Acer Aspire E3-111-C6LG Notebook Review
For the original German review, see here.
There's simply no stopping netbooks, and they are still popular because they are usually a good compromise of a low price, compact size, and endurance. These qualities fused with a decent keyboard make the little computers to portable typewriters and browsing machines. Acer now launches a new lineup of 11.6-inch netbooks on the market with the Aspire E3-111 series. The company relies on Intel's Bay Trail platform and afanless operation for them. Read in our report whether the new netbooks are convincing.
We used the Lenovo Thinkpad Edge E145 (AMD E1-2500, Radeon HD 8240) and Asus F200MA (Celeron N2815, HD Graphics (Bay Trail)) for classifying the netbook.
Case
The casing of the little netbook is comprised completely of plastic. This was expected in view of the computer's low price range. The base unit's upper side and the lid's back feature a silver-gray color. Furthermore, Acer imitates brushed metal on the lid's back, and uses mostly matte surfaces. Only the display bezel is glossy.
The casing's build is absolutely satisfactory. We did not discover any flaws. The stability was not conspicuous either. The casing however exhibits the known weaknesses found in most casings: it can be dented marginally under the touchpad and beside the keyboard. The base unit can be warped slightly, but still remains within an acceptable range. The lid is even easier to twist and does that to a greater extent. Also pressure on the back can cause image distortions. The hinges keep the lid firmly in position but rock a bit. Opening with only one hand is just still possible.
Connectivity
Despite the tight space, Acer manages to install the most important interfaces. The buyer will have to live without a VGA-out, but it can be retrofitted via an HDMI-to-VGA adapter (approx. 20 Euros) when needed. Most interfaces are located on the netbook's rear. Consequently, it is not always easy to reach the interfaces, but the left and right sides of the wrist rest remain free from cables.
Communication
Acer installs a Wi-Fi module from Atheros in the Aspire. It supports the 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi standards. We did not have problems with reception. There were no interruptions in a 15 meter radius around the router. A Gigabit Ethernet chip from Realtek's well-known RTL8168/8111 family, which we find in countless laptops, takes care of cabled radio connections. Even a Bluetooth 4.0 module has found its way into the netbook. The webcam does not produce any masterpieces; its pictures look quite blurry.
Accessories
Besides the usual documents, i.e. warranty information, quick start poster, a driver DVD for Windows 8.1 is also found in the box.
Operating System
The Aspire is shipped with Linpus Linux preloaded. Of course it is possible to install Windows using an external DVD drive or an appropriately prepared flash drive. Acer only supports Windows 8.1. The corresponding driver is found on the included DVD and on Acer's website. Note: Owners of a Windows 8 license and install Windows 8 on the netbook should immediately update to Windows 8.1 (available in the Windows Store free of charge) because some drivers provided by Acer cannot be installed under Windows 8.
Maintenance
Although Acer does not treat the Aspire to a maintenance cover, accessing the innards is not a big challenge. The underside is easy to lift off. After removing all screws on the underside, the tray can be lifted off using a putty knife on the front side. All other clips virtually release themselves after that. The user can access the hard drive, battery, and Wi-Fi module when opened. Replacing the hard drive is no problem. Commercially sold 2.5-inch models with a construction height of 7 mm can be installed. It would even be possible to replace the battery in case of defect.
Warranty
Acer includes a 24-month warranty on the Aspire. Owners of a Thinkpad Edge or an F200MA have to be satisfied with a one-year warranty. The Aspire's warranty period can be extended; a three-year warranty costs approximately 80 Euros.
Input Devices
Keyboard
Acer equips the netbook with an unlit chiclet keyboard. The level, lightly roughened keys feature a short drop and have a clear pressure point. We also like the keys' resistance. Overall, the keyboard surprises with a pleasing typing feel that we would not expect from such a low-priced laptop. The keyboard is even suitable for users who have to type regularly. Nevertheless, it cannot compete with a very good keyboard like for example found in the Thinkpad Edge E145.
Touchpad
The mouse replacement is an approximately 10.5 x 6 cm, multi-touch capable ClickPad (a touchpad without dedicated mouse buttons; the entire pad is a key). The sleek surface makes it easy for the finger to glide. Using gestures is also easily possible owing to the large area. The pad has a short drop and a clearly audible and palpable pressure point.
Display
Acer installs a matte, 11.6-inch screen in the little netbook. The screen has an astonishingly high brightness for its price range with a rate of 234.9 cd/m². Thus, the device places itself between the Thinkpad Edge (266.1 cd/m²) and F200MA (174.9 cd/m²).
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Brightness Distribution: 85 %
Center on Battery: 245 cd/m²
Contrast: 209:1 (Black: 1.17 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 12.53 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.86
ΔE Greyscale 13.25 | 0.5-98 Ø5.1
38.7% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
41.8% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
60.7% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
40.43% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.68
Both the contrast of 209:1 and black level of 1.17 cd/m² of the Aspire's screen is abysmal. These rates are no longer contemporary. The Thinkpad Edge (330:1; 0.89 cd/m²) and F200MA (361:1, 0.49 cd/m²) only provide marginally better rates. The screen in the Aspire cannot reproduce either the AdobeRGB or sRGB color spaces. The coverage rates are 56 percent (sRGB) and 39 percent (AdobeRGB).
The screen is not really convincing in terms of color reproduction either. The average DeltaE 2000 shift is 12.53 in state of delivery. A rate less than three would be ideal. Beyond that, the screen exhibits a clear bluish cast.
The Aspire only sports a simple TN screen, and thus it only offers the user limited viewing angles. Using the laptop outdoors is possible owing to the matte surface and quite decent brightness.
Performance
Acer provides a series of basic 11.6-inch netbooks with the Aspire E3-111. Our review sample is available for around 249 Euros. The device is also shipped with Windows 8.1 including Bing (a lower priced version of Windows 8,1; Bing is the default search engine) for around 270 Euros. Users who want it more colorful can take the pink model.
Processor
A Celeron N2930 processor is installed in the Aspire. It is a quad-core CPU that is based on Intel's Silvermont architecture. Thus, the processor is related to Intel's Atom processors and not the Haswell processors. The Celeron clocks with a base speed of 1.86 GHz, which can be increased up to 2.13 GHz via the Turbo. Intel specifies the TDP with 7.5 watts. The processor always ran the CPU tests of the Cinebench benchmark at full speed - regardless whether AC or battery mode.
AMD's counterpart of the Celeron is the A4-5000. The CPU part of this APU is also a quad-core processor, which clocks with 1.5 GHz. The performance of both processors is similar. The Celeron scores slightly better in the benchmarks, but that is not noticed in practical use. In return, the graphics chip of AMD's APU has a clear advantage. It scores considerably better than Intel's counterpart.
System Performance
The system runs mostly smooth. The weak processor is noticed occasionally - for example when opening applications. The scores of the PCMark benchmarks are also at most solid. However, neither is surprising considering the hardware configuration.
| PCMark 7 Score | 1648 points | |
| PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2 | 1104 points | |
| PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2 | 1066 points | |
| PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2 | 1032 points | |
Help | ||
Storage Devices
The storage device is a hard drive from Western Digital. It has a capacity of 500 GB and spins with 5400 revolutions per minute. CrystalDiskMark recorded a read speed of 104.7 MB/s. HDTune provided an average transfer rate of 84.2 MB/s. These are both good rates for a 5400 rpm hard drive.
Graphics Card
The graphics core in the Aspire also comes from Intel and bears the name HD Graphics. It name already suggests that the GPU is located at the lower end of the performance scale. It supports DirectX 11 and clocks with speed of up to 820 MHz. The GPU is clearly outperformed by the Radeon core in the Thinkpad Edge. Nevertheless, the Radeon GPU is also located at the lower end of the performance scale.
| 3DMark 06 Standard Score | 2044 points | |
| 3DMark 11 Performance | 264 points | |
| 3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score | 4791 points | |
| 3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 354 points | |
Help | ||
Gaming Performance
The Aspire was not made for dealing with computer games. Our database as well as the performed benchmarks discloses that at most only a few games can be rendered smoothly using a low resolution and low quality settings.
| low | med. | high | ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hitman: Absolution (2012) | 10.1 | 6 | ||
| Tomb Raider (2013) | 15 | 8 | ||
| BioShock Infinite (2013) | 13.3 | 6.3 | ||
| GRID 2 (2013) | 23.2 | 12.5 | ||
| The Bureau: XCOM Declassified (2013) | 10.2 | 6.1 | ||
| Batman: Arkham Origins (2013) | 14 | 8 | ||
| Wolfenstein: The New Order (2014) | 11.1 | 9.6 | ||
| GRID: Autosport (2014) | 41.8 | 12.5 | ||
| Risen 3: Titan Lords (2014) | 8.4 | 5.9 |
Emissions
System Noise
Since the Aspire does not have a fan, hardly anything is heard from the little computer. The hard drive's base noise is occasionally audible. Users who want to also eliminate that can simply replace the hard drive with a solid state drive. The Thinkpad Edge and F200MA both sport a fan, but they do not produce an undue amount of noise either. Their fans did not speed up excessively even during the stress test.
Noise Level
| Idle |
| 29.8 / 29.8 / 29.8 dB(A) |
| HDD |
| 30.1 dB(A) |
| Load |
| 29.8 / 29.8 dB(A) |
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30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
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min:  , med:  , max:  Voltcraft sl-320 (15 cm distance) | ||
Temperature
The Aspire's surface temperatures were within an acceptable range in idle mode. The lack of a fan however was noticed in the stress test. Fifty degrees Celsius were surpassed on two measuring points here. The netbook should not be placed on the thighs in that case. Nevertheless, there is no reason for concern because our stress test simulates an extreme situation that will not be found to that extent in everyday usage. The Thinkpad Edge has to be praised because it never surpassed thirty degrees at any measuring point at any time. Devices with a fan generally remain cooler than laptops without one.
The Aspire processed the stress test (Prime95 and Furmark run for at least one hour) in the same manner in both AC and battery mode. The processor and graphics core both clocked at full speed. The CPU was throttled down to 500 MHz gradually as soon as a temperature over 90 degrees Celsius was recorded. The processor again clocked at full speed when the temperature dropped. This temperature threshold was reached for the first time after about 20 minutes. It will naturally be reached sooner in the further course. The CPU's temperature settled to approximately 90 degrees Celsius during the stress test.
(-) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 48.1 °C / 119 F, compared to the average of 33.1 °C / 92 F, ranging from 21.6 to 53.2 °C for the class Netbook.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 56.8 °C / 134 F, compared to the average of 36.6 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 29.8 °C / 86 F, compared to the device average of 29.8 °C / 86 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 31.3 °C / 88.3 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 29.3 °C / 84.7 F (-2 °C / -3.6 F).
| Acer Aspire E3-111-C6LG HD Graphics (Bay Trail), N2930, Western Digital Scorpio Blue WD5000LPVX | Asus F200MA-CT067H HD Graphics (Bay Trail), N2815, Toshiba MQ01ABF050 | Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E145 Radeon HD 8240, E1-2500, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380 | Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E145-20BC000UGE Radeon HD 8330, A4-5000, Western Digital Scorpio Blue WD5000LPVX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat | 16% | 33% | 20% | |
| Maximum Upper Side * | 48.1 | 31.3 35% | 28.4 41% | 34.3 29% |
| Maximum Bottom * | 56.8 | 42 26% | 27.5 52% | 34.5 39% |
| Idle Upper Side * | 32.6 | 30.8 6% | 27.7 15% | 31.7 3% |
| Idle Bottom * | 35.8 | 37.6 -5% | 28 22% | 32.8 8% |
* ... smaller is better
Speakers
The stereo speakers of the Aspire are on the device's underside. They produce a thin sound that lacks bass. The speakers suffice for occasionally watching YouTube videos. Using headphones or external speakers would be recommendable otherwise.
Energy Management
Power Consumption
Owners of an Aspire do not need to worry about the power requirement. The installed processor is relatively frugal (TDP: 7.5 watts). The power consumption in routine use remained below 10 watts. The requirement did not skyrocket excessively in the stress test either. We measured a power consumption of 17.4 watts. Both the Thinkpad Edge and F200MA are marginally less energy hungry than the Aspire over the entire load range.
| Off / Standby | 0.3 / 0.4 Watt |
| Idle | 5 / 7.3 / 7.4 Watt |
| Load |
15 / 17.4 Watt |
   
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Key:
min: ,
med: ,
max: Voltcraft VC 940 | |
| Acer Aspire E3-111-C6LG HD Graphics (Bay Trail), N2930, Western Digital Scorpio Blue WD5000LPVX | Asus F200MA-CT067H HD Graphics (Bay Trail), N2815, Toshiba MQ01ABF050 | Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E145 Radeon HD 8240, E1-2500, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380 | Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E145-20BC000UGE Radeon HD 8330, A4-5000, Western Digital Scorpio Blue WD5000LPVX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 13% | 7% | -21% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 5 | 4.2 16% | 5.6 -12% | |
| Idle Average * | 7.3 | 6.5 11% | 5.9 19% | 7.7 -5% |
| Idle Maximum * | 7.4 | 7.1 4% | 6.3 15% | 7.9 -7% |
| Load Average * | 15 | 12.4 17% | 14.9 1% | 22.3 -49% |
| Load Maximum * | 17.4 | 14.1 19% | 20.1 -16% | 22.8 -31% |
* ... smaller is better
Battery Runtime
The Aspire battery lasted for 7:16 h in idle mode. The Thinkpad Edge (19:43 h) is more than twice as enduring. Idle mode is ascertained with Battery Eater's Reader's test. The screen is set to minimum brightness, the energy profile is enabled, and the wireless modules are disabled. The Aspire shut down after 1:48 h of load. Again, the Thinkpad Edge (4:01 h) lasts longer. The load runtime is checked with Battery Eater's Classic test using maximum screen brightness, the high-performance profile, and radio modules on.
The E3-111 stopped the Wi-Fi test after 4:17 h. And again, it cannot compete with the Thinkpad Edge (8:19 h). The F200MA (5:01 h) also achieves a better time. For 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 video Big Buck Bunny (H.264 encoding, 1920 x 1080 pixels) in a loop. The energy saving profile is enabled, the radio modules are off, and the screen's brightness is set to approximately 150 cd/m². The Aspire lasted for 4:31 h. We did not perform this test with the contenders.
| Acer Aspire E3-111-C6LG HD Graphics (Bay Trail), N2930, Western Digital Scorpio Blue WD5000LPVX | Asus F200MA-CT067H HD Graphics (Bay Trail), N2815, Toshiba MQ01ABF050 | Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E145 Radeon HD 8240, E1-2500, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380 | Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E145-20BC000UGE Radeon HD 8330, A4-5000, Western Digital Scorpio Blue WD5000LPVX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Runtime | 17% | 129% | 81% | |
| Reader / Idle | 436 | 1183 171% | ||
| H.264 | 271 | |||
| WiFi | 257 | 301 17% | 499 94% | 464 81% |
| Load | 108 | 241 123% |
Verdict
Owing to the very decent keyboard and the matte screen, Acer's Aspire E3-111 primarily solicits itself as a low-priced typewriter. The term "portable" can only be used to a very limited extent in context with the Aspire because the battery runtimes do not prove exceptional. For example, use in the university will consequently be excluded, and its main application field will primarily be at home. Nevertheless, we are certain that the Aspire will appeal to many buyers due to its low price (250 Euros; 270 Euros w/ Windows 8.1).
Lenovo's Thinkpad Edge E145 would be a better alternative. It is clearly superior to the Aspire. Although it does not have as much computing power, it has a considerably better keyboard and lasts much longer. The Thinkpad is currently sold for approximately 310 Euros (without Windows operating system). A version with AMD's A4-5000 APU is available for around 460 Euros (including Windows 7 Pro and Windows 8 Pro).
