The Acer XP/Android is a curious and capable netbook, and it makes a great companion to tote around when a larger, more hearty machine would be unnecessary. The model is equipped for standard performance, with 1GB RAM, 1.66GHz under the hood and a 160GB hard drive. Screen resolution is capped at 1024x600, barely enough for the crowded XP GUI but with a computer so small (and tinfoil for a graphics card) this is to be expected.
The hard drive is partitioned thrice, with the largest bit going to Windows XP, 4GB to Android (should you choose to install it with the bundled-in configuration tools) and another secret partition that contains the factory disk. With no optical drive, this is really the only way to restore any sort of Windows XP install, but that is to be expected. Some programs to manage all this data and the obligatory bloatware/adware round out the set, but these are easily ignored or removed.
Windows XP runs well enough on the machine, and most light tasks can be capably executed. The machine won't run everything well (forget Photoshop) and the odd netbook screen resolution means certain full-screen apps might not always render properly. It accomplishes what it sets out to, though, as media players, word processors, network apps and lightweight browsers bump along without a hitch.
Those who choose to dual-boot Android on this machine will be at first intrigued and then quickly bored, as the true limitations of this custom (yet infantile) cellphone OS shine through. Though it boots rather quickly (ten seconds!), you won't be able to accomplish much, as it only comes with software suitable for basic web and book-keeping tasks: a calendar, a browser, a gallery and basic media player. The exclusion of the Market only lowers my expectations deeper still. Android can only see its small 4GB partition, so storing large amounts of media to capitalize on the lightning-fast boot time will be a challenge. Most users will be utilizing the handy "Switch to XP" button most often. It takes the standard minute to move to the more-capable platform.
The hardware is satisfactory, with the standard assortment of USB and media ports. It comes with a decent built-in webcam and there's a panel which you'll probably be removing when it comes time for the obligatory RAM upgrade. 1GB is plenty for light work, but a relatively cheap doubling will soon be in order, I think, as I begin to rely on this machine more. Battery life is fantastic... I can turn it on in the morning and it will last until I get home at night on one charge, easily crossing the 8-hour mark in either OS. The whole surface is covered with a high-gloss coating that looks great on demo models but gathers fingerprints all too easily. The keyboard is small but functional, and be sure to tweak the touchpad to your liking when you first get it... it doesn't behave like those that come before it.
The Verdict:
I'm pleased with my Acer Netbook. It makes a great companion to my home machine, is easy to carry around, and is quick to get up and working right out of the box. It can't run everything my bigger laptop can, but it can do enough to keep me occupied when I'm away from home. Those curious about Android will find it a cute little toy to play with, and its great to be able to be browsing the web in Minefield 20 seconds from cold... but that alone won't warrant purchase.
For the money, you could probably find a more powerful netbook with a few more bells and whistles (where's the Bluetooth?) if you're willing to forgo Android. Right now, that is probably a good idea. I probably spend about 2% of my computing time in the young OS. It is at best a promise of things to come from Google... but with Chrome OS on the horizon it might be too little too late for poor Android.
However, I would be lying if I said I wasn't satisfied... the price is right and the machine gets the job done. There may be better buys for the performance-minded, but you'll be rarely disappointed by this curious product. Technophiles in the market for a new netbook should put the dual-booting Acer AOD250 in the running. Novice end-users looking for a small, budget rig might consider looking elsewhere.
+Runs Windows XP to satisfaction
+Android dual-boot setup is interesting and extremely fast
+Extra-long battery life
+Somewhat easy to upgrade RAM
-Android capabilities are extremely limited
-No Android Market
-Price to performance ratio is merely acceptable
-Bluetooth bits strangely missingGet more detail about Acer AOD250-1613 10.1-Inch Black Android/XP Netbook - Up to 9 Hours of Battery Life.
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