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Introduction

Acer seems to be one rising to be one of the more popular laptop manufacturers in recent years due to its incredible value for the spec and features you get. In this review we look at the Extensa 5220-101G008 Mi and make a conclusion to whether this laptop performs for the value price it’s been given.

Performance

Performance on this machine is slightly limited as you might expect for the price tag. Using the acer 5220 for browsing the internet or simple word processing and apps will be fine, but gaming, multiple programs or memory intensive graphics programs will struggle on this machine due to its limited 1Gb RAM.

Although this model is compatible with windows vista, it might be an idea to lower quality settings or turn to windows XP to free up some much needed performance space.

Features

The 5220-101G008 Mi has impressive features for a low priced notebook, such as a good screen size, great software package, DVD Re-writer installed, and a more ergonomic shape to the keyboard.

Although the screen size is quite large, the display does seem a bit dull and lifeless on anything other than full brightness, so if you like your colours bright and crisp this isn’t the laptop for you.

Build Quality

The build quality is of a quite good standard for the small price tag. It’s an older design but in my opinion not a bad looking one. The trackpad and buttons, although a little on the small side, work well but feel of average to good quality.

Typing is good due to the ergonomic slanting of the keyboard, but is let down by the sightly unstable and shaky keys.

Would i spend my own hard-earned cash on this thing?

At the end of the day this laptop is what it is. The price tag is cheap and so standards have to slip in some areas. The battery life isn’t too great so this machine is strictly for short trips and home use.

In conclusion, if high performance and powerful programs aren’t a priority then this laptop will serve you fine, anything more and you’ll find yourself being disappointed.

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Introduction

Apple have become well known for their fresh designs and new ways of thinking as of late, and these ways have rewarded them with the proud title of the single most popular computer manufacturer in 2008. So it’s not surprising there was plenty of talk about the new sleeker design of the beloved MacBook before its late 2008 release, but can apple really manage to better their previous version to make it worth the hefty price tag of  £1149?

Performance

Even without considering the fact that OS X Leopard (Apples operating system) runs quicker and more efficiently than vista, this laptop still performs astonishingly well. NVIDIA’s GeForce 9400M graphics chip is a revolutionary chip and blows all other laptops this size away with its performance, and is a real improvement over it predecessor. Having said that, this isn’t a gaming laptop, the more graphic intense games will struggle.

Combining the above with the 2Gb DDR3 RAM (4Gb upgrade possible) and 250Gb hard drive, this machine really excels when it comes to storage space and starting up and running any programs within the system. There really isn’t much this machine can’t cope with in terms of performance.

Features

The MacBook comes crammed with useful features and gadgets, from the magnetic latches and ‘pull safe’ connections, to the highly customizable back lit keyboard, all of which are highly useful and complement he overall design of this machine, unlike other laptop manufacturer features.

Some more advanced multi-finger gestures were also included with this machine after their release on the MacBook air and MacBook pro, and i have to say i was very impressed. They make scrolling, switching apps, and navigating a real pleasure coupled with their OSX. Making tasks quicker and easier by using a mouse just isn’t needed with this laptop. Everything works well, and frustration rarely comes into the equation when using the MacBook.

The LED-backlit screen is one of the brightest and clearest around and everything looks crisp, the only downside i’d say would be the reflections in bright light, but without a glossy screen the colours are limited in comparison, so its more preference thing than anything. Why they haven’t chosen to give an option of glossy/non-glossy screens like in the previous MacBook I’m unsure and i think this might have been an advantage to some.

Build Quality

Considering the MacBook is one of the cheapest computers apple provide, there really isn’t any difference between this model and their high end MacBook Pro, the attention to detail is remarkable. Everything feels solid and strong, and the aluminum unibody structure (single machined part for the main body) just makes a very high standard of finish and gives it an unbeatable feel and look.

The keys feel solid and sturdy and typing feels easy and accurate. The trackpad is smooth and accurate and the full trackpad click area feels solid with plenty of options to change sensitivity and click types.

Would i spend my own hard-earned cash on this thing?

Though the operating system might not be for everyone, and available games are limited for the mac, the system does work more smoothly in my opinion has a much better user experience once the initial change from windows to OSX is made.

The quality is extremely high on this machine and colours are bright and sharp, with high performance using anything other than high spec graphics games. Even with the hefty price tag, you pay for the high build quality and feel. Everything is made well and works well, a seriously good laptop that far surpasses its predecessor. Apple have done well to make a laptop of this quality and in my opinion is worth every penny.