Acers or Lenovo: Which is Better?

Hello guys, I would like to buy an Acer laptop following an advice from a friend. I had earlier been thinking of buying a Lenovo type of laptop but after a friend convinced me, I am now having a second thought; I have been budgeting for anything not beyond $500 and I am now torn between Acer and Lenovo. The problem is that in as much as I would love a pc that will enable me to perform my tasks, at the right speed, store my information without risk of loosing them, I am still not sure of what else I need to consider for my buy. Does Acers offer favourable features for my nature of work? I would specifically like to know what unique features (that aren't discussed in any online review sites I have come across) Acers do offer? Thanks in advance