Yesterday we heard for the first time about a possible 21-inch curved screen gaming laptop being readied by Acer. It was one of the 'supply chain' source stories via DigiTimes, but lo-and-behold it has been confirmed today, at IFA Berlin 2016, by Acer. We've got plenty of details, pictures and even a video, so read on…
Acer Predator 21 X gaming laptop
Acer has launched the world's first curved screen laptop – and it's got a huge display for a laptop, at 21-inches in diagonal. The Acer Predator 21 X gaming laptop's screen is a curved IPS panel with a resolution of 2560 x 1080 pixels, with G-SYNC variable refresh support.
Inside, the machine packs plenty of power with a choice of 7th generation Intel Core processor plus dual Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 graphic cards in SLI. Helping these powerful components tick over smoothly, Acer has fitted an "advanced cooling architecture" with 5 system fans, 3 of which are Acer's specially designed ultra-thin AeroBlade metal fans.
Other highlights of the Predator 21 X include; built-in Tobii eye-tracking technology, SoundPound 4.2+ (4 speakers and 2 subwoofers), 3-way audio and Dolby Audio, a full mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX switches offering customizable RGB backlight settings for each individual key, plus a flip-over numpad which converts to a precision touchpad area.
Within its Predator gaming range Acer also announced a trio of Predator monitors featuring Tobii eye-tracking technology and Nvidia G-SYNC. The more 'regular' Predator 15 and Predator 17 gaming laptops were upgraded to offer up-to an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 graphics chip and Windows 10 as standard. Acer has provided prices for all its new products in a press release – except for the Predator 21 X…
Other Acer products at IFA
Beyond the Predator line, outlined above, Acer had some other interesting products to show off at IFA. Another 'first' for today was the new Acer Chromebook R 13. Acer says this is the world's first convertible Chromebook with a 13.3-inch display. As with Windows convertibles, the display offers touch-sensitivity, which is much more useful now in ChromeOS as Android app support rolls out.
The Acer Chromebook R 13 features a Full HD IPS screen with 360 degree rotation and LED backlighting. It sports an HD webcam, integrated HD audio mic and dual speakers, 2x2 MIMO 802.11ac wireless, weighs in at 1.5Kg, and is just 15.5mm thick. Its MediaTek M8173C CorePilot quad-core processor helps deliver approx 12 hours of battery life.
For Windows 10 convertibles you might be interested in the new Acer Spin range. There's the Spin 7 with a 13-inch screen and all aluminium unibody which is just 11mm thick and weighs 1.3Kg. The Spin 5 is also a 13-incher and comes with an optional Acer Active Pen for Windows Ink. Acer's Spin 3 is based upon a 15.6-inch display and features a backlit keyboard and dual-storage support. Finally the Acer Spin 1 is available as either a 13.3-inch and 11.6-inch design and is said to be an ideal second computer.
If you don't want any convertibility or 2-in-1 shenanigans, perhaps the new Acer Swift range will appeal. In another 'first' claimed by Acer, its Swift 7 measures under 1cm thick – a record for a laptop. This machine also weighs just 1.1Kg and offers 9 hours of battery life. Like the Spin range above, Acer produces a whole host of Swift laptops including the Swift 5, 3 and 1. All but the cheapest Swift 1 series offer metal chassis, 7th gen Intel Core processors, SSDs, fingerprint scanners and USB 3.1 Type-C ports. You can read more in the Acer Swift press release linked above.
Another Acer IFA news piece worth a mention is the announcement of the first shipments of the StarVR HMDs, made in collaboration with StarBreeze. These VR headsets are said to offer "the most premium VR experience ever offered" backed by truly immersive IMAX technology. Acer also announced some new Android tablets and smartphones. You can see the full Acer IFA 2016 presentation embedded below.
