Is this computer noisy? I'm thinking about purchasing it for my doctorate program, and would want to use it in class?
1145416
It's very quiet and the fan only revs up when the CPU is really cranking. If you're just taking notes during class, then it will work very quietly. Just don't tax the CPU and RAM and you'll be perfectly fine. I love my Acer Aspire S7 ultrabook and even Mac-heads have been asking about it.
1145417
It is very quiet. It does have a fan and occasionally it is loud if the computer is "working hard". I would say the fan is on very low 90% of the time and you can barely hear it.
1145418
I don't think it's noisy at all. The only noticeable sound I can recall of comes from the fan, still quite discrete.
1482446
This laptop is a very capable machine, and screaming fast if you swap out the included hard drive for an SSD. When under load you can definitely hear the cooling fan, but I've never found it distracting. One thing to note is that the cooling fan is a blower and the exhaust exits the laptop on the left hand side. It can get a little toasty on that side when playing games or doing heavy math processing. If you're wanting to use this for taking notes the one thing I would remind you of is the size - 15.6" laptop is not small and might have trouble fitting on some lecture hall desks. If that isn't an issue, then I would strongly recommend this laptop. This laptop is a very capable machine, and screaming fast if you swap out the included hard drive for an SSD. When under load you can definitely hear the cooling fan, but I've never found it distracting. One thing to note is that the cooling fan is a blower and the exhaust exits the laptop on the left hand side. It can get a little toasty on that side when playing games or doing heavy math processing. If you're wanting to use this for taking notes the one thing I would remind you of is the size - 15.6" laptop is not small and might have trouble fitting on some lecture hall desks. If... » Read More This laptop is a very capable machine, and screaming fast if you swap out the included hard drive for an SSD. When under load you can definitely hear the cooling fan, but I've never found it distracting. One thing to note is that the cooling fan is a blower and the exhaust exits the laptop on the left hand side. It can get a little toasty on that side when playing games or doing heavy math processing. If you're wanting to use this for taking notes the one thing I would remind you of is the size - 15.6" laptop is not small and might have trouble fitting on some lecture hall desks. If that isn't an issue, then I would strongly recommend this laptop. « Show Less
2114184
It isn't completely silent but it clicks easily so it isn't loud per say. I'd say about average. Less noise than clicking on a laptop's buttons.
1812873
Neither loud nor quiet. It's not as noisy as a Model M or as soft as a laptop keyboard. I think it is appropriate for shared offices (I use it in one).
638282
BizTraveler -- can you also tell me whether the 120 is cool and quiet? I've heard that the NC10 scores high on both accounts. And, after owning a couple of hot, noisy laptops, it's a priority for me. Thanks!
1200772
It is not noisy at all. I use it when I watch t.v. for a long time so I assume it would be ok to use it in your cubicle.
749366
Agree with other comments. I think it's pretty quiet, but not for a library atmosphere.Haven't had any issues with USB (I have two of these)
36491
Its pretty close to our laptop key board... can't really say. I personally like clicking/typing noise and I kind a think its not loud...
305690
In my experience, if you can hear it, this will pick it up. I've set it in one end of my house and walked in a room at the other end and I could still play myself back talking. Since even in large classes, the students are generally quiet you should have no problem. I use in in class. If you hear a lot of backnoise, put the mic sensitivity on low. I'm extremely pleased with it.
974866
I'm not sure if I can truly answer this question 100%. I have the diskstation in my office room. In all, this diskstation does not make much noise when it's running. I actually don't even notice it running when I'm in my office. But when it's idling, you don't hear anything since the hard drives are not running. And the fan is very quiet.
1952630
Yes, the speakers are pretty loud. Great sound, not muzzled or anything. Great quality computer, I've owned mine for about a year now and I love it. The only thing I don't love about it? Is Windows 8 ... and I'm use to how Windows 8 works too, it's just too touchy.
900199
I have heard no noticeable noises because I use it for kids to listen to books on CD. When I tested it I heard nothing unusual. Hope that helped.
771197
Define "really loud." Mine makes a noticeable noise throughout its entire on-cycle, but it is slightly louder on start-up. If I had to compare the running noise, though, I'd say slightly above desktop fan and slightly below window fan. It's not "whisper-quiet," that's for sure. But, the 'white noise' effect is somewhat soothing, I find. That's just me, though. I hope this helps!
115035
I haven't particularly noticed the fan noise. I've used it to project YouTube musical videos, and have made presentations in small rooms with people sitting closely around it and have never noted distraction from the fan. Unless you were specifically looking for fan noise, I doubt it would be a problem. That said, the next time I use it I will probably be especially sensitive to fan noise. ;-)
1490154
I would say around average. It isn't quiet but I have heard worse. If you are doing a lot of chatting, and quiet is your main selling point. I would probably look for another. Still like the keyboard, but I don't have many worries on how noisy it is.
1613911
I've found the fan noise to be similar to other ultrabook-style laptops if I'm using it intensively. It's not excessively loud, but it is noticeable, especially if you're sensitive to higher frequency noises.
2044592
I would say the keys are fairly quiet. Not loud like the cheap keyboards you find else where. It's a great work or school laptop just kind of big