Gadgets and Gizmos

Acer Aspire 5920

Aspire 5920 is the top model of Acer. Acer 5920-6313 offered unparalleled specs for the money. At the time of purchase it beat even the Inspiron 1520 when compared in a spec-to-spec analysis. Acer: 1, Dell: 0. Aspire 5920G is a 15-inch multimedia Santa Rosa notebook based on Acer’s new gemstone concept.

There are many new and interesting aspects to the Aspire such as 3D surround sound system and touch-sensitive media buttons. Featuring an impressive specification, but weighing almost 7 pounds with battery, this notebook is most suitable as a desktop replacement.

The 5920G primarily targets gamers and power users with no desire to break the bank. Aspire 5920 is designed under commission by BMW Designworks, the new Aspire range utilises a ‘Gemstone’ design focus that has generated a distinctive and unique look. On the outside one can genuinely see that ‘Gemstone’ idea in the shape and finish.

Though the notebook is obviously rectangular in shape, the subtle use of curves gives it a pleasant oval shaped quality, and the shiny pearlescent black finishes off the look beautifully. Importantly, this gives the 5920 a real sense of quality before you’ve even opened it up and started using it.

Inside things are less dramatic, but no less lacking in quality. Acer has chosen to go for a beige/cream coloured ceramic style finish, which I, for one, rather like. It provides a high quality, but different, look and feel and adds a welcome sense of lightness compared to the dark exterior. Some may find it an acquired taste, but given time it grows on you.

The Aspire 5920 does have a trick up its sleeve; Dolby Home Theatre, which is handy as Acer is promoting it as a Media Center notebook. The Realtek audio chip supports Dolby’s Digital, Pro Logic II, Headphone and Virtual Speaker Digital Live and with a sub-woofer (of sorts) mounted in the underside of the chassis, the audio certainly sounds better than the average laptop.

Storage is handled by a 160GB hard drive, which is perhaps a bit mean for a media player notebook, especially as it comes with space-hungry Vista Ultimate pre-installed. You do get a DVD burner, so you can keep as much of the hard drive’s precious space free as possible, or if you fancy splashing out an extra £200 you can opt for the HD DVD drive.

The Acer Aspire 5920 is well equipped when it comes to connectivity options. Besides offering the 802.11n standard demanded by Intel Santa Rosa, the Acer Aspire 5920 also supports 802.11a, b and g. And Bluetooth is a very welcome extra. The 5-in-1 card reader and 0.3Mp camera add versatility, and the Acer Arcade Deluxe software can be launched at the touch of a button, giving you access to such useful multimedia applications as Video Magician and DV Wizard. The Acer Gemstone is about, for £799.99.