Acer Aspire 1 review
The Acer Acer Aspire 1 ranks as the #864 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 50. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #659-ranked features among 777 laptops. Consider the Acer Aspire 3 or Acer Spin 1, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Acer Aspire 1 is the lowest-spec laptop I've reviewed, but its price tag suggests otherwise. Priced around $200 after discounts, this device delivers decent performance for basic tasks like internet browsing and light office work. The Intel Celeron processor may not be a powerhouse, but it gets the job done. With impressive upgradability options, good build quality, and an excellent battery life of 9 hours, this laptop is a solid package. While it's not ideal for gaming or demanding tasks, its affordability makes it worth considering for those who only need a basic machine.
Build
The Acer Aspire 1 boasts impressive build quality, considering its budget-friendly price tag. The laptop's exterior is sturdy, with a solid feel that exudes reliability. The matte finish on the lid adds a touch of sophistication, making it less prone to fingerprints and smudges. Inside, you'll find a well-organized layout, with easy access to upgrade options such as the RAM slots. The keyboard, although mushy to some, is full-size and features a numpad, making it suitable for productivity tasks. The trackpad, surprisingly, is decent, offering adequate size and smooth gesture performance. The laptop's weight distribution is well-balanced, making it easy to carry around. The battery life is impressive, lasting around 9 hours with moderate use. Overall, the Acer Aspire 1's build quality is a testament to its value-for-money proposition, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient laptop on a budget. Acer ENDURO Urban N3 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded build.
Display
The display is a 15.6-inch Full HD LED panel. I found it to be matte, which is a plus for those who prefer a non-glossy screen. The screen lifts up as you open the laptop, providing a nice angle for typing. While not much information was available on this particular model, I can attest that it's comfortable to use. The brightness settings are decent, allowing for easy viewing in well-lit environments. Overall, the display is a solid addition to an already impressive package. It may not be the most exciting feature, but it gets the job done without any major issues. For an improved display, Acer Aspire 3 is worth considering.
Performance
The Acer Aspire 1 is equipped with an Intel Celeron N4500 processor, which performs adequately for internet browsing, media consumption, and light office work. However, its limitations are exposed in more demanding tasks. Synthetic benchmarks like Geekbench and 3DMark show subpar scores, reflecting the CPU's inability to handle complex processes. Gaming performance is similarly disappointing, with GTA 5, Dirt 4, and Fortnite running at unimpressive frame rates. Despite these shortcomings, the laptop still manages to deliver basic computing needs within its price range, making it a passable option for those with minimal demands. You might want to check out Acer Spin 1, featuring an upgraded performance for a superior experience.
Battery and Charging
The Acer Aspire 1 boasts an impressive battery life, with around 9 hours of normal use from its 43Wh battery. The Intel Celeron processor is efficient in keeping the laptop running for extended periods, making it suitable for internet browsing, media consumption, and light office work. However, charging time is not explicitly mentioned, but it's likely to be average due to the device's specifications.
Connectivity
The Acer Aspire 1 boasts an impressive array of connectivity options, including a gigabit Ethernet port, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, a Kensington lock, and a combined audio jack. A single USB 2.0 port on the left completes the lineup, providing ample opportunities for users to connect their devices. If you're after top-notch connectivity, consider Acer Spin 7.
Features
The Acer Aspire 1 boasts a compact design with a full-size keyboard, numpad, and surprisingly good trackpad for its price range. The webcam is 720p, but subpar. Upgrades are possible via two RAM slots, making it ideal for those who want to upgrade in the future. Ports include USB 3.2 Gen1, Ethernet, and Kensington lock, while the battery life is impressive at around 9 hours of normal use. It’s worth checking out Acer Chromebook Spin 514, delivering remarkable features.
Support and Maintenance
The Acer Aspire 1 is a low-budget laptop with a Celeron processor, 4GB RAM, and 128GB storage. While it's not ideal for demanding tasks, it's sufficient for basic use like browsing, streaming, and light office work. The build quality is decent, and the battery life is impressive at around 9 hours. However, the laptop's performance may be affected by limited upgradability options.
Pros
1. Acer has built a solid package around it giving us impressive upgradability
2. Good features such as an awesome battery life
3. Battery is 43 watt hours and I get around 9 hours of normal use with the brightness set to 30
4. Trackpad is surprisingly good for the price range
5. Full-size keyboard with numpad that works as it should
Cons
1. Has a low-spec Intel Celeron processor which is far from being a powerhouse
2. The celeron processor in this laptop is far from being able to handle gaming or heavy tasks
3. Storage is only 128 GB, which can be limiting for storage-hungry users
4. Webcam is 720p and it's just as crappy as every other 720p webcam
5. Keys are a bit mushy for my taste
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