If you want a versatile laptop with a foldable hinge that won't cost the earth, Acer's Spin range has always been a capable and affordable solution. The 2020 Spin 3 continues that trend. So what's it all about?

Announced at CES 2020 alongside the Swift 3, the Spin 3 delivers that multi-positional design appeal: whether you want to use as a laptop, tablet, or tent/stand, it's got all such positions easily available.

Our quick take

If you're looking for a laptop with a 360-degree hinge that doesn't cost a fortune, the 2020 Acer Spin 3 has a lot going for it. It's not got a premium build, but it dresses itself up well given the asking price.

The Acer Spin 3 will be available in Europe from April 2020, starting at €649; and in the USA from June 2020, starting at $699.

Acer Spin 3 (2020) initial

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Acer Spin 3 (2020)

Amazon

Design & Screen

  • 360-degree hinge design for laptop, stand, tent and tablet modes
  • Screen: 14-inch, 1920 x 1080 resolution, touchscreen control
  • Ports: 2x USB-A, 1x USB-C, 1x HDMI
  • Measures: 14.9mm thick
  • Weighs: 1.19kg

The 14-inch format of the Spin 3 makes it easily portable. And thanks to far less bezel than its predecessor - you'll see there's no 'outer lip' here, giving the impression of greater screen to body ratio - it delivers enough real-estate for all manner of tasks.

Acer Spin 3 review 2020 image 1

There are ample ports, too, with full-size USB and future-facing USB-C available to keep things ticking along. There's even an HDMI port should you want to output to another screen.

The device we saw features a Full HD touchscreen, so you can thumb away at the panel and/or use the integrated Wacom stylus instead. That's another feature the Spin has over its Swift counterpart.

Acer Spin 3 review 2020 image 1

It's not a metal laptop design, but Acer has done a good job in delivering a surface that feels quality. And given the £650-ish starting price, the finish is more than befitting at this level. That's what Acer does so well: delivers on a budget.

Performance

  • Up to 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processors
  • Fingerprint scanner on trackpad
  • Up to 15 hours battery claimed
  • Integrated Wacom stylus
  • Backlit keyboard

If you're unfazed by the plastic feel, then the Spin 3's keyboard is more than up to task. It's backlit, there's ample key travel, making for an unfussy typing experience.

Acer Spin 3 review 2020 image 1

The trackpad features a built-in fingerprint scanner, which is a slightly odd place for one, but doesn't affect use by any means. It's responsiveness is sharp, while the physical size plentiful without going over the top.

On the power front, the Spin 3 isn't as beefy as its Spin 5 cousin, also released alongside it, but with 10th Gen Intel Core i chipsets, you're not going to run into any troubles.

Acer Spin 3 review 2020 image 1

Having only seen the model for a brief period of time, however, we can't confirm how long-lasting it will be. Sat idly, the battery indicator said over 24 hours of life was available, which is well beyond the 15 hours of life quoted by Acer - an encouraging statistic that we'll have to test in full.

Acer Spin 3 (2020)

Amazon

To recap

If you're looking for a laptop with a 360-degree hinge that doesn't cost a fortune, the 2020 Acer Spin 3 has a lot going for it. It's not got a premium build, but it dresses itself up well given the asking price.