My last system was an Acer Asprire 5720Z, still have it with Windows 7 installed. This system seems a little bland compared to my old one. There are no function lights/indicators on the keyboard like; num lock, caps on etc. System responsive, good performance. Compared to Window 7 there are a lot of audio, video function missing and you need to find software to accomplish what Window 7 provides. The 8.1 start menu is just dumb but it gets you to all your applications. The screen is nice but a downgrade for theCrystal Screen on the 5720Z. It does allow me to do what I wanted -- to get into Windows 8 and get experience with system but Windows 7 is still my primary OS used.

I`ve been shopping for a touch screen laptop under $550 dollars for a few weeks looking for a bargain less 30% or more. After reviewing Dell, Acer, and HP. I`ve decided for Acer as cheaper on price with the same specification - i5 processor 4th Generation, 4GB low voltage RAM, 500GB hard disk, built-in Intel HD 4400 graphics, and big display touch screen 15.6`. Whoa, I`ve never expected that this laptop is one of the best purchase I`ve done as it is so fast, touch screen Windows 8.1 with update 1 response is great no hiccup, Dolby Home Theater sound is great, Aluminum keyboard rest pad, Full island keys for keyboard and numeric pad, and with internal DVD writer. I primary used this laptop for basic internet browsing, programming MS Visual Studio 2013, typing documentation, watch movies, and ebook reading.

PRO: DOLBY home theater sound is great, Intel HD 4400 integrated built-in graphics touch screen response is great, 4th gen i5 processor, 15.6` touchscreen display, nice sturdy keyboard full keys, and built-in DVD writer.

CONS: I can`t find any negative for this sub $550 dollars price? maybe no back-lit keyboard but I don`t need that as I always work on a bright lid environment :)

After using it for 2 weeks, I go for upgrade and I bought internal SSD Samsung EVO 840 120GB and additional 4GB RAM. Good thing is it is very easy to upgrade this laptop as you need only to remove only 1 screw! Maybe the designer knew that probably most laptop owners will upgrade to SSD and put additional RAM memory. I couldn`t be happier now as my 64-bit Windows 8.1 with update 1 boots less than 8 seconds.

I just turned it on & went through the registration process. What an improvement over my 2 yr. old HP. The screen is great by comparison. It has the 4th generation Intel processor for the best battery life. It`s an i5, not the faster i7, but that`s just fine for my needs. I like the touch pad, which has a separate button bar - MUCH better than those that have the buttons indistinguishable from the rest of the pad. Everything seems to work as expected. It feels solid. It`s pretty light compared to my old laptops, but not as light as the current crop of much more expensive models. The only significant feature that I would have liked is a backlit keyboard. But for this price, I decided to give it a try. I`d recommend this model for anyone wanting a home computer and can sacrifice a backlit keyboard.