Acer highlighted a pair of no-frills laptops tailored for routine tasks during its CES presentation in Las Vegas this year.
The models, named Aspire 14 AI and Aspire 16 AI, are powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, also known as Panther Lake, enabling support for advanced Copilot+ capabilities. While hands-on testing remains pending, these devices are expected to handle multitasking with multiple browser tabs more efficiently.
The overall build is straightforward without groundbreaking elements, resulting in a standard gray chassis. Both versions are slim and portable, featuring a hinge that allows the display to fold completely flat. The touchpad offers generous size, and buyers have several screen choices available.
Options include a standard display, a touch-enabled variant, or an OLED panel, the latter enhancing viewing for streaming services like Netflix and YouTube. Each model uses a 1920×1200 resolution, which provides sufficient clarity for general purposes without being exceptionally high-end.
Configuration details meet typical requirements, with maximums of 32GB RAM and solid-state storage reaching 1TB on the 14-inch version or 2TB on the 16-inch one, ensuring longevity. Additional features encompass a 1080p front camera, three microphones, and AI enhancements for improving audio and video quality during video calls. Connectivity includes essentials like Thunderbolt, HDMI, and USB-A ports, offering a balanced selection without extras or omissions.
The 16-inch model will arrive in stores during the second quarter of 2026, followed by the 14-inch in the third quarter. Pricing information is not yet available, but updates will be provided once Acer shares details.
Ashley Biancuzzo oversees laptop and Chromebook reporting at PCWorld. She has reported on consumer technology since 2016, with contributions featured in outlets such as USA Today, Reviewed, Polygon, Kotaku, StarWars.com, and Nerdist. Outside work, she plays video games, reads science fiction, and spends time with her adopted greyhound.