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Acer Unveils Slim Windows 10 Notebooks, Convertible Chromebook, Curved Screen Laptop (zdnet.com)

Posted by msmash on from the shiny-gadgets dept.

Ahead of this week's IFA consumer electronics trade show in Berlin, Acer has unveiled a range of notebook computers. The company has a new 13-inch Chromebook R 13 laptop, which it says can also be used as a tablet. There's a new line of Windows 10 Swift notebooks and Spin convertible laptops that are powered by Intel's just unveiled seventh generation Core processors. The Chromebook R13 sports a screen resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, and is powered by a MediaTek quad-core processor coupled with 4GB of RAM. It also houses a USB Type-C, USB 3.0, and HDMI ports. It offers as much as 12-hour of battery life. ZDNet adds:The 14-inch Spin 7 features an aluminium unibody design and is powered by an Intel Core i7 processor, with up to 8GB RAM, and 256 GB solid state disk storage. It weighs 1.2 kg (2.6 pounds) with a width of 10.98mm (0.43 inches). It also includes two USB 3.1 Type-C ports. The Spin 7 goes on sale in the US and Europe in October, with prices starting at $1,199 and 1,299 euro respectively. Heading up Acer's ultra-slim lineup is the aluminium construction, black and gold Swift 7. It features a 13.3-inch full-HD IPS display and Intel 7th generation i5 processor, with a 256GB SSD and 8GB RAM. It boasts fast wireless and dual USB 3.1 Type-C ports. Acer is promising nine hours of battery life for the device, which weighs 1.1kg (2.48 pounds) and has a height of 9.98mm (0.39 inches), making it the slimmest in the Swift series. It will be available in the US and Europe in October from $999 and 1,299 euro respectively.

3 of 46 comments (clear)

  1. Regarding The monster Predator 21 X by npslider · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I thought that curved screens were more of a marketing gimmick, especially at smaller sizes, where the immersion effect is less noticeable? The article I cited below refers to large screen TV's viewed at a distance; I wonder how this rule applies to smaller screens viewed up close?

    http://www.trustedreviews.com/...

    "Our experience to date is that the effectiveness of curved screens is directly proportional to their size. With all of the 55-inch models we’ve tested the curve’s benefits felt pretty minimal, while some of the problems – particularly the sweet spot issues – were more noticeable. With the 65-inch models it's easier to appreciate the picture benefits while feeling less aggrieved by the negatives (except for the reflections one). Bigger screens support more viewers more easily too. Despite enjoying the 65-inch models, though, our feeling is that the curve will only potentially feel of significant benefit at truly colossal sizes of 70 inches or more."

    Has anyone used a smaller curved screen? Does it improve the viewing experience?

    1. Re:Regarding The monster Predator 21 X by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Interesting

      Curved screens are a very clever gimmick. Basically, they require the use of special patented LEDs, which only two companies can make. So, they did a big market push for early adopters and those who measure themselves by the expense of their electronics junk. Worked great because when you see a curved screen, you instantly know that person shelled out big bucks for them, and because it is expensive, it looks better to the purchaser despite the fact the curve causes all sorts of problems.

    2. Re:Regarding The monster Predator 21 X by PPalmgren · · Score: 3, Interesting

      Can't really comment on smaller ones, but I bought a 34' curved screen recently to replace two 27' monitors on my desk. It has helped mainly with regards to eyestrain, and color uniformity is pretty solid so I have no complaints.