Acer Aspire S7-392 (Haswell) Owners Lounge

So, replacement arrived. Touchpad issue is resolved. However, the WiFi connection is atrocious, even with the updated WiFi drivers from Intel. I'm getting speeds 1/10th of what my Android phone gets sitting in the exact same location, with the same router. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

I'm going to give it a fresh Windows install (could Acer install more crap on this thing if they tried?!) and see if that resolves the issue. Otherwise... refund it is.

 

So what is the verdict with the key press issue? Is it just an annoyance or a design defect? can it be lessened in anyway? This is the first keyboard I've ever had which keys press down but do not register.

Also, is there any way to increase fan speed? It heats up a bit too much for my liking.

 

I must be fairly lucky or just don't complain as much because my last computer was a piece of crap. My key registering is pretty good and only occasionally have I had an issue with it not recognizing the key stroke. This could also be me continuing to adjust to this keyboard vs the larger Compaq keyboard that I was using. My wifi seems to be phenomenal. I just did a speedtest in my basement and my router is 2 floors up (screenshot attached). I would say it would seem Acer's quality control is not great because my laptop overall is amazing. It has quirks but nothing that I feel are issues that would cause me to think about returning it.

 

This is my speed test from the laptop. Oddly lopsided. The laptop I just returned had no issues once I updated the drivers.

 

OK this gets even stranger. As soon as I unplug the laptop from the power - my wifi speeds increase dramatically. The power settings for the wifi adapter are maximum performance when plugged in, and battery saving when not plugged in. Looks like Amazon will be hearing from me again!

 

Looks like Stanford is ripping you off with poor Wi-Fi speeds lol. BTW, here's CSULB's Wi-Fi using my laptop with Intel Dual Band Wireless-N 7260:

 

I had an issue with my space bar not registering unless I hit it hard and square in the center. I got a replacement from amazon and this one seems to be perfect.

 

ok great so I'll just replace until I find a perfect one. I'm not getting T, E, B and space registered occasionally. I hope I can also get used to the shallow feel of the keyboard. Will try before I decide and either return or replace.

 

Does anyone know where I can buy the s7 392 i7 in NYC today? Ate there any retailers that have stock?

I spoke with beach camera and b and h and both said Monday, which was a delay from today, and I really need the laptop before Monday.

Thanks!
Jason

Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 4

 

Do you want mine? I'll sell you mine with a SquareTrade 3 year Accidental Damage plan. I'm in the area.

 

Incidentally, I'm having a lot of missing keystrokes on this replacement version as well.

I am 99% certain I will be returning this laptop to Amazon.

 

I'm not sure if this is a universal issue with the design or we are just unlucky with a silent majority being ok. I am not sure if I will return this and by the Vaio Pro which is on sale until the end of today for $300 less. Tough choice not knowing if I'm going to keep having problems.

 

I've had my S7 about a week and a half and haven't had any issues with the keyboard so far. I'm really loving this ultrabook. It's really fast, light, and the battery life is good.

 

Played around with the S7 and its actually really nice. I think its probably the best Windows ultrabook out there right now

 

Just got a 392-9890. There was no dongle for the "Acer Converter Port". Is that supposed to be included? You'd think they could throw in a freaking dongle for $1,700.

 

Mine didn't come with a dongle. Too bad you couldn't find this for cheaper...$1,700 is pretty steep. That of course all depends on region of purchase.

 

As mentioned here above the VAIO PRO has terrible problems with wifi.

With all the drivers and everything else that was mentioned to try, it didn't solve it for me and I still get disconnections and poor speed when a bit away from the router. I would be scared to get another laptop with the same wifi card now...

 

I'm having the exact same issue as you. If you or anyone else knows how to fix that, i'd love to hear it. I installed the latest drivers from intels website (16.​1.​5) and it doesnt appear to have improved anything. Really annoying because everything else about the laptop for me is perfect.

 

Does anyone have any recommendations for a screen protector/anti-glare? Basically something to cut down on the glare that a glossy screen creates, but still lets you use the touch and doesn't impact the screen too much.

Google/Amazon aren't coming up with much, so didn't know if anyone had tried one yet.

 

Just bought a 9890 from b and h. They just got them in stock.

Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 4

 

I'm buying a new ultrabook in about 2 weeks. I haven't made up my mind whicht one it will be:

Vaio Pro
Ativ Book 9+
Acer S7

Finally, the retailers in Switzerland have information about the S7-version they will get in the beginning of october:

Intel i7-4500U, 8GB, 256GB SSD, 13.3" 2560x1440, Touch, Win8, Intel HD Graphics 4400 128MB, LAN, WLAN, Bluetooth 4.0, 2-in-1 Cardreader, HDMI, Crystal Eye HD Webcam, BT mouse, leather sleeve, 2 years warranty

This will be about 1700$, I guess that's ok for Switzerland.

So I will be around here in the acer forum since the S7 is my favorite right now. Only concerns are battery life and touchpad quality (since I'm coming from a Retina MacBook).

 

HELLO my friends. I went to buy a Acer Aspire S7 13.3" Ultrabook - White (Intel Core i5-4200U/ 128GB HDD/ 8GB RAM/ Windows 8). But the Acer on display (the one that stays all day on in the store), was REALLY hot on the top of the keyboard. IS THAT AN ISSUE in your Acers too (overheat, or simply.. heat)?

THANKS A LOT !!

 

No, heat has not been an issue for my laptop.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

 

Well I finally jumped ship to a last-gen UX32vd instead of the S7... I think the main differences for me are:

Asus UX32vd-DS72 pros:
-Cheaper (I got the S7 on sale but I got the UX32vd open box, the latter was still cheaper though).
-Keyboard is amazing (deeper throw, full Fn keys [I am a programmer], immediate backlight response [no waiting for the gimmicky transition just to see your keys], no missing keystrokes, pgUp/pgDown can't be accidentally hit when using arrow keys, white on black)
-Faster (CPU is about the same, but there's a 620M for the League of Legends sessions)
-Matte 1080p IPS screen
-Solid build quality
-Upgradeable RAM+SSDs (1xSODIMM, supports dual mSATA OR 1x2.5")
-Auto brightness is faster and less annoying (mainly changes keyboard backlight instead of screen backlight)
-Dongles! And 50% more USB 3.0 ports

Acer Aspire S7-392 pros:
-Better fan control algorithm, quieter fan
-Multicolor keyboard backlight
-Camera is better in low light
-Touchscreen (able to go a little dimmer too)
-Thin
-Harder to scratch
-Idle battery life is better (6-8 hrs typical use, vs 4-6 hrs for the Asus)

Ultimately my Aspire had some build defects that were too much to handle. I saw two other display models which had varying build quality also:
-Unresponsive keyboard (present only on my machine)
-Spacebar can be actuated without registering (present on my machine + 1 display machine)
-Spacebar is very clacky and sounds cheap and loud compared to the other keys (present on my machine + both display machines)
-Touchscreen can freak out, causing episodes of random taps (present only on my machine)
-Touchpad can be actuated when pressure underneath it is applied while picking it up (present on my machine + 1 display machine)
-Backlight bleed (present on my machine + 1 display machine)
-Moderate pressure on the back of the screen can be seen on the screen itself (present on my machine + both display machines)
-Image persistence when going from bright to blue or green color backgrounds especially (present on my machine + both display machines)


It seems like the S7's build quality is getting better as production goes on, but just wasn't there for my machine. Hopefully this gives some people a little more insight into Acer's premium-end build quality. Ultimately I just don't need beyond 3-4 hours of moderate use, and the Asus fit my needs better despite being last-gen. Both are tremendously fast machines, both are thin (the Asus being "not-as-thin") ultraportables, but I am happy I decided to go with the Asus over the Aspire.

A lot of my decision seems tainted because I wanted a perfect machine for the price I paid, but unfortunately I don't think that seems possible with the Acer. I enjoyed my time with it until things really went south.

Anyway, I wish the best for all of you S7 owners. Unfortunately I feel like I'm stepping towards Asus fanboyhood, whether I want to or not. For me, the UX32vd is last-gen but clearly not last-rate.

 

I've been having ongoing issues with my machine. The touchscreen randomly flips out and now I've spotted a good 4-5 dead pixels on my machine at the bottom row of my screen. Also now, the touchpad is getting stuck permanently pressed down. Has anyone interacted with Microsofts return policy? I've had this machine for a little over a month now.

 

I returned my machine to Microsoft after experiencing the same touchscreen problems. It was technically 31 days after I bought it (<30 days from receiving it), but they made an exception for me and my refund is currently approved but processing. Call them ASAP and request a return, or exchange if you'd like.

 

I called them to exchange but they told me its not possible because they no no more in stock of my model (I got the 9890 model), and have no idea when they'd get stock back in. Given I'm using it for graduate school, waiting possibly up to 6 months for a laptop I already paid for to exchange is not going to happen. Microsoft told me I could flat out return it too, but given I got it at the "wrong" price, I'm not going to give it up. The dead pixels in the bottom of the screen just worry me given I just had it, and I hope its not indicative of more popping up fast. The mousepad still gets stuck but I don't use it too often.

 

Well, to each their own. Even though I got mine at the "wrong" price too, I am not willing to make such concessions for a "premium" laptop. I jumped ship and got a different ultrabook, and even though it's hotter and doesn't last as long, it works great, and I don't feel like I made any major compromises.

IMO if I spend money on a laptop with dysfunctional flaws, I wasted money. But hey if it works for you, you may as well keep it. Whatever you do, decide quickly since the clock is ticking.

 

I've had my 9890 for a bit over a week now. Mostly it has been good, though there are some irritations and one major issue.

First, the startup time is radically inconsistent. Though I shut down every time I stop using it it takes between 7 seconds and 1.5 minutes for the thing to start back up. I can't work out what makes the difference.

Second, several of the options for configuring the trackpad are greyed out and inaccessible. In particular, I want to change the two-fingered scrolling so that I don't have to push UP to scroll DOWN a webpage. If the option is present on the menu for the device why the heck can't I change it.

Third, they keyboard is imperfectly configured; particularly not having a control key on the right-hand side, and having to use a function key for 'home' and 'end', when you don't have to use it for page-up/down. Who even uses page-up/down at all?

Fourth, and by far most importantly, the microphone on the computer is crap. I didn't think that it was possible to get something like this wrong these days. This is not even a high-tech issue, and everyone uses microphones now because of Skype, so Acer should have cared. I use the microphone a great deal because I dictate a lot. It sounds like I'm speaking through a tube and my dictation software makes errors because of it. It is really inexcuseable. I would not have bought this computer if I'd know about it that issue because the dictation is a major part of my work.

So in the end, I'm left fairly disappointed because my work is needlessly inhibited by this blasted microphone.

 

My touchscreen has started randomly flipping out as well , but im well past my return day =(, also how in the devil do you boot from USB?

 

This might be a stupid question but can you get windows 7 running on this laptop? Is there any driver support for win 7?

 

Yeah I'm debating pretty badly if I want to return it or not. The dead pixels alone concern me. I've let others try out the typing and I think its mostly due to me not being used to the keyboard, since I come home and use a mechanical one on my desktop. I'd end up getting an ativ book 9+, but that'd mean I'd pay $200 more for half the ram, memory, a lower processor, and no Microsoft office for school.

 

Hi, I keep my laptops for a long time, eventually i will need to replace the built-in battery. How do I do this, and how much will it cost?

 

These ultrabooks are not really meant to have a replaceable battery. Pretty silly because they are so expensive but that is something we sacrifice I guess.
If I can remember correctly, I sent in a macbook for a replacement battery once for about $140. Not sure if Acer offers a similar service or not. I could have actually done it myself since all it required was removing a ton of screws and a plug but I was still cautious.

If this battery is not soldered or using some sort of adhesive like the macbook then it could be done on the user end.

 

Question, which stores had this laptop on display? The best buy close by doesn't have it, I really want to try it out before deciding to get it or not.

 

My s7 is one week old. When I plugged in my ac plug today, my computer shut off. Pressing the power button boots the PC for a few seconds then shuts down again. When the AC is off, the computer turns on like normal. Anybody know of this problem?

 

Has this happened with multiple outlets? If so, it might be a power issue with the computer, voltage maybe? I don't know electrical stuff very well. But if its just the one outlet, then don't use that one.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

 

Sounds like a faulty charger

 

finally the S7-392 is available in Switzerland with the 2560x1440 screen.
I'm still not sure which ultrabook to buy after seeing the Samsung Series 9, especially the design and build quality.
I haven't read comparisons about the build quality and "look and feel" between the Series 9 and the 392. Has anyone of you seen both (not just on pictures and in videos)? What do you think? Does the Samsung feel so much better and "noble"? thanks

 

Engadget just did their review of the Ativ Book 9 plus. They said it is slightly heavier at just over 3lbs and it is noticeable compared to the Series 9 non touch screen and the S7. I would recommend you read their review. I personally like the S7 because for the same price you have the upgraded memory and SSD, or it is very comparable to the i5 Ativ book with lower specs.

 

Also, and this may sound really superficial, but the Samsung ativ book 9 plus has, like, 3 of those annoying intel/ultrabook/software stickers PAINTED on, so you can't remove them. I know that's not a deal breaker for some, but that too me just completely ruins the sexiness of the laptop. 3 horribly contrasted painted stickers on a sleek brushed metallic looking 1500 dollar laptop is downright inexcusable.

 

unfortunately I don't have the chance to see the models in the store. So I have to decide just by looking at the pictures and videos.
The 392 looks like the better option spec wise, with the i7, 8GB and 256, but judging from the pictures, the AB9+ just looks better, not the design, but it looks more "professional" or like better/higher quality material.
And I'm not sure about the S7 keyboard with the "missing" F1-12 buttons and the weird enter and directions buttons

 

A lot of people prefer function buttons but I never used them with regularity, aside from F5 so this hasn't been an issue for me. They keyboard has been pleasant to type on with very minimal mistakes. The screen is really nice and the quality of my personal S7 is great.

 

I haven't had that trouble, but lately my computer has refused to turn on, whether plugged in or not. I would open the screen as usual (which is supposed to switch on) and nothing would happen. I would try the power button, and nothing would happen. If I play with flipping the screen up and down and pressing the power button, eventually it turns on. This is really not a very good computer. If I'd know what I know now, I never would have bought it.

Did anything every come of this wifi issues stuff? I don't know if mine has range problems (doesn't really seem to) but it definitely drops the signal for no reason. It is really irritating because I have to re-enter my authentication information each time. It happens several times a day as I sit in my office.

 

I've recently seen the S7 in a shop - unfortunately it was still the 391 - it is a really beautiful pc, amazingly small and as lightweight as a Feather (coming from an alienware / precision Workstation guy).
The screen did look extremely good with vivid colors and high luminosity.
Not sure how I would be affected by the lack of Fx keys, I hoped they would fix it in the 392. There is absolutely enough room for a 5th row of keys I really don't understand why they axed it.
Still, if the S392 was available where I live I think I would be very tempted to purchase it.

Don't know if you've seen the notebookcheck review of the Zenbook Infinity UX301LA, it looks great except for outrageous price, super bad webcam and ok-but-not-so-good-battery-autonomy, plus it won't be available for some time.

 

If anyone else hasn't already mentioned it, the way to get rid of the reverse scrolling is to disable Zoom Perfect, then uncheck "reverse scrolling" then you can re-enable Zoom Perfect. There you go, problem solved! You can also enable three finger swiping which is nice to have.

 

i still haven't decided yet but I'm close to buy the 392.
Has anyone seen a review of the 392 with the QHD-display?

I couldn't find a store around 50km to finally see and try it (not even the 391). I'm still a bit worried about the build quality since I own a MacBook Pro and have seen the series9 from Samsung which are both incredibly great built notebooks.

 

Imo the Series 9 and MBP/MBA are better built. The 392 went for a thin and pretty design, and after manhandling it a bit you can kind of see what corners they had to cut to achieve that (mainly the glass vs aluminum, and thin plastic bottom). Early 392s seem to have worse build quality than later 392s, but there are some design flaws that seem to stick.

That said, under the hood and specwise, it's a fantastic machine.

 

Thanks, that helps a lot. I've seen the Vaio Pro 13 and liked the build quality but it was not as good as the other ones (MBA, Series9). So I guess this is close what I can expect from the Acer (ok, it's glass vs. carbon, not exactly the same).

Yes, specwise it sounds like a fantastic machine, here it's available with the 2560x1440 screen. So there's hope the build and keyboard quality have improved even more.

 

The 392 might be better built than the Vaio Pro 13 (or at least it feels sturdier). Sony really went after the lightest ultrabook possible, and I know it's carbon fiber something or another, but it flexes a lot compared to the 392/Series 9/MBA/Zenbook. Again, it's just a compromise they chose to make since we don't have infinitely strong materials. Each manufacturer chose to make different compromises. In short, I feel...

The Vaio Pro is very light but feels flimsy (even though it probably isn't, really).
The S7-392 is beautiful but a tad less rugged than aluminum alternatives (mainly the screen).
The MBA is well-built but lags behind in specs (especially the screen).
The Zenbook is sturdy but still last-gen (until the new Haswell ones come out, and those are built a little differently so it might not be comparable).
The KIRAbook looks great but is terribly expensive, and has horrid ghosting on its screen.

I don't know enough about the Ativ Book 9 other than it felt great to hold, but also lags in specs for the price.

I don't think any of the above are 100% perfect, but each person can choose what imperfection is least important to them and commit to the machine. Competition and choice are great