Overview: Acer Aspire One

Our Acer Aspire One specifications:

• 1.6GHz Intel Atom Processor
• 8.9" WSVGA glossy LED backlit display
• 802.11b/g Wireless
• 120GB 2.5" 5400RPM Hitachi Hard Drive (with SDHC storage expansion slot)
• 3-Cell 23Wh battery
• Size: 9.75" x 6.625" x 1.28"
• Weight: 2lb 5.0oz

Heat and Noise

Nearly all of the Intel Atom-based netbooks fall into the reasonably warm while running category, and the Acer Aspire One is no different. Under normal conditions such as surfing the web, typing a document, or chatting on an instant messaging client, surface temperatures stay within reasonable levels. The keyboard maintains a temperature a bit above room temperature and the bottom is slightly warmer.

Noise is the one category where the Aspire One stands out, and not in a good way. Almost as soon as the netbook is turned on the cooling fans starts at a low droning speed. It barely moves any air out of the device, but it is louder than fans found in full-size notebooks. As the Aspire One warms up and needs more cooling the fan speed increases to a very annoying level. It stands out in a busy office setting and in a quiet classroom would get even the teacher's attention.

Battery

In our initial testing the Acer Aspire One lasts for roughly 3 hours with backlight at 60% brightness and wireless enabled. This is with the 3-cell battery which consumers will find available in most Intel Atom devices right now. Hopefully manufacturers start to offer 6-cell battery alternatives soon, as the additional parts cost is minimal, and it doubles the battery life into the 6 hours range.

Video Review: Acer Aspire One

Review: ACER TRAVELMATE 8215WLMi

Introduction

Acer is known for having some of the best laptops ever created, this is one of them. This machine is the smallest machine in the 8210 series with a Core 2 Duo-processor T7200 on 2 GHz, 1 GB ram, 120 GB hard disk and a lot more goodies. The latest things Acer came up with this year were a rotate able webcam and a Bluetooth headset. This machine is ready for Vista Premium, which we used when we tested this machine. We can tell you right away that we did this test with no problems.

Specs
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T7200, 2 GHz, 4 MB L2-Cache
Chipset: Intel 945PM
Memory: 1024 MB (DDR2-533, to moduler)
Hard disk: 120 GB 5400 RPM 2,5" S-ATA (TOSHIBA MK1234GSX )
Graphic: ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 256 MB (up to 512 MB with Hypermemory)
Screen: 15,4" WSXGA+ (1680x1050) Samsung LTN154P1-L02
Battery: 84 Wh
Network: 10/100/1000 Mbps Intel and Intel 802.11a/b/g
Sound card: Realtek (High Definition Audio)
Connection facilities: 4x USB 2.0, D-Sub. DVI, S-Video-connection, 56k analog modem, network, Headphones connection, Microphone, PCCard, ExpressCard, memory card reader (MMC, MS, MS-Pro, SD and xD), IR, Portreplikator, FireWire (1394a, 4 pins), Rotate able webcam (1,3 megapixles) and Kensington-lock
Optical units: DVD-burner MATSHITA DVD-RAM UJ-850S
Dimensions: 36,8 x 26,8 x 3 cm
Weight: 3 kg
Price: From 3000 USD

Design
The case is quite solid but the screen top feels a little bit weak. This laptop is also quite much bigger then they actually had to make it, just look at all the space above the screen. They keyboard on this laptop is pretty normal, the only unusual thing is that the “><” button is placed on the opposite side compared to the normal. The mouse pad is okay and got a nice size, and the mouse buttons are big and comfortable to use. In general this machine looks good and you can see its quality before you even open it up.

Performance
Even though Acer uses the same graphic cards as the models from Asus and LG, the performance of this computer is better because of the CPU and memory are clocked higher. On Doom 3 with high details , got 84,3 FPS and on PCMark05 we got 2874 score. This Acer machine is the first one with Core 2 Duo T7x00-processor. The battery lasted 3 hours and 21 minutes, something which is normal for this class.

Pros
+ Very many connection facilities
+ High resolution screen
+ Generally a fast computer

Cons
- Expensive
- Little bit big

Value For Money

Our Rating

Review: Acer TravelMate C200 Tablet PC

Specs

• Hard Drive: 80GB Ultra ATA/100 (ATA-6)
• Ports:
• 1 x IrDA Fast Infrared
• 3 x USB 2.0
• 1 x Docking
• 1 x DC Power Input
• 1 x RJ-11 Modem
• 1 x RJ-45 Network
• 1 x VGA
• 1 x Microphone
• 1 x Headphone(s)
• 1 x i.Link IEEE 1394 FireWire
• Package Contents:
  TravelMate C203ETCi Tablet PC Lithium Ion battery AC Adapter Acer System Recovery CD Tablet Pen
• Network: Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000Mbps, Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11b/g 54Mbps
• Manufacturer: Acer Inc.
• Case Style: Portable
• Standard Memory: 512MB DDR2 SDRAM
• Display Screen: 12.1" XGA Active Matrix TFT Color LCD
• Optical Drive: Combo Drive - CD-RW/DVD-ROM (Plug-in Module)
• Sound Card: Integrated
• Standard Warranty: 1 Year(s) Limited - Worldwide
• Keyboard: 84 Keys
• Manufacturer Part Number: LX.TAU0E.002
• Expansion Slots: 1 x Flash Memory Card, 1 x CardBus Type II
• Operating System: Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
• Processor: Intel Celeron M 370 1.50GHz
• Batteries: 1 x 6-cell Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) Standard
• Modem: V.92 56Kbps Fax Modem
• Maximum Memory: 2GB DDR2 SDRAM
• Graphics Controller: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 Up to 128MB VRAM
• Parts Warranty/Labor: 1 Year(s)
• Dimensions: 1.4" Height x 12.4" Width x 9.4" Depth

Final Thoughts

The Acer TravelMate C200 Tablet PC is not the lightest 12.1" model of the bunch. As a matter of fact the design is a bit bulkier than what we would have expected. On the upside this Celeron M-based version of the C200 is an outstanding value. We would highly recommend this Tablet PC for students, consumers or business users who want to get a solid and dependable Tablet PC without breaking the bank.

Pros

• Beautiful display
• Screen locks steady in notebook and tablet mode
• Built-in, removable optical drive
• Good value for the price

Cons

• Limited input options
• "Exposed" screen vulnerable to damage
• Debatable design issues

Review:- ACER EXTENSA 5220

ACER EXTENSA 5220 – OLD BOY IN NEW ATTIRE:

Each year as back to school season approach the computer market teases consumers into their stores with loss leader laptops. Generally they sell out pretty fast. It possibly isn't the characteristic PC users that purchase them, but rather tweezers that are looking for a decent kit to research with.


Design:

While I had the Extensa 5220 open, I noticed that the CPU is in fact secreted। The 5220's Socket P will recognize any one of a large number of CPUs (Merom and Penryn based). Unlike some current budget laptops based on Intel's Santa Rosa platform, the 5220 only has single miniPCI slot.

Performance:

Opening with the CPU; the Celeron M 550 is run on Intel's Merom construction (standard-voltage, 65 nm)। Merom is the previous generation of Intel's Core micro architecture. It chains: MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, Intel 64 (Intel's x86-64 implementation), XD bit (an NX bit execution). With 2 GHz clock speed and 1024 KB of level 2 cache presentation it is in sequence with the Pentium M 760 CPU of former times apart from the Celeron has the added advantage of SSE3, SSSE3 and Intel 64. Not too scruffy. The Extensa 5220 is not departing to win any velocity contests. It does however run the Operating System and office functions just fine. Here are the results of some frequent benchmarks that should exemplify the relative presentation. Keep in mind that these benchmarks are multi-threaded and actually errand dual core (or greater) CPUs.

Wireless recital is marvelous. The 5520 can see loads of networks and holds the signal, but this is true of almost every laptop these days. Battery sprint life is low. At just about 2 hours one wonders where all the juice is departing, this is after all a single core CPU with improved speed step.

Conclusion

With a poor battery life and immense weight, at ordinary business value PC price of $600 I would advise the majority people to steer clear of the Acer Extensa 5220। But with a price of $399 (less with coupons) it is unbreakable not to understand the value on offer here. This is a rock-hard workhorse laptop. It is built on a well-support podium that is well-matched with lots of operating systems. It has the ports a business user requires and technologies like DASP to keep data safe.

Pros:

It handles Vista well-enough
Linux and other OS work really well with the stock hardware
Good value for money after the discounts

Cons:

Outdated configuration

Value For Money

Our Ratings

Review: Acer Ferrari 4005WLMi

• Microsoft Windows XP Professional
• AMD Turion 64 Mobile Technology ML-37(1MB L2 cache, 2.0GHz)
  Radeon Xpress 200M Chipset
• 1GB (512MB installed in each of two memory slots) DDR333 SDRAM (upgradeable to 2 GB total)
• 100GB Ultra ATA/100 hard drive (5400 rpm)
• Integrated DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive
• 5-in-1 card reader for optional MultiMediaCard , Secure Digital card, Memory Stick , Memory Stick PRO or xD-Picture Card
• 15.4" WSXGA+ (1680 x 1050) TFT LCD, up to 16.7 million colors
• ATI MOBILITY RADEON X700 graphics, 128MB DDR memory
• Dimensions & Weight: 14.3" (363.0mm) W x 10.5" (265.7mm) D x 1.2" - 1.4" (30.5mm - 34.3mm) H. 6.3 lb. (2.9kg)

Pros (will try to limit to 5, although I think its fairly obvious I could go on for a while!):

• Ferrari (it's so pretty.....)
• Performance (works perfectly and is insanely fast)
• Easilly customizable
• 64 bit procesor (ensures future viability)
• Included extras are a very nice touch

Cons (seriously, this is all of them, not including that EVERYONE will notice your laptop):

• Bluetooth/wireless controls on front (vs being near keyboard)
• Lack of media controls
• Keyboard/mousepad heat
• Headphone volume
• Screen/carbon fiber top tend to smudge, although the cleaning cloth gets rid of those quickly

Conclusion:

Great laptop, which will last you a while. Definately get the USB sound drive and the total protection warranty extension. At around $2,200 from most retailers, it is a tad pricey; however it really is worth it if you want a great performing laptop. The sensational design is the icing on the cake.

Review: Acer Aspire 5920

• 15.4-inch WXGA (1280 x 800) CCFL Crystalbrite (glossy) screen
• Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 (1.5GHz , 667MHz FSB)
• 2GB DDR2-667 SDRAM
• 160GB 5400 RPM SATA HDD
• HD DVD / DVD-RW drive
• Nvidia Geforce 8600m GT 256MB DDR2
• 802.11a/b/g WLAN
• Two Speakers and a built-in subwoofer
• Windows Vista Home Premium

Pros

• Best bang for the buck

Cons

• LCD bright but not brilliant
• No sufficient CPU/GPU throttling
• Annoying fan

Review: Acer Aspire 5634WLMi

System

• Intel Core 2 Duo T5600 (1.83GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 667MHz FSB)
• 1GB PC4200 DD2-SDRAM (2x 512)
• 8X DVD-Super Multi drive
• 15.4” CrystalBrite LCD (glossy)
• 120GB 5400rpm Seagate HDD
• Nvidia GeForce Go 7300
• Integrated High-Definition audio support
• Integrated 1.3 megapixel Orbicam
• 6 Media keys (volume up/down; play/pause; stop; forward/next; backwards/previous)
• Weight- 2.95 Kg

Pros

• Very quiet and minimal heat;
• Great for multitasking;
• Dedicated media keys.

Cons

• Better graphics card would be preferable (Go 7400; 7600);
• No integrated Bluetooth;
• No Windows XP Recovery DVDs included.

Review: Acer Extensa 5220-2516

• Celeron M550 2GHz CPU
• Intel Santa Rosa chipset with GMA X3100
• 1GB of DDR2 RAM at 667MHz
• 120GB Hitachi 5400 RPM HDD
• Pioneer DL DVD Multi recorder
• 802.11g and Gigabyte Ethernet
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• 6-cell 4000 mAh battery

Conclusion

With a poor battery life and hefty weight, at normal business value PC price of $600 I would advise most people to avoid the Acer Extensa 5220. But with a price of $399 (less with coupons) it is hard not to appreciate the value on offer here.

This is a solid workhorse notebook. It is built on a well-support platform that is compatible with lots of operating systems. It has the ports a business user needs and technologies like DASP to keep data safe.

It handles Vista well-enough, but Linux and other OSes work really well with the stock hardware and hint at just how much bloat is in Microsoft's latest OS. You really need 2GB or more to enjoy Vista. There is mention in the Acer documentation of an XP downgrade, that might be an option for some people.

For shoppers seeking a basic computer or hacking/tweaking platform this Acer will be a good choice. The Extensa 5220 is priced similar to a Pentium-M based used/refurbished business class notebooks you can find on eBay (IBM T4x, Lattitudes, Tecras), but it is new and comes with a lot of extra features (newer processor technology, better optical, warranty).

Review: ACER FERRARI 1000

Acer Ferrari 1000 Technical Specifications

Processor

AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-56 1.8 GHz

Memory

768 MB DDR2

Harddrive

160GB

OS

Windows XP Pro

Weight

4 pounds

Screen

12.1

Screen resolution

1280 x 800

Graphic Card

ATI Radeon Xpress 1150

Battery Life

3.5 hours

Features and Performance

Powered by AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-56 dual core processor, this CPU sports a 2x512KB L2 cache, runs on an 1800 MHz HyperTransport Bus, and is built on a 90nm manufacturing process. Maximum power dissipation (Thermal Design Power, TDP) of the TL models is at 35W. ATI Radeon Xpress 1150 chipset equips an integrated graphics. Not to mention, 768MB DDR2 667MHz RAM and supports up to 4GB RAM and a Seagate Momentus 5400.3 (ST9160821AS) 160GB 5400RPM 8MB cache SATA drive.

Lets get to more goods: the vibrant 12.1-inch WXGA (1280 x 800 native resolution) widescreen display with Acer CrystalBrite high-brightness LCD and with LED backlight. It enhances the viewing experience, as color and contrast are much more rich and vibrant. Viewing angles were respectable and color inversing was minimal.

Attached within the LCD panel-mounted is a 1.3 megapixel camera located above the display. You also get Acer VisageON software, which tracks 22 points of the users face so it to remains centered in the frame.

The Ferrari 1000 came with two batteries: one 6-cell rated at 4800 mAh and one 3-cell rated at 2000 mAh. The larger 6-cell capacity battery protrudes from the rear of the machine but the 3-cell does not. Overall battery life with the 6-cell isnt that great.

Review: Acer Aspire 7720G

This latest thing from Acer aims more at performance rather than portability. A more of a use-at-home machine, it is grilled through to gain a knowledge of its power. So, here it goes..

Design

Employing the company's new Gemstone design, we have a curvy babe on our hands, which is a little plastic in the feel. The laptop looks quite sturdy at the first glance, and so it is. Weighing at around 3.6 kgs, its quite heavy and not suitable for carrying around. The screen of the notebook is a 17” and has been supplied with a glossy touch to increase the color quality. This makes an impact on the screens clarity and reflectivity issues were faced to a large extent. Supporting a maximum resolution of 1440x900 pixels, this one is equipped to a certain extent but cannot match the quality and clarity of the 1920x1080 resolution. 4 USB ports, 2 on each flank, 1 Firewire port, and a HD-DVD drive which is so current gen.

Performance

The performance of the laptop is worth a look. The specification of the machine boasts of a 2Ghz Core-2-Duo processor, 2GB Ram, 2 160GB hard disks , making a total of 320GB. Also, a 8400M graphics accelerator has been included which can take care of your craving for that frag session with your close buddies. In the real world tests, the laptop achieved a decent score of 71 in WorldBench, and an average 13fps on medium-high settings in various games. The battery life of the notebook is nothing worth mentioning. It lasted a maximum of 80 minutes, which is plain average for it.

Conclusion

The laptop hits well in performance tab, but fails to impress in the design and portability category. The decent specification, ample storage , good connection methods like WiFi, a decent performance in casual gaming are all a plus. So before buying this, consider well if you can adjust with the poor screen, low battery, not-so ergonomic build.


Pros

+ Good performance-price ratio
+ Ample storage

Cons

- Poor screen, and reflectivity problems
- Bad designing
- Battery life is not satisfactory