December 14 was a significant day for Intel, which aims to initiate a substantial generational shift with its new Intel Core Ultra processors. Unsurprisingly, major manufacturers are now scrambling to unveil their first machines equipped with these AI-powered CPUs. Today, it’s Acer’s turn to kick things off with the first two representatives of this new generation.
Acer Predator Triton Neo 16: the first Core Ultra gaming laptop
The Taiwanese brand presents the Predator Triton Neo 16, a new model of a gaming laptop packed with state-of-the-art components. As the name suggests, it has a 16:10 aspect ratio display that comes in two versions. The more expensive of the two offers a 3.2K resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, and support for Nvidia’s Advanced Optimus and G-SYNC technologies. Add to that excellent color performance (100% DCI-P3 gamut coverage), and you have a beautiful combination that will allow you to enjoy the most beautiful games of the moment in excellent conditions.
But beyond this slab, which promises to be attractive, the Predator Triton Neo 16 stands out thanks to its brand new hardware. It has a GeForce RTX 4070 laptop version with DLSS 3.5 support and, most importantly, a brand new Intel Core Ultra processor.
The exact CPU models that will be offered have not yet been revealed, but it is known that they will belong to the H-series. These will be chips that will go up to 16 cores (6 P-cores, 8 E-cores, and a pair of the all-new E-Cores LPs), with a base TDP of 28W and up to 115W in turbo. The beast will be cooled thanks to a new 5th generation AeroBlade 3D ventilation system and liquid metal-based thermal grease.
As for ancillary equipment, the Acer Predator Triton Neo 16 will be entitled to a combination of three microphones, compared to two previously. Thanks to the new Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that powers the Intel Core Ultra, it should be able to offer high-performance noise reduction technology. The contraption also comes with a wide variety of ports, including a full-size HDMI, two Thunderbolt 4-compatible USB-C, and a Micro-SD card reader.
The Acer Predator Triton Neo 16 will be available at regular retailers from March 2024 starting at 1,962 USD.
Acer Swift Go 14: AI for productivity
If video games aren’t your cup of tea, don’t panic. Acer also unveiled its new Swift Go 14, a light utility vehicle (only 1.32 kg) aimed at professionals and students.
This model features a 14-inch OLED display with up to 2.8K (2800×1800) resolution refreshed at 90Hz. Like the Triton, it is expected to boast top-tier color performance thanks to 100% DCI-P3 gamut coverage and Vesa Display HDR True Black 500 certification. Note that Acer will also offer a variant with a touchscreen, but you will have to make a sacrifice in terms of resolution (WUXGA 1920 x 1200).
In terms of hardware, the Swift Go 14 will also get a new Intel CPU, namely an Evo-certified Core Ultra 7 115 H. It should have more than comfortable battery life, in line with the promises of the new generation of Intel chips. In this case, Acer claims up to 12 hours and 30 hours of continuous operation with standard multimedia use.
It also benefits from a beautiful QHD 1440p webcam with support for PurifiedView technology. It’s a system that relies on the Intel Core Ultra’s AI chiplet to tweak or crop the image, blur the background, and correct the direction of the gaze without going through external software. They will also get a microphone with PurifiedVoice noise reduction technology. Enough to delight those who are used to videoconferencing.
And that’s not the only new AI feature on this device. It also benefits from Copilot‘s native integration into Windows, with a slew of AI features designed to speed up workflow. This system will be used to answer questions, suggest ideas, or assist the user in carrying out various tasks (summarizing web pages, writing emails, generating images, etc.).
The Acer Swift Go 14 will be available from December, starting at 1,307 USD.
