Creatives have a unique set of demands when it comes to computing demands. At any given moment, creatives need the ability to jump from one task to another. The average creative has higher processing demands as well. This is due to the creative software utilized. Because of these demands, the machine of choice could be what sets one creative apart from another.
Imagine a device that brews creativity just from using it. A device that has so many features that it’s hard to pick a favorite.
We recently got a chance to check out the Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel and I was genuinely shocked. This was the first hybrid laptop — tablet and laptop — that I have ever truly liked as both individually. The Ezel’s hinge might truly be the reason for such an incredible experience.
Acer’s choice in creating a hinge that can easily allow for 6 different modes was brilliant. First, laptop mode. Simple and easy enough. Second, float mode. This brings the bottom of the screen out over the keys — just like the beloved iPad Pro Magic Keyboard. Third, share mode. This allows for easy collaboration and has the screen perpendicular to the keys. Fourth, display mode. This puts the screen on what would traditionally be the back of the laptop screen. Making it so someone directly across from you can see the screen perfectly. Fifth, pad mode. This allows for you to utilize the machine as a truly tablet/pad experience. And sixth, stand mode. This elevates the top of the screen, while blocking all the keys.
A few other features absolutely worth mentioning consist of the surface, the key backlight and the screen. The surface and shell of the Ezel is truly beautiful. It is a MAO (Micro-Arc Oxidation) Ceramic Surface. This allows for an extra level of protection while allowing for a better stain resistance, protecting the “pristine white” use after use. The key backlight surprised me. I am absolutely used to backlit keys. However I have not used an amber backlit keyboard before. This keyboard’s backlight color at first was intriguing but not preferred. Then, after use in the evening times I understood why they switched away from the white light background. Usually for long writing sessions in the evening, I turn my backlight down. With the Ezel, I did not have to at all, and my eyes did not strain! When it comes to the screen, I was very pleased with the screen. It is a 4K UHD Pantone validated display. That means 100% Adobe RGB color gamut and has a color accuracy of Delta E<2 — to quote the Acer website. What it means to me is that this screen is bright, beautifully accurate and brilliantly crisp.
The power behind this unit is another thing that was impressive to say the least. This is very clearly a professional laptop. Not designed for the everyday social media checker or spreadsheet worker. This laptop hybrid is designed for creatives. This is made very clear by the decision to have 32 GB RAM with 2 TB of SSD storage.
I did find a few areas to feel a bit bulky, this could be due to my daily driver being an iPad Pro. However, I found this device to be portable in the sense that it does not need to be plugged in, however if you are a commuter, this would be pretty cumbersome at times.
All in all, this laptop is something that any creative looking for their next creating device should consider. It has made my list of referrals when people ask my advice, and it should make yours as well!
