Rather not recommended for beginners - 11/2014 considerable quality variations within the series

Gaming notebooks are normally large, clunky, heavy and not truly portable.
Acer, however, packed the 15.6 VN7 in a really slim and lightweight design. Thus it creates a hybrid solution between mobile, email and notebook gaming performance.

But I'm starting to prefer the criticism:
Acer seems to put on final little value. I now have total of. 5 of these devices ordered (replaced get) until at last one was really perfect. Where the shoe pinches?

**** Display
The IPS display with FullHD resolution is so advertised particularly bright from Acer with super bright. Indeed Notebookcheck has measured it with an average of 300cd. A very good value. Suspicious I was only because several other reputable reviews of magazines on just 200cd came a poor value.
Now the paradox: I have 5 devices are side by side. All five have exactly the same screen installed (LG Philips LP156WF4-SPK1). Nevertheless, the difference in maximum brightness is drastically. My measurements (present, no laboratory conditions) were 180-270cd. The 180cd display is even indoor unusable.
This explains why some reviewers of the display are simply amazed and others return the unit because of the dark display. Who buys the unit needs (at least currently) a little luck or has a complaint so long, until one fits. But this comes at the expense of the dealer, which is why the manufacturer should actually act

**** WIFI
Acer installed Qualcomm Atheros AR5BWB222 WLAN modules. The modules are strange. The compound is stable for all devices. Some of the data rate drops but despite close proximity to the router from below 5 Mbit. (Connection Manager remains though are 300Mbit, actually it sinks but)
I know myself quite well with PCs, but even after several hours adjusting to the drivers, and even with the Acer support solved the problem not to.
Remedy: for 25 you can get a mini-PCIe Intel WLAN module buy and replace. Problem solved. (Who does that, making sure a M.2 mini PCIe module to take)
Update: In the meantime runs in my Expemplar the "Intel Dual Band Wireless AC 7260 - Network adapter - M.2 Card, 7260.NGWWB"
The difference is clear: in a distance of 15m by several walls, the Atheros module had received no more 5mbit. The connectivity of the Intel module is a distinct difference. At the same place 200Mbit. The Intel module is easily recognized. Somebody should make the change into consideration: you need a module M.2 (smaller design than M-PCIe). Carefully loosen and press the antennas. Do not bend!
Here the Note: The exchange is for someone who understands, not rocket science. Those who do not can or can let go, is with the Wi-Fi reception is currently not really happy.

MAINTENANCE / UPGRADING
The device has no service door has to open solve all the bottom screws and then remove the keyboard incl. Visor. For this you need tact and appropriate tools (Gap-opener), otherwise you break fast times somewhat.
An SSD (m.2), Wi-Fi and hard drive to get it immediately. The RAM is installed on the back of the motherboard. While a gifted PC hobbyist, the device can open well, it is really hairy when removing the motherboard.
The battery is also within the device and can not be changed from the outside.
Conclusion: opening the device requires more expertise than other notebooks. A layman should leave it alone. Opening the device leads according to warranty regulation is not the loss of this as long as you only approved components installed (Acer).
With graphics chip has fortunately verabschieded again from MXM standard. While thus you can no longer upgrade the graphics, but that was even with MXM graphics card only limited and was absurdly expensive.

**** Gaming Performance
Core i7 GTX 860m and deliver from a neat round image. In the GTX 860m is an upper mid-size model. Of course it depends on the performance of a 870 or 880 is not nearly approach. Compared to the 850, the 860 is significantly better.
For the average player delivers the gtx860m completely satisfactory results. Who does not want to advance in price regions above 1200, will get to jetz Ingen time hardly more value for your money

A few well-known game titles I've tested (each FullHD; fps = average after 3min game)
- Battlefield 4 - medium detail 64fps - 38fps Ultra High detail 21fps
- PVZ- Garden Warfare medium / high detail 52fps
- World of Warcraft Warlords of Draenor - high / full details 60+ fps
- Watchdogs media Advanced 54fps 27fps High Detail

Throtteling (heat Conditional Heruntertakten) never turned on. Thus, the device is suitable for most titles.

**** Volume (the best on the unit) Highlight & TOP !!!
In office mode the unit operates silently.
Very pleasantly surprised I was by the volume under full load, the device is by far the quietest I have ever heard.

**** Battery Life
Here I cough sometimes quiet. Notebookcheck tested at 10h in Idlebetrieb. From my perspective I can only reciprocate: Certainly not. In office mode without wireless I reach good 5h. For occasional web browsing and Office (eg university life) enough of battery just 4h. When playing a FHD video was 2.5h after closing.
Who needs to be all day mobile, here is not happy. To time to work 2-3 hours of battery ranges. (Which was similar in all five devices)

*** Design
The design, dimensions, size and weight are unique in view of the installed components. No other notebook currently provides this service in the weight class. The build quality is top externally. But the inner workings of living to me too much of cheap looking plastic.

End Conclusion: gaming notebook, but not for everyone

For whom the device is useful for? For those looking for a portable, thin and light notebook that delivers enough power for occasional games. The intense gamers will find it less joy. Just as one who wants to operate the unit for a long time mobile.
In other words: There are definitely better mobile notebooks (without gaming GPU) and also better gaming notebooks. As a hybrid device between business, mobility and gaming, the Acer VN7 is in the 15.6-inch version but unbeatable. Who does not exchange the wireless or uses an external drive, will wrestle from and to the hair.

Therefore 4 stars

PS: One might think, given the weakening WLAN Modules and great quality scattering also 3 star. I can understand anyone who the device also rated significantly worse. Had I only ordered one, I would have been horrified.