If the Helios Neo 16 is the extra reasonably priced desktop substitute gaming laptop computer, then the Acer Nitro 17 is the definitive funds choice from Acer. The Nitro model has at all times balanced nice specs with an inexpensive worth level and 2024’s Nitro 17 refresh is not any totally different, placing it squarely on monitor to be among the finest low cost gaming laptops, if not among the finest gaming laptops of this yr, in addition.

It is nice to see loads of reasonably priced gaming laptops, that are sorely wanted on this house as some can price nicely into the hundreds. Hopefully, any benchmarks within the close to future will showcase how a lot this refresh has improved on efficiency.

Acer Nitro 17: Worth and availability

The Acer Nitro 17 can be launching within the US in January 2024, with its worth beginning at $1,249.99 (round £980 / AU$1,860). Out of all of Acer’s gaming laptop computer choices, that is simply essentially the most funds choice, even beating out the Helios Neo 16.

There is not any official phrase but on launches outdoors the US – particularly the UK and Australia – however we’ll most probably see releases in different areas later in 2024.

Acer Nitro 17: Specs

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Acer Nitro 17 specs

Part	Spec
Show	17.3-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1440), 160Hz
CPU	As much as Intel Core 7 14700HX
Graphics	As much as Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060
RAM	As much as 32GB DDR5
Storage	As much as 2TB PCIe Four SSD in RAID 0
Port choice	2x Thunderbolt Four USB Kind-C port, 1x Ethernet port, 1x energy port, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack, 3x USB Kind-A, 1x microSD reader, 1x Kensington port
Weight	3.2 kg (7.05 lbs)
Dimensions	15.76 x 11.55 x 1.14 inches; 400.2 x 293.25 x 28.9 mm (WxDxH)

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(Picture credit score: Future)

(Picture credit score: Future)

(Picture credit score: Future)

(Picture credit score: Future)

Acer Nitro 17: Design

In contrast to the Helios Neo 16 and Helios 18, the Acer Nitro 17 has a a lot easier design, a plain black laptop computer with solely the emblem on the lid. A bit boring however contemplating the cheaper listing worth, a design selection that is fully vital.

The keyboard keys have that clear-ish border round them, which lets the RGB lighting shine via, a pleasant aesthetic contact that does not skyrocket the value. It additionally includes a devoted Microsoft Copilot key on the keyboard, certainly one of Acer’s first laptops to have such, permitting customers to entry Home windows’ AI options.

The port choice is implausible and options loads of USB Kind-C and A ports, an Ethernet port, microSD, a combo jack, and extra. Contemplating the value, it is fairly the boon contemplating that costlier gaming laptops will routinely miss a minimum of certainly one of these ports.

One of many solely drawbacks is the burden and measurement of the laptop computer, which places it squarely into desktop substitute territory. A bit unusual for the reason that specs do not permit for configurations for the Intel Core i9 or Nvidia RTX 4090, and but this dangerous boy is slightly over seven kilos. However contemplating that you just get such a big display in return, it is a trade-off that loads of budget-minded avid gamers could be keen to simply accept.

Acer Nitro 17: Efficiency

The Acer Nitro 17 refresh signifies that its specs have gotten some spiffy upgrades, together with a 14th-Gen Intel Core CPU and an Nvidia RTX 4000-series GPU, as much as an Intel Core 7 14700HX and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, respectively. Although we have no benchmark take a look at outcomes to find out simply how nicely these up to date specs will translate into strong gaming efficiency.

Judging by the efficiency outcomes of the earlier Acer Nitro 17 (2023) and the Acer Nitro 5 (2022) with weaker parts, the Nitro 17 (2024) with its current-gen components ought to have the ability to deal with nearly any of the perfect PC video games at max settings with little situation.

Acer Nitro 17: Early verdict

Although the jury’s nonetheless out on efficiency attributable to an absence of benchmark take a look at outcomes, the Acer Nitro 17 ought to have the ability to deal with any AAA recreation at excessive and maxed-out settings because of the upgraded specs. Mixed with its funds pricing and you’ve got a gaming laptop computer that is virtually assured to attraction to these searching for a extra reasonably priced desktop substitute.

Acer continues the pattern of the Nitro being among the finest values within the gaming laptop computer market, and I hope to see critiques mirror that after it launches in a while in January 2024.