Acer, the world’s third largest supplier of personal computers, unveiled its first low-cost netbook during Computex Taipei 2008 trade-show. The Acer Aspire One is aimed at the emerging market of affordable sub-notebooks, but it will feature components that can be found on many business and consumer models nowadays, thus, will not be feature-constraint.

“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,” a statement by Acer claims.

Acer Aspire One comes with 8.9” screen with 1024x600 resolution and is based on Intel Atom N270 (1.60GHz) processor as well as Intel 945GMS and ICH7-M core-logic with integrated graphics core. The notebooks will be equipped with 512MB or 1GB (Windows XP version only) of PC2-5300 (DDR2 667MHz) memory, 8GB solid state drive (Linux version) 80GB hard disk drive (Windows XP version), memory card reader, 1.3MP webcam, Ethernet controller, Wi-Fi controller, Bluetooth controller, audio outputs, USB ports and so on. The weight of the machine starts at about 1Kg (2.2 pounds).

The Aspire One will be initially available in blue and white and the range of colors will be expanded later this year with two new soft, warm tones: brown and pink. Besides, versions with embedded WiMAX and 3G will be available later this year.

Acer Aspire One

According to Acer, the Aspire One has up to 3 hours battery life with standard 3-cell battery and up to 6 hours battery life with optional 6-cell battery.

Considering the fact that Aspire One comes equipped with large hard drive, Bluetooth technology, powerful optional battery as well as optional wide area wireless network capability, the novelty from Acer cannot be called an ultra low cost personal computer, as this is a fully-fledged sub-notebook, very similar to MSI Wind, but with a set of proprietary features from Acer, such as Signal Up technology that improves wireless network operation.

The new Aspire One will be available in early Q3 through Acer authorized resellers and selected retailers throughout North America, with pricing beginning at $379 for Linux version and for about $600 for Windows XP Home version.