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Acer Aspire V3-371-55GS Subnotebook Review

Long-running subnotebook. Acer blends a long battery life with a matte HD screen, a Core i5 processor, and a fast solid state-drive in its Aspire V3-371-55GS. Has Acer created the perfect subnotebook?

For the original German review, see here.

A few weeks ago, we tested two identically built 13.3-inch laptops dubbed Acer Aspire V3-331-P982 (Pentium 3556UHD Graphics (Haswell)) and Acer Aspire V3-371-36M2 (Core i3-4030UHD Graphics 4400). Both offer a very good battery life at a relatively moderate price. Therefore, it is now time to look at the top model in the series. The Aspire V3-371-55GS features a matte Full HD screen, a Core i5 processor, and a solid-state drive. It costs around 700 Euros (~$895). Our report reveals whether the laptop is compelling.

Competitors of the Aspire are, for example, Lenovo's IdeaPad U330p and Asus' ASUSPRO Essential PU301LA-RO064G. The IdeaPad features a touchscreen, but the laptop is also available as a non-touch version and with a matte screen.

Case

Our review sample is clad in white. However, it is also available with a black casing under the name Aspire V3-371-52VR. Acer largely makes use of plastic casings. Only the lid's back is aluminum. The laptop is quite handy with a weight of roughly 1.5 kilograms (~3.3 lb) and a thickness of approximately 22 mm (~0.86 inches). There is no maintenance cover, but accessing the hardware is not a big challenge. The base tray can be lifted off easily using a putty knife after removing all screws on the underside.

The rigidity and build of the small laptop is satisfactory, though not outstanding. The casing has the common weaknesses: It can be dented slightly beside the keyboard and under the touchpad. The base unit can be twisted, but the extent is still within acceptable limits. The lid proves resistant to twisting attempts due to its aluminum backing. It can however be warped anyway. Image distortions only become visible in some spots when pressure is applied to the back. The hinges made a very good impression; they keep the lid firmly in position and barely wobble. Opening the lid with one hand is possible.

Acer Aspire V3-371-55GS.
Acer Aspire V3-371-55GS.
The laptop is white all over.
The laptop is white all over.
The lid's back is made of aluminum.
The lid's back is made of aluminum.

Connectivity

Owners of the Aspire will have to be satisfied with only a few interfaces. Just the bare minimum of ports is available. The other competitors do not offer much more either. Both have an extra USB 2.0 port, and the Asus laptop also features a VGA port. The interfaces are positioned well; the areas beside the wrist rest remain free from cables.

Left: combo audio jack, memory card reader
Left: combo audio jack, memory card reader
Right: USB 2.0, USB 3.0, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, power socket
Right: USB 2.0, USB 3.0, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, power socket

Communication

The Wi-Fi chip in the Aspire comes from Atheros (AR5BWB222). It supports the 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi standards. The Wi-Fi reception fluctuated greatly, and the Wi-Fi display usually only presented two to three bars, even in the router's direct vicinity (approx. 3 meters; ~9.8 ft). However, we also noticed five or just one bar. The reception quality is primarily dependent on the position in the room. This behavior was also observed in the Aspire V3-331-P982 and Aspire V3-371-36M2 sister models. We assume that this is due to the Wi-Fi antennas. They are installed in the base unit instead of the lid as is generally the case. Nevertheless, the transmission speed was consistent. The Gigabit Ethernet chip in the Aspire comes from Realtek (AR81681/8111), and is found in many laptops. A Bluetooth 4.0 module is also in the device. The integrated webcam shoots muddy pictures in resolutions up to 1280x720 pixels.

Accessories

The usual accessories in the form of a quick start poster and warranty information are included for the device.

Operating System

The Aspire is sold with Windows 8.1 (64-bit) preloaded. No recovery DVD for the laptop is included. Acer only supports 8.1, and does not provide drivers for Windows 7.

Maintenance

As mentioned before, the base unit's underside is easy to remove. The working memory, hard drive, battery, and the fan can then be accessed. The laptop is equipped with two working memory banks that are both fitted with a 4 GB module. Acer relies on a solid-state drive in the M.2 format (double-length). The SSD could be replaced with a higher capacity model. Corresponding models with a capacity of 256 GB are currently available at a starting price of about 130 Euros (~$166). It would also be possible to exchange the battery in case of a defect. It is only fastened by two screws.

Warranty

Acer includes a two-year warranty on the Aspire. Both the IdeaPad and Asus laptop also come with a two-year warranty. The Aspire's warranty can be extended. For example, a three-year warranty costs approximately 80 Euros (~$102).

Input Devices

Keyboard

An unlit chiclet keyboard without a number pad is used in the Aspire. The function keys are highlighted with blue symbols. The level, roughened keys have a size of approximately 15 x 14 mm (~0.59 x 0.55 inches). They provide a short drop and clear pressure point. The keyboard yields slightly when typing on it, which however does not have an adverse effect on the feel of the typing. Acer delivers a decent keyboard that allows regular typing. However, it cannot compete with very good keyboards, such as those found in Lenovo's ThinkPad Edge E330 or Edge E335.

Touchpad

Acer installs a multi-touch capable ClickPad (touchpad without dedicated mouse keys; the entire pad is a button). With a size of approximately 10.5 x 6 cm (~4.13 x 2.36 inches), it facilitates use of gestures and the suave surface enables the fingers to glide easily. The pad has a short drop, and a clearly audible and palpable pressure point.

The keyboard does not have a backlight.
The keyboard does not have a backlight.
The touchpad supports multi-touch.
The touchpad supports multi-touch.

Display

The Aspire is equipped with a matte, 13.3-inch screen that operates with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The brightness rate of 196.9 cd/m² is disappointing. A 700 Euro (~$895) laptop has to offer more here, especially since the laptop has been conceived for mobile use in different places based on its size, weight, and battery life. The IdeaPad (238.3 cd/m²) and Asus laptop (235.1 cd/m²) both offer brighter screens.

197
cd/m²
201
cd/m²
219
cd/m²
186
cd/m²
209
cd/m²
221
cd/m²
165
cd/m²
178
cd/m²
196
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
AU Optronics B133HTN01.1 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 221 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 196.9 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 75 %
Center on Battery: 209 cd/m²
Contrast: 299:1 (Black: 0.7 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 7.24 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 8.49 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
41% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
44.45% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
64.5% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
42.99% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.2
Acer Aspire V3-371-55GS
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD
Asus ASUSPRO Essential PU301LA-RO064G
HD Graphics 4400, 4500U, Toshiba MQ01ABF050
Lenovo IdeaPad U330p
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
Acer Aspire V3-331-P982
HD Graphics (Haswell), 3556U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
Acer Aspire V3-371-36M2
HD Graphics 4400, 4030U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
Display
-2%
0%
-7%
Display P3 Coverage
42.99
42.06
-2%
43.04
0%
40.11
-7%
sRGB Coverage
64.5
62.8
-3%
64.7
0%
59.1
-8%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
44.45
43.5
-2%
44.49
0%
41.14
-7%
Screen
-24%
-1%
-12%
0%
Brightness middle
209
247
18%
265
27%
192
-8%
203
-3%
Brightness
197
235
19%
238
21%
189
-4%
200
2%
Brightness Distribution
75
87
16%
79
5%
84
12%
87
16%
Black Level *
0.7
1.37
-96%
1.02
-46%
0.82
-17%
0.5
29%
Contrast
299
180
-40%
260
-13%
234
-22%
406
36%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
7.24
12.04
-66%
8.83
-22%
9.73
-34%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
8.49
11.75
-38%
10.55
-24%
11.76
-39%
Gamma
2.2 100%
2.87 77%
2.18 101%
2.23 99%
CCT
9631 67%
13613 48%
10029 65%
11522 56%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
41
40
-2%
38
-7%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-13% / -18%
-1% / -1%
-6% / -9%
-4% / -2%

* ... smaller is better

Aspire vs. sRGB
Aspire vs. sRGB
Aspire vs. AdobeRGB
Aspire vs. AdobeRGB

Both the contrast of 299:1 and black level of 0.7 cd/m² are not particularly awe-inspiring. The IdeaPad (260:1, 102 cd/m²) and the Asus laptop (180:1, 1.37 cd/m²) however provide even worse rates. The Aspire cannot reproduce either AdobeRGB or sRGB color space. The coverage rates are 59% (sRGB) and 41% (AdobeRGB).

The screen has an average DeltaE 2000 shift of 7.24 in state of delivery. The rate is better than that of most screens we have assessed (DeltaE between 10 and 12). Nevertheless, it does not achieve the target range of DeltaE less than 3. Beyond that, the screen exhibits a bluish cast.

CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Grayscale
CalMAN - Saturation Sweeps
CalMAN - Saturation Sweeps

A viewing angle IPS screen would not be unrealistic in a 700 Euro (~$895) laptop. However, Acer only installs a TN screen with limited viewing angles. The Aspire's matte surface allows outdoor use though. However, overly bright surroundings should be avoided because the screen does not have a very high brightness.

The Aspire outdoors
The Aspire outdoors
Viewing angles: Aspire V3-371-55GS
Viewing angles: Aspire V3-371-55GS

Performance

Acer offers a 13.3-inch subnotebook with its Aspire V3-371. A fast processor provides the required computing power for routine use, and the fast SSD ensures a speedy system. Our review sample is currently available for about 700 Euros (~$895). Acer has many other configurations available. The cheapest model of the line - the Acer Aspire V3-331-P982 (Pentium 3556UHD Graphics (Haswell)) - is currently sold for approximately 440 Euros (~$561).

CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
GPU-Z
HWInfo
System information: Acer Aspire V3-371-52VR

Processor

Acer installs a Core i5-4210U dual-core (Haswell) processor from Intel in the Aspire. It clocks with a base speed of 1.7 GHz, which can be increased to 2.4 GHz (both cores) and 2.7 GHz (one core only) via Turbo. Intel specifies the TDP of 15 Watts. The CPU tests of the Cinebench benchmarks were performed with 2.4 GHz in both AC and battery mode. One core was occasionally boosted to 2.7 GHz in the single-thread tests. Thus, the processor's full power can always be retrieved.

Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
6918
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
7907
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
3837
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
23.32 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
2.59 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.15 Points
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
98 %
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
24.03 fps
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
236 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
101 Points
Help
Cinebench R11.5 - CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
Acer Aspire V3-371-55GS
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD
1.15 Points
Lenovo M30-70
HD Graphics 4400, 4010U, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380
0.73 Points -37%
Acer Aspire V3-331-P982
HD Graphics (Haswell), 3556U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
0.75 Points -35%
Acer Aspire V3-371-36M2
HD Graphics 4400, 4030U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
0.8 Points -30%
Lenovo IdeaPad U330p
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
1.16 Points +1%
Asus ASUSPRO Essential PU301LA-RO064G
HD Graphics 4400, 4500U, Toshiba MQ01ABF050
1.3 Points +13%
Cinebench R11.5 - CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
Acer Aspire V3-371-55GS
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD
2.59 Points
Acer Aspire V3-331-P982
HD Graphics (Haswell), 3556U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
1.41 Points -46%
Lenovo M30-70
HD Graphics 4400, 4010U, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380
1.8 Points -31%
Acer Aspire V3-371-36M2
HD Graphics 4400, 4030U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
2.03 Points -22%
Lenovo IdeaPad U330p
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
2.46 Points -5%
Asus ASUSPRO Essential PU301LA-RO064G
HD Graphics 4400, 4500U, Toshiba MQ01ABF050
2.95 Points +14%

System Performance

The system runs smoothly and fast. Windows is booted very quickly. We did not expect anything else since a strong processor and a fast solid-state drive is installed in the laptop. The PCMark benchmark scores are also good.

PCMark 7 Score
4722 points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
2419 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
2571 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
3283 points
Help
PCMark 8 - Home Score Accelerated v2 (sort by value)
Acer Aspire V3-371-55GS
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD
2419 Points
Acer Aspire V3-331-P982
HD Graphics (Haswell), 3556U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
1848 Points -24%
Lenovo M30-70
HD Graphics 4400, 4010U, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380
2023 Points -16%
Asus ASUSPRO Essential PU301LA-RO064G
HD Graphics 4400, 4500U, Toshiba MQ01ABF050
2111 Points -13%
Acer Aspire V3-371-36M2
HD Graphics 4400, 4030U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
2158 Points -11%

Storage Devices

A solid-state drive (M.2 format) from Kingston is used as the storage device in the Aspire. It has a capacity of 120 GB. The user has about 70 GB of that available. The remaining storage is divided up between the Windows installation and recovery partition. The SSD can serve with overall good transfer rates. However, it cannot compete with top SSD models, such as the Samsung 840 Evo.

Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD
Sequential Read: 525 MB/s
Sequential Write: 350 MB/s
512K Read: 355.2 MB/s
512K Write: 301.9 MB/s
4K Read: 30.66 MB/s
4K Write: 81.9 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 181.1 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 279 MB/s
Acer Aspire V3-371-55GS
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD
SCHENKER XMG P724
GeForce GTX 880M SLI, 4810MQ, Samsung SSD 840 EVO 500GB mSATA
SCHENKER XMG P304
GeForce GTX 860M, 4810MQ, Crucial M500 240 GB CT240M500SSD3 mSATA
HP Spectre 13-h205eg x2
HD Graphics 4200, 4202Y, Samsung SSD PM841 MZMTD128HAFV mSATA
AS SSD
41%
13%
-17%
Seq Read
502
504
0%
497
-1%
502
0%
Seq Write
263.4
483.6
84%
265.2
1%
131.8
-50%
4K Read
34.75
40.83
17%
26.48
-24%
24.19
-30%
4K Write
71
109.9
55%
108.5
53%
51.6
-27%
4K-64 Read
194
355.2
83%
308.6
59%
308.4
59%
4K-64 Write
206.9
270.5
31%
198.5
-4%
115.4
-44%
Access Time Read *
0.115
0.097
16%
0.073
37%
0.115
-0%
Access Time Write *
0.049
0.03
39%
0.056
-14%
0.069
-41%

* ... smaller is better

Graphics Card

Intel's HD Graphics 4400 core is inside the Aspire. It supports DirectX 11.1, and clocks with speeds ranging from 200 to 1000 MHz. The laptop is equipped with two working memory banks, and the working memory, thus operates in dual-channel mode. This utilizes the GPU better, and delivers higher results in the 3DMark benchmarks than comparable laptops that only have one memory module.

3DMark 06 Standard Score
5997 points
3DMark 11 Performance
963 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
44071 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
4512 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
584 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance (sort by value)
Acer Aspire V3-371-55GS
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD
963 Points
Acer Aspire V3-331-P982
HD Graphics (Haswell), 3556U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
555 Points -42%
Lenovo IdeaPad U330p
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
747 Points -22%
Acer Aspire V3-371-36M2
HD Graphics 4400, 4030U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
786 Points -18%
Lenovo M30-70
HD Graphics 4400, 4010U, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380
786 Points -18%
Asus ASUSPRO Essential PU301LA-RO064G
HD Graphics 4400, 4500U, Toshiba MQ01ABF050
843 Points -12%

Gaming Performance

The laptop's gaming performance also benefits from the working memory running in dual-channel mode. A look at our comparison chart shows a clear difference for the Aspire V3-371-36M2. The advantage is partially due to the stronger processor, but the biggest part is owed to the dual-channel mode. All in all, the Aspire is capable of rendering many games smoothly in low resolutions, and in some cases low to medium quality settings.

Users who want to play games regularly, should choose another laptop. Correspondingly equipped laptops are also available in the 13.3-inch sector. An example would be the Asus Zenbook UX303LN with a GeForce 840M graphics core. It is priced at approximately 1000 Euros (~$1276).

low med. high ultra
Tomb Raider (2013) 53.3 26.1 14.7 7.9
BioShock Infinite (2013) 38 18.9 15.6 5.2
GRID: Autosport (2014) 98.3 34.2 15.8 12.5
Alien: Isolation (2014) 33.3 20.6 10.8
Ryse: Son of Rome (2014) 15.8 9.8
Acer Aspire V3-371-55GS
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD
Acer Aspire V3-331-P982
HD Graphics (Haswell), 3556U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
Acer Aspire V3-371-36M2
HD Graphics 4400, 4030U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
Lenovo M30-70
HD Graphics 4400, 4010U, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380
Tomb Raider
-45%
-30%
-29%
1024x768 Low Preset
53.3
30.2
-43%
36.6
-31%
37.2
-30%
1366x768 Normal Preset AA:FX AF:4x
26.1
14.2
-46%
18.3
-30%
18.7
-28%
1366x768 High Preset AA:FX AF:8x
14.7
8.1
-45%
10.3
-30%
10.6
-28%

Emissions

System Noise

Hardly anything was heard from the Aspire while idling. The fan was frequently inactive. Both the IdeaPad and the Asus laptop also run quietly. On the other hand, the Aspire's fan sped up clearly during load. We measured a noise level of 39.1 dB(A) in medium load, and 39.8 dB(A) during full load in the stress test of Prime95 and FurMark. The IdeaPad and the Asus laptop were a bit quieter in load situations. However, their processors were also throttled more strongly during the stress test.

Noise Level

Idle
29.5 / 29.5 / 32 dB(A)
Load
39.1 / 39.8 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Voltcraft sl-320 (15 cm distance)

Temperature

The Aspire in the stress test.
The Aspire in the stress test.

The laptop performed our stress test (Prime95 and FurMark run for at least one hour) in AC and battery mode in the same manner. The CPU started the test with speeds ranging from 2.2 to 2.4 GHz. The range expanded to 2 to 2.4 GHz during the course of the test. The graphics core operated with 850 to 1000 MHz. The Aspire did not struggle with heat issues. 40 degrees Celsius (~104 °F) was exceeded at some measuring points during the stress test. This looks the same in both the Asus laptop and IdeaPad.

Max. Load
 31.2 °C
88 F
43.2 °C
110 F
38.8 °C
102 F
 
 26.4 °C
80 F
28.6 °C
83 F
34.3 °C
94 F
 
 25.5 °C
78 F
25.5 °C
78 F
27.2 °C
81 F
 
Maximum: 43.2 °C = 110 F
Average: 31.2 °C = 88 F
44.8 °C
113 F
45.6 °C
114 F
31.2 °C
88 F
34 °C
93 F
32.7 °C
91 F
26 °C
79 F
27.5 °C
82 F
26 °C
79 F
24.8 °C
77 F
Maximum: 45.6 °C = 114 F
Average: 32.5 °C = 91 F
Power Supply (max.)  52.9 °C = 127 F | Room Temperature 23.6 °C = 74 F | Voltcraft IR-360
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 31.2 °C / 88 F, compared to the average of 30.7 °C / 87 F for the devices in the class Subnotebook.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 43.2 °C / 110 F, compared to the average of 35.9 °C / 97 F, ranging from 21.4 to 59 °C for the class Subnotebook.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 45.6 °C / 114 F, compared to the average of 39.4 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 25.9 °C / 79 F, compared to the device average of 30.7 °C / 87 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 27.2 °C / 81 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.3 °C / 82.9 F (+1.1 °C / 1.9 F).

Speakers

Dolby Digital Plus software
Dolby Digital Plus software

The stereo speakers are on the device's underside. Dolby Digital Plus software is preloaded for enhancing the audio output. The speakers' sound is acceptable in total, and it is possible to listen to them even for a relatively long period. Like most laptop speakers, the models installed in the Aspire lack bass.

Energy Management

Power Consumption

The Aspire's idle power consumption was consistently below 10 Watts. That is also true for the IdeaPad. The Asus laptop just exceeds 10 Watts because it features a stronger processor. The Aspire's CPU and GPU operated with strongly fluctuating speeds in the stress test, and consequently the power consumption also varied. A maximum rate of 37.2 Watts is acceptable in view of the hardware platform. Both comparable devices consume less power than the Aspire during full load because their CPUs are throttled.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0 / 0.1 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 3.8 / 6.6 / 8.2 Watt
Load midlight 26.7 / 37.2 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Voltcraft VC 940
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.

Battery Runtime

The Aspire's battery lasted for 18:17 h while idling. Neither the IdeaPad (12:03 h) nor the Asus laptop (11:04 h) can compete with that. Idle mode is ascertained with Battery Eater Reader's test using minimum screen brightness, enabled energy-saving profile, and disabled wireless modules. The Aspire shut down after 1:46 h of load. It positions itself between the IdeaPad (1:57 h) and the Asus laptop (1:35 h). The load runtime is determined with Battery Eater Classic test using maximum screen brightness, high-performance profile, and wireless modules on.

The Aspire finished the Wi-Fi test after 7:43 h. Again it lasts longer than both the IdeaPad (6:15 h) and Asus laptop (5:17 h). In this test, websites are opened automatically every 40 seconds, the energy-saving profile is enabled, and the screen's brightness is set to approximately 150 cd/m². We check the video playback time by running the short movie “Big Buck Bunny” (H.264 encoding, 1920x1080 pixels) in a loop. The energy-saving profile is enabled, the wireless modules are disabled, and the screen's brightness is adjusted to approximately 150 cd/m². The Aspire lasted for 6:53 h. The Asus laptop (5:28 h) was drained earlier, and we did not perform this test on the IdeaPad.

The Aspire convinces with overall very good runtimes. The battery life of the three devices can be compared well because their batteries all have a similar capacity (Acer: 48 Wh; Lenovo: 45 Wh; Asus: 43 Wh).

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
18h 17min
WiFi Surfing
7h 43min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
6h 53min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 46min
Acer Aspire V3-371-55GS
HD Graphics 4400, 4210U, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD
Asus ASUSPRO Essential PU301LA-RO064G
HD Graphics 4400, 4500U, Toshiba MQ01ABF050
Lenovo IdeaPad U330p
HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
Acer Aspire V3-331-P982
HD Graphics (Haswell), 3556U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
Acer Aspire V3-371-36M2
HD Graphics 4400, 4030U, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive
Battery Runtime
-26%
-14%
-16%
-15%
Reader / Idle
1097
664
-39%
723
-34%
H.264
413
328
-21%
WiFi
463
317
-32%
375
-19%
387
-16%
394
-15%
Load
106
95
-10%
117
10%

Verdict

Acer's Aspire V3-371-55GS leaves us with an overall good impression. The Core i5 processor has more than enough power for routine use. The laptop does not get excessively warm, and it usually runs quietly. This is supplemented by a fast solid-state drive and a decent keyboard, not to forget the very good battery life. The matte, Full HD screen is generally appreciated, but the installed model only has a low brightness and low contrast. Acer should have taken a better model in order to underline the laptop's mobility claim. A viewing angle stable IPS screen would have considerably improved the laptop's overall impression. A 3G/LTE modem would also round off the total package even more.

Those searching for a 13.3-inch laptop with an incorporated LTE modem should look at the Asus ASUSPRO Essential PU301LA-RO064G. It has the relevant equipment. Lenovo's IdeaPad U330p is interesting for all users who value a high-quality aluminum casing.

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In Review: Acer Aspire V3-371-55GS. Test model courtesy of Acer.
In Review: Acer Aspire V3-371-55GS. Test model courtesy of Acer.

Specifications

Acer Aspire V3-371-55GS (Aspire V3 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i5-4210U 2 x 1.7 - 2.7 GHz, Haswell
Graphics adapter
Intel HD Graphics 4400, Core: 1000 MHz, 10.18.10.3496
Memory
8 GB 
, DDR3, dual-channel, two memory banks (both filled)
Display
13.30 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel, AU Optronics B133HTN01.1, TN LED, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel Lynx Point-LP
Storage
Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD, 128 GB 
, 70 GB free
Soundcard
Intel Lynx Point-LP - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
1 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 HDMI, Audio Connections: combo audio jack, Card Reader: SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MS
Networking
Realtek RTL8168/8111 Gigabit-LAN (10/100/1000MBit/s), Atheros AR5BWB222 Wireless Network Adapter (b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 4.0
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 22.2 x 327 x 228 ( = 0.87 x 12.87 x 8.98 in)
Battery
48 Wh Lithium-Ion
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 8.1 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: HD webcam
Additional features
Speakers: stereo, Keyboard: chiclet, Keyboard Light: no, Acer Video Player, Cyberlink PhotoDirector 3, Cyberlink PowerDirector 10, McAfee Internet Security Suite (trial), Microsoft Office 365 (trial), Nero BackItUp 12 Essentials, 24 Months Warranty
Weight
1.46 kg ( = 51.5 oz / 3.22 pounds), Power Supply: 275 g ( = 9.7 oz / 0.61 pounds)
Price
699 Euro

 

Acer Aspire V3-371-55GS. (Picture: Acer)
Acer Aspire V3-371-55GS. (Picture: Acer)
Input devices (Picture: Acer)
Input devices (Picture: Acer)
The hinges...
The hinges...
...keep the lid firmly in position.
...keep the lid firmly in position.
It is possible to access the hardware although there is no maintenance cover.
It is possible to access the hardware although there is no maintenance cover.
Two working memory banks are available.
Two working memory banks are available.
The processor is soldered.
The processor is soldered.
The fan is frequently inactive in idle mode.
The fan is frequently inactive in idle mode.
The laptop is furnished with an SSD in M.2 format.
The laptop is furnished with an SSD in M.2 format.
Good: Two Wi-Fi antennas are installed.
Good: Two Wi-Fi antennas are installed.
The battery...
The battery...
...has a capacity of 48 Wh.
...has a capacity of 48 Wh.
Only two screws have to be removed to take it out.
Only two screws have to be removed to take it out.

Similar Laptops

Devices from a different Manufacturer and/or with a different CPU

Acer Aspire V3-371-36M2 Notebook Review
HD Graphics 4400, Core i3 4030U
Lenovo M30-70 Notebook Review
HD Graphics 4400, Core i3 4010U
Asus Zenbook UX32LA-R3025H Ultrabook Review
HD Graphics 4400, Core i5 4200U
Fujitsu Lifebook U574 Ultrabook Review
HD Graphics 4400, Core i5 4200U

Devices with the same GPU

Dell Latitude 12 E5250 Notebook Review
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Asus ASUSPRO Advanced BU201LA-DT036G Ultrabook Review
HD Graphics 4400, Core i5 4210U, 12.50", 1.357 kg

Links

  • Manufacturer's information

Compare Prices

Pros

+Very good battery life
+Matte Full HD screen
+Quiet operation
+Decent keyboard
+Swift solid state drive
 

Cons

-Dark, low-contrast screen with bluish cast
-No maintenance cover

Shortcut

What we like

The long battery life and the matte screen.

What we'd like to see

An IPS screen.

What surprises us

Nothing.

The competition

Lenovo Ideapad U330p, Asus ASUSPRO Essential PU301LA-RO064G, Acer Aspire V3-331-P982, Acer Aspire V3-371-36M2, Lenovo M30-70, Lenovo Yoga 2 13, HP Probook 430

Rating

Acer Aspire V3-371-55GS - 10/09/2014 v4(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
75 /  98 → 77%
Keyboard
73%
Pointing Device
81%
Connectivity
55 / 80 → 69%
Weight
69 / 35-78 → 79%
Battery
88%
Display
75%
Games Performance
67 / 68 → 99%
Application Performance
77 / 87 → 89%
Temperature
89 / 91 → 98%
Noise
90%
Audio
60 / 91 → 66%
Camera
40 / 85 → 47%
Average
72%
79%
Subnotebook - Weighted Average
Sascha Mölck, 2014-10-17 (Update: 2018-05-15)