Customers have a lot of choices when it comes to buying a laptop computer and the Acer Spin 5 convertible can be used as both a laptop and tablet for work or play.
Convertibles are becoming even more popular in the PC laptop world and Acer’s take on the product is a respectable one with the Spin 5.
It comes in 13 and 15-inch models and for our review we got our hands on the 13.3-inch device.
The Acer Spin 5 is powered by the latest 8th generation Intel core processor and NVIDIA graphics cards so it really delivers on performance.
Design wise, Acer certainly hasn’t spared the style.
It’s an attractive product with a sleek metal cover and bevelled edges to give it a sophisticated look.
The hinges are responsible for turning the Spin 5 from laptop to tablet mode.
Users can enjoy the products as a regular laptop or spin the screen back on itself and use it as a tablet.
You can also set up the device like a tent so you can watch videos in comfort.
But the only downside of having all of these premium materials is the weight.
Acer Spin 5 weighs a hefty 1.6kg and that something is going to literally weigh on you when you’re taking it out at about or on a trip.
It has an impressive full high definition which makes multi-touch display your web pages, photos and videos look great.
What also helps with the experience are the TrueHarmony Dolby Audio speakers which certainly add a high level of quality to your movies and to your music.
The speakers are crisp and loud and just what you want to hear your content out loud.
It has a slightly sunken keyboard that offers quiet travel and comfort.
In laptop mode that keyboard can easily help you get through all of your work.
When you switch to tablet mode, it’s fine if you’re holding it in your lap or a desk but if you’re holding it up to read a book or browse the web, your arms and get a little tired after a while because of that weight.
The screen, while great, has very large bezels – especially at the bottom. Here Acer could have either gone edge to edge with the screen and offered a 15-inch in the same chassis as the 13.
Or they could have made a smaller 13-inch model.
The Acer Spin 5 suits a lot of different users – the mobile professional, the content creator and content consumer so it’s as much a lifestyle product as a tech product.
We preferred using the Spin 5 in laptop mode but it’s good to know we could spin the screen around and position it on a plane or in a hotel to watch Netflix or a movie.
The device did generate a bit of heat which was noticeable when it was on our lap or holding it in our hand.
But the cooling fans were whisper quiet and the side vents directed the most of hot air away from us.
One thing that is certainly not lacking is the connectivity.
Users are spoiled for choice when it comes to ports – there are three USB ports (one USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0) as well as a HDMI Out port and an SD card slot. There’s also a USB-C port.
On the security side there is also a fingerprint reader embedded in top left corner of the trackpad.
I would have placed it somewhere else if it were up to me. It’s pretty small and could have gone anywhere but it doesn’t interfere too much where it is.
In terms of performance, the Acer Spin 5 certainly holds its own whether you’re editing photos and videos or playing a game.
It’s not going to outperform a dedicated gaming PC, but it can provide an impressive experience.
The battery stood by well – you always want more – but the Spin 5 got us through most of the day but we had to reach for the charger by late afternoon.
VERDICT
The Acer Spin 5 ticks most of the boxes for different types of users and it will feel at home being used for work or play. Despite the size and weight it is still one of the more versatile laptops the market.
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