Photo: Acer

Acer’s flagship range – the Acer Aspire laptop range – runs the gamut from netbooks right up to Acer’s high end laptops. It’s a good move for brand identity but it can make life a little difficult for a newcomer who doesn’t understand the product differentiation.

Product differentiation explained

‘Aspire’ is a general name Acer use for some of its laptops, much like Apple’s ‘Macbook’ monicker. Now, ‘Aspire One’ represents the company’s notebook range, Timeline represents a specific line of highly efficient laptops Acer makes, while the numbered range (ala Acer Aspire 7745G) represents the general laptops Acer ships. Confusion averted? Good, so now let’s look at what they offer.

The Acer Aspire products

The Acer Aspire One are among the most popular netbooks on the market today, and for good reason. With their Intel Atom N450, N45 and N75 processor configurations, they’re easily the most capable netbooks on the market. Each shipping with a 1GB of RAM and 250GB of storage space, Acer doesn’t skim on capability – something that can’t be said for most netbooks on the market.

Acer Timeline and numbered range

Photo: Acer

One thing we have found with the Acer Aspire laptop range, in general, is that while they’re priced well and are very capable relative to what you pay, Acer doesn’t always work hard enough on ensuring great build quality. An example of this is the Acer Aspire 7745G, which we reviewed recently – fantastic laptop with questionable design build.
And this theme holds through to the award winning, ultra-thin, long battery life Acer Timeline series of laptops. They work great, are priced great, and have admirable features, but on the rare occasion miss a beat with how the physical product is engineered.

Verdict

Acer has long made very good laptops, trading off the need to be a premium brand by moving massive volumes of product at an attractive price. The Acer Aspire One netbooks are easily my favourites of their device category, matched only by the Asus Eee PC. The Timelines are great pieces of kit if efficiency is your game, while the numbered laptops are a mixed bag, wherein you should review each one in isolation.

Photo: Acer

In a market filled with increasingly cheaper alternatives, reviewing mid to high-end laptops is proving more and more difficult, particularly in mitigating expectations with price points. As such, we approached our Acer Aspire 7745G review with caution, and equal excitement, to discover a great gaming and multimedia laptop with a display that left much to be desired, and a keyboard that’s just not up to snuff.

Specs

As with anything remotely attractive, we have to get the vital stats out the way. The Acer Aspire 7745G has Intel Core i5 540M processor with a clock speed of 2.4GHz. It ships with 4GB of RAM, and has a spacious 500GB hard drive packed in. An impressive ATI Mobility Radeon HD5850 does the graphical heavy lifting and a large 17.3-inch glossy display with a resolution of 1600×900 rounds up the most important features.

Design build

Photo: Acer

We’re rather indifferent about the aesthetic sensibilities behind the Acer Aspire 7745G. Or, stated differently, Acer plays it very safe. The display lid is a glossy plastic black, which while reflecting light wonderfully is also very smudge happy.

Input devices

The aluminium palm rest makes for surprisingly comfortable typing positioning. The problem is when you actually start the typing. The keys have very unusual pressure points, feeling somewhat hollow, with the keyboard distribution feeling generally unbalanced. There’s also the glaring omission of illuminated keys (for the price you’re paying, surely they should be included). What the keyboard does have, though, is nicely sized keys, which, given the computer is 17.3-inches, is to be expected.

The touchpad, in comparison, is quite competent. It has multi-touch functionality – a fast emerging standard in contemporary computers – and has a spacious surface area. The tricky balancing act of resistance and glide is well handled, with fast swipes registering well and the cursor barely noticeable. Though you only see one key bracket, there are actually two very receptive mouse keys beneath the touchpad. All in all, we really like the touchpad but can’t stand the keyboard, making one wonder how the company got one so right and the other so horribly wrong.

Performance

Photo: Intel

Actual performance is not a concern. The processing power deliverd by the Intel Core i5 540M and respectable amount of RAM allow this computer to run most all contemporary applications, with traditional resource hogs Photoshop and Adobe Premiere having little to no effect on performance. Games work well, too, and herein is where the addition of a solid graphics card makes a big difference. Sure, gamers would have preferred if the screen was a full HD 1920×1080, but we shudder to think how much more strain that would have put on the graphics card. Smart omission, methinks.

The problem is the display. Firstly, contrast is not where it should be, with blacks not reaching the right levels, even to the naked eye. The huge issue we had was the ridiculous viewing angle. Any sort of vertical movement whatsoever meant a significant change in picture, with horizontal movement proving okay. This means an arbitrary task like sitting back in your chair after leaning forward momentarily requires screen adjustment. Not fun. And the idea of fiddling with the monitor every few minutes, it feels, during commutes or flights wore thin on us real fast.

In fairness, it looks great when you’re viewing straight on, particularly if you can forgive the contrast issue, but the viewing angle misgivings on the Acer Aspire 7745G are almost unforgiveable.

Verdict

The Acer Aspire 7745G is a very powerful computer, thanks to the Intel Core i5 540M, with a graphics card capable of appeasing most gamers’ needs. The large screen frustrates due to its narrow viewing angle and opting for gloss over matte will always be a point of personal preference. The touchpad is good fun to play and work with, but the keyboard is shocking. Perhaps that’s hyperbole – the keyboard is shocking relative to how much you are paying for this laptop.

And here is the challenge – for its capabilities, we would recommend the Acer Aspire 7745G any day. For its technical shortcomings, we feel it best to try extensively before committing. Type on the keyboard, simulate real world screen viewing adjustments, and decide for yourself if they’re worth overlooking. If they are, go for it. If they’re not, steer very clear.

Photo: Acer

The 17.3-inch Acer Aspire 7740G is a fast, Intel Core i5 laptop with all the makings of a genuine desktop replacement.

Specs

The Acer Aspire 7740G packs a 2.26GHz Intel Core i5 430M processor, with 4GB of DDR-3 RAM. It has ATI’s Mobility Radeon HD 5470 graphics running at 512mb pumping out pixels. It comes with a 640GB Western Digital hard drive humming along at 5400rpm. The 17.3-inch glossy display has a resolution of 1600×900.

Aesthetics and build

The Acer Aspire 7740G is no looker, and oddly enough, that’s what makes it so attractive. It doesn’t have the off putting multi-colour palm rest and keyboard combinations that have become so common place and its black finish, with dark blue on the outside of the laptop works very well. The build is very sturdy and robust, with very little bending when applying pressure to different  corners of the laptop, nor does it cave when applying force to the keyboard and trackpad.

It certainly isn’t for the fashion conscious, but, funnily enough, there are a lot of people who aren’t for that.

Input devices

The keys on the keyboard are spaced well enough that even for users with big fingers, accidently hitting the wrong key is reduced considerably. Unfortunately the byproduct of this intelligent spacing is dust can easily seep through the corners, but that can be dealt with a thorough wipe down. The feedback on the keys is also good, meaning there is very little to complain about with regards to the keys.

The gesture-based touchpad is a disappointment, though. Often times there are notable lags between your input and the feedback on screen and the design, with a dedicated scroll interface on the right-hand side of the trackpad. As for the thin, single button, it makes perfect sense and works very well, too.

The rest

Performance-wise, the Intel Core i5 clearly makes a major difference, with applications booting, switching and running very well. The turbo CPU coupled with the decent graphics card means it can play most contemporary games, but at reduced resolutions. The display is mid-park, with a decent viewing angle, though the gloss may put users off.

Outside of the trackpad let down, there’s very little reason not to recommend the Acer Aspire 7740G

The Acer Aspire 7540 (LX.PJD02.002) is the new notebook from the house of Acer that provides you a totally immersive computing experience with the unique set of features included in it. It is driven by the AMD Athlon II Dual-Core M300 processor that has a clock speed of 2000 MHz. The powerful processor helps in easily handling daily applications and the more demanding multimedia applications. The 3072 MB of RAM included in the notebook allows you open multiple web pages at the same without affecting the working speed of the notebook. With the Acer Aspire 7540 (LX.PJD02.002), you can enjoy an enhanced performance, easier navigation, faster web browsing and a lot more, thanks to the pre-installed Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium operating system.

The hard drive included in the Acer notebook has a memory capacity of 320 GB which provides enough space for your music files and documents.  The Acer Aspire 7540 (LX.PJD02.002) has a display screen of 17.3 inches which has an HD resolution, anti-reflective surface and LED backlighting , together they contribute in making the Acer Aspire 7540 (LX.PJD02.002) a perfect notebook for regular computing needs and entertainment purposes. Additionally, with the ATI Mobility Radeon HD4570 graphics card and the dedicated graphics memory of 512 MB, you are transported to whole new level of computer gaming. The notebook’s multimedia capabilities are further enhanced by the built-in speakers and Dolby Surround Sound feature included in it.

Some other features of this brilliant piece of notebook include four USB ports, Ethernet and modem ports, built-in 802.11 b/g wireless LAN technology, HDMI and VGA external display options, 5-in-1 media card reader and a DVD Rewriter.

Acer is a renowned brand in laptop production and each of its models are known for its high quality and great features. The case of newly launched Acer Aspire 7535G (LX.PCE0X.140) is no different and this is the reason why in the very short span since its launch this notebook has become one of the most sought after notebooks in the market. The AMD Turion 64×2 Ultra ZM82 processor of this notebook provide it great speed and help it to easily run multiple applications. This notebook comes with 17.3” display that has HD 1600 X 900 resolution. This gives amazing picture quality to this notebook and you would love watching movies on this notebook. This notebook has got an optical disc drive that not only plays CD as well as DVD but also has got DVD writer.

Acer Aspire 7535G (LX.PCE0X.140) comes with graphics card ATI Mobility Radeon HD4570 that facilitates users to view even heavy graphics file as well as play games that involve great graphics. It has got 4 USB connection port for fast data transfer and has built-in webcam. The Acer Aspire 7535G (LX.PCE0X.140) weighs just 3.9kg that helps users to easily carry and easily work on this notebook by placing it on their laps. It has got amazing 500GB of hard disc memory and 4,096 RAM that helps you to store as many files as you can and even download different software. It is also known for its great battery back ups as its battery last for nearly 2.5 hours giving you the convenience of working for that much time without any power connection. All these features make it the best buy for customers.

The Taiwanese firm Acer is one of the leading manufacturers of a wide range of laptops that are in great demand all over the world. Aspire 5536 is a very famous series that is fitted using cutting edge technology and quality assured components that ensure optimum performance and a hassle free long functioning life. These laptops are very portable and can be easily carried and transported. The entire series is available in a stylish black colour that gives it a trendy yet sophisticated look.

Some of the best laptops from the Acer Aspire 5536 series include Acer Aspire 5536-744G (LX.PAW0X.180), Acer Aspire 5536-643G25Mn (LX.PAV0Y.008), Acer Aspire 5536G-744G32Mn (LX.PAZ0X.092), Acer Aspire 5536-744G32MN (LX.PAZ0X.002) and Acer Aspire 5536-643G50Mn (LX.PAW0X.128). Acer Aspire 5536-643G50Mn (LX.PAW0X.128) is fitted with an amazing AMD Athlon 64 X2 QL-64 processor. It provides a clock speed of 2,100 Mhz and it fitted with 3,072 MB RAM. The hard disk memory of the Acer Aspire 5536 laptop is around 500 GB so that you can store all sorts of video, audio and various other documents. It is also equipped with a 15.6 inch display that provides crystal clear images. Acer Aspire 5536-643G50MN (LX.PAW0X.074) is fitted with an AMD Athlon 64 X2 QL-64 processor that provides swift functionality features.

The clock speed of the Acer notebook is around 2100 Mhz and it is fitted with 3,072 MB of RAM. The hard disk memory is around 500 GB which allows you to store huge amount of files. The Acer Aspire 5536 is one of the best ranges of laptops available in the market.

Tags for this article: laptop, acer laptops, acer 5536

Taiwanese manufacturer Acer is one of the leading companies engaged in making PCs and of course laptops. One laptop that stands out from the company’s entry level collection is none other than the Acer Aspire 5536-744G. The laptop is available in a glossy black colour that gives it an attractive and trendy look. The laptop is of the very famous Acer Aspire 5536 series. The notebook is manufactured using quality assured components and cutting edge technology that ensures optimum performance and amazing performance. Additionally it is fitted with various latest features that make it highly demanded all over the world.

The laptop is equipped with AMD Athlon 64 X2 RM-74 that provides a clock speed of 2,200 Mhz. It is fitted with 4096 MB RAM that further speeds up the functionality of the laptop. Additionally, the Acer Aspire 5536-744G laptop is equipped with 500 GB hard disk that allows you to store all sorts of videos, audio and various other documents. It is also fitted with a 15.6 inch display that provides crystal clear pictures. The resolution of the display is around 1366 X 768. The networking is done through LAN 10/100/1000 and Wireless-LAN. Further the laptop is installed with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium operating system. It is fitted with 4 USB 2.0 ports so that you can connect various other devices.

The system is also fitted with a 5 in 1 card reader that allows you to connect all sorts of memory cards. The Acer notebook also has a built in webcam that allows you to video chat without connecting any external device. The laptop is extremely light in weight and can be easily carried and transported.

Many big companies are engaged in manufacturing a wide range of portable laptops. Some of the big companies include Samsung Electronics, Acer Aspire, Sony Vaio, Toshiba and Dell. These laptops are fitted with latest features and cutting edge technology that ensures optimum performance. Additionally these are available in stylish colours that make it look trendy and attractive. These are very compact and can be easily carried. These are no doubt compact in size but are loaded with some of the best features.

Some of the best portable laptops include the Samsung NC10 (NP-NC10-KA01UK), Acer Aspire One A110-AW (LU.S020A.089), Samsung NC10 (NP-NC10-KA03UK), Sony Vaio VGN-P11Z/Q, Acer Aspire One A150L (LU.S050A.074) and Acer Aspire One A150-AW (LU.S040A.074). The Acer Aspire One A110-AB (LU.S030A.203) is installed with an Intel Atom N270 processor. It provides a clock speed of 1,600 Mhz and the hard disk memory of the laptop is around 16 GB. It is fitted with an 8.9 inch screen that provides amazing quality images. Its lightweight and compact chassis places the Aspire One A100-AB among the most portable netbook laptops. Meanwhile, the Samsung N310 (NP-N310-KA04UK) is another portable laptop that is fitted with an Intel Atom N270 processor. It provides a clock speed of 1600 Mhz. It has a hard disk memory of 160 GB and a 1024 MB RAM. It has a 10.1 inch display that provides superior quality images.

The above mentioned are one of the best laptops that are available in the market. All these laptops are portable but these are fitted with best processors which provide amazing functioning speeds to it.

The Taiwanese firm Acer is one of the world leaders in manufacturing a wide range of quality laptops. The Acer Aspire 8930G-644G32Mn (LX.ASY0X.442) is a very advanced laptop that has many exclusive features installed in it. It is available in a glossy black colour that gives it a classy and royal look. The laptop is fitted with quality components that ensure high speed to the laptop. It is a large screen laptop that provides amazing picture quality to the user. The laptop has Bluetooth so that it can be connected to various other devices.

The laptop has an Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 processor which ensures very swift functionality. The clock speed of the laptop is about 2,000 Mhz. The laptop has 4,096 MB RAM that enables you to play almost all PC games. Additionally you will get lightning fast functionality. The hard disk memory of the laptop is about 320 GB that is more than enough to store movies, songs, documents etc. The Acer Aspire 8930G-644G32Mn (LX.ASY0X.442) has an 18.4 inch display that provides superb picture quality that will take your breath away. Furthermore it provides a full HD display resolution of 1920 X 1080. It has 4 x USB 2.0 ports and an Express Card.

The Acer laptop also has 6 in one card reader and a rechargeable battery. It has an in built webcam that enables you to video chat via your laptop. For assuring the safety it has fingerprint reader and a Kensington lock support. It weighs around 4.1 kg and is very easy to carry.

Tags for this article: Laptops, acer laptops, acer laptop

Acer Aspire Timeline 3810TG-944G50N (LX.PE70X.082) is one of the latest and most advanced laptops from the PC supplier Acer. The Acer Aspire Timeline 3810TG-944G50N (LX.PE70X.082) is the slimmest notebook and is less than an inch thin. The laptop is compact but provides great multitasking features. The Acer Timeline laptop in question is offered in a stylish glossy colour that gives a stunning and attractive look.

The laptop is fitted with an Intel Core 2 Duo SU9400 processor and has 4,096 MB RAM. The Acer Aspire Timeline 3810TG-944G50N (LX.PE70X.082) has ATI Mobility Radeon HD4330 graphics card already installed in it, that provides amazing graphics. The hard disk has a storage capacity of 500 GB that provides more than enough space to store movies, games, documents, songs, etc. The most amazing feature is that this laptop provides battery backup of more than 8 hours. The new touch pad provided in the laptop works amazingly well compared to others in the market.

Acer Aspire Timeline 3810TG-944G50N (LX.PE70X.082) uses Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium as the operating system. It has a 13.3 inch LED WXGA crystal bright display that provides astonishing picture quality. The laptop is equipped with an Integrated Crystal Eye webcam that enables you to video chat without any hassle. There is an integrated microphone in the laptop as well. The Acer Aspire Timeline 3810TG-944G50N laptop is WiFi enabled and enables mobile internet from a very far distance. It provides better, faster and energy efficient performance in comparison with other laptops. Additionally the laptop comes with a one year warranty.