Acer Aspire V3-571-6643 Notebook Intel Core i5 2450M(2.50GHz) 15.6" 4GB Memory 500GB HDD 5400rpm DVD Super Multi Intel HD Graphics 3000

Pros: I needed a low cost but higher end laptop to replace my Dell Inspiron 1000 laptop which shutdown after 8 years of service. I was able to purchase the Acer Aspire V3 model 571-6643 from a wholesale club on-line for $459 and free shipping. The Acer Aspire V3 suits my needs with the 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i5-2450M processor, and the price is the lowest I have found for a laptop with an i5 processor. The 4GB of RAM is sufficient, but I decided to upgrade it to 8GB by ordering a Crucial 4GB DDR3 memory module at $25 from Newegg. The RAM and hard drive is very accessible on this laptop and is easy to service by removing 2 screws and the bottom cover plate. I may add a solid state drive in place of the DVD at a later time. Since the laptop has Bluetooth® 4.0+HS, I also ordered a Microsoft Bluetooth mouse since I found the touch pad on the laptop was sensitive even after adjustment. I also like having the Windows 7 operating system which I have upgraded to Windows 7 Pro. I would have preferred a 14 inch display, as it would have lessened the weight of the unit. But since I have a tax prep business the numeric key pad is handy for entering tax information.

Cons: It could have a better quality case, in particular the outside top of the display case. The case is a shiny finger print prone black plastic. The bottom case is of a rough textured plastic which is acceptable for a low cost laptop.

Other Thoughts: I would highly recommend this laptop at the $459 price.

Pros: NONE

Cons: This laptop never even turned on, it was dead on arrival. I know Acer has issues with the screen going bad after a while but for a high end machine to be D.O.A that not good for Acer. I usually only buy Asus, Acer, Lenovo or Toshiba laptops, I have been having too many issues with Acer. It seems as if I will have to drop them from my list.

Pros: intel graphics 3000, 500 gb hdd, intel i5 processor all great!

Cons: DVD drive is o.k. with this computer, but not great. Its bulky and easy to open accidentally.

Other Thoughts: I wish Acer would use a different display to open this laptop. It is my 2nd Acer and its still difficult to open without some sort of tab. I also wish they would stick with a top button for dvd drive and use blu-ray as the standard!

Pros: none, but it was not DOA

Cons: if I had read the return policy I would not have ordered it