Acer Aspire 4710 review
The good: Very low price; dual-core processor; full feature set, including an ExpressCard slot and S/PDIF audio-out jack; comfortable keyboard; easy-to-use system management software.
The bad: Slow performance on outdated components; display wobbles easily; glossy screen finish results in distracting reflections; lacks external media controls.
The bottom line: We recommend the Acer Aspire 4710 for home users who want a low-cost laptop for basic computing tasks.
The bad: Slow performance on outdated components; display wobbles easily; glossy screen finish results in distracting reflections; lacks external media controls.
The bottom line: We recommend the Acer Aspire 4710 for home users who want a low-cost laptop for basic computing tasks.
Whenever someone asks us if you can really get a decent laptop for $600, we're going to offer up the Acer Aspire 4710 as evidence. Here you've got a thin-and-light laptop with an attractive, 14.1-inch display, a solid keyboard, and all the ports and connections a home user could need, for just $599. The catch, if you consider it one, is that inside the case you'll find a dual-core Pentium processor which, though it has multiple processing cores, isn't enough to keep up with Core Duo and Core 2 Duo systems. No one expects a cheap laptop to win any speed contests, though. Many home users just want a machine for checking e-mail, typing documents, and watching DVDs, so for those users, we recommend the Acer Aspire 4710.
| Price as reviewed/starting price | $599 |
| Processor | 1.73GHz Intel Pentium dual-core T2080 |
| Memory | 1GB of 533MHz |
| Hard drive | 120GB at 5,400rpm |
| Graphics | Intel GMA 950 (integrated) |
| Chipset | Mobile Intel 945GM Express |
| Operating system | Windows Vista Home Premium |
| Dimensions | 13.5x9.4x1.3 inches |
| Screen size (diagonal) | 14.1 inches |
| System weight/weight with AC adapter | 5.6/6.4 pounds |
| Category | Thiin-and-light |
Like its larger and more-expensive sibling, the Aspire 5920, the Aspire 4710 features Acer's new Gemstone design, which includes a matte-black lid and a light-gray interior. The case's rounded corners and beveled edges give the laptop a soft look that, in this smaller form, reminds us of the original clamshell Mac iBooks. Despite its soft looks, the Aspire 4710 feels pretty solid, though the screen did wobble a bit on its hinges when we accidentally bumped our desk.
