Notebook Review
Acer Aspire 5 A517-52 Review: A Practical 17.3-inch Workhorse
Editor note: This article is an original English adaptation prepared by Notebook Center Editorial Team based on a review first published at Notebook-Center.ru.
Overview
The Acer Aspire 5 A517-52 is a 17.3-inch laptop built for everyday home and office work. In this configuration, it combines an Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor, 8 GB of memory, and a 256 GB SSD. The device focuses on practical use: a matte Full HD IPS display, a full-size keyboard with backlight, and a useful set of wired ports.
Technical Specifications
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-1165G7 2.8 GHz |
| Memory | 8 GB DDR4 3200 MHz |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Display | 17.3-inch, 1920x1080, Full HD, LED IPS, matte |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 |
| Optical drive | None |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Audio | 2 stereo speakers |
| Ports | 2x USB 3.1, 1x USB 2.0, USB Type-C, HDMI, RJ-45, combo audio jack |
| Webcam | 720p |
| Battery | 3-cell Li-ion, 50 Wh |
| Size and weight | 404 x 264 x 20 mm, 2.8 kg |
| Operating system | Windows 10 Pro 64-bit |
| Tested configuration | Acer Aspire 5 A517-52-72JN (NX.A5BER.001) |
Design and Build
The chassis uses aluminum and has a clean, restrained look without aggressive styling. Build quality is described as solid, with little flex in normal use. For a 17.3-inch model, the footprint is still manageable, but the 2.8 kg weight confirms that this is mainly a desk-first machine. The hinge is firm and the lid does not open easily with one hand.
Display, Audio, and Webcam
The matte 17.3-inch IPS panel offers Full HD resolution and wide viewing angles. The screen is practical for indoor work, while brightness headroom and contrast are modest. Color coverage is limited for serious color work, but acceptable for everyday tasks. The stereo speakers are usable for calls and background media, and the 720p webcam is suitable for basic video meetings.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The laptop has an island-style keyboard with a numeric keypad and backlight, which is useful for office workflows. Key travel and feedback support comfortable typing, though key noise can be noticeable. The touchpad supports multi-touch gestures and responds quickly in daily navigation.
Performance and Everyday Use
With the Core i7-1165G7, Intel Iris Xe graphics, and SSD storage, this Aspire 5 configuration is aimed at office software, web work, and routine multitasking. Integrated graphics can also handle light gaming workloads. Thermal behavior stays controlled in typical use, while fan noise becomes more audible under load.
Ports, Connectivity, and Battery
Physical connectivity is a strong point: USB Type-C, two USB 3.1 ports, USB 2.0, HDMI, RJ-45, and a combo audio jack. Wireless support includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. The 50 Wh battery is reported to deliver around 7 hours in web use at about 50% brightness, around 4 hours for 1080p video playback, and about 1.5-2 hours in gaming scenarios.
Verdict
The Acer Aspire 5 A517-52 is a practical large-screen laptop for users who want a straightforward machine for home or office tasks. Its key strengths are a usable matte 17.3-inch display, solid build, good everyday performance, and a broad port selection. Main compromises are limited screen brightness/contrast, audible fan noise under load, and no Thunderbolt port.