For those users who happen to be Linux fans, or wish to customize their netbook in any way, the OS becomes much less user-friendly. Acer has made it idiot-proof which means that they removed the library (kinda), hid the right-click, and even hid the terminal. Once you activate the terminal (ALT+F2), it is easy to run this like any other Linux OS. You can add, remove, or use the Fedora library of programs. There still is some limitation to the OS, but you can always install a custom one if you would like.
Heat and Noise – 
The primary concern of any laptop, and especially a netbook, is battery life, shortly followed by the heat and noise produced by the machine. While I am sure that the XP version of this netbook is louder and hotter (due to the rotating drive and the temperature needed to keep it running), my version was surprisingly quiet. With most laptops, the fan and HD noises usually cancel out the typing, on this, my typing was the loudest. Heat was virtually nonexistent. Except in the small bump where the HD is, and the front fan vents, the laptop was roughly room-temperature. Even at those two points, my Acer was probably barely over 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sporting an 85% size keyboard, the Acer Aspire One is much easier to use than most other netbooks. The keyboard, though hard to use for the first 15 minutes or so, grows on you quickly as you memorize the slightly smaller movements needed to type. The trackpad on the mouse works well, though it is too easy to touch it when typing, which causes it to jump around (hit Fn+F7 to turn it on or off). The biggest problem with this layout is the mouse buttons. The right button is on the right of the pad, the left on the left. This is far different than any normal laptop or netbook where the buttons are on the bottom. It is very hard to remember where the buttons are, and they are not user-friendly.
Speakers and Headphones – 
The speakers on the Acer Aspire One are exactly what you would expect from any small laptop. They sound small, but work well enough for most applications. When you plug the headphones in, however, the sound quality improves to what you would get from any decent desktop computer.
Article comments
1 - Paul Nat
the keyboard of the acer is 85%. is that bigger than the asus?
2 - Robet M. Barga
It appears as though the Asus is an 80% keyboard size. While it might not seem like a large difference, I tested both at the store and it was much, much easier to type on the acer.
3 - Carla
Are they reliable to have the office works eg. word excel powerpoint on them and still work fine? Can you upgrade them to 2GB? Can you watch dvd's on them? sorry dont know much about computers but this one looks hot
4 - Robet M. Barga
The computer is quite reliable and easy to use. I would recommend creating a bootable recovery thumb drive though, in case you mess up...
Remember, their is no microsoft office in the version I used (there is none in either, but the XP version supports it); however, there is Open office which is a free version almost identical. It can open and edit word/powerpoint/excel documents.
Ram is upgradable to 1.5gig
There is no disc drive. You can stream movies OR use an external disc drive OR use a file you already have (LEGALLY) to view movies.
anything else?
5 - the one
this netbook looks g8!
can i install a program like other big PC can?
6 - Notebooks and laptops
interesting review
7 - Remi Een
I bought an Acer Aspire One (AAO) this fall and within weeks the screen blacked out upon booting. Rather than replacing my AAO , Acer referred me to a technical repair depot. After 6 weeks still no word - then two weeks ago after calling Acer they said they would send me a new one on back order. Still no sight of it. Today when i called they said they have no idea when the back order will be filled. Just wonderful customer support - not! Wish i had bought a MacBook now.
8 - Robert M. Barga
Do you have the names and service numbers of the people who you talked to? If so, call and discuss them with the service manager
9 - Laptops
Before making such a large purchase you should always do comparisons ensuring you are getting the right product.
10 - Robert M. Barga
I agree, I either recomend using a site like Cnet or the like to evaluate the models first
11 - Harris
It's an ugly computer indeed, an online seller will even show the pics of this netbook in darker colour to hide it two rivets on top of the screen that was denting the surface of the screen's frame that made this product look so cheap like a toy from a toys shop. Cosmetically, it's ugly and look cheap. Just don't know the performance cause I don't own and would think never own it.
12 - Robert M. Barga
Um, have you actually seen one IRL? The computer is drop dead stunning and there are no actuall problems with it. Maybe the seller just damaged that one
13 - simon
Had my AA1 for 4 months now and will not be using my old laptop again.
The front end gets a little getting used to but enabling the right click menu it opens the whole thing up and makes a usable item complete.
It does everything I want a laptop to do, It runs Linux, Open office 3, Firefox.Now with a slim external DVD writer I can burn disks and watch movies.The external writer is even the same color and finish as the laptop.
OK I had the Black screen when the thing would not boot up but that was soon cured by helpful forums aspire one forum, Acer Guy and Macell.
OK So its not big and flash and fancy, its not the most powerful, but for taking anywhere it great, its light and connects easily via wireless or RJ45.
All in all a great little web book.