Translator
By N2H
“Netbooks generally fall flat when it comes to high-definition video playback, with Intel’s GMA 950 graphics chipset struggling even with 720p clips. Broadcom’s BCM70012 video accelerator changes all that, though; a mini PCI-e card, it can handle up to 1080p video with minimal CPU strain on the host system. So far it’s tough finding a netbook with the Broadcom card as an option – HP offer it as an option for their Mini 110 XP – but that didn’t stop Terracode from upgrading their 8.9-inch Acer Aspire One with the HD accelerator.”
While they had it open, they also slotted in a 64GB SSD and added an extra 1GB of RAM. The whole upgrade project – netbook included – cost around $442, which is not only two dollars cheaper than HP’s Mini 110 XP with the same Broadcom card, but has more storage and RAM. While 1080p may be wasted on a 1024 x 600 netbook display, plug in an external monitor to the AAO’s VGA output and the Broadcom card will push resolution up to 1920 x 1080.
In the two demo videos below, the performance of the Acer Aspire One playing a 1080p clip is shown both with and without the hardware accelerator card. The first clip uses VLC (which lacks BCM70012 support) while the latter uses the optimized TMT mediaplayer.
Video before
And with Broadcom mod
Source : www.slashgear.com
“Take one of the greatest games consoles ever made, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Then gut it to place a fully working PC inside of it.” Words spoken from the brains of a true modder.
This is the Acer Aspire SNES 1. It’s an 8.9-inch Acer Aspire One A150 / Super Nintendo Entertainment System (UK) remix built from the genius of two British super-hacks by the names of quangDX and DuPPs.
Their masterpiece isn’t quite finished – they’re waiting for a few bits and pieces from Hong Kong – but you can already appreciate what a great job they’ve done. Some clever use of LEGO blocks to get the components to sit at the correct levels and a USB to joypad converter for your mouse, or what have you, but the best touches have got to be the 4-LED SNES logo on top and the way that the Super Mario World game cartridge is used to house both a webcam and a slot-loading DVDRW. Nice touch.
Full mod at – Asobitech
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If you are feeling flush despite the rest of the world reporting nothing but doom and gloom concerning the economic situation, here’s something to capture your attention – Japanese gadget artist UFO Hayashi’s blinged out Acer Aspire One which retails for a whopping $3,000 (and above, depending on the final bid) on eBay. Not surprisingly though, there isn’t even a single bid at this moment. Perhaps someone should forward this to all the oil sheikhs’ inboxes to act as a catalyst for its bidding.
Want to put a sata connection on your Aspire One – here is how to do it !
“There are two basic versions of the original Aspire One – both use the same motherboard, and both support a PATA interface and a SATA interface. The SDD version features the same ZIF connector found on 1.8? PATA hard drives, but no SATA connector. The HDD version features a standard 2.5? SATA hard drive connector and a modified casing, but no ZIF connector…
Since I replaced the slower 8 GB SSD with a faster 60 GB hard drive on the PATA interface and the SATA interface was still unused, I decided to add an external eSATA connector to my Aspire One 
”
Video – how to do it here
Source - tnkgrl
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Now for something completley different.
Lets put the Acer Aspire One on remote control wheels
“This idea and had thought for several months, since it figured it would be a practical way to make a robot. And yes it was. Not what he had done so because it first wanted to do with my normal laptop (Vaio K-13) but was a bit complicated because the laptop weighs about 3.5 kg. it represented what a lot of weight to move it with Tamiya. Until they finally got the chance to have an Acer Aspire NETBOOK One, and by its size and weight was perfect for the project. ”
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Hands on Acer’s Aspire One is ready to go out of the box, but if you’ve opted for the Linux version and you’re new to the OS, you may be wondering how to started. Here are ten things to try.
Before we start, a warning. Later tips involve working with Linux configuration files, which do not take kindly to errors. Check your typing very carefully, particularly spaces and capital letters, and only proceed if you’re comfortable. Back up your data, and ensure you have a recovery disk on stand-by. We’ve done our best to check the text below, but we won’t be held responsible if your AA1 crashes and data is lost. Nothing here will damage your machine or void your warranty – at worst, you’ll have to reinstall the OS using the Recovery Disc that comes with the AA1.
Read the about the 10 tweaks here @ reghardware.co.uk
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The Acer Aspire One netbook. It’s inexpensive, it’s tiny, and the base-level version only comes with 512MB of RAM. I cracked open the case, voided the warranty, and added an extra gigabyte. Watch the above video to see how. More details after the jump.
Tools Needed
- Small Philips screwdriver
- Two small flathead screwdrivers (or something similar) to get at the keyboard
- 512MB or 1GB stick of RAM. For best results, use PC2-5300 RAM.
- Time, patience, and a blatant disregard for your warranty
Full reading at Crunch Gear
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Basically, I connected a micro USB Bluetooth module (Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR) to a 5V trace (off in standby), a nearby ground trace, and the USB signals (pins 36 & 38) available on the mini PCIe card slot occupied by the WiFi card. The Bluetooth module was stripped, wrapped in Kapton tape and installed under the palm rest.
Full how to do it here
