AS2012WLMi vs Toshiba M30-00K

Which one is better ?
Acer 2012 or Toshiba M30-00K ?
Price : Acer 2012 = Canada$ 2250.00
Price : Toshiba M30-00K = Canada$ 2399.00
Any good advice ?
Thank you.[ ][ ]


Satellite M30 Series Specifications
M30-00K: Centrino 1.6GHz/ 80GB (PSM30C-7100K)
Processor
Clock Speed: 1.60 GHz
Coprocessor: Integrated Coprocessor, 400MHz PSB
CPU: Intel® Centrino®M
Cache: L1 Cache 32KB/32KB (instruction/data), L2 Cache 1MB
Memory
Standard: 512MB PC2700DDR (256MB+256MB)
Maximum: 2048MB (1024MBx2)
Expansion Modules: 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1024MB PC2700DDR SODIMM modules
BIOS ROM: 4Mbit capacity
Storage
Hard Disk Drive: 80.0 billion bytes, 9.7mm height, Enhanced IDE, 4200rpm.
Optical Drive: Built-in DVD Rewritable Drive functions:
Read: CD-ROM (24X), CD-R (16X), CD-RW (10X), DVD-ROM (8X). DVD-R (4X), DVD-RW (4X).
Write: CD-R (16X), CD-RW (10X), DVD-R (1X), DVD-RW (1X).
Display System
Type: TFT Active Matrix colour LCD display
Size (diagonal): 15.4” Wide XGA+ TFT
LCD Panel Resolution: 1280x800x16.7 million colours
External Support and Maximum Colour Support: 800x600x16.7 million colours (clean stretch)
1,024x768x16.7 million colours (clean stretch)
1,280x1,024x65,536 colours (clean stretch)
1,280x800 x16.7 million colours (native)
1,600x1,200x65,536 colours (virtual display)
1920x1440 colours (virtual display)
2048x1536 colours (virtual display)
Video
Graphics Controller: GeForceGo 5200 64MB, 200MHz, 128bit, 4XAGP
Audio
Sound System: Harman Kardon Stereo speakers, Full duplex 16bit stereo.
Direct 3D sound. External mic and headphone port,
Volume Control dial.
Communication
Modem: ModemV.92 Data/Fax Modem, Ring Wake-up
Resume. 10/100 Ethernet LAN network interface card,
Wake-up On LAN, remote boot. 802.11b/g wireless.
Expansion
PC Card Slots: 2 slots total, two slots filled with 256MB+256MB. Slots can be replaced with 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, or 1024MB PC2700 DDR RAM modules. Maximum 2048MB RAM (1024MBx2).
1 PC Card slot supports one Type II PC Card. Supports Cardbus.
Ports: Parallel, RGB, infrared, 3 USB 2.0, 1TV-Out (NTSC/PAL), RJ11, RJ45, external microphone port, IEEE1394, headphone port, SD Card Slot.
Keyboard and Pointing Device
Keyboard: Full sized 85 keys with 12 function keys
2.7mm keystroke, 6mm height
Dedicated Windows Keys.
Touchpad pointing device
CD Control Function
Play/Pause, Stop/Eject, Previous, Skip/Next, Mode
Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions: 360mm (W) x 270mm (D) x 25 mm(H)
Weight: 6.3lbs
Operating System
Software: Microsoft® Windows® XP Home
Additional Software
Microsoft® Office OneNote™ 2003
Power
: 75W external Universal AC adaptor input voltage (100 – 240V 50/60Hz Frequency (Universal), output voltage (15V, 5A). Dimensions: (WxHxD) 140mmx58mmx28mm
Weight: 370g
Battery Type: Removable, Rechargeable 6-cell
Lithium Ion (Li-ion) 10.8V x 4400mAh capacity.
Dimensions: (WxHxD) 202mmx44mmx22mm, 330g
Battery Life: 3 hours 46 minutes battery life
Recharge Time: 3 hours off/ 5-6 hours on
BIOS
Support: TSETUP, APM, ACPI support, PnP Support,VESA support, DPMS support, DDC support, SM BIOS support, PCI BIOS support.
Security
Security: Cable lock slot, power on password, supervisor password
Environmental Specifications
Temperature: Operating 5°to 35°C (41° to 95°F);
Non Operating –20° to 65°C (-4° to149°F)
Thermal Gradient: Operating 15° C per hr. max;
Non Operating 20° C per hr. max
Relative Humidity: Operating 20% to 80% non-condensing; Non-Operating: 10% to 95% non-condensing
Altitude (relative to sea level): Operating: -60 to 3,000m.;
Non-Operating: -60 to 10,000m.
Shock: Operating: 10G; Non-Operating 60G
Vibration: Operating 0.5G; Non-Operating: 1G
_____________________________________________

Acer : AS2012WLMi
SKU# LX.A2406.001
OS Microsoft® Windows®
XP Professional
Processor Intel® Pentium® M Processor 1.50GHz
Memory 512MB (256/256)
Storage 60GB1 hard drive
DVD-Dual drive (DVD+/-RW)
4-in-1 card reader
TFT Display 15.4" WXGA (1280 x 800)
Graphics ATI® MOBILITYTM
RADEONTM 9700, 64 MB DDR
Connectivity 802.11b/g WLAN, 10/100 LAN, V.92 modem

 

Wow, these specs are very similar, but I'll note the differences between Toshiba & Acer:

1. PM 1.6Ghz vs. PM 1.5Ghz
2. -R/RW Only vs. +-R/RW
3. 80GB HDD vs. 60GB HDD
4. NVidia GeForceGo 5200 64MB vs. ATI Mobility 9700 64MB
5. XP Home vs. XP Pro
6. 202mm x 44mm x 22mm,3.3kg vs. 360mm x 273mm x 28mm-33.5mm,3.0kg

From the above main differences, it's still a toss up, but if I had to make a decision, I would say the Acer. The reason is because the CPU is only slightly slower, DVDRW drive is faster, the video card is much better for games/high end graphics, comes with XP Pro & is smaller. Plus, the Acer is cheaper. This is just my personal opinion.

-Vb-

 

Thanks a lot.
[ ]

 

For 403fobby
I don't know any shop in Alberta. I think you can walk in any good reputation shop and tell them you know the Acer 2012 is sell at C$2200.00 and ask them to match the price for it.
The computer dealer in Ontario sell this notebook
mobiletech inc. C$2200.00
greytech.com C$ 2260.00
pcvillagecanada.com C$ 2230.00
[ ][ ]

 

thanks thanks! [ ]
and by the way, when you going to purchase the 2012? can you tell me how it is after using it? i'm afraid that the 2010 series doesn't run as COOL and QUIET as the 2000 series. Thanks again! And I think you mistaken me, the fact is i can't find any local dealers that have this notebook, and some that has it are very very untrustworthy.

 

I was also looking at the new Thinkpad t42 with the 9600 and I think the 2012 is way better - although the Thinkpad has that mystique like a PowerBook. I swear to god I saw a t42 PM 1.5 with the RADEON 9600 for $2400 the day they were announced but it is gone now.

:^(

Post a review when you get your 2012 and let us know where you found it. I am in Calgary and would love to have a look at one.

Half Life 2 will be out soon - and playing it in airports will be so cool.

 

I was at Compusmart and while it is listed there for 2489 they said they would match the price + shipping (if applicable) of teh online retailers like frontierPC and few in Ontario that I found selling the 2012 for 2250. Compusmart do not know when they will be able to get it.

I got a great deal on a Portege r100 - but I might take it back and get a 2012. The 2012 isn't that much bigger really - and like the r100 it is made of metal.

I saw a 2000 at the Compusmart in Edmonton (same shassis) and it was gorgeous.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by xmancanada

 

http://www.directdial.com/ca/shopacer/item/prod.asp?item_num=LX%2EA2406%2E001
has it for 2300

http://www.mymicro.com/n_machines_details.cfm?PN=AC52012WP-LMI
has it for 2345 + 3 free promo items - actually some nice stuff to choose from. They give a 3% discount for cash + one of the prmo items is $30 back. So that gets you the 2012LMI for:
$2345
- $70 cash discount
- $30 promo
2245
+ free shipping
+ one extra goodie

I think this is the place to buy from personally.

 

mobiletech inc. C$2200.00----------no website. in pacific mall, markham, Ontario
greytech.com C$ 2260.00
pcvillagecanada.com C$ 2230.00---------walk in and talk to him.

 

cool, thx xmancanada.

I was hoping that either of those places would have the price listed online, which makes it a lot easier to price match. I may try this, although I've had bad luck with price matching at smaller stores.

I'm considering the Acer AS2012WLMi at Frontierpc.com, which is listed at $2,277.00 + $15 Shipping. I'd like them to drop the price to $2200, so this information is very helpful.

Dang, I saw the sweetest deal just over a month ago. One of the Acer resellers which is linked to from the Acer.ca had three of four Ferrari 3000LMi at $2000. They were demo models. My friend had just picked one up, and loves it, but I didn't have the funds at that point. :/

I'm still looking for another sweet deal like that one, but I will settle for the AS2012WLMi if I can hold it first, and then buy it for $2200.

 

Couple of questions for the 2012WLMi users

1.) Does this model run as quiet and cool as 2000 series?
2.) Are the speakers bad? considering listening to music without any fuzz noise.
3.) Does this model have the "ii" problem?

that's about it, thanks in advance, I would really want to know before i go buy it at compusmart, but their price is way to high, selling it for 2489.99 CDN, else where is probably selling at around 2200 CDN.

 

I have read that the speakers on the 2012 are very good. It has an integrated subwoofer too.

Compusmart will match prices, so any of the places listed in this thread should do. They may check to see if the item is in stock or if there is a shipping cost.

The 2012 is a much better machine than the Ferarri 3000 - it beats it hands down in every category - including looks. Red, high maintenance plastic is no match for polished magnesuim.

 

thanks! but i still need to know it's capability of running aquiet and cool ><", i don't want a laptop that make noise, cuz i'll be listening to music ALOT on it.

 

Oh yeah,

The speakers are pretty good for a laptop. There really isn't much evidence of a 'sub-woofer' when listening. I think that is marketing fluff. Where are they going to fit a useful sub on this laptop?!

If I'm at my desk I still plug into my Logitech 4.1 system to listen to music. So the sound is better than most laptops, but nothing compared to a $100 set of speakers.

 

I'm in Calgary and have been using my 2012WLMi for a few weeks.

It's pretty damn good. I really can't find anything to complain about except the Fn+PgUp/PgDn key to do a Home/End.

I too was looking at the Toshiba M30-00K. The Acer is far more notebook for the money. I'm pretty anal about noise level of PCs and it's pretty much non-existant on this one.

Under normal use the CPU is throttled down to 600-900Mhz, so there is very little need for the fan to kick in.

Grab one, they are great.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by vodkajello

 

i have the acer 2003lmi or something like that, forgot the exact model number. very good laptop, cd/DVD burner, 4in1 card, very good.

i thought about the Toshiba M laptop also b4 i got my acer but the acer look really cool, so i got the acer.

 

WOW thanks! This just isn't enough for me [ ], can you tell me if the speakers quality compared to the M30 series Harman/Kardon speakers, and compared to 20$ speakers out there?? really appreciated! And by the way, does your 2012WLMi have the "ii" problem that other users experienced? Have you ever used to wireless connection on the notebook? If so, can you tell me the range and signal stength? I would be greatly appreciated! thanks!

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by vodkajello

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by lewdvig
Where did you get your 2012? I am after one too. I also live in Calgary.
<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'></font id='quote'></blockquote id='quote'>

You can get it at one of the Compusmart retailers, or through online dealers found at acer.ca

 

To the owners of Aspire 2012,

Can you tell me please, what kind of material Acer used for the casing? Is it aluminum or plastic? Acer does not advertise aluminum casing for the 2010 series, only for 2000 and 2020 series.

How is the screen? Do you have problems with the viewing angles? Is the screen bright enough? Do you have the "ii" problem?

Thanks for any indication you may give me.

 

Hi,

Will appreciate very much if someone can give me an indication on the type of material the casing for 2010 series is made of. Is it plastic, aluminum or a metal alloy?

Thanks for any indication!

 

Hi,

Will appreciate very much if someone can give me an indication on the type of material the casing for 2010 series is made of. Is it plastic, aluminum or a metal alloy?

Thanks for any indication!

 

I ordered Acer 2012 Mi already with Mobiltech already. I will pick it up tomorrow.
Then, I will be able to answer your question about the material of the casing.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by xmancanada

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by xmancanada

 

Finally, I got the Acer 2012 WLMI.
The case is aluminum /metal alloy.
I will post my review later today.
Mobile tech is located at pacific mall , markham, Ontario, Canada.
It is the north west corner side of the mall.

[ ][ ][:I]

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by xmancanada

 

1. notebook runs cool???? (and after how long will it begin to warm?)
It get warm only after 2 to 3 hours but it is okay , not heat.
2. is it quiet???
Yes, it is very quiet, the fan may sometime turn on and only in a very short time then it will off
3. Speakers nice???and how loud could it get?? (compare it to a 20 pair of speakers out there)
Speaker is fair only. If you play music in a room, it is pretty loud.
But if you play movie, then it is not good enough. Cannot compare to external speakers.
4. does the CD drive make noises when it runs??
yes, it make noises for start up then not too much noise.
5. is the ATI MR9700 nice??? i bet it is =)
very nice
6. does it have the "ii" problem??
no ii problem
7. how STIFF are the buttons for the touch pad??
the button is quite stiff. Cannot compare to a full size keyboard.
This is one thing I do not like.

Overall it is good and solid, pretty looking.

I would like to start a new topic for people owning this notebook for fine tuning the notebook later. I am writing my review now. I will post it when it done.

 

thanks xman. i too am on the edge of my seat waiting for your review. May purchase tomorrow. good news about the casing , does it feel solid all around? Can't find a display model anywhere in Victoria.

todd

 

xman, can I bother you to take a closer look at your case? I nicked the corner of my 2012 and its definately plastic under the silver paint.

 

I have contacted Acer NL and they confirmed me officially that the casing for 2010 series is made 100% plastic and only the 2020 series is made of aluminum. They even told me that the casing for 2000 series is also made of plastic and that the advertisement for the 2000 series on the global web site is wrong (they advertise there an aluminum casing for 2000 series). This would explain the big difference in price between the 2010 and 2020 series i.e. it’s not only the additional 64 Mb of video memory.

 

i have an acer 2001, the LCD lid is indeed aluminum and the rest is plastic. Also the bottom is painted in silver. The 2010 is black i believe (looking at the pictures from newegg.com)

 

yes, the LCD lid seem to be alumium. And the rest is plastic.

 

xman, i have just read some other reviews and comments on the AS2012WLMi notebook...

is it true there's no sub woofer in this notebook?

because no wonder the sound performance wasn't that great like u mentioned...

p.s. i'm still waiting for the review your writing [ ]

 

it has a sub under the front middle.
Sorry for the late reply.
I am quite busy for the day job.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by 403fobby

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by MD470

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by xmancanada

 

Hey thanks~, i wonder why xmancanada said there IS a subwoofer.....because I've read couple of reviews where people complained about the lack of subwoofer in this model. And by the way are you going to write a review on the unit? If you are, I will be very pleased. Please consider reviewing on the heat level and duration, gaming experience, and sound quality/loudness. Thanks!

 

I'm looking to buy the 2012WLMi model here in Dubai in the next few days hopefully (I live in the UK but I'm here on vacation and the pricing is considerably cheaper than the UK. The best pricing I've found so far for the base unit is equivalent to US $1,694.87, according to XE.com as of today) That's after a lot of bargaining.

I'll actually be looking to get the two 256mb ram modules removed and replaced with two 512mb Kingston ram modules (Kingston valueram series, CL2.5, 333mhz ddr) - Can anyone tell me if this is a good decision? They only offer the valueram series over here, but I *have to* choose Kingston to get warranty cover for the modules back in the UK. I *think* these modules should be at least as fast as the base Acer-supplied dimms, yes or no?

Lots of shops stock this model and I've had a chance to play with it a little bit. It's definately mostly (if not 100%) plastic, but feels solidly built with very little flex as far as I an tell.

In case anyone's wondering, I was messing around with the Radeon 9700 settings control panel and it mentioned Compal, so I guess that's the oem which manufactures this model.

- Odie

 

You can find in NL the Aspire 2012WLMi for 1300 EUR (all taxes included). You may get it to 1050 EUR if you manage to get the VAT back, which is not impossible. Aspire 2023 would be 1580 – 1600 EUR (all taxes included). So, US $1,694.87, for an Aspire 2012WLMi is too much.

 

<<<<Mine is definately not Aluminum. It's black plastic. The 'metalic' parts are just paint.

I think you have to go up to the 2020 for the full true metal finish.>>>>>


I'm again Comparing picures on newegg site an noticed that the LCD lid of the 2012 is different from my 2001. (ithought it was all the same). Is the Lid Plastic too on the 2012?

 

MD470, that price seems very low including tax! You could probably make some good money selling those on ebay to people in the UK.

The best UK price I've been able to find is about 1070 pounds including VAT (17.5%) - about 1619.99

The price I've found here is equivalent to about 1403.99 euros.

Add to that the fact that I'm also going to be saving money on the RAM upgrade because the prices over here for 512mb Kingston sodimms are about 15 pounds cheaper each than the best UK prices I've seen. AND - the shops over here will buy back the two 256mb sodimms that come out of the machine straight away for a good price.

The final price over here for the 2012LMi with 1 Gb of Kingston ram (2x 512mb modules), a targus carry case and a Microsoft notebook optical mouse comes to around 1546 euros.

- Odie

 

2012wlci seems to get hot around the upper right corner of the keyboard
and when its reading some data CDs, theres a very strong vibration sound.

 

i'm also planning to buy the 2012WLMi but got one more question:
the DVD writer, is it slot loading as some pictures show?

I can't find any reliable information on that.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by atrox

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'> from what I personally know, the 2010 series does NOT have slot loading drives, and NO subwoofers. Hope this helps.
<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'></font id='quote'></blockquote id='quote'>

the european version seems to differ a lot from the other versions, cuz i AM sure that it contains a subwoofer. But thanks anyway i'll keep continuing my search.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by atrox