Acer Netbooks any Good?

[WoodPeckr]

Finally got to play with the new dual core netbooks. An Acer and it looked nice and solid for $248. Question is, is Acer any good? Since I would prefer an Asus netbook.

The new Aspire One AOD257 is the ultimate fun and ultra-portable companion bringing you efficient performance, sensational style and convenient connectivity anywhere you go. Superior Intel Atom dual-core processing power, 10.1" energy-saving LED-backlit display, comfortable typing keyboard and 802.11b/g/n wireless keeps you connected so you can check your social networks, browse the Internet, check email, share photos, chat over webcam and enjoy a variety of entertainment wherever you are.

Acer 10.1" AOD257-13473 Netbook PC:

Key Features and Benefits:
Intel Dual-Core N570 processor
1.66GHz, 1MB L2 Cache

1GB DDR3 SDRAM system memory
Allows you to do the computer basics of web surfing, emails and documents

250GB SATA hard drive
Store 166,000 photos, 71,000 songs or 131 hours of HD video and more

10/100 Fast Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n Wireless LAN
Connect to a broadband modem with wired Ethernet or wirelessly connect to a Wi-Fi signal or hotspot with the 802.11b/g/n connection built into your PC

10.1" Acer CrystalBrite display
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3150 with 64MB of dedicated video memory and support for Microsoft DirectX 9

Additional Features:
Built-in 0.3 megapixel webcam
5-in-1 memory card reader
3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x VGA port, 1 x headphone/speaker/line-out jack, 1 x microphone-in jack, 1 x RJ-45 Ethernet port, 1 x DC-in jack
3-cell lithium-ion battery, up to 4 hours battery life

Software:
Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Starter

 

[sleazure]

Try for the Ubuntu discount. Why pay for Windows if you're not gonna use it?

 

[WoodPeckr]

Interesting.....

What is the Ubuntu discount?

Didn't really mind having W7 and planned to split the HDD and setup a dual boot system. This way M$ Streets & Trips with GPS would be put on the Windows partition to be used when needed so I won't have to lug around my laptop. Then Ubuntu would also be on the netbook which would be the primary OS. With a 250 GB HDD there is plenty of room for both OSs.

 

[sleazure]

There is no Ubuntu discount that I'm aware of. What I was really getting at is that sometimes you have the option of buying cheaper with no O/S whatever. $248 sounds like a fair price; I wonder how much better they could do without bundling it with Windows7. I'd like to try out the NetbookRemix.

At one point, there was an EEE version which came with Ubuntu instead of Windows. I forget what the price difference looked like.

 

[jcrb26dett]

when i was in Taiwan 3 summers ago i was looking for a netbook or small laptop, after comparing quite a bit and getting to try comparable netbooks on loan from a friend who owned a computer store, I was sold on the ASUS. Other products looked at were from Sony MSi and Acer. with them being ranked in that order. Asked my friend who sells laptops and netbooks for a living and was told to go with ASUS as he gets very few back for repairs. I ended up with a ASUS F9E 12.1 laptop and its been great to me. They have a service center in Markham if anything does go wrong and their turnaround time is incredible. I'm a little rougher on my electronics and cracked the bezel around the screen twice from dropping it be accident. Dropped off the laptop at the service center, walked around for 10 minutes while they assessed the problem, was told to leave my number and that they would call me within 2 business days, but also hinted that it could be done quite soon. left to grab a bite at First Markham place (5 minutes away) before heading back to mississauga. Had just ordered my food when i was told the laptop was ready for pickup. Dropoff to pick up in less than an hour and free of charge covered under their global warranty.

Currently own an ASUS laptop, ASUS all-in-one touch screen desktop, and the EeePC N550 dual core, 2gb, 320gb, bluetooth 3.0 and USB 3.0 which is way faster than the older usb 2.0 and a 6-cell which greatly improves battery life. 5-6 hours of heavier use and gotten 9+ on light word processing.

 

[WoodPeckr]

Yeah Asus has a solid reputation, that's why I was leaning towards them. However this is the first dual core netbook I've seen out by Acer and it was snappier than single core netbooks. Will probably be even faster after maxing out the RAM. Seems if you want the Asus dual core netbook you have to order it online.

Anyone use Navit?

The main reason for wanting a netbook was to use it as a GPS with M$S&T with GPS Locator. Was checking out the Linux equivalents to Streets & Trips with GPS and a couple guys said to try out Navit, claiming it works just as good or better than M$S&T with GPS.

 

[zorlack]

hiya Woodpeckr, usin an older Acer netbook right now, and likewise have used their laptops...no problems.

it is great with a Microsoft Notebook Cooling Base & optical mouse.

Asus has better build quality, but just slap Acer in a foamrubber case for transit...also like the right angle power cord, and adjustable power adapter.

irks me having to buy netbooks/laptops with Windows on them...only to partition hell out of drive to run multiple Linux distros...nobody sells barebones of the make & model I want...Microsoft dominates as manufacturer whores hop into bed with them, to bundle trialware and all.

later

 

[danmand]

I have had one of their linpus netbooks for 4 years, have bought one more for my son, and one for a friend in the US. They have been excellent, but are now getting a bit slow, graphics wise.a

 

[WoodPeckr]

That's why I was waiting for the dual core netbooks. Any single core netbook I played with was a bit on the slow side when it was pushed a bit. The dual core netbook I played with was definitely snappier.

 

[WoodPeckr]

irks me having to buy netbooks/laptops with Windows on them...only to partition hell out of drive to run multiple Linux distros...nobody sells barebones of the make & model I want...Microsoft dominates as manufacturer whores hop into bed with them, to bundle trialware and all....

When netbooks first came out a few years ago a few came preloaded with Linux. M$ didn't like that and panicked. M$ then decided to extend the death of XP a couple years and loaded up all netbooks with XP to make sure folks were not exposed to Linux. They wanted to make sure folks didn't see how simple Linux was and then dump Windows....:biggrin1:

 

[larry]

i'm happy mine came with windows 7 starter. to me, compatibility is one of my top requirements. i did install linux on a second partition but ended up not using it. i put it in so i could run specific linux applications.

 

[larry]

...
3-cell lithium-ion battery, up to 4 hours battery life

i wouldn't get 3-cell systems any more. 6 cell systems are reasonably priced.

 

[jiiimmm]

for what its worth, I've been using an Acer 9410 laptop for about 6 years now. Reliable enough. Had to replace the hard drive about 2 years back and left hinge is now acting up. I like the 17 inch screen. Based on my experience I would buy another Acer. This one is due for retirement. However I do like the new Asus I recently checked out.

 

[WoodPeckr]

However I do like the new Asus I recently checked out.

Asus and Toshiba are the only two I would look at today.

This Asus is pretty loaded with a great price of $479.99 today down here:

ASUS - Laptop / AMD Athlon™ II Processor / 15.6" Display / 3GB Memory / 320GB Hard Drive / 6-cell battery Model: K52N-BIN6 | SKU: 2043044 $479.99

 

[zorlack]

When netbooks first came out a few years ago a few came preloaded with Linux. M$ didn't like that and panicked. M$ then decided to extend the death of XP a couple years and loaded up all netbooks with XP to make sure folks were not exposed to Linux. They wanted to make sure folks didn't see how simple Linux was and then dump Windows....:biggrin1:

hiya WoodPeckr, precisely...extend Windows lifespans so people will not be fucking angry about having to buy a new Windows license for an old computer...causing many to jump ship trying Linux/BSD or Apple's BSD variation.

later

 

[WoodPeckr]

Toshiba comes through .....as expected!

Think I found a good netbook, a Toshiba. Comes with a 6 cell battery for over 8 hours run time. Nice big 250 GB HDD that easily will be partitioned for dual boot with Linux. Will become a nice GPS device once M$ Streets & Trips 2011 with GPS Locator is installed. It gets plenty of positive solid reviews and does a heck of a lot more than those pricey iPads that cost more than double and do less!...

Toshiba - Mini Netbook / Intel® Atom™ Processor / 10.1" Display / 1GB Memory / 250GB Hard Drive - Blue - $229.99

What's Included
Toshiba Mini Netbook / Intel® Atom™ Processor / 10.1" Display / 1GB DDR3 Memory / 250GB Hard Drive
6-cell lithium-ion battery
30W AC adapter
Software: Adobe Acrobat Reader and more
Owner's manual
Product Features
Intel® Atom™ processor N455
Features an 800MHz system bus, 512KB L2 cache and 1.66GHz processor speed.
1GB DDR3 memory
For multitasking power, expandable to 2GB.
Note: Optical drive not included
Compatible with optional external recordable CD/DVD drives (not included).
10.1" WSVGA LED-backlit widescreen display
With TruBrite technology and 1024 x 600 resolution showcases movies and games in stunning clarity.
250GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times.
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 3150
Feature up to 250MB dynamically allocated shared video memory for lush images.
Built-in webcam with microphone
Makes it easy to chat with and send video mail to family and friends.
Media reader
Supports Secure Digital, Secure Digital High Capacity, SDXC and MultiMediaCard formats.
3 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
For fast digital video, audio and data transfer.
Built-in Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n)
Connect to the Internet without wires.
Built-in 10/100 Ethernet LAN
With RJ-45 connector for quick and easy wired Web connection.
Weighs only 2.9 lbs. and measures just 1.4" thin
For lightweight portability.
EasyGrip finish in blue
For a stylish look.
Extended battery life
Of up to 8 hours and 21 minutes to give you more time away from an outlet.

 

[AnimalMagnetism]

Good find! add another 1GB memory for a nice performance improvement.

 

[WoodPeckr]

Good find! add another 1GB memory for a nice performance improvement.

Yepper!
A guy in one of the reviews did that and said it only cost him another $25....:thumb:

 

[AnimalMagnetism]

Yepper!
A guy in one of the reviews did that and said it only cost him another $25....:thumb:

did you buy that yet?

if not make sure you check out the new budget intel sandy bridge notebooks from HP and Toshiba

Netbook sales have pretty much fallen off a cliff compared to this time last year, and Intel appears to be gearing up to drive another nail in the coffin. New Sub-$400 notebooks have begun appearing on Best Buy’s website, and they are actually pretty compelling. These cheap and cheerful little machines are rocking new stripped down Sandy Bridge parts that put last generation Atom chips to shame.

The $349 HP Pavilion g4-1004dx sports Intel’s new B940 Dual Core 2Ghz processor, 4GB of Ram, and a 320GB hard drive, and a 14-inch display. When you compare those specs with last year’s standard netbook that sold for around the same price, it’s not hard to see why this is a category is in deep trouble when compared to current and upcoming low cost notebooks.

The HP machine is the lowest cost Sandy Bridge laptop we’ve seen so far, but if you’re a Toshiba fan with an extra $30 to spend you can also pick up the nearly identical Satellite L755-S5216 with a slightly larger 15.6-inch display, and an extra hour of battery life.
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/sub-400_sandy_bridge_notebooks_hit_market

HP for $350 at best buy http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Pa...wter/2753496.p?id=1218348481450&skuId=2753496

Toshiba with 15.6" screen $379. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Toshiba...lver/2833778.p?id=1218354838379&skuId=2833778

Those will put the netbook to shame, performance wise. I realize it's a $120-150 bump in price, but performance and features sure seem worth it.

 

[WoodPeckr]

did you buy that yet?

Nope. BS pulled a little bait and switch when I checked them netbooks out. Netbook was snappy when playing with it but it only had DDR2 RAM when checking the guts of the system! Ad said DDR3 RAM, so that was a red flag, plus sales guys said this is an old model netbook not a new one!


Saw them Sandy Bridge laptops but my 3 yr old Toshiba 15.6" laptop has a dual core 2.0 Ghz AMD Athlon™ Processor with 4 GB RAM that performs great still. I noted the drop in performance playing with netbooks compare to my full size laptop.