Acer Aspire Vero Review

The latest entrant in Acer’s annual lineup of eco-friendly laptops, the Aspire Vero, reviewed at $750, introduces a refreshing change with Intel’s new AI-powered processor onboard. This 2024 Vero, featuring a 16-inch 16:10 WQXGA (1,920 by 1,600) display, a sleeker design, and a 1440p webcam, promises to be a competent productivity machine—at least on paper. However, the newest Vero shows measurable improvements in practice without delivering a significant performance leap. Despite being one of the most affordable ways to experience Intel Core Ultra, the 2024 Vero performs on par with its predecessor from last year.

Acer Aspire Vero (2024) Specifications

Configuration: Introducing a New Intel Chip

Beyond its carbon-neutral credentials, the standout feature of the Aspire Vero is its new Intel Core Ultra processor. Intel’s “Meteor Lake” laptop CPUs, introduced in late 2023 under the Core Ultra brand, have quickly become a staple in laptops released this year. These processors come equipped with Intel’s new neural processing unit (NPU), promising advanced features, including extensive AI integration.

The Acer Aspire Vero uses explicitly an Intel Core Ultra 5 125U, with an Ultra Core 7 model expected to be released in June. The U-series processors, designed for thin-and-light systems like ultraportable laptops and 2-in-1 convertibles, emphasize efficiency and portability. Although capable, these ultra-low-power processors aren’t as powerful as the H-series chips in gaming laptops. Nonetheless, the U-series chips excel at productivity tasks, making them ideal for users who prioritize battery life and mobility over raw performance.

Despite not being a powerhouse, the Aspire Vero represents one of the most affordable entry points into Intel’s new ecosystem, barring options like the MSI Claw, which uses an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H. With 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, this Vero appears well-prepared for everyday computing needs.

Design: The Greenest Laptop Yet

The Acer Aspire Vero’s primary claim to fame is its strong commitment to environmental sustainability. The laptop incorporates eco-friendly materials, including touchpads made from reclaimed ocean-bound plastic, 100% recyclable packaging, and a chassis of 60% post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials. This year’s Vero stands out as the greenest computer available. The laptop’s design reflects its eco-conscious ethos, featuring a cement-coloured chassis with a smooth, speckled finish. Turning the device over reveals accents of aquamarine on the laptop’s rubber feet and hinges.

The design remains consistent with previous Vero models, although the 2024 version is slightly larger. Unlike the 2023 model, the latest Vero is available only in one color. Measuring 0.6 by 14.1 by 9.7 inches (HWD), it’s approximately 15% thinner than last year’s model and slimmer than other 16-inch laptops like the MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo, which measures 0.7 by 14.1 by 10 inches. However, at 3.7 pounds, it is slightly heavier.

The keyboard retains the familiar island-style layout with dedicated shortcuts, including the new Microsoft Co-pilot button. While it may not offer the tactile satisfaction of a mechanical keyboard, the low-profile scissor switches are a step up from the rubber membrane keys found in cheaper laptops. Notably, Vero’s distinctive R and E keys, reversed on purpose, make a return.

The recycled touchpad below the keyboard is vast and includes a fingerprint reader, but it has some drawbacks. Users may experience frequent misclicks due to the lack of tactile feedback, often requiring multiple presses to register a click.

The review unit features a WUXGA (1,920 by 1,200) LCD with a 16:10 aspect ratio, surrounded by a thin bezel. This is a slight upgrade from last year’s FHD (1,920 by 1,080) 16:9 screen. There is no touch-screen option, but the absence of a touchscreen isn’t a significant loss for a laptop of this kind. The QHD (2,560 by 1,440) webcam, complete with a privacy shutter, is centered at the top bezel.

Features and Connectivity: Combining Legacy Outputs with Modern Technology

The Aspire Vero’s ports are on their left and right sides, providing a mix of old and new connectivity options. These include an HDMI 2.1 port, a headphone jack, two USB-C ports (supporting USB4), two USB-A ports, and a lock slot. While it lacks a microSD card slot and Ethernet port, the available ports are standard and sufficient for most users. However, the Vero offers additional features that make it more than an eco-friendly laptop.

One notable feature is Wi-Fi 7 support, significantly faster than Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, with maximum data rates of 9.6Gbps. It is also about six times faster than Wi-Fi 5, which maxes out at 6.9Gbps. This results in faster download speeds, reduced latency, and increased network capacity.

The new model also supports Bluetooth LE Audio, enhancing Bluetooth audio performance. Furthermore, the Vero is MIL-STD-810H certified, indicating that it is resistant to heat, water, dust, and shock. For a laptop primarily constructed from recycled materials, this durability is impressive.

Performance: Incremental Improvements

The Aspire Vero with its Intel Core Ultra 5 125U shows measurable improvements over its predecessor but doesn’t deliver a significant competitive performance boost. While efficient, the U-series processor cannot match the power of the H-series chips in gaming laptops. Nevertheless, the Vero performs adequate tasks for everyday productivity. It handles multitasking, web browsing, document editing, and media consumption without issues.

The 16GB of RAM ensures smooth performance during multitasking, while the 512GB SSD offers ample storage and fast data access speeds. However, for more demanding applications such as video editing or gaming, the Vero’s performance may fall short compared to laptops equipped with more powerful processors and dedicated graphics cards.

Battery Life: Efficiency Pays Off

One of the key advantages of the U-series processor is its efficiency, which translates to impressive battery life. The Aspire Vero can last an entire workday on a single charge, making it an ideal choice for users who need a reliable laptop for on-the-go productivity. The efficient processor, combined with the power management features of Intel’s new architecture, helps extend battery life without sacrificing performance for typical use cases.

Pros and Cons

Should You Buy It?

The Acer Aspire Vero 2024 edition is an excellent choice for users who prioritize sustainability and need a reliable laptop for everyday productivity tasks. Its eco-friendly design, featuring extensive use of recycled materials, sets it apart in the market. The inclusion of Intel’s new AI-powered Core Ultra processor provides a glimpse into the future of computing with advanced features and efficiency.

However, suppose you require a laptop for demanding applications such as gaming or intensive content creation. In that case, the Vero might not be the best fit due to its focus on efficiency over raw performance. The touchpad sensitivity issues could also be a concern for some users.

Overall, the Acer Aspire Vero 2024 edition is a compelling option for environmentally conscious users seeking a capable and portable laptop with modern connectivity options and long battery life.

Verdict: A Balanced, Eco-Friendly Choice

The 2024 Acer Aspire Vero commendably continues Acer’s commitment to sustainability, offering a balanced blend of eco-friendly design, modern features, and adequate performance for everyday tasks. While it may not deliver a groundbreaking performance boost compared to its predecessor, it remains a solid choice for environmentally conscious users seeking a capable, portable laptop. The inclusion of Intel’s new AI-powered Core Ultra processor, advanced connectivity options, and robust build quality make the Aspire Vero a noteworthy option in the market.

However, the Vero might not be the best choice for users seeking a laptop for more demanding applications or gaming due to its focus on efficiency over raw performance. For those who prioritize sustainability and need a reliable machine for productivity tasks, the Acer Aspire Vero 2024 edition stands out as a compelling option.

FAQs

Q: What is the main highlight of the Acer Aspire Vero 2024 edition?

A: The main highlight is its eco-friendly design, featuring extensive use of recycled materials and a carbon-neutral footprint. It also includes Intel’s new AI-powered Core Ultra processor.

Q: How does the performance of the Acer Aspire Vero 2024 compare to last year’s model?

A: The performance shows measurable improvements but does not offer a significant competitive boost. It performs adequately for productivity tasks but may not be suitable for more demanding applications.

Q: What are the connectivity options available on the Acer Aspire Vero 2024?

A: The laptop includes 2 USB-C ports (with USB4 support), 2 USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, a headphone jack, and a lock slot. It also supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth LE Audio.

Q: Is the Acer Aspire Vero 2024 suitable for gaming?

A: No, the Acer Aspire Vero 2024 is not designed for gaming. It uses a U-series processor focused on efficiency and portability, making it more suitable for productivity tasks rather than gaming.

Q: How durable is the Acer Aspire Vero 2024?

A: The Acer Aspire Vero 2024 is MIL-STD-810H certified, indicating it is resistant to heat, water, dust, and shock, making it quite durable.

Q: Does the Acer Aspire Vero 2024 have a touch-screen option?

A: No, the Acer Aspire Vero 2024 does not offer a touch-screen option.

Q: What is the battery life of the Acer Aspire Vero 2024?

A: The battery life of the Acer Aspire Vero 2024 is impressive, lasting a full workday on a single charge.

Q: Does the Acer Aspire Vero 2024 come in multiple colors?

A: No, unlike previous models, the 2024 edition only comes in one color option.

Q: What kind of keyboard does the Acer Aspire Vero 2024 have?

A: The laptop features an island-style keyboard with dedicated shortcuts, including the new Microsoft Co-pilot button.