Computer maker Acer couldn’t let rivals HP, with its new eco-friendly pcs, and Lenovo, with its new ThinkBook and small office products take all the thunder at the world’s biggest electronics expo, showcasing a host of new and updated notebooks across its portfolio aimed at mobile professionals.
Concept D Ezel Series
Looking to make a bigger splash in high-end computers aimed at content creators, Acer’s Creator PC line has received some notable additions and improvements. The first is the ConceptD 7 Ezel, pronounced like ‘easel’ (see what they did there), which features an innovative hinge that allows for five different usage modes: sharing, floating, stand, pad, or display. Each mode has various content creator workflows in mind, like collaboration or sketching with the included WACOM digital pen.
The internals are designed around the power that content creators need. The standard model can be configured with up to a 10th Gen Intel Core H-series processor and 32GB DDR4 memory, while the Pro variant runs a more workstation like Xeon processor. Graphics are handled by NVIDIA’s RTX class GPUs and joins NVIDIAs RTX Studio Program.
With content creation in mind, extra attention has been spent on the quality of the built-in 400-nit 4K (3840 x 2160) display.† Each model includes color correction technologies and are calibrated to deliver superior fidelity in reproducing the PANTONE Matching System (PMS) Colors. This “ensures true-to-life color reproduction with a 100% Adobe†RGB color gamut and a color accuracy of Delta E <2," according to Acer.
Each will be available in North America starting at $2,699 for the standard model and $3,099 for the Pro.
ConceptD 700
Those more interested in the desktop variety of workstations should take a close look at the new ConceptD 700. The outside is eye-catching and unique thanks to its Scandinavian design-inspired look, complete with white finish, rounded corners, and woodgrain-like finishes on the top. It won’t catch your ears, however, as Acer boasts its operational noise level at just 40dBA.
The insides are powerful for a modern workstation, featuring an Intel Xeon E processor and (up to) NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000 graphics, 64GB DDR4, and fast storage options like PCEe M.2 SSDs.
Expect the ConceptD 700 to hit Europe in March. Hopefully it gets a release in North America sometime after.
TravelMate P6 and P2
Acer’s TravelMate notebooks are designed around mobile professionals seeking all-day power, modern designs, and enhanced connectivity. The newest additions are the 14- and 15-inch TravelMate P6 and P2 notebooks.
The TravelMate P6 starts with a magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis that is stronger and lighter than standard aluminum alloys. It’s mil-spec tested (810G and 810F), allowing it to survive the day-to-day of the typical mobile worker.
The P6 is designed for serous mobile use thanks to a combination of a 2.4 pound lap weight and enough battery to last 23 hours (synthetic testing on the 4-cell battery option), which can also be charged to 50% in less than 45 minutes.
The rest is what you’d expect from a modern ultrabook in 2020, like 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processors, up to 24 GB DDR4 memory, up to NVIDIA†GeForce†MX250 graphics, and up to 1 TB of PCIe SSD storage.
The TravelMate P2 follows in the footsteps of the P6, but instead of the focus on run-time, the P2 focuses more on connectivity. Integrated Intel Wi-Fi 6 ensures fast networking speeds, while the Nano Sim- or eSIM-enabled 4G LTE keeps workers connected wherever they are.
Inside you’ll find up to 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processors, and it can be outfitted with an optional NVIDIA GeForce MX230 GPU, 32GB DDR memory, and a configurable dual-drive storage system. The P2 also has a full compliment of ports, like VGA, HDMI, and USB-C.
Expect both models to be available in February starting at $699 for the P2 and $1,149 for the P6.
Spin 5 and Spin 3 Convertible
Acer’s Spin 3 and Spin 5 convertible notebooks have been updated with slimmer designs and new internals for 2020.† As a 360-degree convertible, the Spin series has content creators and students in mind, and each includes a fast-charging WACOM AES stylus with 4,096 pressure levels. The Spin 5 can be upgraded to a WACOM AES 2.0 stylus for smoother and more-accurate writing.
Both models are attractive, though the Spin 5 stands out with its 13.5-inch 2K display in a 3:2 aspect ratio, surrounded by slim 7.78mm bezels, magnesium aluminum chassis, integrated fingerprint reader, and 2.65 lbs. lap weight.
Each model can be powered by up to 10th Gen Intel†Core†i7 processors, Intel†Iris†Plus integrated graphics, Wi-Fi 6, and 16GB of RAM. The Spin 5 gets two USB-C ports (with Thunderbolt), two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, HDMI, and a Micro SD card reader. The Spin 3 is similar, but less a USB-C port.
Battery life clocks in at 15 and 13 hours (synthetic), and is about what one would expect for a notebook at this level.†Each device supports fast charging, which allows for four hours of use on a 30-minute charge.
The Spin 3 will hit North America in April, starting at $699. The Spin 5 hits in June starting at $899.
