Review of Acer 11.1" 0722-0473

It's not like I need another laptop - for all its faults, my Acer 1513-5251 does the job, but its massive 15.6" screen is part of the problem.  Add to that a small battery and a barely-used DVDRW-DL, and I felt it was time for a change...or at least a small course adjustment.

The 0722 is a pretty amazing little bird: the new AMD HD processor (allows for 1080p), combined with 3 USB's, an HDMI-out, a 320GB HD, a 4-in-1 card reader, and a 7 hour (supposed) battery, and you've got a great little lappy with some power.  The screen is bright and very clear and the weight is right around 1.5 pounds, which means it easily fits in a small bag and sits nicely in your lap.

The other plus: a full-sized keyboard.  In fact, I'm using the netbook to type this review.  My only issues so far:

• Battery life might not be 7, or 6, or even 5: Haven't charged it yet, but my hunch is 5.5-6 hours.
• High def does not process well: attempts at streaming 1080p from YouTube led to spotty movement.  Might improve if I add the PNY Optima 4 GB PC3-8500 1066MHz DDR3 Notebook SODIMM Memory MN4096SD3-1066 to boost this to 4GB.

Among the many highlights:

• Great functionality with Office 2010 - icons are surprisingly easy to read, with little squinting necessary.
• Full size keyboard is a real plus: my sausage hands seem to handle the keys with the same accuracy as my 1513.
• Wireless connectivity is smooth @ N speeds: sites load up quickly and refresh just as fast.
• No optical drive?  No problem!  Who uses those things these days anyways?  I have a nice Memorex external burner I got from Fry's for $25, so loading Office was a breeze.
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit: Yes, you're reading that right!

One other plus to share: PRICE.  This unit has been selling in the $290 range for awhile, but I happened to nail this for $199 at a recent pre-Black Friday deal through Target (thanks for the tip, Doniell).  Walked in the night before, bought two, brought the receipts back in the next day, played dumb, got my $100 off each.  For $199, this is an exceptional deal.

UPDATE (11/17): I received the RAM upgrade for this unit on Monday - PNY Optima DDR3 MN4096SD3-1066.  After removing one screw, and sliding off the bottom panel, it was easy to replace the 2 for the 4GB chip.  The move made an immediate difference in performance, with programs like Office 2010 opening faster.  Also, I did get about 6.5 hours out of the 3rd charge.  I have every confidence that I'll see 7 hours.