Review Acer Aspire One D257 Netbook
3 years ago at Computex-2008 the first models of Acer netbooks of the Aspire One Series were presented. The Acer Aspire One D257 is the second generation of Aspire One netbooks. In it, work was carried out on the errors of the first generation, such as a short time for robots on a single battery charge, as well as a rather small, by modern standards, hard disk volume. In my review, I want to reveal the main features of this "baby".
Contents of delivery
Initially, everything is packed into a compact box, like the netbook itself. A white model came to my review. After opening the box, we see the Acer Aspire One D257 netbook itself, a 6-cell battery, a compact charger with an adapter and an instruction in 3 languages along with a dvd disk with drivers for the netbook installed on it. Acer warranty card is also present.
Design
The manufacturer classifies the device as an ultra-thin netbook aimed at youth. What different color modifications indicate.
The quality of the case is at a good level, even though it is plastic. The dimensions of the netbook correspond to the device class (256.5 x 183.9 x 23.8). Separately, I would like to note the top panel, it shows the manufacturer's logo and a pattern typical for this series of netbooks, copying ripples on the water. It looks very stylish. Despite the fact that the surface of the device is glossy, fingerprints will not be very noticeable, perhaps this is due to the very ripples on the surface of the netbook.
The body of each of the models is made in one color, let me remind you that we have white. The interior panel is simple and tasteful, in a minimalist style, nothing superfluous. Above the display is a front camera for video calls (0.3Mpx), and a microphone is located under it in the right corner.
Display & Sound
The display has an LCD matrix with LED backlighting, WSVGA resolution (1024x600). The physical dimensions of the screen are 10.1 inches or 25.65 centimeters. The aspect ratio of the display is almost 16: 9, which cannot but contribute to a comfortable video viewing. The viewing angles are not bad, although the screen fades a little with strong vertical deflections. The screen behaves well in the sun, with maximum backlighting the text remains readable. Overall, the screen is commendable.
As for the sound, it is processed by the Realtek sound card in combination with High Definition Audio technology. This bundle will be enough to reproduce all modern formats, including multichannel sound. The netbook has two built-in stereo speakers, their quality is average. The sound is loud, clear.
Control elements
Special thanks to the manufacturer for the keyboard. It is very comfortable, especially considering its size. The key travel is soft, almost silent. Ergonomics at the highest level. Not lost, not a single extra millimeter. Typing is a pleasure. The disadvantages include the inconvenient location of the backspace key and too small navigation buttons.
As for the touchpad, it is comfortable and not quite small in comparison with the size of the device. From the beginning it will take a while to get used to the keys on the touchpad, they are doubled under one key.
Processor and performance
Initially, the netbook is preinstalled with the MeeGo operating system based on the Linux kernel. It is a friendly system that performs the necessary tasks. If you wish, you can install Microsoft Windows 7, since the device has enough capacity.
The heart of the netbook is the Intel Atom Dual-Core N570 processor, each core clocked at 1.66GHz. The processor is assembled using a 45 nm process and has support for DDR3 RAM. Intel specifically designed the series of these processors for netbooks, smartphones and tablets in order to increase battery life without significant performance losses. The netbook has 1 GB of RAM, if desired, it can be expanded to 2 GB.
In conjunction with the processor, there is an Intel GMA 3150 video card with 256MB of memory. This is a standard graphics card for netbooks with basic functionality. But don't be upset to watch videos in 720p resolution, it is quite enough. If you try to play games on it, you will be disappointed. He can still cope with old toys and solitaire, but nothing more.
The test unit comes preinstalled with a surprisingly 320GB of hard disk space. This is a nice addition to the product that will delight people who like to carry all the information with them. The speed of the hard drive is not satisfactory.
Using the built-in performance measurement in Windows 7, such indicators were established.
Communications and ports
Another advantage of this model is the availability of various wireless communications. There is Wi-Fi 802.11 (b / g / n) and Bluetooth 3.0 (depending on the configuration).
On the left side of the device there is a netbook charging connector, Fast Ethernet, VGA port (for connecting an external monitor), a speaker and one of the three USB 2.0 ports.
On the right side, a Kensington lock was taken out, the remaining two USB 2.0 ports and two connectors for a microphone and headphones (Mic-in and Line-out, respectively)
Battery
The kit included a 6-cell lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 4400mAh.
Despite its modest dimensions and small capacity, it can last about 8-10 hours, depending on the mode of use. To fully charge the battery, 1 hour 50 minutes will be enough.
If desired, it is possible to install a 9-cell battery, which can extend the battery life of the netbook up to 12 hours without recharging.
conclusions
Acer has managed to produce an excellent device in terms of price / quality ratio. The main advantages when choosing this netbook will be its bright appearance, good battery life and, of course, the price.
The Acer Aspire One D257 will become an indispensable assistant for young people in everyday life, as well as for work, travel, on the plane and in the car.
