Buying guide for Best acer laptops
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Written by laura
Updated September 2024
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Acer, one of the world’s premier computer manufacturers, has been in the laptop business for a long time, and they’ve grown their offerings from a few modest machines to a full suite of laptops that range from ultra-portable workhorses to gorgeous, drool-worthy computers.
At BestReviews, we believe in providing consumers with honest, unbiased information about the products they need so they can make smart purchasing decisions. That’s why every shopping guide on our site shares the pros and the cons of each product, and provides readers with the key data they need about features, brands, and pricing.
Read on for our guide to Acer laptops, then check out the grid above to see which models performed best in our testing and research.
Shiny decisions: Windows vs. Chrome OS
The most important decision you’ll need to make when deciding which Acer laptop to buy is which operating system (OS) you prefer: Microsoft Windows or Google Chrome OS.
Both Windows and Chrome OS can accomplish the same general tasks, but they have some fundamental differences that you should consider before buying.
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Acer laptops running Windows will be able to use any of the thousands of applications designed to run on Microsoft’s ubiquitous OS. If you’re a veteran Windows user, or you need a machine that can work well without an internet connection, buy an Acer laptop that runs Windows.
- Acer laptops running Chrome OS use Google’s Chrome browser to open applications, which means that it only works with web-based apps and browser extensions. That’s not as limiting as it sounds: most mainstream software applications have web-based versions, including Microsoft Office online. If you’ve used a browser before, you can use Chrome OS.
Acer laptops are available with Microsoft or Chrome operating systems. We analyze both in our research, noting the features that would appeal to various consumers.
We consider RAM when evaluating a laptop, noting the options that offer 4, 8, and 16 GB. Laptops with high levels of RAM are speedy, but they also tend to cost more.
Acer laptop screens range in size from approximately 11 to 15 inches. Not only do larger models deliver better image quality, they give a more intuitive performance and have ample RAM. We factor these features into our assessments.
We research the quality of each Acer laptop keyboard on our list. The best options are feature-packed, easy to operate, and comfortable to use.
We know some people want a laptop that can be used for gaming. We take this into consideration when scrutinizing Acer laptops, noting features like graphic cards and the amount of RAM included.
Our assessments include checking to see if an Acer laptop has a touchscreen, which simplifies many tasks.
In our research, we look at the two different types of hard drives: platter-based and solid state. Platter-based options have excellent storage, while solid state drives are faster and tend to last longer.
We assess the central processing units (CPUs) of Acer laptops, looking for Intel i3, i5, and i7 CPUs that offer fast performance.
Portability and versatility are important to many consumers. For students and busy professionals, we look for features such as 2-in-1 capability, a trim design, and a long battery life.
When looking at an Acer laptop, we want to know if it is compatible with a stylus. This capability is important to tech enthusiasts who want to focus on their digital artistic skills
Under the hood: Acer laptop hardware options
Sometimes it’s hard to know which features to compare between laptops – even when they’re all from the same manufacturer! As you’re checking out different models, keep these specs in mind; they’ll have the biggest impact on your overall experience.
The central processing unit (CPU) is the heart of a laptop: it’s responsible for running all tasks, so it’s important to get one that’s fast enough to keep up with your needs. CPUs made by Intel and AMD are generally the fastest and highest quality, although Intel’s Celeron line isn’t very high-performance. If you can afford an Acer Laptop with an Intel i3, i5, or i7 CPU, buy one – each processor in the line is more powerful than the last, but all are sufficient for ongoing laptop use.
Your laptop’s RAM controls how many tasks it can run simultaneously, so not having enough can make your machine feel extremely slow. In general, 4GB of RAM is the minimum amount you should buy, and 8GB is usually ideal. Machines with 16GB will feel faster, but additional RAM often drives up the cost.
There are two types of hard drives used in Acer laptops: solid state drives, and traditional, platter-based drives. Solid state drives typically have less storage, but are significantly faster and last longer than traditional drives, which have moving parts that can wear out. If you need a ton of space, use a traditional drive; if you need your machine to be as fast as possible, buy an Acer laptop with a solid state drive.
"Most of Acer’s Windows laptops feature Windows 10 Home Edition, a version of Windows that’s more affordable, but lacks a few advanced features (like Remote Desktop services). If you buy a laptop with Windows 10 Home Edition, you can pay Microsoft for an upgrade to Windows 10 Professional Edition at any time."
STAFF
BestReviews
Acer laptop screen sizes
While the different choices in Acer laptop screen sizes may not seem like a big deal, as with all laptops, the screen size defines the laptop’s footprint, which can make a huge difference when it comes to size and weight. Here’s what to expect at the different screen sizes of Acer laptops:
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Acer laptops in the 11” range are light, and easy to toss in a purse or a bag. They’re also not as powerful: the screen size means there isn’t much room for the internals, so laptops in this size range are usually good, but not great, machines. If you need a laptop for occasional browsing or watching a movie on an airplane, Acer’s smallest models may be perfect for you.
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Acer laptops in the 13” range can be deceiving. Some of them feature powerful CPUs and dazzling high-resolution screens, while others are middle-tier options that are sluggish because they don’t have enough RAM. If you need a good compromise between a screen big enough to work with but small enough to travel, look into Acer’s 13” laptops.
- Acer laptops in the 15” range feature the best internal hardware. They’ve got plenty of RAM, powerful CPUs, and high-resolution screens. While Acer’s biggest laptops are their fastest, they’re also their best, so if you need a machine that can handle heavy-duty tasks – or you just want a laptop that isn’t going to feel outdated in 18 months – buy one with a 15” screen.
Acer laptop pricing
Acer laptops range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Avoid overspending by keeping these price ranges in mind.
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Between $150 and $399, you’ll find Chromebooks with the bare minimum. They’ll have enough RAM, CPU power, and hard drive space for a single user – but that user will spend a lot of time waiting. If you need a laptop in a limited scenario, or you just need a secondary machine that won’t have to work too hard, don’t spend more than this. But if you want a machine you can depend on for work or school, you’ll need to spend more.
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Between $400 and $999, expect to see an assortment of capable Windows and Chrome OS machines. Acer laptops in this price range are powerful enough to use for day-to-day work, plus the occasional movie. If you need a machine to last you a few years, but don’t need it to be the top of the line, you can find a solid deal for less than a grand.
- Between $1,000 and $2,000, you’ll encounter Acer’s gaming laptops. Models in this price range have fast graphics cards, support high resolutions, and come complete with CPUs fast enough to play the most demanding PC gaming titles. Acer laptops in this category aren’t just pricey; they’re heavy, too, so be prepared to lug around a few extra pounds.
Tips
As you’re shopping for an Acer laptop, consider these tips.
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If you buy a Chromebook, set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) with your Google account. MFA is a free security feature that helps you use an additional device like your smartphone to further confirm your identity. With MFA in place, if your laptop is stolen, thieves won’t be able to gain access to any of your data when you block them using your secondary device.
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If you’re buying an Acer laptop for a young person, consider using the built-in parental controls. Both Windows and Chrome OS include functionality to help parents manage what their kids can do online. Keep your kids – and your network – safe by enabling your Acer laptop’s parental controls before you let them use it.
- If you’re planning on using your Acer laptop for gaming, don’t buy a Chromebook. If you’re a gamer, or are considering becoming a gamer, make sure the laptop you buy is running Microsoft Windows. Most popular games are not compatible with Chrome OS.
FAQ
Q. How do Acer laptops compare to other brands like Dell or ASUS?
A. Acer has a reputation in the laptop industry for producing modest laptops at industry-leading prices. With the exception of their line of gaming laptops, most Acer machines make speed compromises to keep their prices down, so it’s often tough to find a better value. Manufacturers like Dell and ASUS make faster laptops overall, but usually charge significantly more than Acer does.
Q. Can I replace the battery myself on an Acer laptop?
A. Yes. Most Acer laptops feature batteries that can be accessed by the user with minimal effort. However, replacing a laptop battery isn’t always a straightforward procedure, so be sure to search YouTube for a quick instructional video before attempting to replace it yourself. If it seems too complicated, hire a professional.
Q. Do Acer laptops running Chrome OS store my files locally, or in the cloud?
A. Both – although most of your data is stored in the cloud. Chrome OS is a web browser at heart, so it relies on web-based apps and web-based storage. While it does store some files locally, the majority of operations in Chrome OS are built with online storage in mind.
