Review of the Acer Aspire 5745DG

Priced at $999, the Aspire 5745DG is the least expensive 3D notebook we've tested that uses Nvidia's impressive 3D Vision technology. Powered by a Core i5 processor, this 15.6-inch system can also output 3D content to a compatible TV via its HDMI connection. So is this multimedia machine really a bargain?



While not as large as a desktop replacement, the size and bulk of the 5745DG means it's not going to travel much. It tips the scales at 6.2 pounds, around the average for a 15-inch system. Its 9-cell battery protrudes out the bottom towards the rear, and while it angles the system towards you--making typing more comfortable, it raises the height of the notebook to 2.3 inches.

Having a spacious underside means that the 5745DG stayed fairly cool. After playing a Hulu video at full screen for 15 minutes, the touchpad and the G and H keys reached 92 degrees, but the middle of the bottom stayed a cool 85 degrees.

The 5745DG uses the same FineTip keyboard that's become standard on all Acer notebooks. The keys are flat on top and separated from each other, and a full number pad sits to the right. We found the typing experience fairly comfortable but certainly not best in class.

Size and resolution-wise, the 15.6-inch, 1366 x 768 display on the 5745DG is about as common as you can get. However, it has a refresh rate of 120Hz--twice that of typical notebooks--in order to display 3D content.

The right side of the 5745DG has a tray-loading DVD drive, and three USB ports. The left has an additional USB port, plus VGA, HDMI, Ethernet, and headphone and mic jacks. The left front lip of the laptop houses a 5-in-1 memory card slot.

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