Acer has released the Aspire 18, an 18-inch laptop that brings Intel's latest Panther Lake processors to a large-screen form factor. This release matters because it offers a rare combination of a high-refresh-rate display and long battery life in a chassis that remains relatively portable for its size. Buyers who need a desktop replacement with strong multitasking capabilities now have a new option that balances performance with endurance.
Acer Aspire 18 laptop brings Intel Panther Lake processors to a large-screen form factor
The laptop arrives with three distinct processor options: the Core Ultra 5 325, the Core Ultra 7 355, and the Core Ultra 9 386H. These chips form the core of the device's computing power, allowing users to scale performance based on their specific workload needs. A lesser Core Ultra 5 322 variant is also mentioned as coming, though specific details on its release date or pricing remain unclear.
Specifications
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 325 / Core Ultra 7 355 / Core Ultra 9 386H
- RAM: 16 GB / 32 GB
- Storage: 512 GB / 1 TB
- Display: 18-inch IPS, 1200p (1920×1200), 16:10, 400 nits, 120 Hz
- Battery: 71 Wh
Acer pairs these processors with up to 32 GB of RAM and storage options reaching 1 TB. The centerpiece of the hardware is an 18-inch IPS panel that resolves at 1200p with a 16:10 aspect ratio. This display delivers 400 nits of peak brightness and supports a 120 Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals. The chassis measures 400 x 272.4 x 12.4~19 mm and weighs 2.19 kg.
Powering the system is a 71 Wh battery that Acer rates for 17.5 hours of web browsing in official tests. This endurance claim suggests the device can handle a full workday without frequent recharges for light tasks. The base configuration starts at €1,289 EUR (around $1,467) in the Eurozone, while the top-tier model with the Core Ultra 9 386H costs €2,299 EUR (around $2,616).
The Aspire 18 is already available for purchase in the Eurozone and the UAE as of June 2024. North American customers will need to wait until August for the official launch in that region. This staggered rollout gives European buyers immediate access to the new hardware while American users await the domestic release window.
Source: NotebookCheck
