Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P) Review
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Acer’s Aspire 3 (A315-24P; priced at $399) laptop has maintained its course with minimal changes across several hardware iterations. However, this consistency doesn’t necessarily detract from its value. Positioned as a straightforward, budget-friendly option, the Aspire 3 offers a functional computing experience at an affordable entry point.
In the realm of budget laptops, the primary concern is functionality over extravagance. The Acer Aspire 3 fulfills this requirement admirably, ensuring users have a reliable machine without breaking the bank. While it may lack the bells and whistles of more premium options, it serves its purpose well within its price range.
Despite its modest specifications, the Aspire 3 competes in a market where slightly more advanced alternatives hover just above its price point. Models like the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i and Dell Inspiron 15 (3525), occasionally available for $500 during promotional periods, offer a bit more in terms of capability. Nonetheless, for those seeking a straightforward and budget-conscious solution, the Acer Aspire 3 remains a dependable choice.
Limited Options, Limited Fuss
Over the years, the Aspire 3 line has seen subtle internal hardware updates while maintaining a consistent exterior design. Continuing this trend, the Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P) introduces a touch of aluminum on the display lid and keyboard deck. However, the incorporation of aluminum doesn’t significantly enhance the overall feel compared to plastic counterparts, offering minimal rigidity to the display.
Despite these aluminum accents, the presence of a plastic bottom compromises the structural integrity of the system, resulting in a more flexible build than one might anticipate from a laptop. Furthermore, the hinge mechanism exhibits a slight stickiness, causing the base of the laptop to lift as the display is opened single-handedly, ultimately necessitating a two-handed approach.
In essence, while the Aspire 3 (A315-24P) incorporates some aluminum elements into its design, the overall build quality remains somewhat compromised by the continued use of plastic and minor ergonomic issues like the sticky hinge.
Acer Aspire 3 (A315-24P)
ACER ASPIRE 3 (A315-24P) SPECS
Laptop Class Budget
Processor AMD Ryzen 3 7320U
Processor Speed 2.4 GHz
Pros
Smooth everyday operation
Extensive battery life
Current Wi-Fi connectivity
Competitive starting price
Cons
Limited performance headroom
Dated, somewhat flimsy design
Lackluster display