Laptop Review: Acer Aspire 5741-5763 15.6" Notebook (Black)

By Tony Bowen: There are many choices in today’s world of laptop technology. There have been advancements in both desktop and laptop computers in recent years. Today, I’m providing a review of a laptop that I purchased a couple weeks ago for personal and business matters.

This review is based entirely on my opinion and I haven’t taken any other reviews of this model into consideration for my conclusion. Photos will be provided throughout this review along with my own personal pictures at the end of the writing. I will start by providing the general laptop specifications and also a link to the entire specs sheet for this Acer Aspire Notebook.

Acer Aspire 5741-5763 : General Specs

• Intel Core i3-3500 processor (2.26GHz, 3MB, L3 cache)
• Intel HD Graphics (Up to 1755 MB DVMT)
• 15.6” HD LED LCD (16:9 Widescreen) (True Cinematic View)
• 4 GB Memory
• 320 GB HDD                           
• DVD-Super Multi DL Drive
• 5-in-1 Memory Card Reader
• Integrated Crystal Eye Webcam
• 3 USB Ports
• HDMI Port
• VGA
• 6-cell Li-ion Battery

Here is a link to the detailed specs for this laptop: link

As you can see, this Acer Aspire Notebook has some nice features. While other laptops may have more impressive specifications, this Acer Aspire model has all the basic features and more.

Next, I want to provide a little more details on some of the specs:

Intel i3-3500 processor. The Intel i3 processor debuted earlier this year. The first computer units with the i3 processor hit shelves back in January. This processor replaced the Core 2 processor that was retired by Intel. The i3 was supposed to be a low end replacement to the Core 2. Intel followed the i3 with the i5 and i7 models. However, the only major differences in the i3 are lower clock speeds and no turbo boost. I have been able to surf the net, listen to music, and write MS Word documents all at once without a hitch.

I will just say that this processor is FAST! The only computers (desktop or laptop) I have ever owned had a dual-core processor. I decided to make the switch after reading about the i3 processor. However, this i3 is like having three processors in one. I have seen a noticeable difference in speed and performance in comparison to a dual-core. I’m impressed with the i3 processor and would recommend anyone considering a PC with one to not think twice. It’s just a big step up from the dual-core and I love it. Detailed specs on the i3 can be found here: link

HD graphics. The viewing on this laptop screen is unbelievable. This Acer model has a beautiful 15.6” widescreen (16:9) display. Acer includes the CineCrystal high brightness TFT display with 1366 x 768 resolution. It comes with the integrated HD graphics which adds to the quality of picture. The display is a “glossy” style look. The graphics are just stunning and you can view for yourself with the photos included later in this article. I haven’t tested the graphics out with any games though because that wasn’t in my considerations of a purchase.

4 GB memory (expandable to 8 GB). This includes the newer DDR3 memory and not the older DDR2 type. The DDR3 memory is capable of transferring data at double the rate of its predecessor DDR2. This may not be noticed as much due to a solid i3 processor but the DDR3 is definitely an upscale in memory. 

Multi dvd drive. I have used the drive to make the recovery discs (yes, there are no recovery discs included with purchase) and a few music cd’s. The recovery discs were a breeze to make and the music cd’s as well. The drive is relatively quiet but is a little flimsy when opened. So, be careful when you have the drive out and don’t be rough when opening or closing the drive. I have used two different brands of media and they both are recognized by the drive and burn without any problems.

320 GB HDD. The 320 GB HDD allows for plenty of storage space for me and should be ample room for most users. Surprisingly, there wasn’t a lot of bloatware on this model either. A few applications and typical Norton software for backup purposes were basically it for bloatware. I believe the system space for the operating system was at 32 GB which made the HDD space at 288 GB. That’s quite a bit of space taken up on the HDD but software times are different with Windows 7. There should still be plenty of hard disk space available for even the more advanced users in storage requirements.

5-in-1 memory card reader.  This also works flawlessly. I have tried all five recognizable formats and they all work just fine. The only thing I don’t like about the MC reader is that it’s hard to pull out.

Battery. We all wonder how long our laptop batteries are going to last before needing to be charged. Well, this 6-cell ion battery performs great. I have actually lasted up to 5 hours on one charge. Now, that was about 2 ½ hours of straight usage and about 2 ½ hours of the unit setting. You can expect between 4-4 ½ hours of battery life even with multi-tasking. This is very good for a laptop that performs like this model. It doesn’t take long to charge the battery either. In most cases the battery is fully charged in less than two hours. Keep in mind, you’re not supposed to charge a laptop battery until it’s fully depleted.

Crystal Eye webcam. This is a feature that’s seen minimal usage from me. I did test it out one time with a family member out of town. It does work well, but is not something that I will be using too much. It’s certainly better than most standard built-in webcams I’ve seen in laptops. The quality of picture is above average for video. However, this isn’t a feature that I will use too much because that’s not one of my intended areas of usage.

Tip : Use Laptop Camera for Recording Video, Taking Pictures

Summary

The Acer Aspire 5741-5763 is a solid machine. With the Intel i3 processor and beautiful CineCrystal HD display technology, you have a very fast machine and absolutely stunning graphics. You get a 320 GB HDD with a super multi dvd drive. Add to that a better than average battery life for this laptop and a solid built-in webcam. You will not be disappointed in getting one of these toys. I just love mine and would recommend this particular model to anyone. I got mine at Office Depot in a promo deal for $499.99 but right now the standard price at Office Depot is $629.99 but you may find it a little cheaper. Below are some personal pictures that I have taken of the laptop. The qualities of the photos aren’t great but good enough for viewing. I hope you enjoyed this review and if you’re looking for a solid laptop don’t wait and go get you one of these.   

About Author : Tony Bowen is a content writer for Online Schools and Online MBA who gives advice on the pursuit of education and living a healthy life. In his free time he enjoys writing, fishing, hunting, sports, and video games.

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