ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Acer Aspire Go 15 is obtainable for round $299 throughout main retailers.
- For an reasonably priced value, the Acer Aspire Go 15 is a succesful laptop computer for on a regular basis use with an honest battery.
- As with most gadgets on this value vary, the laptop computer’s limitations grow to be obvious with heavy workloads.
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Not everybody wants a decked-out laptop computer with costly {hardware}. For customers searching for an reasonably priced laptop computer that is adequate for on a regular basis use, the Acer Aspire Go 15 — a newer addition to Acer’s finances laptop computer line — fills that area of interest effectively.
For $300, the Acer Aspire Go 15 is a succesful finances laptop computer for customers with out heavy efficiency calls for. The 15-inch display screen is well-suited for looking the net, checking emails, and utilizing productiveness software program, whereas the onboard webcam is ample to take work calls whereas away from the workplace.
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At 3.75 kilos, this isn’t the lightest laptop computer, and the 15-inch show leads to a barely cumbersome physique, however the tradeoff is a full-sized keyboard with a right-side quantity pad (even when the keys are barely smaller) and a show that feels simply large enough.
The truth is, “simply sufficient” is the overarching theme for this laptop computer. It has simply sufficient efficiency to cowl the fundamentals, a adequate webcam, port choice, and kind issue, with the stand-out function being a surprisingly long-lasting battery.
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While you look intently at these parameters, you possibly can see that they are fairly well-optimized, leading to a laptop computer with limitations however a tool that additionally performs effectively inside the scope of its capabilities.
So, let us take a look at what’s below the hood. The Aspire Go 15 has an Intel Core i3-N305, a considerably low-end processor with simply 8GB of RAM. This mix of {hardware} limits this machine’s capabilities. Nevertheless, in my testing, the laptop computer may principally sustain with my web looking habits (learn: plenty of YouTube tabs) and work-related apps, if not some stuttering as soon as the CPU was taxed.
I used this laptop computer for every week, taking it to and from the workplace and swapping it between my essential pc, and it dealt with fundamental productiveness duties effectively. Nevertheless, efficiency dips after getting a handful of apps open and begin making an attempt to maneuver shortly between home windows.
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Relating to the keyboard and trackpad, I’ve no complaints about typing on the Aspire Go 15. The keys are gentle, responsive, and quiet. If you happen to like backlights in your keyboards, you will discover none of those luxuries right here, however the keys’ textured really feel and springiness are tremendous. The trackpad does not really feel significantly high-end, but it surely’s well-positioned and does the job.
All the bodily kind issue of this laptop computer will be described equally. Upon first inspection, the full-plastic physique feels a bit flimsy, and the show tends to wobble. The laptop computer’s silver-and-black colour scheme provides off a impartial, non-descript aesthetic.
The 15-inch show is reasonably fundamental and never very shiny, but it surely does have good viewing-angle flexibility, in contrast to different Chromebooks or budget laptops. The 1080p full HD show has ample distinction, even when the 60Hz refresh price is not phenomenal. I believe something lower than 75% brightness on this laptop computer is just too dim.
The collection of ports right here can be simply sufficient. You get two USB-A ports, one USB-C, an HDMI port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a Kensington lock slot. The charger that comes with the Aspire Go 15 is a cheap-feeling proprietary jack, however the laptop computer may also be charged through its USB-C port.
The audio system will not be inspiring, as you may think for a $300 laptop computer. Though the audio system can get sufficiently loud, they’re skinny and tinny. Join your Bluetooth wireless earbuds or plug into the headphone jack to listen to higher audio.
So, let’s discuss in regards to the battery lifetime of this laptop computer. I used the gadget intermittently for a day and a half earlier than needing to plug it again in. In a extra demanding battery check, the laptop computer lasted over 10 hours with a continuing livestream video operating. This battery life leads me to consider that the {hardware} on this machine, even on the decrease finish, is a minimum of well-optimized.
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Nevertheless, this laptop computer won’t final greater than a day of demanding, sustained use. If you happen to take the Acer Aspire Go 15 to the workplace and overlook your charger, you will get about seven to eight hours of life. However all issues thought-about, the battery energy on this machine rounds out the bundle properly.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
For the worth, the Acer Aspire Go 15 is a strong decide for customers with out demanding efficiency necessities or for individuals who want a secondary laptop computer for touring. It is also a fantastic decide for college students searching for a finances laptop computer to deliver on campus for note-taking and finishing assignments, and the gadget is included in our best laptops for college list.
The sensible checklist of options, collection of ports, and first rate battery life provide you with all the things you want and nothing you do not. The laptop computer is well-optimized to function inside its capabilities. Moreover, at simply $300, the worth is correct.
