Acer Aspire Timeline Ultra M3-581TG Laptop

Acer Aspire Timeline Ultra M3-581TG is a study in polar opposites. The combination of a Core i7-2637M low-voltage processor, Nvidia GeForce GT 640M graphics, and a 256GB solid-state drive yields an impressive WorldBench 7 score of 155--one of the highest performance scores we've seen for a machine in the ultraportable laptop category. This system cries out for a true 1080p, IPS LCD panel.
The system incorporates Nvidia's Optimus power-saving system, which allows the Intel HD 3000 integrated graphics to run during normal use, but fires up the Kepler-based GT 640M GPU when the demands of 3D gaming render the Intel graphics inadequate. You can specify which GPU to use in key applications, so we tested both Nvidia and Intel graphics when playing back DVD and HD video. HD content fared slightly better, but visible noise persisted in our Magic of Flight test clip.
Game performance was robust in our tests, with frame rates ranging from 16 frames per second (Shogun II) to 26 fps (DiRT3) to 44 fps (Dawn of War II), all at the full panel resolution, with medium or high detail settings. The Acer Timeline M3 offers excellent overall performance and an elegant-looking package, but with less than optimal input devices and an eye-gouging LCD panel that left us cold.


Acer Aspire Timeline Ultra M3-581TG Laptop

Display
Display size 15.6 inches
Maximum resolution 1366 x 768
Display type Glossy LCD with LED Backlight

Processor
Processor class Intel Core i7
Processor model 2637M
Processor speed 1700 MHz
Number of Cores 2
Cache size 4 MB

Graphics
Graphics Type Switchable
Integrated Graphics Chipset Intel
Integrated Graphics Chipset Model Number HD Graphics 3000
Discreet Graphics Chipset Nvidia GeForce
Discreet Graphics Chipset Model Number GT 640M
Graphics Memory 1024 MB

Memory
Installed memory 4 GB
Memory technology DDR3
Memory Speed 1333 MHz

Storage
Hard Drive Type Solid-State Drive
Total HD Size 256 GB
Number of hard drives included 1
Other Storage SD/MMC Card
SDHC Card

Networking
Ethernet Type 10/100/1000 Mbps
Wifi Type 802.11 n
Interface Connections
Number of USB 3 Ports 1
Number of USB 2 Ports 2
Video Interfaces HDMI

Dimensions
Weight (min) 4.5 pounds
Weight (with accessories) 5.2 lbs
Width 14.8 inches
Depth 11 inches
Height 1 inches

Acer Aspire Timeline Ultra M3-581TG