Acer Aspire AS5672WLMi

compusa has a antec notebook cooler that works relly WELL with this lappy. on sale 9.99 /AR. DOES a good job keeping cool.

 

The laptop only seems to run hot, when in "entertainment" mode.
If I am playing WoW Wirelessly, yeah, my hand gets very warm.

However, when I am in class taking notes, I crank it down to "max battery life", and It's barely noticable (although I do need to turn up the brightness a big).

I have not seen any problems with the DVD Burner (using Nero 6) (although, the drive is noisy when putting a disk in for a sec or 2).

The ACER Power Management is a MUST for the laptop. Without it, the battery life sucks.

 

I wouldn't bother with the Compusa warranty, its a total ripoff the salesfolk always push it with any and everything over there (I had someone offer me the warranty with a 9.99 clearance game! ). It basically free cash for the company, and if you read the small print, compusa doesn't actually issue the warranty, they farm it out to a 3rd party. I've gotten 3 laptops (2 acers and 1 generic) in my lifetime, and all have been fine. I've noticed on 99% of all my electronics purchases, if it doesn't break within a month its good for life.

Definitely use ePower mgmt! I've set my pc on the 3rd highest tick mark, so when i'm surfing or reading pdf's, the cpu's run at 1ghz, but when I start up games or heavy compiles, it auto-cranks up to 1.667ghz. I didn't notice it getting too warm when I left it open, but when I closed the lid and came back 30 min's later, it was nice and toasty. I guess thats a good thing when it gets colder

 

Well what's with this laptop Acer ??

First : who wants to buy a hot stove that needs a big and bulky lap cooler?
Next : what's the point of having a core duo on the road (along with a 8 cells batt.) if it can't goes over 3 hours. I dont' call that thing portabillity!

Again Acer Americas, I am very disapointed from what I heard! This could have been a hit.

 

I used to work for best buy as a computer tech (before the geeks), and I will agree that the warranty is very high markup. Companies like best buy, and CompUSA make fairly little money on laptops and computers. It is the extra stuff that they make the money on, and they push that under the reasoning that they want you to get everything you need without having to come back.

You have to look at the details of the plan. Since I was in charge of service, and repair; I know when to get the plan. The reason I get the plans is this the replacement clause. Basically, it is sometimes more work to repair a computer than simply replacing it. Most laptops were considered DEVO... forgot what it stands for, but basically... it means replace not repair.

While I do not abuse laptops, I do use them. So after a few years, something will go out. So I give my laptop back to the store, and say "fix it." It is better for them to simply say we will buy out your contract. They give me the value of my computer when I purchased it. It is like an upgrade. You have to use the plan.

For instance with my last laptop. I paid $1100 + $200 for the plan. So when the unit died 2 years later, I get $1100 towards this laptop (the Acer we are looking at).

 

Anyone figure out how to get the SPDIF output working? I bought an adapter to an RCA cable to hook up to my receiver, but nothing...

Nevermind - I figured it out.

 

i personally own a unit, and i do need to agree. it does get pretty hot, hotter than i expected. and i'm not too sure about the battery life. i don't know what all this talk is about core duo's breaking 4 hours of battery.

but hey, if i'm paying a full 400-500 less than similar models..what more can u expect?

 

Packfan,

How did you get SPDIF working? Have you managed to get this working with a 5.1 setup? An extra dongle?

Thanks in advance.

 

Thanks alot to all who replied my original post. You guys convinced me not to get the Compusa warranty, which I agree is a total rip off! But whatabout the warranty from Acer itself like? Is it worth getting? I know they have a 2 year extended warranty for ~130 or so. Should I get this? Like most of you know, $1200 is still a fairly serious chunk of money and I would hate to see this laptop go up in smoke (literallly) .

One additional question, did anyone notice that the sound output isnt that high from this laptop? On most DVD's that Ive watched on it so far, I've had to crank it all the way up (both Wave and Master controls) in addition to the volume on the dvd software itself to be able to hear anything. I know I'm not deaf as of yet so the problem seems to lie with the laptop I think. Any thoughts?

 

It is true, that sound is not on the high side of this lappy, but "no-one is perfect".
However, I might have a little trick.
Usually on any audio tech I use, I turn Bass and Treble somewhat up to get a richer sound, but on this notebook it totally ruined the sound and pushed the speakers to rettle - the factory speakers are simply horrible on both sides of the sound range. But I found one interesting thing:
My fix is this - in any player (or what software you use) get to the Equalizer settings and set them yourself. In contrary to usual settings you have to set them lower at the ends and higher in the centre.
I still have all the frequencies intensified, but the centre more. Generally, by moving all sliders up, you get more volume, just becareful in lows and high as the speakers won't handle it. However, they reproduce middles (voice, singing, most music) quite well, so you can pretty high there.
This gets surprisingly strong and full sound out of the speakers (of course, you have to reset (turn the EQ off, when plug headphones or external speakers in).
As example - when I adjusted sound from W Media Player that way, I was asked by other person in the room to turn the volume down and I had to go somewhere to third of the Master.

Most of you will probably know, what to do if trying it, but here is my WMP setting example:
There are ten Equalizers and I have them set into a "pyramid" (better "hill") 5,6,7,8,9,9,8,7,6,5 with 0 being the normal. The sound is pretty good and more than enough for watching a movie from a distance, you can still see the screen.

Of course, this is just a try to help the installed speakers! Anything else plugged into line-out will work fine without all this tweaking.

 

There is a mini adapter that comes with some optical cables that I just happened to have. Hooked it up to my 5.1 receiver, and it worked like a charm.

 

Thanks tyto. I totally forgot about the equalizer settings most programs have. Ill have to give that a try later today.

 

I picked up the 5672 to replace an ancient travelmate I had. I'm very impressed with it so far. However, there is one little thing that surprised me. There are 60+ processes working in the background!!!! The only thing I've installed is avast, adaware, and spybot. Even after following the instructions in this thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=5787
there is still a whole bunch of stuff running in the background.

 

Do you need any software decoder to get 5.1 sound? When I play my DVD in my AS5672 & hook it up to my home 5.1 receiver using SPDIF, it will only play stereo & no 5.1 or DTS. Any thoughts?

 

I bought the 5672 last Friday at CompUSA. On Monday I did an update to XP Pro and the only driver/software I needed to reinstall was for Bluetooth - everything else was maintained on the update. I've had a few busy days, so today was the first day back to it and I proceeded to install True Image 9 and performed a backup of the C:\ drive to CD. I also created an emergency boot disk for True Image. Then I installed Paragon Partition Manager and created an emergency boot disk for it. My plan was to add another partition by shrinking the D: to 15 gigs and adding a new NTFS partition as E: so that I could install another OS for dual boot testing stuff. I also marked the C: partition for conversion to NTFS. That's when it all went wrong!
After Partition Manager did the startup work and rebooted Windows, either the MBR or Partition table was screwed as I ended up with a back screen and odd characters in the upper left. I rebooted, set the BIOS to boot from CD first, and inserted the ERD for Partition Manager - no HD detected or mounted. I rebooted with True Image and it saw the partitions and everything on C:\, but I could not restore from the image files on the CDs. After a number of failed attempts to correct the problem, including using the Recovery Console to fix the MBR and the boot sectors, I decided to restore from the hidden partition. Alt-F10 did nothing, so I booted from the recovery DVD I made on Friday and restored back to factory. Interestingly enough, my new smaller D: and the new E: partition were there and good to go. I inserted my XP Pro disc to upgrade again, but some reason it decided to be unable to read a few files on what appears to be a clean CD and the resulting upgrade was broken, although I could boot into Windows - permissions and drivers were toast. I am currently restoring to XP Home again. I might be trying the Pro upgrade again tomorrow. It is too bad that the CompUSA version didn't come with Pro on it.

 

Would people recommend getting the "lower end" version of this laptop as opposed to the one with 2gb of RAM, ATI X1400, Bluetooth and 120gb HDD. Does this justify the $300 dollar difference?

The point I guess is, is there any noticable difference in Video performance esp. when playing H.264 or HD quality movies on the lower end laptop and will the lower end version have all the eye candy effects in the upcoming Windows Vista release? I could live without the extra gig of RAM and bluetooth and 20 gb less HDD space but not sluggish video performance and lower visual effects in Windows Vista. I ask this as I still have the option of returning the high end one for the low end version and getting back my $300.

 

I had something very complicated written out... I erased it, and decided to say just this...

Yes... if you want to do anything advanced with this laptop, and why else gets a dual core, then get the one with the x1400... the extra ram, and hard drive are not as important. But remember, you can not upgrade this laptop... If you want to put a 3D card in later... you can’t. So sorry.

edit: plus the intel vid card shares the RAM with you system. so that

a: uses slower ram that the x1400.
b: takes ram away from your system.

 

I've been meaning to ask about this...

Throughout this thread everyone is talking about needing to download all the drivers for an XP Pro install, but why would you not just perform an XP Pro upgrade over the existing XP Home installation, so that all the installed drivers and applications are retained?

Also, if you want to convert the FAT32 partitions to NTFS then presumably you just use the standard windows commandline:

eg. CONVERT C: /FS:NTFS

I know there is always a preference for a format / clean install, but with all the drivers and utilities pre-installed would it not be better to just selectively remove the utilities you don't want?

Some time back I did a clean XP Pro install on my current Acer Aspire 2012, and it was always annoying everytime I discovered some small utility / feature I was missing from the original XP Home image install.

So when i get my 5672, I was thinking of either:
a. Just sticking with XP Home and doing the NTFS convert.
or,
b. Installing an XP Pro upgrade over the top of the XP Home (and do NTFS convert).

Comments?

 

converting is not as good as just starting over. Belive it of not, you would think that a pro upgrade would be without problems... but it is not. and the system never works right.

format first, ask questions later. (always keep a backup)

 

To be honest, I didn't even check a DVD... just some general computer audio.

You shouldn't need anything else. Your hooking up to the receiver's optical input?

 

Yes, I hook up to my receiver's optical input (Toslink to Toslink).
The easiest way to get 5.1 w/o buying extra soundcard, isn't it?

Anybody has success/problem with 5.1 home system hook up?

 

Well, that was my logic when I did the upgrade. I figured I would give it a shot and see how it went. With the exception of needing to reinstall the Bluetooth package, all went well with that first upgrade.
The main reason for formatting and starting fresh is to eliminate any goofiness that could happen in the upgrade and to not install process and crap that may be running/installed by the OEM. I have all of the drivers downloaded and might be able to reinstall the applications using the restore software utility, but I can tell you that executing it from the DVD only gave me the option to completely restore the image. Playing with the laptop on Monday after the initial upgrade, it appeared that everything went well with it. My problem with the second upgrade was that the XP Pro Disc seems to have developed a reading problem. Since the disc didn't look scratched or marred in any way, I'm a tad concerned about the fact that it had a problem.

-steve

 

There is software out by Slysoft called AnyDVD which will "de-region-ize" your drive Hope this helps!

 

Hello all -I've done lots of reading on the forums, but not much posting until now Everyone seems rather knowledgeable and helpful - greatly appreciated.

I'm currently researching to buy a laptop and I am choosing between the Acer 5672, the 8104, or the 8204, and am curious as to if any of you have had any experience with the 8- series TravelMate laptops. I know that the 5672 and 8204 are both dual-core, however the 5672 and 8104 are at a much lower price point (at least $800 USD difference). I'll be using the laptop primarily for school and will need something capable really handling streaming video as most lectures will be recorded. I'd also like to get my gaming fix whenever possible (HL2, GuildWars, Dawn of War) and would like a machine that will handle 3d graphics reasonably well. I know the x1600 would be preferable to the x1400 or x700, but is it a performance difference warranting the price?

Finally, I've heard many on this board as well as others forums have discussed the awkward partitioning and formatting of the HD (seemingly on all Acer laptops I'm looking at), and that if the partitions are moved at all, the recovery disk will cease to be of any use whatsoever. Any insight someone could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks to all for your time!

Regards,

Adam

 

geez... you know, guys? I think I've now done a PhD in the 5672 just by reading the textbook that is the Acer forum on NotebookReview.com!

Man... so much info! this is a really cool forum! Keep at it guys... my two cents will come in as and when I buy a new laptop!

 

Please add some photo's of this lappy

 

Check the review. There are quite a fex pictures in there...
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=41964

 

the new pre-release of RM Clock is out. ver 2.05. and it supports the core duo!!!

altho, the lowest voltage value cannot be changed...cuz intel made it that way.

 

hhey, first of all id like to thank everyone for their wonderful input on this laptop. I have an issue tho, i just bought this laptop today and was looking for the video in port. The manual says they are in the back but i dont see anything, and the place where i got it from up in canada says that it has video in on it. Am i missing something or was this false advertising?

Does anyone else have the video in?

thanks
naheed

 

I don't think these laptops come with a Video-In port. The only video related ports are DVI and S-Video and both are outputs. The only other input port probably would be the Audio Line-In.
Hope this helps.

 

thats the thing, the wbsite i got it from specifically states that is comes with a/v in and s video in, even specified in the manual, but those ports described are no where to be found

 

i'm alsmot sure u looked at the wrong model number. there are like at least 2 variations of the 5672.

 

hey

what are the 2 variations?? i have the 5672wlmi with xp pro on it.

thank you

 

Hmmm, I did'nt know XP Pro was an option on these laptops?

JD

 

Lots of models:

http://www.acerpanam.com/synapse/fo...nAm.com&central=1&words=all&keywords=&pupv=pu
or
http://tinyurl.com/pwhg6

Same thing.

Just different HD's and different OS's. I haven't heard anything specifically about the video-in. I do know the that Euro and Asian models are purported to include TV tuners. So there are major regional differences.

 

Yeah, I asked around (on this very forum) but no real answers... Until I went to Acer Canada's website. They've subsequently removed any mention of the AV-in/Video-in feature.

It seems like they kept the video-in feature on their spec sheet for a long time before they realized that it was either wrong or a typo before removing it (hoping that nobody noticed).

Acer does make the disclaimer that they have the right to change specs without prior notice but at what point does it become "false advertising"? This reminds me of the hard drive speed of the 3201(?) - 5400rpm on the specs but 4200 in reality. Most people buy laptops based on the manufacturer's specs (we make the simple assumption that they're true) so if they're not accurate or if they're changed after the fact, what are you supposed to do?

 

well i took it to the store i bought it from and the guy said that it needs an svideo dongle for the inputs, he looked at the number of input pins on the port and said it was definately in need of a dongle to do input

has anyone else heard anything?? im also going to contact ancer in regards to this

 

i'm pretty sure you need the extra two input ports in the back for the video in. on S-video and on vga...i think thats what it shows in the users manual.

 

Hello All:

I'm planning on ordering this laptop from CompUSA, and it's not in stock in the stores, but they believe have mentioned that order processing takes 1-2 business Days and I should be receiving it in 7-9 days in total.

Has anyone bought this laptop from CompUSA? What is your experience? Please share...

Thanks a lot in advance!

 

I did post a separate thread about the merits of this versus the Travelmate line, and while I hate to double-post, I'm buying a laptop in the next two days or so and am wondering if the core processor is better than a single processor on games (not multitasking). Specifically, a dual-1.66 GHz (X1400 gfx card) vs. a single Pentium M 2.0 GHz (X700 gfx card). I should also mention that the latter of the two has a better display (TM8104WLMi with 1680x1024 I think, WSXGA either way)...

Thanks in advance!

 

Well I did notice that the Svideo cable to my television didn't quite connect into the side of the lappy. It is pretty loose.

SO....I took my OLD Dell Inspiron 8000 (think back to the geforce 2 go 32 days lol) dongle which has Svideo, a black port and a yellow/white port on it and sure enough it fit in nice and snug...I looked at the connectors and it is my feeling that this dongle belongs there...so there is a possibility that one of these ports may be an in of sorts for video...perhaps an RCA video in. The Svideo is working fine...(HOWEVER REALLY BAD font quality on my TV for some reason - comments?) and the other one must be??? **** I have a feeling it was RCA digital out back in the day cause I believe the Inspiron had DIN Green/Black audio out, and the RCA provided the Digital.

Either way, here is the part number...together we'll all figure this one out.

Remember this was Dell supplied, but who knows...maybe they're universal and we all hope for this functionality!

d/sn cn-044ctv-47110-114-4608
d/pn 044ctv |c/o CN| Rev x07

Still to note I have no idea how to set this up to my stereo. Just one cable will supply 5.1 to it? (Din to RCA digital in on Receiver?) Also I have the 5500's Speaker setup at my desk and I'm still at a loss as to how that is going to work! lol On a side note, this is a replacement as my original DVD burner wouldn't read properly. ALl is good now.

 

S-video to TV is always going to look that way. It's just the video quality of your TV versus the quality of a computer monitor.

Now, DVI-out to an HDTV - entirely different story...

 

Question.... I conected my acer 5672 to my panasonic dlp tv using a dvi to hdmi cable.Picture looked great but the icons(left side of screen) and bottom of screen are being cut off.I messed with ati controls and resolution a bit but I am not sure what settings I should be using.I beleive the TV's native resolution is 720p but it also supports 1080p & 1080i.I was able to clone the desktop from the laptop to the TV and see my icons and control my laptop from the tv screen but when I clicked extend where I could adjust the resolution I lost my icons cursor ect...I beleive if i could force a screen size of 1200x676 or so that it would fit the screen fine but how do i get my icons and cursor ? WOW I hope this dosen't read like the total noob question that it is!

 

Not a noob question at all...

Using the default drivers, I was having this problem as well. There is supposedly an option in ATI's Catalyst Control Center to adjust HDTV resolution, but it seems broken using DVI cables.

I got a much better fit using the most recent modified ATI drivers from Omega.

If you want a more perfect fit, you need to use a program called PowerStrip (I think I'm remembering that right.). You can find more information on www.avsforum.com.

 

thanx packfan BTW do you have a link to the omega drivers you used?

 

Only certain versions of the 5650 Model are equipped with tv tuner and video in port. But then this model lacks the built in webcam, and the 2gbRAM, which are compensated by the GeforceGo7600 256MB dedicated RAM and a lower price. Also you will notice some differences at the ports' placement.
Ain't this available in US? I think it's a better bargain.

 

For Skullnrose: www.omegadrivers.net

Just installed the new 6.2 set today and re-benched my 3Dmark5 scores - before 1634. After - 1715. Just remember to remove the existing ATI Catalyst panel first, before installing. I have used Omega drivers for the last two laptops with ATI cards and they have always improved on the manufacturers base specs. Lighter on HD space than the 240meg ATI monster as well!

 

Thank you Intensecure i will try them out

 

Knikos,

I am in the states, and have been looking all over for the 5650... apparently it is not sold here. I really would like to get one of those because of the better GPU, however if i can't i will be purchasing the 5672 What kind of benchmarks do you get with that 5650? And does it heat up a lot?

 

Ok i just installed the omega 6.2 drivers so far so good!For anyone who's not sure what they are doing this is very simple to do.
1.goto add/remove programs and run ATI uninstaller
2.Restart your laptop(dont freakout when it restarts and everything is HUGE)
3.goto www.omegadrivers.net and download the omega ati radeon 6.2 drivers.when it's done installing click restart(your screen may look like a bad acid trip)when it restarts all will be back to normal.

now a question for those of you who know more about this than me.
what are your settings did you do any tweaks ect?