If you're on a tight budget and need a laptop for basic tasks like web browsing and document editing, the Acer Aspire 1 is a solid choice that won't break the bank. However, if you require a machine with higher performance for tasks like video editing, 3D work, or gaming, and value a premium build with better portability, the HP Spectre x360 14 is a superior option, albeit with a higher price tag. The HP also typically offers a longer battery life, which is beneficial if you're frequently on the move. Keep in mind the HP's 2-in-1 feature, allowing tablet use, adds versatility but also contributes to its cost. 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
The Acer Aspire 1 has no clear advantages over the HP Spectre x360 14.
Advantages of the HP Spectre x360 14
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Very good portability
Best in class speakers
Very good keyboard
Key differences
General Use
5.8/10
8.7/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
TN
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
200.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
384.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
6.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
7.5/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.4/10
The HP Spectre x360 14 is very good for general use, while the Acer Aspire 1 is poor.
The Acer Aspire 1 may fall short in general use due to its less powerful CPU and lower RAM, which can lead to slower performance, while its screen quality, battery life, and portability don't match higher-end models like the HP Spectre x360 14, which offers a superior balance of high-performance internals, vivid display, and longer battery life, all in a compact form factor. Additionally, while both laptops have adequate storage, the HP Spectre typically has a better keyboard, speakers, and manages heat and noise more efficiently, enhancing the overall user experience.
Gaming and AI
5.6/10
6.8/10
3.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
10.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
9.5/10
The HP Spectre x360 14 is only fair for gaming and AI, while the Acer Aspire 1 is poor.
The Acer Aspire 1 has a less powerful GPU and a lower screen refresh rate, making it less suited for gaming and 3D applications where smooth visuals are crucial. On the other hand, the HP Spectre x360 14, with a stronger GPU and a higher refresh rate, provides a better experience for such tasks, though the CPU and screen quality also play a role in performance and visual fidelity.
Engineering and Design
5.5/10
8.4/10
3.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
3.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
4.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The HP Spectre x360 14 is very good for engineering and design, while the Acer Aspire 1 is poor.
The Acer Aspire 1 has a weaker CPU and less RAM, limiting performance for demanding engineering software, whereas the HP Spectre x360 14 has powerful processing capabilities and higher RAM, accommodating intensive tasks with ease. The Spectre also boasts a superior GPU and screen quality essential for design work, though the Aspire 1 is lighter and potentially quieter, making it more suitable for basic tasks and travel.
Content Creation
5.9/10
8.7/10
3.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
4.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
TN
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
The HP Spectre x360 14 is very 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
8.4/10
3.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
4.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
6.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The HP Spectre x360 14 is very 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
8.6/10
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1800
TN
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
OLED
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
200.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
384.0 nits
The HP Spectre x360 14 has a better screen than the Acer Aspire 1 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Acer Aspire 1 may fall short in screen quality across different uses due to limited resolution and brightness, which affects clarity and detail for general tasks, and a narrow color range that doesn’t match the precision needed for engineering and design work. The HP Spectre x360 14 likely offers a sharper, brighter display with wider color gamuts, providing greater accuracy and vibrancy for general use and professional applications. However, for Gaming and 3D, it may lack a high refresh rate, which is crucial for smooth motion and enhanced gaming experiences.
Battery
6.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Acer Aspire 1 has 6 hours of battery life. The HP Spectre x360 14 has 9 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Good
Very Good
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
4.1 lbs
WEIGHT
3.4 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The HP Spectre x360 14 has very good portability, while the Acer Aspire 1 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
5.5/10
8.5/10
The HP Spectre x360 14 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
$1,630
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Acer Aspire 1 has a price of $244 and the HP Spectre x360 14 costs $1,630.
"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."
"The numbers don’t lie — the HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) is a star, and a hell of a one at that. From performance to battery life, this machine is a dream. But why didn’t I give it a perfect score? Well, I wish the display performed better and that there were more ports to go around. If you’re itching for someone a little cheaper that offers a brighter display and significantly more battery life, I can only recommend the MacBook Pro 14 as a suitable substitute. Otherwise, the HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) is the perfect choice for those who want a reliable premium laptop."
Get a great deal on the Acer Aspire 1 or the HP Spectre x360 14
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 HP
HP, also known as Hewlett-Packard, is an American technology company that develops personal computers and computer peripherals. In the laptop industry, HP is known for its entry level Essential series laptops, its mid-range Pavilion, Envy, and Victus series, and high-end Omen and Spectre series, in addition to its business-oriented EliteBook, ProBook, and Dragonfly series laptops. HP laptops generally undercut other mainstream competitors in terms of price, placing itself as the value-oriented mainstream brand.
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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