If you want a versatile laptop with a foldable hinge that won’t cost the earth, Acer’sSpin range has always been a capable and affordable solution. The 2020 Spin 3 continues that trend. So what’s it all about?
Announced atCES 2020alongside theSwift 3, the Spin 3 delivers that multi-positional design appeal: whether you want to use as a laptop, tablet, or tent/stand, it’s got all such positions easily available.
Our quick take
If you’re looking for a laptop with a 360-degree hinge that doesn’t cost a fortune, the 2020 Acer Spin 3 has a lot going for it. It’s not got a premium build, but it dresses itself up well given the asking price.
The Acer Spin 3 will be available in Europe from April 2020, starting at €649; and in the USA from June 2020, starting at $699.
Acer Spin 3 (2020) initial
Acer Spin 3 (2020)
Design & Screen
The 14-inch format of the Spin 3 makes it easily portable. And thanks to far less bezel than its predecessor - you’ll see there’s no ‘outer lip’ here, giving the impression of greater screen to body ratio - it delivers enough real-estate for all manner of tasks.
There are ample ports, too, with full-size USB and future-facing USB-C available to keep things ticking along. There’s even an HDMI port should you want to output to another screen.
The device we saw features a Full HD touchscreen, so you can thumb away at the panel and/or use the integrated Wacom stylus instead. That’s another feature the Spin has over its Swift counterpart.
It’s not a metal laptop design, but Acer has done a good job in delivering a surface that feels quality. And given the £650-ish starting price, the finish is more than befitting at this level. That’s what Acer does so well: delivers on a budget.
Performance
If you’re unfazed by the plastic feel, then the Spin 3’s keyboard is more than up to task. It’s backlit, there’s ample key travel, making for an unfussy typing experience.
The trackpad features a built-in fingerprint scanner, which is a slightly odd place for one, but doesn’t affect use by any means. It’s responsiveness is sharp, while the physical size plentiful without going over the top.
On the power front, the Spin 3 isn’t as beefy as its Spin 5 cousin, also released alongside it, but with 10th Gen Intel Core i chipsets, you’re not going to run into any troubles.
Having only seen the model for a brief period of time, however, we can’t confirm how long-lasting it will be. Sat idly, the battery indicator said over 24 hours of life was available, which is well beyond the 15 hours of life quoted by Acer - an encouraging statistic that we’ll have to test in full.
