Acer Swift 3, we tested this multimedia notebook

Lately it seems that everything is convertible. Versatile computers with a tablet body and laptop functions are highly valued in today's market. But companies are not forgetting users who still want a laptop of a lifetime, with multimedia features and easy to transport. Like the Acer Swift 3, a multimedia laptop with a 14-inch Full HD screen, a body of only 1.6 kilos and good autonomy ( up to 12 hours according to the manufacturer).

And all this topped off with an Intel Core i7-7500U processor in its most powerful configuration and up to 512 GB in SSD format. The price of the Acer Swift varies between 700 euros for its basic version and 1,000 euros for its more advanced configuration. We have had the opportunity to test this multimedia notebook in depth. This is our analysis with opinions.

Acer Swift 3 datasheet

A multimedia notebook with advances

The Acer Swift 3 is, with all that that goes with it, a classic notebook. That is, we can not expect a rotating screen as in the Acer Spin 7, or touch functionality. And less a hybrid format between tablet and laptop like the Acer Switch 5.

The Swift 3 is a multimedia laptop for watching movies, working with office tools and taking anywhere. And with this clear idea in mind the guys at Acer have brought us a very balanced and complete laptop . Starting from its 14-inch IPS-type screen, going through its autonomy of about six hours of continuous use (according to our tests) and reaching its good SSD memory.

But, it also includes some functionality that is very rare to see in a laptop aimed at leisure. We are talking about your fingerprint reader . A feature that has become very common in mobiles, but that in laptops had been focused mainly on professional teams.

IPS screen with Full HD resolution

The Acer Swift 3's screen is 14 inches in size . That is, it is between the 12-13 inches of the lightest computers and the 15.6 inches that multimedia laptops tend to mark. And this decision seems to us a great success. Although it is a bit more bulky and weighs around a pound and a half, the Swift 3 is easy to take anywhere . And the inches that are gained on the screen count a lot when it comes to enjoying movies or videos.

In addition, the company has brought its resolution to Full HD 1,920 x 1,080 pixels . Of course, only in the most advanced settings. If you opt for the 700 euro Swift 3 you will have to settle for the standard HD resolution of 1,366 x 768 pixels. Personally, I would recommend investing a bit more to make the leap in resolution.

The panel's color and gloss treatment are acceptable, although not up to the standard of other more advanced panels. For example, we found the Acer Spin 7 superior at this point.

Acer Swift 3 photo gallery

A very attractive design but with some but

The Acer Swift 3 opts for a metal body. The general feeling is that it is a robust team, with very clear ideas and that transmits a premium feeling. Part of the blame is its brushed aluminum finish, which creates a very attractive feel. Above all, because it also brings this same finish to the keyboard part. Most models choose to change the look and material in the keyboard area. The Swift 3 does not, and that makes it win in harmony and quality. We also really like the tab itself that is responsible for the rotation of the screen. And it includes a sheet with the Swift logo that is only seen when we open the panel .

We are talking about a device somewhat thicker and heavier than the ultrabooks and hybrids to which we are increasingly accustomed. But it continues to set very competitive figures, with  338 x 234 x 17.95 millimeters and 1.6 kilos of weight . In our experience, it has been very easy to transport and take anywhere. Another great point in its favor is the flexibility offered by the screen opening. Up to 180 degrees the screen can be carried and with stability in each position. Thanks to this, we can use it without problems on the lap while we travel.

Acer Swift 3's screen can be rotated up to 180 degrees

One of the few things that we have found negative about its design is the structure of the screen, since when you grasp the side of the screen with your fingers to move it immediately, small panel distortions are generated around that area. Although it is not a problem that will affect our experience of the laptop, it does generate the feeling of a certain fragility .

As for the keyboard, a good job has been done with the keys well separated from each other and with a suitable height so that it is easy to adapt to the typing. We also have a good size for the space, enter or shift keys. By the way, it is backlit , a real advantage if we want to work in the dark or while traveling.

Special mention deserves the inclusion of the fingerprint reader . A function that has been deployed very little in laptops (until now it has been deployed mainly in professional equipment). And the truth is that it can become a very interesting alternative to avoid having to enter passwords or other heavier types of recognition. It is appreciated that Acer chooses to include added value in its multimedia notebook.

Finally, we want to highlight its trackpad, with a fairly large size and a tactile response at the height of what is expected in a device in this price range.

Up to an Intel Core i7

As is often the case in these cases, users can choose between different equipment configurations with higher or lower power. From an Intel Core i3 processor to an Intel Core i7 . In our case, we have been able to test the most powerful with an Intel Core i7-7500U chip. This processor incorporates two 2.7 GHz cores, with a maximum speed of 3.5 GHz in the moments of greatest need. Along with this chip we find an 8 GB RAM.

When it comes to using the equipment, it can handle the use of office applications and some heavier applications quite well, as well as browsing with many open tabs and video. However, it must be said that it is not a configuration that can be compared with gaming equipment.

That is something that we can appreciate in this performance test that we have carried out. Where the Acer Swift 3 achieves better results is in the performance of its internal memory. We are talking about a SATA M.2 type SSD disk with which read speeds of up to 540 MB / s are achieved and write speeds of up to 250 MB / s . Its capacity, in the configuration we have tested, goes up to 256 GB. Although there is also a larger configuration with 512 GB.

In general, if we do not make a very intensive use of the equipment to store movies and other multimedia files, this capacity should be sufficient. Although it is likely that at some point we will have to use an external hard drive.

A very complete set of connections

You have to admit it. The care that Acer has put into the physical connections of this multimedia notebook is surprising. And we must not forget that we are facing a 14-inch team. Despite this, we can enjoy on the one hand two USB 3.0 type ports, in addition to one more USB 2.0 type port . This third port is very oriented to the use of gadgets such as old USB sticks or mice that do not need higher speed.

But the surprise comes with the inclusion of one more USB type C port . This is the connection that we find in most modern mobiles, and that is also spreading through hybrids and ultrabooks. Another connection that is appreciated is a full-size HDMI port, as well as an SD card reader.

Wireless connections are not far behind either. The Acer Swift 3 is compatible with WiFi AC , so if we have a compatible router we can enjoy a more stable and faster connection. It also has Bluetooth version 4.0.

Windows 10, some own apps and good autonomy

The operating system with which the multimedia laptop arrives is Windows 10. Here we must specify that although our test model has Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Home is specified in the stores where it is for sale . In any case, it is the platform par excellence for applications and programs. Acer has wanted to do its bit with several applications of its own.

Thus, for example, we have Acer Quick Access . Through this simple tool, the blue light reduction mode is activated, ideal if we want to read documents or use the laptop at night. Or charge mobile phones and other gadgets even with the laptop turned off.

Also noteworthy are Acer's ab applications for storing documents and photos in the cloud and accessing them from any computer. Or a manager to create backup copies of the data of the multimedia notebook and recover them in case of some kind of error.

As we said at the beginning, this laptop achieves a good autonomy of about six hours of usual use in our tests. This time can reach up to 10 hours according to the figures given by the Taiwanese company.

Price and reviews

The Acer Swift 3 can be found on the market for a price between 700 euros and 1,000 euros , depending on the configuration we choose. In short, we are facing a multimedia laptop with a very attractive design with metal all over its body. It is not tactile and it does not have a rotating screen, but it perfectly fulfills what is expected of a team of these characteristics. The highlights are its connections (it even includes a USB Type-C port), its good autonomy that facilitates your trip, and the inclusion of some rare extras like the fingerprint reader.