Acer Spin 1 review
The Acer Acer Spin 1 ranks as the #862 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 50. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #101-ranked build among 777 laptops. Consider the Acer Chromebook 315 or Lenovo 100e, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Acer Spin 1 is a laptop that's both fascinating and frustrating. While it has its strengths, such as being a good option for primary school students or those on a tight budget, its build quality and performance are lacking. The keyboard flexes excessively, keys can stop working, and the storage device often fails, leading to data loss. Despite these issues, the Acer Spin 1 is still worth considering if you have no other options. However, if possible, opt for a more reliable brand like Asus or HP.
Build
I recently had the chance to use the Acer Spin 1, and I must say that its build quality is truly underwhelming. The plastic construction feels flimsy and cheap, with excessive flex in both the keyboard and screen. The hinges, which allow for 360-degree rotation, seem particularly fragile and can be damaging to the laptop if overused. The weight of the laptop also contributes to its poor build quality, making it feel like a fragile device that's easily susceptible to damage. Overall, I would not recommend the Acer Spin 1 based on its subpar build quality alone. Take a look at Acer Chromebook Spin 511 - its improved build sets a new standard.
Display
The display on the Acer Spin 1 is a mixed bag. It's a 10-inch 1080p touchscreen with a 60Hz refresh rate, which is decent for casual use. The screen flexes slightly when pressed, but it doesn't seem to affect its overall performance. In terms of brightness and color accuracy, it's average at best. While it's not the worst display I've seen, it's also not particularly impressive. Overall, it gets the job done, but it's not a standout feature of this laptop. If you're after top-notch display, consider Acer Chromebook Spin 511.
Performance
I recently had the chance to use the Acer Spin 1, and while it's not the most powerful laptop out there, it gets the job done for basic tasks. The Intel Celeron processor is decent for everyday use, but it struggles with more demanding applications like gaming or video editing. The 4GB of DDR4 memory helps keep things running smoothly, but the storage issues I encountered were a major concern - my test device randomly wiped itself clean after just a year of use. Overall, the Spin 1's performance is adequate for casual users, but it falls short for those who need more power. It’s worth checking out Samsung Galaxy Book2 Go, delivering remarkable performance.
Battery and Charging
Here's the rewritten review focusing on battery and charging: "The Acer Spin 1 is a decent laptop for basic tasks, but its battery life is underwhelming. I experienced around 4-5 hours of usage before needing a recharge, which is acceptable for light use. However, the charging time is relatively long, taking about 2-3 hours to fully charge from empty. This isn't ideal for frequent users or those who need a laptop that can keep up with their daily activities."
Connectivity
The Acer Spin 1 has decent connectivity options for its price point. On one side, you'll find an HDMI port (v2), USB-A, SD card slot, and power jack. The other side features two USB ports and a headphone jack. However, the build quality of these ports is subpar, feeling flimsy and prone to flexing. The laptop also has a touchscreen display with a stylus included, but it's not ideal for heavy use. Get your hands on Acer Chromebook Spin 311 if you're looking for better connectivity.
Features
The Acer Spin 1 boasts a 360-degree hinge, HD touchscreen, and stylus support. It features HDMI, USB-A, SD slot, and power jack on one side, with USB and headphone jack on the other. The keyboard is made of plastic with flexing issues, while the screen shows some screen flex. Consider discovering the power of Acer Chromebook 311, featuring the latest advancements in features.
Support and Maintenance
I'm disappointed with the Acer Spin 1's support and maintenance. The laptop tends to wipe itself or delete Windows unintentionally after a year, causing data loss. This has been reported by others, but I haven't experienced it myself. Additionally, some keys may stop working over time. Acer should address these issues to ensure a reliable user experience.
Pros
1. The laptop has a decent processor with a Celeron and 4000 CPU, which can run games like Minecraft.
2. It comes with a touchscreen and stylus, making it a good option for primary school or kindergarten students.
3. The Intel HD UHD 600 graphics is not the best but still capable of running basic tasks within budget.
4. The laptop has a decent storage capacity with 4GB of DDR4 memory.
5. It's a two-in-one laptop with a rotating hinge that can rotate to 360 degrees.
Cons
1. The build quality is absolutely the worst, with flimsy plastic construction and poor material selection.
2. The keyboard sounds okay but has flex and the whole thing goes down when pressed.
3. Some of the keys may not operate properly after extended use or heavy gaming.
4. There's a storage device use case issue where the laptop tends to wipe itself or delete Windows unintentionally.
5. The hinge system is also flimsy and scares the reviewer, with a risk of breakage over time.
FAQ
Compare with other laptops
See how this item stacks up against any other model
Choose two different items to see a detailed comparison of their specifications, performance, and features