Acer shipped about 2.4 million units of their Aspire One netbook in the third quarter, with a total of 5-6 million Acer netbooks sold in 2008. If their forecast for next year is correct, the global market for netbooks would expand to up to 35 million units, with the Taiwanese manufacturer hoping to grab anything from 40-50% of the pie.
It remains to be seen how this will contribute to the bottom line and image of Acer on a global scale, but for the time being the company seems to be financially healthy with $12.8 billion in revenues so far this year which would represent a 31% increase from 2007.
Netbook sales in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) have literally exploded in the third quarter of 2008, making Acer the top ranking PC vendor for the first time ever, while propelling Asus up the ladder into fourth place. IDC figures show that growth in notebooks overall has been strong, but the take-up of netbooks has been staggering.
According to IDC, sales of netbooks (mini-notebooks) were largely responsible for Acer’s breath-taking rise to top spot, which saw the Taiwanese vendor almost double its number of units shipped compared to 3Q07. While sales of its desktop and traditional notbook products were strong, IDC pointed to Acer’s massive push of Aspire One netbook as contributing to its soaring volume.
Likewise, the phenomenal success of Asus Eee PC range, was singled out as the catalyst driving the vendor, which like Acer is based in Taiwan, into the ranks of elite players in the PC space. Asus grew its units by a massive 156% compared to Q307, shipping more than 2 million units for the quarter.
Source: www.itwire.com
The WiMAX Aspire One managed speedtest.net results of 6.7 Mbps on the downlink and 2.8 Mbps on the uplink; it also loaded the NY Times homepage in 15 seconds and played smooth streaming video from Hulu in full-screen. Check out the Laptop Mag link for the video demo of the WiMAX netbook in action.
As for market availability, our contacts at Acer passed us this European press release for the netbook which confirms that not only integrated 3G but integrated WiMAX are upcoming options. While the release specifies the Euro/Asian spec 2100MHz HSDPA band, we’re told a 3G version suited to the US is certainly on the cards.
Further reading @ www.slashgear.com
Dabs.com - currently cheapest in the UK for the Acer Aspire One (in stock 1-2 days) - full range of Acer Aspire One netbooks on site.
Update - 120GB models now 1-2weeks lead time 
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Acer Aspire One AOA150-Aw Atom 512MB 120GB Linux White quicklinx: 55BDTB | mfr#: LU.S040A.105 Free Delivery £226.76 |
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Acer Aspire One AOA110-Ab Atom 512MB 8GB Linux Blue quicklinx: 55BCTB | mfr#: LU.S030A.096 Free Delivery £227.93 |
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Acer Aspire One AOA150-Ab Atom 512MB 120GB Linux Blue quicklinx: 55BFTB | mfr#: LU.S050A.105 Free Delivery £226.76 |
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Acer Aspire One AOA110-Aw Atom 512MB 8GB Linux White quicklinx: 55BBTB | mfr#: LU.S020A.089 Free Delivery £219.97 |
Acer, the world’s third largest PC vendor, is a big believer in the future of mini-laptops, or netbooks, and the company gave me a chance to try out its first device, the Aspire one, in an interview last week.
It’s one of the best mini-notebooks I’ve tested for the price — which ranges from US$399 to $499, software and other features.
From boot up to shut down, the Aspire one was a pleasure to use. Boot up took just 12 seconds due to the Linpus Linux Lite OS it runs. That compares to 30 to 40 seconds on other mini-notebooks I’ve tested running Microsoft Windows XP. Aspire one can also come with Windows XP, but after trying out the one with Linpus Linux, I’m not sure I’d want XP.
What Acer did best with Aspire one was focus on the Internet.
The Aspire one is designed for Internet use and comes loaded with software. The home page that opens on boot up offers software options right away, including a browser, an all-in-one email box, unified messaging center, media software and Office-like software.
Further reading at PCWorld.com
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)
TAIPEI, Taiwan & SAN JOSE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Acer, the third largest vendor in the global PC market (source: Gartner data, 4Q 2007), today presented the Aspire one, an all-new communication device designed to make online activities fast, simple and cool.
The Aspire one is a brand new product which, despite its size, is not just another notebook: it’s a stylish all-new digital device designed to deliver continuous access to the internet no matter where you are. 
The Aspire one is something that can go everywhere and opens the door to new and unexplored areas of the online world. For this reason it was important to reduce weight and dimensions.
The result is a masterpiece of technological simplicity with an intuitive and specifically optimized software interface to support connectivity needs. At just 9.8-inches x 6.7-inches x 1.14-inches and weighing a little more than two pounds, the Aspire one is not only extremely compact (smaller than an average office diary) but offers numerous connectivity possibilities, a full and easy-to-use software application suite and battery life of up to six hours1.
Get connected
Small and smart, the Aspire one can go anywhere and keeps users connected everywhere. The Aspire one comes standard with 802.11b/g WiFi built-in for easy access to available wireless networks and in the future may be specified with 3G2 wireless technology for even greater online freedom. In addition, Acer Signal Up technology ensures maximum quality and stability to the wireless signal.
Let’s get organized
The Aspire one is great for getting things done: whether checking email, managing online accounts or chatting with friends, the Aspire one offers a simple, intuitive Linux3 interface that clearly organizes everything needed to surf the Internet, work or simply have fun. The pre-installed software is separated by functions and presented in four distinct areas on the screen – Connect, Works, Fun and Files – making it so simple it’s difficult to get confused.
Ergonomics and reduced dimensions do not mean the view isn’t spectacular: the Aspire one has an 8.9-inch CrystalBrite LED backlit display with a resolution of 1024×600 pixels. Integrated in the top of the screen is the unique Acer CrystalEye webcam for live video streaming, video chats and conferences.
Choose your Style 
The Aspire one uses color to combine connectivity with inimitable style. Initially available in blue and white, the range of colors available for the Aspire one will be expanded later this year with two new soft, warm tones: brown and pink.
The four colors – sapphire blue, seashell white, golden brown and coral pink – give the Aspire one an individual and quite distinctive look and feel that matches the style and personality of its owner.
Bits & bytes for data freedom
The Aspire one is equipped with Intel® Atom™ processor, Linpus™ Linux® Lite or Windows XP® Home, and comes with 512MB or 1GB of RAM memory installed.
There are two alternatives for data storage: a NAND flash module of 8GB or an 80GB4 internal HDD. In addition the Aspire one reads five different types of memory card – Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD-Picture Card – for absolute data freedom.
To increase storage capacity, the Aspire one features the unique Smart File Manager, a simple solution that instantly and seamlessly merges extra storage from any SD card inserted in the second SD card slot into the memory available to the user.
Simple, Sophisticated Software
Acer has improved the user experience by designing a friendly, easy-to-use and comprehensive interface utilizing a more natural approach to screen layout and functionality, which simplifies interaction between users and the Aspire one. The Linpus™ Linux® Lite version is the result, guiding and accompanying even novice users through the Internet in an intuitive, “virus-safe” and super-responsive Linux environment.
The Aspire one features the one Mail software suite that lets users manage up to six email accounts with a single application interface, including office accounts. A small icon to the right of the message quickly and clearly shows the appropriate mail account. Nothing could be simpler to replace push e-mail services without using a corporate server.
The Aspire one uses Messenger for Instant Messaging, an application that allows users to simultaneously access Skype, Microsoft Messenger and various other instant messaging services. The software can be used with the integrated video camera for instant video-chats and video conferences.
The Aspire one series comes preinstalled with Linpus™ Linux® Lite version or Windows XP® Home. Additional software such as OpenOffice 2.3, one Mail, Messenger, Acer eRecovery Management, Acer Launch Manager, Adobe® Reader®, McAfee® Internet Security Suite, Microsoft® Office Trial 2007 are also installed5.
Pricing and Availability
The new Aspire one will be available in early Q3 through Acer authorized resellers and selected retailers throughout North America, with pricing beginning at US$379.
UK release - 10th July 2008 - starting price £199.
1 Up to 3 hours battery life with standard 3-cell battery; up to 6 hours battery life with optional 6-cell battery
2 Coverage depending on network availability. Upon launch the Aspire one will be WiFi enabled only. Embedded WiMax and 3G will be available later this year.
3 only for the Linpus version
4 (2.5-inch)
5 System memory and/or bundled software depending on version or installed OS
