BlueCrab Tracker

Re: Upgrading Ram on Aspire R7

BlueCrab — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 13:13:37 GMT

I just wanted to add that I just checked this with Acer via the Chat option. They also confirmed 1333 MHz, PC3-12800.

Re: Poor Wifi on new Aspire R7

BlueCrab — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 16:50:41 GMT

I am also trying out my just received replacement R7 this morning. Notes:

- Wireless is absolutely fixed -- on par with all other devices on several different networks.

- I spent about 10 minutes on the phone with a very nice person from Level 2 Tech, referencing this forum thread and explaining what I had experienced myself. Everything was covered, and I opted to have them ship me a new one (with a $1000 hold on my credit card) and then send them mine back.

- Mine did have the previously mentioned blue dot, and it is in pristine condition; I can't find anything that suggests it is refurbished rather than new.

- Still lists a Broadcom card, driver 6.30.59.144

If you've already committed to this unit, I would encourage you to go ahead and call in. The process was pretty painless for me, other than the lost time of having to set-up the replacement computer with my software and preferences. I kind of figured that might happen though anyway, since I was adopting a brand new OS - Microsoft isn't exactly known for working out all the kinks before distributing their product either. That doesn't mean it's fine for Acer to overlook something like this in their pre-release testing, but I'm sufficiently satisfied with this resolution that I won't lose sleep over it or continue worrying about what caused it.

I would not recommend wasting your time or money on USB sticks or range extenders, though if that's what you prefer, there are numerous posts covering them in detail in the earliest pages of this thread.

I can't speak to whether Best Buy's units are okay now or not, but I wouldn't assume they are just because good units now exist. From the reviews on their website, it's obvious that some people just don't use their computers in a way that they would notice a slower connection, so BB will probably keep selling the original batch and let those who care come here and see that they need to contact Acer for a computer that performs as it should.

Re: Poor Wifi on new Aspire R7

BlueCrab — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 14:22:07 GMT

r4cdeleon, you say that you don't have the wi-fi issue, but you only post a speed for the R7. Can you tell us what the network speed is supposed to be, or what another device connects at? My connection at work is 100 Mbps, and my other computers get that, but right now the R7 is getting 12 Mbps on it. That would be fine if the network speed was only 12 Mbps, as it is at my house (where I usually only 0.5 Mbps on the R7!), but it's not fine on a 100 Mbps network. Can you give us more information for comparison, please? Thanks!

Also, I think the Best Buy prices fluctuate somewhat, as I got mine at $899 a couple weeks ago, and the next day it went back up to $949. The sales rep. told me they adjust regularly. I wouldn't read too much into the adjustment now.

Acer-Cory -- does contacting our local support mean contacting Best Buy or contacting Acer directly? Last time I emailed Acer support, they asked me to send in the unit at my own expense, which I of course did not do since I was following this thread and had read about others' experiences of spending the money and wasting the time for shipping only to receive their R7 back with the same problem. It makes me far less confident that sending in my unit now will actually fix the problem.

Re: Poor Wifi on new Aspire R7

BlueCrab — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 17:54:06 GMT

In reply to superonyx's general question on non-wifi aspects of the computer: I absolutely love the R7 (had it for two weeks now). I've been holding out on moving to new Windows operating systems for years - this computer replaces a 2006 ThinkPad running XP that is finally dying on me after years of heavy use. I decided that if I was going to get forced into Windows 8, I was going to get a machine that took advantage of the touch functionality, and this laptop does it beautifully. (Since you are shopping around, I will add that I was originally planning to buy the Lenovo Yoga, but I need to type a lot for my job and couldn't stand the shallow keyboard when I tried it in-store, which is strange since some reviewers specifically praise its keyboard.) I've adjusted easily to the touch screen and usually have the screen pulled forward to hide the trackpad. It's super easy to push up the screen a bit and access it when I do occasionally need the higher precision. I also read a lot of scientific literature for my work, and it's a joy to do that with the gorgeous screen in tablet mode. I've found myself using it in every position it's been marketed in online - even the one where the screen is tilted back to be parallel to the keyboard and elevated above it (it's perfect when you're standing up at a standard height desk or table).

If only it's 0.5 Mbps download speed could match the 12 Mbps (which is what I pay for at home) of my (otherwise severly limping) 2006 ThinkPad sitting right next to it. On the network at work, I get nearly 100 Mbps on the ThinkPad and 6 Mbps on the R7. Tomorrow is my last day to return it for a full refund. I am still debating.

A question of my own: Has anyone looked into replacing the wireless card? I haven't opened my R7 up yet, but it looks like it might be possible (http://www.mobiletechreview.com/notebooks/Acer-Aspire-R7.htm). I'm not any expert on hardware, but if this is an intereference issue, as some posters have suggested, would swapping out the Broadcom card for something else possibly help? I'm not sure that I want to permanently tie up one of the three USB ports with an adapter.

PS It's been ~two weeks since Acer-Cory posted on page 8, but in case you're still reading, I have the same as the others who have posted their details:

Broadcom 802.11n.

Most up to date driver.

Driver Date 3/29/2013.

Driver Version: 6.30.59.144