Acer Netbook Mini Laptop Computers
Top Selling Acer Aspire Netbooks Fill The Bill For Portabiity
Sep 13, 2009
Netbooks are the new computers on the block with only three years on the market and approximately 20% of the laptop market share, and Acer has enjoyed phenomenal success with low-priced, mini computers that have performed consistently and well. In fact, the company reports that sales of netbooks doubled between 2008 and 2009.
And, with a souped up Acer Ferrari ready to roll out (October 2009), the dominance of laptop computers and the popularity of the highly portable netbooks appears to be more than a passing fad.
What Are Netbooks?
At first glance netbooks, mini laptops, or sublaptop computers look like toy computers designed for children; however, the little laptops are high tech toys for big boys and girls and especially popular with the business professionals and college students. The compact size of netbooks make them easy to tuck in purses, briefcases, and backpacks, so women love netbooks and make up about 60% of purchases.
In a world where size matters and technical gadgets are sized for on-the-go, netbooks offer a convenient way to complete basic computer tasks like word processing and internet surfing (including Skype) without lugging bulky laptop along. Since mini laptops are scaled down, battery life now runs in the 6 to 8 hour range depending on the tasks being performed.
Netbooks are not designed for more complex computer applications, so a netbook would not be a good selection for laptop users working on web page designs or computer based games. In fact, netbooks do not include CD or DVD drives; however, USB port attached portable drives can be connected as needed.
Why Are Acer Netbooks So Popular?
In a word, Acer Aspire netbooks have been the most popular of the mini lapbooks due to “cost.” The company priced the netbooks to sell with prices hovering around the $300 mark this year. While the list price pushes closer to $350, buyers report finding deals with the units occasionally priced under $300.
In terms of performance and quality, Acer checks in on par with other brands which are more pricy. The most notable upgrade offered by some other companies would be Bluetooth (which is not on older Acer models); however, the new Ferrari Acers will offer that option.
What Do You Get With An Acer Netbook?
Acer Aspire netbooks come in a couple of different sizes – most notably the 10.1 and the 11.6. Size refers to the screen. For example, the 8.9 Acer (being phased out) is in the same housing as the 10.1. The extra plastic around the screen was reduced to increase the screen size, but the 8.9 and 10.1 are basically the same unit sized at 10.2 inches by 7.2 inches and 1 inch thick, so the slightly larger screen is a better buy.
The screen on the little Acer computers is clear and viewable under various conditions, although the matte finish on Samsung netbooks (more expensive) is preferable for outdoor use.
In terms of space, the 10.1 Acer typically has 1 GB RAM and a 160 GB hard drive which is plenty of space for basic usage. Thumb or travel drives or an external hard drive can be used for portable storage through the USB ports, and more memory can be added.
The operating system on the first generation Acers is Windows XP Home which has proven to be a more stable and popular system than Vista which is being phased out.
Acer Aspire netbooks are sleek, although the battery is offset a bit which breaks the overall visual line and means that some lapbook cases may fit too tight if purchased to the exact measurements. The color options are appealing with the current offerings being black, white, blue, red, and a girly pink. The Acer finish does tend to show fingerprints.
Example Features for Acer Aspire Mini Laptop Computers
Although different year models may have some variations, the Acer Aspire One AOD150 10.1 gives a good overview of features on basic Acer netbooks with new upgrades on more expensive models and newer models.
- Processor – Intel Atom Processor N280 Single Core Processor
- Hitachi Hard Drive with 160 GB and 8 MB Cache Disk
- CrystalBright LCD Screen 1024 x 600 with Embedded Webcam and Microphone
- Atheros Wireless Chip (factory set at power save but can be adjusted)
- Synaptics Touchpad with Single Bar Configurabe Button
- USB Ports – 3
- Multi Format Media Card Reader
- 4400mAh 6 Cell Battery (although some units sell with an upgraded battery)
- XP Home, MS Works, and Trial Version of MS Word
- Recovery CD Disks ($20 through Acer or use USB port and portable CD drive to burn)
Is An Acer Netbook Right for You?
Netbooks are small. The screen is 10 inches across, and the keyboard is approximately 90% when compared to a standard keyboard. This is great for portability, but some computer users prefer larger spaces and familiar sized keyboards.
Acer netbooks are not designed for power computer users. For those who do basic tasks and those who simply type up papers and emails and like to surf the internet and check FaceBook or Skype friends and family, Acer has it covered. Individuals who run larger programs and multi-task with computers will need a larger and more powerful laptop or desktop computer, although a netbook makes an excellent second mini computer for traveling.
All in all, a netbook is a fun investment and takes the load off for anyone who likes computer portability. A netbook is definitely a step up from trying to surf the web on a cell phone and has added features that allow for more productivity. So, an Acer netbook can be a lot of fun and very convenient for general on-the-go computer usage.
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