Acer Launches AMD Ryzen 8040 Series Laptops: Swift Edge 16 and Swift Go 14
Acer has introduced two new laptops powered by the AMD Ryzen 8040 series chips, positioning the 2024 Acer Swift Edge 16 and Swift Go 14 as advanced tools for AI-driven tasks. These Windows 11 devices are equipped with vibrant OLED displays, Radeon 780M graphics, and offer up to 32GB of RAM.
The Ryzen 8040 series features a dedicated AI Engine, enhancing performance by up to 1.4 times over previous models in Llama 2 and AI vision tasks. Acer highlights AI capabilities onboard, including PurifiedVoice, which eliminates background noise during calls, and PurifiedView, which blurs backgrounds in images and adjusts your positioning during video calls.
Enhanced AI Functionality
Both laptops include a dedicated Microsoft Copilot button on their keyboards for instant access to AI queries, facilitating user interactions similar to ChatGPT. Microsoft’s integration ensures that the AI functionality taps into cloud servers rather than relying solely on the device's on-device NPU.
Security and Design Features
Equipped with the Microsoft Pluton security co-processor, the AMD chips enhance data protection, safeguarding credentials, encryption keys, and personal information from cyber threats.
Acer Swift Edge 16: Performance Meets Portability
The Acer Swift Edge 16 delivers robust performance without compromising on portability. All models feature a 16-inch OLED display with a WQXGA resolution (3200 x 2000), boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and a sub-0.2ms response time. The laptop supports 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and carries the VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification for superior visual accuracy.
Powered by the Ryzen 7 8840U processor and AMD Radeon 780M graphics, it offers configurations with up to 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 2TB of PCIe 4.0 SSD storage. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7 or Wi-Fi 6E. Weighing 2.71 lbs and measuring just 12.95mm in height, it features a magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis and a 54 Wh battery, alongside two USB-C ports (with USB4 speeds up to 40Gbps), two USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a microSD slot.
Acer Swift Go 14: Compact and Versatile
The Acer Swift Go 14 is designed for portability, housing up to an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS octa-core processor, alongside AMD Radeon 780M graphics. Configurations also include Ryzen 7 8845HS or Ryzen 5 8645HS options, with up to 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage.
The premium 14-inch variant features a WQXGA (2880x1800) OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, while an alternative configuration offers a 1920 x 1200 IPS touchscreen display. The device’s hinge allows for a 180-degree extension and includes a glass trackpad that is 44% larger than its predecessor, supporting Wi-Fi 6E.
The Swift Go 14 is slightly heavier at 2.91 lbs but remains highly portable. It is available with either a 65 or 50 Wh battery. While both models feature 1440p QHD webcams, only the Swift Go 14 includes a privacy shutter. Port options are reduced on the Go 14, which has two USB-C ports (with USB4 speeds), an HDMI 2.1 connector, and a microSD slot, lacking the additional USB-A ports found on the Edge 16.
Pricing and Availability
The Swift Edge 16 is set to launch in March in North America, starting at $1,300, while the Swift Go 14 will follow in April, beginning at $700. Acer has yet to provide detailed pricing for various configurations beyond the entry-level models.
Ranking
