Will the Acer Aspire One 531H work with XT?

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manburger

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# 46718 8-Nov-2009 14:22

I was considering the Acer Aspire One 531H-1440(http://us.acer.com/acer/productv.do?LanguageISOCtxParam=en&kcond61e.c2att101=57949&sp=page16e&ctx2.c2att1=25&link=ln438e&CountryISOCtxParam=US&ctx1g.c2att92=843&ctx1.att21k=1&CRC=2520131420)

I'm a complete n00b at this though, will this work on the 3g networks here? Specifically telecom's XT?
I found this on the bands its uses:
WWAN7, 8: UMTS/HSPA at 850/900/1900/21001 MHz and quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), upgradeable to 7.2 Mb/s HSDPA and 5.7 Mb/s1 HSUPA, supporting receiver diversity and equalizing at 2100 MHz (for 3G models)
Would that work with the 3g networks here? And how would I connect it? Or is this going to be more trouble than it's worth?

Thanks in advance!

sbiddle

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Biddle Corp

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# 271013 8-Nov-2009 14:50

Where are you planning on buying the device from?

The specs you linked to are for a US device that would work in NZ on XT but I'm guessing you aren't actually buying the device from the USA. Depending on the market the unit will be fitted with a data card that does 900/2100 (Vodafone) or 850/2100 (XT).

manburger

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# 271014 8-Nov-2009 14:58

Yeah, I'd be buying from an american retailer as there's one that's currently on sale. Can I get a data card from telecom myself or is it more technical than that?

vinnieg

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# 271202 9-Nov-2009 10:02

Nah, you don't need a data card if it's the 531H as that's the built in 3g model.

I got my Acer 1005HA from Mwave.com good site, but only really take orders through their Ebay account(techtreasure)

It'll work with Telecom, you will just need to manually input the settings :)
Buy an XT sim, remove battery, plug XT sim into simcard, done!!!!

It really is that easy

Other options:
Buy an Acer Aspire one D250 from Playtech $599
Buy a sierra wireless that supports UMTS/HSPDA 850 and undo the slot on the base of the laptop and slot it in. Then I think you might need to possibly blank a pin off(although most cards should be picked up straight away)

That way you'd have full NZ support, instead of sending it back to the US

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

manburger

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# 271611 10-Nov-2009 12:31

Thanks for that vinnie, I'm quite excited now! I got it refurbished from tigerdirect for $280USD, shipping ~$40 from shipito.com, hopefully all said and done it will be under $500NZD. I realise if it's broken I'm pretty screwed, so fingers crossed there's nothing wrong with it!

So the simcard is just a normal XT prepaid sim, like I'd by for a phone? Guess I'll keep an eye on trademe. Thanks again!

vinnieg

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# 271669 10-Nov-2009 15:14

yep :) simcard is just standard XT, i've got one here in my XT phone, works fine in my laptop when I'm away, keep us updated on how it goes :)

I bought my 1005HA originally from mwave.com but they've stopped doing international laptop orders :(

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

manburger

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# 271753 10-Nov-2009 18:04

Yeah, the only difference between the 531H and the 531(which is the one on firstin, judging from a google of the part number) is the built in 3G adapter on the 531H. Probably not a deal breaker for most people, but I feel like a constant IV drip of the internet is necessary to feed my addiction. That's hardly the whole reason I'm buying it however, it looks like a solid and well designed model. Excited!

How's the 1005HA treating you vinnie? Any buyers remorse?

vinnieg

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# 272881 13-Nov-2009 21:34

manburger: treating you vinnie? Any buyers remorse?

It's still really good, had it a few months now

I use it for:
- training while at work
- web browsing tethered to my XT cell at work(so they can't trace me)
- gaming after work(SWAT 4, NFS series(first 4) and Command and Conquer)
- watching videos while flying

So yeah I really enjoy it, I'm a tad annoyed that I didn't get it with Win7 and I really should've waiting for the 1201n with ION for $499US. But for the $550NZD I paid with 3 day USPS Express Priority shipping, it's been worth it

Also got:
- STA mini messenger sack, $31.99NZD from Student IT at Vic uni, I'm staff and got a 60% discount
- Bluetooth mini optical mouse $16NZD from Ebay
- CD caddy USB slim $12NZD from Ebay which I filled with an old work Dell DVD laptop drive

I carry it with my to work most days. Also use it on the couch to RDP my HTPC. So i can add downloads(legal ones), updates and other things to it without plugging in the keyboard.

Battery life: first time i used it, I got 9 hours with wifi on, bluetooth on, screen at 80%. Now I get around 6 hours, so a bit short of the 8.5 it claims, but still easy enough to get through the day. Plus the AC adapter is so small and easy to carry with me too.

Being black though, it's a fingerprint magnet and has a few scratches already

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

vinnieg

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# 272979 14-Nov-2009 11:49

Oh whoops, I meant

STM Mini Messenger carry bag,
http://www.noelleeming.co.nz/computers/computer-accessories/notebook-cases/stm-xs-micro-10-2-dp-0928-1-shoulder-bag/prod12941.html

This is the exact bag which I paid $31 for :)

Nice and snug fit for the netbook with inside protection from scratches/damage and holds the accessories well

I'll try head over to my brothers today and get a few shots and a look at his NVS googles too, hell yeah :)

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.