Today at the Mobile World Congress Acer took the covers off of its latest installment in the Aspire One series of notebooks, the Aspire One 532G.  What makes this netbook special is what is on the inside including an Intel Atom N450 Pine Trail processor PLUS the NVIDIA next-generation ION discrete GPU (otherwise known as ION 2). 

This is the first official product announced with the next-gen ION GPU in it and while we are still waiting for details from NVIDIA on what makes the product tick, we do know that it supports the newly announced NVIDIA Optimus Technology.  Optimus gives notebooks the ability to run on the integrated graphics solution for longer battery life while completely turning off the GPU and associated PCI Express lanes and then turn it all back on when the user will benefit from it.  Unlike previous switchable graphics options, Optimus does this seamlessly and without user interaction – if you haven’t read about (or watched our video on) Optimus technology, definitely do that right now. 

Acer announces Aspire One 532G: ION 2 and Optimus Technology - Mobile 2

The 10.1-in netbook will offer up to 10 hours of battery life while supporting full 720p video playback (and even 1080p through the HDMI connection) and could be the first ultra-portable laptop computer to truly offer the best of mobility and performance.  We are eagerly awaiting the ability to test this machine and get more performance information about NVIDIA’s next-generation ION GPU that we can share with you soon.
Acer Aspire One 532G: first netbook with dedicated graphics for true Hi-Def video enjoyment
Playback 1080p on external screen for viewing Hi-Def content with friends and family

2010-02-15 – The new Acer Aspire One 532G sets the netbook trend in the digital world where Hi-Def viewing online is growing dramatically. Acer presents the world’s first netbook with dedicated next-generation NVIDIA ION graphics acceleration enabling users to enjoy Hi-Def content online as well as playback at 720p; alternatively, connect through HDMI output to a secondary Hi-Def TV/LCD monitor for sharing Hi-Def content with friends at a larger 1080p resolution.

With up to 10 hours* of battery life, integrated Wi-Fi, 10.1” Hi-Def LED backlit display and optional 3G, the Aspire One 532G matches outstanding performance with an ultra-compact design, offering all the power you need. Netbook users can now enjoy flawless Hi-Def web content streaming and multiple Internet applications with ease.

Flawless web Hi-Def acceleration† and Hi-Def entertainment
Go beyond simple Internet browsing to experience full high-definition video on sites like YouTube HD, Hulu and Facebook, Aspire One 532G with dedicated graphics accelerates web Hi-Def content streaming effortlessly. Enjoy smooth and flawless 3D computing, mainstream PC gaming, boost the performance of editing and converting videos, face-tagging photos and Hi-Def video playback up to 1080p via HDMI-output to HDTV; and effectively perform everyday Internet browsing, emailing, chats, photo viewing, document editing and such on the Aspire One 532G. All of these are achieved with the new Intel Atom N450 platform and next-generation NVIDIA ION GPU with dedicated 512MB memory.

Smart power and Hi-Def performance
The Aspire One 532G makes no compromise on great performance and battery life; it mobilizes online Hi-Def computing, at the same time lowers power consumption for longer-lasting battery. NVIDIA Optimus Technology intelligently, automatically, and seamlessly transitions between the powerful NVIDIA ION GPU, and battery-saving integrated graphics – depending on the needs of the application – delivering great battery life and great performance when you need it.

Care-free mobile companion
Making light work of Internet multi-tasking, the Aspire One 532G needs only a single charge for up to 10 hours* of cable-free power, enabling users to stay connected and get the most on-the-go. The innovative AC adapter is travel friendly, lighter than typical adapters, saves 1/3 charging time and comes with interchangeable AC converters. No matter where you are, you can always have the right plug.

Measuring only 1” thin and about 1 kg in weight, the Aspire One 532G is available in three contemporary colors – Sapphire Blue, Ruby Red and Pearl Silver. Its compact form, fluid Hi-Def cinema and flawless Hi-Def flash video quality along with great battery life, truly realizes barrier-free communication.

This highly efficient netbook is Energy Star v5.0 qualified and compliant with RoHS and WEEE EU directives, regulating the use and disposal of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. It also features LED backlight, making it mercury free.

The Aspire One 532G will start shipping at the end of Q1 2010.