Acer Swift Go 16 Evaluation: I Decline Labeling It an "Artificial Intelligence Device"
Embrace the era of AI: it's not going anywhere! Welcome to the world of AI-ification where your new companion, the Acer Swift Go 16, can help with your everyday tasks, from running physics problems to silencing your noisy neighbor during calls.
Integrating advanced AI technology, this first-generation AI PC from Acer boasts an Intel Core Ultra chip with AI capabilities and an Intel Arc GPU powered by AI-accelerated graphics performance. Even the keyboard has a dedicated AI Copilot key, and the mics utilize AI noise reduction, with the webcam featuring AI-enabled Temporal Noise Reduction.
Priced at $900, the Swift Go 16 comes equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor, 32GB RAM, and 1 TB SSD. It also offers a 16-inch multi-touch IPS display and Intel Arc graphics.
Pros:- Sleek and lightweight design- Variety of ports- Top-tier performance, besting many competitors
Cons:- No OLED options- Modest battery life- Keyboard could use more depth
Design:
The Swift Go 16 boasts a slim and light form factor weighing just 3.7 lbs, sneaking past competitors like Apple's 16-inch MacBook Pro (4.7 lbs) and Lenovo's IdeaPad 5i Pro (4.1 lbs). Its 0.7-inch thickness is impressively compact, even compared to Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Fold 16, which measures around an inch thick!
Keyboard and Trackpad:
Featuring a large keyboard for numpad and full-function row needs, the Swift Go 16 also includes a dedicated Copilot key to the right side of the space bar, allowing quick access to your new AI buddy. However, it lacks the desired depth and feedback during use, making it less satisfying for extended typing sessions.
Ports:
Get ready to plug in and play with the Swift Go 16's excellent port selection for a productivity-focused laptop: Kensington lock slot, MicroSD card reader, 3.5mm jack, two Type-A ports, two Type-C ports, and an HDMI slot.
Performance:
Equipped with an Intel Core Ultra H-Series processor, Intel Arc graphics, 32GB RAM, and 1 TB SSD, the Swift Go 16 handles tasks efficiently. Its impressive scoring of 2342 on the Geekbench 6.0 single-core test and 12956 on multi-core outperforms competitors such as the Dell XPS 14, Lenovo ThinkBook X1 Fold, and Lenovo Slim 7i.
AI-Supported Features:
While the Swift Go 16 doesn't specifically highlight AI-related features in its marketing, it incorporates AI productivity enhancements such as noise reduction for microphones, Intel Arc graphics for decent gaming or streaming, and AI chatbots to handle settings adjustments and troubleshooting tasks.
Display:
The 16-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS panel, while not OLED, offers fair clarity and detail for non-OLED displays. It accepts touch input, but its panel's performance may not be suitable for intense gaming or a high 120Hz refresh rate.
Camera and Mic:
While its 1440p QHD webcam doesn't live up to its AI-infused hype, it still provides decent quality for conference calls. The mic employs AI noise reduction, ensuring your voice remains clear during conversations.
Battery Life:
While Acer has boasted the Swift Go 16's battery life to extend up to 20 hours, users might experience only around 10 hours in reality, which is still respectable but not as promising as advertised.
Verdict:
Overall, the Swift Go 16 offers satisfactory performance at an accessible price point and showcases several AI-based productivity features. Ignore any exaggerated AI marketing, and consider purchasing this machine as an AI-enhanced productivity companion rather than an AI-exclusive device. The disappointing battery life aside, the Swift Go 16 offers a reliable and lightweight solution for today's on-the-go professionals. Score: 3/5
- Navigating through the Swift Go 16's AI-supported features, such as the noise reduction for microphones and the Temporal Noise Reduction in the webcam, demonstrates the technology's role in the AI-infused future.
- The average score of 3 out of 5 for the Swift Go 16 showcases its reliable performance in the realm of AI-ification, marking it as an overambitious yet promising companion for the technology-driven future.
- When evaluating AI-based applications, users may find that the AI Copilot key on the Swift Go 16's keyboard could be more helpful in navigating complex tasks, as its current depth and feedback are less satisfying for extended use.
- Regardless of the modest battery life, the Swift Go 16's integration of AI technology, coupled with its sleek design, variety of ports, and top-tier performance, make it an appealing choice for those wanting to embrace the future of AI in a webcam-equipped, productivity-focused laptop.
