Acer AO532h-2406 10.1-Inch Garnet Red Netbook - Up to 10 Hours of Battery Life
Best Prices on Acer AO532h-2406 10.1-Inch Garnet Red Netbook - Up to 10 Hours of Battery Life:
$329.95
Reviews for Acer AO532h-2406 10.1-Inch Garnet Red Netbook - Up to 10 Hours of Battery Life
Just Amazing
To start off, I was very skeptical about the whole Netbook idea. I have always owned very large/heavy laptops, the whole concept of bigger is always better is what sold me the past for buying them. Now, I'm starting to rethink that strategy. After many hours of painstaking research on which one I should buy and try to sell myself on the idea of a Netbook as well. So, I finally settled on this particular model and ordered up all the extra gear to go along with it. One of the additional items I ordered for it was the 2Gig memory upgrade kit for it. I was very leery about this move after reading some of the other reviews left by other owners who had ran into problems when upgrading from 1Gig and going to 2Gigs. The trick for ordering the correct memory was to ignore the recommended memory model for the unit and go with (Crucial - CT25664AC800 2GB 200-pin SODIMM DDR2 PC2-6400 Memory Module) the next model up on the Crucial memory.
The first thing I did was open up the unit and replace the memory module with the new 2Gig unit.
Here's a little tip; do the memory upgrade first, then installing the battery pack. By doing this you're less likely to damage the Netbook and/or memory. I fired up the little Netbook and check the memory in the system BIOS and in Windows, I was seeing all 2gigs of memory.
Next I and dumped the Windows Home it came with and installed Windows 7 home premium (64bit) from a USB flash drive that I had set up ahead of time. Once I had Windows up and running, I went ahead in and took advantage of the built in SD card reader to setup Windows memory boost using a 4Gig high-speed SD card. Wow, now I'm impressed, with 6gigs of available memory to Windows and this particular Netbook is using the Atom 450 processor, It runs Windows beautifully in native 64bit with hyper threading turned on in the CPU.
I love the lightweight of the unit, the built in wireless card is responsive, the keyboard has a nice solid feel to it, the LED screen is easy on the eyes and the fact I can run the unit the entire day before needing to recharge it again is a real bonus.
So, after running around with it for the first week, I am pleasantly surprised by the unit and have changed my thinking about bigger is not necessarily always better.
Just a side note, 2 of my coworkers liked the Netbook so much they have bought ones for themselves.
Love my new netbook
After researching economical netbooks exhaustively, including HP, Dell, Gateway, Compaq etc I found this to be the best bet for buck! Amazon shipped it quickly and everything was as stated. I do also highly recommend the memory upgrade to 2GB. The recommended Crucial memory upgrade that Amazon suggests DOES work in this unit and takes less than 5 minutes to install with only a small screwdriver needed. I find it does make a difference especially running memory intensive programs. Windows 7 Starter is limited but it comes on almost all netbooks. There are freeware programs out there that will let you change backgrounds etc. People complained about movie quality. I use windows media player to watch movies that I have downloaded from Amazon. Their average $5-15 and many of them you can install on multiple units. The movie quality is excellent!!! Internet browsing is good. IE works, Firefox does but also has a few hiccups. Google Chrome I've found is best because its simple and doesn't over tax the unit. For the $$$$ this is hard to beat!!!
Great Travel Netbook
Purchased this small 10.1" screen netbook for travel convenience. By was I happy!! Lightweight made the trip to Aruba a pleasure by not having to haul a heavy laptop on vacation. Got used to the 93& keyboard size in short order and actually like it better than the full-size version. Very fast start up from the shut down or sleep cycle. Screen brightness is a real plus while outside or on a plane. The embedded camera was perfect for SKYPE and MICROSOFT MESSENGER LIVE communications and saved us a fortune to keep in contact with home. Battery life is excellent, ranging from 8-10 hours/charge depending on functions being used. Speakers are high quality and sound volume more than adequate. Speed was excellent even with the base 1G of RAM. — Joel
Amazing little booger
This netbook just amazes me. Compared to Asus and Samsung netbooks that I have owned it is the clear winner based on the fact that I am carrying it with me 24/7, literally putting it next to the bed when I get in. Added the extra ram (now at 2gb) and upgraded to Windows Home Premium. The unit is lightening fast and the keyboard is easy to adapt to. At under 3 pounds it is almost unnoticeable when carrying all day in my backpack, with my verizon myhotspot wifi device I can whip out the book and connect easily and conveniently anywhere.
The only negatives I can see so far is the lack of bluetooth connectivity but I had to return a Samsung netbook due to it losing the bluetooth and wifi connections after about an hour of surfing. Also there are no recovery discs and the user needs to burn them themselves, one for system (2 discs needed) and one for the drivers (one disc needed). Having owned Acer products before I was prepared for this and had ordered an external dvd drive along with the netbook to create them before setting up and using the unit.
I have seen comments about the screen size. Yes it is small but the clarity on the Acer is the sharpest and brightest I have seen. As a person with "coke bottle" glasses I have no problems seeing the screen.
All in all a good netbook but not a laptop. I do not game and use it only for surfing, email and music on the go (along with surfing in bed using an attached usb light). It is just what the doctor ordered for my needs.
Nice, Nice, Nice
Just got this morning, (presidents day). Beautiful little machine!! Went through set-up, while fully charging battery, installed NIS 2010, Windows updates etc. Unplugged unit and Batterybar v3.3.1 shows 10.5 hours left (on power saver plan). Most Excellent!! Main use was to be an E-Reader while on the treadmill, and works great for that; about a 30 minute test drive/walk. Screen opens about 135 degrees and stays very stable, does'nt tip over as a few laptops will. Screen brightness is much higher than my full sized Toshiba laptop; have turned it down a few notches; and can always turn it back up for a bright day. At first run, the CPU/Memory gadget, shows memory at 60% or so usage. Had an extra 2g stick of PC5300 DDR2 memory from previous laptops, installed and now shows 30-35% usage. I recommend installing to the 2gig level. The wireless works good even on signals with only 2-3 bars (can test that well, I live in an apartment complex.) and my network of course is a full 5 bars. Surfs well on full power mode, power saver mode takes a little to load new pages, but with a single core 1.66ghz CPU, it is to expected. As long as you remember this is not a high end desktop or laptop, it should be just fine for surfing, E-mail and reading. And the portability!! The best part! With the memory upgrade, I can highly support a purchase of this unit; this is my first Acer product, but have read many good reviews of the Brand. Having built many home systems, and playing computer nerd for many friends and relatives, I am aware of the many issue that a computer can give. I will post any issues that I may come across during the next few weeks. P.S. this review was sent in on the ACER !! — Proud Papa
ACER 532h-2964 netbook
I needed a computer to view pdf documents during a 2.5 day seminar. I also looked at purchasing an Ipad. After reviewing the specifications of both, I decided on the netbook, as you can use it as a computer (it is a computer). All the software I have installed on the netbook works, but keep in mind that I use business software, not games.
Upon purchasing the computer, the first thing I did was upgrade the memory. I highly recommend you do a memory upgrade to 2G, but make sure to read the blogs and post concerning memory upgrade, as I read the recommended Crucial memory upgrade does not work. I purchased Kingston part # KVR800D2S6/2G memory upgrade as recommended on a blog post, and it works fine. I installed it, booted the computer, and it recognized the 2G without any problem. The computer runs SO MUCH BETTER with the upgrade, and far exceeds my expectations for the computer. Acer should offer this computer with the upgraded memory, but I understand they have to offer this computer in a competitive market.
The only problem I have come across is from time to time I will boot the computer and there will be no keyboard response. I simply reboot and everything works fine. I know, this is puzzling, but with the memory upgrade, overall, it is a great netbook computer that exceed my expectations for a netbook computer. — Dell Computer Fan
Acer pushes the envelope
It is all the good things it says it is but here are the drawbacks from my point-of-view:
1. Cheap plastic construction (this is partially to lower the cost and partially to lower the weight)
2. It is not clear if the RAM is upgradable to 2GB, my first attempt to do so using Crucial recommended 2GB module upgrade turned out to be a dud (a [...] issue). Acer needs to clarify the true capability of the motherboard (1 or 2GB of RAM?). In the long run 1GB is not enough if you want to run multiple programs using Windows 7 on this netbook, so plan to be somewhat frustrated with the speed and sometimes non-responsiveness of the netbook.
3. Difficult to type on because of lightweight keys (I know, I know, its a netbook, but quick typing requires firm keys to minimize typos)
4. Not so friendly touchpad, get a portable mouse!
However, for the price and if you just want to surf the internet and word process it is a good option
fantastic
I would order this exact Acer Notebook again. Fantastic model. Battery is true to ten hours no matter how many on and off you do. Set up the when it powers down like shutting the lid and save battery power. Very light weight.
Completely Forgettable
I'll be returning this computer, I'll be down $50 for restocking fees, and really don't mind. I'm just glad I can be rid of it.
I suggest all these other glowing reviewers do the same. Get over the OMG LOLz IT'S SO SMALL!!!1! and move on with life.
The design decisions Acer made for this netbook suggest their engineers must have been in a mentally altered state when they signed off the drawings.
- The touchpad is textured? On purpose? Great, I have to lube my finger to use my netbook. Apple builds the smoothest glass touchpads into their portable computers because smooth is smooth. There is no expectation of that kind of quality here... but why the deliberately bumpy plastic?
- The palm-rest and mouse buttons are glossy plastic. Clearly an alternative plastic exists as the rest of the netbook is encased in it, but for some reason Acer wants you to see every single disgusting smudge you leave under your palms.
- Keyboard is forgettable. Zero tactile feedback. Try typing on mashed potatoes, and you'll get the idea.
- The Atom processor with Windows 7 is worthless. No single reviewer here must have played a Hulu video and actually paid attention. It barely works. WiFi performance is just as disappointing. Which leads to the next point...
- A 10-hour battery is also worthless if it takes 5 times longer to do everything. That's how slowly Windows 7 responds on this hardware. You can count the seconds it takes to switch tabs in Internet Explorer.
- There's more, but I'm tired.
Save up $100 more and get the lowest grade 15-inch laptop you can find, deal with the size, and you will be infinitely happier than I am.
Acer netbook
After long reviews i bought this little netbook in silver for me and the onyx blue for my daughter.Very excited about it. Got it yesterday and it was a delight. Setup was easy. Went on Staples website and ordered the upgrade for window 7, even got a 30 Dollar coupon so only paid 49.99 Dollars. My daughter just loves it and so do I. Window 7 is fast. Me who only deals with a desktop computer, had a blast experiencing all the new little things of a netbook. Still will do all my gaming on my Desktop, but for the rest I will use this one. I'm very happy with my decision and I would recommend this one to anybody who is looking for a netbook. And the price was right also. — ah
Great netbook if you get the right stuff
Once I got it working, it seems great; however, it does need the 2GB memory.
I started out with -2588 (160GB disk) and could not get it to recognize a 2GB DDR2 PC5300 chip from Kingston or PNY. I actually bought that machine from Staples, and their tech said that Acer changed the specs and it no longer takes more than 1GB.
However, reading the comments on Amazon I will return the device to Staples and I already bought the -2326 with the Crucial memory listed on Amazon. It works like a champ!! Recognized the 2GB chip immediately. Didn't need to go into setup (F2), and it seems far zippier than the 1GB machine.
However, before I tried it, I looked at the Crucial website which suggested in red to be sure that machine had latest BIOS upgrade. I asked Acer Support about this and got the following reply: "Please be informed that the memory in your system is expandable only up to 1 GB." So Acer seems to be saying 1GB only, but with the Crucial 2GB memory it seems to work well. Of note, the 2GB Crucial chip as bundled by Amazon says DDR2 but when I run CUPZ-CPUID, it says it's a DDR3 chip.
In any case, so far so good, and happy with the 2GB configuration. I wonder if the system is pushing the limits and if ACER has pulled back because some 2GB chips don't work.
But for now, I'm smiling.
Steve
RickHobbs
This is an overall decent little netbook its slow but I'm hoping the 2 GM memory will help. One thing to beware of is Acer is downright selling these units through false advertizing saying right on the box that they are 802.11 bgn capable. This is my second Acer and neither will work on the n range. I have a netgear n network router and my Dell mini 10 works fine over the n range. Acer downright has misrepresented the capabilities of thier netbooks. I won't purchase another one.
Computer Love
While it's not perfect, the Aspire One 532H-2326 is a sweet little computer. Easy to transport, quick to start up and easy to use once you get used to the smaller keyboard. And who can say no to 8+ hours of battery life.
If you are looking for a light weight netbook that is high on battery power and breeze to use this one will fit the bill.
P.S. Get the extra RAM you will be happy you did.
The product is the worst possible quality and the company doesn't provide any support
I bought a new Acer netbook a couple weeks ago. I was so excited to receive my new computer. I have a tendency to over shop things and had been looking at netbooks for about 6 months. I watched the model lines turn over and compared the features, prices and specs of every computer I could find. I picked Acer because of the great specs for the price as well as a long history of positive experience with Acer. Well, I am here to say that things at Acer have changed. The quality of the products have changed. The quality is horrible. I received my new computer with broken keys that stick constantly. I had started installing software to the system prior to noticing the keyboard problem so I really did not want to send it in. I contacted technical support and got some of the worst service I have ever received from a computer company. I emailed looking for a simple answer as to whether I could fix the problem myself or if it had to go in and I was blown off. It seems that I mistyped the serial number and they cannot answer questions without a correct number. I find it odd that they can respond with such information yet not answer a simple question. I replied with the serial number and my question again. (I had changed a 0 into a O the first time). The second email told me they can\'t help because I had not registered my brand new product. But, the problem must have been me anyway, they said I must have gotten it wet or dropped it in order to have caused such a thing. I replied yet again that I would register once the problem with the brand new device was fixed and no it was never dropped or wet or any other such thing. It was removed from the box, set on a table and plugged in. Nothing else. I also asked to be upgraded to a manager as no one would answer the simple question of whether I could fix a couple keys myself or had to send it in. Well, that was a 6 days ago now and I have had no further reply. In fact, I have sent additional emails and nothing. Apparently the new Acer makes so much money that they no longer have any interest in helping their customers or supporting their products. I have also heard from a friend that other people have been having the same problems with Acer and he does not recommend them any more. Stick with Asus for cheap computers and the name brands for your everyday needs. Stay as far away from Acer as you can!!! — Sammy dog
Excellent Netbook
I bought this Acer for 2 reasons: portability and long battery life. At first I thought I would be disappointed with the small screen but it is very bright and
the computer seemed a little slow loading pages at first. I ordered a Kingston 4GB
upgrade( as is suggested ) and wow it really picked up speed. Overall I would give it an excellent rating.
I took it on my first business trip and used it extensively in the hotel room and it did the job just fine. If you are considering ordering one and it is not fast enough for you go to Kingston website and it will scan your netbook and tell you exactly what to order. It is a very simple installation for anyone and well worth the price.
This is a very nice netbook and I am most pleased.
very pleased
bought this as a gift for my girlfriend. I installed the crucial memory upgrade before i installed the battery and it worked great!
Sleek, portable, and great battery life.
This little thing has replaced my laptop. I can get a whole days work from this without recharging. It's a bit slow with 1GB RAM (Windows 7 Starter) but a memory upgrade to 2GB should fix that. The keys are not so great with tactile feedback but they're workable. I don't regret buying this product.
Excellent Netbook
I bought this Acer for 2 reasons: portability and long battery life. At first I thought I would be disappointed with the small screen but it is very bright and
the computer seemed a little slow loading pages at first. I ordered a Kingston 2GB
upgrade( as is suggested ) and wow it really picked up speed. Overall I would give it an excellent rating.
I took it on my first business trip and used it extensively in the hotel room and it did the job just fine. If you are considering ordering one and it is not fast enough for you go to Kingston website and it will scan your netbook and tell you exactly what to order. It is a very simple installation for anyone and well worth the price.
This is a very nice netbook and I am most pleased.
Fantastic.
I just got this netbook yesterday and I am extremely satisfied with it. The screen is nice and vibrant and the webcam is pretty nice as well. The keyboard will take some getting used to but it is bigger than I expected. The track pad took a little practice to get the hang of but it works flawlessly as well. The 1 gigabyte of ram is more than enough for this netbook, at least for my purposes. Overall, this is a very nice use of my money.
Perfect for My Purposes
THIS IS A TERRIFIC LITTLE COMPUTER WITHIN ITS LIMITATIONS. I wanted it mainly for traveling and as a backup for my Dell desktop computer. Weight was very important because I am a retired geezer and wanted to minimize what I have to lug around airports. I had gotten one of the early and tiny ASUS models which was pretty good but the 7" screen, keyboard usable only by a 4-year old's fingers and the oddball progam control were TOO lightweight for me. This Acer Aspire One 532H-2326 is just right.
I ADDED A 2ND GB OF RAM by following advice in an earlier post and installing the Crucial CT25664AC800 2GB 200-pin SODIMM DDR2 PC2-6400 module. The hardest part of installation was getting the industrial strength plastic container open without harming the memory board. HINT FOR ANYONE WHO HAS NEVER INSTALLED A MEMORY CARD: go to crucial.com and find their instructions. The main thing is to avoid static electricity and they tell you exactly how. One little screw holds the memory compartment shut and the whole operation took under 5 minutes. Despite other posts, my Acer instruction book clearly says that this model accepts up to 2GB and it's true.
THE TRULY ASTOUNDING BATTERY in this model delivers the stated 10 hours even after several cycles. It once lasted 14 hours including 4 hours of "sleep" in between work sessions. I DO RECOMMEND following the instructions and going through 2-3 complete charge/discharge cycles to season it.
SOFTWARE: I think I am fine with the WINDOWS 7 Starter which is fast, familiar and so far totally stable, and I don't mind the one-and-only choice of Windows Blue wallpaper. I use this machine mainly for web surfing, email, simple photo work and keeping track of my daily investment losses while I am away from home. I think the included MS Works, Power Point Viewer and Adobe Reader will do fine for me. If not, a few more dollars will get me MS Office and a bigger version of Windows 7 but I figure the less overhead, the faster it will go. HINT FOR ADOBE READER: I initially had a problem getting Adobe Reader to start because the license agreement did not contain any "Accept" button. I finally figured out that I had increased the screen font size to 125% (remember, I'm a geezer). After I changed it back to the default tiny print (in Control Panel) the Accept button suddenly appeared and all is well.
THE KEYBOARD is perfectly fine for my wife. With my larger fingers it has taken me a while to get used to it. It will never equal a full sized keyboard but I can actually touch-type albeit with a few more errors than usual and I am more grateful for Spell Check.
IN SUMMARY this computer is not for dedicated gamers or heavy duty business use. It would probably be fine for most students, especially ones with small-to-medium size fingers, and perfectly suits my purpose of a lightweight travel computer for casual use. For the price you get a lot of computer.
Acer netbook better than expected
It is a bit slow at times, but with only one gig of memory it is expected. It is a very well built unit, the touch pad is excellent, I like the gestures, the display is very clear, the wireless internet is better than average, I would recommend it.
Very happy with it in 3 months
Works great, I like the price, battery life is over 8 hours (not sure how much exactly)I just close it without turning it off, come back a week later and battery is still as charged as I left it. This little netbook and Windows 7 do a good job saving battery. — FRE
Good value with minor issues
This Acer model is a good value with the 250GB hard drive and longer life battery. The surface picks up fingerprints quite easily. The USB slots are a little tight. I purchased the recommended Crucial 2GB RAM upgrade because the 1 GB RAM standard made the processing slow, especially booting up. The Crucial module was a very tight fit but with enough pressure it finally seated. 2 GB RAM definitely made a difference.
