Acer Aspire 5553G review
AMD's new mobile processor is a step up from its previous models, but still lags behind Intel in terms of performance. As it stands, you can get laptops that are faster than the 5553G for less.
Specifications
15.6 in 1,366×768 display, 2.6kg, 2GHz AMD Phenom II X4 N930, 4.00GB RAM, 320GB disk, Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
The 5553G has a decent collection inputs and outputs, with four USB ports, plus VGA and HDMI outputs and a memory card reader. The headphone output jack also doubles as an S/PDIF digital audio output. For storage, you have a reasonably generous 320GB hard disk. The internal speakers were clear and although lacking bass, the sound was more balanced than on other laptop speakers; however they were far too quiet.
The 5553G isn’t a bad laptop, but for around £500 you can get a Core i3 or i5 model that’s quicker in Windows. If you want the ultimate performance in both games and Windows, Acer’s own Aspire TimelineX 4820T costs £200 more, but is faster all-round and has almost eight hours of battery life.
Basic Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Rating | *** |
| Processor | AMD Phenom II X4 N930 |
| Processor clock speed | 2GHz |
| Memory | 4.00GB |
| Memory slots | 2 |
| Memory slots free | 0 |
| Maximum memory | 8GB |
| Size | 379x250x34mm |
| Weight | 2.6kg |
| Sound | Realtek HD Audio |
| Pointing device | touchpad |
Display | |
| Viewable size | 15.6 in |
| Native resolution | 1,366×768 |
| Graphics Processor | ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5470/ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4250 |
| Graphics/video ports | VGA, HDMI |
| Graphics Memory | 512MB |
Storage | |
| Total storage capacity | 320GB |
| Optical drive model | TSSTcorp TS-L633C |
| Optical drive type | DVD+/-RW +/-DL |
Ports and Expansion | |
| USB ports | 4 |
| Bluetooth | no |
| Wired network ports | 1x 10/100/1000 |
| Wireless networking support | 802.11b/g/n |
| PC Card slots | none |
| Modem | No |
| Supported memory cards | SD, MMC, Memory Stick Pro, xD |
| Other ports | minijack audio output/S/PDIF (shared), minijack microphone input |
Miscellaneous | |
| Carrying case | No |
| Operating system | Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit |
| Operating system restore option | backup and recovery software |
| Software included | Microsoft Works SE 9 |
| Optional extras | none |
Buying Information | |
| Warranty | one year RTB |
| Price | £700 |
| Details | www.acer.co.uk |
| Supplier | http://www.pcworld.co.uk |