Like virtually every other PC maker around, Acer recently introduced a new netbook based on Intel’s Pine Trail platform. The one thing that sets the Acer Aspire One 532h apart from the crowd is its low price. it sells for just $299, yet still comes with a 6 cell battery and specs that are similar to those of netbooks that sell for $5o to $100 more.
Engadget’s Joanna Stern got a chance to check out an Aspire One 532h recently and she’s posted a detailed review. The netbook is reportedly one of the thinnest and lightest around, at just 2.4 pounds and less than an inch thick. The new chiclet-style keyboard is reportedly a little more cramped than the same keyboard on Acer’s 11.6 inch laptops.
As far as performance, the laptop performs about the same as other Pine Trail netbooks, which is to say it’s fast enough for web browsing, but you probably wouldn’t want to do a lot of video editing on it. Joanna got about 6.5 hours of battery life while watching video. Under real world conditions, you can probably tack another hour or two onto that time.
For more photos and details, hit up Engadget.
The benefit here looks like the price. You’re likely not going to be able to find a netbook with these specs for under $300.
Nice base level unit at a good price. It would be nice to know what the board looks like to see if there are open PCIe mini slots or anything else expandable. Also, helpful will be to see how easy it is to access memory, hdd, etc.
Nice base level unit? This netbook has the same specs as most other netbooks on the market. It seems to me that Acer is the only manufacture that actually get it. Although we are in love with netbooks there still is a price point that consumers are looking for and that’s $300-500 mark. Its amazing how Acer can update there netbooks and yet continue to keep the value pricing on a device with the same specs as more expensive models.
Don’t get too excited there, they sell the 4400mah/160GB configuration for $299. The review unit they send out is a $350 config that packs a 5600mah/250GB config.
Asus is just selling their 5800mah/250GB version for $380 upfront with no trickery in configuration.
Acer hasn’t ‘figured’ anything out, they’re not magically making cheaper netbooks, they’re just marketing much better.
I’m not sure if you read the article on Engadget but it clearly states that its the 160 GB HD with 1GB RAM with 6 hour battery for $299. now even if it was lets say $350 it would still be cheaper than most netbooks with the same exact specs. I have owned 2 Acer netbooks and I can tell you they measure up to the quality and build. Its a reason its the overall number 1 selling netbook.
Yes I read the article, and Engadget clearly states the price and specs so that their readers know the specifics. But I wasn’t knocking Engadget, I was pointing out Acer’s impression on people.
What does everyone see? $299 new Acer netbook with a 6 cell battery. Skim review, see it lasts for 8 hours in regular use. What’s wrong with Asus and their $380 6 cell netbook?
If this wasn’t what you were thinking then that’s fine, I still want everyone else to see that there is a difference between Acer’s $350, 8 hour batterylife netbook that competes with Asus’s $380 10 hours and Acer’s cheaper version that has 6 hours.