Acer Aspire 5517: A Solid But Basic Laptop Choice

The Acer Aspire 5517 offers reliable performance for everyday tasks but falls short in design and advanced features.
Editor’s Review of the Acer Aspire 5517 15.6-Inch Laptop
The Acer Aspire 5517 is a budget-friendly laptop that aims to deliver reliable performance for everyday computing tasks. This model features a 15.6-inch display and comes in a sleek black finish, which adds a modern touch to its overall design. It is particularly suitable for students and professionals who need a portable device for web browsing, document editing, and multimedia consumption. In this review, we will explore the key features, performance specifications, design, connectivity options, and overall value of the Acer Aspire 5517.
Key Features
- Display: 15.6-inch HD (1366 x 768) Display
- Processor: AMD Dual-Core Processor
- Memory: Up to 12GB DDR4 RAM
- Storage: Up to 1TB HDD or optional SSD
- Graphics: Integrated AMD graphics
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home or optional upgrades
- Battery Life: Up to 7 hours on a full charge
- Weight: Approximately 5.4 lbs
Performance Specifications
The Acer Aspire 5517 is equipped with an AMD Dual-Core processor that offers decent performance for day-to-day tasks. The combination of up to 12GB of DDR4 RAM ensures smooth multitasking capabilities, allowing users to run multiple applications simultaneously without significant lag.
When it comes to storage options, users can choose between a traditional hard drive or an optional solid-state drive (SSD). The HDD version provides ample storage space for files, documents, and multimedia content, while the SSD option improves boot times and application loading speeds significantly.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Acer Aspire 5517 is straightforward and functional. With its black finish and textured surfaces, the laptop has an understated appearance that makes it suitable for both casual and professional environments. The keyboard features a standard layout with well-spaced keys that provide adequate tactile feedback while typing.
The laptop also includes a multi-touch touchpad that is responsive and allows for easy navigation through various applications. However, due to its budget-friendly nature, the build quality may not be on par with more expensive models; it may feel slightly less durable if compared to premium laptops.
Display Quality
The 15.6-inch display offers an HD resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. While not Full HD, this display provides adequate clarity for web browsing and video streaming. Colors are satisfactory for standard usage; however, users seeking vibrant visuals for gaming or graphic design might find the color accuracy lacking.
The screen also features a matte finish that helps reduce glare in brightly lit environments, making it easier to work in various lighting conditions.
Connectivity Options
- USB Ports: Two USB 3.1 ports and one USB 2.0 port
- HDMI Output: Yes, useful for connecting to external monitors or projectors
- Audio Jack: Standard headphone/microphone combo jack
- SD Card Reader: Yes, for additional storage options
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Supports Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity
The Acer Aspire 5517 offers a variety of connectivity options that cater to most users' needs. The presence of multiple USB ports allows for peripheral connection like mice and external drives, while the HDMI output aids in presentations or media playback on larger screens.
Battery Life
The laptop boasts an impressive battery life of up to 7 hours on a full charge under normal usage conditions. This longevity ensures that users can carry it around without constantly worrying about finding an outlet to recharge. However, battery performance may vary depending on factors like display brightness and active applications.
Value for Money
The Acer Aspire 5517 stands out as a cost-effective option in the budget laptop segment. With its balanced specifications and reasonable pricing, it caters well to everyday users who may not require high-end performance but still value reliability in their computing experience.
This laptop is recommended for students for taking notes in class, professionals for office work such as creating spreadsheets and presentations, or simply casual users who enjoy browsing the web or streaming videos on platforms like Netflix.
The Acer Aspire 5517 offers respectable performance in a wallet-friendly package. It covers essential features well and serves as a competent option for day-to-day computing tasks. Those considering purchasing a budget laptop should view this model as a potential candidate based on its overall functionality and practicality.
Overview
Acer Aspire 5517 15.6-Inch Laptop - Black is a Commercial software in the category Graphics Applications developed by Acer.
The latest version of Acer Aspire 5517 15.6-Inch Laptop - Black is currently unknown. It was initially added to our database on 09/07/2009.
Acer Aspire 5517 15.6-Inch Laptop - Black runs on the following operating systems: Windows.
Acer Aspire 5517 15.6-Inch Laptop - Black has not been rated by our users yet.
Pros
- Affordable price point for a laptop with decent specifications.
- 15.6-inch display size offers a good balance between portability and usability.
- Lightweight design makes it easy to carry around.
- Features a full-sized keyboard which is comfortable for typing.
- Adequate battery life for everyday tasks like web browsing and document editing.
- Multiple USB ports and HDMI output for versatility in connections.
- Comes with Windows OS which is familiar to many users.
Cons
- Performance may be limited for demanding tasks such as gaming or video editing due to lower-end specs.
- Build quality may not feel as premium as higher-end laptops.
- Limited upgradeability options, particularly with RAM and storage.
- Screen resolution may be lower than competitors in the same price range, affecting visual clarity.
- Mediocre speakers that may not provide an immersive audio experience.
- Heat can build up during extended use or high-performance tasks, affecting comfort.
FAQ
What are the main specifications of the Acer Aspire 5517 15.6-Inch Laptop?
The Acer Aspire 5517 features a 15.6-inch display, AMD Athlon 64 TF-20 processor, 3GB RAM, and a 160GB hard drive.
Does the Acer Aspire 5517 come with a built-in webcam?
Yes, the Acer Aspire 5517 has a built-in webcam for video calls and conferencing.
What operating system does the Acer Aspire 5517 run on?
The Acer Aspire 5517 runs on Windows Vista Home Basic.
Is the memory on the Acer Aspire 5517 expandable?
Yes, the memory on the Acer Aspire 5517 is expandable up to a maximum of 4GB.
What ports are available on the Acer Aspire 5517 for connectivity?
The Acer Aspire 5517 comes with USB ports, VGA port, Ethernet port, headphone and microphone jacks, and a DVD drive.
Does the Acer Aspire 5517 have built-in Wi-Fi?
Yes, the Acer Aspire 5517 is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi for wireless internet connectivity.
What is the battery life like on the Acer Aspire 5517?
The battery life of the Acer Aspire 5517 is approximately around 2-3 hours with normal usage.
Is the Acer Aspire 5517 suitable for gaming?
The Acer Aspire 5517 is not designed for high-end gaming due to its basic specifications.
Does the Acer Aspire 5517 come with any pre-installed software?
Yes, the Acer Aspire 5517 comes with pre-installed software including basic productivity tools and security software.
What is the warranty period for the Acer Aspire 5517?
The warranty period for the Acer Aspire 5517 varies but typically ranges from 1 to 2 years depending on the region and retailer.

Boris Weber
I am an editor at UpdateStar. I started as a support engineer, and am now specialized in writing about general software topics from a usability and performance angle among others. I telecommute from UpdateStar’s Berlin office, when I am not working remote as a digital nomad for UpdateStar. When I'm not analyzing the latest software updates, you can find me exploring new cities, immersing myself in local cultures, and discovering innovative tech trends across the globe.
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