Acer unveils Aspire One Pro 531 enterprise netbook

Latest machine comes with XP Pro, adding to its business appeal

The Aspire One Pro 531 is aimed at on-the-go executives

Acer has added to its Aspire One netbook range with a professional model called the Aspire One Pro 531.

The new device has been designed with mobility in mind, and the firm is pitching it as a second or third computer for on-the-go executives. The Pro 531 weighs just under 1Kg, offers up to 7.5 hours of battery life and is just 2.5 cm thick. It has an easy grip design and toughened hinge, and a keyboard that is almost 90 per cent standard-size.

The Pro 531 may appeal to business buyers as it runs Windows XP Pro, allowing it to be joined to a Windows Active Directory domain on a network.

Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Fast Ethernet LAN, 3G and Bluetooth, and the system runs on the low power Intel Atom processor.

The Aspire One Pro 531 is expected to cost £359+VAT for a unit with a three-cell battery, 1GB RAM and a 250GB hard drive; and £399+VAT with a six-cell battery, 2GB RAM and a 250GB hard drive.

Meanwhile, it is rumoured that Acer is preparing another version of the Aspire One which will run Google's Android operating system. Reports claim that the device has been on display at the Computex Taipei trade show in Taiwan, along with a number of new netbooks also running Android from other vendors, including an Asus Eee PC.

Acer representatives in the UK said that the company could not comment locally on announcements made in other areas.

Taiwanese computing firm ECS is also reported to be readying its first Android-based notebook for a winter release. The T800 has been on display at the Computex show, and boasts an 8.9in screen and weighs less than 1Kg. An ECS spokesman told attendees that the device is likely to be available in the fourth quarter for roughly £300.