I reviewed the original version of the Acer Aspire 1410 a few months ago, and the folks at B&H were kind enough to send me an updated model to review. The model featured in this review has a dual core 1.2GHz Intel Celeron SU2300 processor and integrated Intel GMA4500MHD graphics. It has 2GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, 802.11b/g/n WiFi and a 6 cell, 4400mAh battery.
The Acer Aspire 1410 is available for purchase from B&H for $399.99.
For the most part, the hardware is identical to the version of the laptop that I previously reviewed, so portions of this review are taken from that earlier article. The primary differences are with the operating system and processor, so I've made significant changes to the performance and software sections, along with minor changes to other departments.
Overview
Superficially, the new version of the Acer Aspire One looks identical to the earlier version. But the new laptop has a smaller hard drive (160GB instead of 250GB), and a 1.2GHz Intel Celeron SU2300 processor instead of the 1.4GHz Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500 found in the original version of this laptop.
While the SU3500 has a faster clock speed and is part of the Core 2 family of chips, the new model's dual core CPU helps the computer to perform better at some CPU-intensive tasks. But the Acer Aspire 1410 is not a high end laptop. It's just a a bit above your average netbook — although with a $400 price tag, you really do get a noticable performance boost and a high resolution display for a netbook-like price. What's more, the Acer Aspire 1410 ships with Windows 7 Home Premium instead of the stripped down Windows 7 Starter Edition that comes with most Intel Atom powered netbooks.
Of course, with an 11.6 inch display, the Aspire 1410 is a bit larger than your typical netbook. But it weighs just about 3.1 pounds, which is definitely within the standard netbook range.
But if you're looking for better performance or longer battery life, Acer also offers the Aspire Timeline 1810T and 1810TZ notebooks which run between $550 and $600 and which have higher performance chips and higher capacity batteries.
Design
The Acer Aspire 1410 measures 11.2″ x 8″ x 1.2″ at its thickest point. The thinnest point is near the front, where the laptop is just 0.9 inches thick with the lid closed. It weighs about 3.1 pounds. All of which is to say, it's barely any bigger than your typical 10 inch netbook, and it's actually lighter than some models (Asus Eee PC 1000HE, I'm looking at you).
Around the sides of the computer you'll find 3 USB ports, a flash card reader, Ethernet jack, VGA port, and an HDMI output.
There are also headphone and mic ports, and it's worth pointing out that the mic jack actually has a metal rim, which should make it a bit sturdier than the cheap plastic jacks found on most computers. Of course, you're more likely to use the headphone jack on a regular basis, and that's made of plastic.
The lid has a glossy finish which will show fingerprints, but it's not the worst offender I've seen.
On the bottom of the unit you'll find two panels that can be removed to upgrade the hard drive, RAM, or WiFi module. There are two RAM slots, which means you can upgrade the laptop to 4GB by picking up a 2GB stick. The model reviewed here came with a single 2GB stick occupying one of the slots.
The speakers are located just under the front of the keyboard and there are two hardware switches on the front of the unit for turning the WiFi and Bluetooth on and off.
Keyboard and TouchPad
The keyboard is pretty much a full sized keyboard. The keys are nice and large with a little space between them, and the keyboard stretches almost from one end of the chassis to the other.
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