Acer launches four laptops

Headlining the event was the firm's Timeline X machine, which seems like a jack of all trades coming in three SKUs with screen sizes varying from 13.3-inch up to 15.6-inch. Acer also confirmed that an 11-inch version will show up eventually.

Acer is giving the Timeline X line stamina by offering a 9-cell battery, albeit as a £200 option. The firm says that the standard 6-cell unit provides around eight hours of battery life with WiFi enabled.

Acer also announced two other middle of the road units aimed at casual gamers and the few who use their laptops to watch Blu-ray films. The more interesting of the two, the x754, sports the full range of Intel mobile Core processors and graphics chips from AMD, three display sizes - 14-inch, 15.6-inch and 17.3-inch - and "Dolby optimised" surround sound.

The notebook is supposed to offer "essentiality", whatever that means. Essentially, for us, the design, weight and specification will mean that only those who can't afford good taste will aspire for the Ethos. Prices start £1,100 but expect to pay more if you want the 18-inch monstrosity.