An Affordable Laptop with a few Bells & Whistles!
Written: Aug 29 '07 (Updated Sep 05 '07)
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Pros: excellent price, integrated wireless, built-in webcam, full-size keyboard, USB 2.0, 17" LCD
Cons: Bluetooth feature is deceptive; doesn't come with much software, some might find it heavy
The Bottom Line: Acer delivers an excellent laptop at a value price. However, there are a few considerations to decide if this is the computer for you.
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| dlstewart's Full Review: Acer Aspire 9410 Notebook PC |
One terrific thing about having family live nearby is that we can share cool toys. I’ve been using my brother’s Acer Laptop (Model # 9410) during the summer to write and surf the net while watching (ahem ... they prefer the term visiting) the children. It’s given me a great opportunity to explore this Acer laptop.
Why This Laptop?
My brother works in an environment where he needs to know various computer programs and operating systems. He wanted a laptop with Windows Vista so that he could familiarize himself with the environment. Other people at work were struggling to learn Vista on older laptops that could not adequately support the new operating system. So when my brother saw this computer on sale (with the offer of a free printer), he decided to invest in it.
The Keyboard
Being a writer, one of the first things I noticed was the full-size keyboard on this laptop. Not only was it full size, but it also has a numbered keypad! I am so jealous. My Toshiba laptop does not have a number pad like my desktop computer, and I’m always reaching for it ... forgetting it’s not there. Using this Acer keyboard was a joy.
The one thing I’m not crazy about is the touchpad. The touchpad itself is fine. However, the toggle buttons that act as the “left” and “right” mouse click don’t feel substantial beneath my fingers. In an otherwise great keyboard, these buttons feel cheap.
My brother argues this point with me. He feels the touchpad and buttons are fine. He is impressed with the 4-way scroll, says it’s the best one he’s used on a laptop computer. He feels the toggle buttons are responsive and fine.
Both of us have a wireless Logitech notebook mouse that can plug via a USB connection into the computer. I love using a mouse with this laptop versus the touchpad. My brother feels the touchpad is fine and usually uses it rather than a mouse.
Webcam
Another cool feature of this computer is the built-in webcam with 1.3 megapixel CMOS. At first I didn’t even see the camera. It’s built into the top edge of the computer and unobtrusive. The oblong camera has a 225-degree rotation so that it either faces you while you are at the keyboard, or faces outward into the room. You can adjust the white balance, brightness, contrast, gamma and saturation of the picture through a control panel. The computer comes with Acer Video Conference technology that works with an instant messenger service. I had fun using the webcam for personal fun but not for business.
If the camera is pointed into a room, a “follow me” feature allows the camera to track you as you move around within the camera’s view. It’s a great idea, but sometimes the camera loses track of the person. I’ve had mixed experiences with it.
You can also take photos and record video using the webcam. Another thing to consider is using the zoom. I found that images become fuzzy when the zoom is activated.
Computer Layout
This computer has a lot of interesting features to it that soon became second nature to use. Here is an idea of where the various components are on this machine.
The Display
This laptop offers a gorgeous 17" panoramic LCD screen with CrystalBrite technology. The aspect ratio is 16:10 with a 1440 x 900 resolution. I call it gorgeous. My brother says it’s phenomenal. The colors look terrific on this screen. They are vivid and the images flow well with no jumping. Acer says this is because the CrystalBrite technology offers quicker image building.
Front of the Computer
Along the front edge of the computer are line-in and line-out jacks and a microphone-in jack. The speakers are located near the lip but on the keyboard surface of the laptop. The speakers are small and offer adequate sound.
I already mentioned the keyboard and number pad. Above these, at the right top of the keyboard, are keys that Acer calls “empowerment” keys. They include shortcut buttons for checking email, accessing the internet, and opening the Launch Manager to set the settings for these buttons. The on/off power button is also on this row.
Along the left edge are LEDs that show whether the number or caps lock is on. This computer is marketed as also supporting Bluetooth (this is misleading ... please read the Bluetooth section below).
Back of the Computer
At the left are two USB ports (2.0), an external display VGA port, a modem (RJ-11) port, and an ethernet (RJ-45) port. The battery location is also at the back taking up most of the room from just before the center all the way to the right.
Right Side
Here is located the PC Card slot, 5-in-1 card reader, 3 more USB ports (2.0), a DC-in jack. There are also vertical ventilation slots. The 5-in-1 card reader handles: Memory Stick Pro, SD Card, Sony Memory Stick, Type I and II PC Card, xD Picture Card.
Left Side
There are not too many features on this side of the machine. The optical drive takes up most of the space. And at the front of the left side is where the Kensington Lock Slot is located.
Bottom of the Computer
At the bottom of the computer are located the hard disk bay, mini PCI card bay, memory module access cover, the cooling fan, battery (which is also visible from the back), and the battery release latch.
The Internet, DVD Movies & Audio
I do a lot of online research. It is pure pleasure browsing different websites using this computer. Websites open quickly, and browsing pages is breeze. This Acer is responsive.
This computer isn’t used for watching movies too often. I did take advantage of it to watch a few DVDs. The movies played well, and there was no jerkiness in the image or picture distortion. The color was fantastic.
The sound is supplied by 32-bit Intel high-definition audio and built-in stereo speakers. While the audio is not robust, it is okay. It’s typical of most laptop computers. It sounds a bit tinny and hollow, but it is adequate for the job. An audiophile will be disappointed in the sound.
Memory & Memory Card Slot
My brother was complaining about the lack of memory in this computer. It only comes with 1gb of memory, which is the minimum requirement for Windows Vista. For simple programs such as word processing, there is no problem. It can even play games such as the Hoyle Card and Board games with ease. However, as soon as a more systems-hogging program is utilized, the computer rebels. A few times an error message has flashed, warning that there was not enough memory.
So for my brother’s birthday I bought him a 2gb dual memory module from Newegg.com – PQI DDR2 667Mhz 200pin 2gb Dual Channel memory module. It cost $82.99 and had a $10.00 rebate. The additional memory definitely makes a difference! I highly recommend upgrading the memory if you are doing any memory-intense applications.
Bluetooth
The Bluetooth feature on this laptop is misleading. My brother has Bluetooth on his phone and on a printer, so thought this feature would be useful. When he tried to use it, the computer came up with the message: “No Device”. The Windows mobility center does not show Bluetooth as listed (as it is shown in the user manual). Next he tried to download the driver from the Acer website, but a “Can’t find hardware” message displays. Since the user manual did not detail the Bluetooth feature, my brother wrote to Acer customer service. He waited about a week for their reply. Here is what they wrote:
“Thank you for contacting Acer America. I apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry. Although there is a button on the notebook for Bluetooth, the Aspire 9410 models that ship in the US and Canada do not ship with a Bluetooth module on the motherboard. Therefore it does not support Bluetooth as it ships. If you push the BT button you should see No Device on the screen. In order to get Bluetooth, you will need to purchase a third party device such as a USB to Bluetooth transceiver, or other external device that provides Bluetooth capabilities. These type of devices are available at most computer shops that sell options and accessories for notebook products. We do not plan to implement an option to install a Bluetooth module on the motherboard.”
Battery Life
The manufacturer says this battery has a life of 2 1/2 hours. We both have found that this laptop can run about that time without a complete drain of power. Sometimes it runs a bit short of the 2 1/2 hours, closer to 2 hours (it varies). I prefer using the adapter and plugging it into a wall outlet. The adapter cord as a long reach, so it works well for me.
Going Wireless
There have been no problems with the wireless connection. It has strong reception. There is another laptop in the house (a Gateway) that also has wireless reception. When both these laptops are used in the same environment, the Gateway does not perform as well as the Acer computer. The Acer definitely has stronger wireless reception.
The Fan
I have yet to use a truly quiet laptop computer. The fan on this one is noisy like any other laptop. However, to maintain the life of this computer, since laptops are notorious for becoming too hot, we use a laptop cooler. The cooler has a built-in fan and offers a flat surface to set the laptop on. This keeps the laptop from overheating. When the cooler is in use, it is rare for the laptop fan to kick into action.
Windows Vista & Software
This computer came loaded with the Windows Vista Home Premium operating system. And that’s about all your going to get. For us, it’s not a problem since we already own software that can be installed on the computer. However, for someone who doesn’t have software, they are going to be disappointed in the lack of extra programs. The Acer came with a lot of trial software on a separate disc, but trial software won’t get you far.
Purchasing
At Staples, this computer normally sells for $799.99. It was on sale for $744.98 and also had a rebate that brought the final price down to $599.98. And there was a choice of free printers. It was a terrific deal!
Summary
I am very pleased using this Acer laptop computer. I am used to the Windows XP operating system, and amazed myself at how quickly I adapted to using Windows Vista. Considering that this laptop also came with a free printer, this was a beautiful buy. I’m glad my brother shares!
I hope you found this review useful.
Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Additional Information
Specifications:
15.75” wide x 11.61” deep x 1.57” high
Weight: 8.10 pounds
Processor: Intel Core Duo Processor T2450 (2mb L2 cache, 2Ghz, 533Mhz FSB)
Hard Drive: 160gb
Memory (RAM): 1gb of DDR2 533Mhz memory / expandable to 4gb
Optical Drive: 8X DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive
Display: 17" WXGA+ high-brightness (200-nit) Acer CrystalBrite T TFT LCD
Network Card: Intel/PRO wireless 3945ABG network connection
Video Graphics: Mobile Intel 945GM Express chipset with integrated 3D graphics
Audio Adapter: Realtek ALC883 @ Intel 82801GBM ICH7-M - High Definition Audio Controller [B-0]
Battery: Lithium Ion (2.5 hours)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
Please read my other reviews:
Staples (Online Store)
Newegg.com (Online Store
Logitech V200 Cordless Notebook Mouse
Antec Notebook Cooler
Toshiba Satellite Notebook Computer
Belkin Flip 2-port KVM Switch
Logitech Harmony Universal Remote Control
Canon PowerShot A400 Digital Camera
Ott True Color Flex-Arm Plus Lamp
Copyright 2007 Dawn L. Stewart
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 599.98
Operating System: Windows
Screen Size: Greater than 15 inches
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