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The world's lightest 15-inch laptop can't help but be fragile
Acer 15-inch Switch 5, the lightest laptop of its size in the world, isn't an entirely new product. At an event in May, Acer told us it was coming, but all the company had to show was a nonfunctional mockup of the product -- an idea of what the final hardware would look like. But picking up the finished article today, it still feels very much like a dummy model. It's so light, at just under 2.2 pounds (990g), you'd think it was nothing but a plastic case and a sticker for a screen.
Watch Acer's IFA 2018 event in 9 minutes
Acer often has a lot to show at its events, and its IFA 2018 presentation was no exception. The tech giant unveiled a bevy of laptops, including the world's lightest 15-inch laptop and a metal-clad budget Chromebook. However, that was really just the start. It also launched a uniquely detachable mixed reality headset, and even a gaming cockpit that's practically a throne. It's a lot to take in, but don't worry -- we've condensed Acer's announcements into a nine-minute video that covers all the bases.
Acer's latest Swift laptops are thinner and lighter than ever
Acer prides itself on making some of the most portable laptops around, and new hardware the company brought to IFA today is no different. Acer already had an extremely lightweight notebook in the existing Swift 5, but a larger screen on the latest model means it now lays claim to the title of the world's lightest 15-inch laptop. Technically the 1080p touchscreen is a little bigger, measuring 15.6-inches in total, but narrow bezels and a body blended from magnesium, lithium and aluminum keeps the weight under 2.2 pounds (990g).
Hands on with Acer's premium Chromebooks and Helios 500
If you've been turned off by the limited horsepower in Chromebooks so far, Acer's new Spin 13 might be for you. It sports either an Intel Core i3 or Core i5 CPU, something we've only seen in Google's pricey Pixelbook. In a brief hands-on session at Acer's launch event today, the Chromebook Spin 13 definitely felt a cut above the Chrome OS competition. Its metallic case is sturdy and smooth, and since it's a "Spin" model from Acer, you can also twist the screen all the way around to use it as a tablet. It's not exactly exciting, but it shows there's more for the Chromebook market beyond sluggish education-focused machines.
Acer's first high-end Chromebooks are built for business
Acer's Chromebooks to date have been entry-level models that you're more likely to find in grade school than the office, but the company is about to change its reputation. It's launching a slew of devices headlined by the Chromebook Spin 13 convertible and the regular Chromebook 13. Gone are the small screens, pokey performance and frugal builds associated with prior models -- the systems tout 3:2 ratio 13-inch screens, 8th-generation Intel Core processor choices, up to 16GB of RAM, all-metal shells and trackpads covered in Gorilla Glass. Like Google's own Pixelbook, these are for people who can use Chrome OS for heavy-duty tasks and are willing to pay for the privilege.
Acer offers the first laptops with Alexa built-in
HP may have been the first to offer an all-in-one with Alexa built-in, but Acer is determined to do the same for the laptop realm. It just revealed that several of its laptops are the first to ship with Amazon's voice assistant already installed. The Spin 3 and Spin 5 should be available at stores right now, while the Nitro 5 Spin convertible will pack Alexa when it arrives in June. Aspire, Switch and Swift PCs (including Aspire desktops) will offer Alexa with shipments over the "next few weeks."
Acer's Switch 7 hybrid tablet has dedicated graphics without a fan
Acer's Switch 5 tablet wasn't something to write home about. The kickstand was clever, but what else was there to lure you away from, say, a Surface Pro? The company has a better answer today. It's launching a slew of new PCs at IFA 2017, and the headliner has to be the Switch 7 Black Edition. While the 13.5-inch slate is larger and heavier (2.5lbs) than the Switch 5, it's also the first fanless 2-in-1 to pack dedicated graphics -- in this case NVIDIA's GeForce MX150. You probably won't be playing Destiny 2 on this machine, but the extra visual oomph should help with video streaming and creative apps while giving you enough peace and quiet to concentrate.
Acer's latest PCs include the first curved screen laptop
You no longer have to stick to your desk to enjoy a flashy curved display. Acer is unveiling flood of new laptops at Germany's IFA show, and the highlight by far is the Predator 21 X -- according to Acer, the world's first curved screen laptop. As the name suggests, opening up this gigantic gaming portable reveals a 21-inch curved, ultra-wide display that promises more immersion than you're used to with portable gaming. It 'only' touts a 2,560 x 1,080 resolution, but NVIDIA G-Sync support should give you smoother, game-friendly output.
