With its as much as 250Hz mini LED show, Intel Core i9-14900HX CPU, and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card, the Acer Predator Helio 18 is a powerhouse of a gaming laptop computer, and we lately acquired hands-on with it to see the way it shapes up.
This best gaming laptop contender from Acer was on present on the CES 2024 commerce present in Las Vegas the place we additionally noticed many different upcoming gaming laptops, in addition to the newest gaming displays, mice, keyboards, instances, and extra. See our CES story hub for extra from the present or learn on for extra on the Helios 18.
Acer Predator Helio 18 specs
| Acer Predator Helio 18 specs | |
| CPU | As much as Intel Core i9-14900HX |
| GPU | As much as Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 |
| Display | 18-inch, 2,560 x 1,600, 250Hz, mini LED – as much as 1,000 nits |
| Max GPU energy | 175W |
| Keyboard | Full-size with mini numpad, RGB backlit |
| Extras | Swappable keycaps, rear RGB strip |
| I/O | Rear: HDMI and a couple of x USB-C (rear). Left: Ethernet, USB 3,1, microSD headphone jack. Proper: 2x USB 3.1 |
Acer Predator Helio 18 design & options
As Acer’s new flagship gaming laptop computer, the Helios 18 is aimed squarely at avid gamers wanting most energy and a quick display. There aren’t any 4K display choices right here – as a substitute, you get a 250Hz mini LED panel with a 2,560 x 1,600 decision. In the event you’d slightly go for an OLED display, you’ll need to go for the likes of the Acer Aspire X14, slightly than the Helios line.
The general styling of the Helios 18 is clearly basic gamer stuff, nevertheless it’s comparatively modest. There’s an RGB strip on the rear, a backlit Predator emblem on the lid, and RGB keyboard lighting, however all these options will be turned off to depart a extra refined look. The chassis itself is steel and with comparatively few different adornments, although that is nonetheless a reasonably thick laptop computer with very distinguished cooling vents.
One of many benefits of that thickness is loads of room for ports and connectors, and the Helios 18 doesn’t scrimp. Around the again is an HDMI output and two USB-C ports, whereas around the left aspect is an Ethernet port, a full-size USB 3.1 port, a microSD slot, and a headphone jack. The fitting is dwelling to 2 extra full-size USB ports. The one apparent tweak we’d make is to have the Ethernet port on the again edge. With a typical ‘plugged-in’ setup, we’d need energy, Ethernet, and show outputs all to move in the direction of the again of the desk.
In the meantime, the keyboard gives a pleasing really feel because of a good quantity of journey from the keys and minimal flex from the keyboard space. The keycaps of the WASD keys will also be swapped out, which feels very gimmicky to us, particularly because the choices for different keys aren’t wherever close to as broad as what you will get for one of many best gaming keyboard choices with Cherry MX-style switches. The trackpad is sweet and enormous, although, with a easy and responsive really feel.
As for the mini LED display, we didn’t get an opportunity to recreation on it however had been in a position to see simply how colourful and dazzlingly shiny it may get. We don’t have a determine for what number of backlight zones the miniLED backlight offers, however the display’s distinction gave the impression to be impressively broad and with minimal apparent backlight glow. It’s additionally rated to cowl 100% of the DCI-P3 coloration area.
Acer Predator Helios 18 value
The Acer Predator Helios 18 value begins at $1,999.99 for a model with a way more fundamental CPU and GPU choice, whereas the European market will begin with a higher-spec model at €3,999. The Acer Predator Helios 18 launch date is March 2024 for the US and February 2024 for Europe.
Acer Predator Helios 18 preliminary ideas
The Acer Predator Helios 18 appears to be like primed to be a strong choice for these in search of a no-holds-barred high-end gaming laptop computer that’s centered on excessive body charges over pixel-peeping, cinematic gaming – because of its lack of a 4K display. It isn’t in any respect low-cost nevertheless it’s competitively priced with different laptops of an identical spec vary.
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