expired Posted by niki4h | Staff • Dec 1, 2024
Dec 1, 2024 11:53 PM
Item 1 of 1
expired Posted by niki4h | Staff • Dec 1, 2024
Dec 1, 2024 11:53 PM
Acer Aspire 3 Laptop: 15.6" 1080p, Ryzen 7 5700U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
+ Free Shipping$299
$394
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First off, the 5700u is essentially a renamed 4000 series processor. It uses the 3 generations old zen 2 architecture without the node shrink nor newer generation (but weaker) igpu of the newer zen 2 7*2* series mobile processors. On the plus side, it has 8 full size hyperthreaded cores (16 threads) and the fairly powerful 8cu rx vega igpu. The vega igpu doesn't support av1 decode, if that matters to you. The 5700u will soundly beat more modern quad core cpus (like the r5 7520u, which uses 4 slightly more efficient and faster node shrunk zen 2 cores and a 2cu rdna2 gpu which is more modern but far weaker) in raw performance, though efficiency is somewhat weaker. Compared to an intel cpu like the i5-1235u, it has substantially worse singlethreaded performance but moderately superior multithreaded performance.
Next, the screen on this laptop is absolutely terrible. It's tn (twisted nematic), 60hz, 220nit, 45% ntsc (~62% srgb). Literally the only redeeming quality is that it isn't below 1080p resolution, this is essentially the lowest tier fhd screen in existence. Viewing angles are non-existent, the screen is extremely dim, and colors are dull and washed out.
This laptop is running it's memory in single channel mode by default since it comes with a single 16gb sodimm. There's a second slot for an additional memory module, so if you want full performance you'll need to add in a second 16gb ddr4 3200 sodimm to run 32gb dual channel. The m.2 slots only support pcie gen 3 drives, which is expected for a zen 2 processor. As a side note, the keyboard is not backlit.
If the outdated processor (with quite strong multithreaded performance at the price point) and absolutely horrendous screen aren't dealbreakers for you, the rest of the specs are decent for $300. Having both 16gb of ram and a 512gb (gen 3) ssd with an additonal slot to upgrade each is better than usual at $300. The upgradability is especially relevant, many laptops in this price tier won't let you upgrade past 16gb (or won't allow dual channel past 16gb even if they have an open memory slot due to having 8gb soldered). It has wifi 6 which is acceptable, and the assortment of ports should grudgingly suffice for the price. The 48wh battery is par for the course at this tier. The aspire 3 chassis is known to be rather cheap feeling and is definitely low budget tier, but it doesn't seem to have substantially more issues than other budget chassis's from what I've read.
Overall, if you're on a super tight budget and need a laptop with strong multithreaded performance, need at least 16gb of ram with the option to upgrade to 32gb, and the screen quality is utterly irrelevant to you, this is an okay deal.
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The screen is garbage and should be a deal breaker for anyone with a flexible budget.
If you need CPU cores and do engineering type work, then the Ryzen 5 5700U has a lot more muscle. https://www.notebookche
If you want to play games some, then the Ryzen can actually do that--just not on high settings unless it's like Battlefield 3.
If you think horrendous TN displays are a deal breaker, then this Acer isn't an option.
Supervisor much to my surprise insisted that you have until January 31st 2025 to return the laptop and that you can get a full refund even if the reason given is " I don't like the laptop" (given say all the complaints about the screen in the walmart customer reviews) ... supervisor seemed uncertain if "for sure" the laptop could be returned in a store but said worst case scenario you can ship it back to them at their expense by mail with a prepaid label (I find myself confident I could just bring it to the local walmart store for a refund though seems much safer)
I find myself wondering if I should assume a "worst case" scenario and assume I only have 15 or 30 days to return the laptop? If that's the case apparently that window starts from the time you receive the laptop in the mail. Not sure if any experienced shoppers here from walmart.com can shed some light on this
i don't care about screen or backlit KB. but can the USB-C be used for 2 external monitors via a usb-hub? i have my 2 large monitors, Kb/mouse dongle connected to the usb hub, so i need a laptop that i can swap for my work laptop by simply swapping the usb-c from the hub. i have to do that few times a day.
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It's too bad the screen is so bad.
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This setup is suited for someone who intends to use external monitors primarily, because the built in monitor is so poor that you would only want to use it for practical, short tasks, and not for media consumption or video calling or anything like that.
I see people on SD buying really nasty cheap monitors / tvs for the elderly or the young, with the justification that they won't know or appreciate the difference. It's pretty cruel.
It's too bad the screen is so bad.
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Even assuming that the walmart spec is wrong and you could replace the 8gb of ram with a single 16gb sodimm, that laptop isn't anywhere near a good enough deal at $300 to justify the cost of a ram upgrade. I'd look elsewhere.