Review: Buy Acer Aspire R7 for power, not portability

Acer Aspire R7
Price: Rs 79,999
Specs: Windows 8, 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display, Intel Core i5 3337U (1.8 GHz), 6GB RAM, 500 GB HDD, Intel HD Graphics 4000, 2.6 kg
Rating: 4/5
Bag it or junk it: Buy it for power, not portability

Last 12 months were full of ultrabook convertibles. But as soon as I held the Acer R7 in my hand, I knew this couldn't be in the same league, at least not with this weight. Some people who saw it called the device ugly. I think that was because this was unlike anything they had seen before. The R7 has over 20 design patents and it was only natural for it to look different.

After many different convertible designs in the market, I have to say Acer has been very enterprising to think of something so different - even though it looks a bit like the Startship Enterprise in one of the modes. Actually the R7, which has the build quality, and some looks of the MacBook Pro, has four modes. First, is the regular laptop mode where it opens like any clamshell. Then there is easel mode where you can pull the screen up or closer to you to access the touch screen. Next is the pad mode where the screen faces up and rest on the keypad like a tablet, though a large one at that. Finally there is a display mode where the clamshell opens from the pad mode with the screen facing someone sitting opposite to you. All of this is made possible by the new patent-heavy hinge.

The problem is when you think of this device as an ultrabook, or even a portable notebook. With a 15.6-inch Full HD touchscreen, this device weighs 2.6 kgs which put it in the notebook range. That too notebooks that can replace desktops. We suggest you buy this if the usage is more of a static nature with not much travelling involved.

The screen is stunning and the touch very responsive. It also has four powerful speakers with Dolby Digital Home Plus. This is another aspect where the R7 is different. Everytime you change the orientation of the screen, the speakers also change their channels from right to left. Not such a great innovation, but still a good detail to have. Plus, it is hard to miss that this is one of the loudest notebooks you will ever encounter.

There is another design quirk that is hard to miss. The trackpad on the R7 is above the backlit keyboard. Yes, you read it right. The screen can come half way up the chassis just ahead of the keypad. Then you don't need the trackpad as the screen is just ahead. But in the laptop mode, you have to stretch almost toll the screen to reach the trackpad. This one really beats me.

The R7 is a very powerfull device. It has an Intel Core i5 processor with 6GB RAM that should be able to do all your stuff. It also has a quick boot like ultrabooks despite its bulk. It manages to stay cool even while engaged in power intensive tasks. Acer has also added some interesting apps like screen grab to make life easier. Newer version will come with dedicated cards from NVIDIA and that it make it more appealing for gamers. The battery is a bit old world and lasts roughly around four hours.

We would suggest this device for those looking for a home PC that can mould itself for many tasks. Go screen front for a weekend movie show for the family, fold screen up for them to play a game and also become tradition when daddy wants to catch up on work. Don't think of this as a carry around profession laptop. That might be tough.