Good and cheap? Entry-level laptops for around 500 Euros [~$651] can be found for a dime a dozen. Acer has an interesting offer that features a Core i3 and dedicated graphics card. Read whether the Acer Aspire E1-571G is just as compelling in our tests.
For the original German review, see here.
A frequent question asked when buying a laptop for around 500 Euros [~$651] is whether an Intel or AMD processor should be installed. In this price range, only few manufacturers offer strong processor from Intel's Core i-range and they are partly energy-efficient ULV processors that only provide limited power. Intel's Core i3-3110M from the latest Ivy Bridge generation lets Acer's Aspire E1-571G virtually stand out among the affordable entry-level laptops as a unique selling point. It also includes an Nvidia GeForce GT 620M that should have enough power to render up-to-date games in low details.
However, Acer's Aspire E1 range can also be configured. Buyers who want to invest less can opt for an Intel Pentium processor alongside the integrated Intel graphics card for less than 400 Euros [~$520]. Those looking for more power can opt for Intel's Core i5-3210M besides more storage capacity for roughly 600 Euros [~$781], which is also an interesting offer. We have already tested a laptop based on the same chassis dubbed Acer Aspire E1-531.
There is enough competition among low-budget devices; even Sony has a Vaio for less than 500 Euros [~$651] in its range, although the manufacturer is specialized in stylish designer devices. Affordable devices are sooner expected from Packard Bell, but the manufacturer belongs to Acer and sends in a test device that features an Intel Core i3 from the second generation. As mentioned, Dell wants to satisfy buyers looking for long battery runtimes with the Inspiron 15R featuring energy-saving processors. Samsung's NP355V5C-S05DE costs a bit over 500 Euros [~$651] and is completely based on AMD components. Smart-savers can also find something by HP and Asus in the form of AMD-based laptops for less than 500 Euros [~$651].
Plastic, plastic, plastic - Acer does not offer more for this price. The display's glossy-black lid is comprised of plastic, just like the wrist-rest in silver-gray and the keyboard's matte rim. Acer gives the Aspire E1-571G with basic, elegant looks that should not put anyone off. Fans of flashy design details will have to look elsewhere because a rather serious contour prevails here, which is not unusual but quite appealing.
We quite like the build-quality. Apart from the keyboard that yields, the casing makes a very rigid impression. Even the single plastic parts are joined well and no uneven transitions are felt. The display's lid could be a bit stiffer but no miracles should be expected for 500 Euros [~$651].
Users who place great value on exceptional design will be better off with Samsung, which offers a pink lid as an option. Dell also offers various metal surfaces in different colors for its Inspiron 15R. Sony is very traditional in both build and design and maintains these qualities in the low-budget sector. The Aspire E1-571G remains unobtrusive.
The interface diversity on Acer's Aspire E1-571G corresponds to class standard. We deem the lack of even one USB 3.0 port weak since the cheapest devices already sport one. The USB ports are installed very far front on both the casing's left and right so that connected peripherals collide when, for example, using a mouse. The card reader that supports many formats, from xD picture cards over SD cards up to memory sticks, appeals to us. Unusual ports are searched for in vain but at least the laptop sports a VGA port, which Dell omits on the Inspiron 15R.
Communication
Not every laptop from this price range sports a Gigabit Ethernet adapter such as Acer's Aspire E1-571G. However, all devices used for comparison feature Wi-Fi standard 802.11 bgn like our Acer test laptop. Our test device also scores in Wi-Fi transmission. The reception did not weaken even at a distance of 10 meters and 3 walls to the router. Acer's Aspire E1-571G does not feature Bluetooth, which is unfortunate when the user wants to link a phone with the PC or owns a Bluetooth headphone. However, HP and Asus do not include this wireless interface either.
Software
The 64 bit version of Windows 8 is installed as the operating system. The additional program dubbed "Acer Power Button" is a practical improvement of the operating system. The laptop can be shut down, put to sleep, etc. directly from the desktop.
Besides a bit of annoying adware from eBay or LoveFilm, there is also convenient software, such as Acer Cloud which allows accessing stored data even in remote places. Smaller additions, like EverNote, Skitch and the social media hub "Social Jogger" complete the bundle.
Warranty
Acer includes a 2 year bring-in warranty on the Aspire E1-571G. In case of damage, the laptop has to be sent to the manufacturer. An "International Traveler's Warranty" is also included. The laptop can be sent to a service point anywhere in the world when traveling for 12 months after purchase. Only the shipping costs within the country are due.
It is also possible to upgrade the warranty via Acer's online shop. For example, a one year warranty upgrade costs 79 Euros [~$102]. This investment could be worthwhile despite the laptop's low price if the user want to be on the safe side.
Keyboard
Big keys, a dedicated number pad and the entire surface covered by keys - the keyboard of Acer's Aspire E1-571G looks stylish with its square keys. However, typing on the keyboard is not as compelling. The keyboard is very bendable and features a spongy typing feel. The big surface of the single keys compensate for the small gap between the keys.
Special keys, such as for volume control, are not available. These functions are accessed using FN key combinations. A highlight of the keyboard is a dedicated euro and dollar sign key above the arrow keys. They could have been omitted considering the very cramped keyboard and the fact that both signs are on the keyboard anyway.
Touchpad
The touchpad has been nicely integrated into the wrist-rest and is very far left. The scroll area at the right edge is clearly palpable and visible. A key below the touch-sensitive field can be pressed on the right or left and prompts the corresponding mouse click. The keys convey a firm impression when clicked, which is particularly due to the crisp pressure point. The drop of the touchpad's keys is also well-chosen, so neither too short nor too long and also makes a high-quality impression on us.
The surface provides the fingers with good gliding traits and multi-touch gestures are supported. The desktop can be zoomed in and out like on the touchscreen of a smartphone, which is very useful in Windows 8. The touchpad key is convenient to use. Left and right clicks are well-separated on the continuous bar.
The glare-type, 15.6-inch screen of Acer's Aspire E1-571G can reproduce 1366x768 pixels. This is the common resolution for the entry-level category. The screen's LED TN technology is just as common and only allows slight viewing angle deviations when looking at the screen. The screen offers class average brightness rates. Only Sony can offer somewhat higher rates here. The illumination of 88% is homogeneous and the colors look quite vivid owing to the reflective coating.
224 cd/m²218 cd/m²199 cd/m²216 cd/m²226 cd/m²204 cd/m²210 cd/m²201 cd/m²201 cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
LG LP156WH4_TLA1 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 226 cd/m² [Nits] Average: 211 cd/m² Brightness Distribution: 88 % Center on Battery: 171 cd/m² Contrast: 359:1 [Black: 0.63 cd/m²]52.9% AdobeRGB 1998 [Argyll 2.2.0 3D] 72% sRGB [Argyll 2.2.0 3D] 54.6% Display P3 [Argyll 2.2.0 3D]
We measured this before calibrating the TFT [state of delivery] and ascertained a very high DeltaE 2000 deviation of averagely nearly 19. This means there is weakness in reproducing gray shades. Striking: The white point is shifted in the blue range with 7597 K. The color fidelity is also everything but accurate. Blue, cyan and magenta clearly deviate from the ideal DeltaE [