Acer redefines mobile connectivity with Aspire one, the revolutionary netbook packed with fun and powerful computing features in a diminutive 8.9" form factor. From the moment you... more
fun and powerful computing features in a diminutive 8.9" form factor. From the moment you switch it on, the Aspire one is ready to go in just 15 seconds. That'...
fun and powerful computing features in a diminutive 8.9" form factor. From the moment you switch it on, the Aspire one is ready to go in just 15 seconds. That'...
providing leading performance for your Internet centric lifestyle. The ultra small and slim form factor reflects your on-the-go lifestyle. In addition to its charming ...
integrated CrystalEye webcam that offers just the right balance between easy-to-read clarity and easy-to-use functionality. The Aspire One comes with the Intel...
fun and powerful computing features in a diminutive 8.9 inch form factor. Once on, the interface is pure simplicity: a home screen divided into four areas that co...
fun and powerful computing features in a diminutive 8.9 inch form factor. Once on, the interface is pure simplicity: a home screen divided into four areas that co...
screen that fits the 1024*600 web resolution to perfection. Smaller than an average diary and weighing less than 1 kilo, the Aspire one puts freedom in your hands.
screen that fits the 1024*600 web resolution to perfection. Smaller than an average diary and weighing less than 1 kilo, the Aspire one puts freedom in your hands.
screen that fits the 1024*600 web resolution to perfection. Smaller than an average diary and weighing less than 1 kilo, the Aspire one puts freedom in your hands.
A review by LawrenceP on Acer Aspire ONE A150 December 2nd, 2008
Author's product rating:
Speed
Fast
Look & Feel
Good
Comfort & Portability
Excellent
Robustness & Durability
Good
Value For Money
Excellent
Advantages:
Small, lightweight, great performer . Can handle some 3D games .
Disadvantages:
None for the Netbook, but Linux version is rubbish .
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
I have revised my review after using the netbook for a while.
I purchased the Acer A150 because I was going on a cruise and wanted something small and light. I decided on the Linux version of this netbook for £235, the Windows XP version is around £269.
The Operating System
First thing I need to say about it is Linux, what a joke with its limited functions and the hassle you need to go through to add new features. I wanted DivX support so I could watch movies at night but after a few hours looking for a suitable program and drivers I gave up. Linux isn't as straightforward as Windows and in many cases you have to open up a console and type commands when you want to install or make changes to an installation. I gave up and Installed Xp pro. If you are purchasing a Netbook with Linux and all you want to do is surf the net, listen to music and write documents or chat then this will be adequate for you. Linux is easy to use and the version on this Netbook is icon driven making it easy to get to what you want. Linux comes pre-installed and there is a copy supplied on disc.
Installing Windows XP
Another reviewer said it was "a challenge" to install XP but didn't furnish us with info on how he done it. If you're thinking of installing Vista or even Windows 7 then don't bother. First of all they are more demanding and the memory in the Netbook isn't sufficient enough. The Acer doesn't have an internal CD drive so you will need to purchase an external one. You can get them for as little as £30 and they are sold in many places. I bought one in Tesco's because they had the best price. To install XP, power up the drive, plug the USB cable into the computer, eject the tray and insert the disc. Press the power button on the computer and wait for the message, "Press any key to boot from CD...." and press any key. First of all your computer will be inspected to see if its capable of handling XP then installation will begin. All you need to do is follow any prompts on the screen and installation should be complete in around 40 min. If you're not confident then get someone to help but watch them doing it so you can learn. Once finished you will not be able to access the internet using the wireless connection because you will need the appropriate driver. Connect an Ethernet cable and go directly to the Acer website and search for the A150 and download the XP drivers. Please be sure to install your virus checker as soon as possible. Once all drivers are installed, continue to install everything you need and unplug the external CD drive.
Features
Contrary to some previous reviews I have to say the A150 is quite a performer. Others may be trying to compare it with a £1000 laptop or their desktop computer which is just plain stupid. It isn't designed to be a powebook, its name depicts its intended function, "Netbook". If you want more then don't buy a Netbook and complain you can't edit video on it or something as crazy. Installed memory is 1GB and the Hard drive is 120GB. There are different variations of this Netbook but the best value for money is the one I'm reviewing. The A150 comes equipped with 3 USB ports, two on the right side and one on the left. There is a card reader which reads most flash cards including the newer high speed ones, in my case the XD "H" type. There's a VGA port for hooking up to an external monitor. Other ports include, microphone and external speakers/headphone socket and a separate SD card slot on the left which is for expanding storage memory, NOT to boost your RAM. With this particular A150 having a 120 GB HDD, I'm not sure you will ever need this extra function considering 8 GB being the maximum it can support. This expansion port is intended for the 8 GB solid state model. There's an Ethernet port for connecting directly to a modem or router. Portability is the main selling point and the 8.9" widescreen is adequate for almost any task. Battery life is around 2 hours depending on usage and less if you constantly use the wireless connection. You can turn of the wireless adapter if not needed by sliding a little switch on the front of the keyboard. The screen will dim a little to conserve power when running on batteries. You can dim even more by using the "FN" key with the appropriate blue highlighted function key. The screen has a maximum resolution of 1024x600 and it's very clear and easy on the eyes. A webcam is integrated on the top middle of the frame surrounding the screen. Maximum resolution is 600x400 but is a very clear result. The screen flickers ever so slightly when running on battery power but its hardly noticeable and an acceptable trade off in my opinion. Using the power adapter, this goes away. The keyboard small but well laid out. It's easy enough to use and I've not had any more typo's than on my standard keyboard. The keys are quite soft with no noisy clicking. The touchpad is a little more fiddly than your usual laptop but again, you get used to it. It's probably better to get a notebook USB mouse if you have large or shaky hands. It comes supplied with a leatherette cover but I'd recommend a suitable laptop skin or bag for better protection when using out of the house.
Performance
Performance wise, its above average for its size and its hardware. I have installed lots of music, DivX and MP4 movies and all play smoothly even with other apps running in the background. A previous reviewer said its not for gaming, well that depends on the games. Obviously you know its not for games when you buy it but I gave it a go just to see how it coped. The first game I installed was Return to Castle Wolfenstein with all graphics options at max. I even played it online with the wireless connection. It handled this with ease. Other games I tested were Vice City, Need for speed underground. If you know your games then you know what will play or not play from these examples. All of these games were played on my 42" HD TV using the VGA port at their maximum resolution and the A150 didn't even flinch. Using the large TV I set the resolution to 1920x1080 and ran multiple applications like Internet Explorer, word, played a movie and had messenger open. Not a single hint of sluggishness. Playing a DivX movie on the large screen looked great. The Acer is very quiet in operation, just a slight whirring from the fan even when playing games or multi-tasking. It doesn't get too hot on your lap but make sure you don't block the vents for the processor as they are on the bottom left side.
Upgrading
The only upgrades possible would be to the hard drive and the memory. The hard drive would be pretty straightforward to do but wouldn't be cost effective due to the price of the miniature drives. As for the memory, well it's entirely up to you. The memory just now is cheap but the procedure and the way the current memory is installed may put you off. Although 1GB is installed, its actually 2 x 512 MB. One chip is installed in the only slot and the other is permanently soldered to the board. The maximum memory supported in the slot is 1 GB. So the maximum memory would be 1.5 GB. The process of installing more memory isn't as easy as a conventional laptop as you have to take the keyboard off and remove the hard drive. There are many videos on Youtube showing this. Is it worth all the hassle for only 512 MB while in the process wasting another 512 MB? That would be up to you.
In Conclusion
For a portable netbook the Acer A150 performs very well and should rightfully always be regarded as a netbook. Other reviews seem to slate its performance only because the reviewers are comparing it to something more powerful or expecting more. For me, installing XP was the right thing to do as I can install all my usual programs which isn't possible with Linux. As the performance was more than I was expecting I can't fault it and considering the hardware installed and the price paid I was not expecting such a performance. The battery life for some may not be enough but as its only intended for browsing, checking mail and the like, it's good enough for me. Other batteries are available from around £60 and will extend usage to 6 hours. It's better to buy Acer branded ones. On a recent cruise the A150 was a dream to have for keeping in touch with the kids back home and being so small you hardly even know you're carrying it. The ability to play some older games was a bonus I wasn't expecting and hooking it up to a 42" TV with no graphic problems was another surprise. I would definitely recommend this to anyone needing something portable without much of a compromise on power and personally I'd recommend installing XP or purchasing the XP version, whichever suits your budget the best.
I have seen this model for as little as £120 on www.ebuyer.com which may have been a sale price.
Advantages: Great value for money; nice keyboard for the size. Disadvantages: Short battery life, no built-in 3G, unconventional mousepad layout.
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OS Provided: Linux Linpus Lite, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Software: OpenOffice.org 2.3, Acer Aspire One Mail
Manufacturer's product description
Acer redefines mobile connectivity with Aspire one, the revolutionary netbook packed with fun and powerful computing features in a diminutive 8.9" form factor. From the moment you switch it on, the Aspire one is ready to go in just 15 seconds. That's what the call a smart start. Once on, the interface is pure simplicity: a home screen divided into four areas that contain all the applications you need to stay connected, work, play, and organize your life on the road. And as your Aspire one is as unique as the way you use it, you can customize the applications on the home screen so that it's just right for you. Fast, simple and indescribably chic. That's your life with the Aspire one.
Miscellaneous
Features: Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately)
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