Acer Aspire S7 review

If you don't like the idea of your notebook becoming a tablet (or rather, having to pay extra for that option), laptops like the Acer Aspire S7 that still retain the traditional clamshell form factor.

Since Acer introduced the impressive but slightly handicapped S5 (thanks to a low screen resolution), the S7 is a strong move towards the better with its premium looks and its Full HD multi-touch display. As an Ultrabook, the S7's design is simply stunning.

This is also the first Acer machine that completely removes the “cheap”feeling often associated with the brand. Despite being mostly made of plastic, the S7 feels robust and well-built, thanks in part to a Gorilla Glass-protected lid. There's no official reason as to why the S7 has Gorilla Glass on the back of the lid, other than for aesthetic purposed; presumably the toughened glass is there to protect from scratches and the like. We do like that the display is able to open up quite a fair distance (over 180 degrees).

Besides gorgeous looks, adding on to the S7's premium status are quality components like a Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixel resolution) display – quite rare for a 13.3-inch laptop – as well as an SSD, a component often found in top-of-the-line Ultrabooks.

Despite its premium positioning though, the battery capacity of the S7 is quite small, taking an unfortunate side effect of having such a thin and light body, tipping the scales at just 1.3kg. Even though it's easy to carry around, lasting just over two hours in our battery test means you'll need to be parked near a power outlet more often than not, when away from the office.

And because of its incredibly thin frame, the chiclet-style keys on the S7's keyboard are extremely shallow. Fortunately, the keys have plenty of bounce, which gives users the feedback needed to type fast. Like all premium Ultrabooks, the Aspire S7 also has a reasonably - sized click pad, though we did wish it was a little bigger.

While there were some compromised made due to its thickness (or lack thereof), there might be some willing to trade battery life for an exquisitely designed machine that is likely to be one of the thinnest and lightest Ultrabooks on the market to date.