After migrating from my full-size notebook, all 7lbs of Core 2 goodness, to an Atom based netbook, the tradeoffs for size were cramping my style. My typing slowed, my eyes hated it, and it just wasn’t responsive enough. Worse, the 2GB maximum RAM limitation meant running my virtual machines was out of the question. The experience left me discouraged and I fully expected to become one of the last victims of a $1500 ultra-portable.

In contrast, this thing is fast, it has a full-size keyboard, much more useful screen, drives a larger external display (VGA or HDMI), can have 4GB RAM, and has twice the battery life if you don’t thrash it. (my previous netbook only had the 3-cell battery). It’s all wrapped in a package that appears to most people the same size as the little 10″ versions. I can’t tell the weight difference if I’m not holding them both at the same time. And the price! The Black Friday discount was minimal but now that I’ve used it and can compare, I’d gladly re-buy this one at retail. This thing is the netbook for those who can’t quite squeeze down to the little N270/280 boxes. Whereas the Atoms feel like a cute attempt at a notebook, running a “sort-of” mobile processor, this thing feels like a real system, but it’s small and cheap.

Pros (vs Atom-based netbook)

- See above – speed, screen size, speed, keyboard, RAM, speed, etc.

- Dual-core headroom.

- Touchpad is 50% larger and buttons are separate vs. D250 rocker style.

- The additional indicator lights are always a good thing. Power, charge, bluetooth wifi, HD, Numlock, capslock.

- The integrated video can drive a huge external monitor.

- Gb Ethernet.

- N draft WiFi.

Cons & quibbles:

- Red color – others were another $50

- HD mounting and connector are a kludge. No positive lock for HD and uses ribbon cable adapter to match its 90 degree rotation to board. It isn’t going anywhere, but it’s a big contrast to the D250’s very clean HD mount.

- Keys are completely flat, as is their action. I’m getting used to it.

- Too little space between keys makes it easy to touch-type the wrong keys. It’s tough to feel the boundaries.

- Power plug (computer end) & socket seem fragile.

- Material seems a bit fragile. Not a ThinkPad.

- Very slightly noisier than Atom systems.

- WiFi slide-switch fragile & action uncertain.

- No built-in Bluetooth on this model though it does have the BT slide-switch and indicator.

- I know I’ll wish it had a 4th USB port.

If you’re looking for something both smnall AND functional give this thing a try.

(Thank you Acer!)

I settled on this because it has a reasonably powered Celeron dual-core processor and the 11+ inch widescreen. At just over 3 pounds this is the perfect compromise for me. I did not upgrade beyond the provided 2GB of RAM. The installed and included Win7 runs very smoothly. I installed MS Office 2007 and was pleasantly surprised at how peppy everything felt. The flat keys on the full-size keyboard took a bit of getting used to since I normally use keyboards with the scalloped indentations. Battery life has been prety close to what is stated. I know I have used it for at least 5 hours on one charge.

Since this has no CD/DVD drive, I did find it necessary to buy an external drive. I bought one for about $75 (probably could get one cheaper but I needed it for a trip). If you need one, I recommend a drive that draws power directly from the notebook.

I also bought the 12″ Targus notebook sleeve–the one with the external pocket. The AC adapter for the notebook and my wireless optical notebook mouse will both fit in there. The notebook fits perfectly into the main pouch.

All in all, a great little machine.