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Acer Spin 1 (N3450, FHD) Convertible Review

Untiring.Acer's 11.6-inch convertible pleases with a very long battery life and an IPS display with stable viewing angles.

For the original German review, see here.

After the Spin 5 and the Spin 7, we are now testing the Spin 1, the smallest and one of the weakest models of Acer's convertible series. The 11.6-inch model is driven by a Celeron quad-core processor of the Apollo Lake generation. Competitors of the convertible include devices such as the Asus VivoBook Flip 12 TP203NAH, the HP Pavilion 11 x360, the Medion Akoya E2215T, and the Dell Latitude 3189.

Acer Spin 1 SP111-31-C79E (Spin 1 SP111 Series)
Processor
Intel Celeron N3450 4 x 1.1 - 2.2 GHz, Apollo Lake
Graphics adapter
Intel HD Graphics 500, Core: 700 MHz, single channel, 21.20.16.4678
Memory
4 GB 
, DDR3-1600, single channel, one storage slot (occupied)
Display
11.60 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 190 PPI, capacitive, 10 touch points, AU Optronics B116HAN05.0, IPS, glossy: yes
Storage
Toshiba MQ01ABF050, 500 GB 
, 440 GB free
Soundcard
Realtek ALC255 @ Intel Apollo Lake SoC - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
2 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: audio combo, Card Reader: microSD, Sensors: acceleration sensor, TPM 2.0
Networking
Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.1
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 20.3 x 298 x 210 ( = 0.8 x 11.73 x 8.27 in)
Battery
48.9 Wh Lithium-Ion
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: HD
Additional features
Speakers: stereo, Keyboard: chiclet, Keyboard Light: no, MS Office 365 (trial version), Norton Security (trial version), 24 Months Warranty, fanless
Weight
1.5 kg ( = 52.91 oz / 3.31 pounds), Power Supply: 283 g ( = 9.98 oz / 0.62 pounds)
Price
449 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case and Features

Acer has packed the technology of the Spin 1 into a two-tone plastic case. The back of the lid and bottom of the case are colored in a turquoise/light blue tone. Both elements also have a linen texture. The display frame and the top of the base unit are black. The top of the base also has a texture simulating brushed metal. The case is well-built and does not show any faults in that respect. However, the base unit could have been slightly stiffer. The battery is built-in, and the computer does not have a maintenance flap.

There are no surprises in terms of the connections. The convertible offers three Type-A USB ports (1x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 2x USB 2.0) and there is a video port (HDMI). Acer places the ports on both sides towards the back, which leaves the space next to the palm rests free from cables.

The WLAN module of the Spin 1 has a Qualcomm (QCA9377) chip, which, as well as the 802.11a/b/g/h/n WLAN standards, also supports the fast ac standard. The transfer speeds we measured under optimal conditions (no other WLAN devices in close proximity, close distance between notebook and server PC) were good.

Size Comparison

306 mm / 12 inch 208 mm / 8.19 inch 22.5 mm / 0.886 inch 1.5 kg3.22 lbs303 mm / 11.9 inch 206 mm / 8.11 inch 21 mm / 0.827 inch 1.4 kg3.15 lbs298 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 20.3 mm / 0.799 inch 1.5 kg3.31 lbs293.4 mm / 11.6 inch 198 mm / 7.8 inch 21.35 mm / 0.841 inch 1.3 kg2.87 lbs278 mm / 10.9 inch 199 mm / 7.83 inch 18.3 mm / 0.72 inch 1.1 kg2.43 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connections

Left side: HDMI, USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Type A), 2x USB 2.0 (Type A), audio combo
Left side: HDMI, USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Type A), 2x USB 2.0 (Type A), audio combo
Right side: card reader (MicroSD), volume rocker, power button, power connection, slot for Kensington Lock
Right side: card reader (MicroSD), volume rocker, power button, power connection, slot for Kensington Lock
SD Card Reader
maximum SDCardreader Maximum Transfer Rate
average SDCardreader Average Transfer Rate
Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Dell Latitude 3189
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265
548 MBit/s +156%
Asus VivoBook Flip 12 TP203NAH-BP049T
Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter
338 MBit/s +58%
Acer Spin 1 SP111-31-C79E
Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter
214 MBit/s
iperf3 receive AX12
Dell Latitude 3189
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265
657 MBit/s +94%
Asus VivoBook Flip 12 TP203NAH-BP049T
Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter
344 MBit/s +2%
Acer Spin 1 SP111-31-C79E
Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter
338 MBit/s

Input Devices

Acer has provided the Spin 1 with a chicklet keyboard without backlight. The flat, slightly roughed keys have a short stroke and a pronounced pressure point that knows how to please. While typing, the keyboard yields slightly - more in the right half than in the left. This was not problematic. Overall, Acer delivers a very decent keyboard here, which is also made for frequent writing work.

The multitouch-capable ClickPad occupies an area of about 10.5 x 6 cm (~4.1 x 2.4 in). This offers plenty of space for gesture controls. The smooth surface of the pad does not prevent the fingers from sliding. The pad also reacts to input at the corners. It has a short stroke and a clear pressure point.

The touchscreen of the convertible supports 10 touch points. It reacts to inputs promptly, and can be operated with the fingers as well as an active pen, which would have to be purchased separately.

Input devices
Input devices

Display

Pixel grid
Pixel grid

The 11.6-inch touchscreen display of the Spin 1 has a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels and offers a good contrast (1195:1). The maximum brightness of the display (246.9 cd/m2) could have been higher, since we can assume that the device is used in various locations under various light conditions. Positive: at no time does the screen show any PWM flickering.

248
cd/m²
257
cd/m²
259
cd/m²
244
cd/m²
251
cd/m²
250
cd/m²
224
cd/m²
232
cd/m²
257
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
AU Optronics B116HAN05.0 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 259 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 246.9 cd/m² Minimum: 19.4 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 86 %
Center on Battery: 251 cd/m²
Contrast: 1195:1 (Black: 0.21 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 4.27 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 3.77 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
72% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
47% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
51.4% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
72.6% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
49.67% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.26
Acer Spin 1 SP111-31-C79E
IPS, 1920x1080, 11.60
Asus VivoBook Flip 12 TP203NAH-BP049T
IPS, 1366x768, 11.60
Dell Latitude 3189
IPS, 1366x768, 11.60
Medion Akoya E2215T
IPS, 1920x1080, 11.60
HP Pavilion 11-k103ng x360
IPS, 1366x768, 11.60
Display
-10%
-9%
-2%
-8%
Display P3 Coverage
49.67
44.23
-11%
44.96
-9%
48.12
-3%
45.21
-9%
sRGB Coverage
72.6
66.3
-9%
67.3
-7%
71.7
-1%
67.8
-7%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
51.4
45.73
-11%
46.49
-10%
49.78
-3%
46.73
-9%
Response Times
-6%
-19%
3%
26%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
36 ?(19, 17)
39 ?(18, 21)
-8%
40 ?(18.8, 21.2)
-11%
31 ?(13, 18)
14%
18.8 ?(6.8, 12)
48%
Response Time Black / White *
24 ?(14, 10)
25 ?(13, 12)
-4%
30.4 ?(16.4, 14)
-27%
26 ?(6, 20)
-8%
23.2 ?(10, 13.2)
3%
PWM Frequency
50 ?(20)
Screen
10%
18%
-2%
2%
Brightness middle
251
253
1%
291
16%
338
35%
194
-23%
Brightness
247
245
-1%
284
15%
309
25%
186
-25%
Brightness Distribution
86
65
-24%
92
7%
76
-12%
86
0%
Black Level *
0.21
0.17
19%
0.16
24%
0.39
-86%
0.22
-5%
Contrast
1195
1488
25%
1819
52%
867
-27%
882
-26%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
4.27
3.17
26%
3.4
20%
3.94
8%
3.06
28%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
11
8.13
26%
9.6
13%
9.96
9%
8.81
20%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
3.77
2
47%
1.8
52%
2.54
33%
1.42
62%
Gamma
2.26 97%
2.43 91%
2.14 103%
2.38 92%
2.34 94%
CCT
6524 100%
6850 95%
6544 99%
6902 94%
6432 101%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
47
42
-11%
42.8
-9%
46
-2%
42.98
-9%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
72
66
-8%
67
-7%
71
-1%
67.56
-6%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-2% / 4%
-3% / 8%
-0% / -1%
7% / 3%

* ... smaller is better

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

In the delivery state, the display shows a decent color presentation. At 4.27, the DeltaE-2000 color deviations are not too far from the target range (DeltaE smaller than 3). The screen does not suffer from a blue tint.

CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - Grayscales
CalMAN - Grayscales
CalMAN - Saturation
CalMAN - Saturation

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
24 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 14 ms rise
↘ 10 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 48 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
36 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 19 ms rise
↘ 17 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 44 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is similar to the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Acer provides the Convertible with an IPS panel that has stable viewing angles. Thus the screen can be read from any position. In most cases, the low display brightness and the reflective screen surface prevent outdoor use. At most, the device can be used in shady surroundings or when the sky is overcast.

The Spin 1 outdoors (direct sun)
The Spin 1 outdoors (direct sun)

Performance

Acer's 11.6-inch convertible offers sufficient performance for applications in the office and Internet areas. Our test device can be purchased for about 425 Euros (~$480; in the US a similar model with the Celeron N3350, 4GB DDR3L, and 32GB Storage is currently available for $300). Other feature variants are available with prices starting at 300 Euros (~$340).

Processor

The Spin 1 has Intel's Celeron N3450 (Apollo Lake) quad-core processor on board. The CPU is one of the energy efficient models. A TDP of only 6 watts allows passive cooling of the chip, which is also done here. The processor operates at a basic speed of 1.1 GHz, which can be increased via turbo up to 2.2 GHz. The turbo is used in both mains and battery operations. However, in the Multithread tests of the Cinebench benchmarks, it is only used sparingly. It runs though these benchmarks with 1.5 to 1.6 GHz.

This speed range can also be maintained over prolonged periods of time. We test this by running the Multithread test of Cinebench R15 for about 30 minutes in a constant loop. The results remain consistently at the same level, and there is no drop in performance.

0102030405060708090100110120130140Tooltip
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64 Bit
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
1451
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
3959
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
2901
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
48 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
135 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
11.53 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
97.8 %
Help
Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Asus VivoBook Flip 12 TP203NAH-BP049T
Intel Pentium N4200
53 Points +10%
Dell Latitude 3189
Intel Pentium N4200
50 Points +4%
Acer Spin 1 SP111-31-C79E
Intel Celeron N3450
48 Points
Acer TravelMate B117-M-P16Q
Intel Pentium N3710
42 Points -12%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-31-P6F6
Intel Pentium N3710
41 Points -15%
Acer Aspire ES1-731G-P5UR
Intel Pentium N3700
39 Points -19%
HP Pavilion 11-k103ng x360
Intel Celeron N3050
35 Points -27%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Dell Latitude 3189
Intel Pentium N4200
174 Points +29%
Asus VivoBook Flip 12 TP203NAH-BP049T
Intel Pentium N4200
167 Points +24%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-31-P6F6
Intel Pentium N3710
152 Points +13%
Acer TravelMate B117-M-P16Q
Intel Pentium N3710
150 Points +11%
Acer Aspire ES1-731G-P5UR
Intel Pentium N3700
143 Points +6%
Acer Spin 1 SP111-31-C79E
Intel Celeron N3450
135 Points
HP Pavilion 11-k103ng x360
Intel Celeron N3050
65 Points -52%
Cinebench R10
Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
Dell Latitude 3189
Intel Pentium N4200
5346 Points +35%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-31-P6F6
Intel Pentium N3710
4755 Points +20%
Asus VivoBook Flip 12 TP203NAH-BP049T
Intel Pentium N4200
4673 Points +18%
Acer TravelMate B117-M-P16Q
Intel Pentium N3710
4649 Points +17%
Acer Spin 1 SP111-31-C79E
Intel Celeron N3450
3959 Points
Acer Aspire ES1-731G-P5UR
Intel Pentium N3700
3064 Points -23%
Medion Akoya E2215T
Intel Atom x5-Z8350
2897 Points -27%
Rendering Single 32Bit
Asus VivoBook Flip 12 TP203NAH-BP049T
Intel Pentium N4200
1680 Points +16%
Dell Latitude 3189
Intel Pentium N4200
1633 Points +13%
Acer Spin 1 SP111-31-C79E
Intel Celeron N3450
1451 Points
Acer Swift 1 SF114-31-P6F6
Intel Pentium N3710
1344 Points -7%
Acer TravelMate B117-M-P16Q
Intel Pentium N3710
1238 Points -15%
Acer Aspire ES1-731G-P5UR
Intel Pentium N3700
1205 Points -17%
Medion Akoya E2215T
Intel Atom x5-Z8350
938 Points -35%
Geekbench 3
32 Bit Multi-Core Score
Asus VivoBook Flip 12 TP203NAH-BP049T
Intel Pentium N4200
4682 Points +18%
Acer Spin 1 SP111-31-C79E
Intel Celeron N3450
3958 Points
Acer TravelMate B117-M-P16Q
Intel Pentium N3710
3553 Points -10%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-31-P6F6
Intel Pentium N3710
3480 Points -12%
Medion Akoya E2215T
Intel Atom x5-Z8350
2130 Points -46%
32 Bit Single-Core Score
Asus VivoBook Flip 12 TP203NAH-BP049T
Intel Pentium N4200
1430 Points +19%
Acer Spin 1 SP111-31-C79E
Intel Celeron N3450
1202 Points
Acer TravelMate B117-M-P16Q
Intel Pentium N3710
1023 Points -15%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-31-P6F6
Intel Pentium N3710
1019 Points -15%
Medion Akoya E2215T
Intel Atom x5-Z8350
726 Points -40%
Geekbench 4.0
64 Bit Multi-Core Score
Asus VivoBook Flip 12 TP203NAH-BP049T
Intel Pentium N4200
4491 Points +18%
Acer Spin 1 SP111-31-C79E
Intel Celeron N3450
3821 Points
Acer Swift 1 SF114-31-P6F6
Intel Pentium N3710
3433 Points -10%
64 Bit Single-Core Score
Asus VivoBook Flip 12 TP203NAH-BP049T
Intel Pentium N4200
1609 Points +16%
Acer Spin 1 SP111-31-C79E
Intel Celeron N3450
1385 Points
Acer Swift 1 SF114-31-P6F6
Intel Pentium N3710
1179 Points -15%
Geekbench 4.4
64 Bit Multi-Core Score
Asus VivoBook Flip 12 TP203NAH-BP049T
Intel Pentium N4200
4729 Points +18%
Acer Spin 1 SP111-31-C79E
Intel Celeron N3450
4001 Points
64 Bit Single-Core Score
Asus VivoBook Flip 12 TP203NAH-BP049T
Intel Pentium N4200
1616 Points +16%
Acer Spin 1 SP111-31-C79E
Intel Celeron N3450
1399 Points
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Asus VivoBook Flip 12 TP203NAH-BP049T
Intel Pentium N4200
91.5 Points +20%
Dell Latitude 3189
Intel Pentium N4200
84.6 Points +11%
Acer Spin 1 SP111-31-C79E
Intel Celeron N3450
76 Points
Acer Swift 1 SF114-31-P6F6
Intel Pentium N3710
62.9 Points -17%
HP Pavilion 11-k103ng x360
Intel Celeron N3050
43.31 Points -43%
Medion Akoya E2215T
Intel Atom x5-Z8350
42.55 Points -44%
Acer TravelMate B117-M-P16Q
Intel Pentium N3710
36.78 Points -52%

System Performance

The system runs smoothly and we did not encounter any problems. The built-in processor offers sufficient computing power for applications in the office and Internet areas. The result in the PC Mark 8 benchmark corresponds to the performance capabilities of the SoC. By switching the HDD for an SSD, the overall performance could be increased. This would make the system react quicker and the loading times would decrease. It is not possible to increase the performance by activating the dual-channel mode, since the notebook has only one memory storage slot. 

PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
1530 points
PCMark 10 Score
1181 points
Help
PCMark 8 - Home Score Accelerated v2
Dell Latitude 3189
HD Graphics 505, Pentium N4200, Liteonit CV3-8D128
2273 Points +49%
Asus VivoBook Flip 12 TP203NAH-BP049T
HD Graphics 505, Pentium N4200, Seagate Mobile HDD 1TB ST1000LM035
2094 Points +37%
HP Pavilion 11-k103ng x360
HD Graphics (Braswell), N3050, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E680
1545 Points +1%
Acer Spin 1 SP111-31-C79E
HD Graphics 500, Celeron N3450, Toshiba MQ01ABF050
1530 Points
Medion Akoya E2215T
HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Z8350, 64 GB eMMC Flash
1282 Points -16%

Storage Solution

A conventional 2.5-inch hard drive by Toshiba has found its way into the Spin 1. It offers 500 GB of storage and spins at 5400 RPM. The transfer rates of the HDD are at a normal level for 5400-RPM models.

Toshiba MQ01ABF050
Transfer Rate Minimum: 21.1 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 90.7 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 67.6 MB/s
Access Time: 18.3 ms
Burst Rate: 47.5 MB/s
CPU Usage: 9.5 %
Acer Spin 1 SP111-31-C79E
Toshiba MQ01ABF050
Asus VivoBook Flip 12 TP203NAH-BP049T
Seagate Mobile HDD 1TB ST1000LM035
Dell Latitude 3189
Liteonit CV3-8D128
Medion Akoya E2215T
64 GB eMMC Flash
HP Pavilion 11-k103ng x360
Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E680
CrystalDiskMark 3.0
-28%
3912%
729%
-7%
Read Seq
109.1
53.9
-51%
408.4
274%
169.6
55%
106
-3%
Write Seq
107.3
66.4
-38%
214.3
100%
39.77
-63%
106.1
-1%
Read 512
35.89
22.62
-37%
243.7
579%
155.3
333%
33.53
-7%
Write 512
45.28
67.3
49%
170.6
277%
27.45
-39%
39.03
-14%
Read 4k
0.482
0.378
-22%
8.864
1739%
13.09
2616%
0.407
-16%
Write 4k
1.037
0.263
-75%
49.14
4639%
7.915
663%
1.026
-1%
Read 4k QD32
1.003
0.998
0%
132.2
13080%
15.11
1406%
0.898
-10%
Write 4k QD32
1.043
0.518
-50%
111.7
10609%
10.05
864%
1.003
-4%

Graphics Card

The Graphics output is provided by Intel's HD Graphics 500 graphics core. The GPU supports DirectX 12 and operates at speeds of up to 700 MHz. The results in the 3D Mark benchmarks remain below our expectations. The graphics core should clearly be ahead of its predecessors (HD Graphics 400/405), since it has a more powerful architecture. Apparently the GPU cannot run at full power.

3DMark 11 Performance
414 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Dell Latitude 3189
Intel HD Graphics 505, Intel Pentium N4200
804 Points +118%
Asus VivoBook Flip 12 TP203NAH-BP049T
Intel HD Graphics 505, Intel Pentium N4200
616 Points +67%
Acer Swift 1 SF114-31-P6F6
Intel HD Graphics 405 (Braswell), Intel Pentium N3710
496 Points +35%
Acer TravelMate B117-M-P16Q
Intel HD Graphics 405 (Braswell), Intel Pentium N3710
473 Points +29%
HP 250 G5 Y1V08UT
Intel HD Graphics 400 (Braswell), Intel Celeron N3060
382 Points +4%
HP Pavilion 11-k103ng x360
Intel HD Graphics (Braswell), Intel Celeron N3050
377 Points +2%
Acer Spin 1 SP111-31-C79E
Intel HD Graphics 500, Intel Celeron N3450
368 Points
Medion Akoya E2215T
Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), Intel Atom x5-Z8350
297 Points -19%

Gaming Performance

The weak hardware of the computer can bring only a few games to the screen smoothly - at low resolutions and low quality settings. Of course that includes only games that make very low demands on the hardware. You can find more playable games in the Casual Games section of the Windows Store.

low med. high ultra
Dirt 3 (2011) 40.1 14.7
Deus Ex Human Revolution (2011) 22.9 11.1
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011) 11.2 7.6
Anno 2070 (2011) 27.8 12.2
Dead Space 3 (2013) 19.3 9.1
Tomb Raider (2013) 21.5 9.3
BioShock Infinite (2013) 16.2 8.8 7.9
GRID 2 (2013) 29.3 14.4
GRID: Autosport (2014) 43.8 19.1
Risen 3: Titan Lords (2014) 10 6.3
Sims 4 (2014) 71.6 13.7
F1 2014 (2014) 22 16
Dirt Rally (2015) 28.5 12.5
Metal Gear Solid V (2015) 16.4 9.7
Rocket League (2017) 18.1 6.2
Dirt 4 (2017) 10 5.6

Emissions and Power

Noise Emissions

The Spin 1 does not have a fan. You can only hear the discrete whir of the hard drive. But this can only really be heard in silent surroundings. By exchanging the HDD for an SSD, you would get a completely silent system. 

Noise Level

Idle
30.3 / 30.6 / 30.6 dB(A)
HDD
31.1 dB(A)
Load
30.6 / 30.6 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Audix TM1, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 29.8 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs203835.338253134.6313130.432.230.44034.132.334.15035.93135.96331.729.831.78029.127.229.110027.927.327.912525.325.225.316025.52425.520025.223.925.225022.922.822.931523.822.123.840021.620.821.650020.720.320.763020.619.520.680019.91919.9100019.317.719.3125018.517.418.5160017.916.817.9200017.416.817.4250017.316.617.3315017.216.617.240001716.617500016.816.616.8630016.916.716.9800016.916.716.91000016.816.916.81250017.116.917.11600017.616.817.6SPL30.629.930.6N1.51.31.5median 18.5median 17.4median 18.5Delta2.92.32.9hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseAcer Spin 1 SP111-31-C79E

Temperature

The Spin 1 in the stress test
The Spin 1 in the stress test

The spin runs through our stress test (Prime95 and FurMark run for at least one hour) in the same way in mains and battery operation. Since the device is cooled passively, the operating speeds drop rather quickly. The CPU begins the test at 1.2 GHz. From then on, the clock speed drops continuously. After about 40 minutes, the speed is at 400 to 500 MHz and remains at that level. The graphics core begins the test at 200 MHz and is then throttled down to 150 to 100 MHz. The heat development of the computer remains within limits.

Max. Load
 37.9 °C
100 F
38.5 °C
101 F
32.4 °C
90 F
 
 33.3 °C
92 F
34.8 °C
95 F
31.4 °C
89 F
 
 26.6 °C
80 F
26.9 °C
80 F
26.6 °C
80 F
 
Maximum: 38.5 °C = 101 F
Average: 32 °C = 90 F
37.8 °C
100 F
46.4 °C
116 F
42 °C
108 F
34.1 °C
93 F
40.6 °C
105 F
36 °C
97 F
26.6 °C
80 F
27.1 °C
81 F
27.9 °C
82 F
Maximum: 46.4 °C = 116 F
Average: 35.4 °C = 96 F
Power Supply (max.)  36 °C = 97 F | Room Temperature 23.1 °C = 74 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 32 °C / 90 F, compared to the average of 30.2 °C / 86 F for the devices in the class Convertible.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 38.5 °C / 101 F, compared to the average of 35.3 °C / 96 F, ranging from 19.6 to 55.7 °C for the class Convertible.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 46.4 °C / 116 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 27.4 °C / 81 F, compared to the device average of 30.2 °C / 86 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 26.9 °C / 80.4 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.1 °C / 82.6 F (+1.2 °C / 2.2 F).
Heat development top (load)
Heat development top (load)
Heat development bottom (load)
Heat development bottom (load)
Heat development top (idle)
Heat development top (idle)
Heat development bottom (idle)
Heat development bottom (idle)

Speakers

The stereo speakers are placed at the bottom of the device. They produce a decent sound that could use more bass, however. The maximum volume turns out a little low. For a better sound, we recommend using headphones or external speakers.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2035.73535.72534.928.234.93134.425.434.44036.429.836.45037.928.537.96339.228.939.28039.229.139.210039.828.939.812541.428.441.416042.22742.220046.923.846.92505122.75131554.521.954.540056.720.956.750059.120.559.163064.219.564.280065.718.465.710006318.263125061.117.861.1160059.61859.620006217.862250063.417.863.4315068.217.968.2400067.517.967.5500064.71864.7630058.21858.2800058.417.958.41000060.517.860.51250056.917.756.91600053.117.853.1SPL75.830.775.8N36.61.536.6median 59.1median 18median 59.1Delta62.2635.335.132.931.831.83236.535.132.428.93328.936.328.848.32761.52752.924.860.92462.822.763.32269.521.267.82174.82075.919.472.718.97117.770.117.86917.671.817.668.117.671.417.673.717.670.417.571.617.671.617.669.617.459.717.583.630.662.51.5median 69.6median 17.84.72.4hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseAcer Spin 1 SP111-31-C79EApple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Acer Spin 1 SP111-31-C79E audio analysis

(-) | not very loud speakers (68 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 13.2% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (6.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.9% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (6% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4.3% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (6.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (17.5% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 27% of all tested devices in this class were better, 9% similar, 64% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 21%, worst was 57%
Compared to all devices tested
» 28% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 64% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (10.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 5% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 93% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 3% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 96% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Frequency comparison (Checkboxes selectable!)

Power Consumption

There are no abnormalities in terms of the energy demand across the whole spectrum of loads. While idling, we measure a maximum demand of 8.7 watts. During the stress test, the value merely rises to 13.8 watts, since the CPU and GPU are throttled. The power supply is rated at 45 watts. 

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.37 / 0.5 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 4.6 / 6.6 / 7.1 Watt
Load midlight 13.8 / 13.1 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.

Battery Life

Our practically relevant WLAN test simulates the load when opening web sites. The "Balanced" profile is active, the power saving functions are deactivated, and the display brightness is adjusted to about 150 cd/m². The Spin 1 achieves a runtime of 9:24 h.

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing (Edge 40)
9h 24min
Battery Runtime - WiFi Websurfing
Acer Spin 1 SP111-31-C79E
Celeron N3450, HD Graphics 500, 48.9 Wh
564 min
Medion Akoya E2215T
Z8350, HD Graphics (Cherry Trail), 38 Wh
474 min -16%
Asus VivoBook Flip 12 TP203NAH-BP049T
Pentium N4200, HD Graphics 505, 42 Wh
365 min -35%
HP Pavilion 11-k103ng x360
N3050, HD Graphics (Braswell), 32 Wh
286 min -49%

Pros

+ IPS display
+ Full HD resolution
+ very good battery life
+ very decent keyboard
+ ac WLAN

Cons

- no Type-C USB

Verdict

The Acer Spin1 SP111-31-C79E, provided by notebooksbilliger.de
The Acer Spin1 SP111-31-C79E, provided by notebooksbilliger.de

The Apollo Lake quad-core processor built into the Spin 1 offers sufficient computing power for applications in the office and Internet areas. The decoder integrated into the GPU enables playing all the usual video formats.

There is no lack of storage, since Acer provides a 500 GB hard drive. To exchange the HDD for an SSD, the case has to be opened. There is no maintenance flap.

The Spin 1 turns out to be an untiring writing and surfing machine.

The small computer can shine in terms of the battery life. In our practically relevant WLAN test, the convertible achieves a runtime of almost 9.5 hours. The built-in keyboard left a very decent impression and is also suitable for more frequent writing tasks. The Full HD IPS display pleases with stable viewing angles, a good contrast, and a very decent color reproduction. The brightness, however, could have been higher.

Acer Spin 1 SP111-31-C79E - 07/05/2017 v6(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
75 / 98 → 77%
Keyboard
76%
Pointing Device
88%
Connectivity
40 / 80 → 50%
Weight
69 / 35-78 → 79%
Battery
92%
Display
82%
Games Performance
33 / 68 → 49%
Application Performance
48 / 87 → 56%
Temperature
91%
Noise
95%
Audio
50 / 91 → 55%
Camera
40 / 85 → 47%
Average
68%
79%
Convertible - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Acer Spin 1 (N3450, FHD) Convertible Review
Sascha Mölck, 2017-07- 9 (Update: 2020-05-19)