{"id":336625,"date":"2017-03-24T03:03:13","date_gmt":"2017-03-23T19:03:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/techcrunch.com\/?p=1462382"},"modified":"2017-03-24T03:03:13","modified_gmt":"2017-03-23T19:03:13","slug":"acers-s-13-makes-the-case-for-the-inexpensive-ultrabook-worth-having","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/asmawisham\/acers-s-13-makes-the-case-for-the-inexpensive-ultrabook-worth-having\/","title":{"rendered":"Acer\u2019s S 13 makes the case for the inexpensive ultrabook worth having"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com\/2017\/03\/dsc_0088_1.jpg?w=738\" class=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"first\">A<\/p>\n<p>cer has made a lot of ultrabooks, but the only one worth mentioning is the current S 13. Priced aggressively even for the \u201chigh-end\u201d model, as configured, it sports a slim profile, backlit keys and a Core i7 processor. Acer is taking the perks of owning a pricier machine and making them more accessible, creating an ultrabook that\u2019s a good value without a ton of compromises.<\/p>\n<h2>Video<\/h2>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube c5\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player c4\" type=\"text\/html\" width=\"853\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3S9MrJzfeEY?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;fs=1&#038;autohide=2&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\">[embedded content]<\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<h2>At a Glance<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Intel Core i7-6500U, dual-core 2.50GHz (turbo 3.1GHz)<\/li>\n<li>13.3\u2033 full HD (1080p) IPS matte touchscreen<\/li>\n<li>Intel HD Graphics 520 with shared memory<\/li>\n<li>8GB LPDDR3 RAM<\/li>\n<li>512GB SSD<\/li>\n<li>Dimensions: 12.87 \u201d (w), 8.98\u2033 (d), 0.57\u2033 (h)<\/li>\n<li>3-cell battery with 13 hours of usage<\/li>\n<li>Weighs three pounds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Is Using A Cheap Ultrabook Worth The Sacrifice?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1464074\" src=\"https:\/\/tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com\/2017\/03\/dsc_0083.jpg?w=928&#038;h=619\" alt=\"\" width=\"928\" height=\"619\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com\/2017\/03\/dsc_0083.jpg 928w, https:\/\/tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com\/2017\/03\/dsc_0083.jpg?w=150&#038;h=100 150w, https:\/\/tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com\/2017\/03\/dsc_0083.jpg?w=300&#038;h=200 300w, https:\/\/tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com\/2017\/03\/dsc_0083.jpg?w=768&#038;h=512 768w, https:\/\/tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com\/2017\/03\/dsc_0083.jpg?w=680&#038;h=454 680w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 928px) 100vw, 928px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Looking at the Acer S 13 from an aesthetics point-of-view, the lack of eye candy can be attributed to price and less so lack of ingenuity from Acer. It feels better to hold than to\u00a0look at it, to be quite honest. This holds true from just about every angle.<\/p>\n<p>You often trade specs for design quality, or vice versa in the case of the new MacBooks.\u00a0Fortunately, Acer hasn\u2019t built a car without doors: the S 13 does a solid by remaining slim and sporting specs that are hard to dismiss as entry-level.<\/p>\n<p>The brain of this ultrabook is the Core i7-6500U, still a reliable and usable processor despite being a year old \u2014\u00a0but I\u2019ll point out this is the same generation of Intel processors in the current Touchbar MacBook Pros. For everyday usage this means\u00a0productivity apps like\u00a0Office or editing apps like Photoshop, Lightroom and the like run without a hitch.<\/p>\n<p>In one case,\u00a0I did find that batch editing took its toll and made the rest of the Windows environment feel less fluid, but that\u2019s to be expected You aren\u2019t going to be able to run an entertainment company from a dual-core processor from last year, but you can (mostly) do everything else.<\/p>\n<p>Regarding aesthetics, if you do some research (or look closely in-person) you find out the lid, keyboard and palm rest are made from aluminum, with a lithography imprint that creates its textured feel and appearance.<\/p>\n<p>Even the underside is made of a magnesium-aluminum alloy. Still, Acer deciding not to go with an all-plastic build for the \u201ccheap feel\u201d is one of the highlights of this ultrabook. It certainly does look better in black though, an option available with the same internals.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s talk inputs and outputs: the keyboard and touchpad are the weakest points about the S 13, but they aren\u2019t deal breakers. The keys have enough travel for you to get comfortable with understanding your keystrokes. The touchpad, while accurate, is on the small side\u00a0and oddly offset to the left. Not sure why, but I\u2019ll find out.<\/p>\n<p>Port selection includes the essentials: an SD card slot, two USB 3.0 ports, a USB-C, proprietary charging port, audio jack and HDMI-out. You\u2019ve got enough ports to shoot photos on the run without dongles, an advantage that you\u2019ll have over your friends with their Touchbar MacBook Pros.<\/p>\n<p>As for the speakers: get headphones; you won\u2019t be impressing anyone with the stereo audio package. Meanwhile the battery will net you a solid five hours of heavy usage with numbers close to seven if you avoid using Bluetooth, high brightness and more than one app at the same time.<\/p>\n<h2>Bottom Line<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1464071\" src=\"https:\/\/tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com\/2017\/03\/dsc_0077.jpg?w=928&#038;h=619\" alt=\"\" width=\"928\" height=\"619\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com\/2017\/03\/dsc_0077.jpg 928w, https:\/\/tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com\/2017\/03\/dsc_0077.jpg?w=150&#038;h=100 150w, https:\/\/tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com\/2017\/03\/dsc_0077.jpg?w=300&#038;h=200 300w, https:\/\/tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com\/2017\/03\/dsc_0077.jpg?w=768&#038;h=512 768w, https:\/\/tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com\/2017\/03\/dsc_0077.jpg?w=680&#038;h=454 680w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 928px) 100vw, 928px\"\/><\/p>\n<p>So what\u2019s in store if you buy an Acer S 13? Well, you will get a fair trade for your thousand dollars \u2014 a good mix of ample processing power, port selection and physical integrity.<\/p>\n<p>The Acer S 13 really is in the Goldilocks zone in Windows ultrabook territory. It performs well and can be someone\u2019s daily driver. While it\u2019s not an interesting pick like the Surface Book, Blade Stealth or Dell XPS 13, they all\u00a0require a\u00a0higher budget. Your call.<\/p>\n<p><em>Price as Reviewed: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/us-store.acer.com\/laptops\/aspire-s-13-ultra-thins\/aspire-s-13-ultra-thin-touch-laptop-s5-371t-76ux\">$999 at\u00a0Acer<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"680\" height=\"453\" src=\"https:\/\/tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com\/2017\/03\/dsc_0088_1.jpg?w=680\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com\/2017\/03\/dsc_0088_1.jpg?w=680 680w, https:\/\/tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com\/2017\/03\/dsc_0088_1.jpg?w=1360 1360w, https:\/\/tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com\/2017\/03\/dsc_0088_1.jpg?w=150 150w, https:\/\/tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com\/2017\/03\/dsc_0088_1.jpg?w=300 300w, https:\/\/tctechcrunch2011.files.wordpress.com\/2017\/03\/dsc_0088_1.jpg?w=768 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/>&nbsp;Acer has made a lot of ultrabooks, but the only one worth mentioning is the current S 13. Priced aggressively even for the &#8220;high-end&#8221; model, as configured, it sports a slim profile, backlit keys and a Core i7 processor. Acer is taking the perks of owning a pricier machine and making them more accessible, creating an ultrabook that&#8217;s a good value without a ton of compromises. <a href=\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/2017\/03\/23\/acers-s-13-makes-the-case-for-the-inexpensive-ultrabook-worth-having\/?ncid=rss\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"feedflare\">\n<a href=\"http:\/\/feeds.feedburner.com\/~ff\/Techcrunch?a=L3PSh45Htw4:uFd6WoJ45cw:2mJPEYqXBVI\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/feeds.feedburner.com\/~ff\/Techcrunch?d=2mJPEYqXBVI\" border=\"0\"><\/img><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/feeds.feedburner.com\/~ff\/Techcrunch?a=L3PSh45Htw4:uFd6WoJ45cw:7Q72WNTAKBA\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/feeds.feedburner.com\/~ff\/Techcrunch?d=7Q72WNTAKBA\" border=\"0\"><\/img><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/feeds.feedburner.com\/~ff\/Techcrunch?a=L3PSh45Htw4:uFd6WoJ45cw:yIl2AUoC8zA\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/feeds.feedburner.com\/~ff\/Techcrunch?d=yIl2AUoC8zA\" border=\"0\"><\/img><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/feeds.feedburner.com\/~ff\/Techcrunch?a=L3PSh45Htw4:uFd6WoJ45cw:-BTjWOF_DHI\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/feeds.feedburner.com\/~ff\/Techcrunch?i=L3PSh45Htw4:uFd6WoJ45cw:-BTjWOF_DHI\" border=\"0\"><\/img><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/feeds.feedburner.com\/~ff\/Techcrunch?a=L3PSh45Htw4:uFd6WoJ45cw:D7DqB2pKExk\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/feeds.feedburner.com\/~ff\/Techcrunch?i=L3PSh45Htw4:uFd6WoJ45cw:D7DqB2pKExk\" border=\"0\"><\/img><\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/feeds.feedburner.com\/~ff\/Techcrunch?a=L3PSh45Htw4:uFd6WoJ45cw:qj6IDK7rITs\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/feeds.feedburner.com\/~ff\/Techcrunch?d=qj6IDK7rITs\" border=\"0\"><\/img><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/feeds.feedburner.com\/~r\/Techcrunch\/~4\/L3PSh45Htw4\" height=\"1\" width=\"1\" alt=\"\"\/> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5817,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[59,66,26],"class_list":["post-336625","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-technology","tag-media","tag-techcrunch","tag-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/asmawisham\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/336625","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/asmawisham\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/asmawisham\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/asmawisham\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5817"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/asmawisham\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=336625"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/asmawisham\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/336625\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/asmawisham\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=336625"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/asmawisham\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=336625"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/asmawisham\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=336625"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}