Acer Ferrari 5005-5832 (LX.FR50U.059) Notebook Review

9 July 2008

The Ferrari 5000-5832 notebook is the ultimate expression of performance and style, combining Acer's ultra-modern design philosophy with ground-breaking dual-core mobile technology in the ultimate expression of performance and style. Complete with the latest advances in integrated wireless connectivity and eye-catching multimedia capabilities, the Ferrari 5000-5832 notebook is stunning symbol of cutting-edge mobility.

This is how Acer describes it latest offering of the notebook. The Acer Ferrari 5005-5832 has AMD Turion Dual Core processor. This gives the Notebppk enough power even for people who need compiling power. Here are the details



Processor: The Acer Ferrari has 2.0 GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-60 processor. A dual-core architecture delivers additional computing resources to help expand your PC's capabilities. You can expect to get a 50% performance boost when multiple tasks are taking place. This will allow you to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. One of the advantages of AMD is that it can handle 32- as well as 64-bit computing. The AMD PowerNow! power management technology, which delivers performance on demand and can extend system battery life up to 65 percent.

Each processing core has a 512 KB L2 cache (for a 1 MB total). Based upon HyperTransport it can deliver up to a 1600 MHz system bus.

Hard Drive Ferrari has 160 GB hard drive (5400 RPM). This Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data unlike the earlier ATA. It also claims to have patented DASP--or Disc Anti-Shock Protection system--reduces the impact of knocks and bumps.

Memory:Ferrari has 2 GB of installed RAM (PC5300, DDR2 SDRAM, 2 x 1024 MB) at 667 MHz speed. It can be expanded to 4 GB maximum capacity.

DVD/CD Drive This Acer notebook offers HD DVD ROM optical drive, which incorporates a multi-format DVD/CD burner, which is compatible with dual-layer (DL) discs that can hold up to 8.5 GB of data. It offers the following write speeds: 16x CD-R, 10x CD-RW, 4x DVD-R, 4x DVD+R, 4x DVD-RW, 4x DVD+RW, 3x DVD-RAM, 2.4x DVD+R DL (double-layer), 2x DVD-R DL (double-layer).

Keyboard & Mouse Nothing very special here. The 88-key Acer FineTouch keyboard features a five-degree curve, inverted T cursor layout, embedded numeric keypad, hotkey controls, 2.5mm minimum key travel, and international language support. It also offers front-access WLAN and Bluetooth LED switches and a touchpad with four-way integrated scroll button.

Screen, Video & Audio The 15.4-inch TFT LCD screen is a bit small. It has a 1680 x 1050-pixel resolution and can display up to 16.7 million colors. Video is powered by ATI's Mobility Radeon X1600 video/graphics card, . A 90-nanometer process and hyper-efficient 3-D architecture deliver supercharged graphics performance. Avivo technology, enables you to connect the notebooks with home entertainment devices via the HDMI connection and receive HD video thanks to the embedded Consumer Electronics class TV encoder.

Networking, Connectivity This notebook has an integrated 54g wireless LAN for connecting to 802.11b and 802.11g wi-fi routers. It also offers integrated Bluetooth 2.0 wireless connectivity. This notebook has the following connectivity options:

* 4 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
* 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
* Type II PC Card slot, 32-bit PC CardBus architecture
* 5-in-1 memory card reader (compatible with MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, and xD-Picture Card)
* Connector for optional ezDock docking station
* Stereo headphones/speakers/line-out with SPDIF support
* S/PDIF digital audio enables simplified connection to external audio devices and provides multi-channel surround sound
* Fast infrared (IR) connectivity


It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.90) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems).

Operating System Comes with Windows Vista - you like it or you dislike it.

Preloaded Software It comes with the following selection of preloaded software titles: Acer eManager, Acer GridVista, Acer Launch Manager, Adobe Acrobat Reader, CyberLink PowerProducer, Norton AntiVirus, NTI CD-Maker. I do not like any of these software.

Dimensions & Weight This notebook measures 14.3 x 1.0 x 10.7 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 6.6 pounds.Pretty light for the power it packs

Power The included nine-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 3.5 hours of battery life depending on usage (2.0 hours recharge time with power off, 2.5 hours with power on, 80% charge in 1.0 hour).

What's in the Box This package contains the Acer Ferrari 5000-5832 (model LX.FR50U.059) notebook PC, Bluetooth VoIP phone, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.

Some Thoughts
I believe that the Acer Ferrari is priced more than it should be. I beleive that the price tag of $1000 would have been more appropritate for notebook with this capability.