Acer Aspire AO721-3574 11.6-Inch Netbook (Mesh Black)

by Acer

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8 x 11.2 x 1.1 inches ; 3.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6.3 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B003N3GG0Y
• Item model number: AO721-3574
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,725 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 22, 2009

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Aspire One AO721: Ultra Mobile Power and Productivity

Optimized for improved energy efficiency and designed to deliver balanced performance needed to enjoy multiple applications and features, the Aspire One 721 features a powerful AMD Athlon II Neo processor, a full-sized keyboard for fast-paced, accurate data input, and up to 5.5 hours of battery life. Browse the Web, check e-mail, share photos, keep up with social networks, listen to music, and enjoy a wide variety of entertainment on the 11.6-inch LED-backlit display.

The powerful Acer Aspire One 721 netbook with AMD Athlon II Neo processor and 11.6-inch LED backlit display.

 

Type comfortably with the 93 percent of standard-size keyboard. Click here for a larger image.

 

With the AMD Athlon II Neo processor and ATI Radeon HD 4225 Graphics (with 384 MB of dedicated system memory), you'll be able to easily multitask--even with visually-intense, high-def applications--while freely exploring the Internet, sending and receiving e-mails, watching videos and playing games. The Aspire One 721 also features HDMI connectivity for enjoying high-definition entertainment on large peripheral displays.

A great choice for students as well as business travelers who like to travel light, Acer makes it easy to stay productive while on the go with the full-sized keyboard. You'll be able to easily video chat wherever you roam thanks to the Crystal Eye webcam integrated into the LCD's bezel, delivering smooth video streaming and high quality images even in low-light situations. The wide multi-gesture touchpad supports multi-gesture controls such as pinch, flick, and swirl for an intuitive navigation to view web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more.

Less than 1" thin and around 3 lbs., this netbook is small, making it easy to carry and take on-the-go.  The 6-cell battery fits flush into the chassis, further streamlining the netbook's look and providing up to 5.5 hours of cable-free battery life on a single charge!

This Aspire One comes pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system.

Key Features

• 11.6-inch LED-backlit screen (1366 x 768 resolution, 200-nit brightness) presents crisp, clear imagery for a great web browsing experience for on-line chats, e-mail, surfing the Web.
• 1.7 GHz AMD Athlon II Neo single-core processor K125 (1 MB L2 cache) provides a full-featured PC experience, exceptional HD entertainment, and long battery life rating so you can do more on the go.
• ATI Radeon HD 4225 graphics card provides exceptional features, performance and power-efficiencies that enrich what you see and do (384 MB dedicated graphics memory).
• 250 GB SATA hard drive (5400 RPM)
• 2 GB of installed DDR3 RAM
• Up to 5.5 hours of battery life with included 6-cell battery (4400 mAh).
• 1.3-megapixel Crystal Eye webcam integrated into the display bezel for easy video chats and conferencing (up to 1280 x 1024 resolution).
• Multi-Gesture Touchpad allows you to pinch, flick and swirl your fingers across the touchpad for more natural photo and video viewing as well as intuitive navigation of websites such as Google Earth. It also enables you to scroll, zoom in and out and flip through Web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more. (Learn more)
• 84-key, full-sized Acer FineTip keyboard,
• Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking capability provides up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range using 802.11n-compatible routers as you would with 802.11g networks. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found at Wi-Fi hotspots and in older home routers).
• Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000)
• Three USB 2.0 ports
• Multi-in-1 memory card reader compatible with MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, and xD-Picture Card (optional adapter supports optional Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, miniSD, microSD, and Reduced-Size MultiMediaCard)
• HDMI port for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable. Also includes a single VGA output.
• Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (Learn more)
• Kensington lock slot
• Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.0 x 1.1 inches (WxDxH)
• Weight: 3.1 pounds
• Warranty: One-year parts and labor limited warranty with concurrent International Traveler's Warranty
• Energy Star qualified

What's in the box

This package contains the Acer Aspire One AO721-3574 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions

It also comes with the following software: McAfee Internet Security Suite 2009 (trial version with 60 days of live update); Microsoft Works with Office (SP2) Trial (60 days); Google Toolbar; Norton Online Backup; MyWinLocker; Acer ePower Management, eRecovery Management and Launch Manager

Learn More

The Acer Multi-Gesture Touchpad

The wide Multi-Gesture Touchpad gives you control and mouse-less, fingertip convenience when navigating through web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more. Pinch, flick and swirl your fingers across the touchpad for more natural photo and video viewing as well as intuitive navigation of websites.

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium

Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you'll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to.

And with Windows Anytime Upgrade, you'll be able to add new features to your PC in as little as 10 minutes. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process, it requires no software or downloads, and you'll keep your existing programs, files, and settings

Product Description

Acer Aspire AO721-3574 Netbook comes with these specs: AMD Athlon II Neo Processor K125, Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit), 11.6-inch HD Widescreen CineCrystal LED-backlit Display, AMD 880G Chipset, 2048 MB DDR3 Memory, ATI Radeon HD 4225 Graphics, 250 GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive, Built-In Webcam 1.3MP (1280 x 1024), Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader, High-Definition Audio Support, 802.11b/g/n WiFi CERTIFIED, Gigabit Ethernet, 3 - USB 2.0 Ports, HDMI Port, Multi-gesture Touchpad, 6-cell Li-ion Battery (4400 mAh), up to 5.5 Hours of Battery Life, 3.09 lbs. | 1.4 kg (system unit only), AC Power Adapter, AC Power Cord, Wireless Setup Card, Registration/ Limited Warranty Card, McAfee Internet Security Suite Trial (60-day trial).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

87 of 88 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You've finally found what you need!, July 12, 2010

By 

SerNa - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Acer Aspire AO721-3574 11.6-Inch Netbook (Mesh Black) (Personal Computers)

It has been a long netbook/laptop search for me. I've been looking for something that is small (but not too small), light, thin, and has a better performance than Atom powered netbooks. I looked through every brand and model, including Toshiba, Asus, HP, Lenovo, Dell, etc. Sure, there are some nice ones out there, but all of them have at least one considerable drawback: high price, Atom processor, or some kind of problem like sluggish mouse pad.

I've spotted an old model of Acer Aspire One 11.6" about a year ago. It looked nice. So, when I saw that a new model has been released, I immediately bought it. Now, as I am typing this review using my new Acer, I can not say enough how glad I am that chose this model.

Pros:

1. I really like 11.6" screen. Bigger than 10", but smaller than 13". Very useful for work! And it is very bright too.

2. Performance is great. 1.7 GHz processor is FAST. Clear advantage over Atom processors.

3. Keyboard. Full size keyboard is very comfortable.

4. Mouse pad is responsive and has a nice multi-gesture feature that allows you to zoom in or zoom out the page. Since 11.6" is not 17", it can be useful at times.

5. It is VERY thin (less than 1-inch!) and VERY light. It is so easy to throw it in your briefcase, backpack or purse and carry everywhere with you.

6. I really like that the power cord attaches on the side and can be rotated. This design keeps it from constant bending and breaking.

7. It has a web camera and mike. Skype lovers rejoice! :- )

6. 2 GB DDR 3 Memory is plenty (assuming you are not going to use it as your primary laptop for Photoshop or something like that). You can add one more 2GB card if you wish.

7. 250 GB Hard Drive.

8. Comes preloaded with Windows 7 Home Premium! Update: Someone commented on Windows 7 and said that it is unstable and creates all sorts of problems. Praise God, I did not have any of those issues. Mine runs well and I did not have even a single instance of "hanging" so far.

9. Impressive ATI Radeon HD 4225 Graphics video card.

10. Of course Wireless Setup Card.

11. HDMI output so that you could share your photos and videos with your friends and family on a big screen.

12. 1366 x 768 magnificent resolution!

12. So far the fan was quiet and laptop did not heat above average. Of course, as with any other laptop, if you are planing to use it on your lap for hours and hours, plan also to get a cooling pad (unless it is a cold winter and you need to warm up :- ) By the way, cooling pad is a worthwhile investment-- it will prolong the life of your laptop.

Overall, it is a very nice laptop with VERY professional, stylish look, great performance and characteristics. If you want something small and inexpensive, yet powerful, Acer Aspire One is about as good as it gets.

Cons:

Well, it is hard to name any. It is good. There are though some things that you have to accept when you buy a laptop of this size and price.

1. Of course, there is no CD-ROM, but availability of wide range of flash drives basically takes care of this issue.

2. Speakers are clear, but, please, don't expect them to blow you away with a powerful sound.

3. The battery will last you about 5-5.5 hours (in economy mode). Yes, most Atom powered netbooks give you between 6-10 hours of battery powered work, but they are also slow. The bottom line, you have to choose what your are willing to sacrifice. Spend about $300 more and you can get something as powerful with an excellent battery life. Buy slow Atom and enjoy battery, or buy Acer and enjoy good performance with a descent battery life. Honestly, how often you will be away from the power outlet for more than 5 hours?

4. The hinges seem to be plastic. I would not mind them to be aluminum, but I have to remind myself that plastic is not all the same and can be pretty durable. I guess only time will show whether this fact is really a minus or not. Since overall quality of this laptop is very good, I expect this to be true about the hinges too.

The bottom line: my quest for a small laptop/netbook was finished with the purchase of Acer

Aspire One 11.6". I like it a lot and it meets all my needs for a VERY good price. Money is not your concern? Buy something better, otherwise enjoy this laptop and feel good that saved several hundreds dollars while getting a GREAT product!

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great HD Netbbook, July 5, 2010

By 

J. Jaffe (Sunnyvale, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Acer Aspire AO721-3574 11.6-Inch Netbook (Mesh Black) (Personal Computers)

We travel a lot and have been looking for a netbook that will show our HD video camera movies. I am greatly disappointed by Intel's shutout of Nvidia ion for the latest generation of Atom chips. Intel lags badly in the graphics area and does not make any graphics for netbooks that would suit our requirements.

We received an AO721 from Amazon a few days ago and I have been very pleasantly surprised at its performance. The AO721 not only plays HD well, but I can play my non-standard, difficult to play 1080/60P videos from my Panasonic TM700K with only a small amount of jerkiness in Windows Media player. My wife and I enjoy playing Unreal Tournament 2004. UT is playable at 40 - 50 fps which is very unique for a netbook. What is interesting is that in some UT maps where our older 3.2 GHz P4/ATI 9800 desktops fall below 20 fps the AO721 still ran above 30 fps.

All other aspects of this netbook such as the full size keyboard, touchpad, camera, weight, screen quality easily meet our needs.

Overall, this is fine performance netbook and priced at a bargain.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply perfect balance, July 30, 2010

By 

Edgardo Pichardo "Boomz" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Acer Aspire AO721-3574 11.6-Inch Netbook (Mesh Black) (Personal Computers)

I'm an IT professional and I already owned a 10" netbook (MSI U230). I wanted some more graphic power over Intel's 945G poor offer, a bigger screen with better resolution and a bigger keyboard. I must say ACER delivers here. In my opinion, 11.6 inches is the perfect size for a netbook. Plus, add a 720p display (1366x768) and good graphics (HD 4225) and you have a winner! This is what this equipment is all about. Battery life is good 2.5 - 5 hours depending on power settings. I usually have a plug around, so I don't care too much about this.

Pros

- 720p resolution rocks! (1366x768). Far better than standard WXGA (1024x600) for web browsing. Fonts are bigger and easier to read. (And I really have to read a lot).

- GPU is better than anything else available on a netbook (ATi HD4225 with DirectX 10.1 and shader model 4.0 support!)

- Processor feels faster than Intel's Atom (Extra 100Mhz and 1MB cache makes a difference!)

- 2GB DDR3 instead of 1GB standard around (and 2GB extra can be added).

- Disk space is very good (250GB). Only one partition for Windows 7 and you data.

- Windows 7 Home Premium installed instead of Starter edition.

- Includes WiFi N (108Mbps standard) right out of the box instead of common WiFi G (54Mbps).

- 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN card. Note the 1000 Mbps link.

- Gesture enabled trackpad.

- Full sized keyboard is excellent!

- Nice weight and size.

- Nice finish.

Cons

- It has a glossy display. Not bad, very crisp clear although until now I preferred non-reflective displays.

- Draws a little more power. Nevertheless, trade off is really worth it! Not a real con if you are not going to be far from a plug for more than 5 hours.

I'll update this review after trying a few 3D games on it!