Acer Aspire S3 13.3" (1.9 GHz Intel Core i7-3517U 16GB 256GB SSD S7(USED)
Description
Screen Size | 13.3 inches |
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Screen Resolution | 1366 x 768 |
Max Screen Resolution | 1366x768 |
Processor | 1.9 GHz Intel Core i7 |
RAM | 16 GB SDRAM |
Hard Drive | 256 SSD |
Graphics Coprocessor | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
Chipset Brand | Intel |
Card Description | integrated |
Graphics Card Ram Size | 128 MB |
Wireless Type | 802.11 a/b/g/n |
Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
Average Battery Life (in hours) | 6.5 hours |
Other Technical Details
Brand Name | Acer |
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Series | S3-391 |
Item model number | S3-391-9499 |
Hardware Platform | PC |
Operating System | Windows 8; |
Item Weight | 3 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 12.6 x 8.5 x 0.7 inches |
Item Dimensions L x W x H | 12.59 x 8.52 x 0.68 inches |
Color | Champagne |
Processor Brand | Intel Core I7 |
Processor Count | 2 |
Computer Memory Type | SDRAM |
Flash Memory Size | 128 |
Hard Drive Interface | Serial ATA |
Optical Drive Type | No |
Audio-out Ports (#) | 1 |
Battery Type | Lithium Polymer (LiPo) |
Batteries | 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included) |
Item Condition : used Review Acer Aspire S3-392G UltrabookSascha Mölck (translated by Vinay Pradhan), 03/25/2014
Slim, fast and gaming-ready. In 2011, Acer introduced the Aspire S3-951, the first ever Ultrabook. After three years, we are delighted to meet the successor, the Aspire S3-392G. A strong Haswell CPU, a gaming-ready GPU and a lot of memory is packed into this small, compact computer. Our review will reveal what this 13.3-inch machine is capable of. For the original German review, see here. If you are looking for a slim and powerful 13.3-inch notebook, look no further: presenting the Acer Aspire S3-392G. This category is filled with a multitude of competitors, such as the MacBook Air or the Asus Zenbook. Acer has also launched the Aspire S7-392, which offers similar qualities. The one thing all these models have in common is their price tag: well above 1,000 Euros (~$1382). The Aspire S3-392G is a little cheaper: 999 Euros (~$1380) is the base price. Of course, Acer had to cut some corners to offer this model at such a (relatively) low price. The laptop may have no SSD, but it does use a touch full HD screen. Despite all this, the model offers quite a lot. One look at the technical specifications reveals that Acer has built a mobile and powerful 13.3-inch Ultrabook, which is capable of heavy processing and gaming. In our in-depth review, we will delve into all the features of this notebook. We will use two models for comparison: the Asus Zenbook UX302LA-C4003H (Core i5-4200U, HD Graphics 4400) and the Sony Vaio Fit 13A SV-F13N1L2E/S (Core i5-4200U, HD Graphics 4400). CaseWe have previously tested the Aspire S3-951 and the Aspire S3-391 (predecessors of the S3-392G). While they have a similar build, the successor employs a better-looking case, which is quite similar to that of the higher-priced Aspire S7-392. For example, the display cover and the base look identical. The color (White Aluminum) is also the same. However, the S7-392 has its display cover protected by Gorilla Glass, whereas the S3-392G lacks any such protective measures. The bases of the laptops are made of aluminum and magnesium. The S3-392 is thicker than its higher-priced sibling: 5 mm (~0.2 inches) more at the thickest point and around 2.6 mm (~0.1 inches) more at the thinnest. The Ultrabook has great workmanship. We found one weak area: the surface beneath the touchpad can be pressed inwards a little. The base is very resistant and cannot be deformed. The display cover is weaker. If pressed hard, it can cause picture deformations. However, it is within reasonable limits and we have seen worse in many other models. The hinges hold the panel securely in position. Opening the laptop with one hand is possible. ConnectivityThe case is quite slim yet Acer has managed to integrate all necessary ports. In comparison to the predecessor (Aspire S3-391), the connectivity has been much improved. The ports of our S3-392G are the same as those of the Aspire S7-392. In contrast to the predecessor, the S3-391, the S3-392G has a third USB port and a mini DisplayPort. A provided adapter allows users to extend the connectivity of their laptop via the mini DisplayPort: the adapter adds on a VGA output, a Fast Ethernet port and an additional USB 2.0 port. The distribution of the ports is good: all ports are placed near the back on both sides. This leaves the hand-rest regions free. CommunicationAcer has installed a WLAN module from Intel (Wireless-N 7260), which supports the standards 802.11 b/g/n. The Wi-Fi reception is great: the transmission is fine in a radius of 15 meters (~49 feet, router output set to around 50%). This is a standardized test. Furthermore, the laptop can be connected via a LAN cable. The provided adapter allows the user to use a Fast Ethernet port. A Bluetooth 4.0 module is also in the device. The integrated webcam provides a blurry image despite supporting resolutions up to 1280x720 pixels. AccessoriesAside from the adapter, the Aspire comes with the usual documents: a quick start booklet, a short manual and warranty card. Operating SystemThe Aspire has Windows 8.1 (64-bit) preinstalled. A Windows DVD is not included in the package. After receiving the notebook, we recommend creating a recovery medium. Acer has provided software to this end, which regularly reminds the user to make a backup. A USB drive or DVDs can be used to make backups (the latter will require an external burner). MaintenanceThere is no maintenance flap in the Aspire. However, the user can still access the innards of the laptop by simply removing all screws (Torx) on the bottom of the device. Once the bottom plate is lifted out, the battery, fan and hard disk can be accessed. The motherboard would have to be taken out to access the other hardware. There are no memory slots provided on this motherboard as the RAM is soldered into the device. Acer employs 2x 2,048 MB RAM modules, which allows it to run in dual-channel mode. The hard disk can be easily removed and replaced with a device with a build height of 7 mm. The removal of the battery is also possible (in case of a defect). WarrantyThe Aspire is equipped with a two-year warranty, which includes pick-up service. The same applies to the Zenbook and the Vaio. The warranty period can be extended - a three-year warranty will cost another 70 Euros (~$97). For a five-year warranty, the user will have to pay 180 Euros (~$249). Input DevicesKeyboardAcer has installed a backlit chiclet keyboard. Two function keys regulate the brightness of the keyboard. Two brightness levels are provided. The key size and layout of the keyboard is the same as that of the Aspire S7-392. Acer uses flat, smooth keys that have short stroke distance. The pressure point is noticeable and the keys have a comfortable resistance. Overall, we like the keyboard. TouchpadThe multi-touch ClickPad (a touchpad without separate mouse keys) has a surface area of 10.5 x 6.5 cm (~4.1 x 2.6 inches). The smooth surface of the device makes it easy for the finger to glide. The individual multi-touch gestures can be customized in the settings. Per default, not all gestures are turned on. The touchpad ClickPad has a short stroke distance and a clearly audible click. TouchscreenThe user is also provided a touchscreen with 10-finger support for input. The screen reacts promptly to any and all input. Display
X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 284 cd/m² Average: 260.3 cd/m²Brightness Distribution: 87 % Center on Battery: 284 cd/m² Contrast: 1136:1 (Black: 0.25 cd/m²) ΔE Color 4.39 | - Ø ΔE Greyscale 3.3 | - Ø 43.6% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll) Gamma: 2.52 Although the Aspire was beaten in brightness by its two competitors, it trumps them in turn when it comes to the contrast (1,136:1) and black value (0.25 cd/m²). The Zenbook (619:1, 0.52 cd/m²) and the Vaio (584:1, 0.63 cd/m²) cannot compete. The sRGB and AdobeRGB color spaces are not covered by the panel. They would be useful to professional graphics editors. The coverage is 60.1% (sRGB) and 43.6% (AdobeRGB). The color deviations are small with the factory settings. The average DeltaE 2000 deviation is around 4.4. The majority of panels we measure have deviations of around 10-12. Many colors even land in the target color space (DeltaE smaller than 3). The panel has no blue tinge. Although the panel has decent brightness and high contrast, working outdoors is not recommended due to the reflective panel. PerformanceThe Aspire S3-392G is a slim and light 13.3-inch Ultrabook and as our benchmarks show, it offers more than enough performance for everyday tasks. In fact, the device can even be used to run the latest games. Our test model is available for around 999 Euros (~$1380). We could not find any other configurations. System information - Acer Aspire S3-392G
ProcessorThe Aspire runs on a Core i5-4200U CPU. This dual-core CPU originates from the latest Intel Haswell generation and runs at 1.6 GHz. Turbo allows the processor to boost its speed up to 2.3 GHz (both cores) and 2.6 GHz (single-core). The CPU is one of the most conservative ones in the line-up at a TDP value of 15 W. The CPU is able to unleash its full potential in this slim Ultrabook. We tested it in a series of CPU tests from Cinebench benchmarks (on battery and plugged in). The processor always operated at full speed and the results are as high as we expected. The Vaio and the Zenbook are equipped with the same CPU and offer almost identical results. However, the Vaio cannot tap its full potential and lags behind slightly in the multi-thread tests. Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
3550
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
7510
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
6130
Cinebench R10 Shading 64Bit
6094 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit
9738 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit
4757 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
35.81 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
2.48 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.11 Points
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
99.6 %
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
49.65 fps
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
230 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
97 Points
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System PerformanceThe system runs smoothly. Windows boots up quickly and we did not encounter any issues. This positive subjective impression is bolstered by the good PC Mark results. The Aspire benefits strongly from its SSD cache. The Zenbook is also equipped with an SSD cache, but it still lags behind our test model. The Vaio is a bit better off as it uses an SSD.
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Storage DevicesAcer has chosen a Western Digital hard disk for the Aspire. The model runs at 5,400 rpm and offers a capacity of 1 TB. The hard disk has an SSD cache (24 GB) and in CrystalDiskMark it records a read rate of 105.4 MB/s. HD Tune measures an average transfer rate of 92.3 MB/s. These are very good values for a 5,400 rpm HDD. The 4k read and write test results are also above average. WDC WD10SPCX-22HWST0 + Kingston SMS151S324G 24 GB SSD Cache
Transfer Rate Minimum: 54.7 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 246.5 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 92.3 MB/s
Access Time: 18.4 ms
Burst Rate: 222.8 MB/s
CPU Usage: 6.6 %
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