Comments on: Acer Aspire One Netbook Review http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/16/acer-aspire-one-netbook-review/ Gadget reviews and news by Julie Strietelmeier and friends since 1997 Sun, 27 May 2012 00:39:26 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: megan bilby http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/16/acer-aspire-one-netbook-review/comment-page-1/#comment-148628 megan bilby Thu, 24 May 2012 01:04:47 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19466#comment-148628 i have had my acer for 3 years now, its been a good laptop but it certainly had its limitations. the keyboard is very small and hard for my large hands to type on. the trackpad gets in the way when im writing papers and will move my curser to a different spot in the page. very frusturating for me. the prosseser is slow and crashes a lot. within the first year my screen broke after the laptop being bumped into by someones purse while in its padded sleeve. its been good but i certainly wouldnt get another one i have had my acer for 3 years now, its been a good laptop but it certainly had its limitations. the keyboard is very small and hard for my large hands to type on. the trackpad gets in the way when im writing papers and will move my curser to a different spot in the page. very frusturating for me. the prosseser is slow and crashes a lot. within the first year my screen broke after the laptop being bumped into by someones purse while in its padded sleeve. its been good but i certainly wouldnt get another one

]]> By: Averatec 10″ Netbook; How Thin is Thin? — The Gadgeteer http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/16/acer-aspire-one-netbook-review/comment-page-1/#comment-56981 Averatec 10″ Netbook; How Thin is Thin? — The Gadgeteer Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:51:46 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19466#comment-56981 [...] netbook out there. It’s thin but it’s not the lightest.  At 2.2lbs, it matches the weight of Acer’s Aspire netbook.  But it is thin.  I measures at less than 1 inch thick and you can get up to six hours of [...] [...] netbook out there. It’s thin but it’s not the lightest.  At 2.2lbs, it matches the weight of Acer’s Aspire netbook.  But it is thin.  I measures at less than 1 inch thick and you can get up to six hours of [...]

]]> By: Melissa http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/16/acer-aspire-one-netbook-review/comment-page-1/#comment-53458 Melissa Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:01:18 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19466#comment-53458 I have a brand new HP mini netbook. My battery is fully charged but the computer will not power on unless it's plugged into an outlet. HELP! I have a brand new HP mini netbook. My battery is fully charged but the computer will not power on unless it’s plugged into an outlet. HELP!

]]> By: Tara http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/16/acer-aspire-one-netbook-review/comment-page-1/#comment-48709 Tara Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:59:18 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19466#comment-48709 I just got an Aspire and I am madly in love with it. The only issue I have with it at the moment is when I cam with someone, they can hear me and see me very well. But all I can do is see them and they come through sounding garbled. I have tried messing with all the different settings and even tried setting the firewall to a different setting and still no luck. Any suggestions I may not have tried? I just got an Aspire and I am madly in love with it. The only issue I have with it at the moment is when I cam with someone, they can hear me and see me very well. But all I can do is see them and they come through sounding garbled. I have tried messing with all the different settings and even tried setting the firewall to a different setting and still no luck. Any suggestions I may not have tried?

]]> By: Linda Middleman http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/16/acer-aspire-one-netbook-review/comment-page-1/#comment-46783 Linda Middleman Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:28:33 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19466#comment-46783 I just acquired the Acer Aspire One netbook and I think it is just awful. I have been trying to connect to the internet since I've had it. Unfortunately Im not able to return it either. It says I'm connected but I guess the signal strength is too weak. I purchased this because I loved that it's wireless and I can't go wireless with it. Does anyone have any suggestions? Please help, I'm in desperate need. I just acquired the Acer Aspire One netbook and I think it is just awful. I have been trying to connect to the internet since I’ve had it. Unfortunately Im not able to return it either. It says I’m connected but I guess the signal strength is too weak. I purchased this because I loved that it’s wireless and I can’t go wireless with it. Does anyone have any suggestions? Please help, I’m in desperate need.

]]> By: Linda Blumich http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/16/acer-aspire-one-netbook-review/comment-page-1/#comment-45762 Linda Blumich Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:24:34 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19466#comment-45762 I am looking for a small netbook that has a dial up port. We live in an area with cell phones don't work very well, so we have dial up for our computer. Can you help me? Thanks I am looking for a small netbook that has a dial up port. We live in an area with cell phones don’t work very well, so we have dial up for our computer.
Can you help me?
Thanks

]]> By: Tyler Puckett http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/16/acer-aspire-one-netbook-review/comment-page-1/#comment-41099 Tyler Puckett Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:21:48 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19466#comment-41099 I certainly agree a netbook isn't the only machine for a student. However, I think it makes a great computer for taking to class to take notes, to use in the cafeteria in between classes, at the coffee shop, etc. I wouldn't want to type a 10 page research paper on ANY netbook, but I think they definitely have their place in college. I certainly agree a netbook isn’t the only machine for a student. However, I think it makes a great computer for taking to class to take notes, to use in the cafeteria in between classes, at the coffee shop, etc.

I wouldn’t want to type a 10 page research paper on ANY netbook, but I think they definitely have their place in college.

]]> By: Ben S http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/16/acer-aspire-one-netbook-review/comment-page-1/#comment-41080 Ben S Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:42:43 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19466#comment-41080 I have an Aspire One and I like it a lot, but I also work in academia and I don't think that this netbook, or any netbook really, is truly sufficient for a university student if it's their only machine. The keyboard, screen, and performance just can't cut it. True, you can hook up an external screen and keyboard & mouse, but you still won't fix the performance issues. It's fine for email, Facebook, and surfing the web, but it's not going to cut it when researching a paper or using and LMS like Blackboard or Moodle without more screen real-estate. I have an Aspire One and I like it a lot, but I also work in academia and I don’t think that this netbook, or any netbook really, is truly sufficient for a university student if it’s their only machine. The keyboard, screen, and performance just can’t cut it. True, you can hook up an external screen and keyboard & mouse, but you still won’t fix the performance issues.

It’s fine for email, Facebook, and surfing the web, but it’s not going to cut it when researching a paper or using and LMS like Blackboard or Moodle without more screen real-estate.

]]> By: Elizabeth Daugherty http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/16/acer-aspire-one-netbook-review/comment-page-1/#comment-41064 Elizabeth Daugherty Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:15:14 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19466#comment-41064 The Acer Aspire One is definitely not a One Size Fits All netbook and I believe I went some lengths to underscore that in my review. In my search for a netbook, I was looking for three things: lightweight, portable and embedded 3G. I am a writer who was getting tired of lugging around my much larger and much heavier Dell Inspiron just in case the writing muse hit. I was looking at the HP Mini and even the Mac Air if you can believe that. The HP Mini had a better keyboard but let's face facts: there was no way to beat the $80.00 price tag on the Aspire One from Radio Shack. Now I dig that the battery life isn't going to win any longevity awards but you can purchase an extended battery and get about four hours. I rarely have an issue with battery power because I always have my power cord with me. I usually wind up at a Starbucks, a Panera Bread or other place that is wi-fi friendly. When traveling on longer trips (when the husband is driving) I am able to plug my laptop into a power transformer adapted for the automobile. For me, battery longevity isn't a big deal unless a lightning strike takes out the transformer and white oak tree in my neighbor's yard, ripping down power lines and rendering us without electricity for the next seven hours. I reviewed the Acer Aspire One package as it came to me without any extras. And again, you have to ask yourself what it is that you want from your laptop. Because let's face facts again... you will rarely get THE perfect laptop that will do all and be all you want it to be at the perfect price. For middle school, high school and college students who need a lightweight portable computer, netbooks are the way to go. These students are going to want internet access as well. Their parents are going to want some kind of financial break. From the standpoint of 12 years and up children using the Aspire One, the hinges would be an issue to be aware of. Kids are clumsy and the hinges would be something to watch for in that respect. As for tapping on the trackpad, believe it or not, that is a technique that I rarely use. I turn that option off on anything I'm using because it has a tendency to just tick me off. I kick it old school with the cut and paste method. Some people like it, others don't. Using it is just not habit I developed. The Acer Aspire One is definitely not a One Size Fits All netbook and I believe I went some lengths to underscore that in my review. In my search for a netbook, I was looking for three things: lightweight, portable and embedded 3G. I am a writer who was getting tired of lugging around my much larger and much heavier Dell Inspiron just in case the writing muse hit. I was looking at the HP Mini and even the Mac Air if you can believe that. The HP Mini had a better keyboard but let’s face facts: there was no way to beat the $80.00 price tag on the Aspire One from Radio Shack.

Now I dig that the battery life isn’t going to win any longevity awards but you can purchase an extended battery and get about four hours. I rarely have an issue with battery power because I always have my power cord with me. I usually wind up at a Starbucks, a Panera Bread or other place that is wi-fi friendly. When traveling on longer trips (when the husband is driving) I am able to plug my laptop into a power transformer adapted for the automobile. For me, battery longevity isn’t a big deal unless a lightning strike takes out the transformer and white oak tree in my neighbor’s yard, ripping down power lines and rendering us without electricity for the next seven hours.

I reviewed the Acer Aspire One package as it came to me without any extras. And again, you have to ask yourself what it is that you want from your laptop. Because let’s face facts again… you will rarely get THE perfect laptop that will do all and be all you want it to be at the perfect price.

For middle school, high school and college students who need a lightweight portable computer, netbooks are the way to go. These students are going to want internet access as well. Their parents are going to want some kind of financial break.

From the standpoint of 12 years and up children using the Aspire One, the hinges would be an issue to be aware of. Kids are clumsy and the hinges would be something to watch for in that respect.

As for tapping on the trackpad, believe it or not, that is a technique that I rarely use. I turn that option off on anything I’m using because it has a tendency to just tick me off. I kick it old school with the cut and paste method. Some people like it, others don’t. Using it is just not habit I developed.

]]> By: Jerry Danzig http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/16/acer-aspire-one-netbook-review/comment-page-1/#comment-41061 Jerry Danzig Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:45:25 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19466#comment-41061 What's that slighter larger Acer with the aluminum body I just saw advertised on QVC? The Timeline, is it called? That sounded to be as lightweight, almost as thin as the Apple Air Mac, or whatever it's named, and most importantly, the little guy runs up to eight hours on a charge. Yes, it's more expensive than the Acer One, but for those who need a laptop that runs a full day on one charge, it might be worth it. The Timeline also has a full-sized keyboard from what I recall, and perhaps a full-sized mousepad as well... If only I hadn't heard so many horror stories about Acer customer service... What’s that slighter larger Acer with the aluminum body I just saw advertised on QVC? The Timeline, is it called? That sounded to be as lightweight, almost as thin as the Apple Air Mac, or whatever it’s named, and most importantly, the little guy runs up to eight hours on a charge. Yes, it’s more expensive than the Acer One, but for those who need a laptop that runs a full day on one charge, it might be worth it. The Timeline also has a full-sized keyboard from what I recall, and perhaps a full-sized mousepad as well… If only I hadn’t heard so many horror stories about Acer customer service…

]]> By: Andy Van Pelt http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/16/acer-aspire-one-netbook-review/comment-page-1/#comment-41040 Andy Van Pelt Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:49:22 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19466#comment-41040 I have the Linux version (with 8 Gb SSD) that came out a year ago, and I love it. I've never had any concerns about the hinges, but I do agree that the trackpad takes a little getting used to. You can tap on the trackpad instead of the (very) noisy buttons. The Linux version boots very quickly, I suspect that Windows XP is not as good a fit for the hardware. Mine booted to the Linpus login screen in 15 seconds. I'm running Ubuntu 8.10 on it now, which takes more like 30 seconds to boot. I suspect that a year later, there are probably better options, such as the Acer model with the bigger, higher resolution screen. I have the Linux version (with 8 Gb SSD) that came out a year ago, and I love it. I’ve never had any concerns about the hinges, but I do agree that the trackpad takes a little getting used to. You can tap on the trackpad instead of the (very) noisy buttons.

The Linux version boots very quickly, I suspect that Windows XP is not as good a fit for the hardware. Mine booted to the Linpus login screen in 15 seconds. I’m running Ubuntu 8.10 on it now, which takes more like 30 seconds to boot.

I suspect that a year later, there are probably better options, such as the Acer model with the bigger, higher resolution screen.

]]> By: Tyler Puckett http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/16/acer-aspire-one-netbook-review/comment-page-1/#comment-41029 Tyler Puckett Sun, 16 Aug 2009 23:21:00 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19466#comment-41029 Good review. It is so refreshing to see reviews that focus on real-world usability, not a table filled with specifics. I could see that trackpad layout getting on my nerves bigtime. Does tap to click work well? That could at least mitigate the problem without having to tote around a separate mouse. The big problem with these netbooks is battery life. I want one that could easily get through a day's work of classes (so around 5 hours) without having to charge. The screen is small and the CPU doesn't use a lot of power, so it should be doable. Does anyone have any recommendations for a netbook with good battery life? I'd assume most netbooks have available larger batteries which isn't a big deal. That's something for me to look into. I am really digging the Dell mini and the MSI Wind right now. Good review. It is so refreshing to see reviews that focus on real-world usability, not a table filled with specifics.

I could see that trackpad layout getting on my nerves bigtime. Does tap to click work well? That could at least mitigate the problem without having to tote around a separate mouse.

The big problem with these netbooks is battery life. I want one that could easily get through a day’s work of classes (so around 5 hours) without having to charge. The screen is small and the CPU doesn’t use a lot of power, so it should be doable. Does anyone have any recommendations for a netbook with good battery life? I’d assume most netbooks have available larger batteries which isn’t a big deal. That’s something for me to look into. I am really digging the Dell mini and the MSI Wind right now.

]]> By: FRAN SMITH http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/08/16/acer-aspire-one-netbook-review/comment-page-1/#comment-41028 FRAN SMITH Sun, 16 Aug 2009 23:18:25 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=19466#comment-41028 Now this is "MY CUP OF TEA" so to speak, exactly what i have been looking for for quite some time now. I knew it would come along sometime soon because the new school year will demand it, but I am in those past college days in age and I just want class, style, and dependability. The emphasis is CLASS. I am working with AT&T, and have been for 8 years, and I am interested if there are any more "perks" for adding the Acer Aspire One to my nearly new contract. Need to look into that. I just bought two new iPhones, and wish I had this information as a bargaining tool then. We will see, and if this is my dream laptop I will certainly come back and tell you if the transaction left my checkbook dry, or I found a really great deal. It is a dreary day in Georgia today, but this may be the sunshine I need to pick up my spirits. Thank you for the information. I always find good deals on this site, as long as they have quality, CLASS, and I enjoy using the product. So far, you've got my "thumbs up", and expect it to continue. You have not let me down yet, and I have no reason to expect a disappointment this time.. Thanks again, GADGETEER!!!!! WITH GRATITUDE, FRAN Now this is “MY CUP OF TEA” so to speak, exactly what i have been looking for for quite some time now. I knew it would come along sometime soon because the new school year will demand it, but I am in those past college days in age and I just want class, style, and dependability. The emphasis is CLASS.

I am working with AT&T, and have been for 8 years, and I am interested if there are any more “perks” for adding the Acer Aspire One to my nearly new contract. Need to look into that. I just bought two new iPhones, and wish I had this information as a bargaining tool then.

We will see, and if this is my dream laptop I will certainly come back and tell you if the transaction left my checkbook dry, or I found a really great deal. It is a dreary day in Georgia today, but this may be the sunshine I need to pick up my spirits.

Thank you for the information. I always find good deals on this site, as long as they have quality, CLASS, and I enjoy using the product. So far, you’ve got my “thumbs up”, and expect it to continue. You have not let me down yet, and I have no reason to expect a disappointment this time..

Thanks again, GADGETEER!!!!!

WITH GRATITUDE,

FRAN

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