Cost effective Ultrabook, the Acer Aspire S3-951: First impression

First look

Acer Aspire S3-951 is the Taiwan computer maker’s Ultrabook notebook. The device confronts with a number of upcoming and existing Ultrabooks like Asus ZenBook UX31, Lenovo IdeaPad U300s, Toshiba Portege Z835 and Apple MacBook Air. The Acer Ultrabook notebook is known for its compact and light form factor and the low price. Different from all other Ultrabook computers, Acer sells Aspire S3 for a price below $900. The computer is powered by a 1.6GHz Intel Core-i5 2467M low-power processor, 2.3GHz Intel Turbo Technology and 4GB of RAM. The Ultrabook has now received a Core i7 version with more power and strength.

Acer Aspire S3

What’s new?

The Ultrabook notebooks are gaining in popularity across the world. More and more companies launch lightweight notebooks, which Intel branded as Ultrabook. Intel 2nd generation processor technology Sandy Bridge and a weight below 3 pounds are the things that classify one notebook as an Ultrabook. Acer is one of the companies that first unveiled an Ultrabook. The company has now announced a Core i7 version of its Aspire S3 with almost the same pricing, screen size and specs.

What’s been refreshed?

Acer in a press release announced that it is about to uncover a more powerful Aspire S3 Ultrabook equipped with Intel Core i7 processor. Asus, Toshiba, Lenovo and other companies have announced both Core i5 and i7 versions of their forthcoming Ultrabook notebooks. Apple also has MacBook Airs with both the versions of Intel’s high power processors.

Features walkthrough

1. Intel Sandy Bridge processor: Acer Aspire S3 runs on Intel Core i5 that clocks at 1600 MHz. The Intel Sandy Bridge processor provides great performance for the notebook, which is about to get a Core i7 processor in near future.

2. Small size: The Acer Ultrabook is quite slighter and smaller. Without any accessories, the notebook weighs at 3 pounds. It has the dimensions of 12.6 x 8.5 x 0.7 inch. Thanks to 0.7-inch density, Acer Aspire S3 is highly portable, indeed. Today, customers certainly look for a notebook as slighter as possible.

3. Low priced for an Ultrabook: Priced at $899, Acer Aspire S3 is the lowest priced Ultrabook ever. When Apple sells its MacBook Air for a price starting form $999, 13.3-inch Acer Aspire S3 is available for a price below $999. Other Windows Ultrabooks on market carry a price above $1000.

4. Better display: The Acer notebook sports a 13.3-inch display with a nice resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. It is a glossy LCD with LED backlight display.

What’s good?

More than everything, Acer Aspire S3 is up with a diminutive size and low price. You won’t be able to buy another notebook of this kind for a price below $900. Of course, Acer Aspire S3 has become a hit in market thanks to its great size and low price. High power Intel processor, 13.3-inch glossy display, Windows 7 operating system, HDMI port and others make the Acer Ultrabook a wonderful machine.

What’s not so good?

1. Poor audio quality: The Acer notebook lacks good audio quality. A music lover will not prefer the Acer notebook because of its poor audio quality.

2. Limited number of ports: The device does not have enough ports. It has just two USB ports and one HDMI port.

Price and availability

Acer sells its Ultrabook for $899. It is the lowest price you can buy an Ultrabook on market now.

Wrap-up

Acer Aspire S3 is a leading player in the Ultrabook industry. The device has been taking on Apple MacBook Air. Many more new companies including Lenovo, Asus and Toshiba are to introduce advanced Ultrabooks. Dell, Sony and Samsung already have their own Ultrabooks in stores. The competition in the field will bring lots of options for costumers with low prices. As of now, Acer Aspire S3 is one of brilliant Ultrabook notebooks we have in shelves. Customers and analysts have admired the notebook with immense respect. Its low price, compact design and slighter body make Acer Aspire S3 far more powerful.