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by LAPTOP Staff on March 21, 2011
Acer/Gateway scored points for a large selection of models and high customer satisfaction ratings. However, the two brands failed to impress in most of the other categories--especially reviews--leading to an eighth-place finish (the same ranking as in 2010).
We reviewed eight Acer laptops and eight Gateway laptops in the last 12 months for a grand total of 16. Three of those systems scored only 2.5 stars (not recommended), giving this brand a middle-of-the-road fifth-place finish.
Acer really hasn't done much to elevate its designs over the past year. Yes, the company's notebooks have relatively sleek lines, but a lot of the machines look the same.
The FineTip keyboard design that appears on most Acer/Gateway models provides acceptable but unimpressive tactile feedback and adequate key placement. However, too many of these keyboards suffer from flex. The company's touchpads are a mixed bag. Many of them work just fine, but the illuminated surface of the Gateway ID49C08u required too much force to activate, and the Aspire One D255's touchpad produced a jumpy pointer.
The combined support for Acer and Gateway proved the worst of any company we tested. Despite Acer's claims of significant investments in IT systems, the Acer's website identified the same notebook as living in two separate categories--which delayed us getting help. In addition, Gateway has moved much of its resources away from phone assistance.
While you can't buy directly from the manufacturer--and Acer (and Gateway) doesn't let you configure models to order--this company offers a large variety of models available through a number of online retailers. Acer has a wide selection, from 10-inch netbooks to 17-inch laptops, with notebook prices starting as low as $449.
Acer typically bundles a moderately appealing software package. Highlights include Crystal Eye Webcam software, ePower, eRecovery, and Backup Manager tools.
Acer deserves credit for squeezing Core i7 muscle into an 11-inch notebook and for making 3D laptops more affordable.
More than 87 percent of Acer users told us they are satisfied or very satisfied with the brand. Of the minority who needed tech support, most rated their experience as neutral.
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