Acer unveils ultra-thin Aspire S 13 to rival Apple MacBook range

Device packs in Intel 6th-gen Core chips and USB Type-C

NEW YORK: Acer has taken aim at Apple's MacBook range with the Aspire S 13, the firm's latest ultra-slim laptop.

The Aspire S 13 measures just 0.57in at its thickest point, and weighs a very portable 1.3kg. The slim aluminium design has diamond-cut edges and a 13in display with the option to add a touchscreen for use with Microsoft's latest Windows 10 operating system.

The device uses Intel's 6th-gen Core processors, available in i3U, i5 and i7 options, along with up to 8GB of memory, up to 512GB of solid state storage, and Intel's integrated HD Graphics 520 to power the 1920x1080 FHD IPS screen.

Acer claims up to 13 hours of battery life for the touchscreen version of the Aspire S 13 which, combined with the lightweight frame, could make it the ideal notebook for road warriors.

Two USB 3.1 ports plus HDMI and USB Type-C ports provide the Aspire S 13 with connections for several peripherals and an external display.

The Aspire S 13 also has some decent audio chops. The device uses Acer's TrueHarmony sound and Dolby Atmos technology that meets Skype for Business certification, and provides what Acer claimed is a crisper and lag-free experience for business users. The tech also makes getting sense out of Windows 10's Cortana virtual assistant a lot easier, according to the firm.

Acer has used a fancy-sounding nano-imprint pattern to add a textured, tactile finish to the Aspire S 13's cover that makes the laptop easier to hold when in the closed position and should help in preventing butter-fingered users dropping the Aspire S 13 on the floor.

The Aspire S 13's real ace up the sleeve, however, is the starting price of $699, making it cheaper than the Asus Zenbook range and Apple's MacBook.