If you're looking for a cost-effective option for everyday tasks like browsing the internet, working with documents, and streaming videos, the Acer Aspire might be suitable and easier on your wallet. However, if you're into gaming, 3D modeling, or use demanding software for engineering or machine learning, the Dell Alienware will offer significantly better performance suited for those activities, although it will be heavier and have a higher price. The Alienware often comes with features that support intensive tasks, such as advanced graphics and cooling systems, at the expense of battery life and portability. Choose based on what matches your primary needs. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Acer Aspire 1
Good portability
Advantages of the Dell Alienware m16 R2
Good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Good for gaming and AI
Good for software development
Good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Very good speakers
Very good keyboard
Key differences
General Use
5.8/10
7.9/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
TN
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
200.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
302.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.0 Hours
6.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
7.5/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
6.7/10
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 is good for general use, while the Acer Aspire 1 is poor.
The Acer Aspire 1 may struggle with multitasking and demand-intensive programs due to a less powerful CPU and less RAM, and its screen quality may not be as vibrant or sharp; furthermore, while lightweight and easy to carry, its battery may not last as long as some users need. In contrast, the Dell Alienware m16 R2 offers a robust CPU and ample RAM which can handle more intensive tasks smoothly, boasts a high-quality screen for excellent visuals, and although heavier and possibly bulkier, includes a durable battery, making it better suited for more demanding general use.
Gaming and AI
5.6/10
7.9/10
3.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.5/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
10.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 is good for gaming and AI, while the Acer Aspire 1 is poor.
The Acer Aspire 1 typically has a less powerful GPU and lower screen refresh rate, making it less suitable for gaming and 3D applications, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 usually includes a high-end GPU and a high refresh rate display, essential for smooth and detailed gaming and 3D rendering. The Alienware also generally boasts a stronger CPU and higher screen quality, further enhancing performance and visual experience for demanding tasks.
Engineering and Design
5.5/10
8.4/10
3.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
3.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.5/10
4.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 is very good for engineering and design, while the Acer Aspire 1 is poor.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 is equipped with higher-end CPU, RAM, and GPU, which are essential for demanding tasks like engineering and design, as well as a superior screen quality that allows for precise visual work. On the other hand, the Acer Aspire 1, while more portable, falls short in these key areas, making it less suitable for such intensive use.
Content Creation
5.9/10
7.9/10
3.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
4.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
TN
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 is good for content creation, while the Acer Aspire 1 is poor.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
6.1/10
7.6/10
3.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
4.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
6.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 is good for software development, while the Acer Aspire 1 is only fair.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Screen Quality
5.2/10
8.2/10
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
TN
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
200.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
302.0 nits
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a better screen than the Acer Aspire 1 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use, the Acer Aspire 1's screen may disappoint due to a lower resolution and dimmer display, making everyday tasks less enjoyable, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 offers a sharper, brighter image enhancing your viewing experience. In the realm of engineering and design, the Acer's limited color range can hamper the accuracy required for professional work, whereas the Dell's broader color coverage ensures more precise color representation. When it comes to 3D and gaming, the Acer's slower refresh rate leads to less smooth visuals, which might not satisfy gamers or professionals working with motion graphics, even though the Dell, while boasting a generally superior display, might not have the highest refresh rates catered to this specific use case.
Portability
Good
Fair
15.6in
SIZE
16.0in
4.1 lbs
WEIGHT
5.7 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Acer Aspire 1 has good portability, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
5.5/10
8.5/10
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has very good build quality, while the Acer Aspire 1 has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$244
$1,650
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Acer Aspire 1 has a price of $244 and the Dell Alienware m16 R2 costs $1,650.
"There are no surprises and nothing's extraordinary here but this laptop's price. For those in need of an inexpensive Windows laptop for undemanding tasks, though, the Acer Aspire 1 offers just enough to get the basics done and a larger screen to do them on."
"Alienware’s m16 R2 is a solid gaming laptop that leaves much to be desired, particularly in its quest to fulfill your needs as a product for productivity. Battery life under eight hours and a dim display are both vital issues for something that will accompany you through school projects or a workday. However, the Alienware m16 R2 is an exceedingly powerful gaming laptop, consistently being one of the best in our performance tests when compared against similar products. Even then, its display is lacking color, its fans get pretty darn loud, and its speakers aren’t punchy enough to rise above that noise."
Get a great deal on the Acer Aspire 1 or the Dell Alienware m16 R2
About Acer
Acer is a prominent Taiwanese electronics brand which makes a wide range of laptops, with multiple product lines catering to personal use, gaming, and business use. They are renowned for having exceptional value for money, as they frequently offer good specifications at a lower price than other manufacturers.
About Dell
Dell is a highly recognizable American technology company, and is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. Their laptops are very popular for both personal and professional use, and they also own the Alienware brand which makes mid to high end gaming laptops. Their premium XPS range of laptops offer great build quality and portability, while Latitude and Precision laptops are known for reliability, repairability and performance for business users.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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