Acer Swift 3: A Balanced Blend of Portability and Performance
The Acer Swift 3 is part of Acer's lineup of ultraportable laptops, positioned below the high-end Swift 7 and Swift 5. Despite being more affordable, it doesn't compromise on essential features. Notably, it's Acer's first laptop to achieve Intel's Engineered for Mobility Certification, or Project Athena, which guarantees instant wake-up, robust performance, extended battery life, fast connectivity, and a compact form factor.
Design and Build Quality
The Acer Swift 3's design is commendable for its aluminum chassis, which adds durability without significantly increasing the weight. The unit reviewed, the Swift 3 SF313-52-78W6, offers a pleasing balance between rigidity and lightness. The touchpad is responsive and accurate, comfortably supporting multi-finger gestures. The keyboard, while slightly flexing under heavy typing, provides a satisfactory typing experience. The laptop's weight at 2.62 lbs makes it a strong competitor in portability, similar to the Dell XPS 13.
Display
This model features a 13.5-inch display with a resolution of 2256x1504. The 3:2 aspect ratio, unusual compared to the standard 16:9, offers more vertical space, enhancing productivity. The screen is adequately bright for indoor use but struggles under direct sunlight. Color accuracy is decent, but not outstanding, with an average deltaE of 3.9.
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Performance and Hardware
Powered by a Core i7-1065G7 processor, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, the Swift 3 is well-equipped for general productivity tasks. The performance is reliable, though it may not satisfy those seeking top-tier gaming or intensive media editing capabilities.
Battery Life and Charging
Equipped with a 56 Wh battery, the Swift 3 delivers impressive battery life. Acer's claim of up to 16 hours seems accurate, with over 15 hours achievable under light usage. However, charging through a DC barrel jack instead of USB-C might be a downside for some users.
Audio and Webcam
The downward-firing speakers provide sufficient volume but lack depth in sound quality. The webcam, suitable for video conferencing, offers decent performance but could benefit from better detail and color reproduction.
Connectivity
For remote work and online meetings, the Swift 3's audio and webcam setup is adequate, though not exceptional. The speakers and webcam are fine for general use, but those needing higher quality might need to look elsewhere.
Conclusion
The Acer Swift 3 strikes a balance between affordability and functionality. Its mid-range positioning makes it an ideal choice for students or frequent travelers who need a combination of performance and portability. While it doesn't excel in any particular area, it provides a well-rounded experience suitable for everyday use. The Swift 3 is a sensible choice for those seeking a laptop that delivers on essential aspects without breaking the bank.
