 1.3 inches and tipping the scales at 6.6 lbs, the Acer Aspire AS2001LCi is marginally bigger and heavier than today's new ultralights, yet it's half the weight of some top-of-the-line desktop replacements and substantially less expensive than both. At 40 GB, the system's hard disk is satisfactory for storing a flock of applications and files but may not be spacious enough for those who also want to maintain a large multimedia library. However, Acer has added a DVD/CD-RW drive through which you can burn audio files to CD, archive data and watch DVD movies on the system's DVD-friendly 15.4-inch WXGA widescreen display. The Aspire AS2001LCi is ready for the future. Communication options include a high-speed LAN port for fast network access, a low-speed RJ-11 dial-up modem and, last but certainly not least, an Intel PRO/Wireless Network Connection at 802.11b. Connectivity includes three high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play peripherals, one FireWire IEEE 1394 port for fast corded data transfer from devices such as digital camcorders, an FIR (fast infrared) port for cordless data transfer from gadgets such as PDAs, and a versatile 4-in-1 card reader slot for quickly accessing media card information.
| 
