The midrange Windows PC market is heating up, and it's all thanks to Apple's MacBook Neo that threatens to take a chunk out of Windows OEMs' most lucrative market. Acer has been building midrange Windows PCs for years, but the Acer Swift Air 14 is the first one that I actually really like.

I got a chance to go hands-on with Acer's new MacBook Neo competitor at Computex 2026, and my first impressions are very positive. It's a beautiful laptop, complete with a metal enclosure that feels premium to touch, and a large trackpad and excellent keyboard that make using the device feel great.

The trackpad is nice and large, and also centered along the bottom of the keyboard deck. It's not a haptic trackpad, but at this price point, I wouldn't expect that. The good news is it's nice, smooth, and accurate to boot. I can't fault it over my more expensive Dell XPS 14, which is a good thing.

It’s also really light and thin, coming in at just 1.19kg and 12.9mm. It really is a nice, clean-looking laptop that I wouldn’t be ashamed to pull out of my bag at a coffee shop, and I don’t think I’ve been able to say that about an Acer laptop in a long time.

On the inside, it's rocking Intel's latest Core Ultra 3 "Wildcat Lake" chipset, which offers a good balance between performance and energy efficiency. Obviously, I can't tell you how well this device performs in those benchmarks just yet, but Acer is citing 16 hours of battery life, competitive with the MacBook Neo.

Just like the MacBook Neo, it ships with 8GB RAM. Now, a lot of people are concerned about 8GB RAM on a Windows machine, as if macOS somehow handles it better, when in reality, that's not really true. For the kind of workflows people are buying a $699 laptop for, 8GB RAM should suffice on both the Acer and MacBook Neo. Of course, more RAM is always better, but this isn’t the end of the world.

The device comes in four lovely colors, which I'd argue are nicer than what's found on the MacBook Neo. For ports, we have two USB-C on the left, and one USB-A and a 3.5mm headphone jack on the right. That's more than you get on the MacBook Neo, which isn’t saying much given that device has two measly USB-C ports, one of which isn’t even USB-C.

The display is fine, featuring a 14-inch 16:10 aspect ratio and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate that beats the MacBook Neo’s display, and it’s also sRGB 100% rated. With that said, the MacBook Neo does have a higher resolution screen, with the Acer Swift Air 14 being just over 1080p and matte. The glossy MacBook Neo display does look crisper and sharper as a result, but the experience feels slower because of that 60Hz panel.

I personally don’t like the display on the Acer Swift Air 14 very much. If it were 2K instead of 1080p, I’d be all over it, but unfortunately, the pixel density just isn’t high enough for me to enjoy looking at the display, even when in motion. That 120Hz spec does help a lot, but the experience isn’t complete without a higher PPI. Above the display is a 1080p shooter that also supports Windows Hello face unlock, something the MacBook Neo doesn’t have.

There’s not much else to complain about with the Swift Air 14, which is a good thing. For $699, you’re getting a lot of computer for the price. With that said, I think Dell’s new XPS 13 is a better deal than the Acer Swift Air 14. It has a much higher build quality, a better keyboard, and a better display.

MacBook Neo has encouraged Windows OEMs to step up their game and deliver genuinely good laptops for affordable prices. Acer and Dell are the first to step up to the plate with genuine MacBook Neo competitors, with the Dell XPS 13 being the new affordable laptop to beat.

Hopefully, we’ll see more $599-$699 laptops from the likes of HP, Lenovo, and ASUS over the next few months. More competition is good, and we have Apple to thank for that.

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Acer has unveiled a new gaming handheld at Computex 2026, dubbed the Acer Predator Atlas 8, and if the specs are anything to go by, it could give devices like the Xbox Ally X a run for their money.

The handheld is expected to launch in October 2026 in North America, Australia, and the EMEA region, though Acer has yet to reveal pricing. Given the current state of the handheld market, it's difficult to make even an educated guess as to what it might cost.

Still, while the price remains a mystery, the inclusion of two months of Xbox Game Pass Premium does help sweeten the deal, even if only a little.

With that said, let's take a look at the specs in the table below:

I'm all for seeing as many companies as possible throw their hats into the handheld gaming PC space. More devices mean more competition, and that's ultimately good for pushing the industry forward.

As someone who used to love Acer laptops back in the day, I'm glad to see the company entering the handheld market. But that's just how I feel about it. What are your thoughts on the Acer Predator Atlas 8? Is it a device you'd consider picking up, or are you planning to stick with what you already have?

Let me know by leaving us a comment, and don't forget to take part in our poll!

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The first Snapdragon C laptop was just announced, but the PC is surrounded by question marks.

Qualcomm just took aim at Apple and the MacBook Neo by announcing Snapdragon C. The newly announced entry-level processor will power PCs that cost as little as $300, potentially reinvigorating affordable Windows 11 laptops.

Alongside Qualcomm's announcement of the chip, Acer shared details about the first laptop to run on Snapdragon C. The Acer Aspire Go 15 is the first Snapdragon C laptop to be announced, but that title deserves an asterisk.

Acer Aspire Go 15: What we know

The list of what we know is rather short: RAM, storage, screen size, and processor. That last point deserves a caveat of its own, since little is known about Snapdragon C.

Acer shared that the Aspire Go 15 will be available with up to 8GB of memory and 512GB of storage. The laptop will feature a 15.6-inch display, though we don't know that screen's resolution.

Acer promises "dual full-function USB Type-C ports," but it did not share any specifics. Similarly, we know the device will have an HDMI port but don't know which standard it will meet.

The Aspire Go 15 will be powered by a Snapdragon C processor, but that provides fewer details than you may expect.

Acer Aspire Go 15: What we don't know

We don't know the price or launch date of the Aspire Go 15. The Snapdragon C processor will power laptops starting at $300, but we have no indication how close to that mark the Aspire Go 15 will be.

When Apple announced the MacBook Neo's $599 price tag, the tech giant sent waves through the laptop industry. Before the MacBook Neo, anyone wanting a laptop running macOS needed to shop for older or used models. The MacBook Neo changed that and created an arms race for affordable computing.

We're now seeing the response to Apple's affordable offering. Intel's new Wildcat CPUs are affordable chips that will power MacBook Neo competitors. The Snapdragon C looks like it will do the same thing.

I say "looks like" because we don't know much about the Snapdragon C at this point. Qualcomm did not share any technical details about the chip except that the processor does not use Oryon cores.

Snapdragon C-powered laptops should get "all-day battery life," according to Qualcomm, but we don't have any benchmarks or figures.

With Computex around the corner, we may hear more details about the Aspire Go 15.

When will we find out more?

Qualcomm says Snapdragon C devices will debut "later in 2026," meaning we have some time to learn about the processors.

We may hear more details about some Snapdragon C laptops at Computex, which is next week. Acer and Qualcomm will both be at the event.

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Acer and Asus are two of the biggest names in the PC space. If you are an Xbox fan, you will likely recognize ASUS, as it produces the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X, both of which have sold well, despite some early issues.

However, both companies have temporarily stopped selling laptops and desktop PCs in Germany. It follows a court ruling that granted Nokia an injunction, preventing Acer and Asus from selling certain desktop and laptop devices in the country.

In the country, a court recently granted Nokia an injunction that legally blocks Acer and ASUS from selling certain PCs (via Tom's Hardware).

The ruling applies to the companies themselves. Retailers that already have stock can continue selling existing units. However, once that stock runs out, Acer and Asus cannot import or replenish new devices while the injunction remains in place.

Now, you might be wondering what Nokia has to do with all of this. The case centers on HEVC, which stands for High Efficiency Video Coding. It's a video compression standard, patented by Nokia and used for streaming, recording, and playing high-quality video more efficiently.

Nokia claims that Acer and ASUS are using technology covered by its patents without the proper licensing terms in place. An injunction is simply a court order that forces a company to stop doing something. In this case, it requires Acer and ASUS to pause sales of affected products in Germany.

If Acer and ASUS reach a licensing agreement with Nokia, sales could resume. As the situation is still developing, either company could also choose to appeal the decision in court.

What do you make of this HEVC patent dispute, and do you think Acer and Asus should settle or fight the ruling in court? Let us know your thoughts in the comments and make sure to take part in our poll below:

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At CES 2026, Intel showed off its next-gen Core Ultra Series 3 chips (Panther Lake) and explained that these latest AI chips will be the company's platform of choice for laptops, tablets, mini PCs, and handheld gaming PCs going forward.

Of course, Intel plans on challenging AMD's dominance in the handheld gaming space with its newer SoCs (system on a chip) integrated with Intel ARC B390, which the company says offer better performance and features than its rival's; some are referring to this competition as the handheld war.

In an interview, Nish Neelalojanan, senior director of product management client for Intel, reportedly stated that AMD is "selling ancient silicon, while we’re selling up-to-date processors specifically designed for this market" (thanks, PC World). Apparently, the company is returning to low-power E-cores that are "particularly appropriate for gaming."

In other words, we can expect Intel to have a larger and louder presence in premium handhelds this year and next.

RELATED: Here's how to understand Intel Core Ultra Series 3 models

As part of Intel's plan to steal AMD's handheld crown, Team Blue is working with several other companies to create new handhelds. After all, you can't fully challenge the market king if it doesn't have consumer products for people to choose from.

Some of those companies include Acer, MSI, Compal, Pegatron, GPD, Quanta Computer, H Foxconn, Wistron, NexPlayer, and Microsoft.

As a reminder, AMD Ryzen Z1 and Z2 chips power most mainstream handhelds, including ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X, Legion Go 2, and many more devices. Even the Steam Deck has a custom AMD APU (accelerated processing unit), basically an AMD SoC.

Meanwhile, the only major OEM to have Intel-powered handhelds is MSI with its Claw lineup. I've personally been able to get my hands on one of these devices, as seen in my MSI Claw 8 AI+ review, and it truly impressed me with its impressive performance.

If Intel wants to get consumer attention as the best handheld chip manufacturer, it first needs to get its SoCs into more devices. I guess that means we'll be hearing about some new handhelds in the coming months.

It seems the handheld war is ramping up between Intel and AMD this year. Are you more interested in getting an Intel or AMD-powered handheld, and why? Tell us in the comments.

Like many other large tech companies, Acer has been showing off several new devices at CES 2026 this week in Las Vegas, Nevada.

While casting my eyes over the various gaming monitors, laptops, and other hardware offerings, I noticed that one device category isn't making an appearance at all.

You guessed it, there was absolutely no mention of those Nitro Blaze handheld gaming PCs that Acer previously announced.

For those who don't know, Acer first revealed it was getting into the handheld gaming PC market by showing off the Nitro Blaze 7 prototype at IFA 2024. A few months later, at CES 2025, the company revealed two new handhelds along with their specs: the Nitro Blaze 8 and massive Nitro Blaze 11.

I even went hands-on with the Nitro Blaze 11, and was so taken aback by its enormous dimensions that I created a Nitro Blaze 11 size comparison chart showing how it towered above the Steam Deck and other popular handhelds.

As such, when I saw that these handhelds weren't mentioned anywhere at CES 2026, I started wondering if the Nitro Blaze 7, 8, and 11 had turned into vaporware that would never see store shelves.

To get answers, I reached out to Acer, and a PR representative told me what's going on.

Are the Acer Nitro Blaze gaming handhelds still coming out?

When I asked an Acer PR representative to comment on why the Nitro Blaze handhelds weren't making an appearance at CES 2026, I was told:

"This is an emerging product category that remains on Acer’s U.S. roadmap, but our local launch plans are TBD. As we continue to navigate the tariff situation, we’re currently focused on our core products. When products become available in the U.S, we will let you know."

There you have it, the Acer Nitro Blaze handheld gaming PCs have not been canceled... at least not yet. It seems Acer currently still intends to release them down the road; we just don't know when. Of course, that doesn't rule out the possibility that Acer could change its mind.

As for the reason why these handhelds aren't at CES 2026, it's really no surprise to hear that tariffs have been cited. After all, companies have been using the T-word regularly over the past several months to explain delays, cancelled products, and price increases.

Looking back, volatile is certainly the word I'd use to describe the 2025 US tariff situation. For a while there, it seemed like the Trump administration was issuing changes every few weeks and then delaying those changes from going into effect.

For consumers, it was hard to tell how much anything was going to cost, since this situation led to so many notable price increases, including a notable rise in Christmas gift prices (thanks, NBC).

From a company's angle, it's hard to know what the ROI (return on investment) is going to be when manufacturing and import costs keep fluctuating. As Acer alluded, it's worth the gamble of continuing to produce evergreen products that are always in demand, but handheld gaming PCs are definitely more niche.

But that's not the only reason Acer probably shouldn't release its handhelds right now.

Tariffs aren't going to be the only hurdle Nitro Blaze handhelds face in 2026

The handheld gaming PC market is already ruled by Steam Deck, the king of portable gaming devices. Meanwhile, Xbox Ally X and Legion Go 2 are other formidable rivals dominating the field.

If Acer wants its handhelds to succeed, it really needs to offer something that the competition doesn't. That's potentially why the company decided to go all in on that massive 11-inch handheld.

Outside of general competition, there's also the increasingly worrisome RAM price increases and GPU shortage, which make handheld production a risky business for many companies in 2026. Considering Acer hasn't truly entered the market yet, it's an especially difficult time to try and win new customers when other options have already proven successful.

I'm not holding my breath for Acer Nitro Blaze handhelds

I won't relish in it, but I really won't be surprised if we find out that Acer's three Nitro Blaze handheld gaming PCs all get cancelled and never make it to store shelves.

It's a rough time for computer manufacturing, in general, and then there's the fact that handhelds are such niche products with powerful competitors already in play. It just doesn't seem like a good idea for Acer to pursue this tech category unless they can offer something that really gets people's attention.

And, no, I honestly don't think the comically large Nitro Blaze 11 is going to cut it; for one thing, it will probably be very expensive and won't be as easy to transport and travel with as other handhelds.

As any handheld enthusiast can tell you, we already have several high-end handheld gaming PCs selling at exorbitant prices. So, the premium side of things is covered. Believe me, we're good.

It makes sense that so many companies are chasing top-tier handheld manufacturing, since it's a way to grab attention and bring more money back to OEM coffers when a purchase is made. I can see the ROI hunger reflecting in CEO eyes as I type this.

But what we need more of are affordable entry-level handhelds, especially now that Valve has stopped Steam Deck LCD production, taking away its budget offering.

Tariffs have made tech more expensive, as have RAM and GPU scarcity. What will really help a handheld stand-out at this point is not flashy specs or a large screen, but reliable performance at a lower price than competitors.

For now, Acer still has handhelds on its roadmap. We'll just have to see how this year plays out and how that affects gaming hardware, and more specifically, handheld gaming PCs.

What do you think about the Acer Nitro Blaze handheld gaming PCs? Are any of them of interest to you? Are you sad they aren't at CES 2026, or do you think there are already too many handhelds on the market? Tell us about it in the comments.

There's no denying that PC gaming is an expensive hobby, especially if you want to keep up with the latest and greatest computer games and hardware configurations. The thing is, not everyone is chasing the latest AAA titles.

For those who don't need flagship-level performance, entry-level gaming hardware is far more appealing. Thankfully, we'll see even more budget-conscious gaming hardware enter the market this year.

During CES 2026 this week, Acer announced a large lineup of new devices, and among them were two brand new gaming laptops that the company says are designed for "casual gamers and more value-conscious gamers" — The Acer Nitro V 16 AI & Nitro V 16S AI.

These two laptops look pretty similar upon first glance, but one of the key differences is that the Nitro V 16S AI is slimmer, at less than 17.9mm. You can take a gander at the new Acer Nitro V 16 AI Series laptop specs in the chart below.

In case you aren't aware, Acer is already known as a PC brand that offers many value products for everything from office computers to gaming PCs. Its Predator subbrand serves as the high-end gaming tier, while the Nitro subbrand is more focused on offering lower-priced gaming products that still offer good performance.

According to Acer, these new laptops offer a range of performance and portability options." As you saw in the previous chart, we have yet to know for sure what all of the configuration options will be for these laptops, but it seems they will at least utilize the latest Intel Core Ultra processors and mid-tier NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50-Series GPUs (graphics processing units). Additionally, since the Intel Core Ultra chips are AI processors that reach up to 45 AI TOPS, these gaming laptops are not only AI PCs, but also Copilot+ PCs.

AI CPUs feature an NPU (neural processing unit), which is designed to take some of the load off the CPU and GPU while undertaking certain AI tasks. This allows a system to work more efficiently. When it comes to gaming, AI chips tend to allow hardware to trade off power for portability and a smaller form factor; thus, the reason the more budget or value-level Nitro brand utilizes these chips.

Some argue that AI chips aren't good for flagship gaming hardware, and this can be the case depending on the device in question. Still, each year, AI chips and their NPUs grow more powerful, so it seems many companies are investing in placing these AI processors in their higher-tier hardware, potentially as a sort of future-proofing.

The Acer Nitro V 16 AI will be available Q2 2026 in North America, as well as Europe, the Middle East, Africa (EMEA), and also Australia. Meanwhile, the Acer Nitro V 16S AI will be available in EMEA in Q2 2026 and North America in Q3 2026. Prices for either laptop model have yet to be announced.

Are you interested in seeing more casual and entry-level PC gaming hardware in 2026? Are you more interested in budget desktops, laptops, or handhelds? Tell us about it in the comments.

Gaming monitors with the most convenient features tend to be rather costly, as any PC gamer will tell you.

However, every once in a while, a standout display launches at a lower price than expected, making it that much easier to get the gaming setup you want, and that's one of the things that impressed me with the Acer Predator XB273K V5.

I've been using the Acer Predator XB273K V5 for a few months now, and it's been an absolute joy to use while playing the latest AAA games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

Thanks to its many features, including its dual refresh rate and included remote, I've been able to game conveniently and smoothly. Here's what makes it such a great pick.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Acer. The company had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Acer Predator gaming monitor review

As Acer itself notes, Predator is a "high-performance" line of PC gaming devices from laptops to monitors. While not always the case, I've often found that many of the products in the Predator line tend to cost less than many competitors while still offering a great user experience.

The Acer Predator XB273K V5 is a 27-inch dual refresh rate IPS gaming monitor that can swap between up to 3840x2160 @ 160Hz and up to 1920x1080 @ 320Hz, making it an ideal choice for anyone who plays a wide range of games.

It doesn't take any tools to assemble this monitor thanks to the built-in screw at its base and the stand that pops into the back of the display. Unlike many other gaming monitors out there, it also includes built-in speakers and comes with a remote for controlling the OSD (on-screen display).

Despite all of these features, this monitor only has a MSRP of $379.99, and I've already seen it on sale for just $349.99 at Amazon. This not only makes it one of the best gaming monitors out there, but an excellent value buy as well.

Acer Predator XB273K V5 4K — WHAT'S IN THE BOX?

When I opened the box I found the monitor itself, a stand, a base, the Smart Dial remote, AA batteries for the remote, an HDMI cable, and the power cable. This gives you everything you need to connect the monitor to your desktop PC or gaming laptop so you can start playing.

A sturdy build with an adjustable stand and other conveniences

There is absolutely no danger of the XB273K wobbling, thanks to the sturdy stand. However, I do wish it wasn't quite so big; as it is, it takes up a decent amount of space on my desk.

On the plus side, since the stand can be adjusted height-wise and the monitor can be tilted, pivoted, and swiveled, I never had issues getting the monitor lined up at a good position.

This stand also has a mounting screw at the top of it, so you can easily connect any accessories that you might want to use with your gaming setup.

With two HDMI 2.1 ports and a DisplayPort 1.4, it's easy to connect the monitors you want for your gaming setup. There is also an audio jack, but no USB-A or USB-C ports.

Since this monitor includes built-in 2W speakers, I didn't need to connect an external audio device in order to hear game sounds. However, it's worth noting that these speakers don't have the best range, so you might be better off with one of the best gaming headsets if you really want the best audio experience.

This display's OSD menu can be interacted with in two ways, either using the buttons on the back or by using the included Smart Dial remote.

I preferred to use the Smart Dial since the back buttons don't perfectly lineup with the OSD side menu. What's more, the remote doesn't need to be point at the display for it to work. Plus, the convenience of being able to press the DFR button on the remote when I want to swap between settings is incredibly convenient.

Great motion clarity and a respectable color range

I played dozens of games during my time with the Acer Predator XB273K V5, and it always worked beautifully with crisp resolution, great coloring, and excellent motion clarity. And all this without being an OLED panel.

RELATED: IPS LCD vs OLED vs tandem OLED vs QD-OLED vs QLED vs AMOLED vs Mini LED: Which is the best display?

Thanks to DFR (Dynamic Frequency & Resolution), which allows me to quickly swap between 3840x2160 @ 160Hz and up to 1920x1080 @ 320Hz, I was always able to find the settings that best fit my current gaming sessions.

When I used my colorimeter during a color gamut test, the display produced a very nice 100% of sRGB, 86% of AdobeRGB, and 93% of P3. It's worth noting that while this monitor does support HDR-400, I found that I did have to manually turn it on since the Auto option in the OSD didn't seem to actually work.

In SDR mode, the display only reaches about 250 nits of brightness, but in HDR mode, it manages to hit around 450 nits, which is much more ideal.

Acer Predator XB273K V5 4K review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You love the idea of swapping between 3840x2160 @ 160Hz and 1920x1080 @ 320Hz.
• Your computer has an AMD Radeon Graphics card to take advantage of AMD FreeSync Premium.
• You want a monitor with built-in speakers and an adjustable stand.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You'd prefer a monitor that offers an OLED display.
• You're looking for a gaming monitor with colorful RGB lighting.
• You need a monitor with a smaller base or USB ports.

There are hundreds of gaming monitors on the market right now, but with the XB273K, Acer has created a display that stands out from the crowd.

Its great color gamut, HDR support, motion clarity, and dual refresh rate already make it an attractive option, but then it also offers a highly adjustable stand, tool-less assembly, AMD FreeSync Premium support, and a convenient Smart Dial remote so you can easily swap between refresh rates and resolutions.

Overall, the only shortcomings this display has are relatively minor. So, given everything the Xbo273K has going for it, it really is an ideal IPS gaming monitor for those who don't want to spend too much.

Gaming monitor FAQ

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale is well underway, and for the next two days I'm on the hunt for the best Windows 11 PC deals that you should be paying attention to, especially if you're on a Windows 10 EOL PC and need something to upgrade to. Right now, I've found an incredible deal on a new Windows 11 Copilot+ PC that brings it down to $499 — a 40% discount over its usual price of $829.

This is the Acer Aspire 14 AI, a Copilot+ PC powered by an Intel Core Ultra 5 CPU, paired with an Intel Arc GPU, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD storage. It's an all round excellent package, capable of productivity workflows, media consumption, and even some creative tasks and light gaming.

When we reviewed the Acer Aspire 14 AI, we found that it's an excellent affordable option for people who are looking to dive into the AI PC space, but don't want to break the bank. It's powered by an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V, along with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage.

This combination of specs makes it a great PC for productivity workflows, such as browsing the web, email, Microsoft Office, Slack and Teams. It's also capable at editing photos and light video work, and can even play games on low to medium settings, and possibly higher depending how old they are.

From a hardware perspective, the Acer Aspire 14 AI has a 14-inch 1080p display with an aspect ratio of 16:10, which means it's slightly taller than normal and makes writing in Word or browsing the web just a little bit nicer. It has a full-size keyboard and large trackpad too, which are great to use.

For ports, it has two USB4 Type-C ports, two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, a single HDMI 2.1 port, and one headphone jack, which is plenty of I/O for most tasks. It also has Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for wirelessly connected peripherals and internet.

FAQ

I've dabbled with integrating portable monitors into my life in the past, but that was in the day when most of the affordable ones were pretty awful. This one from Acer, though, is a little different.

That's because it's all set to flex on your laptop-only coffee shop compadres with its dual-screen magnificence. It only takes up the same amount of space in your bag as a single-screen portable monitor, but spreads its wings to reveal a pair of 16-inch displays, one stacked atop the other.

My first thoughts upon unboxing it were mixed. There's a bit of wow factor, naturally, but also a little "who is this for?"

This is for me. That's the answer there. But more broadly speaking, it solves a problem I didn't know I had. I've used it with both a laptop and a desktop PC, and there's definitely something here. It's not without some flaws, but those are specific to the hardware, not the idea behind it.

Two screens are better than one

If you're even considering a portable monitor, it's because you need more screen real estate to play with. So why not double up? The Acer PD163Q features its 16-inch displays stacked on top of each other, so the footprint is no larger than if it were a single panel.

Both use a 16x9 aspect ratio, but since they're arranged vertically, there's little reason to complain about a loss of vertical space. You can use each as an individual display, giving you two extra monitors to play with, or by pressing a button on the side, you can get a single display that fills both.

In this case, you will need to adjust the scaling in Windows 11, and you've got a break of about an inch right through the middle, but it works. It's usable, even if not my favorite layout. The two displays are connected by the sort of hinge you'd find on a convertible laptop, so you get a lot of flexibility over the angle of the upper panel.

The lower one has the kickstand behind it, and so this is how you adjust its angle. It's a solid kickstand, and as much as I've tried to adjust both it and the upper display, I can't make it topple over. So A+ for stability.

You also only need a single cable to power both displays. Using a USB-C connection, you can get both the power required and video output split between both panels, recognized as individual displays. Alternatively, you have a USB-C power brick and an HDMI cable, but this doesn't work quite the same. More on that later.

It's quite a brilliant little setup, though. I've used it mostly on my desk while reviewing the Geekom A9 Max mini PC, hooked up over USB-C, and it's been a champion. Sure, the refresh rate is only 60Hz, but then, it's not a monitor for gaming. It's got plenty of brightness on tap, easy-to-use controls, solid viewing angles, and colors.

Running the colorimeter over, it shows a 95% sRGB compatibility, which is low if you compare it to the latest desktop monitors. But, it's perfectly fine, I think, for something you can toss in a bag. I think it's pretty good to look at, at least. There is also a selection of built-in modes, including gaming and movie, to tweak the contrast and brightness for that type of content.

What I hadn't expected was how using displays stacked vertically like this would feel more natural and comfortable. I've had multiple displays in my life for years, side-by-side. But I do tire of the constant head movement. With this portable monitor, a little glance up and down is all I need. It's been quite eye-opening. A problem I didn't know I needed a solution to.

There are some flaws

To set it straight, I've no qualms with the quality of the hardware or how the displays look. I love the design, the usability, and it's good to look at. But there are some quirks which, while not necessarily dealbreakers, can make this dual-screen portable monitor harder to live with.

The first is the lack of any real direction on how to use it with an HDMI cable. After much web searching, it turns out that you need to plug in the HDMI, the external power, AND then a USB-C cable to join it to your PC. You should then see an external drive, also known as the monitor, with a driver installer.

This driver is important because without it, you can't use both screens as individual displays over HDMI. The trouble is, no matter how hard I've tried, I can't get this process to happen. Nothing shows up in Windows 11. I've tried just about every cable I can find and every USB port I have at my disposal.

Firstly, there should be better instructions in the box. Secondly, why can't I find this driver on Acer's support site? I've searched and searched, but I cannot locate it anywhere. And judging by some threads I've seen, I'm not the only one having this issue.

For me, it's not a problem; I can use USB-C video output, and it all works perfectly. But if you don't have this capability, I would seriously consider looking elsewhere.

I also wish you could turn off one of the panels and just use it as a single display portable monitor. The top panel can fold right the way over into a 'tent,' but you can't shut it off. I get that the whole purpose is having two screens, but I also feel like it's something simple that could have been added.

It can also be a bit sluggish to come back on from sleep. This won't be an issue if you're on the road and hooking it up to a laptop, but in a desktop environment, there have been times I've needed to detach and reattach the USB-C cable to spark it back into life.

It also, for whatever reason, refuses to remember my brightness settings. In the standard mode, every time it turns off, it resets back to 30 when it comes back on. And that's just too dim for my liking.

A good idea if you can use USB-C

I would say that this is an easier recommendation on the proviso that you have USB-C video output capabilities on your laptop, desktop, or mini PC. If you do, it's really quite good. A single cable for power and video to both displays makes it an ideal travel companion.

Folded closed, it has no larger footprint than the laptop you might be carrying it with, so it's slim enough to stash in the same bag, especially since you don't need an extra power adapter.

It looks good to the eye, even if it's not ideally suited to something such as creative work. But the colors are good, the text is crisp, and I've enjoyed using it for the past few weeks.

I wish the process of using it with HDMI were easier, and as such, I'd encourage folks to steer clear if this is their intended method. You may have the same frustrations I had, and at best, you're going to be carrying a power adapter and two cables just to use it.

I said it solved a problem I didn't know I had, and I meant it. I don't have much space on my desk, but the Acer PD163Q has given me two additional displays that need a smaller footprint on the desktop than a laptop. Using displays stacked vertically like this, also, is more comfortable than I expected and actually feels more natural to me than going left to right all the time.

And, hey, you look like a boss in Starbucks.

Acer just announced a plethora of PCs, laptops, and accessories at IFA 2025. Laptops, desktops, monitors, and tablets are among the newly unveiled devices, though I'll focus on the PCs here.

For general productivity, the star of the show is the Acer Swift Air 16. It's a 16-inch laptop that is one of the lightest available.

Gamers have several devices to choose from, including the Nitro V 16, Nitro V 16S, and Helios 18P gaming laptops. Acer also unveiled quite a few desktop gaming PCs and accessories at its event.

You can check out the full range of new Acer devices, including some Chromebooks and Android tablets.

Acer Swift Air 16

The Acer Swift Air 16 is a Copilot+ PC powered by an AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processor. Specifically, it comes with up to a Ryzen AI 7 350.

The laptop features up to an AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate though there is also an IPS display option. If you choose the AMOLED option, the laptop will weigh a bit more, coming in at 1.1 kg (2.43 lbs) as opposed to the 0.99 kg (2.18 lbs) weight of the IPS model.

It promises up to 13 hours of battery life according to Acer, though real-world usage will vary.

As a Copilot+ PC, the Swift Air 16 supports features such as Windows Recall, Click to Do, and improved Windows Search (note that some of those features are still in preview).

Thanks to its size and zero lattice keyboard, the Swift Air 16 should be able to compete with the best laptops with number pads.

The laptop weighs under 1 kg (2.2 lbs), which is still rare these days for a 16-inch laptop.

The Swift Air 16 will start shipping in November. Availability is limited to EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa).

Acer Nitro V 16 and V16S

Shifting over to gaming, the recently announced Acer Nitro V 16 pairs up to an Intel Core 9 processor with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 laptop GPU. Thanks to that graphics card, the laptop supports features such as NVIDIA DLSS 4 to enhance game performance.

The Nitro V 16 has a 2560 x 1600 display that covers 100% sRGB and has a 180Hz refresh rate.

Another laptop, the Nitro V 16S, is very similar to its sibling, but it has a slimmer design. It is also powered by up to an Intel Core 9 processor and an RTX 5070 laptop GPU, but it weighs less than the Nitro V 16 (2.4 kg (5.29 lbs) vs. 2.1 kg (4.63 lbs).

The Nitro V 16 will start at $999.99 and begin shipping in North America in October. The Nitro V 16S has a slightly higher starting price of $1,099.99 and will become available in North America in November.

To go alongside the new Nitro laptops, Acer also announced four new high-refresh rate monitors. The lineup includes the Nitro XV270X with a 5K display and a massive 39.7-inch curved gaming monitor, the Nitro XZ403CKR.

Acer Predator Helios 18P

Gamers can also choose the new Acer Predator Helios 18P. The laptop has monstrous specs, including an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 GPU, and an 18-inch Mini LED display with 4K resolution.

Those who prefer desktop gaming also have some new systems to check out from the Predator series. The Predator Orion 7000 and 5000 desktops feature RTX 50-Series GPUs and up to 6TB SSDs.

The Predator Orion 5000 runs on up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 265F and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080. The desktop has up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM and up to a 2TB SSD and 4TB HDD. It supports both Ethernet and Wi-Fi 7 to help with online gaming and streaming.

The Predator Orion 7000 has up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090. It has a Predator CycloneX 360 cooling system and a CPU liquid cooler to keep temperatures down.

Inside the Predator Orion sits up to 128 GB of DDR5 7200 MT/s XMP RGB RAM. It also has up to a 6TB SSD and up to a 4TB HDD.

The desktop PCs have a 45L chassis. The Predator Helios 18P will launch in North America with a starting price of $3,999. A release date has not been shared at this time.

The Predator Orion 7000 (starting at $3,999) and Predator Orion 5000 (starting at $2,999) are expected in the first quarter of 2026.

It's not every day you see an OLED ultrawide monitor on sale for nearly half the original price, but that's the case thanks to a clearance listing at Walmart.

Acer's Predator X45 is a monitor designed for PC gaming purists who want the best color and contrast possible, all while enjoying a much wider aspect ratio.

I've been using an ultrawide monitor for PC gaming for years, and I won't ever go back to a standard 16:9 aspect ratio. The difference is that big.

With $694.90 slashed off the regular price, you can pick up the curved 45-inch Predator X45 for just $905.09 at Walmart.

Because it's a clearance listing, I have no idea how long it will be live. If you've been waiting for a screen upgrade, I urge you to give this one a look.

Why I recommend upgrading to an OLED gaming monitor

I mentioned that I've been gaming on an ultrawide monitor for years, and I noted that I won't be going back to a standard 16:9 aspect ratio anytime soon.

The combination of a gentle curve and the extra-wide picture is the best possible way to immerse yourself in a game (barring the use of a VR headset), and anything else eventually starts to look silly in comparison.

While I'm not moving away from an ultrawide anytime soon, I do intend to make the upgrade to an OLED panel.

The ultrawide monitor I'm using now has an IPS panel, and while it provides a decent picture, OLED tech is miles ahead.

Now that I've tested and used a few OLED panels for work, it's getting harder to not have one for after-hours PC gaming.

A big deterrent to an OLED display is the raised cost. The "Organic Light Emitting Diode" tech has been around since the late '80s, but it's only really come into its own in recent years.

Instead of relying on a backlight — which can cause light bleed along the edges and washed dark tones — OLED allows each individual LED to light up when it receives current.

It's a more complicated technology, thus the elevated price, but it pays off with exceptionally vibrant color, deep blacks, and crisp detail.

Once you go OLED, it's hard to look at anything else without noticing the difference in picture quality.

What makes the Predator X45 so good?

Acer's Predator X45 is a monster ultrawide laptop with a 44.5-inch curved panel stacked with impressive specs. It's great to use as a gaming monitor or as your main TV.

The stretched 3440x1440 resolution means you're getting a wider version of QHD, which is the sweet spot for many a gamer. Its 240Hz refresh rate has plenty of ceiling to accommodate the most powerful GPUs on the market.

It's capable of hitting up to 1,000 nits brightness and has HDR10 support, plus AMD FreeSync Premium smooths out frames. Yes, it'll work with both AMD and NVIDIA GPUs.

Ports are plentiful, though it lacks HDMI 2.0. In most cases, the DisplayPort 1.4 hookup will be the right choice anyway. It also has dual 5W speakers should you want to skip a gaming headset.

A USB-C port with 90W of power delivery allows you to charge laptops or power other peripherals. A KVM switch makes it easy to swap between inputs.

This is a massive display, but you don't have to rely on the built-in stand, which takes up space on your desk. VESA 200 x 100 compatibility means you can mount it to the wall or to a desk-attached stand.

I wouldn't normally recommend this gaming monitor to the average PC gamer due to its price, but the clearance discount at Walmart is too good to ignore.

If you're interested, you can — while the sale lasts — pick it up for $905.09, which is $694.90 off the regular price.

I recently went hands-on with the new Acer Aspire 14 AI, one of the latest 14-inch AI laptops with an Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processor to hit the market.

During my time analyzing this device, I ran it through a gauntlet of benchmark testing to see how it compared to similar AI laptops.

From performance to battery life and pricing, here's everything you need to know about the Acer Aspire 14 AI.

This hands-on was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Acer. The company had no input nor saw the contents of this preview prior to publication.

Acer Aspire 14 AI benchmarks

After I first booted the laptop up, I spent time using it to browse the internet, stream shows, and work with various programs. It was able to do all of this quite easily and even handled some heftier Photoshop projects.

Just to satisfy my curiosity, I even had the laptop locally run Cyberpunk 2077, one of the more intensive games out right now.

At Low default graphics settings, the laptop managed an average 27 FPS (frames per second), and looked pretty smooth.

When I upped the graphics setting to the Ray tracing: Low preset, the laptop managed an average 25 FPS. It's not ideal, but it's not bad for a non-gaming laptop, either.

For the best playing experience on this laptop, I used NVIDIA GeForce Now to play Cyberpunk 2077 via powerful RTX servers. This allowed me to enjoy the game on the Overdrive preset at an amazing 71 FPS average.

For a more quantitative read on performance, I ran the Acer Aspire 14 AI through the usual computer benchmarks to see how it stacks up next to similarly configured PCs.

To start things off, I ran benchmarks to analyze the Intel Core Ultra 5 226V CPU. The laptop's results in both Geekbench 6 and Cinebench were respectable and competitive.

After that, I ran some graphics testing for the Intel Arc 130V integrated graphics card 3DMark's Time Spy and Night Raid tests. In either instance, the laptop proved that it delivers the kind of performance expected for its configuration.

From there, I had CrystalDiskMark run sequential read and write tests. The laptop produced a very good 6,388 MB/s read speed and 5,428 MB/s write speed.

I further tested the Aspire 14 AI by having it transcode a 4K version of Tears of Steel in Handbrake. The process took a bit more than 53 minutes to complete, which isn't super fast but also not ridiculously slow.

TL;DR — Overall, the Acer Aspire 14 AI is a very good laptop that can handle everyday workloads like video calls, web surfing, creative programs like Photoshop, and more with ease.

Just don't expect it to run more graphically demanding software or video games locally.

Acer Aspire 14 AI: Everything you need to know

In a color gamut test, the Acer Aspire's display only produced 63% of sRGB, 47% of AdobeRGB, and 47% of P3, which is a pretty mediocre result.

Meanwhile, the Acer Aspire 14 AI display only reached up to a max 316 nits brightness in my testing, so the panel can be hard to see outside or in extremely bright areas.

As such, it's not ideal for creatives who care about color quality or anyone that wants a laptop with an amazing screen.

• LEARN MORE: What are TOPS? | NPU guide

Acer Aspire 14 AI: Alternatives

Acer Aspire 14 AI: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

✅You want an inexpensive AI laptop

There are plenty of other AI laptops on the market right now, but the Acer Aspire 14 AI is one of the more economical options that still has one of the newer Intel Core Ultra Series 2 AI processors.

You should not buy this if ...

❌You need a laptop that offers more power or has a better screen

Since this is on the budget side, this device cannot go toe-to-toe with flagship AI laptops. As such, it isn't a good fit for anyone who regularly needs to run graphically demanding games. It's also not a great fit for creatives who need a laptop display with a really good color gamut.

Acer just beat its biggest competitors in an important race: it's the first major laptop maker to confirm pricing changes due to US President Donald Trump's tariffs on exported goods from China. Acer might be the first, but I don't expect it will be the last to reveal similar plans.

Taiwan-based Acer, subject to the new tariffs, is expected to raise the price of its laptops by 10%. That matches the 10% tariff on Chinese imports imposed by President Trump on February 3, 2025.

As reported first by The Telegraph, Acer's decision comes straight from the company's CEO and Chairman, Jason Chen. Chen clarified that the price increase on Acer laptops manufactured in China and sold in the US wouldn't occur for a few more weeks, as products shipped out of China before February are not part of the increase.

Furthermore, Chen also told The Telegraph:

"We will have to adjust the end user price to reflect the tariff. We think 10% probably will be the default price increase because of the import tax. It’s very straightforward."

As a warning, Chen also stated that other companies could be eyeing the situation as an excuse to raise prices higher than 10% to combat the tariffs. This is, of course, bad news not only for those who are shopping for Acer laptops. The 10% tariff isn't likely going to end with Acer, as a vast majority of Windows laptops from all of the big manufacturers like Dell, HP, ASUS, and Lenovo are built in China.

Is there an answer to tariffs and surging laptop prices?

As mentioned, a majority of the laptops sold around the world are built in China, and there's not really an easy workaround for the problem as long as the tariffs remain in place.

Acer found itself in a similar situation during Trump's first term, in which his administration imposed a steep 25% tariff on desktop PCs from Chinese factories. This caused Acer to move desktop PC production out of China, which Chen says is a possibility for its laptops as the company is looking at supply chain alternatives. Does that include new American factories? That's "one of the options," according to Chen speaking to The Telegraph.

A solution like this, in which a company moves its entire production to new countries, won't likely be fast, and consumers will be fronting the cost in the meantime. The ultimate goal of tariffs, usually, is to force manufacturing to move back to a domestic location, creating jobs and, eventually, lowering prices again. Whether that actually happens remains to be seen.

A 10% price increase isn't small. While Acer is certainly happy to offer plenty of budget laptops, it has its fair share of premium hardware as well. The Predator Helios Neo AI, announced recently and expected to launch in May 2025, starts at $2,200 and only goes up from there. Add another 10%, and you can expect to pay nearly $2,500 instead. Even laptops that were closer to $1,000 will feel a pinch, with another $100 added to the tally.

The effect of US tariffs on manufacturing hotspots is being felt elsewhere at the same time. NVIDIA's latest RTX 5000 GPUs have blown well past the MSRP set by the company for its Founders Edition cards, and custom versions from third-party partners are seeing frequent price increases despite being out of stock just about everywhere.

With GPUs and laptops seeing such drastic price increases, I expect that the same will happen to popular gaming handhelds. The ASUS ROG Ally, Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, and others have so far been a great way to get into PC gaming without overspending, but that could change soon. Acer is the first company to announce the price increase, but I'm expecting similar stories to become common news in the weeks ahead.

Acer just announced a couple of new Predator Helios Neo AI gaming laptops, and they're among the first to feature NVIDIA's new RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti mobile GPUs. With prices starting at $1,899.99, they could be the next best way to land NVIDIA's new "Blackwell" hardware, assuming standalone cards are still sold out everywhere a few months from now.

This announcement comes during the Intel Extreme Masters Katowice Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) tournament in Poland, at which major teams compete for a huge cash prize. Yes, that means that alongside the fresh NVIDIA hardware are Intel's latest Arrow Lake-HX mobile CPUs. Together, this combination should deliver some impressive performance in gaming and AI tasks.

The more compact Predator Helios Neo 16 AI is unsurprisingly the more affordable option, expected to start at about $1,900 when it launches in North American markets in April. EMEA regions will have to wait until May when it'll launch starting at €1,699.

The larger Predator Helios Neo 18 AI is expected to start at about $2,200, and it should launch in North America in May. Again, EMEA regions will have to wait a month longer until June, where it'll start at €1,799.

Here's a look at the raw specs going into these laptops.

While NVIDIA's RTX 5000 GPUs are undoubtedly the main attraction, Acer isn't shy about offering some top-tier displays for its new gaming laptops, complete with NVIDIA G-Sync, Advanced Optimus, and a MUX switch.

The Helios Neo 16 AI sports a 16-inch display available in four different configurations. The most expensive has an OLED panel, QHD+ resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, 100% DCI-P3 color, and 400 nits brightness.

At the other end of the spectrum is an FHD+ display with 180Hz refresh rate, 3ms response time, 100% sRGB color, and 400 nits brightness. This is likely the display that will ship with the $1,900 introductory model, so be prepared to spend more as you scale up.

On the Helios Neo 18 AI are four other 18-inch display options, largely with the same varying specs. The top option is mini-LED with a QHD+ resolution and 250Hz refresh rate, while the cheapest hits 165Hz at an FHD+ resolution.

NVIDIA's mobile RTX 5000 GPUs might be the best way to land new hardware

NVIDIA launched its RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 desktop GPUs on January 30. The event was marred by extremely limited stock, with some major retailers only having four or five of the flagship GPUs to sell. Unsurprisingly, the new desktop cards sold out immediately.

Worse, it could be several months before there's any sort of meaningful selection available to buy, and in the meantime, scalpers who managed to snag a card at MSRP are jacking up prices by thousands of dollars. It's unclear if the same thing will happen to the upcoming RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti desktop GPU launch on February 20. If I was betting, I'd put my money on "Yes."

While the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 didn't blow us away in terms of "raw power," their access to DLSS 4 upscaling magic and a newfound focus on Tensor core performance for associated AI gives them strong appeal, especially for anyone who doesn't already own an RTX 40-series GPU.

Windows Central Senior Editor Ben Wilson, who reviewed both of the top-tier NVIDIA RTX 5000 GPUs, also tested DLSS 4 performance in Cyberpunk 2077. Using the RTX 5080, he discovered a 244% performance bump with DLSS 4's new Multi Frame Generation. That's frankly incredible, and even if the game is being presented with "fake frames," it doesn't change the fact that you're getting a massive boost to performance.

Despite laptops using mobile versions of the desktop GPUs — with slightly reduced power and performance to better fit the diminished thermal capacity of a laptop — these new RTX 5000 laptops like the Predator Helios Neo 16/18 AI deliver DLSS 4 and its perks in a tidy package.

An early look at NVIDIA's mobile RTX 50-series pricing

Until recently, it remained unclear how much gaming laptops featuring NVIDIA's new mid-range RTX 5000 GPUs would cost. Some of the mystery has been solved.

Just a couple of days ago, listings for new ASUS laptops featuring the RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti popped up at Best Buy and the official ASUS website. With prices starting at about $1,900 for a ROG Strix G16 with an RTX 5070 Ti, it looks like Acer is coming in at a higher price with its RTX 5070 Predator Helios Neo 16 AI starting at about $1,900.

There's more nuance to the cost than the GPU inside, but overall, pricing seems more reasonable than I was expecting. There are bound to be more affordable and more expensive options headed our way in the near future, but the roughly $2,000 arena for these rather high-end laptops should appeal to plenty of gamers who prefer a mobile platform.

I'm a big advocate for 14-inch gaming laptops, especially in recent years with globetrotting travels to events like IFA in Berlin, where Acer had previously made a bizarre decision to market its last-gen Acer Nitro V 14 to "women and casual gamers." Thankfully, that unusual notion has been rightfully left in the dust, as the new Nitro V 14 AI joins a range of entry-level gaming laptops with 15, 16, and even 17-inch variants unveiled at CES 2025 in Las Vegas.

The Nitro V 14 AI is set for a June release as a refreshed 16:10 budget gaming laptop with what Acer calls a "pearl-like finish" (a fancy way of saying white.) Prices for the US aren't currently set in stone, but €1,299 for Europe hints at a $1,299 MSRP since cost-shifting conversions don't generally happen for those across the pond.

AMD-powered Nitro V AI gaming laptops

As the name implies, the new 'AI' Acer Nitro laptops are powered by processors with built-in NPUs (Neural Processing Units) dedicated to handling local AI processing. The Nitro V 14 AI has options for AMD's cutting-edge "Krackan Point" Ryzen AI 5 340 or Ryzen AI 7 350 APU (SoC,) expanding the Ryzen AI 300 range, with the same options available on the Nitro V 16 and 17 AI that stick with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics.

The odd one out is the Nitro V 15 AI, opting instead for AMD "Hawk Point" Ryzen 5 8645HS or Ryzen 7 8845HS chips, which have been around for a while. Either way, the most significant difference across the Nitro V range (besides the size and weight of each) is the choice of display tech. Only the 14-inch variant misses an option for 180Hz refresh rates but lists 165Hz configurations, which is plenty smooth enough for modern gaming at anything over 144Hz.

'Non-AI' Acer Nitro V 15 runs on Intel

Somewhat of a loner, Acer also announced a 'non-AI' Nitro V 15, which carries a confusingly similar label but a differing spec sheet as it runs on Intel chips instead of AMD. More importantly, it uses either a standard Intel Core 5 210H or 7 240H processor, which don't include NPUs but can still process AI workloads directly on the CPU just like any other chip.

Just like the Nitro V AI laptops, Acer says pricing for the non-AI Nitro V 15 "will be announced closer to availability." It gives me the impression that it'll end up on the cheaper side as it sticks with 1080p resolution options, but that's not out of character. Acer Nitro gaming laptops have remained some of the ultra-budget picks for a few years now, and these new models seem to stick with the theme.

Based on the Nitro V 15 from last year, it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect this new model to cost slightly more than $999.99 due to the increased RAM and storage space over the minimum 8GB/512GB from last time. The European pricing does, unfortunately, hint at a disappointing '€1,299 = $1,299' conversion, but we'll have to wait and see. Personally, I'd like to see Acer keep it below a thousand dollars if it wants to compete with upcoming powerful gaming handhelds.

Today, during CES 2025, Acer officially revealed its on-the-go gaming devices, including a new Nitro Mobile Gaming Controller, which sells for $69.99, as well as the specs for its two upcoming AI PC gaming handhelds — The large Acer Nitro Blaze 8 and the massive Acer Nitro Blaze 11. As of right now, the two biggest problems with PC gaming handhelds, in general, are that they tend to be extremely expensive and they don't have very long battery life. So, do Acer's handhelds tackle these issues?

Ever since Acer teased a Nitro Blaze 7 last summer (which doesn't seem to be at CES), I've been wondering if Acer would introduce a more economical option to the market, but that is not the case here (although I won't rule it out for the future). If anything, these new devices are more expensive and designed with premium features. Before I dive into all of that, here are the specs of these new Nitro Blaze handheld devices.

As you can see in the above table, both Windows 11 devices feature an AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS, a CPU (central processing unit) with an AI-boosting NPU (neural processing unit) with 39 TOPS (Tera Operations per Second), which is what makes these new handhelds AI PC devices like the previously released MSI Claw A1M and upcoming MSI Claw 7 AI+ and 8 AI+.

In addition to their processors, the Nitro Blaze handhelds utilize AMD Radeon 780M integrated graphics, 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, and up to 2TB M.2 PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD. There is a healthy range of ports on both devices since they have a Thunderbolt 4 port, a USB-C port, and a USB-A port to handle accessory and charging needs better than any other handhelds currently on the market. Additionally, they also feature the same Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Hall Effect joysticks, and buttons, although these controls are in slightly different places. According to Acer, "users can expect fast-paced action and minimal loading time on their handheld devices."

• RELATED: What is TOPS in AI PCs? | AI PC explainer | NPU explainer

Big handhelds means a big price tag

The biggest differences between the two handhelds have to do with their sizes, screens, and the amount of power they need. Most PC gaming handhelds currently on the market have a 7-inch display, but the Nitro Blaze 8 has a large 8.8-inch IPS touchscreen that can reach up to 2560 x 1600 resolution and up to 144Hz refresh rate. For context, the largest mainstream PC gaming handheld already on the market is the Legion Go, which has an 8.8-inch 144Hz screen, so Acer's Blaze 8 handheld is relatively huge. As with most gaming tech, the larger and nicer the display, typically the more expensive a device gets.

It measures roughly 12.0 inches wide, 5.27 inches tall, and 0.62 inches thick, with a weight of about 1.59 pounds, which makes it lighter than the 1.88-pound Legion Go. This large handheld comes with a 65W USB-C AC adapter, which is a standard power supply for most Windows 11 PC gaming handhelds currently on the market.

Meanwhile, the Nitro Blaze 11 offers an enormous 10.95-inch IPS touchscreen that reaches up to the same 2560 x 1600 resolution but with a lower (but respectable) refresh rate of 120Hz. The Nitro Blaze 11 measures about 14.33 inches wide, 6.73 inches tall, and 0.62 inches thick, and at a hefty 2.31 pounds. This makes it much heavier than other handhelds currently out there. It looks somewhat comically large in the official images Acer has released.

Depending on how ergonomical the casing is and how the internals are balanced, the Nitro Blaze 11 could be an awkward and wrist-straining handheld to hold for long stretches. That's probably why it has a built-in kickstand and detachable controllers, unlike the Nitro Blaze 8. This gargantuan handheld comes with a higher-power 100W USB-C AC adapter to accommodate that massive display's power needs.

Another thing to note is that the Nitro Blaze 11 has a front-facing camera like the Legion Go does. With how big the screen is, it won't be that hard to pair a keyboard to the device and use it like a laptop and attend virtual meetings.

Don't expect amazing battery life or budget prices

I don't have much hope for the battery life of either Nitro Blaze handheld, given that they both only have 55Whr batteries. For context, the original ASUS ROG Ally has a 40Whr battery and can't even run for an hour in turbo mode before running out of juice. Meanwhile, the ROG Ally X has an 80WHr battery, and it typically only lasts 2 hours in turbo mode. AI PCs tend to have better battery life, but running graphically demanding games drains batteries quickly. As such, battery life will likely be especially bad for the Blaze 11 due to it having that massive, power-consuming screen.

These handhelds are slated to launch sometime in Q2 2025. In North America, the Nitro Blaze 8 sells for a whopping $899.99, and the larger Nitro Blaze 11 has a massive $1,099.99 MSRP.

It's been less than eight months since Microsoft and Qualcomm teamed up to unveil the first Copilot+ PCs, and Acer has further expanded the lineup with a host of new PCs announced at CES 2025.

However, instead of running on Qualcomm's ARM-based Snapdragon X chips, all of Acer's newly announced Copilot+ hardware has either Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) or AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors inside. Acer has eight new Copilot+ PCs in all, but the one that piqued my interest the most is the new Revo Box AI mini PC.

Acer's Revo Box AI brings Copilot+ tools to a mini PC

The standout announcement from Acer is the Revo Box AI, a mini PC powered by Intel's Core Ultra Series 2 chips with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for local AI acceleration.

Mini PCs had a big year in 2024, but there wasn't any crossover in terms of Copilot+ tools. Qualcomm canceled its Snapdragon X Elite devkit days after it launched, and a leak involving a Geekom mini PC with X Elite chip came about in December.

Here now is the Revo Box AI, a tiny PC with a 0.75-liter chassis weighing in at 1.1 pounds (0.5kg). It's available in a black or white finish, and Acer has jazzed up the top of the PC with intersecting lines, an embedded fingerprint reader for Windows Hello, and an AI activity indicator that first made an appearance in 2024 on some of Acer's first AI laptops.

It's one of the most attractive pieces of hardware that Acer has produced in recent memory, but it's more than just looks. Acer lists Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) mobile AI processors as the centerpiece for the mini PC, though it remains unclear exactly which chips it's selected. In any case, you can expect 48 TOPS of NPU power for the AI tools available through Copilot+.

Intel's Series 2 GPUs received a considerable performance boost compared to the Series 1 chips, and you should have no issues with lighter games should you want to have some fun. Acer is offering up to 32GB of soldered LPDDR5x RAM in support, as well as up to a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD from the factory. The mini PC has three accessible M.2 slots inside for easier upgrades: two 2230 slots and one full-size 2280 slot.

Acer states the Revo Box AI will be available with up to Wi-Fi 6E for wireless networking, and it also has dual 2.5G Ethernet ports for strong wired communication.

It's hard not to draw comparisons to Apple's latest M4 Mac mini, which has its own AI working behind the scenes with Apple Intelligence. There are a few spots where I can see Acer coming out ahead. Storage upgrades should be a much easier process in the Windows system; there are two 2.5G Ethernet ports as standard (the Mac mini has one 1G Ethernet port that can be upgraded to 10G), and there's a more varied selection of ports.

The Revo Box AI comes with a USB4 port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and two USB-A 3.2 ports on the front, with another two USB-A on the back. DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1 are present for native video output, and there are the two aforementioned Ethernet hookups.

The Revo Box AI mini PC is expected to launch in Q2 2025, starting at $799.99.

Acer's Copilot+ initiative extends to its all-in-one PCs

The Revo Box AI is far from the only new Copilot+ hardware announced by Acer at CES 2025, and it's not just laptops. Acer's new Aspire S AI and Aspire C AI all-in-one (AIO) PCs are each available in 24- and 27-inch configurations, with a fresh design that's among the most modern that I've ever seen from Acer.

Ultra-slim bezels, pop-up webcams, and space-saving stands are immediately noticeable in the C series, while the S series takes a more utilitarian approach with a chunkier stand and webcam in the thicker top bezel. Acer is using Intel's Core Ultra Series 2 chips for the Aspire S AI, and it's using AMD Ryzen AI 300 chips for the Aspire C AI.

As for Copilot+ laptops, there are new Aspire 14 AI and Swift Go 14/16 devices on the way. The former laptop is expected to come with up to Intel's Core Ultra 7 (Series 2) CPU with an NPU capable of 48 TOPS, as well as up to 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM and a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD.

Prices are expected to start at $799.99 when the Aspire 14 AI launches in February, and you'll have the option to upgrade to an OLED panel for deeper color and contrast.

The Swift Go lineup will receive up to an AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 CPU with an NPU at 50 TOPS, as well as your choice of 14- or 16-inch display. With up to a 3K resolution and an OLED panel, the $899.99 starting price doesn't seem unreasonable. The 14-inch model is expected to launch in May, with the 16-inch model following up in April.

E-waste and the pollution associated with it are massive problems in our modern world. New devices are seemingly always on the way, pushing the previous hardware — often only a couple of years old and in working order — to the side.

The used laptop market, for example, is thriving, but there are still countless devices that end up making their way to a landfill or electronics recycling depots. Plenty of products are shipped around the world where they're stripped and, to the best efforts, recycled. Despite a huge effort, there remains an overabundance of discarded electronics slowly leeching heavy metals into the earth. And that's before we get into all the plastic surrounding the components.

Acer's Aspire Vero 16 is a carbon-neutral AI PC made (partly) from oyster shells

Announced at CES 2025 is the new Aspire Vero 16 (AV16-71P), a laptop that Acer claims will remain carbon neutral throughout its lifecycle. That's a bold claim, and the fine print notes that the lifecycle includes "raw material, manufacture, distribution, use, and disposal."

Acer also states that any "remaining carbon emissions will be offset by high-quality carbon credits to achieve carbon neutrality," which will be verified by a third party. Though the carbon credit system is far from perfect, I don't know of any other laptops that can make the same claims.

So, how did Acer do it? The Aspire Vero 16 now uses 70% more post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic and bio-based oyster shell material in the chassis compared to previous models. Yes, the laptop is at least partly made from oyster shells.

Furthermore, the touchpad uses plastic pulled from the ocean, the overall thickness of unrecycled plastic has been trimmed down, and Acer says it has an "easy-to-repair" design. There's not a lot to go on for that last statement, but I'm envisioning accessible storage and wireless cards, at a minimum. The LPDDR5x RAM won't be upgradeable, but I hope Acer has made it easier to swap out things like the display and keyboard should they be damaged.

Like me, you might be wondering how this laptop holds up under daily use. I won't know for sure until I get my hands on the device for testing, but MIL-STD-810H durability certification sets it up nicely from the start.

The Aspire Vero 16 looks like any other modern notebook, save for the flecked finish. Its keyboard includes a number pad, the touchpad has an embedded fingerprint reader, and the QHD webcam in the top bezel includes a privacy shutter.

Inside, the laptop features Intel's new Core Ultra H-series chips from the Series 2 lineup. Acer lists up to a Core Ultra 7, but that's as specific as it gets. The CPU is joined by up to 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM, 2TB of M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD storage, and a battery that Acer claims can run for up to 10.5 hours. The 16-inch display has an FHD+ resolution with 100% sRGB color reproduction. Rounding out the specs are dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI 2.1, and Wi-Fi 7.

The Aspire Vero 16 is expected to launch in North America in April 2025, starting at $799.99.

More new hardware on the way from Acer

The Aspire Vero 16 has piqued my interest the most, but it's far from the only new hardware on the way from Acer in 2025. Also announced at CES 2025 are new Swift Go 14 and 16 laptops powered by Intel's fresh Core Ultra 200H CPUs, 3K OLED displays, Wi-Fi 7, and QHD webcams.

The larger model is expected to launch in North America in April starting at $949.99, while the smaller model should arrive in May starting at $899.99. Here's a brief look at the specs available in the two laptops.

Also announced are a couple of devices that will make it easier to stay connected when you're on the move.

Acer's Connect M6E 5G mobile Wi-Fi device is small enough that it can fit in your pocket, but it has the power to deliver 5G access for your other Wi-Fi-bound devices. Acer says it can run for up to 28 hours thanks to a built-in battery, outputting a Wi-Fi 6E signal for up to 20 devices at the same time. It's expected to work in more than 135 countries, making it an ideal accessory for mobile professionals. It's expected to launch in Q1 2025 for $249.

The other side of the networking news comes in the form of a Wi-Fi 7 dongle compatible with USB-A and USB-C PCs. Its tri-band setup allows for speeds up to 2,880Mbps; it's expected to launch in Q1 2025, starting at $79.

Be sure to check out my coverage of Acer's new Copilot+ PCs announced at CES 2025, including the sleek Revo Box AI mini PC.

In the course of the last 12 months, we've already seen the first two waves of Copilot+ PCs and AI PCs come to the market.

The first round featured the Intel Core Ultra 100 Series (100S) (a.k.a. Meteor Lake) of AI processors, while the newest wave features the 200 Series Ultras (200S) (a.k.a. Lunar Lake), which should be more powerful. Many of these newer AI PCs are still launching, and we at Windows Central have had our hands full reviewing these laptops as they come out.

Over the last two weeks, I've been using the Acer Swift 14 AI as my main work laptop. I've run it through tests, used it to browse the internet, edited images in Photoshop, and more. While it isn't the sleekest or most powerful laptop out there, it does get the job done.

This review was made possible thanks to a review unit provided by Acer. The company did not see the contents of this review before publishing.

Acer Swift 14 AI: Price and specs

Pricing & specifications highlights

• In addition to being an AI PC laptop, the Acer Swift 14 AI is also technically a Copilot+ PC.
• This laptop is available in a few different configurations with either the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 258V CPU or a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor.
• While it is a little costly, this laptop is somewhat of a budget option compared to similarly configured AI PCs on the market.
• Price rating: 4/5

Acer is one of many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that is known for making a quality range of products in the computer and hardware market. Although, Acer is known for being a bit more of a budget brand, in general. The Acer Swift 14 AI specifically is both an AI PC laptop and a Copilot+ PC since it features an Intel AI CPU (central processing unit) with an integrated AI-boosting NPU (neural processing unit). It also features a Copilot button on the keyboard.

• RELATED: AI PC guide | NPU guide | Copilot+ PC guide

It's worth noting that the configuration I reviewed is an Intel Evo Edition. It earns this classification by offering new AI experiences, syncing with phones and tablets, offering excellent battery life, and providing AI capabilities that enhance video calls.

Configuration-wise, it features an Intel Core Ultra 258V chip, one of the newest AI CPUs on the market. It also features an Intel Arc 140V GPU, 32GB LPDDR5X RAM, and a 1TB SSD for storage. As the "14" in the name implies, this laptop features a 14-inch touchscreen that can reach up to 60Hz and 1920 x 1200 resolution.

The configuration I reviewed has a $1,299.99 MSRP, but it has been spotted on sale for $959.99 at Amazon. You can buy it from major tech retailers like Best Buy and Amazon or the Acer website. Just note that in addition to the Intel Core Ultra 258V configuration, there are also Acer Swift 14 AI configurations with a Qualcomm AI processor — some of which feature a touchscreen and some of which don't. For instance, a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite configuration with 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD is selling for $1,199.99 at Best Buy.

14-inch AI PCs with Ultra 7 200S CPUs and Intel Arc GPUs tend to sell between $1,199.99 and $1,499.99, with prices differing depending on screen types, RAM, and SSD capacities. So, while this Swift 14 AI with its $1,299.99 MSRP isn't a budget option, it is lower priced compared to some similarly configured AI PC laptops on the market.

Acer Swift 14 AI — What's in the box?

The Acer Swift 14 AI comes with a USB-C power adapter, a setup guide, a warranty pamphlet, and a sheet of paper with a pretty standard battery warning on it. There are no extra accessories or peripherals, but this does give you everything you need to get started with your laptop.

Recommended configuration

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Acer Swift 14 AI: Design and build

Build quality and design highlights

• While not the sleekest laptop on the market, the Acer Swift 14 AI looks nice overall and has a durable build.
• There is also a good range of ports to help you connect your various accessories and devices.
• Rubber feet on the underside prevent the laptop from sliding around on slick surfaces.
• The hinges push the monitor back as far as 180 degrees, allowing for the best viewing angle during various scenarios.
• Design rating: 4/5

Despite it not being as sleek-looking as some other options out there, the Acer Swift 14 AI is a relatively nice-looking laptop overall. The metal, grey-blue casing lends a certain elegance that also feels durable. The display hinges work smoothly when opening and shutting the lid. Plus, the display can be pushed back as far as 180 degrees to help you get the best viewing angle while using the laptop.

Although it isn't the slimmest laptop on the market, it doesn't feel bulky either. Its respectable frame paired with its roughly three-pound weight means that this laptop is relatively easy to tote around in laptop bags, backpacks, or in your hand.

Turning the Swift 14 AI upside down reveals a grey underbelly with fan vents and rubber feet that prevent the device from sliding around on desks and other surfaces.

As for ports, the Acer Swift 14 AI offers a range of connection points but does miss a couple of crucial ones. In total, there are two USB-A 3.2 ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, and a headphone jack. You'll have noticed that there is no SD card reader or microSD card reader. Of course, that's only a problem if you tend to use those slots regularly, but it still is an omission that some will feel.

Acer Swift 14 AI: Software and features

Software and features

• This laptop comes with several programs preinstalled; some are helpful, while some are more disputable, like McAfee security software.
• Preinstalled apps include AcerSense, McAfee, Intel Unison, Acer LiveArt, Acer VisionArt, and more.
• Intel Unison makes it easy for this laptop to seamlessly communicate with phones and tablets.
• You might want to take time uninstalling some unnecessary apps, just make sure you don't get rid of anything important.
• An Activity Indicator on the touchpad lights up whenever the laptop's AI capabilities are in use.
• Software rating: 3.5/5

As with most laptops, the Acer Swift 14 AI comes loaded with 16 preinstalled Acer programs and other apps. Some of this software is helpful, while others will most likely feel unnecessary. For instance, you might be interested in the AI edits you can make to photos with Acer LiveArt but might not want the divisive McAfee security software.

During setup, I was able to determine whether or not Acer sent McAfee my contact details so I could receive updates. I personally unchecked most of the boxes on that page during startup to reduce the number of emails that get sent my way. You might want to do the same. Additionally, you might also want to take some time removing some other preinstalled programs to help the system run more efficiently.

Arguably, the preinstalled program you'll be using the most is AcerSense, which has its own key on the top function row of the keyboard. This program allows you to adjust settings, run diagnostics, get software updates, and more. The program's overall layout is clean and easy to navigate. There is even a specific Experience Zone tab, which explains some of the laptop's AI features.

Then there's Intel Unison, which, when set up, allows me to seamlessly interact between my tablet, phone, and laptop. For instance, this feature allows me to quickly transfer files between compatible devices, take calls on the Swift 14 AI, send text messages, and even receive my phone notifications on the laptop. If you often spend time multitasking between devices while working on your computer, Intel Unison could be especially helpful for you.

The Intel Unison setup process is easy. You'll just need the Intel Unison app on your device and will need to give permissions on your phone or tablet to access certain features.

Of course, the big thing with AI PCs is that they have the capability of running generative AI programs locally rather than making you rely on distant servers for the same tasks. To test this, I edited an image of my cat in a blanket and then asked a generative AI program to add another cat in the blanket. It only took a few seconds for the AI edits to appear and the end result is pretty convincing.

An indicator tells you when you use AI capabilities

Speaking of AI capabilities, this Swift 14 AI has a feature I've never seen before on an AI PC laptop. When looking at the touchpad, you'll notice that there is a symbol in the top right corner. Acer calls this the Activity Indicator and explains that it comes on when Copilot is activated or the AI PC is on.

I also noticed that this symbol illuminates when running NPU benchmarks and other local AI tasks on the laptop, but the pattern that lights up is different from the Copilot pattern. In other words, this light tells you when you actually take advantage of the AI-boosting NPU while using this AI PC laptop.

This is a two-pronged feature. You might find that the kind of work you do regularly activates that icon and will thus give you a better sense of how this AI PC is helping you in ways a non-AI PC cannot. However, you might alternatively learn that you rarely use AI features and don't need an AI PC at all.

Of course, having a bright light shining up on my face can get a bit annoying. Thankfully, I was able to turn the Activity Indicator off within AcerSense by going to Personal Settings > Touchpad and toggling the Touchpad AI Lighting Effect.

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Acer Swift 14 AI: Display

Display highlights

• The display produced 100% of sRGB, 81% of AdobeRGB, and 84% of P3 in a color gamut test.
• Acer says the display can reach 400 nits, and testing proved that it even went a little brighter than this.
• The contrast isn't the best, but it is decent, considering this is an IPS panel.
• Being able to tap on the touchscreen and navigate that way adds an extra bit of convenience compared to non-touchscreen laptops.
• Display rating: 4/5

To get a sense of the Acer Swift 14 AI's IPS touchscreen display, I spent time streaming shows and working in Photoshop. While it doesn't offer as good of a color range as an OLED display would, this IPS panel does provide a decent color range, contrast, and brightness.

• RELATED: OLED vs. QD-OLED vs. QLED vs. AMOLED vs. Mini LED display comparison.

Acer states that the Swift 14 AI reaches 100% of sRGB as well of 400 nits of brightness. Using my colorimeter, I learned for myself that this is true. In a color gamut test, the display produced 100% of sRGB, 81% of AdobeRGB, and 84% of P3, which isn't the best result, but definitely isn't a bad one either.

Meanwhile, a brightness and contrast test showed that the screen not only reaches 400 nits but actually goes a bit higher peaking at 426 nits when at max brightness, which is plenty bright for outdoor, on-the-go use. In regards to contrast, the display also had respectable results, which helps the imagery look more dynamic rather than muddy.

IPS panels typically have good viewing angles and the same is true of this one. You have to be pretty far to the side of the screen before it starts looking dim and harder to see. Even then, you can make out details.

Having a touchscreen adds a level of convenience that I'm always happy to use. It makes it easier to browse webpages or navigate around Windows 11 using my fingertips. The screen always responded quickly and as expected.

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Acer Swift 14 AI: Performance and thermals

Performance & thermals highlights

• The Acer Swift 14 AI got lower results than expected in CPU, NPU, and overall system performance benchmark testing.
• While not a super powerful GPU, this laptop's Intel Arc 140V earned the highest score of any other Arc 140V device we've tested.
• This laptop doesn't have the fastest SSD transfer speeds, but they are respectable.
• What this all tells us is that the Swift 14 AI offers lower performance than many other AI PCs on the market, but it does get the job done.
• Performance rating: 3/5

Over the last few months, my colleagues and I have been able to test several of the newest Intel Core Ultra 200S AI PC laptops. In general, these devices tend to have greater CPU performance and far better NPU performance than previous AI PCs. However, that was not always the case with the Acer Swift 14 AI.

To get a sense of the Swift 14 AI's processing abilities, I edited a few projects in Photoshop and used it regularly for two weeks. On an anecdotal level, the laptop only froze on me once, but otherwise, it worked relatively smoothly. For a more quantitative read, I ran the device through several different benchmarks. While this laptop can run AI tasks and gets the job done when editing photos or running common programs, it lags behind other 200S AI PC laptops out there.

After running the Geekbench 6 CPU benchmark, the Swift 14 AI and its Intel Core Ultra 258V only earned a single-core score of 1,228 and a multi-core score of 7,783. These scores are much lower than the ones earned by other Ultra 7 258V laptops. In fact, this is our lowest Intel Core Ultra scoring ever. I also ran Cinebench R24 benchmark testing to get a sense of the CPU's rendering abilities, and the laptop didn't fare much better. It only earned a single-core score of 50 and a multi-core score of 527. This makes it the third-lowest multi-core score we've seen on an Intel Core Ultra CPU, getting beaten out by several Ultra 7 155H devices.

Since this is an AI PC, I also ran some Procyon tests to evaluate the inference performance of the CPU and NPU. With a score of 52, the Acer Swift 14 AI earned the second-lowest score we've seen so far in the Windows ML CPU test, which isn't great. I then ran the OpenVINO NPU benchmark, and the Acer Swift 14 AI managed to get a better score than all other Ultra 7 100S laptops, but the score was also markedly lower than other Ultra 7 200S laptops. So basically, its AI capabilities are a lot weaker than other Ultra 200S AI PCs we've tested thus far. I then ran a CrossMark system performance benchmark test and found that the Swift 14 AI earned a rather low score of just 1,051, which isn't a good place to be. Not surprising, though, given the previous results.

With the CPU testing done, I turned my attention to the Intel Arc 140V integrated graphics. In 3DMark Time Spy graphics testing, the Swift 14 AI earned a score of 4,355, which was higher than any other Arc 140V laptop we've tested so far, so that's really good to see. In case you don't know, the Intel Arc is more powerful than Intel UHD and Intel Iris Xe but is not strong enough to handle demanding graphical programs such as AAA video games.

To evaluate the SSD and transfer capabilities, I first ran CrystalDiskMark and then had the laptop transcode a 4K version of Tears of Steel using Handbrake. In the first benchmark, the laptop SSD got a read speed of 5,205 MB/s and a write speed of 4,631 MB/s, which is respectable even if it isn't super slow or super fast. As further proof of this, it took the laptop 3,329 seconds to transcode Tears of Steel, which is also respectable.

Thermals and fan noises

The Acer Swift 14 AI's fans are quick to turn on at the least provocation, but they don't get all that loud. When stress testing the CPU for 20 minutes in Cinebench R24, I whipped out my decibel meter and placed it right next to the back vents, where it registered a peak of 56.3 dB. However, when I took a reading near my ear while sitting in front of the laptop, it only measured 40.6 dB, which is similar to the thrum of a quiet office.

Meanwhile, the laptop's cooling capabilities are also good. I pulled my thermal camera out near the end of the 20-minute stress test and took some readings. The hottest areas are, unsurprisingly, the back vents, which measured in at 106 degrees F (~41 degrees C), and the area just above the keyboard, which reached 101 degrees F (~38 degrees C). This really isn't all that hot, allowing the laptop to work as efficiently as possible.

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Acer Swift 14 AI: Battery life

Battery highlights

• This laptop has fantastic battery life that's more than capable of lasting longer than an average workday.
• As with most laptops, this one runs out of juice faster if it runs more graphically demanding or CPU-stressing software.
• The USB-C power adapter can charge the laptop using either of the device's two USB-C ports.
• Battery rating: 5/5

I ran a few battery life tests while reviewing the Acer Swift 14 AI to get a feel for how long it typically lasts. For these tests, I kept the display at roughly 200 nits brightness and at the default power settings.

When running graphically demanding programs, the laptop lasted for only two hours and five minutes. However, when I used the laptop to do more basic things like browse the internet, write up articles, stream shows, and run everyday software, the laptop lasted roughly 20 hours and 38 minutes. That's quite a long time.

This being the case, the Acer Swift 14 AI's long battery is ideal for anyone who regularly finds themselves on the go, whether that be students, traveling business people, or anyone at home who simply wants to use their laptop unplugged for long stretches.

While on the subject of battery life, the included USB-C power adapter can be plugged into either of the laptop's two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports to charge it back up, which isn't uncommon but still rather convenient.

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Acer Swift 14 AI: Keyboard and touchpad

Keyboard and touchpad highlights

• Each key offers good travel distance and presses down with the right amount of resistance.
• There are several helpful function keys along the top for easy-access controls.
• The power button doubles as a fingerprint reader for convenient login.
• It features a Corning Gorilla Glass touchpad that feels good to interact with.
• Keyboard and touchpad rating: 5/5

One of the best things about the Swift 14 AI is probably the keyboard and touchpad. Each key presses down with a satisfying amount of resistance and travel distance. Not to mention, the keys are all well-spaced, giving my fingers ample room to type effectively.

A helpful row of function keys running along the top of the keyboard gives quick access to common controls like muting, volume adjustment, mic muting, brightness changes, Display Settings, Airplane mode, backlighting adjustment, logging out, touchpad disabling, screen capture, and booting up AcerSense.

Meanwhile, the touchpad is a great size, which helps make it easy to navigate around programs, menus, and web pages. This touchpad features Corning Gorilla Glass, and it presses down in a very pleasing way whenever I click on something.

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Acer Swift 14 AI: Camera, mic, and audio

Camera, mic, and speaker highlights

• This laptop features a QHD (2560 x 1440) IR webcam with a built-in shutter.
• To help with easy login and battery preservation, this laptop also supports Windows Hello facial recognition, presence detection, and a fingerprint reader.
• Acer PurifiedVoice 2.0 and Acer PurifiedView 2.0 both work to enhance video calls.
• The speakers aren't horrible, but you'll want to use a good headset or external speakers for better audio quality.
• Camera, mic, and speaker rating: 3/5

The Swift 14 AI's webcam is actually an IR camera, which means it supports Windows Hello facial recognition. I set this up after first turning the laptop on, and it has always worked well as long as I am in a well-lit area. While on the subject of biometric login, there is a fingerprint reader/power button on the upper right side of the keyboard. As with facial recognition, I set this feature up when I first started using the laptop, and it worked every time I used it.

Now, back to the camera and speakers. Attending video calls is nice with the Swift 14 AI since it cleans up audio using Acer PurifiedVoice 2.0 and enhances camera quality with Acer PurifiedView 2.0. The 2560 x 1440 resolution camera captures crisp imagery with decent colors. Meanwhile, my voice comes through very clearly in video call meetings thanks to the built-in 3-mic array and AI noise reduction.

Unlike many other laptops on the market right now, the Swift 14 AI actually features a built-in camera shutter. This is something I personally prefer since it ensures my visual privacy as long as the shutter is slid into place.

Now, another helpful feature is Acer User Sensing 2.0. When I first started using the laptop, I noticed that the screen would darken if I looked away, and it would turn off if it didn't detect me. These settings help the laptop conserve power to help the battery last longer. But I was also able to toggle these settings off in the Windows 11 Power Settings menu.

The laptop's speakers are located on the underside of the device towards the front sides. This placement allows sounds to bounce off of any surface that the laptop is placed on, but this doesn't prevent audio from sounding distant and weak. If you want a good listening experience with this laptop, you'll want to use one of the best PC headsets or external computer speakers.

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Acer Swift 14 AI: Competition

If you want something relatively similar to the Swift 14 AI that doesn't cost quite as much, you should check out the Acer Swift Go 14 AI. This AI PC laptop uses a Snapdragon X Plus processor rather than an Intel Core Ultra one, but it comes with 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, a 14.5-inch IPS display, and can reach up to 120Hz. It has an MSRP of $999.99 at Best Buy.

That said, arguably, the most similar device on the market right now can be seen in our ASUS Zenbook S 14 (UX5406S) hands-on. Like the Acer Swift 14 AI, this 14-inch ASUS laptop features the new Intel Core Ultra 7 258V CPU with an Intel Arc 140V GPU, 32GB RAM, and 512GB SSD. However, it produced far better results in our benchmark testing, making it the better AI PC. It sells for $1,399 at Best Buy.

If you're willing to spend a bit more for a nice AI PC laptop, then you should check out my Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 review. This is a 2-in-,1 and it comes with the Samsung S Pen for easy touchscreen interaction. As for its internals, configuration options include either the new Ultra 5 228V or the Ultra 7 256V, along with an integrated Intel Arc GPU, up to 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD. It sells for $1,699.99 at Best Buy.

If you're interested in an OLED display laptop, then you might want to look at the ASUS Vivobook S 14 OLED. It features an Intel Core Ultra 5 Series 2 processor and also utilizes Intel Arc for graphics, along with the 14-inch OLED panel. This laptop sells for $949.99 at Best Buy with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD.

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Acer Swift 14 AI: Scorecard

Acer Swift 14 AI: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if...

✅ You need a laptop with excellent battery life
✅ You specifically want a laptop with Thunderbolt 4 ports
✅You'd prefer an AI PC with a touchscreen

You should not buy this if...

❌ You're looking for one of the best-performing AI PCs
❌ You don't need an AI PC laptop

So, should you buy the Acer Swift 14 AI? I've got mixed feelings on that score. On one hand, this laptop is more affordable than some other AI PCs out there, so it will be easier on your wallet. But on the other hand, AI and CPU benchmark testing revealed that it has lower performance than similarly configured laptops.

That said, I only experienced a freezing issue once in the two weeks that I was using it. So, it can get the job done, but it just is not as effective as other options.

All in all, it has a sturdy build, fantastic battery life, a good screen, and great integrated graphics performance. If you want one of the latest AI PC laptops that costs less than others and can last all day during work, school, or personal use then this is one to consider.

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In an age where PC desktops have become one of, if not the most popular, platforms for playing video games, gamers must hunt down the highest-quality PC monitors to display their games on. Unfortunately, most of the best PC gaming monitors tend to have very steep MSRPs that could break your bank if you're not careful with your financial decisions.

Fortunately, that's not the case with today's spotlight - the Acer Nitro (ED320QR). This PC gaming monitor can offer crisp, HD visuals with zero input latency at an affordable MSRP of $229.99. However, Walmart has made this accommodating price tag even cheaper thanks to this exclusive Anti-Prime Day 30% discount deal that has reduced the Acer Nitro gaming monitor to $159.00.

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Why should you buy the Acer Nitro monitor?

Acer has garnered much respect from the gaming community for creating top-of-the-line electronic products that can compete with some of the best gaming laptops and best monitors in the industry, and the Acer Nitro (ED320QR) is no exception.

Thanks to its high-tech features, this gaming monitor allows gamers to view their favorite PC games at ultra-high visual clarity. For starters, it has a 31.5" curved display with Full 1920x1080 HD resolution, which allows it to show games with sharp picture quality and a wide view.

The Acer Nitro has AMD FreeSync Premium Technology to reduce stuttering and screen-tearing to preserve immersion during intensive in-game moments. It also has a 165Hz Refresh rate, so it can render frames quickly and lower input lag, making the game feel nicer to control. Its image rendering capabilities are enhanced further by possessing 1ms of response time, so the monitor can reduce ghosting and screen smearing effects.

• Gaming monitor deals: Walmart | Target | Best Buy | Amazon | Newegg 
• Ultrawide monitor deals: Walmart | Target | Best Buy | Amazon | Newegg

To top it off, the Acer Nitro also has HDR technology, which allows it to produce deep levels of black-and-white color-contrasted images to provide extra immersion in-game.

There are some minor drawbacks to consider before purchasing. The monitor has limited ergonomics, as its stand doesn't have height, swivel, and pivot options. It has a low brightness limit of 250 nits, and it can't display images in 1440p or 4K resolutions.

Despite those flaws, the Acer Nitro is still a worthwhile purchase for any serious PC gamer looking for a high-quality monitor to display the best PC games with crisp HD visuals while keeping the MSRP at a generous level for those with a low budget. An MSRP that has become even more affordable thanks to Walmart's Anti-Prime Day discount, reducing it from $229.00 to $159.00.

More Prime Day deals and anti-Prime Day deals

We at Windows Central are scouring the internet for the best Prime Day deals and anti-Prime Day deals, but there are plenty more discounts going on now. Here's where to find more savings:

• Xbox controller deals: Walmart | Target | Best Buy | Amazon | Newegg 
• Xbox SSD storage deals: Walmart | Target | Best Buy | Amazon | Newegg 
• Gaming headset deals: Walmart | Dell | Target | Best Buy | Amazon 
• MicroSD storage deals: Walmart | Target | Best Buy | Amazon | Newegg 
• Gaming handheld deals: Walmart | Target | Best Buy | Amazon | Newegg 
• Laptop deals: Walmart | Target | Best Buy | Amazon | Newegg 
• Copilot+ AI laptop deals: Walmart | Target | Best Buy | Amazon | Newegg 
• Monitor deals: Walmart | Target | Best Buy | Amazon | Newegg 
• Mini PC deals: Walmart | Target | Best Buy | Amazon | Newegg 
• Gaming keyboard deals: Walmart | Best Buy | Amazon | Dell | Newegg 
• Gaming mice deals: Walmart | Best Buy | Amazon | Dell | Newegg

What you need to know

• Acer recently unveiled its Nitro V 14 gaming laptop during IFA 2024.
• The Nitro V 14 is a mid-range gaming laptop with up to an NVIDIA RTX 4050 inside.
• Acer's marketing of the Nitro V 14 caused controversy when the company explained that the white design of the laptop is for "women and casual gamers."

Last week at IFA 2024, Acer unveiled its Nitro V 14 gaming laptop. The PC looks impressive, but its specs and shape will be overshadowed by its colorway, at least for a while. The laptop is white, which is relatively rare in the PC laptop space, but it was how Acer presented that color that turned heads. When Acer announced the Nitro V 14, the company labeled the PC as one designed for women.

"Women and casual gamers are on the rise, and so is the search for a gaming laptop that is not just powerful, but also beautiful," said Acer's Valerie Piau. The laptop is, at least in my opinion, "elegant," "beautiful," and "sophisticated," as Acer said. I don't understand, however, why the laptop was described as for women and casual gamers. It seems I'm not alone. 

Our sibling site, Laptop Mag, has an exclusive piece breaking down the Acer Nitro V 14 announcement. The outlet spoke with Eric Ackerson, Associate Director of Product Marketing at Acer, about the announcement. Despite working at Acer, Ackerson strongly disapproved of how Acer framed the laptop.

"I think it's absolutely horrible to try and say [white] is a gender-related color," said Ackerson. "I think it's demeaning, and I think it doesn't give women credit for having a style."

Marketing challenges

Marketing is more complicated than it appears at first glance. I've worked in marketing in the past and also speak with PR and marketing folks regularly. Getting a product in front of specific groups of consumers can be difficult and requires industry knowledge, contextual awareness, and creativity. Often, you have to be willing to be bold to succeed in marketing. As a result, campaigns will see mixed results and sometimes prove controversial.

Cultural differences come into play, which is why some ad campaigns work well in one market and flop in another. Coca-Cola infamously failed in its attempt to market Dasani in the UK when it used a slogan that included a word used casually in the United States, but that was sexual in the United Kingdom. Mashed has a great recap of that strange saga. There were issues other than marketing, but the slogan didn't help.

Indeed, in the PC space, this marketing isn't novel, at least for Eastern markets. ASUS recently announced a scented laptop aimed at women in China, and Microsft even dabbled with a pink Surface Laptop (also for China) in 2018.

Linking back to Acer's recent laptop announcement, I doubt Acer intended to upset anyone. However, the reality is that Acer's comments came across poorly, at least in certain markets. Besides the obvious fact that some people just like white laptops instead of black laptops, grouping together women gamers and casual gamers is poor phrasing.

I suppose Acer could have made things worse by including a bunch of stereotypes in its laptop designs. Kudos for avoiding cliches.

I'm all in favor of more colorful gaming laptops. Way too many PCs are limited to gray or black. I'm admittedly confused by the apparent need to label a laptop as for women. Surely, a company could just make a pretty laptop, and then anyone interested in a more elegant piece of hardware would take a look, regardless of gender.

Other companies doing it better

Acer isn't the first company to make a pretty laptop. Razer has an entire Quartz series of pink hardware, including headphones, microphones, chairs, mice, and keyboards. There have been Quartz versions of the Razer Blade in the past, though I don't see any new models with that color option. As far as I can tell, Razer does not market its pink hardware toward female gamers, which would be leaning into a cliche.

"STYLED TO STAND OUT," reads Razer's website. "For those built to be bold, there's no better way to make a statement. Explore our beloved Razer Quartz collection and experience its appeal for yourself."

ASUS partnered with fashion designer Anna Sui to design a laptop with a built-in air freshener. That's another example of a more elegant PC that doesn't seem to be marketed strictly toward women, though I admittedly do not speak Japanese, so I may have missed something.

Do you think Acer's framing of the Nitro V 14 is sexist, or are people overreacting? Let us know in the comments below.

IFA 2024 officially began on September 6, but most of the major announcements we were most excited about came in the week leading up to it. 

Intel, Qualcomm, Acer, ASUS, and Lenovo notably unveiled some exciting hardware, with a range of PC processors (CPU) and Systems-on-Chip (SoC), new laptops, new gaming monitors, and even some concept pieces that might never actually see an official launch.

Out of all the IFA announcements, we've handpicked nine of our favorites to award and highlight here.

Qualcomm goes budget with its 8-core Snapdragon X Plus SoC

Qualcomm announced a new 8-core Snapdragon X Plus System-on-Chip (SoC) at IFA 2024, designed for more affordable Windows on ARM laptops. This brings the total number of Snapdragon X chips up to eight, with four X Elite chips and four X Plus chips.

The new eight-core Snapdragon X Plus is available in two flavors. The X1P-46-100 has a 3.4GHz multi-core frequency, a 4.0GHz boost frequency, and an integrated Hexagon GPU with 2.1 TFLOPS. It's expected to launch in the first half of 2025.

The X Plus (X1P-42-100) comes sooner with a 3.2GHz multi-core frequency, 3.4GHz boost clock, and a 1.7 TFLOPS integrated GPU. It's already been spotted in new Acer, Dell, and Lenovo laptops, which are expected to launch soon. 

The ThinkBook 16 (Gen 7) is notably priced at $749, making it one of the cheapest ways to get ARM64 efficiency and performance. Qualcomm says the SoC can best the Core Ultra 5 125U, AMD Ryzen 5 8640U, and Apple M2, and it can also support up to three external displays.

That's not to mention the Copilot+ compatibility thanks to the 45 TOPS Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that spans all of Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chips. In related news, Intel laptops with new Core Ultra Series 2 chips and AMD laptops with Ryzen AI 300 chips will get Copilot+ access starting in November.

Intel's next-gen chips are expected to answer Qualcomm's Snapdragon X hardware. While Team Blue chases the upper performance and efficiency metrics, Qualcomm now focuses on delivering cheaper silicon for a broader range of PCs.

• Lenovo hits sub $900 thanks to Qualcomm, and this 2-in-1 looks outstanding
• Acer's Swift Go 14 AI is one of the first Copilot+ PCs with Qualcomm's new 8-core Snapdragon X Plus
• Dell packed newly announced Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (8-core) into two of its best business laptops
• Qualcomm teases "high performance" desktops powered by Snapdragon X processors

Intel's next-gen "Lunar Lake" mobile CPUs are here

After months of rumors and leaks, Intel's "Lunar Lake" Core Ultra Series 2 processors have been officially announced. The new x86 mobile chips, which use a refreshed 200V naming scheme, were unveiled by Intel as the "most efficient family of x86 processors ever," which is clearly an effort to combat Qualcomm's recent (and big) bite out of the Windows laptop market.

According to Intel, the Core Ultra Series 2 chips offer "breakthrough" power efficiency and a "massive leap in graphics performance" from integrated Arc GPUs. Nine new CPUs are in the lineup, all with eight cores split evenly between Performance and Low-Power Efficiency. They all have eight threads, LPDDR5x-8533MHz RAM support, 37W Turbo power, and an NPU with up to 48 TOPS of power for local AI acceleration.

That's more theoretical NPU power than what Qualcomm can offer with its Snapdragon X chips (45 TOPS), which matters more than ever now that Intel and AMD are both getting access to Copilot+ in November. Microsoft's AI tools in Windows require an NPU with at least 40 TOPS.

Efficiency is a primary goal for Intel, with Qualcomm pulling well ahead with its chips for Windows on ARM. The Core Ultra 9 and Ultra 7 chips run at a 30W base TDP (dropping to a minimum of 17W), while the Ultra 5 chips run at a 17W base TDP (dropping to a minimum of 8W).

Intel quotes 20 hours of battery life from the Core Ultra 200V CPUs with performance-per-watt matching Qualcomm and AMD in some tests, but we'll have to see for ourselves when we get our hands on the new laptops. Acer, ASUS, Dell, and HP all announced new laptops with these Intel chips headed our way soon.

• AMD and Intel are getting Copilot+ access through Acer's new Swift AI and TravelMate AI PCs
• ASUS expands the Intel-powered Copilot+ PC lineup with five new laptops, including the stunning Zenbook S 14
• Dell's new XPS 13 combines Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors with one of the best features of the M4 iPad Pro
• HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 brings the power (and efficiency) of Intel’s new Core Ultra Series 2 processors to creators

Acer's Project DualPlay concept gaming laptop has a removable gamepad

Acer's Project DualPlay concept is one of the most unique gaming laptops we've ever seen. At first glance, it looks a lot like a stylized version of Acer's Predator gaming hardware with extra chassis RGB, but it hides a secret that makes couch co-op a breeze.

The touchpad doubles as a removable wireless gamepad with dual joysticks, D-Pad, buttons, and bumpers along the edges. The removable piece is reminiscent of a gaming handheld, except where the display would usually be is the touchpad section.

It gets better. Each side of the gamepad slides off of the connecting touchpad portion, like Legion Go or Nintendo Switch, allowing two players to pick up and play at the same time with separate controllers. Thanks to an electromagnetic attachment, releasing the gamepad from the rest of the laptop is easy, and when detached, two five-watt speakers pop out of the sides of the laptop for booming sound.

Even the gamepad and individual controllers have customizable RGB lighting to match the rest of the laptop. As a concept, this gaming laptop might not ever see an official release, but it would be a boon to any PC gamers who love to play their favorite titles next to friends and family.

• Check out Project DualPlay at Acer

Lenovo's Auto Twist AI PC concept has a display that follows you as you move

A laptop webcam with auto-framing abilities to keep you in view is one thing, but Lenovo's new Auto Twist AI PC concept takes the idea to another level. 

The ThinkBook-branded laptop has what Lenovo calls a "Dual Degree of Freedom Automatic Rotation System (DARS) that connects the display with the laptop body. The display opens normally, but it can also pivot on the center hinge. The screen can essentially rotate any which way, including flat, into a tablet, and you don't even have to put your hands on it.

Actuators open and move the display automatically, and all you have to do is tell it where to go. It can also be set up to track you around a room as you move, using AI to keep you in focus intelligently. This feature is undoubtedly a boon for anyone who's ever tried to teach in a virtual meeting, but the automatically tuned adjustments also promote proper ergonomics.

Stepping away from your PC for a moment? The lid will automatically close and lock Windows until you return. Whether or not this specific concept laptop sees a full release remains to be seen, but Lenovo's DARS hardware is likely something we'll see again.

• Look! No hands! Lenovo's new concept laptop can tilt and twist all on its own, thanks to the power of AI.

Acer's Nitro XV240 F6 gaming monitor hits an insane 600Hz

Acer has a new level of "UltraSpeed" hardware meant to accommodate PC gaming enthusiasts involved in competitive gaming, pushing refresh rates beyond a sane level. 

Whereas refresh rates between 300Hz and 400Hz seemed like overkill for most people just last year, Acer has now pushed the limits with the 600Hz Nitro XV240 F6. That's not a typo, and that sound you just heard was your graphics card letting out a sigh.

The 1920x1080 (FHD) TN panel matches the blistering refresh rate with a 0.1ms response time, and AMD FreeSync Premium is included to further smooth out the picture. The monitor is expected to start at $599.99 when it launches in Q1 2025, so start saving up now.

• Acer just announced multiple "UltraSpeed" gaming monitors — One offers an insane 600Hz at 1080p

Lenovo has an $849 Snapdragon X Plus Copilot+ PC

The sweet spot for most laptop buyers is in the range of $700 to $1,000, and this does not go unnoticed by Qualcomm. The first run of Snapdragon X Systems-on-Chip (SoC) with Copilot+ abilities was announced in May, but none of the laptops dipped far enough into that price range.

Qualcomm's new 8-core Snapdragon X Plus chip is now official, and it's notably headed to Lenovo's new IdeaPad 5x 14 2-in-1 (Gen 9). With a starting price of $849 when it launches in October, it should prove to be a great way to get your hands on a capable Copilot+ PC running Windows on ARM.

The new IdeaPad 5x 14 2-in-1 doesn't stop at the ARM64 power and efficiency. It has a 14-inch OLED display with FHD+ resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, HDR 500 support, 100% DCI-P3 color, and touch with inking capabilities to work with the convertible design. 

There aren't any apparent cut corners even at this price, with an FHD RGB webcam, Wi-Fi 7 support, lots of ports, and MIL-STD 810H durability certifications.

• Lenovo hits sub $900 thanks to Qualcomm, and this 2-in-1 looks outstanding

Lenovo and Intel team up to deliver Aura Edition laptops

Lenovo and Intel teamed up at IFA 2024 to introduce "Aura Edition" laptops, including the ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13) and Yoga Slim 7i 15 (Gen 9).

Aura Edition laptops are all about blending human and machine interactions to make them as easy as possible, while also delivering the premium computing experiences you expect from these high-end Windows laptops.

Aura Edition features boil down to Smart Modes, Smart Share, and Smart Care (which is essentially just extra tech support). Starting with the Smart Modes first, four options dynamically tune your laptop depending on the task at hand. 

Attention Mode blocks certain websites from distracting you, Wellness Features deliver warnings for posture and eye wellness, Collaboration Tools boost camera quality, and Shield Mode hands out automatic privacy alerts, screen blacking, and VPN prompting.

Smart Share is all about making phone-to-PC sharing as easy as possible. If your Android or iOS phone is supported by Aura Edition, you can simply tap it against the laptop's lid to open a sharing app; from there, it's just a matter of dragging and dropping files across platforms.

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13) Aura Edition is expected to start at $1,999 when it launches in November, while the Yoga Slim 7i (Gen 9) Aura Edition starts at $1,299 and should launch in September.

• Lenovo somehow made the lightest laptop I've ever reviewed even lighter, more powerful, and longer-lasting

Acer's Nitro Blaze 7 aims to be a more affordable gaming handheld

It seems like every PC maker has a gaming handheld these days, and Acer is the latest to jump on board with its Nitro Blaze 7.

Acer didn't really set out to beat any of the other handhelds in terms of features and performance, save for maybe the unique on-screen keyboard button for quicker messaging in games. It has Hall Effect joysticks, but they're also available in the MSI Claw.

It's powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS CPU, AMD Radeon 780M graphics, 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM, a 50Wh battery, and up to 2TB of M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD storage. Its 7-inch IPS display has an FHD resolution with a 144Hz refresh rate.

Where the Nitro Blaze should excel is its price point. Acer hasn't yet announced a firm dollar amount or a release date, but if it wants to compete with the other established handhelds on the market it will have to undercut them significantly.

A lot of gamers won't mind lesser performance in the face of a much lower price, and that's really what makes the Nitro Blaze 7 an intriguing product.

• Acer has a new gaming handheld with a helpful feature not seen on Steam Deck or ROG Ally

HONOR's MagicBook Art 14 has a detachable webcam

Something we've never seen before until now is a laptop with a detachable webcam. But why is that a big deal? Laptop makers have sometimes struggled to balance display bezel size and room required for webcam hardware, resulting in solutions like pop-up cameras hidden beneath keyboard keys.

For example, I reviewed HONOR's MagicBook 14 from 2021, which used this exact solution. And while it got the job done — allowing for the top screen bezel to be super thin — the camera angle was really only good for checking out the inside of your nose.

HONOR has now returned with the MagicBook Art 14, a sleek laptop with a 14.6-inch 3.8K OLED display. The top bezel measures just 2.2mm thin, which HONOR didn't find thick enough to house the 1080p camera. The solution this time is modular. The webcam lives in a dedicated slot on the side of the chassis when it's not in use. You just pop it out and place it atop the laptop's lid, where it's held in place magnetically.

It works facing forward and back, adding some versatility to what you'd usually find in a notebook. There's also no need for a privacy shutter, as the camera can't communicate with the PC when it's not in place.

The new MagicBook Art 14 is available with Intel Core Ultra Series 1 and Qualcomm Snapdragon X chips, the latter of which makes the cut for Copilot+ AI features. The Intel version is available in some Asian and European markets, and we have one in for testing. HONOR has yet to announce pricing and availability for the Snapdragon version.

• This new Windows laptop doesn't have a webcam until you want it to

We have a lot to look forward to in the coming months

While an exciting CES 2024 might have set the tone for the rest of the year, IFA 2024 followed up in a big way. Concept devices are always fun to check out, and this year did not disappoint, but major CPU news from Intel and Qualcomm will have the most direct effect on most people.

These IFA 2024 award winners were selected by those on the ground at the showcase, and they represent the best of the best for various reasons. There's plenty more hardware to check out, so be sure to give all of our IFA 2024 news a look.

What you need to know

• During IFA, Acer announced seven upcoming monitors of various types and with various features. Among these new displays are two Predator gaming monitors, four Nitro gaming monitors, and an Acer monitor. 
• As part of this announcement, Acer states that some of these Nitro monitors are "UltraSpeed" displays with super high refresh rates and speedy response times.  
• Arguably the most impressive "UltraSpeed" display is a 24.1-inch offering that can reach up to 1920 x 1080 resolution while at an insane 600Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. 
• These monitors are offered at various prices and will release at different times between Q4 2024 and beyond. 

Today during IFA, electronics manufacturer Acer announced seven upcoming gaming monitors —  two are in its high-end Predator sub-brand, three are in its budget Nitro sub-brand, and the last is simply an Acer monitor. Acer explains that many of these displays are smart monitors with built-in WebOS, the Nitro ones are even "UltraSpeed" displays with extremely high refresh rates and fast response times. 

Arguably, the most impressive of these "UltraSpeed" displays is the Nitro XV240 F6 —  an FHD display with an insanely high 600Hz refresh rate and up to 0.1ms G-to-G response time. 

In releasing this range of monitors, Acer intends to expand its portfolio to a wide range of uses, but points out that the new UltraSpeed displays stand out among the others. "The new Acer Nitro gaming monitors deliver high-definition resolution with blazing refresh rates of up to 600 Hz, placing these models among the fastest in today’s market. These also feature rapid response times of up to 0.1m sand AMD FreeSync Premium technology for smooth, tear-free gaming."

Let's look at each of the seven displays announced today. 

Predator XB273U F5 is a high-end dream

First on the list of revealed devices is the high-end Predator XB273U F5 gaming monitor. It features a 27-inch IPS display capable of reaching 2560 x 1440 at an impressive 360Hz via both its HDMI and DisplayPort connections. It also has a super-speedy response time of just 0.05ms, and to help keep motion clarity nice and clean, it also supports NVIDIA G-Sync. 

As far as color range goes, the Predator XB273U F5 supports HDR and can reach up to a Peak of 550 nits when HDR is enabled, which is good. You'll also be able to get decent picture quality even if you aren't sitting right in front of the monitor since it offers a 178° viewing angle both vertically and horizontally. 

This monitor is a bit scant port-wise, featuring only two HDMI 2.1 ports and a DisplayPort 1.4. However, it does offer two 5W speakers, which is nice, considering many gaming monitors don't include any speakers at all. It's unclear how much this monitor will sell for or when it will launch.

Predator XB273K V5 is designed to offer great picture quality and motion clarity

The other high-end gaming monitor revealed today is the 27-inch Predator XB273K V5. It offers an IPS panel that reaches an impressive 3840 x 2160 4K resolution @ 160Hz, regardless of whether you're using its HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 ports. With the ability to reach up to 0.5ms response time, the display should be able to easily display the latest visual signals from your laptop or desktop. 

Unlike the previous monitor, this one's VRR (variable refresh rate) tear technology is AMD FreeSync Premium rather than NVIDIA G-Sync. So, as long as you connect it to a laptop or monitor with an AMD GPU, motion clarity should look really smooth.

According to Acer, this monitor supports HDR400 and can reach a peak brightness of 400 nits, which is respectable, though not amazing. You can rest easy knowing you can sit at a comfortable angle in front of it rather than straight on and still get a good view. This is not only due to the 178° vertical and horizontal viewing angle but also the stand, which can tilt, swivel, pivot, and adjust up and down. 

Acer states that PredatorXB273K V5 will be available in North America as soon as Q4 2024 and that this gaming monitor will have a starting $499.99 MSRP.

Nitro XV240 F6 has an insane 600Hz refresh rate

Last year, I reviewed a gaming monitor that reached 360Hz, and I thought that was extremely impressive (check out my Alienware AW2725DF review). But now, seeing that Acer's new "UltraSpeed" 24.1-inch Nitro XV240 F6 gaming monitor reaches up to 600Hz when using the DisplayPort and resolution at up to 1920 x 1080 is just insane. It's able to match that high refresh rate with a really impressive 0.01ms response time, too. Combine that with an AMD GPU computer, and you're going to see some super smooth motion clarity on this gaming monitor, thanks to AMD FreeSync Premium support. 

Unlike the other displays on this list, this panel type is actually Twisted Nematic (TN), an LCD technology known for being faster and using less power than the far more common IPS panel type. That is probably part of how it's able to reach 600Hz. This display can also reach up to 400 nits, which once again isn't horrible but isn't the most ideal brightness. 

In addition to the two HDMI 2.1 ports and the DIsplayPort 1.4, this monitor features two 2W speakers so you don't have to purchase external speakers unless you want to. The Nitro XV240 F6 will launch in North America in Q1 2025 and will have a starting price of $499.99.

Nitro XV270 F5 also offers an incredible refresh rate at 520Hz

After seeing the previous 600Hz display, it might not seem as impressive to look at this 27-inch IPS FHD monitor's 520Hz max, but that's still an insanely high refresh rate. That fact that it can be reached via both HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 is also impressive. This, in conjunction with the 0.05ms response time and AMD FreeSync Premium compatibility, means that this monitor should offer astounding motion clarity. 

As for the other elements of picture quality, the monitor offers a very good 178° viewing angle both vertically and horizontally. It also offers that decent 400 nit brightness max, which could be better but isn't bad at all.

Unlike the previous monitors mentioned, it offers two USB 3.2 ports and an audio out connection to help you set up additional devices. Plus, there are two 2W speakers, so you don't have to purchase computer speakers separately unless you want a better listening experience. 

It has a starting price of $599.99 and should launch in North America in Q1 2025. 

Nitro XV270U F5 is yet another impressive display

The Nitro XV270U F5 once more sticks with the impressive nature of Acer's "UltraSpeed" Nitro displays. It reaches up to 500Hz while displaying 2560 x 1440 resolution through either HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4, which is, once again, an insanely high refresh rate. Combining that with the 0.05ms response time and AMD FreeSync Premium should provide players with buttery smooth motion clarity. 

Strangely enough, Acer states this IPS display apparently only reaches a max of 250 nits, which isn't very bright at all. In order to get the best experience from it, you'll want to use it in a room that isn't overly lit by the sun. 

It's pretty lacking when it comes to non-display ports since there really aren't any others. However, it does offer two 2W speakers, so you can listen to your music, play games, or watch shows without needing to supply external speakers.

You'll be able to get your hands on the Nitro XV270U F5 when it launches in North America in Q1 2025 at a starting price of $799.99 MSRP.

Acer CS322QK is a monitor for daily use

The 31.5-inch Acer CS322QK might seem a bit out of place next to the Nitro and Predator gaming monitors on this list, and that's because it is. Rather than being a gaming monitor, it's a smart monitor that Acer says "is great for those working from home or who enjoy streaming content." 

This IPS display supports 3840 x 2160 resolution at up to 60Hz with a 14ms response time using either its HDMI 2.0 or USB-C connections. In addition to these display ports, it also offers an RJ45 internet port, and a USB 2.0 port. Unlike the other monitors on this page, this one does not support VRR. But it does have built-in 3W dual speakers to help you listen to your music or watch your shows. 

In regards to picture quality, the monitor can get as bright as 350 nits, which is lower than ideal. However, it has a good viewing angle and supports HDR10 for a better color range than some other monitors out there. 

Acer CS322QK will launch in North America in Q4 2024 with a starting price of $599.99.

Nitro GS272U M is the budget gaming monitor

With the Nitro GS272U M, we have finally reached the last Acer monitor revealed today. Once again, this is a gaming monitor and the only WQHD display on this page. While not as impressive as some of the other monitors listed before it, it does offer a very nice refresh rate overall among its three display connections. Its max resolution is 2560 x 1440, with a max refresh rate of 144Hz via HDMI 2.0, 180Hz via DisplayPort 1.2, and 180Hz via USB-C. 

The 5ms response time isn't nearly as fast as some others, but it is respectable. However, it seems this monitor does not offer VRR support to eliminate screen tearing. Additionally, it only reaches up to 250 nits, which isn't very bright at all. These lower features probably help to reduce this monitor to a more affordable price.

The Nitro GS272U M is the lowest-priced monitor on this page, with a starting price of $349.99. It will be available in North America in Q1 2025.

Do you really need a gaming monitor with that high of a refresh rate?

Last year when I reviewed the 360Hz Alienware gaming monitor, I talked about how the display was beautiful, but that this high of a refresh rate would probably only really be helpful for a small group of people, namely eSports players and other professional gamers. I thought about that a lot while looking over the specs for Acer's new monitors. 

The thing with a super high refresh rate is that at some point, you reach a level where there is no longer much of a benefit to players. So, yes, 600Hz is impressive and insane compared to what we've seen previously, but it really isn't necessary or all that helpful past a certain point. 

That all said, it's great to see improvements in any area of gaming, and if these monitors are designed right, they should offer an incredible experience with silky smooth motion clarity and good picture quality. It would be nicer if the monitors offered VRR for both AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync, but as it is, you'll have to make sure you have a gaming laptop or gaming desktop with the proper GPU type in order to get the best experiences from these displays. 

What you need to know

• Acer has announced an expansion to its Copilot+ PC lineup at IFA 2024, including the Swift 14/16 AI and TravelMate P6 14 AI.
• AMD's Ryzen AI 300 and Intel's new "Lunar Lake" Core Ultra mobile chips are on board, and they're expected to receive access to Copilot+ features for free in November.
• The AMD-powered Swift 14 AI is expected to launch in NA and EMEA markets in September starting at $1,199.99. It's coming to Australia in Q4 2024 starting at $2,799 AUD.
• The Intel-powered Swift 14 AI is hitting NA, EMEA, and AUS markets in September starting at $1,199.99/€1,299.
• The business-focused TravelMate P6 14 AI powered by Intel is coming to NA and EMEA market in January 2025 starting at $1,499.99/€1,349.

IFA 2024 is officially set to kick off on September 6, but that hasn't stopped a bunch of major PC manufacturers like Acer from revealing new hardware ahead of the show. I covered Acer's new Predator and Nitro V gaming PCs and the new Swift 14 Go AI with Qualcomm's new 8-core Snapdragon X Plus SoC in separate pieces, leaving only Intel and AMD systems to look at here.

AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm have all taken a spot in Acer's range of new laptops, and some of the biggest news here is the revelation that Copilot+ AI features — originally exclusive to Qualcomm systems since Copilot+ PCs first launched in May 2024 — are coming to AMD and Intel in November. 

The expansion had only been hinted at up to this point, but we now have it in writing that Intel and AMD are getting Copilot+ access in November for Intel Core Ultra Series 2 and AMD Ryzen AI 300 systems. If you're shy about working with Windows on ARM to get access to Copilot+, the new AMD and Intel options should be a welcome sight.

Let's take a look at the new laptops that Acer has unveiled, including the Intel-powered Swift 14/16 AI and TravelMate P6 14 AI, as well as the AMD-powered Swift 14 AI.

Acer's Swift 14 and 16 AI laptops are getting Copilot+ in November

The new Swift 14 AI (SF14-51) and Swift 16 AI (SF16-51) are both AI PCs powered by Intel's new Core Ultra Series 2 mobile chips that were announced on September 3 at IFA 2024. They'll receive the full range of Copilot+ AI tools, including Windows Recall, Live Captions, Cocreator, and more, sometime in November. That's all thanks to the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) inside Intel's new chips that can hit up to 48 TOPS of power for local AI acceleration.

The smaller laptop offers Core Ultra 5 and Core Ultra 7 options, while the larger laptop adds the (so far) lone Core Ultra 9 288V option. All chips have the same eight-core total, split between Performance (P) and Low-Power Efficient (LPE). All Core Ultra 5 and Ultra 7 chips run at a 17W TDP, while the Core Ultra 9 reaches 30W.

Both the 14- and 16-inch models focus on mobility, so don't expect anything beyond Intel's updated and integrated Arc graphics. Intel says it has achieved a "massive leap in graphics" with its new chips, bringing a DirectX 12 Ultimate GPU with Intel XeSS and Intel XMX AI engines. 

I wouldn't suggest treating these laptops as dedicated gaming platforms, but it's clear that Intel wants you to be able to enjoy lighter titles at a decent frame rate. The laptops come with up to 32GB of LPDDR5x-8448MHz RAM, set up in a dual-channel config but soldered to the board. The Swift 14 AI tops out at a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, while the Swift 16 AI goes up to a 2TB capacity.

Because these are Intel-based systems, the port selection revolves around dual Thunderbolt 4. Both laptops also offer two USB-A, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm audio jack. For wireless connectivity, Wi-Fi 7 delivers a fast and reliable connection, while Bluetooth 5.3 can easily handle your favorite laptop accessories.

Acer's AI PCs now come with the new AI logo on the lid, but they also have an AI activity light on the touchpad. I'm not completely sold on the latter feature, as it lights up anytime Copilot or the NPU is in use. I imagine it's a gimmick that we'll only see for a short while until AI PCs are no longer such a hot topic.

I do love the sleek look of these laptops, and even the larger 16-inch model only weighs 3.3 pounds (1.5kg). That's achieved with an aluminum lid and what I assume is a plastic base, in line with some of Acer's other Swift models. 

The laptops each have a 1440p webcam with an IR sensor for Windows Hello and human presence detection (HPD), and the camera only gets better with Windows Studio Effects and Acer's own PurifiedView 2.0 tool. As for the displays, you're looking at 3K or 2K OLED in the 14-inch model, with an extra 2K IPS option if you'd like to spend less. The 16-inch model has a 3K OLED touch display. I've been won over by OLED laptops after testing a bunch this year, so it's great to see Acer including them here.

The Swift 14 AI (SF14-51) is expected to launch in NA, EMEA, and AUS markets in September, with prices starting at $1,199.99/€1,199/$1,899 AUD. The Swift 16 (SF16-51) is coming to North America in October starting at $1,199.99. It's also coming to the EMEA market in December starting at €1,299 and Australia in Q1 2025 starting at $1,999 AUD.

Acer also has an AMD-powered Swift 14 AI with Copilot+ capabilities headed our way

AMD's Ryzen AI 300 chips built on the Zen 5 architecture were announced in June 2024, and they've proven to be powerful while also offering excellent battery life — just look at what Windows Central Editor Ben Wilson discovered in his ASUS Zenbook S 16 review.

I don't imagine those two highlights will change in the Swift 14 AI (SF14-61), which is essentially an AMD variant of the Intel-based Swift 14 AI I already wrote about above. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor has 10 cores, 20 threads, and a boost frequency of up to 5.0GHz, all running at a base 28W TDP.

Perhaps the biggest news surrounding the AMD-based laptop is the upcoming access to Copilot+ AI features in Windows; we're now expecting both AMD and Intel to be unlocked sometime in November. The Ryzen AI 9 365 is the lesser of the new AMD chips — the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 has 12 cores, 24 threads, and a 5.1GHz boost clock — but it still has an NPU with 50 TOPS to handle Copilot+ demands.

Thanks to the laptop's 75Wh battery (which drops to 65Wh if you don't get an OLED display), Acer estimates about 27 hours of video playback or up to 19 hours of web browsing on a charge. Those numbers are undoubtedly inflated, but you should still expect well more than a workday of life from a charge.

There are three screen options here, with the top option being OLED with a 2880x1800 resolution, 500 nits brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color reproduction, and DisplayHDR True Black 500 support. There are also a couple of IPS screens, one with the same 2.8K resolution and the other with a 1920x1200 resolution. Both hit 400 nits brightness, but only the higher resolution has a 120Hz refresh rate.

The Swift 14 AI (SF14-61) is expected to launch in NA and EMEA markets in September, starting at $1,199.99. It will also launch in Australia in Q4 2024 starting at $2,799 AUD.

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The TravelMate P6 AI is a secure business laptop with Copilot+

I saved what I consider (perhaps surprisingly) the best for last. It's rare that I get the most kicks out of a business laptop, but the TravelMate P6 14 AI (TMP614-54) has some notable specs and features.

What stands out the most to me is the 2.18-pound (0.99kg) starting weight. That's thanks to a carbon fiber chassis that has undergone MIL-STD-810H durability certifications, which is exactly what you want to see in a business laptop that's used while traveling or in the field. Acer includes its "Dust Defender" feature to help keep detritus out of the internal hardware.

Beyond the standard Copilot+ features arriving later this year for the Intel Core Ultra NPU, the TravelMate P6 14 AI has its own human presence detection (HPD) for the 1440p IR webcam, a local AI assistant, a LiveArt 2.0 photo editing tool, and GIMP/Stable Diffusion plugin support for easier AI creation of photos. 

Along with Windows Studio Effects, Acer offers its own PurifiedView 2.0 kit that improves your picture quality when video conferencing. For professionals, Acer's full range of tools can help IT departments manage the PC while keeping your data safe. 

Circling back to the laptop's physical properties, it boasts up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 268V CPU with NPU capable of 48 TOPS of power for local AI acceleration. It's also available with up to 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. The system runs on a 65Wh battery that Acer claims hits up to 14 hours in MobileMark 2025's benchmark; even taking a third of that estimate out will result in a full workday without a charge.

Ports include dual Thunderbolt 4, USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm audio jack. As for wireless connectivity, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 are on board. The TravelMate P6 14 AI is expected to launch in NA and EMEA markets in January 2024, starting at $1,499.99/€1,349.

Copilot+ coming to Intel and AMD is a big deal for all Windows users

IFA 2024 kicked off in a big way for fans of AMD, Intel, and Copilot+. Whereas the only way to get access to Copilot+ was through a laptop with a Snapdragon X System-on-Chip (SoC), Microsoft's announcement that it's bringing Copilot+ to systems with AMD Ryzen AI 300 and Intel Core Ultra Series 2 chips in November signals the end of Qualcomm's lockdown.

With Copilot+ AI tools requiring a chip with an NPU capable of at least 40 TOPS of power for local AI acceleration, only Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips made the cut for the first few months after the Copilot+ program was unveiled.

It's unclear what sort of agreement Qualcomm and Microsoft had, as even AMD announcing its new Ryzen AI 300 chips with a 45 TOPS NPU a couple of months ago didn't break up the exclusivity. However, now that Intel has unveiled its Core Ultra Series 2 chips with a 48 TOPS NPU, we're going to see Copilot+ in many more laptops.

That leaves NVIDIA kicking sand in the background despite the company's GPUs offering far more AI potential than AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm chips. NVIDIA did announce in June that it's bringing Copilot+ to RTX-enabled devices, but so far there's no confirmation. 

Baby steps are still steps, and I'm glad that more people will now be able to test out Copilot+ features like Live Captions, Cocreator, Windows Studio Effects, and Windows Recall on an x86-64 system.

What you need to know

• Acer announced the Swift Go 14 AI laptop with the new 8-core Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-42) processor at IFA 2024.
• The laptop is available with up to a QHD+ display with 120Hz refresh rate and 100% sRGB color.
• A 75Wh battery is expected to offer all-day battery life; Acer claims up to 28 hours of video playback.
• The Swift Go 14 AI is expected to launch in NA and EMEA markets in September starting at $1,000/€999. It's also coming to Australia in Q4 2024 starting at $2,799 AUD.

IFA 2024 officially begins on September 6 in Berlin, but Acer's next-gen product lineup has been announced. Alongside a bunch of new Nitro V and Predator Orion gaming PCs, new monitors, and laptops, Acer has unveiled the Swift Go 14 AI (SFG14-01) powered by Qualcomm's fresh 8-core Snapdragon X Plus System-on-Chip (SoC).

The new AI PC is also a Copilot+ PC thanks to the SoC's Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with 45 TOPS of power for local AI acceleration, and it boasts up to a 14.5-inch QHD+ display with 120Hz refresh rate and 100% sRGB color.

With an expected starting price of about $1,000 when it launches in September, Acer's new laptop won't be one of the $700 budget machines that Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon says to expect in 2025. Still, it's great to see Acer jump on board with the new Snapdragon X chip at a (still) reasonable price.

The Swift Go 14 AI with Snapdragon X Plus is part of a three-pronged approach to Acer's Copilot+ strategy. Acer also announced an AMD-powered Swift 14 AI (SF14-61/T), Intel-powered Swift 14/16 AI laptops, and the TravelMate P6 14 AI, and they're all expected to get access to Copilot+ in November.

Let's dig into the Acer Swift Go 14 AI with Snapdragon X Plus SoC right here, but don't forget to check out my coverage on the other new Copilot+ PCs with AMD and Intel hardware coming this year from Acer.

The new 8-core Snapdragon X Plus SoC comes to Acer Swift

One of the most noteworthy pieces of news coming out of IFA 2024 is the launch of Qualcomm's new 8-core Snapdragon X Plus SoC. It's a more affordable alternative to the other Snapdragon chips we've already seen and tested, and it should fit in very well with the mobile-minded Swift Go 14 AI (SFG14-01).

The chip is joined by up to 32GB of LPDDR5x dual-channel RAM and up to a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, so there's no question that the chip won't have enough support. And with a relatively huge 75Wh battery, the X Plus efficiency should be on full display. Acer says to expect up to 28 hours of video playback, which should easily convert to a full workday and more of actual productivity tasks.

The Swift Go 14 AI looks a lot like Acer's other modern Swift laptops, with a sleek silver finish and a chassis that weighs in at just 2.91 pounds (1.32kg). I love the look of Acer's AI icon that's apparent on the laptop's lid, though the accompanying AI Activity indicator on the laptop's touchpad doesn't seem as neat. It lights up anytime the NPU (or Copilot) is in use, which could get annoying over time; I'm hoping it can be disabled.

Despite the slim build — which measures just 0.39 inches at its thinnest point — the laptop offers dual USB4, dual USB-A 3.2, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Wireless connectivity is handled by modern Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.

Two 14.5-inch displays are listed as options, starting with a more affordable 1920x1200 (FHD+) IPS screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and 100% sRGB color. You'll also be able to step up to a 2560x1600 (QHD+) display with 350 nits brightness, 120Hz refresh rate, and 100% sRGB color. At this size, you'll get plenty of clarity even at FHD+, but it's nice to see the upgrade option available for those with deeper pockets.

Other standout features I love to see are a 1440p webcam with a privacy shutter and a fingerprint reader in the power button. All this for a starting price of $999.99 when it launches in September should make it quite attractive to many users who want to test out Copilot+.

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How the 8-core X Plus fits into Qualcomm's Snapdragon X lineup

Qualcomm's Snapdragon X SoCs were originally unveiled with four different options, including three from Snapdragon X Elite and one from Snapdragon X Plus. The first wave of impressive Copilot+ PCs launched in May 2024 and have since wowed us with performance and efficiency. But Qualcomm wasn't finished.

It's not much of a surprise that Qualcomm quickly expanded its selection of chips, and you can now find a more powerful X Elite (X1E-00-IDE) chip with 12 cores as well as a more affordable X Plus (X1P-42) chip with 8 cores. The latter X Plus chip was only just announced earlier today at IFA 2024, and it should prove to be a popular choice for more affordable laptops like the Swift Go 14 AI.

Despite it having fewer cores than its siblings, the X Plus (X1P-42) boasts a 3.4GHz clock speed and the same Hexagon NPU with up to 45 TOPS of power for local AI acceleration. You might notice that the CPU and GPU portions of the chip don't match up to the higher-tier Snapdragon X chips, but the NPU should deliver Copilot+ features on par thanks to the same TOPS count. 

The usual range of Copilot+ features will be available, including the beleaguered Windows Recall, Live Captions, Cocreator, Windows Studio Effects, and more.

Building a gaming desktop PC on a budget can quickly feel overwhelming when you add specific components to the basket, and graphics cards are the usual culprit of skyrocketing subtotals.

Budget GPUs aren't to be dismissed, though. A handful can provide impressive performance if you stick to 1080p gaming at around 60Hz with the graphical settings cranked up.

That certainly seems to be Acer's goal as it launches its first AMD GPU, the Predator BiFrost Radeon RX 7600 OC, available for around $249.99 to $319.99, and certainly more appealing when it hits the lower price during discounts.

This review was made possible by a review sample provided by Acer. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

RX 7600 OC: Price, availability, and specs

Acer sells the Predator BiFrost Radeon RX 7600 OC through its official storefront for $339.99.

Prices drop when you shop at third-party retailers, with Amazon US offering the 7600X for $299.99 at the time of writing.

Still, it's cheaper and the best deal overall when applicable, with a time-limited $249.99 listing at Newegg, down from its usual $319.99.

The card launched on May 24, 2023, but stock remains healthy, with all retailers showing units available to order. Your best retailer will depend on delivery costs and potential loyalty membership benefits like Amazon Prime.

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RX 7600 OC: Benchmark results

Running my standard Time Spy graphical benchmark test in 3D Mark places the RX 7600 OC below Intel's ultra-budget Arc A750 desktop card and above NVIDIA's 8GB GeForce RTX 4060. The most surprising outcome is that it manages to edge slightly ahead of a stock Radeon RX 7600 XT with the same 8GB of VRAM, a card that carries a $329 MSRP. Still, the focus will remain on the competition from Intel's Arc A750, a card currently selling for around $190.

However, despite Intel's efforts to improve Arc rendering tech for game performance, AMD and NVIDIA still have an advantage with a broader support catalog, particularly for older games using outdated engines and shader methods. I'll always recommend Intel to anyone looking to maximize a return on an extreme budget. Still, Acer's BiFrost Radeon RX 7600 OC finds itself in a healthy position, especially if the price drops even further during sales events.

Actual gaming performance is impressive for an entry-level graphics card, pushing around 85 to 102 FPS (frames-per-second) in Cyberpunk 2077's stress-testing benchmark with the 'Ultra' preset running at 1920 x 1080p. Temperatures creep up to around 70°C after repeating the benchmark for a few cycles, but it's far below anything concerning. Anything south of 85°C is totally normal, especially if you're pumping the graphical settings up close to maximum and expecting higher than 60 FPS.

Besides a couple of minor hitches when loading a new save, the frame pacing remains solid during gameplay, and the BiFrost RX 7600 OC never showed signs of struggling to maintain a smooth experience unless I specifically forced myself intro scenarios with excessive physics calculation with expired enemies and particle effects from explosions. Again, all normal and expected behavior from any GPU.

Looking back to check performance on slightly older titles like Forza Horizon 4 shows extremely impressive results, with the BiFrost RX 7600 OC managing around 217 FPS with the Ultra preset at 1920 x 1080p. It remains one of the world's best-optimized PC games, so it's relatively normal to see any device making light work of its open-world racing environment. However, it's still an admirable performance for a budget desktop GPU to run any game at maximum settings.

Hitman: World of Assassination is loaded with intense particle effects and simulated physics, but I still saw an average of 105 to 123 FPS in its benchmark stress test. Again, this is running with Ultra settings at 1080p, and the 7600 OC never struggled to maintain steady frame pacing. All these tests point to a clear audience for the 8GB BiFrost: 1080p gamers looking for smooth framerates. It might not quite reach the popular 144Hz refresh rates on some of the best gaming monitors, but hitting 120 FPS is beyond acceptable.

RX 7600 OC: The competition

I'm beginning to sound like a broken record, but I can't understate the dominance of Intel's A750 in the entry-level desktop GPU category. An 8GB Sparkle Arc A750 Titan OC sells for as little as $199.99 at Amazon, down from its usual $259.99, an easy choice for anyone sticking with modern games. Still, Intel's drivers struggle with older rendering methods, which might dissuade others.

My fiancée uses a first-party Intel Arc A750 Limited Edition (pictured above) to play World of Warcraft: The War Within at 4K and other titles around 1440p, but she never opts for 'ultra' graphics settings, sticking with medium to high. Picking up an NVIDIA RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM will set you back around $289, and a 4060 Ti with the same amount of memory jumps to around $389. At the $250 mark, Acer offers some great value and even beats out my beloved 12GB Ventus RTX 3060 from MSI.

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RX 7600 OC: Should you buy?

You should buy this if ...

✅ You play at 1080p and prioritize graphical fidelity

While the RX 7600 OC could handle higher resolutions, you'll get the most out of the BiFrost at 1920 x 1080.

✅ You're on a strict budget

Graphics cards with 8GB of VRAM might sound underpowered, but Acer's BiFrost will handle most modern games before you eventually upgrade.

You should avoid this if ...

❌ You want to utilize a 4K gaming monitor

Everything will rely on upscaling, and the RX 7600 will struggle to run most titles at anything above 1080p to 1440p.

As exciting as the high-end graphics card categories might seem, those fighting to rank among the best budget GPUs see some of the most intense scrutinies. If you're on a strict budget, AMD's Radeon RX range of desktop cards has historically been a great place to start, and Acer's first try with its Predator BiFrost RX 7600 OC is an admirable effort.

It competes against Intel's excellent Arc A750, which undercuts its price and performance. Still, a Radeon GPU makes more sense for those who don't want to gamble on backward compatibility for older titles, and the BiFrost will be a smart choice if reduced during any component sales event. Even at MSRP, it's not a terrible option, but waiting for a deal is better.

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Lenovo is one of the top brands that comes to mind when looking for a reliable business laptop or 2-in-1 device. It's largely thanks to the company's ThinkPad X1 Series, a professional staple for many years. The ThinkPad is perhaps best known for its iconic TrackPoint, a red analog stick embedded in the keyboard. 

Over the last two weeks, I've spent my workdays and evening downtime using the new Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9.) This 2-in-1 has an optional Lenovo Slim Pen and can be folded backward into a tablet. I've run it through various benchmarks and monitored its performance as part of testing, and here's what I've discovered about this versatile device.

• Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 starting at $1,638.45 at Lenovo

This review was made possible thanks to a review unit provided by Lenovo. The company did not see the contents of this review before publishing.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: Price and specs

Pricing & specifications highlights

• This is an expensive laptop that is designed specifically for business.
• There are plenty of configuration options to help you get the perfect device for your needs.
• At the time of writing, you can purchase it at Lenovo's official storefront alongside third-parties like Amazon.
• Value rating: 4/5

Lenovo has a high MSRP for this business laptop, starting with the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) at $2,965.00. However, Lenovo frequently has deals happening, and at the time of writing, the starting price was discounted to $2,082.60 at Lenovo. Still, this remains relatively expensive for some users. 

When customizing this laptop's configuration, you have the choice between various AI-boosting Intel Core Ultra processors, including the Ultra 5 125U, Ultra 5 135U, Ultra 7 155U, and Ultra 7 165U. However, the graphics solution will always be an integrated Intel chip. As for memory and storage, options range from 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB LPDDR5 (soldered) RAM accompanied by either 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB M.2 2280 PCIe solid-state drive (SSD.) 

As is often the case these days, this laptop's 14-inch display can either be a simple IPS touchscreen that reaches a 1920 x 1200 resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate or a more vibrant OLED panel that reaches 2880 x 1800 with HDR 500 support and a 120Hz refresh rate. Plus, the ThinkPad X1 is an Intel Evo device, offering a direct connection to your smartphone via Intel Unison, support for instant wake, and fast charging.

If you travel frequently, you might want to spring for the integrated mobile broadband support, which earns the ThinkPad X1 a Quectel RM650N-GL 6G Sub6 chip and makes the device compatible with eSIMs. There are also plenty of other optional add-ons for pre-installed Adobe programs and various security software packages. 

The sample configuration I reviewed features the Intel Core Ultra 7 155U processor with a 15W base TDP, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro, an IPS touchscreen, and was packaged with the Lenovo Slim Pen. At the time of writing, this specific configuration was selling for $2,100.60 at Lenovo. 

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) can be purchased from the official Lenovo storefront and third-party sellers like Amazon. However, this particular model is missing from Best Buy and Walmart, likely because it's aimed more at business users rather than at average consumers.

Recommended configuration

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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: Design and build

Build quality and design highlights

• While its design will not garner much attention, the ThinkPad line with its iconic red TrackPoint does stand out.
• This ThinkPad has a sturdy design with a steel-gray aluminum chassis. The top has a matte finish, while the sides look like brushed metal.
• Well-made, two-point hinges allow the display to be pushed back into tablet mode without straining the device.
• Built-in magnets on the left side allow the laptop to hold the optional Lenovo Slim Pen in both tablet and laptop mode.
• When in tablet mode, the keyboard deactivates, so you can't accidentally send inputs.
• Design rating: 5/5

While the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) doesn't have an overtly flashy design, the red TrackPoint within the keyboard makes it stand out from competitors. It can be either good or bad, depending on how you might feel about Lenovo's TrackPoint. That said, it's really not uncommon to see this laptop line in business settings. 

Overall, the laptop is sturdy and looks great with a chassis made from recycled steel-gray aluminum. You'll note from my pictures that the top has a matte look, while the sides have a brushed metal texture. I was happy to find that fingerprint smudges don't show up much at all, which helps keep this laptop looking clean even after many hours of use.

Since this is a 2-in-1 device intended to be used as both a laptop and a tablet, it has thick hinges that pivot on both the display and keyboard sides. Even after countless times of bending the screen back one way or the other, the hinges felt sturdy and well-built. In case you don't know, the keyboard deactivates when the screen is pushed back far enough, so you don't have to worry about accidentally pressing keys and sending inputs when the device is in tablet mode. 

The bevel around the display isn't as sleek as on some other laptops, but it doesn't look clunky. As is common with Lenovo laptops, there's a bit of a lip on top of the display that makes the device easier to open when closed. Speaking of which, it's not the slimmest laptop when the lid is shut, but the laptop can easily fit in laptop bags and backpacks.

As far as business laptops go, this one has a great range of ports compared to some competitors (I'm looking at you, Dell). There are two USB-A ports and two USB-C ports for connecting your various accessories. Meanwhile, if you want to connect the laptop to a monitor, there's an HDMI 2.1 port. There is no Ethernet connection, but that's pretty typical for a non-gaming laptop these days, and you still get Wi-Fi 6E support.

The sample I reviewed came with the optional Lenovo Slim Pen. Magnets on the left side of the laptop make it easier to keep the pen nearby, whether I'm using the ThinkPad in its tablet or laptop mode. I'm not super keen on the pen's flat shape, which makes it feel like a carpenter pencil in my hand rather than the usual circular shape I prefer. However, being narrow like this does keep it flatter against the ThinkPad's side. 

There are two buttons on the pen, a right and a left click, to make it easier to access certain controls in various programs. I can hover the pen a few centimeters over the display and still see the reticle appear on the screen for more precise strokes. This pen is charged up via a USB-C port in its base, which is accessed by pivoting the back rubber open. It would be nicer if it recharged via a magnetic connection like the latest Apple Pencils do, but it's also not the worst design I've seen in a rechargeable pen. The battery lasts roughly 10 hours per charge, so you can use it throughout a given workday as long as you remember to plug it in every now and then. 

I spent a few hours digitally drawing in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Fresco to get a sense of the Lenovo Slim Pen's abilities. While the pen registers up to 4,096 pressure sensitivity and supports tilt detection, it's far more suited to business use and navigation than precise creative work. 

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: Software

Software highlights

• When configuring the laptop, you can choose from several different add-on programs, such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft Office.
• You also have the choice of adding a Norton or McAfee security software package.
• Lenovo Commercial Vantage is an intuitive software that is pre-installed. It is the primary program that you use to adjust settings, check system performance, download updates, and get assistance.
• Most laptops, including this one, come with some bloatware, so you might want to shut some programs down.
• Software rating: 4/5

The default operating system for this business laptop is Windows 11 Pro. However, you can save some money if you decide to go with the base Windows 11 Home instead. If you're unsure which one to go with, you can check out our Windows 11 Home vs Pro comparison. It is sufficient to say that the Pro version provides users with several more features, including Windows Information Protection, Windows Defender Application Guard, BitLocker, State Roaming with Azure, Windows Updates for Business, and more. If you want to feel more secure, then Windows 11 Pro is designed to protect your laptop better. 

As with most laptops, this one comes with various programs installed by default. You'll likely only need to use a few of these, but you can turn other bloatware off in order to help the device run more smoothly. One of the most important programs is Lenovo Commercial Vantage. This is where you'll go to change settings, check up on system performance, download updates, and get assistance. There's also a Wi-Fi security tab that Lenovo claims is designed to help the laptop "differentiate safe wireless networks from potentially malicious ones," which is always a helpful thing when traveling for business and being forced to rely on internet connections.

Outside of that, you might also find yourself using Lenovo View, the "advanced Image Processing and Computer Vision Framework" that enhances your camera's features while also making it protect your privacy better. With this program, you can adjust your video quality's light, intensity, and color. I also enabled background blur and Auto-framing, which pans and zooms to keep my face as the focal point during video calls. If you often give presentations, you might want to take advantage of Virtual Presenter, which overlays an image of yourself on the top left corner of the display over your shared screen. As you can tell, these are helpful features specifically suited to virtual work meetings.

Curiously enough, Lenovo View even has a wellness section. When its tools are enabled, they remind me to have better posture or tell me to periodically rest my eyes so they don't get too much screen time. It's useful for people like me who tend to put way too many hours into a workweek.

I have touched on this already, but one of the nice things about ordering this laptop straight from Lenovo is that you can pay for a few different add-on programs to be installed on the device. For instance, you could pay for Adobe Photoshop Elements 2024, both Photoshop Elements 2024 and Premiere Pro Elements 2024, Adobe Acrobat (standard or professional), or an Adobe Creative Cloud membership. If you care to pay for it, you can also purchase a security software subscription for either Norton or McAfee.

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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: Display

Display highlights

• When choosing your configuration, you have the choice of going with a 14-inch IPS touchscreen or an OLED touchscreen.
• The ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) IPS display produced a decent 100% of sRGB, 75% of AdobeRGB, and 76% of P3 in a color gamut test.
• Despite not being an OLED, the IPS option produces excellent contrast, but it doesn't get as bright as would be preferred.
• Display rating: 4/5

The laptop I reviewed features the IPS (1920 x 1200) 60Hz touchscreen. To test it, I connected a SpyderX colorimeter to it and ran a color gamut test. The screen produced 100% of sRGB, 75% of AdobeRGB, and 76% of P3, which isn't anything too exciting but is decent enough. Color saturation and hues are more than good enough for average work needs. 

That said, if you tend to work within creative programs, you'll want to go with the OLED (2880 x 1800) 120Hz touchscreen rather than this IPS one. You can learn more in my OLED vs QD-OLED vs QLED vs AMOLED vs Mini LED guide. The long and short of it is that OLEDs offer extremely good color range and contrast, which is enhanced by their ability to produce true black. As such, they are ideal for gaming and creative programs like Adobe Creative Cloud. 

Obviously, I can't speak for the OLED's touch capabilities, but the IPS panel was very responsive to my fingertips. I found I usually preferred navigating webpages by putting my finger to the screen rather than using the trackpad, pen, or TrackPoint.

I also ran a brightness and contrast test, and I found that the IPS display only reaches a peak brightness of 375 nits. This doesn't quite hit the 400 nits Lenovo boasts. At any rate, this means that the display is harder to see outside, so it's not the best choice for people who tend to work al fresco.

The area that this IPS touchscreen really comes through with is contrast. Even at its brightest setting, the screen didn't get too far from true black, which means the darker parts of images will actually look black rather than dark grey. Contrast helps add a more dynamic look to imagery, which will be appreciated whether you're simply attending video meetings or running programs. 

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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: Performance and thermals

Performance & thermals highlights

• While this laptop offers good enough performance for basic work tasks and video calls, it isn't very impressive overall.
• The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 often performed lower than expected in various benchmarks.
• Performance rating: 3/5

Overall, the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 is a good laptop for browsing the Internet, running basic programs, attending virtual meetings, and doing other common work-related tasks. That said, it performed slightly lower than expected in various benchmark tests.

So, in what ways did the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 disappoint? First, I tested Intel's low-power CPU by running Geekbench 6, to which the laptop earned a low single-core score of 1,545 and a similarly unimpressive 8,112 multi-core score. For context, this is the lowest Core Ultra 7 result we have, with it scoring even lower than the Yoga Book 9i (Gen 9), which also had a less-than-stellar result and is hardly different from previous 15W 13th Gen i7-1355U equivalents. 

It's worth noting that Windows on ARM laptops that utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, tended to reach a much higher score than Core Ultra laptops in CPU benchmark testing. For instance, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x (Gen 9) reached a much higher single-core score of 2,426 and a multi-core score of 13,687, while the Surface Laptop 7 hit even higher numbers with a 2,832 single-core score and a multi-core score of 14,557. This clearly shows that if you want better power, it's worth considering a Snapdragon X Elite laptop rather than a Core Ultra one. 

After Geekbench 6, I used Cinebench R24 to check the CPU's rendering capabilities. It only scored a single-core score of 97 and a lowly multi-core score of 407, which means it has some of the weakest CPU rendering performance of any device we've tested, even lower than the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i (Gen 9), which utilizes the same 15W processor. In comparison, the lowest-scoring Snapdragon X Elite laptop we've tested so far in Cinebench R24 produced significantly higher results — a 123 single-core score and an 833 multi-core score. That's more than double the multi-core score of the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1.

Since this laptop only has a simple Intel Graphics card, I didn't expect much from the graphics test. However, I still ran 3DMark Time Spy out of curiosity, and it predictably managed to earn a good result. Specifically, it scored higher than laptops with Intel Iris Xe graphics cards. This means that the device can handle basic graphics workflows but should not be expected to run graphically intensive creative programs or graphically demanding video games. 

When testing overall system performance with Crossmark, I found that the laptop earned a decent score, placing it between the ThinkBook 16p and the latest AMD AI-boosted Lenovo Yoga 7 laptop. It's not the most exciting result, but it's not a bad one.

Since this laptop features a processor with an NPU (neural processing unit), I ran a couple of Procyon benchmarks. These devices are still relatively new, so we don't have a ton of results against which to compare. That said, of the eight AI PCs we've tested so far, the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1's score of 51 was the lowest score in our Windows ML Float32 (CPU) testing. The laptop faired better in the Intel OpenVINO Float16 NPU test, reaching a score of 273, which is similar to where we've seen other laptops of this caliber. Theoretically, this should mean that this laptop's NPU can handle AI tasks relatively efficiently compared to similar devices on the market. 

Finally, I also ran a CrystalDiskMark test to check SSD performance. The laptop scored well in this area, reaching a read speed of 7,021 MB/s and a write speed of 5,481 MB/s. This tells us that the laptop can access/load and write data relatively quickly compared to some similar devices on the market. 

So, what does all of this information tell us? Basically, the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 isn't a bad laptop by any stretch. It offers stable performance for basic work usage, even if it isn't the most powerful. What's more, it should handle AI tasks relatively easily. However, plenty of other 2-in-1 laptops on the market will give you better performance for your money. 

If you're interested, you can learn more about these AI devices at our NPU guide, Copilot+ PC guide, or our list of the best AI laptops. 

Thermals and fans

My standard practice for analyzing a laptop's thermals involves stressing the CPU for 20 minutes straight using Cinebench and then measuring the device's heat using a thermal camera. Like many laptops, the hottest part of the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) is the hinge area just above the keyboard. In this instance, this area peaked at 106 degrees Fahrenheit (F) (~41 degrees Celsius (C)). 

As someone who frequently uses her laptop while literally on her lap, I always want to know if a device will scald my legs. I found that this ThinkPad can get decently warm on the bottom but doesn't get overly hot to the touch. The bottom side measured in at a peak of 104 degrees F (~40 degrees C), with the hottest area predictably being at the back. The keyboard gets hottest at its center, but it only measured at a peak of 97 degrees F (~36 degrees C), which isn't bad. Meanwhile, the magnetic side that holds the Slim Pen in place only reached as high as 88 degrees F (~31 degrees C), so I didn't have to worry about it sapping the accessory's battery due to heat. 

Since the fans were running their loudest during this CPU stress test, I also pulled out my decibel meter and took a reading. Even while the computer was working hard, the fans only reached 39 dB, which isn't very loud at all. Honestly, I hadn't even noticed the fans up to this point because they run so quietly. 

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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: Battery life

Battery highlights

• Laptop battery life tends to last over 14 hours on average.
• Long battery life makes this an ideal device for people who work on-the-go or who travel often.
• This laptop uses a 65W USB-C charging adapter cable.
• Battery rating: 5/5

I've noticed that there's some disagreement online about whether or not this laptop offers good battery life, so I'm going to clarify that it does last a long time. I usually use the PCMark 10 Battery benchmark to get a read on laptop battery life. However, the test always ended early on the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 for some reason. The first time I ran the test, the benchmark claimed the laptop had run out of battery at around eight hours, but the laptop was still on. When I checked the battery life percentage, it told me I could expect several more hours out of the laptop still. As such, I had to rely more on personal usage experience for this review. 

With the screen set to about 200 nits and the laptop doing basic tasks like attending video meetings and using common programs, the battery can last up to 15 hours and 13 minutes. I never had to worry about it running out of juice on me within a workday. In fact, I usually could use it far into the night while watching shows or browsing the internet. I also ran a Windows 11 battery report after using the laptop for a couple of weeks, and the program estimates that the laptop can last 14 hours and 29 minutes on average. 

You typically want any laptop to last a little longer than an eight-hour workday, so 10 hours or longer is ideal. Obviously, this laptop blows that minimal requirement out of the water. The laptop comes with a 65W USB-C charging cable, which is preferred over a barrel plug.

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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: Keyboard, TrackPoint, and touchpad

Keyboard, TrackPoint, and touchpad highlights

• When configuring your laptop, you can choose between a trackpad or a haptic touchpad.
• Each key feels very good to type on, with satisfying bounce back and slight resistance when used.
• It can be slightly awkward to use the fingerprint reader at certain angles because it is at the bottom of the keyboard.
• The TrackPoint analog stick is responsive and doesn't get in the way of the keyboard.
• This Trackpad is also responsive but feels a bit too narrow, which necessitates excessive swiping.
• Keyboard and touchpad rating: 4/5

When choosing your ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 configuration, you can choose between a trackpad or a more expensive haptic touchpad. These are both useful pointing devices, but haptic touchpads feature a haptic actuator, giving a tactile sensation when you press down on them, so many people find them more satisfying (they are also less prone to breakage over time due to having no moving parts). 

The laptop I reviewed had a touchpad with three buttons running above it and proved very responsive. However, it feels very narrow height-wise (roughly 4.75 inches by 2.25 inches), leading to me swiping more often than usual. As you can guess, this makes it somewhat tedious. 

Lenovo's ThinkPad laptop line still uses the iconic red TrackPoint analog stick that was far more common on business laptops a decade ago. The stick is situated so that it's easy to access but doesn't get in the way of the keyboard if you just want to pretend it doesn't exist. Performance-wise, it's very responsive, going wherever I intended it to during testing. 

As is usually the case, many helpful controls are found on the top function row. Here, I can easily mute the speakers, adjust the volume, mute the mic, change screen brightness, open the Display Settings menu, take screenshots, or open Lenovo Commercial Vantage. Meanwhile, the fingerprint reader is near the arrow keys with an obvious fingerprint icon. It responded correctly each time I used it. However, it is relatively far down on the keyboard, making it an awkward angle to reach when the laptop is literally in my lap.

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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: Camera, mic, and audio

Camera, mic, and speaker highlights

• The 1080p FHD and IR camera captures good picture quality.
• A physical camera shutter provides additional privacy.
• This ThinkPad's speakers are hidden under the keyboard rather than being on the sides or bottom of the laptop.
• Two 360-degree quad-array microphones carry my voice clearly in meetings.
• Camera, mic, and speaker rating: 5/5

I attended several virtual meetings with the X1 2-in-1, so I got to appreciate the picture quality of the 1080p FHD IR camera. As long as I'm in a room with good lighting, my image comes through clearly, with both accurate coloring and great motion clarity. The aforementioned Lenovo View helps keep me in focus and gives me better control over how I'm presented. When I first set up this laptop, I enabled Windows Hello, which made it easier to log in quickly. 

As someone who prefers to keep my camera shutter closed when not in use, I appreciate that this laptop has a physical shutter that I can simply slide back and forth over the lens. Some competitors on the market only offer a digital shutter or don't have a shutter at all.

Regarding audio, my voice also carried clearly to my coworkers in meetings as long as I sat within a reasonable distance from the 360-degree quad-array microphones located at the top of the display. Meanwhile, the speakers aren't the best I've heard on a laptop, but they offer decent audio quality and get plenty loud. Just don't expect them to go crazy on bass. The interesting thing with the X1 2-in-1 is that the speakers are actually hidden under the keyboard rather than on the side of the laptop or the bottom. This makes it so that sounds come from the keyboard itself. Opening Dolby Access allows me to tweak speaker settings until I get them operating the way I want. 

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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: Competition

You don't have to look outside Lenovo when considering something similar to X1 2-in-1. Arguably, the closest sister competitor can be seen in our Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 12) review. This specific 14-inch laptop uses the 28W Intel Core Ultra 7 155H AI-boosting processor, an Intel Arc graphics card, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD.   In their review, our own Zachary Boddy said this TrackPoint laptop has a refined, lightweight design and stealthy speakers. However, he also pointed out that battery life wasn't that great and that performance falls behind other Intel Core Ultra devices. At the time of writing, this laptop starts selling for $1,440.45 at Lenovo. 

Another great option is the HP Spectre 14 2-in-1. This is yet another Intel Core Ultra 7 laptop, only this time with an Intel Arc graphics card. Multiple configurations are available, including one with an OLED touchscreen, up to  32GB RAM, and a 2TB SSD. As with the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1, this laptop features a fingerprint reader for fast login. It sells for $1,629.99 at Best Buy.

If you don't want an AI PC, then you should check out our Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 (Gen 8) review. In their analysis, Zachary explains that this laptop offers solid performance with its non-AI processor, Intel Core i7-1355U, and Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics. It even includes a number pad for those who regularly enter numeric data. However, Zachary also points out that this device's camera always looks washed out. At the time of writing, it was selling for $789.99 at Lenovo. 

If you often need additional screen space while on the go, you should look at our Lenovo Yoga Book 9i 2-in-1 review. This unique business laptop comes with two OLED displays and a Bluetooth keyboard. You can use it like a typical one-screen laptop with the keyboard on the lower display, or you can rotate it sideways for a dual-screen folio view. At the time of writing, it was selling for $1,799.99 at Best Buy.

Outside of Lenovo, you might want to consider the HP Envy 2-in-1. Like the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1, this laptop has a 14-inch display and utilizes an AI-boosting Intel Core UIltra 7 processor and integrated Intel Graphics. Various RAM and SSD capacity options are available. It's a fantastic choice for any businessperson. Last we checked, it was selling for $1,099.99 at Best Buy.

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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: Scorecard

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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9: Should you buy it?

✅ You should buy this if...

• You need a laptop with long battery life: With the ability to last much longer than 10 hours, this laptop can easily keep up with an average workday.
• You're looking for something that can function as both a laptop and a tablet. This laptop's 2-in-1 design gives it a flexible and versatile build, allowing it to operate like a tablet or laptop.
• You need a professional-level laptop with plenty of ports: Some business laptops on the market strive for a future-forward minimalist look that does away with ports, but this one offers two USB-A and two USB-C ports to meet your accessory needs.

❌ You should not buy this if...

• You're looking for a budget laptop: The ThinkPad line is specifically marketed to business persons and, as such, offers a lot of extra features that the average consumer doesn't need. Because of this, it's a bit more expensive.
• You don't care for the red TrackPoint: The analog stick has become an iconic element of the ThinkPad line, but it is outdated in some respects. If you don't want this kind of control option, then a ThinkPad might not be your best fit.
• You specifically need a computer that can handle more demanding workloads. If you regularly run graphically demanding or processor-heavy software, you'll want to get a more powerful laptop.

The ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9)'s tablet mode combined with the Lenovo Slim Pen makes for useful on-the-spot presentation, regardless of where you are. Additionally, the keyboard feels great, the touchscreen is very responsive, and Lenovo View's camera settings can help you look more professional in meetings.

Regarding business laptops, this one is on the more expensive side while offering slightly lower-than-average performance. It handles basic work tasks such as attending virtual meetings, running basic programs, and browsing the internet. However, similar devices on the market offer better performance overall. If you really care about having the fastest, most efficient device, then you might want to look elsewhere. Otherwise, this can serve your business needs well. 

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I knew what I was getting into with Acer's Aspire TC-1775. These desktop PCs are all about affordability and ease of use, and though the design has changed slightly since I reviewed the predecessor, Aspire TC-895, in 2021, the core idea remains the same.

It's not a flashy PC, and it's not something you want to buy if you're interested in tinkering with the internals. Its price makes it accessible to many people who simply need a straightforward computer for home office work, student homework, streaming, and other light tasks. It's easy to set up, and it's happy to plug away day in and day out without much more than an occasional internal cleaning.

Yes, there are plenty of budget PCs on the market, but the fact that you can often find the Aspire TC-1775 for less than $450 with a discount — when the Core i5-14400 chip retails for about $235 on its own — is impressive.

I've been using the Acer Aspire TC-1775 for the past few weeks to uncover its quirks, test its performance, and ultimately help you decide if it's the right PC for your needs.

Acer supplied Windows Central with a review unit of its Aspire TC-1775 desktop PC. It had no input on the contents of this article, and the PC is being returned to Acer when the review process is complete.

Acer Aspire TC-1775: Price, specs, and availability

Acer's TC-1775 desktop PCs are are available to buy from third-party retailers like Amazon, B&H, and Newegg. No matter where you buy the TC-1775, it includes a wired keyboard and a wired mouse.

At the time of writing, the best deal is available at Amazon or Newegg. The specific TC-1775-UR11 model I have for review, which includes a 14th Gen Intel Core i5-14400 CPU, 8GB of DDR5 RAM, 512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe solid-state drive (SSD), is discounted semi-permanently to about $500.

I recommend keeping an eye out for further discounts via coupon boxes on the retailer product pages. During my time with the Aspire TC-1775, I saw prices drop to $440 at both Newegg and Amazon with coupons. Those deals have again dried up at the time of writing, but you might get lucky.

There's also the TC-1775-UR12 model with specs similar to 16GB of RAM. Considering it costs about $665 at Amazon, you can easily buy your own DDR5 RAM and add it yourself after purchase for less money.

Recommended configuration

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Acer Aspire TC-1775: What you'll like

The PC's design isn't flashy and it lacks RGB lighting. It's lightweight and compact, with clean lines and a functional port layout. It's smaller than the TC-895 that I still have had no issues with in use as a media center next to my living room TV. Larger feet on the botton of the case provide extra grip and stability, resulting in less overall noise from the system.

Ports are varied enough that you should be able to handle your favorite PC accessories without a docking station but don't expect Thunderbolt or even a majority of the latest standards.

The front of the PC has a UHS-I SD card reader, USB-C 3.2 (Gen 1), USB-A 3.2 (Gen 1), and dual 3.5mm jacks for headphones and microphone. The back of the case offers four USB-A 2.0, HDMI 1.4b and HDMI 2.0, another USB-A 3.2 (Gen 1), Gigabit Ethernet, and three more 3.5mm audio jacks with support for 5.1 surround sound. It'd be nice to have more USB-A 3.2 ports, but at this price it's hard to complain.

Wireless connectivity is reliable and fast thanks to a Wi-Fi 6E M.2 card inside. This also delivers modern Bluetooth 5.3 for your wireless accessories. You can always hook up a wired LAN connection, but the WLAN chip has been steady the whole time I've been using the PC.

Getting into performance, the PC's 14th Gen Intel Core i5-14400 chip brings 10 cores (split between six Performance and four Efficient), 16 threads, and a Turbo frequency up to 4.7GHz. It has a base 65W TDP, and it includes integrated UHD Graphics 730. Buying this CPU alone costs about $236, so you're already halfway to the full price of the PC.

My review unit has 8GB of DDR5-4800MHz RAM, as well as a 512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. You can get up to 16GB of RAM from the factory, but I suggest buying your own RAM and installing it yourself to save money. Something like Crucial's 16GB kit (2x8GB) costs about $55 compared to the $166 price difference between Aspire UR11 and UR12 models.

I used the Acer Aspire TC-1775-UR11 for video streaming, fairly heavy web browsing, and Office work during the testing period. It provided snappy performance for my workflow, and it translates well to home office work and student homework. True, it's nothing special, but it gets the job done at a low price.

The Core i5-14400 chip is cooled by a basic fan, but it's enough to prevent any throttling. I ran an extended full-system stress test in which there were no signs of thermal issues. The CPU cooler was audible during the test (around 47dBa), but the system is otherwise quiet due to a lack of case fans. The CPU topped out at around 85°C during the Turbo boost, settling back to about 65°C for the rest of the time.

Acer uses a WD SN740 M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD in the Aspire TC-1775, with moderate speeds that shouldn't get in the way of casual work. The system runs on a 300W PSU that's enough for a system without a discrete GPU. Because of the proprietary PSU shape that's difficult if not impossible to upgrade, I wouldn't recommend buying this PC and adding a discrete GPU.

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Acer Aspire TC-1775: What you won't like

The Aspire TC-1775 is affordable and gets the job done in terms of average performance, but there are definitely some drawbacks to take into account when you're spending $500 or less on a PC.

Unsurprisingly, a lot of the same gripes stand from my previous Aspire TC-895 review, in which I said that it's "a PC that's best purchased, set up, and left to do its thing." The case is compact enough to fit tidily under a desk, but it requires a screwdriver to get into and doesn't leave much room inside for upgrades. There's a single PCIe x16 slot, one PCIe x1 slot, and room for a couple of SATA drives installed vertically on the inside of the case.

That issue is compounded by the non-existent optical drive's mounting bracket extending out over the motherboard. Sure, you can access the RAM and CPU, but the M.2 slot for the SSD might as well be written off unless you have a specialized screwdriver.

The motherboard's proprietary shape means it won't be going into any other case, and the oblong PSU is non-modular and definitely on the cheap side of things. The PC looks great from the outside, but you can see how Acer can charge $500 or less once you take a peek inside.

As for the included keyboard and mouse, they'll get you started with the PC, but don't have any illusions about them being top-tier accessories. All you really need to add is a good PC monitor to get going.

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Acer Aspire TC-1775: Competition

The best mini PCs have come a long way in recent years, and they're easy to recommend to anyone shopping for something affordable.

For example, Geekom's Mini IT13 only costs about $599 but has inside its compact case a 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13620H CPU, 32GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. It has a generous selection of ports considering its size, and it too boasts Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. Thanks to a smart internal layout, upgrading the Mini IT13's memory and storage is also less of a chore.

The AYANEO Retro Mini PC we favorably reviewed is another great option if you'd like to focus more on gaming. A model with an AMD Ryzen 7 5800U CPU, Radeon Vega integrated graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB M.2 PCIe SSD goes for only about $359 with options for further upgrades as your budget allows.

And if you can't let go of a great budget desktop computer, one of our favorites is actually an all-in-one (AiO). HP's Envy Move that we reviewed takes the traditional AiO design and adds a built-in battery, adjustable feet, and a carrying handle for additional mobility away from an AC outlet.

For about $650, you can get a model with an Intel Core i3-1315U CPU, 8GB of RAM, 256GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, and 23.8-inch QHD touch display. Be sure to check out more of our favorite all-in-one PCs if this design appeals to you.

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Acer Aspire TC-1775: Should you buy it?

✅ You should buy this if...

• You need an affordable desktop PC for use around the house (I use an older model as a media center for my living room TV).
• You don't have any ambition to upgrade the PC yourself beyond maybe some extra memory.
• You don't plan on playing any games that require a discrete GPU.

❌ You should not buy this if...

• You have more than $500 to spend on a desktop PC.
• You want a build that can be upgraded in the future.
• You'd rather have the portability perks that come with a budget laptop.

The Aspire TC-1775 isn't the PC to buy if you're an enthusiast or if you're interested in upgrading it yourself in the future. I view it as the desktop equivalent of a cheap laptop; it's a PC that you set up once and let run until it dies. Yes, you can access some components inside — I even recommend buying the 8GB RAM model and upgrading to 16GB yourself if you're into multitasking — but upgradeability definitely isn't one of the Aspire TC-1775's selling features.

It's great for casual use, including streaming, homework, email, web browsing, and Microsoft Office tasks. It'll even handle some of my favorite light games like Minecraft, Stardew Valley, and Terraria. Just don't expect the "desktop" performance you'd get from a PC with a discrete graphics card (GPU) inside. Even the AYANEO Retro Mini PC I recommend above as an alternative can double up on gaming performance.

The Aspire TC-1775-UR11 looks to be permanently discounted to $500 at Amazon and Newegg, but I recommend waiting for a further price drop if possible. The lowest price I've seen is $440, making this PC nearly impossible to beat in the budget sector.

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Acer's Swift series of Windows laptops is all about mobility, and the company aims to deliver the lightest and slimmest PCs at a competitive price.

Windows Central Senior Editor Ben Wilson favorably reviewed the 2023 predecessor Swift Edge 16 (SFE16-43) earlier this year, and Acer is now back with updated performance hardware, a Copilot button for the keyboard, and a slightly thicker chassis in the Swift Edge 16 (SFE16-44) model that I have for review.

I wasn't nearly as impressed by the latest Swift Edge 16 as Wilson was with the 2023 model, and it ultimately feels like Acer went all-in on the OLED display and left many of the leftovers to be cut back to save costs.

• Acer Swift Edge 16 (SFE16-44) at Amazon for $1,205

I understand that there are some sacrifices required to keep the price reasonable and the laptop well under three pounds, but as I discovered there might be some issues too large to ignore when going through the buying process. 

Let's take a deep dive into the Swift Edge 16 (SFE16-44) to see where it excels, where it falls behind, and whether or not it's the right laptop for you.

Acer Swift Edge 16: Price, specs, and availability

Acer's Swift Edge 16 (SFE16-44) is available to purchase from the official website as well as from third-party retailer Amazon. Configurations vary by market, but the exact model I'm reviewing here, with serial number SFE16-44-R8HM, seems to be the one most common in North America.

Although the Swift Edge 16 (SFE16-44) is available at the official Acer website, the better deal comes from Amazon. Instead of the suggested $1,300 price, you'll instead pay closer to $1,205. 

That's a stellar price for a 16-inch OLED laptop with 16GB of RAM, 1TB solid-state drive (SSD), and AMD Ryzen 7 processor (CPU).

If you decide to shop at Acer's official site, you can add extended warranty coverage and official accessories. Acer knocks off 10% of the price of extended coverage when it's purchased with the laptop. The Swift Edge 16 comes by default with a one-year limited warranty.

This review was made possible thanks to a review unit provided by Acer. The company did not see the contents of this review before publishing.

Recommended configuration

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Acer Swift Edge 16: Design and build

Acer designed the Swift Edge 16 to be as light as possible. It succeeds in being overly portable for a 16-inch device — it weighs just 2.71 pounds (1.23kg) and is the lightest 16-inch laptop I can recall using — but the build quality leaves something to be desired. 

Its chassis is made from a magnesium-aluminum alloy, but it's so thin that I thought it was plastic before I looked up the detailed spec sheet. It certainly feels like plastic to the touch, and there's a lot more flex than I like to see in a laptop. Acer says the alloy is twice as strong as aluminum at this thickness, but the flex remains slightly alarming.

The laptop isn't flashy by any means. It looks like a standard clamshell notebook with an "Olivine Black" finish, rounded corners, and a sturdy dual-hinge setup. It's a slab without much of a wedge shape, which I find appealing. Like many of Acer's laptops, the thermal exhaust is located between the body and display; hot air blows up and out in front of the screen instead of behind the laptop or onto your mouse hand.

Port selection is generous, and most users should be able to get by without a Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 dock. Because this is an AMD system, Intel's Thunderbolt tech isn't on board.

The laptop has dual USB4 ports on the left side with support for DisplayPort, charging, and 65W power delivery. Also on the left edge are HDMI 2.1 and a USB-A 3.2 (Gen 1) port with USB charging capabilities even when the laptop is powered down. The right side of the PC adds another USB-A 3.2 (Gen 1) without charging, a microSD card reader for easier handling of removable storage, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a Noble lock slot.

I don't really have any connectivity complaints, other than the USB4 ports both being placed on the left side might be a nuisance for those with a dock or plug on the right side of their desk. Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 round things out nicely for wireless connectivity. For security, there's a fingerprint reader embedded in the power button on the keyboard deck.

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Acer Swift Edge 16: Display

The Swift Edge 16's display is easily the best part of the laptop. It has a 3200x2000 resolution for the taller 16:10 aspect ratio, resulting in an overly crisp picture. The high resolution is paired with a 120Hz refresh rate (it can be manually dropped to 60Hz) and a 1ms response time, but don't mistake this PC for a gaming laptop. These specs are intended to make the screen easier on the eyes.

VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification is included, and in HDR content you can expect brightness to climb higher than the 407 nits for which I tested with SDR. The screen drops to just 4.9 nits at its lowest point, making it easy to work after hours.

I used my SpyderX Pro colorimeter to test color reproduction across three gamuts. It hit 100% sRGB, 97% AdobeRGB, and 99% DCI-P3, all superb results. The OLED panel's color and contrast aren't done justice by my photos; the screen is stunning no matter what I'm doing on the laptop, and it has what it takes to get into specialized work where accurate color is crucial.

The only complaint I have is the glossy finish. It helps the colors pop, but I ran into some glare issues when attempting to use the laptop in a sun-bathed room as well as outdoors on my patio. If you work with a window behind you, you'll notice it's there even on an overcast day.

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Acer Swift Edge 16: Performance and thermals

The Acer Swift Edge 16 is likely to be one of the last laptops I test using AMD's Ryzen 8040 chips based on the Zen 4 architecture. AMD revealed its Zen 5 chips in June, including two mobile processors from the new Ryzen AI 300 lineup. The Zen 5 chips have an impressive 50 TOPS of power for local AI acceleration coming out of the NPU, which beats even Qualcomm's Snapdragon X ARM64 hardware. Ryzen AI 300 is starting to show up on new laptops now.

Returning to the Ryzen 7 8840U in the Swift Edge 16, it has 8 cores, 16 threads, and a boost clock up to 5.1GHz. It has a default 28W TDP, and its Ryzen AI NPU hits up to 16 TOPS of power. For the $1,205 asking price, landing 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD is a welcome bonus and helps keep the system running smoothly.

Overall, the Ryzen 7 U-series chip included here does a bang-up job of handling my workflow, including countless browser tabs, Slack, Spotify, video streaming, and basic photo editing. The ultra-slim body doesn't have as much space to keep its CPU cool (which I will take a deeper look at in the next section), so the U-series choice makes sense.

Unfortunately, performance takes a noticeable dip on battery power. You can expect to lose about a quarter of the processing power in some applications when you unplug, and even the SSD's read speeds are more than halved. 

This is a common issue with AMD systems, and less so with Intel, and those who want performance parity on AC and DC power should check out the new Copilot+ PCs featuring Snapdragon X hardware.

As for gaming performance, the Ryzen's integrated Radeon 780M chip is quite potent, scoring 2,808 in the 3DMark Time Spy test. That beats a lot of Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, though I wouldn't suggest using it for gaming due to its thermal capabilities.

Thermals

Even with the less powerful Ryzen U-series chip inside, the Swift Edge 16 has trouble keeping its cool. Its two internal fans draw air in through the keyboard as well as through the large bottom intake, and the fan's output is audible at about 48 decibels at most even under full load. That's somewhere within the range of a normal conversation.

Using the laptop for the last week or so, I already knew that it ran hot. It's summer, and any extra heat is all too noticeable. I took some FLIR images while downloading a file and discovered that the exhaust between the display was hitting upwards of 47°C (116°F). The keyboard, again, when simply downloading a file, hit 41°C (105.8°F) at its hottest point. On the bottom, temperatures reached 53.4°C (128°F), which is far too hot to have on your lap.

I also took some FLIR images while running 3DMark's Time Spy GPU benchmark. The bottom of the laptop hit more than 65°C (149°F), while the keyboard hotspot topped out at about 54°C (129°F). If you're in search of a laptop that keeps its cool, this isn't it.

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Acer Swift Edge 16: Battery life

Despite a noticeable slowdown of processing power and SSD transfer speeds when running on battery power, the Swift Edge 16 doesn't offer impressive battery life if you're pushing the system.

With Acer's power profile set to Normal, Windows set to Best Performance, and the screen using Dark Mode with less than 50% brightness and a 60Hz refresh rate, I only saw about three hours of life when pushing the system. 

Sure, I was running some benchmarks and browsing the web, but that's still not a great result. Lowering the Windows 11 profile to Balanced adds some time, and going about less intensive tasks like word processing, streaming, and email gives it a boost.

I ran PCMark 10's Modern Office rundown with optimal battery conditions, including Acer power on Normal, Windows power on Balanced, and the display at less than 50% brightness with only a 60Hz refresh rate. The benchmark returned just more than 8 hours of runtime.

Bottom line? Expect somewhere between three and six hours of real-world usage depending on how you're using the laptop.

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Acer Swift Edge 16: Keyboard and touchpad

Acer's keyboards aren't my favorite, mostly due to the keycap size. The chiclet-style caps just don't do it for me, but that didn't stop me from picking up my regular typing speed with the Swift Edge 16.

Key travel is decent for a thin laptop, and the number pad will no doubt sway plenty of users who often deal with spreadsheets. The white font is easy to read on the black keys, and the backlight is more than bright enough for working after hours. Keyboard preferences are usually personal, so you might love this setup, even if I prefer other decks.

The Precision touchpad is where things start to fall apart. The recycled OceanGlass material is smooth and provides accurate tracking, but the physical click leaves something to be desired. A loose feel and audible rattle are especially evident when the laptop is used on an uneven surface (like your lap). With more and more devices turning to haptic touchpads, the pointer here just doesn't feel like it belongs on a laptop above $1,000.

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Acer Swift Edge 16: Camera, mic, and audio

Out of the camera, mic, and speaker trio, the webcam is by far the best feature. It has a 1440p resolution (which is about 4MP), it deals well with exposure, and I didn't notice an abundance of graininess when lacking proper lighting. Windows Studio Effects, aided by the Ryzen NPU, offers automatic framing, eye contact, and background blur. The only drawback is a lack of privacy shutter, which I don't think any laptop should be without in 2024.

Two microphones surround the camera, and they do a swell job of picking up voices for conferencing or personal memos. The microphones can be tweaked through Acer's Purified Voice Console app that comes installed on the laptop; there are two presets for Personal Call and Conference Call, which forces it to either pick up your voice only or to include other voices in the room. An AI noise reduction toggle is also available.

The laptop's bottom-firing speakers are small and deliver thin audio. Light laptops often have wimpy audio, and unfortunately, that's no different here. Listening to music isn't particularly inspiring, but you'll have no problem sitting in on calls without a headset.

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Acer Swift Edge 16: Competition

The 16-inch laptop to beat right now is Samsung's Galaxy Book4 Edge. It's a Copilot+ PC powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite SoCs for Windows on ARM, and while it's more expensive than the Swift Edge 16, its performance, efficiency, and features might be enough to convince you to spend about $250 more (or $150 more for the 14-inch version).

The 16-inch Galaxy Book4 Edge model that costs about $1,450 at Samsung includes the Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-80) SoC, 16GB of RAM, 512GB SSD, and a 16-inch AMOLED touch display with 2880x1800 resolution and 120Hz variable refresh rate. Quad speakers, a similar port layout, a larger battery capacity, and a thinner chassis are all selling points, but the real benefit comes from the stellar X Elite power and efficiency.

Dell's XPS 16 (9640) that we reviewed is another top contender if you prefer an Intel system and a futuristic, premium design. Prices start at about $1,500 for a model with a Core Ultra 7 155H CPU, 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM, a 512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, and a 16.3-inch FHD+ display. Bumping up to a UHD+ OLED display adds about $300, so you'll have to be comfortable spending significantly more than what the Swift Edge 16 demands.

And if you're looking for a convertible laptop that can transform into a tablet, HP's Spectre x360 16 (2024) is a great option. Frequent discounts at HP mean that you can usually find a model with an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU, 16GB of RAM, 1TB SSD, and a 16-inch OLED touch display with 2.8K resolution for less than $1,350 at HP. You can check out our glowing HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) review for more information, as it's basically the same laptop in a smaller form factor.

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Acer Swift Edge 16: Scorecard

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Acer Swift Edge 16: Should you buy it?

✅ You should buy this if...

• You want a 16-inch laptop that weighs less than three pounds.
• You want a stellar OLED display with accurate DCI-P3 and sRGB color reproduction and 120Hz refresh rate.
• You need a number pad on the keyboard.

❌ You should not buy this if...

• You're a gamer interested in stronger gaming performance with better cooling.
• You'd like Snapdragon X ARM64 performance and efficiency, or you'd like to test out AMD's new Ryzen AI 300 chips with powerful NPU.
• You value speaker quality, battery life, and strong battery power performance.

The Swift Edge 16 (SFE16-44) is a sleek-looking notebook with a satisfying slab design, and it's lighter than any 16-inch laptop I can recall using. Its OLED display is its best feature, offering a high resolution and refresh rate with HDR support and accurate color reproduction across gamuts. If these features are at the top of your list, the $1,205 price could be enough to tempt you into buying.

However (and it's a big however), the rest of the laptop struggles to keep up with the display and aesthetic. The lightweight design results in a plastic feel, and the touchpad is affected if the laptop isn't being used on a completely flat and solid surface. The speakers are nothing special, either.

Battery life and thermals leave something to be desired. While the Ryzen 7 can keep up with my workload, the laptop runs very hot and the fans are usually on if you're doing anything other than light web browsing or streaming. With only about three hours of battery life when pushing the system and about six hours with mixed use, you shouldn't expect to get through a full workday on a charge.

With AMD's next-gen Zen 5 Ryzen AI 300 chips starting to show up in laptops and Snapdragon X Copilot+ PCs already established, the Swift Edge 16 (SFE16-44) doesn't look as appealing as it might have just a few months ago.

There are plenty of really powerful laptops on the market today, but sometimes, all you need is a simple device that offers solid performance and doesn't cost much. The Acer Aspire Go 14 perfectly fits into the budget laptop category since it costs less than $400 and is basically a step up from a Chromebook. Plus, it has fantastic battery life, which helps make it an ideal work laptop or school laptop.

I've spent the last few weeks using the Acer Aspire Go 14 for work and running it through various benchmarks to see what it's all about. Here's what I think of it.

• Acer Aspire Go 14 at Acer for $349.99

This review was made possible thanks to a review unit provided by Acer. The company did not see the contents of this review before publishing.

Acer Aspire Go 14: Price and specs

Pricing & specifications highlights

• This is an excellent budget computer with an MSRP of only $349.99. It also sometimes goes on sale, so you might be able to purchase it for less.
• It doesn't offer the most impressive specs since it's basically just a step up from a Chromebook, but it offers a steady experience.
• You can purchase this laptop at the Acer website, and it only comes in one configuration.
• Value rating: 5/5

The Acer Aspire Go 14 only has a $349.99 MSRP, which makes it a very inexpensive laptop. It can only be purchased at the Acer Website, but I've seen it go on sale for as little as $299.99. As such, it's within a very good price range for those looking to get a budget laptop with performance that's a step up from a Chromebook. Since this is in a lower price range, the laptop isn't as elegant-looking as some other competitors on the market, but it still offers a good design overall.

This laptop utilizes an AMD Ryzen 3 7320U CPU along with an integrated Radeon 780M graphics with 8GB LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB PCIE NVMe SSD in an M.2 form factor. Obviously, this isn't the most powerful specs for a laptop, but the laptop does offer a good user experience. There are also a good range of ports to satisfy your accessory and connection needs.

Recommended configuration

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Acer Aspire Go 14: Design and build

Build quality and design highlights

• It's not as elegant as some other laptops out there, but the aluminum chassis offers a sturdy build.
• This laptop is a bit thicker than many other modern laptops when closed.
• There is a good range of ports, but there is no microSD card reader.
• Design rating: 4/5

If I were to describe the Acer Aspire Go 14 in one word, it would be "functional." This laptop doesn't offer any frills or unique functions, but it gets the job done. The frame itself is aluminum, which helps keep the Aspire Go 14 nice and light. However, it is thicker than many other modern laptops, especially when the lid is closed. Don't get me wrong; it should still fit in most laptop bags and backpacks; it just doesn't look as sleek.

In some ways, the Aspire Go 14 looks more like an older laptop design due to the thick bevel around the display, thick casing, and the notable rubber strips sticking up on the chassis. This is to be expected from a laptop in this price range. Obviously, you shouldn't expect a budget laptop to offer as elegant a design as more costly devices.

There are three USB ports total with a USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port on either side as well a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack. This allows you to connect another monitor as well as a few other accessories without feeling like you're limited on connections. There is also a Kensington lock slot on the laptop's left side if you want to use that. It's worth noting that there isn't a microSD card reader, but that won't be an issue for everyone. If you really do need that connection, then one of the best Thunderbolt docks could solve that for you.

Acer Aspire Go 14: Software

Software highlights

• This laptop comes with a number of programs that are usually installed on Acer laptops.
• There is even a button on the function row for the main AcerSense program, which can be used to check system performance, change settings, get customer support, and more.
• Overall, Acer programs are easy to use, but you might want to spend time getting rid of some of the bloatware that comes installed on the laptop.
• Software rating: 4/5

When you purchase a laptop from a major OEM like Acer, it's not uncommon for the device to come with a bunch of programs installed on them. Some of these programs are useful while others simply bog down the laptop and make it run less efficiently. As such, you'll want to take some time to go through the Aspire Go 14's installed programs and get rid of any unnecessary software. Just remember to keep important programs installed.

In the case of Acer, the most helpful and important program is AcerSense, which gives you access to settings options, system performance overviews, customer support, and more. All-in-all, AcerSense is simple to navigate and provides a good range of menus and choices to help you get the laptop running the way you want it to.

If you're interested, you can learn more about these AI device at our NPU guide, Copilot+ PC guide, or our list of the best AI laptops.

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Acer Aspire Go 14: Display

Display highlights

• In a color gamut test, the Aspire Go 14 only produced 63% of sRGB, 49% of AdobeRGB, and 49% of P3. As such, colors look pretty washed out on the 14-inch display.
• The display offers a decent amount of contrast but only gets a little brighter than 300 nits, which is pretty dim overall.
• Display rating: 3.5/5

I spend a lot of my time digitally drawing, so I'm probably a bit more biased than the average person when it comes to a screen's color gamut and overall display quality. That said, the Aspire Go 14 does not have a very impressive panel. From the moment I turned it on, I could tell that images look a lot more washed out when displayed on this laptop.

The results of a colorimeter color gamut test backed up my visual analysis by showing that the display only produced 63% of sRGB, 49% of AdobeRGB, and 49% of P3, which really isn't that great. Meanwhile, the display does a decent job with contrast, but its maximum brightness is only a little more than 300 nits, which means it's very hard to see this screen when outside or in very bright rooms. If you mostly work inside, this laptop will be a good fit, but if you need to work outside, it will likely be hard to see what's on the display.

Meanwhile, the display's viewing angle isn't that great and gets distorted and hard to see from the sides. But as long as you're seated directly in front of it with the display angled up at your face, it will be easy enough to use.

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Acer Aspire Go 14: Performance and thermals

Performance & thermals highlights

• You won't be wowed by the Acer Aspire Go 14's performance, but it is reliable when it comes to everyday tasks for work, school, and personal use.
• It works just as it should, considering its low price point.
• Don't expect to use any graphics-intensive programs or video games on this laptop.
• Performance rating: 4/5

In addition to using the Acer Aspire Go 14 for several days, I also ran the laptop through the standard benchmark tests we always run here at Windows Central. While the Aspire Go 14 never produced insane benchmark results, it did score exactly where we would have expected for a laptop of this caliber, with solid performance that can take on everyday tasks.

To start things off, I ran the PCMark 10 Modern Office test, which evaluates how well the CPU is able to handle things like running programs, attending video calls, browsing the web, and more. The Aspire Go 14 scored between the Surface Laptop 4 15 and the Surface Laptop 3 15. I also ran Geekbench 6, which is another CPU benchmark program, and the laptop earned a decent score that put it between the Surface Go 4 and the Surface Studio 2+.

These benchmark results all show that the Acer Aspire Go 14 isn't a powerhouse, but it does work well overall. I can confirm this with my own time spent using it. The Aspire Go 14 wasn't the fastest laptop I've used, but I knew it would be able to smoothly handle the basic tasks I wanted it to run.

I then ran the Cinebench R23 benchmark, which tests the CPU's abilities. Here, I once again saw that the Aspire Go 14 is neither the worst nor the best in this category. If anything, it worked as well as expected and is a great performer, given its low price. That said, running a full-on GPU test in the form of 3DMark Time Spy showed that the integrated AMD Radeon 780M graphics isn't very powerful. In fact, it earned the lowest score of any laptop we've tested thus far. As such, you should not use this laptop for programs that have intensive graphics, nor should you expect to run demanding video games on it. It will struggle.

When I ran the CrystalDiskMark test to check the SSD, I found that the laptop wasn't as impressive as some of its similar competitors. It only reached a read speed of 1,770 MB/s and a write speed of 938 MB/s, which is lower than the Surface Laptop Go and Surface Laptop 3 15. That said, while it isn't the fastest when it comes to loading and writing data, it worked well overall in person as long as you don't need the fastest speeds.

Finally, I ran a Crossmark test to evaluate overall system performance, and the laptop ended up scoring very low, close to the score of a Surface Go 4 and Lenovo Yoga 6 (Gen 7). This isn't too surprising, given its specs. Once again, the performance of the Aspire Go 14 isn't amazing, but it is reliable and works well to the point of being an ideal budget laptop for people who want a little more than what a Chromebook offers.

Thermals

The minute the Aspire Go 14 turns on, the fans start whining at a high pitch that is rather unpleasant to be around. It doesn't matter if you are running more demanding programs or letting the device idle; the fans are almost always audible. Still, I can't knock the actual efficiency of the cooling system, as it does a good job of keeping the Aspire Go 14 at a good temperature.

To check Aspire Go 14 thermals, I had the laptop transcode the 4K version of Tears of Steel, and when it reached roughly the 30-minute mark, I whipped out my thermal camera and took measurements. As is usually the case, the hottest part of the laptop is the area just above the keyboard, which reached a peak of 111 degrees Fahrenheit (F) (~44 degrees Celsius (C)). The vents themselves measured in at around 108 degrees F (42 degrees C). While the keyboard area is warm to the touch, it never got too hot to handle. The same goes for the bottom of the laptop; I never felt uncomfortable putting it on my lap.

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Acer Aspire Go 14: Battery life

Battery highlights

• The Aspire Go 14 comes with a power adapter that has a barrel plug on the end.
• In battery life testing, the laptop lasted a little more than 15.5 hours.
• This is good battery life overall, and it should be able to last through a full workday or school day.
• Whenever you plug or unplug the charging cable, the laptop makes an irritating beep.
• Battery rating: 5/5

During the time I spent using the Aspire Go 14, it always offered enough juice to last longer than a normal 8-hour workday. To get a better measurement for the laptop's battery, I put the display at roughly 200nits brightness and ran the PCMark 10 Modern Office battery test, which forces the laptop to engage in normal work tasks like browsing the internet, opening and closing programs, attending video calls, and even idling. The laptop ended up lasting for roughly 15 hours and 47 minutes, which is more than long enough to handle an average school day or work day. I also had Windows 11 create a battery report, in which the operating system estimates that the Aspire Go 14 can last as long as 18 hours and seven minutes, which is impressive.

The laptop comes with a small barrel plug charging adapter, but I find myself dreading the times when I need to pull it out or plug it back in because the laptop makes an annoying beeping sound whenever I do this. You can also plug a compatible USB-C cable into one of the ports, and it will charge up without the irritating beeping sound.

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Acer Aspire Go 14: Keyboard and touchpad

Keyboard and touchpad highlights

• Keys are spaced out at a good distance from each other, and it feels good to press down.
• There are helpful function buttons, including volume controls, brightness controls, a toggle for Airplane mode, an AcerSense button, and more.
• The touchpad is somewhat small, but it doesn't require excessive swiping.
• It doesn't have a fingerprint reader for easy login.
• Keyboard and touchpad rating: 5/5

As far as keyboards and touchpads go, there isn't anything fancy or unique on the Aspire Go 14, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The keys themselves press down nicely and are well-spaced to give my fingers comfortable room when typing. Your standard function keys run along the top of the keyboard, featuring helpful options like volume control, brightness control, a display settings menu button, an Airplane mode button, a Snipping Tool button, and even a button that brings up AcerSense. It's worth noting that there is no fingerprint reader, so you cannot set up faster logins that way.

Meanwhile, the touchpad feels pretty small but has a good travel distance, so I don't feel the need to swipe around excessively when trying to navigate the display.

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Acer Aspire Go 14: Camera, mic, and audio

Camera, mic, and speaker highlights

• The colors captured with the 720p webcam look a bit washed out.
• There is no built-in webcam shutter for privacy, but a green light comes on to let you know when the camera is active.
• The webcam isn't compatible with Windows Hello.
• The dual speakers don't get very loud, and they sound distant.
• Camera, mic, and speaker rating: 3/5

When it comes to budget laptops, you can basically always expect audio and camera quality to be on the lower end, and the same is true here. The 720p webcam doesn't have issues starting up, but the colors displayed on the screen look pretty washed out compared to real life. Plus, the lower resolution means that I look pretty pixelated during video calls. Meanwhile, the webcam does not support Windows Hello, so you cannot set up a facial recognition login.

The microphone picks up my voice, and it's okay as long as I'm within a few feet of it. Still, the webcam and microphone are more than good enough for your average work meetings or family video call sessions.

As for the dual speakers, they also get the job done but don't sound nearly as good as they could. In my experience, audio coming from this laptop sounded boxed and a little distant. The speakers also don't get as loud as some other laptops I've tested. But once again, this is to be expected in a budget laptop.

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Acer Aspire Go 14: Competition

You don't have to leave Acer in order to find another laptop with similar configuration. The Acer Aspire 3, for instance, has a slightly larger 15.6-inch FHD display, but still has the same processor, integrated graphics, RAM capacity, and SSD capacity as the Aspire Go. As such, it's a good choice for people who like the idea of the Aspire Go 14, but want a slightly bigger display size. It has an MSRP of $329.99 at Acer.

One of the closest competitors to the Acer Aspire Go 16 is the ASUS Vivobook Go 14, which also features the same AMD Ryzen 3 7320U CPU and Radeon 780M integrated graphics card with 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD. It also has a 720p webcam and a good range of ports, and the display can reach a 60Hz refresh rate. At the time of writing, this laptop was selling for $449.99 at Best Buy.

For other suggestions, take a look at our list of the best budget Windows laptops or best Windows laptops.

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Acer Aspire Go 14: Scorecard

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Acer Aspire Go 14: Should you buy it?

✅ You should buy this if...

• You're looking for a budget laptop: The Acer Aspire Go 14 is basically a step up from a Chromebook.
• You need something that offers solid performance: It won't blow you away with its capabilities, but the Aspire Go 14 offers decent performance to handle simple everyday tasks.
• You want a laptop with good battery life: Since it easily lasts longer than eight hours on average, the Aspire Go 14 is a great choice for a work laptop or school laptop.

❌ You should not buy this if...

• You need a laptop display with a good color gamut: The Aspire Go 14's display looks pretty washed out and doesn't show off imagery to its best advantage.
• You need a laptop you can use outside: Since the display only gets a little brighter than 300 nits, it's really hard to see outside in bright daylight.
• You'd really prefer a laptop that has Windows Hello or a fingerprint reader: The webcam doesn't support facial recognition and there is no fingerprint reader on the Aspire Go 14.

The Acer Aspire Go 14 isn't going to wow anyone, but it is a great budget laptop for those who just need a simple computer for everyday tasks. You'll be able to run basic programs, browse the internet, stream shows, attend video calls, and more without spending a fortune.

Obviously, this means the laptop is lacking some niceties you'd get with a more expensive device such as a fingerprint reader and Windows Hello support. Additionally, the speakers don't offer the best sound quality and the display makes colors look washed out.

But the battery life is very good, which makes this a very useful laptop for work or school use. If you just need a simple device that will work reliably, then the Aspire Go 14 is a great choice.

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What you need to know

• Acer announced three new Predator gaming monitors at Computex.
• The Predator X27U F3, Predator X32 X3, and Predator X34 X5 all feature OLED displays and support both AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and NVIDIA G-SYNC.
• The Predator X27U F3 has a 480Hz refresh rate, while the other two Predator monitors max out at 240Hz.
• The Predator X34 X5 has an 1800R curvature to help immerse you into games and other content.

Acer just announced a trio of Predator gaming monitors at Computex. The Predator X27U F3 features a WQHD OLED display with a refresh rate of 480HZ. The Predator X34 X5 isn't quite as speedy, sitting at a solid 240Hz refresh rate, but it has impressive specs across the board, including an 1800R curvature. The Predator X32 X3 can switch between 4K gaming at 240Hz and FHD gaming at 480Hz depending on your preference.

All of the new Predator monitors have OLED panels and support both AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and NVIDIA G-SYNC. The Predator X27U F3 will ship in Q3 2024 with a starting price of $1,199.99. The Predator X32 X3 ($1,199.99) and Predator X34 X5 ($1,099.99) will both begin shipping in Q4 of this year.

The spec sheets of the three new Predator monitors have a lot in common. All three monitors have OLED screens that promise DCI-P3 99% color coverage and E<1 color accuracy. They're also VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certified and have 10-bit color depth. Each new Predator monitor should compete with the best gaming monitors on the market.

The key differences between the monitors are size, curvature, and refresh rate. There are other spec differences, but those three factors are likely the most important when weighing between the new gaming monitors.

If you want the quickest refresh rate when using the full resolution of the monitor, you need to pick up the Predator X27U F3. Its 480Hz OLED panel promises deep blacks, high contrast, and "blistering" speeds, as highlighted by Acer. The Predator X27U F3 also has the best response time of the bunch at 0.01ms.

The Predator X32 X3 is more versatile, allowing you to switch between 4K gaming at 240Hz and FHD gaming at 480Hz.

The Predator X34 X5 has a large screen with an 1800R curvature that immerses you into games. It "only" has a 240Hz refresh rate, which is still impressive, especially for a curved OLED display.

While port selections differ slightly between the monitors, all of them can handle both PC and console gaming. They all have two HDMI 2.1 ports, which is essential for getting the best experience from an Xbox Series X or PS5.

Each new Predator gaming monitor supports tilt, swivel, and height adjustment. They all have two 5-watt speakers as well. A built-in KVM switch in each monitor lets you switch between two input devices easily.

What you need to know

• Acer announced new 14- and 16-inch TravelMate P4 and P6 laptops ahead of Computex 2024.
• TravelMate P6 14, TravelMate P4 Spin 14, and TravelMate P4 16 models come with Intel Core Ultra CPUs with NPU.
• TravelMate P4 14 will be available only in European regions and will have AMD Ryzen PRO 8040 chips also with NPU.
• All laptops are expected to launch in July 2024 except for the TravelMate P4 14, which is expected Q4 2024. Prices start at $1,229.

Computex 2024 kicks off next week in Taipei and will run from June 3 until June 7, but Acer has already unveiled a collection of new AI PCs made for business users. The Windows laptops, powered by a mix of modern Intel vPro and AMD PRO hardware, are not classified as Copilot+ PCs, but they do include a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for local AI acceleration.

There are four new TravelMate laptops headed our way, with the first three expected to launch in July; a fourth is expected to hit European markets later in Q4 2024. Here's what you need to know about the new laptops.

Acer's TravelMate P6 14 has a 2.8K OLED display

Acer's TravelMate P6 14 (P614-73) looks to be the most exciting new business laptop headed our way if only for the display. Measuring 14 inches, it has an OLED panel for deep color and contrast with a crisp 2880x1800 resolution. That 16:10 aspect ratio provides some extra vertical screen real estate ideal for multitasking, and Acer says it hits 100% DCI-P3 color to suit some specialized work. It also comes with VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification for compatible content.

The 14-inch laptop weighs in at just 2.62 pounds (1.19kg) and comes with MIL-STD 810H durability certifications to ensure it can keep up with a busy lifestyle. Ports include dual Thunderbolt 4, USB-A 3.2 (Gen 1), HDMI 2.0, and a microSD card reader. It looks like only the P4 laptops come with an optional SmartCard reader for enterprise use.

Powering the PC are Intel's Core Ultra H-series processors (CPU), available in standard and vPro Enterprise flavors. All four of the CPUs come with Intel's AI Boost NPU, which hits around 10 TOPS of performance for local AI acceleration. These chips will bring more power than the Core Ultra U-series alternatives found in the TravelMate P4 laptops also announced today. They also have strong Intel Arc integrated graphics.

Acer offers up to 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM (soldered) and up to a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe solid-state drive (SSD), and the system runs on a 65Wh battery. As for wireless connectivity, the P6 14 is the only TravelMate laptop announced today with Wi-Fi 7; the others have Wi-Fi 6E. Bluetooth 5.3 is also on board to handle wireless accessories.

Acer expects to launch the TravelMate P6 14 in North America in July, with prices starting at $1,430. It will come to the EMEA market Q3 2024 starting at €1,359.

The TravelMate P4 Spin 14 is a convertible with optional 4G LTE connectivity

Professionals looking for some extra versatility and connectivity from their business laptop will no doubt want to check out the TravelMate P4 Spin 14 (P414RN-54). It's a 14-inch convertible that weighs in at 3.28 pounds (1.49kg), and it comes with the same MIL-STD 810H durability certification as its siblings.

The laptop is powered by Intel Core Ultra U-series chips, again with standard and vPro Enterprise options. These chips have an Intel AI Boost NPU with around 10 TOPS of performance, and Acer offers up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM and up to a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. A larger 65Wh battery is quoted at 14.5 hours of runtime, which of course is a number that should be viewed with caution. Real-world usage will no doubt bring the runtime down, but that's still the best estimation of all the TravelMate laptops announced today.

Perhaps the best part of the P4 Spin 14 is the optional 4G LTE connectivity. It's not 5G, but it's still better than nothing for travelers, students, and pros who need to stay connected to the internet at all times. There are otherwise Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 capabilities available.

The IPS touch display measures 14 inches and has a 1920x1200 (FHD+) resolution with a 16:10 aspect ratio. Acer notes it hits up to 340 nits brightness and should hit 100% sRGB color. It's also compatible with an active pen for inking.

Wrapping things up are an FHD webcam with a privacy shutter and a fingerprint reader for biometric security through Windows Hello.

The TravelMate P4 Spin 14 is expected to launch in North America in July starting at $1,229. It's also expected to hit the EMEA market in Q3 2024 starting at €1,019.

Acer has also unveiled a larger 16-inch TravelMate P4 laptop, this time without convertible functionality. I can see it being a solid option for those who want to spend less than the P6 price yet still land a secure and durable laptop.

The TravelMate P4 16 (P416-53) comes with Intel Core Ultra U-series CPUs with standard and vPro Enterprise versions. The same Intel AI Boost NPU with about 10 TOPS of power is included, and you can get up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM and up to a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD for plenty of storage. A 53Wh battery is quoted as offering up to 14 hours of runtime, which will no doubt come down in real-world usage.

A 16-inch display should provide plenty of space for multitasking, especially with the taller 16:10 aspect ratio. Acer lists a 1920x1200 (FHD+) resolution, with 400 nits brightness and 100% sRGB color. It's a pretty standard display, but that's not out of the ordinary for business laptops.

Above the display is an FHD webcam with a privacy shutter, and a fingerprint reader is included for extra biometric security through Windows Hello. A SmartCard reader is also optional.

There's unfortunately no optional 4G LTE connectivity available here; the laptop offers instead Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.

Acer expects to launch the TravelMate P4 16 (P416-53) in North America in July starting at $1,229. Again, the EMEA market will get it Q3 2024 starting at €959.

The TravelMate P4 14 has AMD Ryzen PRO chips for the European market

Finishing up Acer's TravelMate announcements is a laptop that I wish was coming to North American markets. Alas, it appears that it is only expected to launch in the EMEA region in Q4 2024 starting at €949.

It's the only new TravelMate laptop announced today sporting AMD's Ryzen PRO 8040-series chips with a more powerful NPU hitting about 16 TOPS for local AI acceleration. That's still not enough to hit the Copilot+ threshold, but these CPUs look to be powerful and efficient.

Acer is offering four different CPUs, including the Ryzen 3 8840U and Ryzen 5 PRO 8540U without Ryzen AI. The Ryzen 5 PRO 8640U and Ryzen 7 PRO 8840U are also offered, and they'll be the go-to for that NPU boost. Up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM and up to a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD are available, and the system runs on a 65Wh battery that Acer quotes as offering 14 hours of runtime.

The 14-inch display looks to be the same as offered in the P4 Spin 14 except it doesn't have touch functionality. It sits at a 1920x1200 (FHD+) resolution with a 16:10 aspect ratio, 300 nits brightness, and 100% sRGB color.

Ports do not include Thunderbolt 4 due to the AMD platform, but you still get dual USB-C (Acer doesn't specify whether they're USB4), two USB-A 3.2 (Gen 1), HDMI 2.1, and a SmartCard reader. Wireless connectivity is handled by Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.

Why are these AI PCs not considered Copilot+?

Copilot+ PCs are headed our way in the near future, bringing support for advanced AI features in Windows 11. It's part of what Windows Central Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino calls a "Great Reset" in the Windows PC industry, and at the moment it's thanks to a collaboration between Qualcomm and Microsoft.

Why are these TravelMate PCs not considered for Copilot+ if they have an NPU? Copilot+ features require at least 40 TOPS of performance to run locally. The new Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus chips with 45 TOPS are currently the only options available; Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen PRO don't make the cut.

That doesn't mean you can't use these TravelMate laptops for AI help in applications like Windows Studio Effects. You just won't have access to things like Windows Recall, Auto Super Resolution, Live Captions, and local AI image and text creation.

Not everyone needs a Copilot+ PC, and until Intel and AMD catch up with their next-gen chips sporting a more powerful NPU, you'll have to live without to land Intel vPro and Ryzen PRO enterprise features.

What you need to know

• Acer announced the Swift 14 AI (SF14-11) Copilot+ laptop, powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips.
• The Swift 14 AI has a 14.5-inch display with QHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, as well as a 1440p webcam with IR and privacy shutter.
• The laptop has a 75Wh battery capacity, which Acer says affords "all-day battery life."
• The Swift 14 AI is expected to launch in North America in July, starting at $1,099. It's expected to launch in the EMEA market in June, starting at €1,499.

Acer announced the Swift 14 AI (SF14-11) today as its first Copilot+ PC. It's part of the next-gen wave of Windows on ARM laptops, and it's powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips. They each have 45 TOPS of performance for AI tasks, which is enough to hit Microsoft's new Copilot+ benchmark.

Acer expects to launch the Swift 14 AI in North America in July, starting at $1,099. As for the EMEA market, the wait won't be quite as long as it's expected to launch in June with prices starting at €1,499.

The Swift 14 AI comes with either the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-78-100) or Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-64-100) System-on-Chip (SoC). The chips are joined by up to 32GB of LPDDR5x-8533MHz RAM and up to a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe solid-state drive (SSD), with the system running on a 75Wh battery. Acer claims "all-day battery life," which shouldn't be a stretch if Qualcomm's efficiency claims are on point.

The X Elite (X1E-78-100) chip is the baseline Elite option from Qualcomm, sporting an Oryon processor (CPU) with 12 cores and a 3.4GHz frequency, an Adreno integrated GPU with 3.8 TFLOPS, and a Hexagon Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with 45 TOPS of AI performance.

Acer is also offering the Snapdragon X Plus, which is largely the same as the X1E-78-100 other than having two fewer Oryon CPU cores. This will no doubt be the SoC available in the entry-level Swift 14 AI, starting at $1,099.

No matter the config, Acer includes a 14.5-inch display with 2560x1600 (QHD+) resolution and 16:10 aspect ratio. It uses an IPS panel with 100% sRGB color reproduction, 120Hz refresh rate, and EyeSafe 2.0 certification. Acer lists touch functionality as optional.

Above the screen is a 1440p webcam with IR for facial recognition through Windows Hello, as well as a shutter for extra privacy. Dual speakers are built into the bottom panel of the laptop, and they come with DTS:X Audio tuning. Wireless connectivity is handled by Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4; ports include dual USB-C, dual USB-A 3.2 (Gen 1), HDMI 1.4, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

The laptop's backlit keyboard features a Copilot key for quick access to Copilot+ features, and the touchpad has an AI activity indicator that lights up on the touchpad whenever Copilot is in use. The Swift 14 AI is built with an aluminum and recycled plastic chassis that measures just 0.63 inches (15.9mm) thin. The PC weighs 3.7 pounds (1.68kg), keeping it well within the range of what I'd consider comfortably portable.

Acer's Swift 14 AI is a Copilot+ PC with an attractive price

Acer has long been the go-to brand for budget-friendly PCs, and that looks to be continuing with its first Copilot+ PC. I feel like the $1,099 starting price should be very tempting for plenty of users who want to try out Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X chips and Microsoft's Copilot+ Windows features without spending big on more premium options.

Of course, that starting price won't likely include the more powerful 12-core Snapdragon X Elite, but even the 10-core Snapdragon X Plus has an NPU with 45 TOPS of power for local AI acceleration. That's exactly what's required for Copilot+.

It's unclear how much RAM and storage the entry-level models will include, but Acer only lists one display with optional touch functionality. It's no slouch. With a QHD+ resolution, smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and 100% sRGB color, it should be a comfortable screen for most tasks. 

I also love how Acer didn't cheap out on the webcam. We'll have to see how good it actually is when we get our hands on the Swift 14 AI for testing, but at a 1440p resolution with IR for facial recognition, it should be more than enough for video conferencing.

I'm not sure how the AI indicator light on the touchpad will play out, but I don't mind Acer trying new things. I'll be happy as long as there's an option to disable it should it prove to be too distracting.

What is Copilot+ and what does it mean for AI PCs?

You're going to be hearing a lot more about AI PCs and Copilot+ now that Microsoft, Qualcomm, and various laptop makers including Acer have introduced this revolutionary wave of new hardware and software.

Looking at AI PCs, they're devices that include an NPU designed specifically for local AI acceleration. This helps remove some of the load from the CPU and GPU, ultimately providing a better experience when AI is involved. While a lot of AI power has been sourced from the cloud via an internet connection, this next generation of AI PCs will be able to do a lot more right at home on the device.

That's where Microsoft's Copilot+ branding comes into play. It's a new umbrella term for next-gen AI features in Windows 11, and it also applies to laptops like the Swift 14 AI that have an NPU with at least 45 TOPS of performance. That means Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips are the only hardware that so far meet the new benchmark, with Intel and AMD expected to play catchup later this year.

New AI features only available on Copilot+ PCs are looking quite exciting. Most impressive is Recall, a feature that lets you search through anything that you've seen or done on your PC on any app. If you need to quickly find, say, a conversation or a web page, Recall will be able to help you out.

Live Caption will provide real-time English translations in live or pre-recorded video from 44 different languages, and Auto Super Resolution will be great for gamers who want to upscale resolution and boost frame rates. Cocreator is getting improved local image and text generation, and Windows Studio Effects is also getting buffed. Not all new AI experiences will be available right away, but they are expected this year.

Acer is home to some outstanding gaming hardware and accessories, and that remains true whether you're shopping for high-end or budget options. When it comes down to finding a great gaming monitor for your PC, Acer's Nitro and Predator brands shouldn't be ignored.

Newegg currently has a massive promo running on Acer's 27-inch Nitro ED270U gaming monitor, knocking a full $100 off the regular price. The Nitro ED270U is a killer option for gamers looking to upgrade to a 1440p resolution, especially if your PC is capable of pushing high framerates.

Regularly priced at $250, Newegg has it down to $150 when you use promo code MDADSA4337 at checkout. That's an unreal deal for a curved 1440p gaming monitor with performance specs.

✅Perfect for: PC gamers who want to make the jump to 1440p, and with the performance hardware capable of pushing a 170Hz refresh rate.

❌Avoid it if: You're looking for a monitor for general-purpose use or don't have a PC capable of steady framerates at 1440p.

What makes a good gaming monitor?

Gaming monitors come in all shapes and sizes, with varying levels of features and tech. You can spend thousands of dollars for an ultimate screen to pair up with your high-end gaming PC, but you certainly don't have to spend a lot if you're working with a tighter budget.

The latter scenario is definitely the case with the Acer Nitro ED270U gaming monitor deal I'm highlighting here. It's regularly priced at $250 — still within the budget realm — but it is $100 off to bring the total down to $150 at Newegg.

The Nitro ED270U has a 27-inch panel with a 1500R curve, which is what I use on my gaming monitor. It doesn't feel too aggressive, and it really ups the immersion compared to a flat screen. The VA panel has a respectable 2500:1 contrast ratio resulting in deep blacks. The monitor also offers HDR 10 support for compatible content.

With a 1440p resolution, this might be the monitor you've been waiting for to upgrade from 1080p. The 170Hz refresh rate over DisplayPort 1.2 can accommodate performance from some of the best graphics cards, and the 1ms response time is great for competitive play. AMD FreeSync Premium is also included to reduce screen tearing, and it'll work across AMD GPUs and most modern NVIDIA GPUs.

A brightness of 250 nits isn't particularly remarkable, but you won't likely be using the monitor outdoors where glare is strongest. The slim stand is stylish, but it lacks ergonomic adjustments beyond tilt. It does, however, offer 75mm x 75mm VESA mounting support.

Rounding things out at dual 2W speakers built right into the monitor. Monitor speakers are never great and we always recommend a solid gaming headset for better sound, but I do appreciate the speakers built into my own gaming monitor for times when I'm taking a more casual approach.

• Acer Nitro ED270U | was $250 Now $150 at Newegg

There are thousands of laptops on the market, all claiming to be the best in their category. However, where most push for the highest possible performance or the longest possible battery life, few can claim to offer an ultra-lightweight experience without seriously compromising other features.

That's precisely what Acer set out to do with its Swift Edge 16, a full-sized (of sorts) laptop aimed at frequent travelers who want a color-accurate OLED display and powerful processor to back it all up. Can it rank among our best lightweight laptops? It's time to find out.

Disclaimer: This review was made possible by a review unit provided by Acer and AMD. The companies did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

Acer Swift Edge 16: Price and availability

The Swift Edge 16 is available from $999.99 directly at Acer's store in various configurations and from $949.99 at Best Buy and other third-party retailers in the US.

Although my review sample is limited to a 512GB solid-storage drive, current Swift Edge 16 models seem to offer 1TB at the minimum, doubling the space for software installs and documents.

Each model featuring the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U CPU, like my sample, comes with a 16-inch 3.2K (3200 x 2000) screen with a 16:10 ratio, supporting up to 120Hz refresh rates. One variant with a $1,299.99 MSRP uses Windows 11 Home rather than Pro for a small saving if you don't need the extra Pro features.

Two alternative Swift Edge 16 models feature a 16-inch WQUXGA (3840 x 2400) screen, still with a 16:10 ratio but dropping to 60Hz maximum refresh rates. One, with a Ryzen 7 7735U, carries a $1,299.99 MSRP, while the other, with a Ryzen 7 6800U, has a $1,499.99 MSRP.

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Acer Swift Edge 16: Design & features

The most exciting feature of the Acer Swift Edge 16 is its ultra-lightweight construction, part of its appeal as a 'full-sized' laptop without feeling like a burden to drag around on your travels. To its credit, I exclaimed my initial feelings on its weight the first time I held it, and it wasn't a family-friendly quote (in a good way!) It's an incredible feat, coming in lighter than the latest 15-inch Macbook Air's 1.51kg (3.3 lbs) with its smaller (non-OLED) screen.

From a bird's eye view, you get a 'full-size' keyboard with a squashed number pad, but it's there. Besides a saddening amount of branded stickers and a DTS logo, there are no visible speakers and only a slight hint of a cooling vent on the upper-right side. Thankfully, the keys have a decent travel distance with a satisfying clunk, so typing long-form content never felt uncomfortable or strange to me, and the backlight certainly helps in the late evenings.

Unusually, the touchpad is off-center, aligned further to the left side. It feels fine, but isn't anything special like you would find from Sensel haptic alternatives. Opening the display past the 90-degree point lifts the rear upwards slightly, designed to help with airflow from the fan module located on the underside. Two compact speakers are also tucked away underneath downward-facing grills, with modest playback hardware that lacks any real bass response.

Port selection is at least better than some modern laptops I've used recently, with 2x USB-C and 1x USB-A port on the left side paired with HDMI-out and 1x USB-A on the right side with a microSD card slot and a combination microphone/headphone 3.5mm port and Kensington lock mount. Perhaps the most subtle special feature of the Swift Edge 16 is its fingerprint reader, hidden inside the power button. Once set up with Windows Hello, logins are much faster than typing a password.

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Acer Swift Edge 16: Apps and experience

There are multiple pre-installed apps on the Swift Edge 16, and much of it is unnecessary. Acer Care Center can provide basic information about the laptop and perform 'checkups' on the storage, battery, and memory. However, the service it relies on takes a while to start on boot, reducing its appeal if you're genuinely having issues. It won't reveal anything you wouldn't find physically printed onto the laptop's underside or with first-party tools found in Windows 11.

Others, like Acer Jumpstart, are nothing more than shortcuts to a range of websites. A handful of installs from 'Random Salad Games LLC' lampoon those found in previous editions of Windows, including Solitaire and Hearts, but aren't anything special. Evernote, Express VPN, McAfee (and WebAdvisor by McAfee) can also be uninstalled, with Microsoft Defender protecting your computer from potential harm instead. A single pop-up message asks if you want to sign up for the 'Acer User Experience Program,' but it can be dismissed.

Acer Quick Access uses an Fn+F shortcut to change the 'System Usage Mode' from Silent, Normal, and Performance. However, the background task doesn't start immediately when logging into Windows 11, so it's quicker to change the power mode in Windows yourself. At this point, you could see more useful performance metrics by installing the AMD Adrenalin Edition software for the internal Radeon 780M graphics chip, rendering the Acer-branded companion apps reasonably useless.

Experience and usability

Using the Acer Quick Access app shows a 'System Usage Mode' with custom power profiles. With Silent, Normal, and Performance mirroring those of the default Windows 11 options. Setting the Swift Edge 16 to Silent mode with Best Power Efficiency in Windows Settings allowed me to browse the web in just that, total silence. I read some articles, added to this review, and updated my diet tracker spreadsheet with the latest numbers and added some simple autosum calculations.

Average cold boot time is 22 seconds on battery and while charging, from pressing the power button to reaching the Windows login screen. Once you're in Windows, opening the lid to wake from Sleep is practically instant, with only a potential bug related to Acer's Silent mode limiting the Radeon 780M iGPU to 800MHz at 15W. If I wanted to benchmark the full potential of the Ryzen CPU or test a game, I always ensured to fully shut down the Swift Edge 16 and perform a clean boot.

Should you reset Windows on this laptop?

Best answer: Yes.

Nothing of serious value will be compromised on the Acer Swift Edge 16 if you reset Windows 11 to factory settings. Firmware for all components, including the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U chipset, can be found on Acer's product support pages. To retain the enhanced audio functionality, ensure to download and install the XPERI DTS driver. All Acer companion apps can be reinstalled if you want any pre-installed shortcuts back.

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Acer Swift Edge 16: Benchmark results

Benchmarking the Acer Swift Edge 16 was set to be a fascinating journey from the start because it relies on AMD's Radeon 780M internal graphics inside the Ryzen 7 7840U APU. Regarding raw performance, AMD could outperform Intel's Iris Xe and UHD graphics in Intel's Core 13th and 14th Gen mobile processors. Still, this ultrathin Acer chassis isn't ideal for high-end hardware that demands intense thermal control to prevent overheating.

In CPU-centric benchmark tests like Geekbench 6, the Swift Edge 16 scored between an Intel 13th Gen Core i7-1370P and i7-13700H, the latter tested in our review of the $2,249 Dell XPS 15 (9530). However, after three attempts, CrossMark failed to complete with an 'invalid request' error and was abandoned. Still, Cinebench R23 scored similarly, with the Ryzen 7 7840U ranking between Intel's 12th Gen i7-1260P and 13th Gen i7-1360P.

For media-centric tests, Handbrake 1.7.2 took 3,258 seconds (just over 54 minutes) to encode Tears of Steel, a 6.27GB 4K video file, with the H.265 MKV 2160p60 profile. Rendering Piotr Krynski's 'Scan Island' scene from the demo files section of the official Blender website in Blender 4.0 took 26m 37s on the Cycles GPU setting. An iGPU stress test in 3DMark's Time Spy benchmark shows the Radeon 780M score almost identical to the previously reviewed AYANEO 2S handheld PC gaming console,  notably higher than any Intel Iris Xe performance.

The 3.2K OLED screen performed admirably in a SpyderX Pro colorimeter test, reporting 100% accuracy for sRGB color accuracy in web browsing and 100% for the DCI-P3 gamut. Adobe RGB tests reported 99% accuracy, which is still as close to perfect as it gets. It looks beautiful in person, reaching 384 nits max brightness with HDR disabled.

Some storage read and write issues appeared in CrystalDiskMark benchmarks, dropping to around 144 KB/s if all tests were run after waking the Swift Edge 16 from a sleep state. Shutting the laptop down for a clean reboot provided faster results from the 512GB Hynix NVME PCIe x4 M.2-2280 SSD, repeating the same problematic issues suffered by the iGPU after waking from sleep.

Can this laptop play games?

Best answer: Yes, at lower resolutions and graphical settings.

The Ryzen 7 7840U processor inside the Acer Swift Edge 16 is close in its specs to AMD's Ryzen Z1 Extreme mobile chip found in portable gaming handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. Each shares the exact core/thread count, amount of L3 cache, and potential clock speeds for the same Radeon 780M internal GPU. I found an occasional bug with the Swift Edge 16 related to waking it from sleep mode, which seemingly limits the iGPU to around 800MHz, slightly slower than Valve's Steam Deck with a base clock of around 1GHz. With modest graphical settings, this APU can still play some modern games if you restart Windows and launch games on a fresh boot.

Nevertheless, while the iGPU was erroneously capped at 800MHz (presumably stuck on the Acer Balanced or Silent profile,) I still achieved around 30 FPS (frames per second) with the AAA open-world adventure title Cyberpunk 2077 by scaling the graphical settings to fit a profile designed for the Steam Deck. After restarting the laptop, those settings reached 46 FPS, with the iGPU clock sticking around 1.4GHz. Playing at a 1280x800 native resolution to match the 16:10 screen, it's evident that the Radeon 780M has serious potential for lighter games even on battery power. The situation may improve further when AMD upgrades its drivers to support AMD Fluid Motion Frames (AFMF) as a framerate booster.

Battery life

Given the laptop's thin and lightweight chassis, I had expected a modest performance from the Swift Edge 16. Acer includes a 54 WHr battery for the 15W Ryzen 7 7840U, translating to a battery benchmark result of 6 hours and 43 minutes in the PCMark 10 modern office test, which simulates typical productivity apps. It's not a terrible score, though the more compact (albeit heavier) 14-inch Zenbook OLED review tests showed it clock a higher score of 7 hours and 24 minutes.

This number would be relatively realistic if I kept the laptop in the 'best power efficiency' mode via Windows 11's settings and 'silent mode' in Acer Quick Access. Using the speakers reduces the estimation, but the audio experience isn't comparable to any decent set of headphones. Scoring above six hours is passable for an ultrathin lightweight laptop but not the highest score in its category, presumably due to space-saving considerations made when Acer selected its slimline battery.

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Acer Swift Edge 16: The competition

It's impossible to discuss lightweight laptops without mentioning the LG Gram. You could buy a 16-inch LG Gram Style for $1,299.99 at Best Buy as I'm writing this, which includes the Intel 13th Gen Core i7-1360P that benchmarked so closely to the Ryzen 7 7840U in Acer's Swift Edge 16 and still enjoy a 3.2k OLED screen. It's undoubtedly the primary competitor, though it's worth considering the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3402) if you don't mind something smaller with the benefit of a much lower MSRP.

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Acer Swift Edge 16: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if ...

You should avoid this if ...

If you were led to my review by the promises made by Acer's marketing of the Swift Edge 16, I can say that it made good on its primary points. It's an incredibly lightweight, full-size laptop packing a stunning OLED panel running a 3.2K resolution at 120Hz with color accuracy that could be described as practically perfect. Keeping it in a power-efficient power mode, it never struggled to keep itself cool and was a delight to use on my lap at any time, ranking as one of the best lightweight laptops I've used.

However, the ultra-thin chassis comes with caveats. Battery life isn't terrible, but the most lightweight laptops are almost certainly geared towards mobile workers, and anyone taking this for a full day of traveling would undoubtedly need AC power sooner rather than later. Speaker quality takes a hit, too, with bass predictably reduced to being outclassed by some smartphones and tablets. Typing is fine, but the squashed number pad feels like an afterthought rather than a genuine feature, and the off-center touchpad can be a nuisance.

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What you need to know

• During CES 2024, Acer announced that the Nitro 17 budget-friendly gaming laptop will get a current-gen refresh.
• The 2024 model of the Nitro 17 will have 3 options for the CPU from Intel's Core i7 and i5 14th generation, along with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU.
• The refresh will also change the keyboard layout on the laptop to include Microsoft's new dedicated Copilot key.

If you're in the market for a new budget-friendly gaming laptop, the latest CES announcement from Acer may be for you. 

The company has announced a refresh for its Nitro 17 gaming laptop, pairing Intel's latest Core 14th-gen processors with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40-series GPUs to harness the improved power for current-gen gaming and efficient productivity. 

Improved hardware at a lower cost

Acer's current run of Nitro 17 gaming laptops (model number AN17-51) already feature 40-series NVIDIA GPUs, but they do lag behind with 13th-gen processors and cost around $300 more than the newly announced AN17-72 model.  The latest refresh will provide a fresh alternative for a gaming laptop that can also be used for creative and productive endeavors at a more affordable price point that would appeal to more casual gamers and students.

The Nitro 17 refresh will be available with 3 options for CPU power: The Intel Core i7-14700HX, i7-14650HX, or i5-14450HX which will be bolstered by up to 32 GB of DDR5 RAM, 2 TB of NVMe storage, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060. The laptop will support full ray tracing, which is displayed on a 17-inch IPS QHD display at a resolution of 2560 × 1440 at 165 Hz. 

Acer Nitro 17 gaming laptop specs

AI-enhancements and the new Copilot key

Whether you love or hate AI, tech companies seem to be full steam ahead with the nascent technology. Microsoft has recently announced the first changes to Windows keyboards, which will now feature a dedicated Copilot key for easier access to Microsoft's AI-powered "intelligent assistant". Acer will be adopting the new keyboard layout and including a Copilot key on its line of refreshed Nitro 17 gaming laptops. Further AI-backed enhancements, including support for NVIDIA's DLSS 3.5 technology and Acer's own Purified Voice 2.0 noise reduction tech, will also be included in the new Nitro laptops.

Copilot is Microsoft's answer to the now-defunct Cortana virtual assistant, which does leave some room for concern over Microsoft's push to encourage manufacturers of laptops to include it in new devices. Microsoft has a history of throwing weight behind technology in its infancy, only to later abandon it without care when the tech doesn't catch on commercially. Has the tech community forgotten the loss of the Windows Phone, Microsoft Zune, Mixer, or even the kinect?  It begs the question of whether these new "AI-enhanced laptops with dedicated Copilot keys" are at risk of becoming a relic, even though the hardware inside is still perfectly capable.

What you need to know

• Acer's upgraded 14th Gen Intel line of gaming laptops features improvements to AI integration.
• Two Predator Helios Laptops and two Predator Helios Neo gaming laptops have been announced, with something for top-end power and more mid-range gamers.
• A push for built-in AI capabilities comes via NVIDIA RTX tensor cores and a dedicated Copilot button. 

The CES 2024 (Consumer Electronics Show) just keeps on giving. Acer has announced four new laptops that bring more power and are the first generation of what can be considered an AI hardware expansion. Previous to 2024, most AI computing was done in the cloud and in huge data centers, but OEM manufacturers have progressed, likely at the request of huge cloud providers like Microsoft, to start offering local AI computing capabilities in the new hardware. 

Running data centers isn't cheap or environmentally friendly as some studies show running Copilot and ChatGPT queries can cost 1 bottle of fresh water in cooling. While shifting the workloads away from data centers to individual devices isn't likely to reduce the actual global impact of these queries, it could, over time and through technological improvement, lead to a lessening of impact. 

What exactly are these new gaming laptops?

The new Acer Predator Helios laptops come in 18-inch and 16-inch options. The mid-range Acer Predator Helios Neo laptops also come in 18-inch and 16-inch options. All of these new laptops are "upgraded to Intel Core 14th Gen processors, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs with DLSS 3.5. NVIDIA RTX Laptop GPUs are packed with specialized AI Tensor Cores enabling unmatched AI performance and accelerations increative apps, ultra-efficient productivity, blistering fast gaming, and more."

As Acer pointed out, and we covered as well, NVIDIA RTX features are now supported in 500 games and applications, so getting an NVIDIA GPU shouldn't be a downside. These new laptops also come with a dedicated Copilot button on the keyboard, making AI integration easier for end-users. So, let's take a look at some of the features.

• The Predator Helios 18 (PH18-72) will be available in North America in March, starting at USD $1,999.99.
• The Predator Helios 16 (PH16-72) will be available in North America in January, starting at USD $1,899.99.
• The Predator Helios Neo 18 (PHN18-71) will be available in North America in March, starting at USD $1,549.99.
• The Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16-72) will be available in North America in March, starting at USD $1,499.99.

What does hardware-based AI look like in the future?

There is a lot of talk right now about laptop manufacturers using NPU (Neural Processing) chips, which are supposed to assist with AI chips. Intel's new Core Ultra mobile chips should all have NPUs built-in, but it looks like gaming laptops will need to opt for ancillary options like NVIDIA's AI solution. It is likely, if Intel's Meteor Lake CPUs offer a significant improvement to the overall AI landscape in 2024, that 15th Gen Intel CPUs will have NPUs built in as well. But for now, the two categories seem to be distinct. 

It looks like Acer has done everything we should expect for the new line of gaming laptops. No major surprises here, but everything seems to be top of the line, and Acer is integrating AI as much as they can until Intel has better gaming spec CPUs with more AI features. 

Should I buy a new Acer Predator Helios laptop?

Honestly, it will be hard to find better options on the market, depending on design preference and budget. We aren't sure yet what the fully kitted-out builds will cost, but I don't see any major red flags with these new devices, and offering a mid-range option through the Helios Neo is a great idea. 

If you're looking to upgrade your laptop, the new Acer Predator Helios laptops with 14th Gen Intel CPUs are one of the best options out there. But there will be a ton of other laptop brands releasing similar devices. Keep your eyes on Windows Central, and we'll keep bringing you the newest technological innovations and other exciting news from CES. 

What you need to know

• Today at CES Acer announced new laptops as part of its Swift line-up.
• These new laptops are the Acer Swift Go 14, Swift Go 16 and the Swift X 14.
• All three are powered by Intel's new Core Ultra processors bringing AI features and Microsoft Copilot.

Following on from Acer's launch last month of its new Swift Go 14 laptops featuring the all new Intel Core Ultra processors and a slew of AI features, the company has announced its 2024 range of Swift laptops including even newer Swift Go 14's, Swift Go 16 and the Swift X 14. 

These all come with Acer's suite of software features such as Acer PurifiedVoice 2.0 and Acer PurifiedView video enhancement. Underneath, Intel's new Core Ultra chips power the show, and the brand-new Microsoft Copilot key will be adorning the keyboards. 

The Swift Go models offer 14- and 16-inch OLED designs and include Intel Wi-Fi 7, new usability features and AI powered abilities. 

The Swift X 14 is made for content creators and students, with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, NVIDIA RTX-accelerated apps and loaded with NVIDIA Studio drivers. This is topped off with a Calman-Verified 2.8K OLED display.

Here's what James Li, General Manager, Notebooks, IT Products Business, had to say about the new range of Swift laptops:

Jim Johnson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Client Business Group at Intel had this to say:

Prices and availability for the new range are as follows:

• Acer Swift Go 14 (SFG14-73/T) - Available in North America in March, starting at $749.99 and in EMEA in February, starting at €1099.
• Acer Swift Go 16 (SFG16-72/T) - Available in North America in March, starting at $799.99 and in EMEA in February, starting at €1149.
• Acer Swift X 14 (SFX14-72G) - Available in North America in February, starting at $1399.99 and in EMEA in February, starting at €1799.

We reviewed the Acer Swift X 14 recently as well as the Swift X 16 a few months back.  There were lots of positives to take from these laptops, and hopefully Acer has brought enough to the table for this upcoming 2024 range to improve on a promising formula.

As with Acer's competitors, 2024 laptops will be leaning hard into AI, not least with Microsoft leading the push with Copilot. By using Intel Core Ultra chips with the new built-in NPU, Acer's new Swift laptops will be able to benefit from on-device AI capabilities, too, with a raft of software expected to take advantage of it throughout the year. 

What you need to know

• Acer previews four Predator gaming monitors ahead of CES 2024: a massive 57-inch MiniLED Z57, a 34-inch MiniLED X34 V3, and two OLED displays, the 39-inch X39 and 34-inch X34 X.
• Aimed at hardcore gamers with premium curved panels, these monitors boast high refresh rates, resolutions, and HDR support.
• Set for release in Q2 2024, prices range from $899.99 to $2,499.99.

We're a few days away from CES 2024 (Consumer Electronics Show), but that doesn't mean you can't get a sneak peek at what each brand is planning, and Acer is apparently pulling up with a 'go big or go home' attitude with its latest gaming monitors. The show officially doesn't start until January 9, but these four Predator-branded screens already offer some specifications for their outlandish features, including the massive Predator Z57 with a curved 57-inch MiniLED panel.

A second, smaller MiniLED option, the 34-inch Predator X34 V3, has been unveiled alongside two OLED alternatives, a 39-inch Predator X39 and a 34-inch Predator X34 X. Confused by the naming scheme yet? You're not the only one. All four gaming monitors have been lumped together since they're targeting 'hardcore gamers' as part of a premium range of curved panels designed for those with plentiful desk space and craving only the finest display tech.

Whether OLED vs. MiniLED is worth it for your next monitor is up to you, but CES has hardly ever been known as the place for finding affordable budget tech, so let's dig into Acer's claims.

Curved MiniLED at 57-inch or a measly 34-inch?

Ah yes, just what my desk has been missing: 57 inches of curved MiniLED gaming. The Acer Predator Z57 is a complete monster with a 32:9 aspect ratio and 1000R curvature, wrapping around your peripheral vision with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Yes, 32:9 does seem excessive, but Acer includes PBP (picture by picture) support to show two 16:9 sources simultaneously, or you could use FancyZones in PowerToys as a more robust window management solution.

Acer's Predator gaming subbrand is hardly targeting office workers, anyway, so this DUHD (7680x2160) resolution uses a 2304-zone MiniLED setup entirely to offer the best visual fidelity it can for games at this size. VESA DisplayHDR 1000 support pairs with a max brightness of 1000 nits, though colors are only listed as 'highly accurate' with a DCI-P3 score of 98%, so we can't be sure about AdobeRGB yet. 2x HDMI 2.1 ports support modern consoles like Xbox Series X and DisplayPort 1.4 alongside USB-C for modern graphics cards and laptops, allowing for smooth refresh rates and the latest HDR support.

• The Acer Predator Z57 will be available in North America in Q2 2024, starting at $2,499.99.

As gigantic as it is, the Predator Z57 still supports 100x100 VESA mounts with tilt and swivel adjustment for hanging on suitable wall brackets or robust monitor arms, which would undoubtedly save on desk space. 2x 10W speakers are built into the frame, too, with an audio out port and USB 3.2 hub for accessories. If curved monitors are tempting you, it's a convincing option.

A more reasonably sized MiniLED alternative, the Acer Predator X34 V3, as you might expect, is the third version of its long-running 34-inch gaming monitor with a standard 21:9 ultrawide ratio. Molded to a 1500R rating, it's a little less curved than its giant X57 sibling, but it's also much smaller, so the effect would hardly be lost by a noticeable degree. Featuring a QHD (3440x1440) resolution, it potentially targets the next most popular option, taking over if gamers graduate from 1080p.

• The Acer Predator X34 V3 will be available in North America in Q2 2024, starting at $899.99.

DCI-P3 color accuracy is slightly lower at 94%, but you still get VESA DisplayHDR 1000 support and a boost of up to 180Hz refresh rates for ultra-smooth gaming with a 1ms response rate. It's a more reasonable pick, and the caveats aren't too severe, though you get standard HDMI 2.0 ports instead of 2.1 and dual 5W speakers instead of 10W. However, targeting 1440p with support for anything above 144Hz is ideal for the new middle ground of PC gaming.

240Hz gaming on curved OLEDs

OLED panels don't feel quite as cutting edge in 2024, but they're still a massive improvement over traditional TFT LCD monitors if they match or beat the response times and resolution. They're still a personal preference for me if I can get my hands on them for a reasonable price. Acer has two on the larger side to show off at CES: The 39-inch Predator X39 and the 34-inch Predator X34 X. Both are 240Hz curved gaming monitors with UWQHD (3440x1440) resolutions, sticking to 21:9 ultrawide ratios and packing a lightning-fast 0.01 response time.

• The Acer Predator X39 will be available in North America in Q2 2024, starting at $1,499.99.
• The Acer Predator X34 X will be available in North America in Q2 2024, starting at $1,299.99.

An aggressive 800R curvature should seriously immerse any gamer since the screen is practically wrapped around their head. VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 is an option for those who want it (single-player games only, thanks,) and the highest DCI-P3 rating so far of 99% color accuracy makes both a viable option for content creators looking to edit images and video with a near-perfect gamut.

Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino and Tech & Gaming Editor Rebecca Spear will both be on the floor at CES 2024 in Las Vegas next week and if these monitors look as good in person as they sound, we'll bring you some first-hand impressions.

What you need to know

• Acer launches new devices with SpatialLabs stereoscopic 3D technology catering to 3D content creators (Aspire 3D 15 laptop) and gamers (Predator SpatialLabs View 27 monitor).
• Screens on both allow for real-time 3D experiences without needing glasses or any other face-worn accessories.
• The $1,399.99 Aspire 3D 15 launches in February, while the $1,999 SpatialLabs View 27 is slated for Q2 2024.

Acer is back at CES for 2024 with more additions to its SpatialLabs range of hardware featuring stereoscopic displays designed to transform flat 2D images into immersive 3D without needing a pair of plastic glasses. Previously released Predator laptops offered glasses-free 3D with the same technology, with a View Pro 4K monitor following soon after, so this is more of a portfolio expansion than a tech revelation.

It's not just Acer taking a swing at this experimental tech; ASUS Spatial Vision works similarly. Still, this new pairing of a laptop and monitor isn't exclusively aimed at gamers, as the latest Aspire 3D 15 SpatialLabs Edition laptop is geared more toward 3D content creators, while the Predator SpatialLabs View 27 monitor handles the immersive experiences for PC gaming. We got some early specs ahead of CES, so let's look at the details.

Aspire 3D 15 SpatialLabs Edition laptop