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What to expect at Computex 2019
Computex offers us a chance to check in on the health of the PC market in an era when it was expected to wither on the vine. At last year's show, the PC industry, either through desperation or a newfound confidence, started to innovate once more. We saw designs with multiple screens, attempts to kill off the keyboard and better ideas around portability. It may have taken far longer than expected, but PC makers have realized they can't simply expect people to buy their products just because. So this what we're expecting, and in some cases hoping, to see this year at Computex when we hit the ground in Taiwan next week.
These gaming laptops pack the latest Intel and NVIDIA hardware
If you prefer your PC gaming in portable form, you're enjoying an embarrassment of riches right now. Intel has unveiled gaming-friendly 9th-generation Core laptop processors, while NVIDIA has unveiled GTX 16-series mobile GPUs that promise solid performance without giant budgets (or giant coolers). That also means a lot of PC makers introducing systems, though, and that's a lot to wade through if you're in the market. Don't worry -- we've rounded up some of the bigger introductions to help you keep track of what's new.
Acer updates select laptops with the latest from Intel and NVIDIA
This morning, Intel debuted its 9th-generation mobile core processor, the i9-9980HK, and revealed a slew of other 9th-gen chips. In the hours following, a wave of gaming laptop makers announced that they're adding the new chips and the latest NVIDIA graphic cards to their machines. Now, you can add Acer to the list of companies offering laptops with the latest internals.
Acer ConceptD 9 laptop hands-on: A bombastic attempt to stand out
Acer has been busy. It unveiled a whole new brand of computers at its global press conference today, showing off not just a trio of laptops and a pair of desktops, but three monitors and a new VR headset as well. That's in addition to the slew of gaming laptops and displays it also launched here. The new series, called ConceptD, is the result of a collaboration with IF Design and focuses on four principles: accurate color reproduction, powerful performance, silent fans and attractive design.
Hands-on with the Acer Helios 700's sliding keyboard
At first glance, the Acer Predator Helios 700 looks like a chunky gaming notebook. But when you lay your hands on the palm rest and pull it towards you, the keyboard effortlessly slides out. It not only looks impressive, it's a helpful feature that improves cooling, since moving the keyboard forward lets the fans bring in more air. And it also places the wrist rest at an angle, which makes it more ergonomic for your hands to lay on.
Acer has a new pro-grade computer line called 'ConceptD'
Acer had a lot to share at its annual global press conference in New York today. In addition to a slew of gaming laptops and monitors, it showed off a new line of pro-grade computers. Called ConceptD, the new series is the result of a collaboration with IF Design agency and targets creators who want machines that look as good as the work they produce.
Acer's Helios 700 gaming notebook sports a keyboard that slides out
Acer's Predator Helios 700 does something we've never seen before in a gaming laptop: Its keyboard slides out towards you, almost like a desktop.That both helps with cooling, and makes it more ergonomic. As the company's latest flagship gaming notebook, it also has all of the hardware you'd expect: NVIDIA's RTX 2070 or 2080 GPUs, and Intel's upcoming 9th generation laptop CPUs (which still haven't been officially announced). This isn't the first unique gaming notebook we've seen from Acer: Back at CES, we also saw the Predator Triton 900, which has a unique hinge for flipping the display. The Helios 700 is also reminiscent of ASUS's ROG Mothership and its unique detachable keyboard. It's interesting to see PC companies transforming how users interact with their keyboards. It's especially important for gaming, since a more comfortable keyboard could mean the difference between taking a headset in in an Apex Legends showdown, or emerging triumphant.
Acer's giant 43-inch gaming monitor has 144Hz variable refresh
Acer revealed its latest Predator gaming monitor at its Next@Acer event Thursday. The 43-inch CG437K P has a variable refresh rate of 144Hz on its 4K UHD display, with a maximum resolution of 3840 x 2160. It's also compatible with AdaptiveSync technology for PC games.
Engadget at 15: A look at how much tech has changed
A lot has changed since Engadget was born, both in the gadgets we use and what we do with them on a regular basis. When the site started in 2004, fitness trackers, voice assistants and electric cars were the stuff of fiction. Now most of these are commonplace, so much so that we put our trust in them on a daily basis. To celebrate Engadget's 15th birthday, here are 15 things that didn't exist 15 years ago.
Chromebook to Android instant tethering expands beyond Google devices
There were hints Google was expanding its Internet Tethering feature to third-party devices, and now it's official. The simple cellular hotspot connection is available on 15 additional Chromebooks and 31 further Android phones, making it that much easier to get online when you're away from WiFi. You can read the full lists for both below, but the Chromebook list includes models from Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Samsung, while the phones include relatively recent hardware from HTC, Huawei, LG, Motorola, OnePlus and Samsung. There's a good chance you're covered.
Acer's latest Chromebooks for schools include models with AMD chips
Acer is hoping to shake up its school-ready Chromebooks in the same way it did with its everyday models. The company has introduced no less than six new Chromebooks for education, including two AMD-powered models. The 11.6-inch Chromebook Spin 311 R721T convertible (above) and the more conventional Chromebook 311 C721 both use AMD A4 processors with Radeon graphics that should deliver reasonably speedy visuals for students. Logically, they're also built to handle abuse with military-grade bodies, tamper-resistant keyboards and an antimicrobial touchscreen on the Spin.
All the laptops that came out at CES 2019
With the latest release of NVIDIA's RTX ray-tracing laptop chips, any manufacturer can make a fast and lightweight laptop. To stand out now, you need to try something new, so this year at CES 2019, the focus was on displays and eccentric designs. Dell and HP showed that the future of gaming and multimedia laptop panels is both brighter and faster. Alienware's laptop featured an upgradeable CPU and GPU, ASUS unveiled an all-in-one-like ROG laptop and Acer's Predator Triton 900 had a singular hinge and exorbitant price tag. At the same time, there were many excellent-looking new models rocking NVIDIA's latest chips. Without further ado, here's a roundup of everything we saw.
Gaming laptops are getting wonderfully weird in 2019
The gaming laptop renaissance is upon us. For the past few years, they've been getting thinner, lighter and more powerful, thanks to NVIDIA's 10-series Max-Q graphics cards. But this year at CES, they got truly weird and wild. Alienware's Area 51m lets you swap out its CPU and GPU, like a proper desktop! ASUS's ROG Mothership is basically an all-in-one PC masquerading as a notebook. And Acer's Predator Triton 900 has one of the craziest hinges we've ever seen.
Acer's Swift 7 laptop feels almost impossibly tiny
Acer announced its redesigned Swift 7 laptop yesterday, but it's the kind of computer you really need to see in person. Last year's model was impressively svelte, and Acer promised the new version would be even smaller. Well, after spending some time checking the new Swift 7 out, it looks like Acer managed to make a more compelling laptop than last years's model without introducing too many compromises.
Acer's Predator Triton 900 is a $4,000 gaming laptop with a crazy hinge
Back at IFA, Acer first showed us the Predator Triton 900, a computer that doesn't look like your average gaming laptop thanks to the company's impressively-engineered but unusual "Ezel Aero Hinge" display design. Acer didn't have much to say about it in August, but at CES today we're getting more details. Let's start with that hinge: Acer says the CNC-machined Ezel Aero Hinge lets the Triton 900 work in four different display modes, including a stand mode that utilizes the touchscreen for creation tools. If you're someone who doesn't mind drawing on a screen with a stylus, this might actually be a computer worth checking out, particularly if you're a gamer.
Greetings from CES 2019!
It feels like CES only just ended, but we're back in Las Vegas for the 2019 edition and we couldn't be more excited. Just like always, there will be plenty of cars, TVs and smart appliances. But, we're here to separate the wheat from the chaff and bring you only the best (or at least the most interesting) tech from CES 2019. The show floor hasn't even opened yet and already several companies have made a splash -- including Apple, which continues to skip the event in any official capacity. But that hasn't stopped it from grabbing some attention. Of course, you don't want to miss out on all our liveblogs, our three epic days of live stage shows which all culminates with the official Best of CES awards on Thursday at 8pm ET / 5pm PT.
Acer's new Swift 7 is even thinner and lighter than the original
Acer's thin, light and expensive Swift 7 laptop was first revealed a year ago at CES, but the company is already back with an updated model that includes Intel's latest processors while cutting size and weight even further. The 2019 Swift 7 includes Intel's 8th-generation Core-i7 processor, a step up over the older silicon in last year's model. It's the 8500Y variant, which means its a dual-core chip and can run without fans -- something that makes sense given the compact dimensions of the Swift 7.
Acer's Chromebook 315 is its first with AMD processors
Acer has been making Chromebooks for years, and it says that its 15.6-inch models have been among the most popular it sells. So, no surprise that Acer is releasing a new one -- at least, no surprise until we discover the new Chromebook 315 has AMD silicon on the inside. Just like HP's new Chromebook 14, the Acer Chromebook 315 includes AMD's A4 or A6 dual-core processors with integrated Radeon graphics (R4 or R5, respectively). Basically every Chromebook worth buying has included some sort of Intel processor, so we're very curious to see how the AMD models compare.
StarVR puts its developer headsets on hold amid financial woes
StarVR's headset plans are facing a serious setback. The company has confirmed to UploadVR that it's putting its StarVR One developer program "on hold" a month after starting sign-ups due to both problems with its "key overseas shareholder" and while it's in the midst of becoming a private company. One of StarVR's main stakeholders, Starbreeze, both filed for reconstruction (akin to bankruptcy) in Sweden and had to grapple with an arrest for insider trading. StarVR itself, meanwhile, has delisted itself from the Taipei Exchange Emerging Markets over concerns about the state of the VR industry.
The best laptops to give as gifts
Even at the cheaper end, laptops make for expensive gifts, and with tons of options out there, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Let us help simplify things for you. If you check out our 2018 holiday gift guide, you'll see we narrowed our shortlist to just half a dozen machines. Dell's latest XPS 13 is a terrific all-rounder if you're looking to buy someone a Windows laptop. AGigabyte's lightweight Aero 15X, meanwhile, is a solid choice for those who want to play games on the go. Our picks also include Microsoft's Surface Go, the ASUS Chromebook Flip and the updated MacBook Air, which is so new it hasn't even begun shipping yet. Whether you're buying for a gamer, a person with basic needs, or someone overdue for a new ultraportable, we think we've found someone for nearly everyone.
