Acer Extensa 2540 [EX2540-55HQ] (NX.EFHER.016)

Practicality above all else

The Extensa 2540 is an uncomplicated, well-built laptop with a 15-inch screen and a focus on light tasks.

Practicality above all is the unspoken slogan of the Extensa line. Therefore, the manufacturer bypassed the expensive, difficult to process magnesium and aluminium, opting for black matte plastic. The upper part of the case is covered with a mesh pattern. The reverse side of the display cover is covered with a wave-like pattern. On the one hand, this gives a zest to the appearance, on the other hand, it adds practicality, since the laptop does not collect fingerprints and does not slip in the hands.

Thoughtful ergonomics

But the total weight of the model at 2.4 kg is a bit disappointing. Not to say that the extra 200 – 300 grams make a difference, but if you are used to compact models or ultrabooks weighing a little over a kilogram, then carrying the Extensa 2540 with you will not be so fun.

If we talk about orientation to work tasks, then it is worth praising the ergonomics of the laptop. First, the developers of Acer made a nice full-sized keyboard with short and crisp key travel. Secondly, the Extensa 2540 has an excellent and responsive touchpad that minimizes accidental clicks and cursor movements. The smooth surface of the touchpad provides good glide, the corners understand touches as well as the centre. Pressing is worked out, as with the keyboard, shallowly, but clearly.

Balanced hardware

The hardware of the laptop is not the most powerful: a dual-core Core i5 processor with an integrated Intel HD 620 video chip is complemented by 6 GB of RAM and a 1000 GB solid-state drive. And there are no questions about the relatively new processor (the seventh generation of Kaby Lake with multi-threading support and auto-overclocking up to 3.1 GHz), then the cut-down 6 GB of RAM of the outdated DDR3 format make you scratch your bald head thoughtfully. After all, the model is 2017, and they stopped installing DDR3 much earlier. Although, taking into account the overall performance of the system, the amount and quality of RAM does not really affect performance.

Good battery life

Well, on a positive note, the review is completed by a durable 3220 mAh battery that can work from a single charge for about 6.5 – 7 hours. For inexpensive models that hold up to 4 hours on average, this is a good indicator. Again, practicality is paramount.