The Acer Aspire AS5742-7645 ($649.99 list), a Costco laptop, follows the basic script for successfully putting together a low-end mainstream laptop. It comes fitted with Intel’s Core i3 processor, which provides great bang for the buck, sitting at the bottom rung of Intel’s current mobile processor ladder. The CPU has a standard 4GB memory, coupled with integrated Intel graphics.
The only core component that comes as a surprise is the 500GB hard drive, which is bigger than the 320GB drives generally found in competing models, such as the Sony VAIO VPC-EB33FM/BJ ($629.99, 4.5 stars)- the current Editors’ Choice for the budget laptop category. The VAIO VPC-EB33FM/BJ, however, counts wireless HDMI and WiMAX broadband capabilities among its major attractions. These features are not found on the Aspire AS5742-7645. Still, if you can make due with a wired HDMI connection and 802.11n Wi-Fi, the Acer Aspire AS5742-7645 is something not to be overlooked. Reading...
The only core component that comes as a surprise is the 500GB hard drive, which is bigger than the 320GB drives generally found in competing models, such as the Sony VAIO VPC-EB33FM/BJ ($629.99, 4.5 stars)- the current Editors’ Choice for the budget laptop category. The VAIO VPC-EB33FM/BJ, however, counts wireless HDMI and WiMAX broadband capabilities among its major attractions. These features are not found on the Aspire AS5742-7645. Still, if you can make due with a wired HDMI connection and 802.11n Wi-Fi, the Acer Aspire AS5742-7645 is something not to be overlooked. Reading...