POLL: How is the 3820TG in terms of build quality?

I am returning my m11x (horrible support...)From what I have heard, people say to avoid Acer...However, the timelineX series seems very solid from the videos/pictures I have seen.

I am in Canada so I will probably be ordering it soon.

So for those who have the 13" 3220tg (or any similar timelineX model), how would you rate the build quality ??Any specific issues ?

Also, I only see the i3 versions for sale. Does the i3 get better battery life compared to i5? Is the performance similar ?

 

I'm interested too, as the Acer's I've seen at Office Max, Staples, etc. all have really crappy keyboards, and flimsy lids.

 

The lid is a bit weak, but its an ultrathin model, so that comes with the territory. The keyboard isn't stellar, but I can't stand a bilingual KB so I'm replacing it anyway. The speakers are mediocre, but it is an ultralight/thin notebook, sooo....

I'd say good, slightly above average. I do love the design.

 

Does the one that's sold in Canada have bilingual kb, or plain ol' English?

 

Bi ...

Bronsky

 

Shouldnt matter as long as the keys are in the same place as yankee kb's. We should all be masters of the kb by now.

 

If it bothers you, you can swap in a stock US KB in a few seconds without any modification. By now, they should have them in stock somewhere in the US.

Bronsky

 

I like how every thread I respond to has you in it

Can you confirm the flimsyness/tightness of the screen hinge? Also, can you describe the quality of the AC adapter/plug/jack? HP has some crappy ones...

 

Since my motherboard is in China, I have nothing to play with ... I'm bored.

Bronsky

 

Oh, don't fool yourself. It has a half width left shift key. You will find a \| key where the right half of the shift key is supposed to be.

\\\\\\\\when I had that keyboard on my system everything would look like this sentence does now\\\\\\\\\\1

 

OH NOES--are you serious? Well, replacing the kb would be a fun project then. I can additionally go in and add double-sided tape where needed.

 

The Keyboard on this machine looks different then a lot of keyboards out there. How typing on it?

 

the keyboard quality is GOOD. I don't think there's any problem with the build of the keyboard, material, etc. What people complain about regarding the keyboard is it's design... it's just a weird design by nature and im my opinion, is the worst design out there in terms of response, looks, maintenance, etc. Typing on it is ok, but I'd much rather prefer a true island style or regular laptop keyboard over this strange hybrid. Not something I havn't got use to, but its just a matter of preference.

The lid is thin, but that does come with the territory for thin and lights. The overall build quality for this laptop is very good in general.

 

Ever play with a Dell Vostro or m11x? I was messing around with my office's Vostro today, and it's meh. The kb has tons of flex, the lid is thin, etc. But overall, it's okay. If the 3820TG is close to it in terms of quality, then I'll be satisfied (enough). If its more like the Lenovo Y460 or any Toshiba, then I'm turned off---WAY off.

 

the keyboard has a slight amount of flex, but not enough to notice unless you really press down hard on the middle keys. I'd say the quality is about equivalent to the Dell inspirons, and below the rock solid feel of Asus.

 

any idea where? I'm not nearly sophisticated enough to hook up one of the backlit ones (and wouldn't want to affect depth profile in any way), but if they have one that is a perfect fit and is just a matter of popping in, I'd be totally game.

 

Is there any way to remap the keyboard manually, in order to make that button into another shift (essentially creating 3, with these two right next to each other)?

 

Funny, I used to love my Dell Vostro Keyboard as it had the firmer more traditional keyboard. I had to use it last night and I'm wondering how I ever did it before. I have gotten so used to the short throw and light touch of the Acer keyboard that I find it difficult to type as fast on a traditional KB. Acer has ruined me.

Bronsky

 

Mine look like this .



PS: If you don't like the Chinese character then just buy a bottle of acetone .

 

Exactly same problem here.I am totally ruined myself Seriously thinking turning into alcohol and it's all Acer's fault

Back in the days when you were worried about your 1410's keyboard I knew it will come a day when you will be ruined.

 

I think alcohol might be the answer.

Bronsky

 

The rubbing kind, right ?

 

i wana know more about the keyboard that most people dont like.

 

The 12 year old single malt kind.

Bronsky

 

I happen to like the keyboard but it took a lot of getting used to. It feels very flimsy at first because it has almost no resistence and has a very short throw. In the 11.6" acers it is very tightly spaced and harder to use than the 13.3" units. I have gotten very fast on my 3820TG and really miss it. Of course, I had the backlit version KB which seems to have a better typing action than the stock model.

Bronsky

 

Id like to see a notebookreview review of it or a cnet review. There is just realy no telling for the average user if this laptop is something that is going to be something we can use.

 

This is a cnet review of the 3820T:

Acer Aspire TimelineX AS3820T-5246 Review - Laptops - CNET Reviews

 

As an FYI, I just received a 3820 tg today and it was DOA - keyboard has a ton of flex and the "i" and "k" keys don't work at all.

I am typing this on a 3820 i5 with ati 5470, which i ordered for my inlaws a few weeks ago, which does not have these problems.

Clearly they have some inconsistency in assembly, as some of these seem to be of fine construction, while others are very poor.

I now have to send it in (they were gracious enough to pay for and arrange shipping) for repair, and won't get it back until a week or two after they receive it.

Major pain in the . My best advice, which I didn't follow here, is always to buy laptops and other tech from a local retailer with an unconditional return policy (e.g., Staples) or when ordering online to buy from someone who gives you the option to return defective merchandise for replacement (e.g., NCIX with their express RMA option).

I bought from Cendirect, and while they have not written back to me yet, their website seems pretty clear that they want people to deal with the manufacturers for defects and will not take back defective merchandise.

 

Hmmmm. Worth reading the site and maybe paying a few $$ more if your importing. I would like to have a place where I can return the unit ... please post any experiences like that here. http://forum.notebookreview.com/acer/501992-acer-3820tg-north-america-purchase-options-146.html

Bronsky

 

Yep this seems to be the problem with Acer that is why I always buy from stores and check before leaving.