Acer Aspire V5 122P: Budget-Friendly Touchscreen Laptop Review
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
1.1 Overview of the Acer Aspire V5
1.2 Specifications and Features
- Unboxing and First Impressions
2.1 Design and Build Quality
2.2 Keyboard and Touchpad
2.3 Display and Touchscreen
- Performance testing
3.1 CPU Performance
3.2 Graphics Performance
3.3 Battery Life and Efficiency
- Upgradability and Connectivity
4.1 Upgrading to SSD
4.2 External Battery Compatibility
4.3 Ports and Connectivity Options
- Pros and Cons
- Conclusion
- Resources and Additional Information
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Acer Aspire V5 is a budget-friendly laptop that offers a range of features and specifications. In this section, we will provide an overview of the design, build quality, keyboard, touchpad, display, and touchscreen of the device.
Design and Build Quality
The Acer Aspire V5 features a plastic chassis with a silver finish. While the material may feel somewhat plasticky, the design is sleek and reasonably good-looking. The laptop is lightweight and portable, weighing only 1.38 kilos. However, it is worth noting that the bottom of the device feels less premium compared to some ultrabooks. The inclusion of a backlit keyboard adds a touch of sophistication to the overall design.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The Acer Aspire V5 comes equipped with a backlit keyboard that offers a reasonably good typing experience. Although it may not be the best keyboard in terms of feedback, the white on black contrast of the keys makes it easy to use. The touchpad, which is a single unit, feels responsive and comfortable to use. Overall, the keyboard and touchpad on the V5 are satisfactory for daily use.
Display and Touchscreen
The Acer Aspire V5 features an 11.6-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1366 by 768 pixels. Considering the size of the screen, this resolution is adequate and provides a decent viewing experience. The screen is touch-sensitive and allows for convenient navigation and interaction with Windows 8. However, it is worth mentioning that the viewing angles of the display are not outstanding, and there is a slight fading effect when viewing from different angles.
To continue reading the article, please refer to the resources section at the end.
Performance Testing
In this section, we will delve into the performance of the Acer Aspire V5 by conducting tests to evaluate its CPU performance, graphics capabilities, and battery life.
CPU Performance
The Acer Aspire V5 is powered by an AMD A6-1450 quad-core processor running at 1 gigahertz. Although the clock speed may seem low, it is comparable to Ivy Bridge processors in terms of performance per clock. However, in absolute terms, the CPU power of the V5 is about a third of that of a standard Core i5 Ultrabook operating at 1.8 gigahertz. It is important to note that the processor does not feature a turbo boost, which limits its potential for high-performance tasks.
Graphics Performance
The graphics performance of the Acer Aspire V5 is provided by the AMD Radeon HD Graphics integrated in the A6-1450 APU. In terms of performance, the V5 offers graphics capabilities similar to the Intel HD 3000 found in Sandy Bridge Ultrabooks. In our tests, the V5 achieved a score of 8 frames per second in the Cinebench OpenGL test, which is comparable to the HD 3000 performance. It is worth noting that under battery power, the graphics performance is slightly lower due to power management.
Battery Life and Efficiency
The Acer Aspire V5 comes with a 30 watt-hour battery, which, in our initial tests, provided approximately three hours of battery life with 81% charge remaining. Considering the battery size, this is a satisfactory result and indicates good efficiency. The V5 also features the option to add an additional battery, which can significantly extend the battery life. However, it is important to mention that the breakout cable for external video output is not included with the device, which limits external display connectivity options.
Please refer to the resources section at the end for further details and full performance testing.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Lightweight and portable design
- Backlit keyboard for enhanced usability
- Touchscreen display for convenient navigation
- Reasonable CPU performance for everyday tasks
- Good battery life and efficiency
Cons:
- Plastic build may feel less premium
- Limited graphics performance for demanding tasks
- Breakout cable for external video output not included
- Internal hard drive may impact overall performance
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Acer Aspire V5 offers a budget-friendly option for users seeking a lightweight and portable laptop with touchscreen capabilities. While it may not excel in terms of performance compared to higher-end Ultrabooks, it provides satisfactory performance for everyday tasks. The inclusion of a backlit keyboard and a responsive touchpad is commendable, and the battery life is decent for its size. However, the plastic build and limited graphics performance should be considered before purchasing. Overall, the Acer Aspire V5 represents good value for those on a budget who prioritize portability and touch functionality.
Resources and Additional Information
For more information about the Acer Aspire V5, please visit the following resources:
FAQ:
Q: Can the Acer Aspire V5 be upgraded to an SSD?
A: Yes, upgrading the internal hard drive to an SSD is possible and can enhance the overall performance of the device.
Q: How long does the battery of the Acer Aspire V5 last?
A: In our initial tests, the V5 provided approximately three hours of battery life with 81% charge remaining. Adding an external battery can significantly extend the battery life.
Q: Does the Acer Aspire V5 have external video output options?
A: No, the breakout cable for external video output is not included with the device. To connect to an external display, an optional converter cable is required.
Q: Can the Acer Aspire V5 handle gaming or video editing?
A: While the V5 is not designed for demanding tasks like high-end gaming or intensive video editing, it can handle low-end gaming and basic media playback activities.