In 2017, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) came up with Ryzen or CPUs and APUs implementing the Zen microarchitecture. Since then, Ryzen has steadily gained popularity in the market, with Ryzen 2700U laptops especially eye-catching for their speedy performance and excellent fitment to the contemporary audience. One of the best laptops fueled by Ryzen is from the Acer family: the Acer Aspire 3 A315-41-R9J1.
The new Acer Aspire 3 is a 15.6” laptop priced at a super-tempting $699.99. What makes this computer a good candidate for both your personal and professional needs? Does it succeed in making the most of its powerful core and if so, is the difference palpable? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
Ryzen Power: Performance & Speed
The essence of this laptop is an AMD Ryzen 7 2700U processor (four cores) running at 2.2GHz. This clock frequency can be boosted up to 3.8GHz. It is equipped with 8GB RAM (dual channel) that you can extend up to as much as 16GB. The storage space is an expansive 256GB (SSD). A convenient feature of this Acer machine is its smart compartment door that lets you upgrade the storage and memory without any hassle.
So, how does the processing configuration of the Acer Aspire 3 look for everyday computing tasks? In one word: excellent. The Ryzen processor known for its expertise in handling multiple tasks lives up to its reputation. Indeed, it proves to be equally speedy and desktop-class when you’re working on documents/decks, browsing the internet or plugging into entertainment.
The battery backup is not terrific but reasonably good for a laptop in this price range. The Lithium-Ion battery (with a 45W adapter) easily lasts up to six hours. This gives you a fair deal of mobility in terms of unplugged use.
Note that this computer runs Windows 10 Home, a highly professional and efficient operating system that boosts your productivity even when you are multitasking. For instance, the new Action Center displays your app notifications and actions, giving you a quick snapshot and letting you be on top of your tasks.
Display, Graphics & Sound
With this Ryzen 2700U laptop, you get AMD Radeon Vega 10 graphics realized on a full High-Definition resolution of 1920 x 1080. The performance you get from this graphics configuration is glorious—arguably a lot better than the integrated graphics support in a comparable Intel computer. Whether you’re browsing through photographs or playing back videos, what you see is vivid, bright and accurate.
The widescreen also supports ComfyView and the Acer BluelightShield. Both of these features help enhance your viewing experience further. While the former provides you an anti-glare matte finish, the latter is particularly helpful in reducing eye-strain after long hours of work. Blue light is the visual noise that electronic devices tend to emit and this is what the filter endeavors to minimize successfully.
Talking about the A/V experience, this computer comes with two inbuilt speakers, a digital microphone, a webcam (640 x 480), and a front camera (300 kilopixel). So, you can easily stay connected with family and friends and enjoy clear audio and video while you’re at it.
Ease of Use
Acer has an innate understanding of the demands of the present day, not the least of which is constant movement and an eternal paucity of time. It uses this understanding to design its laptops with incredible ease of use in everything, from input to navigation. For instance, the touchpad is amazingly precise, sensing your fingertips in record time even when you’re encumbered by public transport. The keyboard is handy, its round-cornered keys (chiclet) imparting a sense of style and convenience while typing. Note that the keyboard is not backlit.
Part of the ease of use of this computer emanates from its operating system. Thanks to Windows 10, you get access to Cortana—a smart digital assistant for various commands. Cortana makes things really handy when you’re looking to save time and energy.
Portability & Device Support
A mandate for a modern laptop is an ability to function on the go. This Acer powerhouse wonderfully fits the bill here with enviable portability and competent support for both peripherals and wireless connectivity.
It weighs 5.1lbs and has a thickness of only 0.98” (with a width and depth of 15.02” and 10.35” respectively). This makes it a snug and fairly lightweight fit for your average backpack. Also, this is one good-looking computer with its exquisite cross hairline-brush design, obsidian black color, and silky feel. Talk about portability meeting the kind of style you’ll love to show off!
Facilitating device support are its ample ports—one USB 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 ports and an HDMI. It also has an SD card reader. Equally sound is its support for wireless networking; the 802.11ac Wi-Fi is almost thrice as fast as speeds you may have been used to in older generations. Plus, since the wireless antenna is strategically located, the probability of your getting a continuous, seamless signal is also higher.
- Keep reading: Best AMD Ryzen Laptops 2018 for Powerful Computing & Gaming
Bottom-line – Ryzen 2700U laptop
Ryzen may be new in the processor marketplace, but it has already posed stiff competition to veterans like Intel. The best part about a Ryzen 2700U laptop is its inherent support for multiple cores (and threads) which gives it a distinct edge when it comes to tasks that demand multithreading. Acer computers with Ryzen processors also boast of brilliant forward-compatibility and readiness for the future, along with the kind of cost-effectiveness that will leave you pleased as punch.
All in all, the Acer Aspire 3 A315-41-R9J1 is a powerful machine designed for the present day, equipped with ample memory and storage space, meticulous graphics, and undeterred support for operating outside a stationary workstation. You’ll be hard-placed to find another laptop that delivers so much at that bargain of a price point.
Specs of Acer Aspire 3 A315-41-R9J1 |
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Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 2700U Quad-Core (up to 3.8 GHz) |
Graphics | AMD Radeon Vega 10 |
RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
Storage | 256GB SSD |
Display | 15.6″ Full-HD |