Does anyone have an opinion on this laptop that I'm looking to buy?

[Sheldon Cooper]

http://www.staples.com/Acer-V5-571P-6642-156-Laptop/product_105055#desc_content

It's an Acer, which I have found to be nice machines in the past. But it's got the new Windows 8, and a touchscreen. I have no idea how the touchscreen would work for me, and I've not heard anything good about Windows 8. My computer usage is mostly cruising the internet, email, and light gaming. I don't do a lot of office work on my home laptop either, so I wouldn't need any fancy Office-type software package. One thing I want to know is if I can use a wireless mouse with this machine, rather than the touchscreen.

Sorry if this has alread been discussed. Thanks in advance for your input.

[Warren Stupidity]

1. Win8 works quite well on a touchscreen.

I can't add anything about the acer. If it is labelled "ultrabook" then it is probably ok as intel and msft put some effort into clearly defining the standards for what goes into that class of laptop.

Win8 on a desktop is going to annoy people until they get the hang of it, and then it isn't quite as annoying, plus there are dozens of start button placement apps out there that reverts the desktop app to win7 mode.

[Sheldon Cooper]

2. Thanks.

Can you tell from the description whether I can hook up a wireless mouse?

[Thor_MN]

3. Wireless mice come with a Bluetooth dongle that sits in a USB port.

So I have little doubt you can use a wireless mouse with any Windows computer.

[Mnpaul]

4. You wouldn't have a problem

It has 3 USB ports. 2 USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0. Reserve the USB 3.0 port for memory sticks(the blue one). It also has a touchpad so a mouse should work as well. You may have to find a mouse with Win8 drivers to use advanced features of certain mice.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

5. It looks good.

I'm not a Windows 8 fan but some people like it. I've heard that there are third party apps that give a Win7 like desktop, taskbar and start menu. Others here have said that it takes a bit to get used to it but that after you have it's a plus. Being a control freak, I'll have to dragged kicking and screaming away from the traditional start menu.

The 15.6 inch screen is the most popular size. I would find that very comfortable for general use as well as personal movie watching. Which brings me to one possible drawback. This PC has a DVD but not a Blu-ray drive and will play 720 video but not 1080. If you're not interested in HD movie watching (you didn't mention movies), then that doesn't matter. LED backlighting gives a very even illumination.

I use a backlit keyboard on my home desktop and like it very much. USB 3 is becoming standard and is a nice-to-have feature. The only clear possible negative I see is the battery life but that only applies if you plan on extended battery-only use.

I always like to actually try out a notebook first but the short answer is, if the price fits, it's a great option.

Good luck

[Sheldon Cooper]

6. Thanks everyone for your input.

I'm going to look for this in a store somewhere and play around a bit before I decide. I appreciate the advice.

[AgingAmerican]

7. Windows 8 is a toy operating system, ditch it

Besides that its a fine laptop.