Acer launches 6920 & 8920 Aspire Gemstone Blue laptops with Intel Penryn processors

Acer launched its new Aspire Gemstone Blue laptops earlier today, with two new ranges comprising eight different models, all based on Intel’s new 45nm ‘Penryn’ Core 2 Duo processor.

Best classed as desktop replacements, the new Aspire 6920 and 8920 have 16in and 18.4in screens, respectively, and there’s a choice 1366 x 768 or 1920 x 1080 screen resolutions. The screen resolution of the 8920 exactly matches that of HD video and Blu-ray drives are available on models throughout the range.

The matte grey colour scheme of the previous model has been abandoned in favour of a much more stylish glossy back finish. All models also have the Acer ‘Cinedash media console’ – a glowing touch-sensitive pad at the left of the keyboard that controls media playback.

In keeping with the laptops’ HD video credentials, all models also have hardware Dolby Home Theatre technology – the 6920 series has virtual 5.1 surround sound with bass enhancement, the 8920 has true 5.1 surround sound through six integrated speakers. Both models also have 5.1 audio outputs.

The 6920 series starts at £699 for the 6920G with 16in 1366 x 768 screen, Intel T5750 Core 2 Duo processor, 250Gb SATA hard drive, 2Gb DDR2 RAM and nVidia GeForce 9500M GS graphics. Two intermediate models cost £899 and £999 and have faster processors, larger hard drives and Blu-ray. The top-end £1149 model has an Intel T9300 processor, 320Gb hard drive, TV Tuner, 1920 x 1080 screen and Windows Vista Ultimate.

The 8920 series starts at £899 with the 8920G -- essentially the same specification as the 6920G, but with an 18in, 1920 x 1080 screen and 320Gb hard drive. Pay £1099 or £1249 and you can get a faster Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 or T9300 processor. £1399 buys the top-of-the-range Aspire Gemstone Blue with Intel T9300 processor, 2 x 320Gb hard drives and nVidia GeForce 9650m GS graphics and Blu-ray.

Top-end models in both ranges have Windows Vista Ultimate – the rest come with Vista Home Premium. Windows XP is not an option. The Aspire Gemstone Blue laptops will be available from Acer’s usual stockists from mid-April.

[ Acer]