A lot of hardware sites have got hands on with Acers new laptop (or what Acer they call “netbook”).

All sites are reporting positive feedback.

“Specs-wise, Acer’s supplying both Linux and Windows XP versions of the One. Both models will use an 8.9-inch 1,024×600-pixel screen, the same 1.6GHz N270 Intel Atom CPU that you’ll find in the MSI Wind, and a 0.3-megapixel webcam.

The Linux model will get 512MB of RAM and an 8GB solid-state hard drive, while the Windows XP model will get 1GB of RAM and an 80GB mechanical hard drive. The Linux flavour will set you back a ridiculously inexpensive £199, while the Windows model is set to cost £299. Mechanical hard drives are an option in the Linux variant, but pricing on this is still unconfirmed.

The One will come with Wi-Fi as standard, but UK consumers will also benefit from optional integrated HSDPA — which means you’ll be able to get online anywhere you damn well please. Those lucky Americans will get a WiMax option.

As for build quality and design, Acer seems to have got most of it right. The keyboard is fantastic to use, as is its non-glossy screen. The only slight problems are that the mouse selector buttons are in the wrong place, you only get a year’s warranty, and the standard battery is just 2200mAh instead of the 4400mAh unit you get as standard on UK Eee 900. Despite this, Acer reckons the One will deliver about 3 hours of battery life — although we’ll reserve judgement until we test it ourselves.

All in all, the Acer Aspire One is, quite literally, the One. On the surface of things it’s better than an Eee 900, and might even have the upper hand on the the MSI Wind. Watch for a full preview and review shortly, but in the meantime click Next Photo for more pics and deets. -Rory Reid @ CNET.co.uk (full preview)”

“It’s getting pretty crowded in the mini-laptop market. Funny, considering the size of the notebooks themselves, but with Asus kicking things off last year and HP, Dell and even Carphone Warehouse getting involved, it wasn’t going to be long before wallet-friendly Acer had a bash.

And here it is: the Acer Aspire One, and it couldn’t be more pally with your pounds if it tried. Starting at just £199 for the entry-level model it’s a full £130 cheaper than the 9in EeePC that it squares up against.” (more here, with video preview)