In 2010, Intel announced its first processors with integrated graphics accelerator. These solutions were adopted by manufacturers of both desktop and mobile computer devices. One of the first to take on board a similar set of chipsets was the Acer Aspire 5740 laptop.
The model received the brand new Core i3 and offers the consumer a pretty good performance. In addition, the feature of the new chipset set allowed to produce not only good and inexpensive laptops, but also quite economical. For some reason, Acer did not follow its long tradition, where the exterior of the models changed at the same time as the platform was updated, so the new device is very similar to previous generations in its appearance. But first things first.
So, we present to your attention a review of the Acer Aspire 5740. Consider the main characteristics of the laptop, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as the appropriateness of buying in certain cases. We also take into account user reviews of this model.
Equipment
The device comes in a modest box of medium-density cardboard. On the front you can see the image of the Acer Aspire 5740, and the characteristics in the form of a brief specification are located on the back. At the ends glued the usual barcodes, labels and other dealership quirks that brand equipment in stores.
Despite the size of the laptop, they managed to push it into a rather modest package. So it may seem that you have a netbook, and not a full-fledged laptop.
Contents of delivery:
- a laptop;
- accumulator battery;
- Power Supply;
- cord for recharging;
- documentation.
The package bundle is ascetic, but you can’t expect even more from the best budget laptops. The power supply turned out to be monolithic and intelligently assembled. The instruction is rather modest, but there is Russian language - and okay.
Appearance
As mentioned above, the company did not change the exterior of the model with the transition to a new set of chipsets. In any case, even the best budget laptops have never been attractive in every way.
Here we have rounded sides, a rather thick body and a dark blue glossy cover. The latter, like a vacuum cleaner, collects fingerprints with dust, so you need to always keep a napkin or rag ready.
The bottom is black and has only one air vent designed to cool the system. Users in their reviews have repeatedly complained about the bottom that was not thought out in terms of ventilation. There is no relief here, therefore, when working on a soft surface, the only hole overlaps. Special coasters act as a panacea, but this, again, is an extra waste, and we kind of deal with a budget inexpensive laptop.
Good upgrade opportunities pleased many users. The manufacturer has provided relatively easy access to the device’s hard drive, as well as to two RAM slots. In addition, it is possible to experiment with one of the free PCI Express interfaces if desired.
Interfaces
For its relatively small size, the laptop received an impressive set of interfaces. At the left end are the RJ-45 network connector, HDMI and VGA video outputs, a pair of USB 2.0 ports, as well as two 3.5 mm audio outputs.
At the front end there is only a card reader that accepts all standard mini-drives, and behind are ventilation holes. The right side is reserved for a DVD drive, one USB port and an RJ-11 connector.
Judging by the reviews on the Acer Aspire 5740, users have enough ports for both ordinary and professional needs. The abundance of USB-interfaces allows you to connect almost any peripherals and not go broke into expensive hubs.
Input Devices
After the transition to the 16: 9 spread-out format that is familiar today, almost all laptops with a diagonal of more than 15 inches began to be equipped with a full-fledged keyboard, that is, supplemented with a digital block.
Users mostly respond positively about the work area. Adding a digital unit in no way affected the quality of the buttons. All keys come in the usual size, and working with them is very convenient. Here we have a smooth and understandable move, coupled with a competent arrangement of auxiliary and functional buttons.
The touchpad is slightly recessed into the housing relative to the plane of the working area, which allows you to feel it blindly. In addition, he received a pleasant rough coating and a sensible function key with an understandable, small and non-discomforting move.
Screen
Acer Aspire 5740 received a pretty good matrix with LED-backlit and a spread of 1366 x 768 pixels. For a 15.6-inch diagonal, this is enough. In addition, as such, pixelation is not visible here, even if you really try.
Color rendering quality is quite acceptable for a budget device. Thanks to the thoughtful LED-backlight, we have a decent margin of brightness and contrast, so the Acer Aspire 5740 can be safely used in outdoor conditions. Of course, in direct sunlight the screen fades, but working in the shade is very comfortable.
Judging by the reviews, users have no complaints about the viewing angles. The picture remains readable even with a significant change in the point of view. So you can safely look through the pictures or watch the video in the company of one or two like-minded people.
As for the general visual component, the Acer Aspire 5740 is perfect for specific professional needs: correspondents, copywriters, students and other pen workers. There is enough space on the desktop to place materials, the icons are not small, and the eyes do not get tired of the screen.
Performance
The device is equipped with a Core i3 processor from Intel 330M series operating at a frequency of 2.13 GHz. The GMA HD video card is already integrated into the chip and works quite productively in tandem with the processor. The simplest modification of the 5740 series comes with 3 GB of RAM, which is clearly not enough for today's needs.
Fortunately, you can upgrade and add RAM up to 8 GB. But even the basic version with 3 GB perfectly "digests" the seventh version of "Windows" without brakes and lags. So those who prefer the "eight" or even the "top ten" will have to add RAM.
A rather nimble hard drive (5400 rev) on the SATA interface is responsible for storing user data. It is quite enough for work, but it will not be suitable as a settler for games and HD-films. Here, again, you can upgrade and change the standard version even for a terabyte.
In general, judging by the reviews, users are satisfied with the level of performance of the laptop. Of course, he will not pull “heavy” and modern toys, but if you add RAM, you can play Star Craft 2 and Crisis on medium-low graphic presets with proper comfort. Well and, naturally, he copes with all office applications perfectly.
Autonomy
The device is equipped with a 4400 mAh lithium-ion battery. In mixed mode (internet, music, video), the battery lasts almost two hours. If you properly load the device with games and video in high resolution, then the battery will last about an hour.
With the Internet turned off, the brightness dimmed, and when working only in office applications, the laptop starts asking for an outlet after 3.5 hours. Looking at other representatives of the budget segment, we can say that we have a solid middle peasant.
Summarizing
In general, this series can be called successful. Here we have even the youngest, but still quite productive i3 processor, moreover with an intelligently integrated graphics core. Yes, serious games will not work on it, but there are quite enough simple and at the same time interesting applications. In addition, there is not much to demand from the budget model. Well assembled, works - and okay.
The device is perfect for solving professional tasks in the field of writing texts, graphing, working with music and video. As a multimedia center, this is a great option. Well, for gaming opportunities you need to go to the premium sector, not the budget. So the model fulfills his money to the fullest and not phyllit.