Acer Aspire V5 review

Although available with Intel-configured components, our review model was built around an AMD A6 quad-core processor.

It's AMD's middle-ranking processor and combines both the CPU and GPU onto a single chip. The graphics side of things is handled by the integrated Radeon HD 8250 unit - which will manage graphically complex websites and high-definition media playback, but not too much more.

While performance isn't as acute as Intel's offering, the AMD model of the Aspire V5-122P comes in cheaper and is a good option if you're stuck on a budget.

In terms of memory, the Aspire V5 is loaded with 4GB of RAM, which keeps things moving at a reasonably slick pace.

It would be even quicker if storage was handled by a solid-state drive rather than the 500GB hard drive Acer has decided to use here. Because this isn't an Ultrabook, there's no requirement for an SSD and so presumably it has been omitted to keep the costs down.

But, credit where credit is due, and the Acer Aspire V5-122P does deserve some for its display. The screen boasts a standard 1,366 x 768 pixel resolution which means it'll handle 720p HD footage but not full on 1080p.

Even so, the 11.6-inch LED-backlit screen is bright and crisp with a reflective TFT coating that gives a better contrast than your average matte display. Our one complaint is the thick black bezel surrounding the screen.

The Aspire V5-122P also gets points from us for being a touchscreen - a feature that is fast becoming nigh-on essential as Windows 8 gathers adoption. You will, unfortunately, get greasy marks all over the TFT display, but the usability positive outweighs the aesthetic negative.

Acer has employed a standard brushed-metal design approach with the V5, similar to the company's earlier Aspire S3 Ultrabook.

The slightly rounded corners of the chassis can't disguise a boxy look, although it does feel reasonably sturdy. Push down on the chassis either side of the touchpad and you'll notice some serious flex - but even so, this laptop should be able to put up with the inevitable bumps and knocks.

This laptop doesn't muster a mind-blowing set of specifications, but it does come in reasonable, considering the price you'll pay for it. You also won't find it clogged with pre-loaded bloatware, although Acer has included its clear.fi media management program for playing music and watching videos.