Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I've found three real cons for this laptop: 1. The screen isn't the best, but it is acceptable. Doesn't compare to my i7, 4k touchscreen laptop, but it's also about $800 cheaper. 2. The 1tb HDD is very slow, only 5400 RPM (really common on laptops without an SSD). 3. The memory installed is a single 4gb and a second 2gb module, so no dual channel. Really, under 8 gig of memory, just say no. When using the on CPU graphics, this is a serious handicap (not dual channel). Pluses: Built in DVD drive. Probably not important to a lot of people nowdays, but a plus still. Latest gen CPU from Intel, the i3 may be pretty mediocre, but if you are comparing it to a machine 3 years old, you'll be VERY happy. VERY easy access (3 small phillips head screws) to upgrade memory, hard drive, and an empty M.2 slot for an SSD (screw & standoff included). I've read people complaining that upgrading it themselves was "not easy". Acer unlike most companies makes it easy to upgrade, but it does require knowledge. The system as configured is indeed a cheap laptop, and poor performer. You can make it a very pleasant midrange performer by upgrading memory and adding an SSD. The SSD would give you the most noticeable improvement, the memory would allow more open tabs on your browser. Upgrade details: First get an 8 gig or larger USB stick. I used this: https://www.amazon.com/Kingston-Digital-8GB-Traveler-Flash/dp/B00G9WHMHC/ Then go to Microsoft and use their media creation tool to create a bootable Windows 10 installer (64 bit). Use a #0 tip phillips head screwdriver to remove the 3 screws on the cover on the bottom. There is a small notch on one corner of the cover, pry it up from there (yes, it can seem like you'll break it). When you open the cover, to the left would be a hard drive, I recommend removing it. Just slide it to the left away from the connector it is plugged into, it's stiff, but once unplugged you can lift it out. Next to the two filled memory slots on the right, between the two memory sticks and the HDD, is the M.2 slot, and down toward you on the circuit board is the standoff that Acer has kindly provided the screw for. Remove the screw, slide your SSD at an angle into the M.2 slot, once seated (can't see the gold fingers on the dge of the SSD), it should hinge down to the top of the spacer, insert the screw you removed and tighten gently. Next, the two memory dimms, pop them out by taking the two levers (one on each side) and gently pulling away from the dimms, they should pop up. Angle in the two (matching) memory dimms, and again when seated properly (can't see the gold edge connecters) angle them down and the two latches should pop into place. Put the cover back on. Insert the USB key drive. Power it up, should boot into installing Windows 10. Select "custom Install". Select new install (not upgrade). Should bring up a screen to select the disk drive, if you've removed the hard drive and have a new SSD, just select the only drive and tell it to use it. If you've tried and failed on your SSD, delete all the disk partitions, and let it use the blank disk (no need to create partitions, format, or anything, just remove all the existing partitions). Microsoft will automatically read the license key where it is stored in non-volatile memory. Takes about 20-30 minutes to fully install windows, reboot, connect to a network, and install updates. This gives you a nice machine with dual channel memory, and an SSD. You can reinstall the HDD and format it to use as extra storage (that's what I did). It'll now boot in about 15 seconds to your desktop in Windows 10 if you use the two cheap options below. Might boot faster with the NVME drive, but you really won't notice. Bonus, nice clean install of Windows 10, without "extra" programs you don't need. WD Blue 3D NAND 500GB PC SSD https://www.amazon.com/Blue-NAND-500GB-SSD-WDS500G2B0B/dp/B073SBX6TY/ Memory 16gb dual channel (2x8gb DDR3 PC3L-12800 204 PIN SODIMM) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KEAEX54/