Aspire V7-482PG-9884

What in the ?

Do all laptops get 500$ off when you're a student? Is htis a 1 day only thing (aka, should i impulse buy right NOW???)

 

I promised a review a while ago and sincerely apologize. I am going off to college in one week and preparing for that takes priority to this review. I do not want to leave you guys with nothing for so long though, so I am going to upload everything I have done so far and then When I finish the full review I will start a new Thread labeled something like : Review and Owners Lounge of V7. I have a Ton of bench marks and Pictures (not too many benchmarks on battery life though sorry) and I'd say 70% of the review is done. So enjoy what I have and any feedback is appreciated. Here ya go! https://www.dropbox.com/sh/um7554gbkxh3gkv/4pusWB6q0S

 

4 hours of movies would probably be pushing it. As far as brightness, I can work pretty well on the very lowest brightness setting, though the battery life is never really stellar either way.

 

Ultrabooks have to get 6 hours of HD playbook. Check out the Ultrabook specs.

Intel announces updated ultrabook requirements - NotebookCheck.net News

So if it does not get 6 hours, call Acer and demand a refund, if you care about battery life. I am satisfied with my Acer V7. Then again, there is no Ultrabook sticker on this laptop, so is it really an Ultrabook.

 

I ordered the V7-482PG-9884 yesterday, and am looking to buy a 256GB mSATA SSD to replace the 24GB Cache. I did a little looking around and found that the three major ones are the Crucial M4 256GB, the Mushkin Enhanced Atlas Series 240GB, and the Plextor M5M 256GB.

From what it looks like, the Crucial is the most popular and the way to go. (Although there are some reported issues of driver malfunctions)

What brand SSDs did you guys buy and how are they working?

 

Aren't most people just buying the SSD to put the OS on? And then the 1TB HDD is still used as the primary for files? Or is there a better path that most people go? If what I'm thinking is correct, then isn't a 256GB SSD overkill? The OS doesn't require much space right, wouldn't a 128GB be better?

Basically I'd like to know what the smartest size SSD is to get to put into the V7 and how the SSD and HDD should each be used?

 

I originally was looking in the 128GB range to store the OS and a few programs (i.e. steam games). I decided to skip up to the 256GB range because I could have double the space for another $80.

From the research I've done, I would say that 128GB is definitely a good size for the OS and you'll have some room for a few programs. Getting a 256GB (or higher) depends on whether you think the higher cost is worth the extra space. You also are kind of getting a better deal with the higher capacity SSDs because the price-per-gigabyte is lower, but the overall price is still higher.

I figured I might as well go for the higher size because I would be able to use the space for more programs and another $80 isn't too bad. Other people may just be content to save $80 and not have that extra space....It's really just preference

 

Wow, thanks for the keyboard flex video--that's looks crazy

 

I'm heavily leaning towards buying this, only question now is CA version or US

 

Is the seemingly massive keyboard flex a problem?

 

In the video he has the laptop on carpet so it may seem a bit bigger since the carpet compressed when he pressured the laptop. To flex mine as much, as the video, a significant amount of force is needed and I had not even noticed any flex until I watched the video and tried to duplicate it.

 

no. no keyboard flex at all when typing. you will not notice it unless you go out of your way. Keyboard is fine. it really is. No flex when typing (only when obnoxiously pushing on it, just a reminder that it is just one long sheet of plastic) Typiing is very accurate. good actuation. just a little shallow.

Hold your horses guys
I found a great competitor for this laptop! Customize Zeus Hercules Gaming Notebook It has a 1080p IPS 14" display. 1tb hard drive and room for mSata. and the brand new quadcore haswell CPU with Iris pro graphics. I looked up the stats of this new iris pro 5200 integrated graphics and it will be better than the 640m. probably on same scale as 650m or about 10-15% worse than the 750m in the Aspire v7. This ultrabook is partially aluminum too, so you wont get the plasticy low quality feeling like the acer v7.
The cons of this new laptop. No backlit keyboard (dealbreaker for me) No touchscreen and unknown IPS quality. Probably worse speakers than v7.

 

The laptop you linked is built on a Clevo W740SU chasis. It's already been talked about and announced about a month ago. Xoticpc and Mythologic are also offering customizations on it as well. I think it's a good option too, but I don't like the design and I also want backlit keyboard and dedicated graphics.

I have some questions on the Canada V7 versus the US V7:

Would only a very intensive user need the 9884 V7? I am thinking the 6662 Canadian version will suffice for me. I do not need 1TB of storage, and I doubt I need 12GB of RAM. The graphics are the same and so is the screen. Is the i5-4200U a fairly weak processor? Or will it be fine for everything from HD streaming to light/medium gaming? The 6662 is exactly the same besides the differences I mentioned correct? Is ncix.com the best place to buy the 6662 from if I am in the US? Unfortunately they have a restocking fee on returns but that's understandable.

The pictures of the V7 on ncix.com show the keyboard of the 6662 without a lot of the differences and French markings. If I buy from ncix would I receive a U.S. looking keyboard then, or is that probably just a stock photo? Besides the French markings on the 6662 keyboard, are any buttons actually missing or in different places? I don't want to be surprised. I know a user posted a photo. I wish I could have the U.S. version keyboard on the 6662, so that's why I'm wondering if ncix's pictures are accurate.

 

So battery life is closer to 6hr for low-intensity low-brightness office use?

 

WOW! The sound that came from this laptop is awesome!!!!!

 

If anyone is looking for a good quality sleeve/case for this, I ended getting one from a manufacturer called Burnoaa in S. Korea off of ebay Acer Aspire V5 14" Laptop Carry Case Sleeve Protective Bag Memory Foam Black 085854168397 | eBay . Model product # is: A4SWP; fits the V7-482PG perfectly.

 

I received the laptop today. It's heavier than I thought! Trying to see if I should've gone for Lenovo X1 Carbon...but the screen quality is excellent (despite it being glare). Fan noise comes and goes at random-- I've mixed feelings about that. When it's quiet though, it's definitely quieter than the Asus zenbook.

What's really bothering me is that the intel core i7 sticker on the computer is crooked...I know it's an unimportant detail, but I think it's ridiculous...

 

Hey Kyky5700 how heavy is the laptop im planning on getting it soon
and Have you been outside with it...can you see the screen with the sun out?

 

4.4lbs

If I buy the Canadian version from ncix.com will I have the different keyboard with French markings for sure or will it be the normal looking US keyboard that they have as their picture on their site? Anybody?

 

Thank you cernio

and kyky5700 hows the battery life?

 

I haven't tested the battery life because it's not really a big issue for me. If it can get at least 4 solid hours, I'll be happy (it should, right...?)

I haven't brought it outside yet! The glare is noticeable when the screen has darker colored background. When I'm just surfing on the internet, etc., it doesn't really bother me.

I was concerned about the keyboard before my purchase because I heard about it being shallow, but surprisingly, it's not bad at all.

The computer just feels bulky. I think for it's size, it's heavy (considering it's an "ultrabook"). The Acer website's description says this is an "ultrabook," but this notebook's listed under the "Notebook" tab and not "Thin & Light" tab... I got to see the Lenovo X1 Carbon in store and it was really light and sleek. I would've bought that instead if it had IPS or equally great screen quality....

 

So is the touchpad as bad as some people are saying? Is it just really problematic or it's fine? That one user who posted a very detailed review seemed to really dislike the touchpad.

I'm pretty much happy with everything about this. I really need to buy a laptop soon. Screen is great and I am not worried about performance. I am mildly concerned about battery life but if I can get 5 hours regularly I'll be content. So how's the touchpad?

Have any other USA people bought the Canadian version V7?

 

Basically I'd like to know what the smartest size SSD is to get to put into the V7 and how the SSD and HDD should each be used?[/QUOTE]

I don't think this question was fully answered and I have the same question... I want to buy the mSATA SSD, but which brand should I buy? I was recommended the Mushkin earlier in the thread, but I'd love to hear more opinion before I decide.

(Can I just get any mSATA's or are there specific sizes/kinds that I should buy for this particular laptop? I don't know much about computers...)

On another note, whenever I use the trackpad, I zoom in by mistake...any tips on how to ameliorate this issue?

 

I also would like an opinion on the i7 vs. the i5. I don't plan on gaming with my laptop but I don't want it to be super slow either. I do some light video editing every now and then, and don't want my virus scan to take forever. Just basic stuff.

As for the guy asking about the Candian version having a US keyboard, I'm fairly certain you're never going to find one of those. Most likely the picture is innacurate.

 

Go the other way and ask the Acer service/support/repair center how expensive it will be to replace the ca keyboard against your favor type.

 

Hello,
I'm interested to buy this notebook but I heavily use linux when not gaming and I'd like to know if there is an option in the bios to disable the GT 750M and use only the integrated GPU? It's possible with my vaio S13 and it's really nifty since linux doesn't handle well optimus and you can save a great deal of battery without using the dGPU.

 

Has anyone considered this option: HP Envy Touchsmart 14t-k000 Ultrabook -- HP ENVY TouchSmart 14t-k000 Ultrabook | HP® Official Store

It seems pretty comparable to the Acer if customized ...and it's a 14". I'd appreciate your opinions!

 

smaller HDD, worse screen, more expensive, worse GPU,

 

Getting it as close as possible, the HP comes in a $1245, but it has a lower resolution screen that's almost certainly worse looking, a worse graphics card, less RAM, and a smaller battery,

 

Thank you for the comments! I guess I should just keep the Acer...

I spoke with someone who might add the SSD in for me and he said that the 1TB HDD will probably have to come out even though I'm replacing the cache with mSATA. Is this true?? Ideally I would like to keep the 1TB storage...

(Also, brand recommendations for which SSD to buy?)

 

If you buy a mSata, the HDD can stay at its place.
If you buy an 2,5" SSD, the HDD has to be removed.

 

I just got an email back from NCIX, he said the V7-482PG-6662 has a Canadian bilingual qwerty keyboard.

 

Does it matter whether I install the SSD when the laptop relatively new vs. when it's been used for a few months? Would it affect the performance or reliability in any way?
(considering I'll have backed up all of my data..)

 

Simple answer, no. That said, if you wait until you have installed stuff to the HD then you will have to either reinstall that stuff onto the SSD or somehow restore the backup onto the SSD. It would be simpler to just install windows onto the SSD and start fresh.

 

Just a PSA to everyone buying this laptop - I cannot stress how unbelievably bad the trackpad is. It is truly horrendous, and I really don't know what was going through acer's design team/whoever's mind when designing it. Especially with the 1080p screen, some icons on applications are very small and because the buttons are integrated almost all of the time I'll accidentally move the cursor while trying to click which is very, very frustrating. If you're coming from a laptop with separate mouse trackpad buttons like me you may rest your thumb on the bottom of the trackpad ready to click, but this will result in the trackpad interpreting every gesture as a two finger pinch/stretch until you turn off multitouch gestures or keep only one finger on the trackpad. Luckily for me I can deal with the problem by using a mouse at my desk and the touchscreen when I'm on the go. Also, the trackpad is large and if you're resting your forearms on the top of your laptop (which is comfortable for me) you may end up accidentally brushing the top corners of the trackpad. It's been frustrating to me but luckily the computer comes with a Fn hotkey to disable the trackpad which I have disabled almost constantly. When not using the mouse, sometimes the 1080p screen makes touching small icons difficult, and you may have to rely on the trackpad.

Perhaps there's something I'm missing about the trackpad and my continued ability to completely fail at using it? I still don't know how the people who designed this laptop deemed this trackpad fit for usage because it's so difficult to work on. Perhaps there's some secret technique I need to nail down to use this thing efficiently?

That being said, the trackpad is my only qualm with an otherwise flawless purchase. The screen, as everyone has said, is gorgeous, and performance is fantastic with the i7-4500u. I can understand some people saying that the keyboard has low travel but it shouldn't be a problem for most people-those used to chiclet keyboards on laptops will find this one very similar. The keys make a satisfying clack and they are evenly spaced with convenient hotkeys to disable the screen, change monitors, and disable the trackpad (necessary haha). Build quality is excellent and the laptop is whisper quiet unless doing intensive gaming. I replaced the HDD with a Samsung 840 Pro 512gb SSD and it is ridiculously fast. Boot time (I measured) is 8 seconds. Startup from sleep or hibernate is 1-2 seconds.

My game library is pretty solid so if you want a game benchmarked I can look into it. Skyrim, Bioshock Infinite, Sleeping Dogs, Borderlands 2, Just cause 2, CS:GO, FO3, FO:NV, fallout 3, GTA IV, Civ 5, Rage, ArmA II/DayZ, Saints Row: The Third, Alan Wake, darksiders II, Deus Ex: HR, DOTA 2, L4D2, XCOM: EU, Torchlight II, The Sims 3, Dead Space 3, Medal of Honor, Burnout aradise, etc.

What I can say now is that for 2011-2012 demanding games like skyrim, borderlands 2, and sleeping dogs, I'm able to play with high res texture packs at full 1080p on "high" preset settings around 40fps. Gaming performance is excellent, and on an Ultrabook it's ludicrous.

 

Quick question: Is the battery removable?

 

Not without opening the laptop.

 

Proofy hows battery life?

 

General usage will give me around 5 hours with brightness around 75%. Other than that I can't say I have much experience with battery life while gaming, watching HD video, etc. I'm sure you could squeeze out 6 hours with minimum brightness and light usage.

 

Proofy, is there a particular reason you replaced the HDD instead of just adding an mSATA (and keeping the 1TB HDD)?

 

Hi. Thanks for the input. I would love a benchmark of probably all the games coz i'll be playing almost all of them on this laptop. My only problem is that i'll be getting the i5-4200U which i'm sure will definitely affect the more CPU intensive games.

 

I almost always uninstall the trackpad software and just use the windows driver.

 

That HP Envy looks pretty nice. I was able to customize it pretty similar for ~$1150 total. Just lacking FHD and 12GB RAM. I realize the screen is probably much 'worse' than the V7's, but honestly I need a laptop now and I don't think the 1600x900 will be that bad, considering it's $250 less (V7 comes out to $1400 for me after tax). The 15" Envy seemed to get decent reviews. I may give this 14" Envy a go, and if I don't like it I'll return and probably go for the V7.

 

Could someone check in the bios if this option is available please?

 

A couple of options are available for u. The V7 is available on the US ncix webstore or if you are really interested in the HP, you can register for HP academy and get an instant discount (of about $150).

 

if you go to my dropbox link in one of my previous posts you can see all the bios settings

 

Couple of reasons, none of them, I admit, are that good. First, I wanted to avoid having to manage two hard drives and deciding what programs and files to put on which drive.; I liked the simplicity of having only one drive. Second, I simply wanted everything to load up FAST, and that's how I did it. I have external hard drives for excess storage and I won't run out of space in my main SSD. Furthermore, it was difficult to find a 512gb mSATA SSD (256gb would be a bit too small for my needs.) Third, there are (very minor) weight and battery life improvements for taking out the HDD and the mSATA for a single SSD.

Wow, that's a lot of games. I'll try to get most of them benchmarked but probably not all of them as downloading them will take a huge amount of space and time. Your i5 may be a bottleneck on some games.

Another PSA: you may have different opinions on the trackpad. My friend has the Canadian version and taps on the trackpad instead of using the integrated buttons and said his experience wasn't that bad. However, for me, it's nearly unusable.

 

The only reason I have not bought the Canadian version yet is these horrible trackpad reviews now. Is it always going to be that bad? It sounds really unusable and that would be a deal breaker for me.

 

I have to say that i'm disappointed that you are unwilling to benchmark all of the games . As for the trackpad, you're right that I tap to click, but I can also use the normal clicking on it without a problem. I am not sure why you have such a vendetta against this trackpad. I think that the trackpad is just fine and while I use the mouse in general, I have no problems using the trackpad. I find that the touchscreen is convenient for many things but the touchpad is still better at precise clicking (just like a mouse). No trackpad is as good as a mouse, but this trackpad is no worse than any other I have used.

 

Thank you but unfortunately not a lot of options there :/ And not the one I wanted.

Another thing, I can only find the 15.6" version here in Switzerland with gt 750m and 256GB ssd, is it a sata 2 or sata 3 connector?