The gaming computing scene is going to be intense next year, esports a niche space earmarked by many vendors as potential revenue spinner with many young kids prefer purchasing high end system at a higher cost compared to convertibles and entry level PC’s. Gaming machines usually come at a pricier cost point thus giving vendors higher margin despite lesser volume in contrast the more mass volume cheaper notebooks compete in tight cut throat shelf space. With that in mind most hardware players can be seen launching new models come 2016, including Acer- which first announced its new Predator series gaming machines in New York and later at IFA Berlin.
In Malaysia the series were introduced bringing the mouth-watering edition in all its glory at a special event showcasing all eight new models together with long time partners, Microsoft and Intel.
“With this new addition to our already extensive portfolio of products in Malaysia, we hope this cross-platform offering of Predator gaming series will bring powerful and out of this world gaming experience to its users. The dedication, talent, passion of our R&D team and valuable professional insights from members of TeamAcer eSports is set to deliver the best-in-class experience for serious gamers whom we call the Predator Tribe,” said Ricky Tan, Managing Director of Acer Sales & Services.
With the new Predator gaming series, Acer will be now offering customers a complete range of products under its portfolio, unlike other vendors the Taiwan based PC maker has a wider selection for users to choose from including a full fledged gaming tablet.
The Premium Gamer
Acer Predator 15 and 17 laptops sport the bespoke design of red accents and a black chassis with geometric lines and soft texture coating. The premium laptops are powered by Intel Core processors coupled with NVIDIA GeForce graphics, rapid DDR4 memory, cutting-edge cooling system and premium audio capabilities. The Predator 15 and 17 also support the Predator FrostCore feature which keeps the laptop operating at lower temperature for a smoother gaming experience – a feature enabled by the swappable Cooler Master fan module which is available exclusively to Acer.
Other notable features that can be found in the Predator 15 and 17 laptops are the PredatorSense gaming control panel which allow customization and control of gaming features which include macro programmable keys and modifiable lighting controls and Predator ProZone backlit keyboard provides four customizable lighting zones and programmable macro profiles to share with others. For smooth and fast connections theres the Killer DoubleShot featurre where it allows wireless networking and Ethernet to work together to achieve the ultimate high-speed bout. The Predator SoundPound offers a combination of stellar audio features including up to four built-in speakers, two subwoofers and Dolby Audio surround sound ensuring crystal clear audio and rich bass.
The Predator 15 and 17 laptops are priced at RM6,999.00 onwards.
Hand Held Gaming
Recently announced as one of the three CES 2016 Innovations Award Honoree for innovative products, the Acer Predator 8 is a dedicated gaming tablet with sleek brushed aluminium design. It is powered by a powerful Atom processor, supports the Predator Quadio, a throng of four-front facing speakers that delivers enhanced virtual surround sound quality while the Predator ColorBlast technology brings high-quality colour from professional monitors to the tablet, supporting 100% NTSC colour gamut. In addition, it also comes with Predator TacSense that improves game play with tactile feedback, allowing a more enjoyable and memorable gaming experience. The Acer Predator 8 also features Predator Media Master, a unique Acer application that allows customization of audio and video set up for standard, album, movie and game use.
The Predator 8 retails at RM1,499.00
Desktops Gamers
These machines feature a armour-covered chassis design, powered by the latest Intel processors, with the same graphics and Acer IceTunnel, an enhanced thermal system which optimizes airflow by efficiently bringing out internal heat of the desktops. The Predator G6 features “One-Punch Overclocking” that can boost performance with just a button! The SoundBlaster X-Fi MB5 feature allow full control of all the gaming audio in the Predator G6, with the support of Scout Mode which amplifies the sound of footsteps and dialogues from enemies in game, EAX 5.0 provide sound effects that adapts to different environment and Voice FX which masks voices when chatting in game with teammates or enemies.
The G6 is priced at RM8,999.00 and the G3 will only be available in January 2016.
Gaming Monitor
As for the monitor lineup,it comes in 27-inch to 35-inch sizes features GameView technology which allows instant toggle between three customizable display profiles, tweaking settings such as Dark Boost, Overclock and aim-point assistance to suit a wide array of gamers.
The Predator Z35 is a 35-inch 21:9 UltraWide Full HD (2560×1080) curved gaming monitor with a curvature of 2000R featuring NVIDIA G-Sync for immersive, wraparound gaming experience. It supports overclocking to a lightning-fast mode of up to 200Hz refresh rate.
The Predator XB1 comes in two models – XB271HU and XB281HK which sport 27-inch and 28-inch screen respectively. Both these models come with the latest NVIDIA G-SYNC technology that provides detailed images and smooth visuals.
The Predator XB271HU touts a zero-frame-edge-to-edge design with a WQHD (2560 x 1440) IPS panel that supports 100% of the sRGB gamut, supports NVIDIA ULMB technology that reduces motion blur in fast-paced gaming situations and has a refresh rate of up to 144Hz (overclocking of up to 165Hz). The Predator XB281HK comes with a 4K UHD panel that has a fast GTG (gray to gray) response time of 1ms, rendering lightning fast actions or dramatic transitions smoothly minus smearing or ghosting.
The Acer Predator X34 is a 34-inch IPS 21:9 ultra-wide QHD curved monitor that eliminates tearing, minimizes display stutter and input lag to provide an immersive gaming experience. The Predator X34 supports up to 100Hz overclocking to deliver extremely sharp moving pictures.
The price for Acer Predator monitors starts from RM2,599.00
The Acer Predator gaming series will be available for purchase immediately at select Authorized Acer Resellers nationwide. For more information, please visit Acer Malaysia
