Acer Spin 1 SP111-32N review – premium build, average experience

15 Comments

  1. Chris

    January 30, 2018 at 10:19 pm

    Hello,

    I've read your article some time ago and among all others on this little guy yours is definitely the best and most detailed, and most importantly – only one about this exact model. So, I'd say this article was pretty much the one, that convinced me to buy it. While I've been using it for about last 3 weeks, I'd like to share some experiences with it.

    Firstly, I'd have to not completely agree with you about the size of bezels – while it's true for sure, that they could've put a 12' screen, due to weight of this laptop being very different from even rather large tablets, like Apple iPad Air (which I've got in hands for a while some time ago), the bottom of the screen part makes using Spin as a tablet at least considerable comfortable experience, because you can hold it by having your thumb directed nearly vertical to screen and not horizontal, like you'd normally do (because you'd still have your thumb on screen) – this makes your grab sure.

    Secondly, I was very, very surprised by the keyboard – I've been using some 15' IdeaPad everyday for last 5 years and having experience with many other laptops I've very doubted, that I'd ever find something more comfortable, but, due to having rather small hands, I must say, that the Spin make quite an impress on me, because it's comfortable as hell! Smaller keyboard allow me to type and not stretch my hands so much. Of course, there are some flaws, like non-configurable function buttons (no option for change in actual BIOS), no backlit (which can be quite annoying, if you have to work often at night) and yeah… it IS pretty LOUD. Other than that, I've found it surprisingly good and going to everyday use from standard-size laptop wasn't too hard.

    Thirdly, while I'm fine with the performance (the eMMC is quite-fast responding and actually enough in size for document-editing and media-consuming usage, just make sure you delete old windows files after full actualization), being unable to play Civ VI makes me quite sad. :P Jokes aside, like you said – for consuming other than games and office work it's just enough – working with few documents opened in adobe reader, about ten cards in browser (firefox, incl. few youtube videos with one playing with background, facebook and few different sites) and editing document it behaves pretty well – maybe non-lightning fast, but still fast enough to make an usage comfortable. And about the performance, graphic and screen – even, if the screen is rather small, watching some movies in 4K on youtube is still in the range – and honestly, I wasn't that sure, if it will cope with that!

    Fourthly, I was quite disappointed with the speakers – I didn't expected much, but being rather used to at least superior laptop speakers (if we can name any of them as "superior") and being a bassist doesn't help – they sound quite flat, unfortunately – and not very, very loud. Other than that, if someone is exceptionally sensible to the sound quality or use mostly headphones – then it should be rather enough (with windows sonic drivers for headphones the quality is greatly improved). Also, the audio jack didn't recognise headphones as the different device than speakers – just redirects the signal to them – which doesn't allow you to quick change of sound device and force you to disconnect headphones first – a little shame for me, but I guess I'm overly demanding.

    For the screen I can just confirm what most people say – yes, it's excellent – bright, detailed, with living colours and good touch response – both with finger and stylus (which is in my opinion really, really great – but I wouldn't like to say too much, because I didn't had a chance to use any other active styluses before).

    Battery work is OK, I think. While I didn't actually counted, how long it lasts, I think that infos in article is pretty accurate – I keep in mind tho, that mine lasts little less, because I'm using an USB internet modem for most of the time. There are for sure some little convertibles, that will last longer, but I think this one would be just enough, if someone is not a person, that need a non-stop half-day usage ability.

    The one and only thing, which I can complain and I'm quite upset is touchpad. Why? I'll tell you why – if somebody think it's a good idea to put a touchpad in laptop and simultaneously NOT put ANY drivers (and not make any drivers available for download!) allowing you to change any freaking setting, like the god-damn palmcheck, strafes, etc. – then you are bad. And you should feel bad. And even burn in hell, maybe. I've tried to look everywhere for some compatible, install some drivers from older versions of Spin 1 (and going back to stock, because none of them was working correctly, even looking for help on the official Acer forum – aaaaand… nothing. Sometimes touchpad like to stop response for a while and I don't know even why, sometimes it respond correctly for touch just on the one half, I've got no idea, what is going on, but that's the one and only thing, that makes me quite upset and angry. If someone doesn't like to play with settings, then it wouldn't be a big issue. And if someone got a solution for this – I'd be very grateful for some message. But! Other than that, I'm not not saying the touchpad is bad, certainly not – the feeling is actually pretty good and general response is more than decent, for sure.

    Phew… So, I hope maybe this wall of text will help someone in choice. Overall, I find this convertible very pleasant in use – small, light, very well-build, good looking, efficient enough for everyday academic/office usage. Cheers!

    • Andrei Girbea

      January 31, 2018 at 4:42 am

      Hi Chris, thanks for the extensive feedback, much appreciated.

      Most touchpads these days get very limited customization options, I don't like that either, but unfortunately there's just nothing us, the consumers, can do about that.

    • ticatara

      April 28, 2019 at 11:40 am

      I had the same issue with the touchpad – it's a design issue, has nothing to do with drivers.
      Found the solution below. Additionaly, I move the cable going over the touchpad (wifi antena?) above the touchpad, so it would not interfere.
      No issues since.
      I know, it's shame you have to do this on a brand new laptop.

      https://www.zachpoff.com/resources/acer-laptop-touchpad-fix/

    • Stephen

      June 5, 2020 at 11:55 pm

      Hi. I agree with Andrei and with you, too. The touchpad drive me crazy for the first few weeks. I was ready to rip it out and skate it across the lake. And Acer's online help is sometimes less than helpful. You can set sensitivity for the trackpad through Settings > Devices > Touchpad, but it never seemed to make much difference to me. Then I discovered that the F7 key deactivates the trackpad! So I went out and bought a little rechargeable Bluetooth mouse at Amazon for $17.99, and when I'm doing any real work I just turn the silly trackpad off. Works great! I've got external keyboard, mice, earbuds, speakers, and printer/scanner all Bluetoothed to this little Acer and it never drops a bit. Aside from the trackpad, and the 4-hour battery, and the cramped, nonstandard, non-backlit keyboard (which nonetheless feels pretty good,) and the slightly sluggish performance, and the lobotomized S-mode, it's really a pretty impressive little machine. It just took some getting used to. I got it as a disposable for $249 at WallyWorld (end-of-season, bare-bones, no stylus, etc.,) as something I could toss in a backpack and jog around town with, but it has grown on me. And it's quite well-built. I'm actually considering buying a Spin 5. Get the mouse. Good Luck!

  2. isaac

    March 6, 2018 at 10:57 am

    From the photos, it seems there is a m.2 slot and a screw hole for ssd.
    Can anyone confirm this?

    • Pawel Siemaszko

      April 22, 2018 at 4:25 pm

      it seems this way. im also curious about this.from the pictures i cant see precisly m2 slot so dunno if it is there or maybe it is just dummy slot. screw hole is there for sure.

  3. Rudolf

    April 8, 2018 at 2:35 pm

    My Spin 1 has not a common Windows 10, the Intel Celeron is opearting a castrate Windows 10, the S Version, it's closed for regular Softwares, more like a Windows 10 mobil OS only for App use. But my most used aplications are custom made Softwares no Apps.
    The micro SD card is disconnected after standby – the small SSD can not be enlarged by the micro SD card for Data store.
    The Bios has an unknown password! The Acronisstick cann't find the SSD.

    A Toy like an Android Tab – not worth the money. It was the fastest way to blow away my money. Something for the junk press

  4. tomgadgets

    May 24, 2018 at 11:18 am

    My Spin 1 SP111-32N-N17H2 does not have the M.2 connector. The slot is there but you can't use it as it is just nothing to connect the SSD.

  5. Daniel Fernandes

    June 6, 2018 at 8:37 pm

    Right now I am looking into buying the Spin 1 for travelling, but the versions I want supposedly come with Windows 10 S. I have read that it might be possible to upgrade for free to Windows 10 Home/Pro, but the mentions were almost every single time to "Windows 10 S mode". Can anyone explain this to me, and if "S mode" and just "S" is the same thing?

    Thanks very much!

    • Andrei Girbea

      June 6, 2018 at 9:13 pm

      You can upgrade from 10 S to 10 Pro. Win 10 is S mode is explained here: microsoft.com/en-us/windows/s-mode . As far as I understand, it's the same as 10 S, but you might want to double check with other sources as well, I've hardly ever used Win 10 S before.

      • Daniel Fernandes

        June 6, 2018 at 11:13 pm

        Thanks Andrei! I think I found the answer here, saying current S systems will be updated to Win10 Pro S Mode, and can after be removed for free:
        support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/4020089/windows-10-in-s-mode-faq

  6. Maciej

    March 14, 2020 at 12:50 pm

    Hi,

    I've been very happy with it, but after less than 2 years of use, the battery life became about an hour and it hibernates the computers without warning at the end. I tried to calibrate the battery gauge and change power settings but to no avail. The battery is charging fine, it just lasts a fraction of time than it used to.

    Two questions:

    Could it be anything else than the greatly reduced battery capacity?
    If it is the battery, would anybody know what model am I looking for to replace it?

  7. Shay

    October 11, 2020 at 10:06 pm

    Hi, just wanted to mention, that I use mine with Ubuntu alongside with windows 10 s.
    I know this process of installation is not for everyone and can cause you a damage to your current windows or can even delete your windows.
    What I can recommend you, is to set Ubuntu in a portable USB (they have explanation on their website).
    And once you have a fully functional version of Ubuntu installed in you USB drive you can boot from it on the next boot of your Acer machine.
    I've noticed that Ubuntu 20 supports both the touchpad and the touch screen.
    And if you load it from USB you can always remove that USB drive and return to your old windows 10 s

  8. Theo Poyyayil

    April 29, 2022 at 5:21 pm

    Hello
    I was been searching all the coments and info available. You mentioned there is an internal battery. But no where I could find information how this batterie could be replaced once its capacity at zero level.
    Can any one help me on rthis issue.
    Many thanks for your kind assistance and support on this issue.
    Kind regards
    Theo

    • Andrei Girbea

      April 30, 2022 at 9:40 am

      you open the laptop and replace the battery. If you can find the part, that is

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