Acer Aspire One First Look

by Kevin O'Brien

The Acer Aspire One is yet another netbook that attempts to fill the niche between handheld devices and full-sized notebook computers. Acer has the Aspire One priced to blow current models out of the water, with a $349 starting point for the Intel Atom-based Windows XP version. With other competing models priced closer to $500, is the Aspire One worth considering, or should one steer clear of this low-cost alternative? In this first look we cover all the basics, as well as give you a video tour.

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

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Build and Design

The design of the Acer Aspire One is very sleek with softly rounded edges and a smooth glossy surface that is comfortable to hold when closed. The look is fairly basic, but it does have a few chrome accents here and there which add a bit of spice into the look of the netbook. Glossy plastic is found on the top of the screen cover, as well as around the entire LCD. At times the reflective boarder does get on your nerves if you are in a brightly lit room with many sources of glare.

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Build quality looks solid for a subnotebook and the construction feels strong enough to handle being tossed around inside a bookbag without much concern for its safety (well apart from the glossy surfaces). Holding it while it is folded in half is similar to holding a hard cover book, having a good amount of rigidity to resist flex and compression. The screen cover feels especially strong, which is important for protecting the relatively fragile LCD panel.

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Keyboard and Touchpad

The keyboard is spacious as far as netbooks go, since the Aspire One is a 9" netbook inside the body of a 10" model. You have the slight disadvantage of having huge screen borders, but you get some much needed keyboard real estate. The keyboard is cramped compared to a fullsize notebook, but is easy to get the hang of with enough practice. The typing surface feels strong with no keyboard flex and individual keys feel strong with no wobble.

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The touchpad design is slightly unique compared to other netbooks and notebooks in general, with the buttons on each side of the touch surface. The only other notebook we have seen with this layout is the HP Mini-Note 2133. The layout is a bit tricky to get used to, as you click on the hard palmrest surface, and try to scroll on the touchpad button. I found it easy to slide my finger across the surface and the sensitivity easily tracks my finger with light pressure. If you are able to get used to the touchpad button layout it ends up not being that bad at all.

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Display

The LED backlit display on the Acer Aspire One is very bright and vibrant. The white levels are very clear, leaning towards the cooler or bluer side. Colors look excellent with the glossy screen, but at the cost of increasing screen reflections and glare. The screen might be bright enough to view outside, but with all the bright reflective surfaces outside, the screen is nearly impossible to view comfortably. Viewing angles are better than average, with a broad sweet spot. Horizontal viewing angles are excellent, to the point where you could be looking almost perpendicular to the screen and still see accurate color. Vertical viewing angles are good, but they do find their limit at +/- 15 degrees forward or back.

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Performance

This Intel Atom based netbook won't be breaking any speed records, but it performed adequately for normal activities. Internet browsing, word processing, and even photo editing tasks were handed in a very snappy environment. The most surprising thing from a reviewing standpoint was this subnotebook giving benchmark results in every program we could throw at it. This is not par for the course though, as many other netbooks have limited resolutions or other odd quirks that prevent most of the standard benchmarking programs to give valid results. PCMark05 gave a score of 1,555 which while low compared to full-size notebooks, shows that the Acer Aspire has plenty of power to handle most applications.

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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.

More Coming Soon

This is just our first look at the Acer Aspire One. Stay tuned for our full, in-depth review coming soon.

 

Dell's netbook should own this =]

I don't like acer's glossy blue back and the glossy screen too.

But it is cheap...

 

I think this is the "EEE Killer", its a really nice netbook. I got to try it out and came away impressed. I would buy it immediately if I didn't have a subnotebook already.

But I haven't seen the white color available in the U.S, not in my stores at least, and when I was in Toronto last week, all I saw were the white models.

I'm waiting for the $399 model with 160gb HDD and 6 cell battery to come out soon.

 

Dedicated PgUp and PgDn is a very useful feature. There's a lot of vertical scrolling needed with these 600 pixel high displays.

There seems to be a business opportunity for a manufacturer of small, but quiet, fans.

John

 

Best netbook specwise vs costs hands down...

The $399 model Rahul's talks about sounds very good.

PD: The white model is available at Newegg with the Linux Version

 

looks very nice

 

Waiting for a netbook with a red nipple... Hopeless?

 

I still like the EEEpc better. not to mention I am through with acer's support...

 

I agree with you menos, the nipple would be perfect for navigating around the screen of a Netbook. Anyone know why manufacturers aren't doing this?

On another note, I was at a Currys store in Cambridge, UK and had a chance to poke around a display model. I did notice some keyboard flex and compared it to an Advent 4211 (a.k.a MSI Wind) sitting next to it which had very little flex. Anyone else experienced this?

 

Nice review & pics & vid you did, Kevin!!!

I'm still waiting on the Mini I Whenever its released....

 

I think it's going to be most interesting putting this up against Lenovo's IdeaPad S10, who's initial config is priced at ~$400-430 for XP, 80gb hdd and 3 cell, but 10" screen.

Wonder when NBR might get their hands on one of those, as we've already seen reviews here for the Asus, MSI, HP and now Acer entries into this market.

Any guesses or hints that can be offered, you all?

 

Apart from the price, nothing's too exciting about this one. Glossy screen... noisy... I'll pass. Asus and MSI netbooks look more interesting

 

Curious about the mouse buttons on either side of the touchpad though....

 

I used it for about 20 minutes in Best Buy. Hated it to death! Maybe netbooks just arent for me, I have huge hands but, it seemed the Acer was just flimsy, ugly AND the screen was very dim.

Not sure if the display model had been beat up a bit or what or if the dimness was down in the settings but after that experience I dont think I would get one

 

I was dismayed at seeing that touchpad style on the HP 2133 netbook as well. I thought it would be very uncomfortable and unwieldy.

But I tried the Aspire One in a store and you get quickly used to it, its not that bad and does save space on the palmrest.

I didn't find the screen dim at all. But of course its not as good as my Vaio TZ, but is 1/5 the price of my notebook.

 

Gah, the Best Buy nearest me doesn't even have a display model.

 

it has no internal bluetooth if I recall correctly...

 

I've been waiting for the dual core Atoms to come out before I purchase a netbook. Has anyone heard if manufacturers are going to offer the dual core atom once its released (next couple of months?) or am I holding my breath for nothing?

 

I had heard Asus would release future EEE models with dual core Atom processors and 16:9 screens, the dual core Atom processor is to come out in September hopefully. There's already a huge shortage of the current Atom processors so we may have to wait a while for dual core Atom netbooks to come out.

 

The first dual-core atom 16:9 with trackpoint (and swivel + touchscreen too, hopefully) gets my money.

N.B.: With 16:9, manufacturers can't waste space on the trackpad, or else the keyboard will be too long in width and too short in depth. So trackpoint is really the only solution -- it in turn, gives the whole bezel space for a big keyboard...

 

I had a look at a similar display in Currys too. I didn't notice any keyboard flex but it seemed a bit laggy in use with several apps running. I'm a sucker for the blue finish and it made the Advent seem bloated though it had a better keyboard (and spec).

Both screens were plenty bright enough. The strange thing was the mouse buttons were actually easier to use on the Acer!

Tempting but I think I'll wait a while.

 

All netbooks/subnotebooks using the POS 945G chipset are out of the question at the moment for me. Why pair up a low power draw CPU with a comparatively high power draw chipset?!? I'll wait till they get a real platform going, when it won't matter that these things have 23Whr batteries b/c that will be all you will need. The way I see it, these things should be designed with a 4hr operation time in mind instead of the "lets just get past 2 hrs" policy that currently pervades.

 

I highly doubt it,we're probably looking closer to the holidays for the dual core Atoms to be out.With the direction the Eee prices are going,I wouldn't be surprised if Eee's dual Atom netbooks are priced close to a grand.And it's crazy that the utterly useless 2gb Eee Surf still retails for $299.

 

I just got this little wonder 3 days ago from Best Buy for $349.00 and I could not be happier. For the price I can't imagine getting anything else as this can pretty much replace your regular laptop for a day or two while on vacation etc. I added a 1GB module for a total of 1.5GB of system ram and this little thing runs along quite nicely. If anyone is looking for a netbook from a performance/price point of view this is really hard to beat.

 

im typing on one right now and it is a pleasure. No flex or lagginess and Im running Windows Vista Ultimate on it. Screen is nice and bright. Mousepad is not a problem you get used to it. I pre-ordered a S10 but canceled it to get the AAO at bestbuy for $250 plus tax. One of the best ultraportables I have used excluding my Sony TZ. Here are some pics it even scored a higher WEI than my Sony TZ which was 2.0 as oppose to 2.7

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i21/danybui81/IMG_6153.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i21/danybui81/IMG_6154.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i21/danybui81/IMG_6155.jpg

ADMIN EDIT: table breaking fun

 

I should also note it plays 720P HD videos fine

 

Can I ask why you bought one when you have a TZ already? If I didn't have my TZ right now, I would buy the Aspire One without hesitation.

Isn't the price $350? How'd you get it for $250?

 

Is the fan noise as bad as the review suggests? I was considering the Lenovo s10 but pigs will fly before it comes to Canada.

 

fine noise its not that bad theres a fan control utility u can download at the acer aspire forums that lets you control when the fans kick in by temp. I set mine to 75C so it never turns on. Only turns on when its 100% cpu usage.

http://www.computentsystems.de/aceraspireonefancontrol/

I bought this rahulnirmal because I always wanted a netbook along with my TZ plus I got a great deal on it for 250 plus tax. And something I can just throw in my book bag and not worrying about it. Don't get me wrong I love my TZ but you gotta be more careful with it than the acer since its only a 1/5th of the TZ price.

 

Yah its 350 but I got 100 coupon doing this http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/hot-deals/854990/

just signed up online got my coupon and canceled since I already have Yahoo DSL. So it was really great deal this is how netbooks are suppose to cost

 

I actually preordered for an S10 for 350 plus tax and was suppose to received it buy 9/9/2008 one of the first shipments but some of the specs werer messed up on the website. max is only 1.5GB as oppose to 2GB, no bluetooth like the webpage states, and also 150 bucks more than the AAO. Plus the AAO keyboard is bigger than the S10. Anything smaller than the Acer's keyboard will be really difficult to use IMHO.

 

Wow no lag with Vista Ultimate.So what are the advantages of running that instead?Doesn't it lower battery life?

I hope BB still have that $100 off deal when the 6-cell comes out.

 

For me its more battery life since vista has more power savings features than xp also it seems to run cooler than xp.

 

I just ran a benchmark test and it posted a higher score than my Sony Vaio TXN15P I used to own. I must say these machine always seems to impress me

 

I find that hard to believe, the Core Solo is quite faster than the Atom though the hard drive in the Acer will be superior due to it being a 2.5" 5400rpm drive vs 1.8" 4200rpm in the TX and most TZ models.

What benchmark tool did you use and I'm wondering why you bought it when you already have an ultraportable?

 

pcpitstop.com

 

I mean is the rule you can only have one ultraportable?
IT COST $250!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I know its not the greatest bench marking tool but I always run it after I get a new laptop and a clean install and it posted a higher number the the TXN

 

Your right, even with my TZ, the Acer still looks very tempting at its price I admit. I would immediately buy it if I didn't have the TZ right now. If I could choose again, I'd get the Acer for sure and have lots of money left over to get a gaming desktop to compliment it. I may do this in the future, get a netbook and powerful desktop....

I mostly do simple things on my TZ the Acer could easily handle anyways.

 

yah but I cant escape the lure of Sony Vaio ultraportable i'll probably get another Sony subnotebook once they are done with the TZ. Fujitsu seimens is coming out with the mini amilo which is nice but its like almost 600.

 

I am betting we will see the TZ replacement next month, September was also when the Vaio TR, T and TX were announced.

I have also heard rumors of Sony and Fujitsu releasing netbooks soon. Can't wait for next month, lots of tech goodies coming out!!!

 

But I think the S10 has a bigger screen and a 1.3MP cam, instead of a 0.3MP. Also, I read it's much easier to upgrade the RAM on the S10 than on the AAO (need to dissamble it).

 

I'd love to see the wireless performance. A lot of people on the Aspire One User forums are complaining about the Atheros card. It drops connections, has a weak signal, won't restore the connection after sleep, etc.

 

I dont really go into the wireless performance in the review because nothing out of the ordinary stuck out during my hours of use. I probably had the thing on for 3-4 hours a night when I got home from work and didnt experience any dropped connections.

 

s10 is bigger screen yet same resolution I rather have a smaller foot print like the acer has. The webcam pictures are gonna be crappy any way most people use their webcam to video chat which will be vga 640x480 so webcam megapixels doesnt really do much for me Im not gonna be shooting pictures with it thats what I have my canon for. I would agree with you its alot easier to upgrade the ram but once you open the Acer up you can do it blind folded and theres lot of info on the web if you wanna do so. I only recomend a good pair of screw drivers because the screws can easily be stipped if your not careful. All in all I think the acers represents the best value and performance only thing s10 has on it is the express card reader but has one less USB. To be honest I think the Aspire One looks the sexiest out of all the netbooks and rivals my TZ in looks.

 

The touchpad on the AA1 is awesome. It has Synaptics driver for multitouch, etc. I almost never use the mouse buttons. Touch the touchpad 2x to select. Scroll finger on the right side of the touchpad to scroll down the browser window. It's very nice!

 

Really? Some numbers would be great.

Everything sounds pretty good about the AAO. Now all that's left is to wait for the $399 six cell and a display model to pop up at my local BB.

 

After researching netbooks since January, I finally pulled the trigger and bought an Aspire One with XP, 120 GB HD, and 6 cell battery. So far I'm impressed. I've removed all the junkware and replaced it with decent apps such as Office 2007 Pro Plus and Adobe CS3 by networking to my Shared DVD drive on my Desktop. I have also shared my 2nd video drive from my desktop to my home network which contains DVD movies I have backed up and can download onto the One.

The wireless is great. No disconnects yet. Web pages are loading as fast as my desktop which has a Q6600 processor.

The touchpad is good. Don't worry about the layout. It took me all of about two minutes to get used to it. The double taps and scrolling along the right side work as advertised.

Fan noise was supposed to be a big issue according to the forums. I can hear mine, but it doesn't bother me. For those of you who are bothered, there is a downloadable free program in the forums at aspireoneuser.com that will fix it. The program lets you set a threshold temperature for the fan to start instead of having it on all the time.

The 6 cell battery IMHO is not huge and ugly (again as suggested in the forums). It actually provides a good grip for one handed holding and typing and it slightly raises the unit for a better typing angle. I'm going to have to test this (as this is only my second day with the One) but my battery meter showed 6 hours and 46 minutes when fully charged. I will test it over the next several days for actual time but if it's anywhere close the 6 cell definitely kicks butt over the 3 cell and its 2 hours and change.

For me the keyboard is just big enough for real typing. I was seriously considering the EEE 901 but if its keyboard is smaller as advertised, I wouldn't have liked it.

This laptop is far from perfect. Speakers are tinny, no express card slot, no bluetooth, resolution is a little low (I like the resolution on the HP 2133 better), screens a bit too glossy, etc but for the price it's a great bargain. Besides I wanted a netbook now and I just don't see anything on the horizon that's going to be significantly better and cost the same low price.

For those of you who also want a quality, low cost netbook now as your second computer. You won't be disappointed.

 

6 Cell with XP and 160G is available now?? (oh you are in Canada)

Hope it pops out anytime soon..

 

Question: Is this thing more powerful than my current notebook? (the one in my signature) This is assuming one gets the model with XP, 120 GB HDD, and 6-cell.