Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source — a more recent addition to Acer’s budget laptop line — fills that niche well.
For $300, the Acer Aspire Go 15 is a capable budget laptop for users without heavy performance demands. The 15-inch screen is well-suited for browsing the web, checking emails, and using productivity software, while the onboard webcam is sufficient to take work calls while away from the office.
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At 3.75 pounds, this is not the lightest laptop, and the 15-inch display results in a slightly bulky body, but the tradeoff is a full-sized keyboard with a right-side number pad (even if the keys are slightly smaller) and a display that feels just big enough.
In fact, “just enough” is the overarching theme for this laptop. It has just enough performance to cover the basics, a good enough webcam, port selection, and form factor, with the stand-out feature being a surprisingly long-lasting battery.
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When you look closely at these parameters, you can see that they’re quite well-optimized, resulting in a laptop with limitations but a device that also performs well within the scope of its capabilities.
The 15-inch display is rather basic and not very bright, but it does have nice viewing-angle flexibility, unlike other Chromebooks or budget laptops. The 1080p full HD display has sufficient contrast, even if the 60Hz refresh rate isn’t phenomenal. I think anything less than 75% brightness on this laptop is too dim.
The selection of ports here is also just enough. You get two USB-A ports, one USB-C, an HDMI port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a Kensington lock slot. The charger that comes with the Aspire Go 15 is a cheap-feeling proprietary jack, but the laptop can also be charged via its USB-C port.
is a solid pick for users without demanding performance requirements or for people who need a secondary laptop for traveling. It’s also a great pick for students seeking a budget laptop to bring on campus for note-taking and completing assignments, and the device is included in our best laptops for college list.
The practical list of features, selection of ports, and decent battery life give you everything you need and nothing you don’t. The laptop is well-optimized to operate within its capabilities. Additionally, at just $300, the price is right.