I've got an acer that I got about 5 years ago, 2ghz amd processor, i upgraded the ram to 4 as it was only 1 when I got it years ago (high at the time!) and stuck a 320gig HD an windows 7 on an its perfect. Never had any problems with it since I bought it and she's served some time an done some work I'll tell you. I can see why some people would avoid an acer but I can honestly say I'd have another tomorrow, although I too prefer netbooks, they're awesome!!