Acer Swift 7 now available with Intel Kaby Lake -- world's thinnest Windows 10 laptop

 

Manufacturers seem obsessed with making laptops, tablets, and smartphones both thinner and lighter. You know what? That is a good thing. As long as the design isn't entirely form over function, who can argue with a more sleek device? As someone who is constantly carrying a laptop in a backpack, having a lightweight machine is wonderful for my back and shoulders.
 
Speaking of svelte laptops, the Acer Swift 7 is the world's thinnest. Yes, the 13.3 inch Windows 10 notebook is apparently a record-breaker at an insane 0.39 inches height. You might think the 2.48 pound PC would have an Intel Core M processor, but actually, it has a Kaby Lake Core i5.
 
"The first model available in the Swift 7 Series is the SF713-51-M90J. It gets its powerful performance from a 7th Generation Intel Core i5-7Y54 Processor (1.2GHz/ up to 3.2GHz), while a lightning fast 256GB SSD and 8GB RAM enables fast boot up and apps to open quickly", says Acer.
 
The company further says, "additional high performance features include the latest wireless technology (2x2 802.11ac with MU-MIMO) for up to three times faster connections than older wireless standards, even at longer ranges. Dual USB 3.1 Type-C ports are included for quick data transfer, connection to an external display, and to charge the notebook. It can also recharge external devices like smartphones".
 
Acer shares the following specs.

• Display: 13.3 inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) with IPS technology (NON-touch) Corning Gorilla Glass 4
• Processor: 7th Generation Intel Core i5-7Y54 Processor (1.2GHz/ up to 3.2GHz)
• Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615
• Memory: 8GB LPDDR3 SDRAM
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Keyboard and Touchpad: Chiclet style keys Precision Touchpad (5.5 inch x 2.5 inch)
• Interfaces/Ports: 1 x USB 3.1 (Type C) (Gen 1 up to 5Gbps) supporting data, power and Display Port over USB-C, 1 x USB 3.1 (Type C) (Gen 1 up to 5Gbps) supporting data and power, 1 x 3.5mm combo jack (headphone/speaker)
• Battery: 4-cell Li-Ion (2770 mAh) Up to 9 hours
• Wi-Fi: 802.11ac WiFi Featuring 2x2 MU-MIMO technology (Dual-Band 2.4GHz and 5GHz)
• Webcam: HD (1280 x 720) supporting High Dynamic Range (HDR)

 

 
If you are interested in buying this gold and black beauty, it can be yours immediately for $1099.99 as configured above; additional configurations are on the way. For now, it is only available from Acer directly, but the manufacturer promises future availability at other popular retailers such as Amazon, Newegg, and BestBuy to name a few.
 
~ Brian Fagioli

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Acer announces the C720 Haswell Chromebook

The technology community is abuzz with excitement over the next-generation of Chromebooks. Yesterday, my colleague Joe Wilcox reviewed the sexy $279 Chromebook 11 by Hewlett-Packard. Sadly, while HP's Chromebook looks great, it is very much under-powered. After all, the specs are the same as last year's Samsung model -- ARM processor and a paltry 2GB of RAM.
 
Today, Acer announces the C720 which undercuts the HP variant in price and trumps it in specifications.
 
Acer says, "the new Chromebook is powered by an Intel Celeron 2955U processor based on the Intel Haswell micro-architecture, so it delivers a noticeable boost in both performance and battery life. The battery keeps customers going for up to 8.5 hours, ideal for all day productivity and fun. Customers can power through web pages and docs, and will also enjoy fluid HD video and apps with the support of up to 4GB of DDR3L memory".

Yes, you read that right, it has a Haswell-based processor and 4GB of RAM. But wait, that's not all -- Acer has priced the computer at $249. While it is arguably not as attractive as the HP Chromebook 11, it will trounce it in performance for $30 less. It even adds USB 3.0, HDMI-out and an SD card slot, all of which are nowhere to be found on the HP.
 
"The device weighs only 2.76 pounds, so it’s easy to carry in a backpack or bag. The slim and sleek size of the Acer C720 still provides room for a vibrant 11.6-inch ComfyView HD display with a 1366x768 resolution that keeps websites, images and video crisp and clear. Plus, the display has a matte, anti-glare property, enabling students and families to enjoy the Chromebook outside in sunlight for classwork, reading, playing games and more", says the computer manufacturer.
 
"The Acer C720 is a significant step forward for our highly-acclaimed Acer Chromebook line, as it delivers speedy performance, quick boot times, a matte anti-glare display and a slimmer design that is portable enough for anywhere use...these key advances allow families and students to continue collaborating, learning and playing in exciting ways, all while staying secure since Chrome OS includes multiple layers of protection from online threats", says Arif Maskatia, chief technology officer at Acer.
 
While you really can't go wrong with any modern Chromebook, this Acer seems like the best "bang for your buck". In reality, there is no reason that anyone should choose the HP model over it. This seems to be the "it" laptop for the holidays and it will make a great gift for anyone in your family. It is available to pre-order today at BestBuy.com and Amazon.com. I cannot wait to get my hands on it.

What do you think? HP Chromebook 11 for $279 vs. Acer C720 for $249, which would you buy?
 
~ Brian Fagioli

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