Acer Aspire Go 15 review
The Acer Acer Aspire Go 15 ranks as the #847 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 55. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #626-ranked connectivity among 777 laptops. Consider the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 or Asus ASUS Chromebook CM14, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Acer Aspire Go 15 is a budget-friendly laptop that offers decent performance for its price. The Alder Lake chip performs well in light activities and can handle older games with ease. However, it may struggle with newer games and demanding tasks. Battery life is average, around 7-8 hours, but can be extended by reducing screen brightness. While not ideal, the laptop's cooling system keeps it relatively cool and quiet. Overall, the Acer Aspire Go 15 is a good option for those on a tight budget who need a reliable laptop for basic tasks, such as browsing, emailing, and streaming. However, those who require more powerful performance may want to consider other options.
Build
The Acer Aspire Go 15's build is a mixed bag. The laptop's large case provides good airflow and keeps the machine cool, but the fan runs constantly and can be distracting. The construction feels sturdy, but not particularly premium. The weight of around 1.9 kg is average for this class of laptop. Overall, while it doesn't excel in any one area, the Aspire Go 15's build is solidly average, which is consistent with its budget-friendly price tag. Acer Nitro 14 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded build.
Display
The Acer Aspire Go 15's display is a decent offering in its price range. The screen size is suitable for everyday tasks, but the resolution could be improved. Color accuracy and brightness are average, making it a bit lacking compared to more premium laptops. Viewing angles are acceptable, but not exceptional. Overall, the display gets the job done for basic usage like browsing, emailing, and streaming. However, gamers and graphics professionals may find it underwhelming. A higher resolution and better color gamut would elevate the experience. For an improved display, Acer TravelMate B5 is worth considering.
Performance
The Acer Aspire Go 15 delivers adequate performance for its price point. The Alder Lake chip runs games at around 30-40 FPS at low settings, making older titles playable but newer ones a struggle. Emulation also works well, with PS2 and GameCube games running smoothly. Benchmarks show a score of 663 in 3D Mark Time Spy, which is below what an older Ryzen processor would achieve. However, the machine keeps itself cool and runs quietly, with the fan only slightly audible even at idle. You might want to check out Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2, featuring an upgraded performance for a superior experience.
Battery and Charging
The Acer Aspire Go 15's battery life is decent, offering around 7-8 hours of usage with moderate activity. However, this can vary depending on screen brightness and resource-intensive tasks. The laptop has a relatively long charging time, but it consumes less power than some other laptops in its class. This means that users should be able to get some benefit from the battery longevity. It's worth noting that battery life may decrease when running more strenuous activities like gaming or video editing.
Connectivity
The Acer Aspire Go 15's connectivity options are decent for its price point. It features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities through the Mediatech 7902 module, which is easily swappable if needed. While Linux compatibility was limited due to outdated drivers, this can be resolved with a software update or a driver replacement. Overall, connectivity is sufficient for general use but may require some tweaking for advanced users. If you're after top-notch connectivity, consider Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514.
Features
The Acer Aspire Go 15 boasts a compact design with a 14-inch display, weighing just 1.37 kg. It features an Intel Alder Lake processor, up to 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD for seamless performance. The laptop offers a battery life of around 7-8 hours, making it suitable for everyday use. It’s worth checking out Acer TravelMate X5, delivering remarkable features.
Support and Maintenance
The Acer Aspire Go 15 offers decent support and maintenance features. With domestic presence in many countries, users can expect better support experience compared to unknown brands. The laptop's large case allows for good airflow and cooling, which is a plus. However, the fan runs constantly, even at idle, which may be distracting. Overall, Acer's support reputation makes this budget offering more appealing than similar products from lesser-known manufacturers.
Pros
1. The Alder Lake chip in this laptop performs quite well
2. The battery life is decent with about 7-8 hours of use
3. The large case helps keep it cool and quiet
4. Acer's domestic presence means better support experience
Cons
1. Performance not as good as older Ryzen processors
2. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module didn't work with Linux due to driver issues
3. Fan is always running and can be distracting
4. Price may not be worth the cost compared to more powerful devices
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