The excellent news is the typing expertise on this Acer is superb. Low cost laptops typically skimp out on the keyboard, however that isn’t the case right here. The keys have nice journey and are spaced properly, and there isn’t a ton of flex within the keyboard deck that you simply would possibly see on different funds laptops. Talking of, the chassis feels fairly strong total. The Aspire is somewhat thick, however that lends it a sturdiness that avoids feeling low cost regardless of a liberal use of plastic. It isn’t notably fairly, however Acer will get some model factors for the tasteful textual content logos on the lid. (I’m actually drawn to the “Aspire” textual content towards the underside for some purpose.)
I’ve one reservation about sturdiness. Whereas opening the laptop computer throughout testing, I gripped the lid in such a method that I felt the backing draw back from the show bezels ever-so-slightly. It caught me off guard and should have been a fluke in how I grabbed the lid, however it makes me query whether or not it should maintain up over years of use.
For followers of taller shows, the 1,920 x 1,200-pixel display has a 16:10 ratio, supplying you with extra vertical area to work with. As a author, that is my most well-liked ratio due to the respiratory room you get working with paperwork, so I’m glad to see it right here. Nonetheless, the display high quality is strictly what you’d count on with a $300 pc, with washed-out colours and horrible viewing angles.
One other space that disappoints is the webcam. Merely put, I wouldn’t choose up the Aspire Go 14 if you wish to look your greatest on video calls. The 720p digital camera is beneath common, with a muddy, washed-out look. Possibly seize a separate webcam?
{Photograph}: Dan Thorp-Lancaster
The port choice is fairly good, with two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and a full-size HDMI port. Sadly, the laptop computer prices with a barrel plug, however hopefully, the prolonged battery life means you gained’t must journey with the included charger too typically. It could’ve additionally been good to see an SD card slot so as to add extra storage.
At this worth, you’ll be able to’t ask for the world, and the Aspire Go 14 lives as much as most expectations for a $300 laptop computer and exceeds them in some methods. Wonderful battery life, an ideal typing expertise, and loads of energy for primary duties make it an honest Chromebook competitor. The one space that might kill this laptop computer for many individuals is the shortage of space for storing, although you could possibly carry a USB drive round to carry paperwork and different media.
When you don’t require Home windows in your day-to-day life, it’s price taking a look at a Chromebook Plus laptop instead. You gained’t get the identical battery life, however you could possibly get a greater display and webcam, and these machines are sometimes on sale for beneath $400.
