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In this article, I give you my Acer Aspire E5 (2015) review with specs included. The full product name is Acer Aspire E5-573G-56RG. I cover a lot of high-end and expensive products, particularly some of the laptops that I look at are pretty pricey things.

For this review, I wanted to look at some more affordable things just like the Cube i7 tablet that I reviewed. That was a pretty good bargain for a 10-inch Windows tablet with a Wacom digitizer. Now, I found the Acer Aspire E5 as a great deal purchase.

The E5 is a big lineup of products that comprise 14-inch, 15.6-inch (which is what mine is), and 17.3-inch models.

Not only that, the E5s have a gamut of processors. On the low end, you have the Pentiums, the Celerons, and the AMD A8s. Most of them have low-voltage Core i5 CPUs. A couple of them have Core i7s.

So, the processors are like typical ultrabook CPUs despite the fact that these are bigger than ultrabooks (going from fourteen to seventeen point three inches).

There’s even a quad-core i7 so it’s hard to make complete generalizations about this but they all do share the same casings basic feature sets and two display options.

The Acer Aspire E5 (2015) is a versatile laptop offering various configurations to cater to different needs and budgets. It falls within the affordable range, starting at around $379, but packs some decent features, making it a compelling option for everyday tasks and even casual gaming.

Higher-End Configuration:

This review focuses on a higher-end configuration priced at $650. It boasts a 15.6-inch display with a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, powered by a dual-core Intel Core i5 processor (5th generation Broadwell) and 8GB of RAM. Storage comes in the form of a 1TB hard drive, providing ample space for your files and applications.

Display:

While not an IPS panel, the display features an anti-glare matte finish, effectively minimizing reflections and enhancing usability in various lighting conditions. Despite its TN panel technology, the display offers surprisingly good color representation and viewing angles, exceeding expectations for its price point. However, it’s not the brightest display, measuring around 215 nits.

Configurations and Affordability:

The Aspire E5 caters to a range of budgets and needs with various configurations. The most affordable option starts at $379 and features an Intel Celeron or AMD A8 processor, 4GB of RAM, a 500GB hard drive, and a lower resolution display (1366 x 768). As you move up the price ladder, the specifications improve, culminating in the $650 configuration reviewed here.

Graphics and Gaming:

One of the highlights of this particular configuration is the inclusion of switchable Nvidia GeForce 940M dedicated graphics. This GPU, while not meant for hardcore gaming, allows for enjoyable gameplay on older titles like Max Payne and BioShock Infinite. While recent demanding games like Witcher 3 might not run smoothly at high settings, you can still play them at lower resolutions and settings.

Keyboard and Trackpad:

The keyboard lacks backlighting but offers decent key travel and includes a number pad, a valuable feature for some users. However, it’s important to note that the keys can be somewhat noisy and clicky. The trackpad uses an Elan touchpad, which can be hit-or-miss in terms of quality. This specific trackpad functions decently, but its clicky sound might be bothersome for some.

Build Quality and Design:

The Aspire E5 utilizes a plastic chassis with a crosshatch grey pattern and different accent color options. While the lid and bottom are plastic, they boast a unique faux fabric finish resembling gabardine or linen. This not only adds a touch of style but also enhances grip and reduces fingerprint smudges. The chassis feels durable and justifies its price point.

The Acer Aspire E5 (2015) offers a compelling blend of affordability, functionality, and decent performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming. While it might not boast premium features like a backlit keyboard or a top-tier display, it delivers good value for the price, making it a suitable option for students, budget-conscious users, and casual gamers.

This detailed analysis delves deeper into the Acer Aspire E5 (2015), exploring its internal components, performance, battery life, and overall user experience, supplementing the previous review.

Internal Breakdown:

• Removable Optical Drive: While uncommon in this configuration, a hidden slot exists for an optional optical drive module. This flexibility allows adding an optical drive if desired.
• Extensive Screw Count: The bottom panel features an unusually high number of screws (around 20), requiring a Phillips head screwdriver for disassembly.
• Accessible Components: Disassembly reveals easy access to crucial components like RAM slots, the hard drive bay, and the motherboard.

Cooling System:

• Ample Ventilation: The laptop boasts a well-designed cooling system with ample ventilation holes, effectively dissipating heat generated by the dedicated graphics card.
• Moderate Thickness: With a thickness of 1.1 inches, the Aspire E5 strikes a balance between portability and providing sufficient space for cooling.

Port Selection and Placement:

• Variety of Ports: The laptop offers a decent selection of ports, including VGA, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and a headphone jack.
• Front-Facing Ports: While somewhat inconvenient, the ports are positioned towards the front, potentially causing occasional hand-bumping during usage.

Versatility and Target Audience:

• All-around Functionality: The Aspire E5 emerges as a well-rounded machine suitable for various tasks, including college work, general-purpose computing, and casual gaming.
• Dedicated Graphics Option: The presence of optional dedicated graphics makes it appealing for users who require enhanced performance for gaming or video editing.

Power and Battery Life:

• Compact Power Brick: The accompanying power brick is remarkably compact and lightweight, adding minimal weight to your bag.
• Smaller Battery: Compared to previous iterations, the 2015 E5 features a smaller 33-watt-hour battery.
• Decent Battery Performance: Despite the reduced battery capacity, the laptop manages around 6.5 hours of battery life with moderate brightness and Wi-Fi usage, exceeding expectations for a TN panel and integrated graphics.

Performance Analysis:

• Ultrabook-like CPU Performance: Employing a low-power, dual-core Intel Core i5 CPU, the Aspire E5 delivers performance comparable to many ultrabooks.
• Benchmark Results: The reviewed configuration with Nvidia 940M graphics erzielt a score of 2451 in 3DMark 11, 767 in the Extreme test, and 2690 in PCMark 8 Home, demonstrating respectable performance.
• SSD Upgrade Potential: While the reviewed model utilizes a conventional hard drive, upgrading to an SSD later is a viable option for improved performance.

The Acer Aspire E5 (2015) presents itself as a compelling and affordable alternative to pricier laptops like the Alienware 13. It offers a blend of portability, decent performance with options for dedicated graphics, a reasonably good TN panel display, and acceptable speakers. With its versatility and upgradeability, this laptop caters to a diverse range of users, from students and casual gamers to general-purpose users seeking a reliable and affordable computing solution.

Acer Aspire E5 (2015): A Deeper Dive into Performance and Usability

This analysis delves into the Acer Aspire E5 (2015)’s multimedia capabilities, wireless performance, gaming aptitude, and overall user experience.

Audio and Video Playback:

• Speaker Quality: While not boasting high-fidelity sound, the speakers deliver acceptable volume and audio quality suitable for casual video watching like YouTube. However, for extended movie or music listening, headphones are recommended.

Wireless Connectivity:

• Network Adapter: The laptop features a Qualcomm dual-band Wi-Fi AC adapter with Bluetooth 4.0, providing reliable and efficient wireless connectivity.

Trackpad Performance:

• Occasional Responsiveness Issues: The review briefly mentions instances of the trackpad becoming unresponsive, potentially requiring a driver update or troubleshooting for consistent performance.

Gaming Performance:

• BioShock Infinite Benchmark: Using the Nvidia 940M dedicated graphics card, the Aspire E5 manages to run BioShock Infinite at medium settings and full HD resolution (1920 x 1080) with an average frame rate of around 28 FPS.
• Optimization Options: Lowering the resolution to 1366 x 768 or reducing graphics settings can significantly improve frame rates, pushing performance closer to 60 FPS for smoother gameplay.

Configuration Options:

• Variety of Models: The Aspire E5 comes in various configurations, with the reviewed model featuring a Core i5 processor and dedicated graphics. However, lower-end models with integrated graphics and Celeron or AMD A8 processors are also available for tighter budgets.

Overall Value Proposition:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Considering its price point, the Aspire E5 offers decent performance for everyday tasks and even casual gaming. The availability of different configurations allows users to choose the one that best suits their needs and budget.

Acer Aspire E5 (2015): Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordability: The Aspire E5 starts at a budget-friendly price point, making it an accessible option for students, casual users, and those on a tight budget.
• Configuration Variety: With various configurations available, users can choose the model that best suits their needs and budget. Options range from lower-end Celeron or AMD A8 processors with integrated graphics to higher-end models featuring Core i5 processors and dedicated Nvidia 940M graphics.
• Decent Performance: The Core i5 processor delivers adequate performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and multimedia consumption. The optional dedicated graphics card further enhances capabilities, allowing for casual gaming and even some light video editing.
• Full HD Display: The 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display offers good clarity and resolution, suitable for everyday use and entertainment.
• Acceptable Battery Life: Despite the smaller battery compared to previous iterations, the Aspire E5 manages around 6.5 hours of battery life with moderate brightness and Wi-Fi usage, exceeding expectations for a TN panel and integrated graphics.
• Upgradability: The laptop allows for relatively easy upgrades, including adding more RAM or replacing the hard drive with a solid-state drive (SSD) for improved performance.
• Decent Port Selection: The laptop offers a good selection of ports, including VGA, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and a headphone jack, catering to various connectivity needs.

Cons:

• Build Quality: The plastic chassis feels somewhat less sturdy compared to some competitors, and the large number of screws on the bottom panel might raise concerns about long-term durability.
• Display Quality: While offering Full HD resolution, the TN panel technology falls short in terms of viewing angles and color accuracy compared to IPS panels.
• Limited Storage: The base model comes with a 500GB hard drive, which might be insufficient for users with extensive storage requirements. Upgrading to a larger capacity hard drive or an SSD adds to the cost.
• Trackpad Issues: The review mentions occasional trackpad responsiveness issues, potentially requiring troubleshooting or driver updates for consistent performance.
• Bloatware: Pre-installed bloatware might be present, impacting storage space and overall user experience. Uninstalling unwanted software is recommended.
• Limited Availability of Dedicated Graphics: Finding models with dedicated graphics cards might require more effort compared to those with integrated graphics.

Overall:

The Acer Aspire E5 (2015) presents a compelling option for budget-conscious users seeking a versatile laptop for everyday tasks and casual gaming. Its affordability, variety of configurations, decent performance, and upgradability make it a good value proposition. However, potential buyers should be aware of the limitations in build quality, display quality, storage capacity, and potential trackpad issues before making a purchase decision.

In the crowded budget laptop market, the Acer Aspire E5 (2015) faces stiff competition from several worthy rivals. Here’s a rundown of the top five contenders:

1. Asus VivoBook F555: Matching the Aspire E5’s price range, the VivoBook F555 boasts a wider selection of configurations, including AMD processors and diverse graphics options from both AMD and NVIDIA. Additionally, it generally receives praise for its superior build quality.
2. Dell Inspiron 15 5000 Series: Another strong contender, the Inspiron 15 offers comparable specs to the Aspire E5 with some notable enhancements like a backlit keyboard and the optional convenience of a touchscreen display. It also stands out for its longer battery life.
3. Lenovo IdeaPad 500: Delivering good value for its price, the IdeaPad 500 presents a well-rounded option. Similar to the F555, it offers diverse configurations with AMD processors and discrete graphics choices. Users often commend its superior keyboard and trackpad compared to the Aspire E5.
4. HP Pavilion 15: A popular choice for budget-conscious buyers, the Pavilion 15 features similar specs to the Aspire E5 but with a couple of differentiating features: an optional touchscreen display and a built-in Beats Audio sound system. It also tends to receive positive feedback for its stylish design.
5. Toshiba Satellite C55: This option caters to those seeking a basic and affordable laptop. Starting at a lower price point than the Aspire E5, it comes with less powerful specifications, typically featuring Celeron or Pentium processors and integrated graphics.

Remember, this list represents just a fraction of the alternatives available. When making your choice, carefully consider your individual needs and budget to find the laptop that best aligns with your priorities.