Acer is getting on the AI PC train with new and updated Predator and Nitro models
Acer has expanded its range of gaming laptops with the launch of several new models, including the Predator Helios Neo 14, an updated Acer Nitro 16 and the introduction of the Nitro 14 and Nitro 16 laptops.
This new offering is designed to cater to gamers and creators alike, with the latest processing and graphics technology, alongside AI-enhanced capabilities for an optimized user experience.
The new Predator Helios Neo 14 appears to be a portable yet powerful gaming laptop, packing Intel Core Ultra processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 laptop graphics cards, along with a WQXGA (3072×1920) display with a 165Hz refresh rate and support for 100% sRGB color gamut and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility. The Nitro 16, meanwhile, is updated with a 14th generation Intel Core i7-14700HX processor and up to an RTX 4060 GPU.
Acer says its enhanced thermal management systems, including a dual-fan setup and liquid metal thermal paste, ensure optimal performance during heavy use.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Nitro series welcomes two new models powered by AMD Ryzen™ 8040 series processors, with the Nitro 14 and Nitro 16 both supporting Nvidia RTX 4060 GPUs. These laptops aim to deliver immersive gaming experiences through their Nvidia G-Sync compatible panels and Acer PurifiedVoice 2.0 and Acer PurifiedView software to enhance voice chat and game streaming. Both Nitro models with AMD Ryzen 8040 series chips will also feature Microsoft Copilot in Windows.
All models will launch in May this year, with the Acer Predator Helios Neo 14 having a base price of $1,799, the Acer Nitro 16 starting at $1,399.99 (both Intel Core i7-14700HX and AMD Ryzen 8040 series CPU models) , while the Nitro 14 with AMD 8040 series chips starts at $1,299.99.
More AI-enabled PCs are coming in, but are they worth it?
Acer isn’t the only company offering updated laptops with new AI-powered chips. With the launch of Intel’s Meteor Lake CPUs and AMD’s Ryzen 8040 series processors, laptops of all types will now have a powerful new tool for AI-enhanced workloads.
However, the hype surrounding these chips can often be blown out of proportion, as most AI applications that people want to get into, such as custom chatbots or image generators, require far more resources and technology than a built-in Neural Processing Unit (NPU) of either. Intel or AMD would be able to do that.
These types of heavy workloads normally require the best possible graphics card (often more than one) to properly train models locally. So for most AI applications that people will actually use, you’ll still need to use cloud processing like that found in OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Dall-E.
What you can do is use this new AI hardware for more quality of life improvements, like better background blurring during video calls, image editing and photo touchups, and microphone noise cancellation. These are not insignificant improvements, and these new chips will certainly help many people with their daily tasks. Just don’t expect a miracle from them.