Problems? See this thread at archive.org.
I'd like to post my user review of the laptop in a question and answer form as to make it easier for people to look for specific answers from certain specific questions. hope this helps some of you guys.
1. what is the cpu clock?
answer: it ranges from 1.6 ghz to 2.3 ghz on normal mode. it can run lower than that when running idle or unused which turns off the fans automatically to give them a breather or when the cpu doesn't need to process at all that much. it can run 2.6 ghz in turbo mode consistently only when needed or when tweaked. just make sure you have the necessary up to date drivers for intel cpu/graphics and nvidia graphics card.
2. how can I tweak/modify my cpu, memory, fan, voltage and graphics card?
answer: you can download the latest XTU application from the intel website.
3. what is the processor model and number of cores for this V7 version?
answer: it's the Haswell 4200u dual core model for ultrabooks which are known to run ultra-low voltage for energy efficiency.
4. does being energy efficient and dual core makes the laptop perform poorly unlike it's standard or higher clocked siblings?
answer: not really. it performs much the same way as it's other siblings at similar clockspeed. the only difference is the stock base clock from where the cpu consistently runs at it's lowest speed.
5. what are the benefits from it being energy efficient?
answer: this would mean less power consumption, longer battery life and operation, lesser heat, lesser fan noise, longer lifespan for the cpu/gpu and fan.
6. does the cpu throttles under extensive stress or when used with highly demanding programs such as graphics and gaming?
answer: NO ! I extensively stress tested the cpu for one hour and it never throttled.
7. is the cpu clockspeed enough for multi-tasking?
answer: on most instances, it is more than enough like opening multiple browser windows and tabs and running certain programs in the background. it is quick and fast. it is also more than capable of opening multiple raw image files on you adobe lightroom and photoshop catalogue without delay. same goes with running movies or videos as well. however, highly extensive and demanding programs for graphic/video design (especially 3D), it is recommended to open and work on limited number of projects and plugins at a time. otherwise, reserve such multiple multi-tasking 3D graphics and video works for desktops.
8. is the cpu clock enough to run current-gen and next-gen games?
answer: Yes. it's been more than a decade that games are still running on 2 ghz speed and rarely demand something at 3 ghz. this is mainly because most games are gpu-extensive rather than cpu-extensive. in fact, 2.5 ghz should be or has been the standard speed for contemporary modern age gaming since 2002. the extra power of additional 0.5 ghz or 1 ghz of 3ghz of 3.5 ghz of CPU power is reserved for server applications or host cpu or something for highly extensive and demanding tasks for power users and not necessary for casual gamers and users. basically saying it is overkill for most users. games will run as long as game developers decide to keep on designing games running at such clock speed.
9. do I need a quad core cpu?
answer: let's just say that quad core is for power users or those who think ahead about future-proofing. if you are going to use the cpu for 8 years or more, then this seems like the best choice. however, for me what is important is the technological advancement in cpu architecture and instructions and execution sets. if the cpu manufacturers decide to change or adapt to a newer architecture next year or after 5 years than the present day Haswell quadcore architecture, those possible future cpu's could run significantly more efficient and faster than the Haswell. to answer the question about quadcores, it just basically enables you or increase the number of tasks and programs run and performed at the same time at optimal speed thereby increasing productivity for those instances that requires it or needs it. again, casual users and gamers don't necessarily need this much instruction power.
10. is the GPU (GT750m/HD4400) sufficient in running current gen and future gen games?
answer: the GT 750m dedicated gpu is more than capable of running such games with fluidity. also, you can tweak the games to optimal settings by using NVidia geforce experience software found on the Nvidia website for download. you can also tweak the gpu by using the XTU application. and you could adjust the visual quality and resolution to improve the performance further. the visual quality is really good and I don't think that anyone would need more. it is capable of running 1080p with great amount of detail with certain games such as Battlefield 4. if I would compare the graphics of BF4 on the PS4 and XBO and find those really nice, those are not even in the same league as the GT 750m. it's just that good. just make sure to download the latest drivers and utilities for better graphics and performance boost. this gpu is mainly for gaming purposes.
the Intel HD4400 integrated gpu really surprised me. it was able to render HD quality and HD fluidity at 1080p with movies and videos. also, it was more than sufficient to run photo/image editing softwares such as Adobe lightroom/photoshop, CaptureOne, DxOmarks, etc... with ease and show great quality and speed. although I must say that image editors are more CPU and SSD speed extensive rather than GPU. what I liked about the HD4400 is that it is capable of running contemporary modern games such as BF4 at an acceptable frame rate of 20-30 fps with low/medium visual settings at certain resolution levels or by tweaking the iGPU itself if one wishes to have better visuals without sacrificing performance. despite of it being impressive due to the playability and visual quality, it does still fall short in comparison to the the GT750m due to slower framerate, less visual quality of texture details, lack of anti-alising, lighting, etc... and also the inability to run smoothly or run at all with the more demanding games. but I do applaud Intel for such improvement and making this igpu capable of running and playing certain games on steam or games that are not too demanding. I could only imagine how the HD5000 and HD5200 perform. and I think they would be so close to how the GT750m category.
the HD4400 is mainly for energy-efficiency use for basic and everyday tasks, programming, editing, browsing, accounting and other desk work that don't require extensive graphics processing power. it is highly recommended to have the latest driver inorder to use it's additional features.
11. what is the running temp of the laptop?
answer: running temp is around 45 degrees celsius on average at room temperature. depending on outside forces, it could go high during hot summers and go cooler during winter time. running temp for gaming ranges from 65C to 85C depending on scenario with the GT750m. the HD4400 runs at constant 65C while gaming which is great for power-saving or when running on batteries.
12. are the fans audible or distracting?
answer: when running everyday tasks, the fan noise are minimal and most likely would run on only a single fan which is mostly the CPU. the fan would occasionally runs slower or shuts down if the cpu doesn't need cooling or runs on only one core at 900mhz (cpu speed of a modern day smartphone). it is not distracting. however, both fans go to work when gaming is involved. although audible, I find the noise tolerable, not distracting and not an issue compared to most laptops that sound like a jet turbine.
13. heat emissions?
answer: I say that the laptop doesn't generate much heat from the CPU and both GPU's. it also helped that the main exhausts are located at the rear side of the laptop rather than generate heat downwards. however, I say that Acer could have atleast done a better job and used a better heat insulating materials. the keyboard (especially the central part) area does get significantly warm which can cause some discomfort.
14. build quality?
answer: overall, the build quality is very good. the body is made of tough plastic material with a metal-like finish. the ports look good although can be tight at first. the display looks great. the touchpad is ok but nothing special. some people might find the touchpad to be slippery but I think it has more to do with the finish perception. just make sure to have the latest driver installed.
* Keyboard issues?
if there was one major flaw the V7 have, that has to be the keyboard. the keyboard is shallow and flimsy and poorly designed. and most importantly, the keyboard layout is terrible. I'm not sure who thought of this poor design and allowed to put it to such a beautiful laptop, but that person needs to be fired. I don't think the keyboard would last very long for standard normal use as it is too flimsy for normal and constant pressure from typing. and were they thinking splitting the Lshift key with an unnecessary backslash which is often accidentally pressed alongside. and another backslash split key on the return key which is also easily can be accidentally pressed simultaneously with the return key. the least they could have done is to put some space between the keys and reduce the length of the unnecessary longer Rshift key to make room for it. and also reduce the size of the return key as well to make the necessary spacing. the keys do need some better, sturdy and well-placed bumper cushions as they seems to wear-off easily and could have stuck keys in the future. as that was bad enough, the keyboard could have used better heat insulating materials from preventing heat on permeating on the surface which could drastically wear the keyboard component as well. I wouldn't recommend using the keyboard for gaming as well and better off with a separate keyboard to be used. same goes for typing purposes as this would be a nightmare for such type of users.
15. storage components?
answer: the V7 has a 24GB msata ssd which acts as cache for the slow standard 5200rpm 500gb standard 2.5 sata hdd. other than the installed windows 8 system on the drive, the drive is pretty much garbage and better off with a SATA 3 1 TB hybrid drive. just make sure you buy a 7mm thickness otherwise it won't fit. personally, I would recommend upgrading the MSata port with a higher capacity ssd of atleast 240gb and the standard sata port with SSD of 256gb or 512gb capacity. for some reason, the stock hdd seems to be UEFI dedicated. the fact that the bios and windows 8 seems to be buggy as of the moment, would one consider to replace both the stock msata and stock sata drive. this is something both Acer and Microsoft needed to be fixed asap. SSD is good especially if access time is your top priority.
16. can I install any other operating system?
answer: of course. you can even have the O/S running on the external USB 3.0 port or thru a network (including wireless).
17. is the display touchscreen?
answer: yes. and I found it really convenient and useful for quick access and browsing.
18. what is the memory ram?
answer: 8 gb. 4 gb soldered in and 4 GB on one slot running both at 1600mhz as dual channel. max of 12gb. I recommend upgrading the memory with an 8gb ram with the same frequency and latency to run at dual channel mode and better performance.
19. what are the specs for the GT750m and HD4400?
answer: I was surprised to find out that the memory for the GT750m is actually 4GB dedicated ram and not 2 GB as was proposed and printed by every seller. there was a 2GB ram though, but that was the shared memory of the HD4400. the HD4400 however has a dedicated video ram of 32MB. which is no wonder why the GT750m performed so well on very demanding games, and the HD4400 performed nicely with rendering videos and running certain games with fluidity and good graphics.
20. display type
answer: the display is an IPS panel which is very beautiful, bright and vibrant. one of the things that I like best on the V7 or is the main reason why I got the V7 in the first place, aside from the small, sleek and thin frame design. I needed such a display screen for my Photo Editing tasks and it's color accuracy, gamut, brightness, vibrancy and high contrast are very critical or crucial for my workflow. something that most/if not all other competing laptops don't possess. it only requires a slight tweak to get the optimum result.
for gaming, I used Battlefield 4 for testing. the screen refresh is quick and fast without any noticeable perceptual delay. the visual quality is fantastic and gamers would surely appreciate and love such a beauty. I believe the IPS type screen should be a standard for gaming from here on and be a pair to the gpu. if some gamers think that the display quality isn't as relevant as the graphics card, they are surely missing out on something really good and as relevant as the gpu. there is a reason why such display panel drives the cost of the laptop. and you have to see to believe it.
21. other 14 inch laptop alternatives?
answer: I debated long and hard which laptop to consider and surely there are some options that I came close to getting as well. but ultimately, I ended up with the Acer V7.
MSI GE40 - this is a very powerful laptop with really high specs. athough the reports that I'm getting about it are really of concern. overheating issues, jet turbine engine fan noise and poor build seems to plague this laptop. and the screen display is cheap and very poor quality. I would not recommend this at all.
ASUS ROG G45VW - I would have considered this if it were cheaper with the better HD display panel. also, an alternative if ever the Acer V7 disappoints me with durability. this is a great laptop in my personal experience with ROG laptops. great cooling and heat insulation. great build quality and materials. I highly recommend this as well.
Sager/Clevo NP7330/W230ST - despite not having any experience with this brand, I'll say I'd come really close to purchasing this laptop. I would consider getting this as well if the Acer fails. I would recommend this due to upgradibility and seemly good build quality. but ultimately, the IPS display which is worth every cent additional that you pay for. that and the better spec cpu and gpu.
ACER V7
PROS:
affordable/fair price
a very well balanced portable laptop for work and gaming on the go
travel friendly
14 inch screen
1.8 KG weight
IPS Panel
OPTIMUS HD4400/NVIDIA GT 750m 4 GB VRAM -
0.79 inch thin
Haswell 4th generation CPU ULV
DDR3L RAM
SLEEK design
silent operation (normal setting) / acceptable or tolerable fan noise under full load.
no throttling of CPU/GPU
dual fan
1 msata slot
1 SATA slot (7mm)
12GB max ram
long hours of battery operation
great for travel
* for people on the go and have to carry the unit for miles and in a cramped up space. for demanding image/picture editors like Photoshop, DXO, Capture One Pro, etc...
CONS:
flimsy keyboard and poor layout design (designer needs to get fired)
poor heat insulation on the keyboard area. - can cause discomfort
stock HDD deserves the trash bin.
Bios is buggy - needs update
Windows 8/8.1 is buggy
missing or hard to find drivers
compatibility issues with softwares and other drivers
lemons are a possibility
* not for people who needed massive multi-tasking and extremely demanding video/graphics editing. some hardcore gamers that wanted 1080 resolution with ULTRA detail settings that matters to them. I'd suggest sticking with desktops with such usage.
OVERALL, this laptop is very good for consumers that wanted a good balance on everything from basic computing to photo/graphics/video editing and gaming on the go. the energy efficiency and small, light, sleek and thin design makes it ideal for travel. despite it's issue with the warm keyboard, it runs cooler than some of the laptops out there, thanks to the Haswell cpu, optimus capability, dual fan and rear exhausts, you can practically let it sit on your lap as a laptop is meant for. I'm sure there are other laptops which are equally as good or has their own strong points depending on the users preferences, needs and usage.
ISSUES/CONCERNS:
apart from the keyboard, the concerns that are needed to be addressed would be the Bios update and compatibility issues. for some reason, the existing Windows 8/8.1 behaves erratically. something failing to recognize or detect drivers. failure to update firmwares and couldn't detect and run PnP devices correctly, such as ssd drives, wifi, external boot drives, networks, etc... which I believe is caused by the UEFI integration of the O/S which isn't working correctly.
the problem with Acer was that it didn't provide the necessary drivers for other O/S such as Windows 7 or Linux which runs much better than the Windows 8.1. this would post a problem to those who aren't tech savvy and such concern should be addressed and dealt with as soon as possible.
Rating:
Build Design - 7/10 (the keyboard drastically dragged down the build score overall, otherwise I would have given it an 8.5)
Performance - 8/10
Value - 8/10
Overall Score - 7.6/10
Acer V7-482PG-6662 User Review (14 inch canadian model) - detailed, pros and cons, conclusion, personal rating
Discussion in 'Acer' started by TellyBoi, Dec 2, 2013.
