Acer Unveils the World's Lightest 16-inch OLED Laptop

[TheLostSwede]

Acer today introduced the Acer Swift Edge (SFA16-41), the world's lightest 16-inch OLED laptop. Designed to help maximize the productivity and creativity demands of the present-day hybrid workforce, the 16-inch laptop is powered by AMD Ryzen PRO 6000 Series and AMD Ryzen 6000 Series processors and incorporates the Microsoft Pluton security processor, shipped on by default, to help defend against increasingly sophisticated attacks. The Acer Swift Edge also features a 4K OLED display supporting 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 500 nits peak brightness for cinema-grade visuals.

The 16-inch lightweight laptop boasts a simple yet sleek design. Weighing only 1.17 kg (2.58 lbs) and measuring 12.95 mm (0.51 inches) in height, the Acer Swift Edge sports an ultra-slim magnesium-aluminium (Mg-Al alloy) chassis, making it significantly more portable and durable. The design concept showcases precise linear structural details, a sharp rear edge, and a simple aesthetic that inherits the Swift series' stylish and premium feel. Coupled with its stunning display, well-thought hinge design, and sharp-cut front recess, the Acer Swift Edge is an excellent and stylish choice for mobile professionals with active and fast-paced lifestyles.




Cutting-edge Performance and Security Features
Powered by AMD Ryzen PRO 6000 Series and AMD Ryzen 6000 Series processors, the Acer Swift Edge is equipped to support the performance demands of go-to applications and business needs. Power users get exceptional processing speed and smooth responsiveness that accelerate their productivity and collaboration with up to 8 high performance "Zen 3+" cores built on advanced 6 nm process technology. For IT administrators, AMD PRO technologies deliver multilayered security features to help keep threats at bay, and comprehensive manageability options that scale for long-term stability and reliability.

The processors integrate Microsoft Pluton, a security processor designed by Microsoft, that hardens new Windows 11 PCs with additional protection for sensitive assets like credentials and encryption keys. To further keep users at ease, the addition of biometric authentication and a Noble Wedge Lock slot provides an added layer of security protection to help safeguard user and company data.

Sensational Display and Connectivity
The Acer Swift Edge showcases a standout 4K OLED (3840x2400) display, with cinema-grade 100% DCI-P3 color gamut support, brilliant 500 nits peak brightness, and less than 0.2 ms response time, providing a sensational range of lifelike colors and sublime image clarity. The 16-inch laptop also features a narrow bezel with a 92% screen-to body-ratio and has VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 and TÜV Rheinland Eyesafe display certifications for an extended and comfortable viewing experience.

The all-new Acer Swift Edge also supports the next generation in advanced connectivity needs. It offers Wi-Fi 6E[5] for high-speed wireless connections and file sharing, and a smooth 4K streaming experience. It also includes a generous offer of essential ports such as HDMI 2.1, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports with fast charging capabilities, two USB Type-A ports, and an audio jack, taking portable productivity and convenience to a whole new level.

Pricing and Availability
The Acer Swift Edge (SFA16-41) will be available in October in North America starting at USD 1,499.99; in EMEA starting at EUR 1,499; and in China starting at RMB 7,999.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[Deleted member 185088]

16" laptop ought to have numpad.

 

[Tek-Check]

16" laptop ought to have numpad.

Exactly.

 

[jonup]

16" laptop ought to have numpad.

100%

Writing from one right now. It's totally worth the extra pound.

 

[Count von Schwalbe]

Some people don't like it.

I don't understand it either, but there it is...

 

[cvaldes]

Some people don't like it.

I don't understand it either, but there it is...

Numeric pads on notebook computers force the user to be off center. Ideally the ‘T’ or 'Y' keys on a QWERTY keyboard should be aligned with the center of the display.

They are poor from an ergonomic standpoint. Not there’s much good on a notebook PC concerning ergonomics…

 

[LabRat 891]

Thin and light, AKA: "runs at rated speeds for about 5 seconds... In a meat locker"

Can't we have just slightly beefier 'above consumer-tier' 'below business-tier' laptops that *aren't* 20min battery-burning 'gaming' laptops with RGB, 'extreme aesthetics', and excessive plastic?

 

[cvaldes]

Can't we have just slightly beefier 'above consumer-tier' 'below business-tier' laptops that *aren't* 20min battery-burning 'gaming' laptops with RGB, 'extreme aesthetics', and excessive plastic?

Sure, Apple MacBooks fit this description nicely.

 

[Count von Schwalbe]

Thin and light, AKA: "runs at rated speeds for about 5 seconds... In a meat locker"

Can't we have just slightly beefier 'above consumer-tier' 'below business-tier' laptops that *aren't* 20min battery-burning 'gaming' laptops with RGB, 'extreme aesthetics', and excessive plastic?

I have always found (personal experience only, ofc) that the ThinkPad E-series are usually thicker and pretty well-built, and I have never heard the fan in any of the ones I have seen. They are business/consumer models, so they are actually supported by Lenovo and don't have the junk they loaded up the consumer models with.

 

[ARF]

This is the first AMD-powered notebook with a 3840x2160 OLED screen?
A plus is its very thin bezels - for a comparison, Acer's Nitro 5 looks ancient compared to it with gigantic bezels and even the logo on the front is the same colour as the chassis itself - extremely cheap look.

Let's hope that the lightness doesn't cost the owners heat and noise on their laps - but I guess Ryzen 6000 is better than any Intel equivalent regarding heat and noise particularly.

 

[wheresmycar]

Numeric pads on notebook computers force the user to be off center. Ideally the ‘T’ or 'Y' keys on a QWERTY keyboard should be aligned with the center of the display.

They are poor from an ergonomic standpoint. Not there’s much good on a notebook PC concerning ergonomics…

I'm with you on this. Only i'm always crunching numbers hence definitely can't go without a numpad. To think of it i already own an external numpad but it ends up to far to the right for that one-piece trouble-free experience.

 

[Deleted member 185088]

Numeric pads on notebook computers force the user to be off center. Ideally the ‘T’ or 'Y' keys on a QWERTY keyboard should be aligned with the center of the display.

They are poor from an ergonomic standpoint. Not there’s much good on a notebook PC concerning ergonomics…

It depends whether you use numbers or not, if you do it becomes awful not having a numpad ergonomically speaking.
In an ideal world, when purchasing a laptop we would have a choice of keyboard layout.

 

[ARF]

Using a numpad is more convenient when entering numbers.

 

[cvaldes]

I'm with you on this. Only i'm always crunching numbers hence definitely can't go without a numpad. To think of it i already own an external numpad but it ends up to far to the right for that one-piece trouble-free experience.

It depends whether you use numbers or not, if you do it becomes awful not having a numpad ergonomically speaking.
In an ideal world, when purchasing a laptop we would have a choice of keyboard layout.

Using a numpad is more convenient when entering numbers.

Oh, I totally agree that using a number pad is better for entering numbers. That's why I own a couple of cheap USB number pads similar to this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Wired-Number-Pad-Financial-Accounting/dp/B09ZPHZ2BY/

This way I can move them out of the way when I'm not working with numbers and I can move them between different computers including a notebook PC that doesn't have a number pad. Naturally there are more sleek models and wireless versions (Bluetooth usually) but el cheapo number pad works fine for my purposes.

For notebook computers, only the largest models have enough real estate for number pads. Again, this forces the user to type way off center, really bad ergonomics exacerbating what's already a lousy ergonomic situation in general (notebook computing).

Yes, manufacturers could shrink the keyboard by 25% or so, but that makes the keyboard too cramped. They did this for netbooks. How popular is that form factor in 2022?

Obviously notebook keyboards with number pads exist and Acer could have selected one of these parts to include in this model. But they deliberately did not. No one can please everyone all the time.

Me? I'd rather have a notebook keyboard layout centered as much as possible so the F and J keys are equidistant to the centerline of the screen.

 

[Deleted member 185088]

Oh, I totally agree that using a number pad is better for entering numbers. That's why I own a couple of cheap USB number pads similar to this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Wired-Number-Pad-Financial-Accounting/dp/B09ZPHZ2BY/

This way I can move them out of the way when I'm not working with numbers and I can move them between different computers including a notebook PC that doesn't have a number pad. Naturally there are more sleek models and wireless versions (Bluetooth usually) but el cheapo number pad works fine for my purposes.

For notebook computers, only the largest models have enough real estate for number pads. Again, this forces the user to type way off center, really bad ergonomics exacerbating what's already a lousy ergonomic situation in general (notebook computing).

Yes, manufacturers could shrink the keyboard by 25% or so, but that makes the keyboard too cramped. They did this for netbooks. How popular is that form factor in 2022?

Obviously notebook keyboards with number pads exist and Acer could have selected one of these parts to include in this model. But they deliberately did not. No one can please everyone all the time.

Me? I'd rather have a notebook keyboard layout centered as much as possible so the F and J keys are equidistant to the centerline of the screen.

I beg to differ, getting an extra numpad makes everything worse.

I do agree though if the laptop is small, 14" and less it makes sense to remove the numpad, 15"+ they ought to have it.

But I do understand that some people don't care about numbers (e.g. writers), but others need numbers, and for layouts like AZERTY a numpad is essential.

The best solution is to give us the choice when buying a 15"+ laptop, select numpad or not, everyone is satisfied.

 

[ARF]

The solution is simple but there is no one to implement it.
Simply resize all the keys so that there is enough room for a numpad.

People are struggling with their smartphones' virtual keyboards and tiny keys, so I don't think a full-sized keyboard is any problem even on a 13-inch notie.

Acer Nitro 5's normal keys are 15 mm wide.
My smartphone keys are 6 mm wide.

 

[Chrispy_]

Numeric pads on notebook computers force the user to be off center. Ideally the ‘T’ or 'Y' keys on a QWERTY keyboard should be aligned with the center of the display.

They are poor from an ergonomic standpoint. Not there’s much good on a notebook PC concerning ergonomics…

This is a very valid point I'd not really considered, but you can't move the keyboard in relationship to the screen on a laptop and the ergonomics are already bad enough that you're looking down near your hands on a laptop. In that respect, this Acer is a win.

Realistically, if a laptop doesn't at least use the additional space (upwards firing speakers or cooling intakes) then I still dislike the wasted real-estate, so I'm revoking that win.

I'm lucky in that I've been using a TKL long enough that I can touch-type numbers about as fast as I used to be able to use a numpad. There are still the rare occasions where you want one hand on numpad and the other hand on a mouse but I mean, we're talking niche-within-a-niche scenario now....

 

[ARF]

you can't move the keyboard in relationship to the screen on a laptop

You will be able if flexible, adjustable hinges are designed. You know there are noties with rotating screen, so it becomes a tablet with a touch-screen.

 

[Chrispy_]

You will be able if flexible, adjustable hinges are designed. You know there are noties with rotating screen, so it becomes a tablet with a touch-screen.

Convertibles don't really work beyond 14" IMO because they're unwieldy and awkward as tablets, and those I'm aware of with the rotating and pivoting screen are all essentially handheld games consoles rather than laptops.

I guess in the context of this article I should clarify "clamshell laptop with full-sized keys".

On your other point, the key size is important to me because I can't touch-type at 100wpm and then switch to a keyboard with smaller keys - it's muscle memory and the more time you spend adjusting to the smaller layout, the more you unlearn your existing muscle-memory of full-sized keys. It's akin to having two FPS shooters you play regularly but with different mouse sensitivities for each. You can play them, but you'll never get accurate twitch reflex shots because you're muscle-memory is ruined by the constant switching between sensitivities. It's why any serious gamer spends a while in a new game tuning their mouse sensitivity for that game so that they can 180-noscope without having to mentally compensate...

 

[ARF]

Yeah, you are rather an exception than a rule. We are talking about the large majority of ordinary every-day simple users who don't care and are not so sensitive to everything being perfect to their styles. Of course that with notebooks nothing can be perfect.

 

[Chry]

This is quite amazing. Ryzen 6000 are the most power efficient series available on the market at the moment. If the battery is at least decent, this laptop might hold for around 20 hours, even with this big screen.

 

[cvaldes]

It's not practical to shrink a full-size physical keyboard designed for touch typing because the keys won't be in the places where the typist expects them.

Smartphone touch keyboards are different since you are typing on the display you are looking at. That's why people made the jump from physical keyboards (like RIM BlackBerry) to iPhone's touch keyboard pretty smoothly.

I've owned a physical keyboards for a full-sized iPad as well as an iPad mini and I will say that the latter was a pain to use since the smaller dimensions lead to more typing errors.

Anyhow, Acer has access to all of the commercially viable notebook PC keyboard parts. My guess is somewhere in a lab in Taiwan, there are are large screen Acer notebook prototypes with keyboards that include a numeric pad. But Acer deliberately chose not to offer the option.

Likely, it wasn't an engineering decision. More likely it was a business decision based on forecasted demand. My guess is the decision makers said "there are plenty of after market numeric keypad accessories available to address this usage case."

Again, notebook PCs are an ergonomic nightmare. If you care about ergonomics, you'd plug in your notebook PC into a regular monitor and the keyboard of your choice for extended use.

 

[P4-630]

Nice screen, nice slim laptop.

 

[lemonadesoda]

I hadn't realised so many TPU members were data-entry-clerks

 

[Count von Schwalbe]

I hadn't realised so many TPU members were data-entry-clerks

Everyone needs to fund their hardware addiction somehow!