Reviews Acer Timeline M5
7.5
RCT SCORE
RCT SCORE 7.5 / 10

RealClear Summary


Ultrabooks are finally penetrating into prices that make them accessible for a broad base of consumers. Acer's Timeline M5 is poised to be the value king (at least for this month), packing Nvidia GeForce GT 640M LE graphics, a 500GB hard drive, 4GB of RAM, a backlit keyboard, and a DVD drive.

The 14-inch configuration can be had for $779. That also includes a 1.7GHz Intel Core i5 processor, a 20GB SSD for fast boot-ups, and an overall weight of 4.2 pounds. That weight puts it just a notch above what a typical "ultrabook" is supposed to offer (that would be 4 pounds), but you're still getting a PC that's .8 inches thick. As far as connectivity goes, you'll get an HDMI output, two USB 3.0 slots and a USB card reader.

While some reviewers took points off the M5 for its slightly toasty exterior during gaming and its bulk, most were enthusiastic about the price-to-performance Acer was able to coax from its newest ultrabook.

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Reviews Sources

 
Value Is Hard to Beat
Yes, it's heavier than the average ultrabook, but if you're looking for an excellent value in a full-featured thin laptop, the Acer Timeline U M5 is hard to beat.
CNET.com
 
Jack of All Trades, Master of None
What the M5 really represents is the continued evolution of the mid-range, general-purpose laptop. It shares much more in common with standard 15" and 14" laptops than it does with the...
Ars Technica.com
 
Good At Games, That's About It
What this all amounts to in the should-you-buy-it department is a big maybe that depends on what you value the most. If you're a gamer who travels a lot but never wants to plug his...
Wired.com
 
Fantastic Deal
If you've been looking for a solid, all-purpose machine and either can't afford a $1,100 Ultrabook or need something with more horsepower, you won't do much better than this.
Engadget.com
 
Delivers on the Price
With discrete Nvidia graphics, loud speakers, and solid battery life -- all for less than $800 -- the Acer Aspire TimelineU M5-481TG-6814 crams a lot into its sturdy and sleek aluminum...
Laptop Mag.com
 
Crams In a Lot
With discrete Nvidia graphics, loud speakers, and solid battery life -- all for less than $800 -- the Acer Aspire TimelineU M5-481TG-6814 crams a lot into its sturdy and sleek aluminum...
Laptop Mag.com
 
Downsides Can't Overcome the Value
The downsides of the Acer Aspire Timeline Ultra M5-481TG-6814 are outweighed by its nimble performance in both everyday computing and visually intense gaming applications-and it's an...
PC Magazine.com
 
A Disappointment
This attractive 15.6-inch Ultrabook represents a downgrade from its predecessor in storage and performance.
PC World.com
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