The Acer Aspire One AO722 Review

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The Good:

• Low cost
• Compact / Light
• Easy RAM upgradeable
• Windows 7 Home

The Bad:

• Comes Preloaded with Tons of Additional Unneeded software Can easily be removed by installing.
• No Internal Blue tooth – Can be fixed by installing an external USB.
• Fingerprint Magnet — The outer casing of the netbook is made of a glossy finish. Fingerprints are easily seem when grabbing it. Not a big deal but some people like to know.

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INTRODUCTION

The Acer Aspire One AO722 is 1″ thin and weights just around 3 pounds. Very lightweight to carry for those in school or for those that travel. A full charge with this netbook can last up around 7+ hours depending on how you use it. But 7 hours is about average which is still great! It’s keyboard is a full size standard size which is allows better accurate typing. The TouchPad is easy to use, great for scrolling and zoom.

The AO722 contains a multicard reader that allows you to easily download images and movies you recorded from your digital camera plus 3 USB ports. 2.0 speed on these USB ports. Wireless internet for easy connecting to the internet anywhere. Also a 10/100 Ethernet LAN connection for those that don’t have wireless and need online via a wire (like me). Runs great for those on social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

The AO722 also has a built-in 0.3 megapixel webcam and microphone for Skyping or webcaming with friends.
The Acer Aspire One AO722-0473, just released this past October 2011 is a new version and upgrade from it’s previous BZ454 model of last year. Both models look similar but there are a few differences between the two

1. The newer model is a dual core processor vs a single processor
2. The newer model contains 2Gigs of Ram installed and is upgradeable to 4GB of RAM! (which will really deliver more power and speed as many netbooks can only be maxed out to 2GB)
3. And finally the newer model contains a 320GB hard drive vs a 250GB hard drive..

 

Acer Aspire One AO722 Review

Pre-installed with Windows 7 Home ( Not Windows 7 Starter) – Why is this good? Window 7 Starter offer a few features such as a few security features like encryption and only allowing you to run three programs at a time. Yes, starter sucks. Many netbooks have installed Windows 7 Starter, fortunately this model doesn’t which is a good thing!

GENERAL SPECS

OK let’s begin! I’m going to jump right in with this review and give you as much information you need to know if this netbook is right for you. The good the bad, let’s begin….

DUAL CORE PROCESSOR

I’m going to start with the processor on this machine and go from there with the rest of the features this netbook offers. The Acer Aspire One AO722 is loaded with a dual-core processor (AMD C60 /64-Bit dual core & 1MB of cache) vs a single processor like many other netbook models. Have 2 processors compared to 1 means a faster machine when loading up programs, using programs, faster booting up, better and faster streaming audio and especially movies.

Ever watch YouTube videos or are you into streaming movies online from Netflix? You shouldn’t have any problems playing YouTube, Hulu, Netflix at a screen resolution of 1366×768. How about video chatting with friends using Skype? If you’ve used a slow computer and done anything with video, whether watching, streaming or skyping you know how bad it is. Slow, choppy, skipping…Very annoying!

A dual processor will help make it easier to stream video smoother and fast like watching TV without the video being choppy and slow.

2GB of RAM – Upgradeable to 4GB!

WOW-Hardly seen today in netbooks but the Acer Aspire One AO722 comes preloaded with 2GB of RAM and is upgradable to 4GB of RAM. Many netbooks only contain 1GB and allow 2GB max of RAM. I would recommend upgrading to a 4GB chip which shouldn’t cost more than $25 bucks.

Definitely worth it. Double the power with RAM in this netbook is great. Not only allowing your netbook to run faster but more RAM also allows better battery life which many don’t know because this reduces disk thrashing. Disk thrashing is when your computer is being overworked due to lack of memory.

After researching on Acer’s website on the type of RAM they suggest when adding more memory I found out they suggest PC3 8500RAM for those that wish to add more.

INSTALLING MORE RAM

Installing more RAM in the Acer netbook can be done by first powering off your netbook and unscrewing 1 screw on the backside underneath the laptop shown below. After installing the RAM chips, place the back plastic covering back on, screw the screw back in and power on the system. The system will automatically recognize the new chips installed.

WHAT ABOUT THE BATTERY LIFE?

Very important for any portable device to have great battery life. Battery life in netbooks I’m noticing are getting better and better. The Acer Aspire One AO722 proves it. Many owners of this model claim they get around 7 good hours of battery life with decent usage of the netbook such using WI-Fi, launching applications, download, installing, etc.

The battery on this model is a 6 cell battery which is why battery life is great. Great battery life allows you to be more portable without having to worry about being near a plug for power. Great for travelers, students taking notes in class or for business.

GREAT SCREEN SIZE FOR A NETBOOK

Not to be big yet not to small. This model is a 11.6″ screen size and it’s screen resolution looks sharp. The screen is a 16:9 and is LED backlit.

WHAT OTHERS SAID ABOUT IT?

I’ve take a few lines from Amazon reviewers that currently own this model for you to read:

Carl from Seattle said:

“You will not be disappointed if you keep expectations in line with what you are paying. For the $$$ spent, I think this is about a good a value as you will find out there at the moment.”

Allen Benusa from Hutchinson, Minnesota said:

“Typically when using a netbook, you are giving up the performance and features of a full sized netbook. However this netbook is at the top if its class when it comes to netbooks, and its capabilities are nearing those of a full size laptop.”

And Carson Wilkie from Miami,FL said:

“This 11.6″ 1.0Ghz [1.33 turbo] netbook packs a punch for its size and low power consumption.”

Click here to read more reviews.

CONCLUSION?

Overall the Acer Aspire One AO722 is great netbook to own. Ready to use right out the box. Students and travelers will love this netbook because of it’s great battery life. Nothing is worse more than having your computer die out all the time fast because of it’s poor battery life.

It’s overall speed is fast for working in programs such as Word or Excel because of it’s dual processors and RAM. No to many complains about this system other than low speakers and a glossy outer casing which attracts fingerprints. If your looking to purchase your first netbook or just needing an additional one for work or school you won’t go wrong with this model.

WHERE TO BUY?

Check out Amazon. They offer great deals. Many people don’t know that they offer a section called “More Buying Choices” which allows you to compare the price of that item with other retailers. You can even sometimes find it cheaper than Amazon’s listed price. Amazon is a trusted online retailer.

If Amazon is “out of stock” for that item, the MORE BUYING CHOICES allow you to see other retailers selling that item, in this case, a netbook and compare the prices with other sellers. Many times I’ve notice that they sell an item cheaper than even Amazon which is great. Plus your protected by Amazon’s own Buying Guarantee no matter what.