The Acer Aspire One: Your Next Netbook?

[Jason Dunn]

<p>This is my review of the <a href="http://www.acer.com/aspireone/" target="_blank">Acer Aspire One</a>, a popular netbook with some fairly typical specs: a 1.6 Ghz Intel Atom CPU, 1 GB RAM, an 8.9 inch screen, a 120 GB hard drive, 802.11b/g, a 6 cell battery, and running Windows XP Home. Pricing varies - I paid around $439 for this, but Acer has changed the product slightly - they're now shipping it with a 160 GB hard drive, and there are several version of the Aspire One on the market, including an entry-level unit with Linux. I shot this review over a month ago, so keep that in mind when I mention not having the MSI Wind yet.</p><p><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="600" height="360" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/k5E7cIQDUwc&amp;fmt=18" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="600" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/k5E7cIQDUwc&amp;fmt=18"></embed></object></p><p>I should mention that my primary complaint about this netbook has apparently been addressed in the form of an updated BIOS: I found the fact that the fan was constantly running at high RPMs to be quite irritating, but I've been told that a new BIOS update addresses this issue by slowing down the fan when it's not needed. If that issue has been properly addressed, I'd have no trouble recommending this netbook to someone looking for one - it offers a lot of value for the dollar.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>Jason Dunn owns and operates <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Inc.</a>, a company dedicated to creating the best in online communities. He enjoys <a href="http://photos.jasondunn.com/" target="_blank">photography</a>, mobile devices, <a href="http://www.jasondunn.com/" target="_blank">blogging</a>, digital media content creation/editing, and pretty much all technology. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his lovely wife, and his sometimes obedient dog. He seems to have better hearing when it comes to fans than most people.</em></p><p><em></em><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p><p><strong>Do you enjoy using new hardware, software and accessories, then sharing your experience with others? Then join us on the <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Review Team</a>! We're looking for individuals who find it fun to test new gear and give their honest opinions about the experience. It's a volunteer role with some great perks. Interested? <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Then click here for more information.</a></strong></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

[onlydarksets]

Thanks for the review! I'm holding out for the dual-core Atom processors. I just can't see myself satisfied with single core ever again, even for the limited use I have planned for a netbook.

[Chris Gohlke]

I recently purchased the XP version of this at Costco for $349 and love it. My biggest complaint is the glossy screen I really find the glare annoying when but if you don't have a glare, it is gorgeous. Also, like your complaint about the Dell, the whole thing is a fingerprint magnet. It is a bit bigger than the Eee I had, but well worth it, especially for the keyboard. You are exactly right on the purpose of the dual memory card slots. Of note, the one on the left side sits an SD card flush while the one on the right sticks out a bit when inserted.

Here are some pictures for comparison versus the Eee and my older avertec.

http://forums.thoughtsmedia.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=6&stc=1&d=1227323717

http://forums.thoughtsmedia.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7&stc=1&d=1227323723

[Macguy59]

I had one of these . . . for 3 days . . . then returned it. Nice unit but I hated the vertical mouse buttons on opposite sides of the trackpad and the 8.9" screen is just too small for my old eyes.

[Chris Gohlke]

I'm guessing the mouse buttons don't bother me since I just tap on the pad for left click and don't use the right click much. Also, it seems to support some sort of multitouch as you can zoom in/out by spreading/unspreading two fingers.

[Jason Dunn]

...and the 8.9" screen is just too small for my old eyes.

Ditto - I think 10 inches is as small as I can go on screens.

[bpmou]

I bought the Aspire One and took it back after a week. The screen isn't that bad, but when I tried the Samsung NC 10 I found the perfect fit for size and screen, and a great keyboard. I wanted to wait for the dual core atom processors, but I needed a netbook for my business and didn't want to cart around a full size laptop.

What I like most is the size of these units. They are great and really fill a niche.