Apple MacBook Air MQD42
Score: 75/100
Acer Aspire 3
Score: 66/100Rankings
The 2017 13-inch MacBook Air delivers excellent portability and battery life, but its low-resolution display and legacy ports make it feel dated for today's workflows.
The Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P offers a solid blend of performance, a Full HD display and modern ports at a budget price, but its small SSD, non-upgradable components and lack of a backlit keyboard keep it from being a premium choice. It is ideal for students and casual users who need a lightweight, everyday laptop.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
12 hoursbest | 11 hours | |
8 GBbest | 8 GBbest | |
13.3 inches | 15.6 inchesbest | |
256 GBbest | 128 GB | |
| ↓ lower better | 1.343 kgbest | 1.777 kg |
1,600 MHz | 3,200 MHzbest | |
— | 60 Hzbest | |
— | 1 countbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(2) | ||
Processor Model | Intel Core i5-5350U | AMD Ryzen 3 7320U |
Graphics GPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 6000 | AMD Radeon 610M |
Memory & Storage(3) | ||
RAM Speed (MHz) | 1600 MHz | 3200 MHz |
Storage Type | PCIe SSD | NVMe SSD |
Storage Capacity (GB) | 256 GB | 128 GB |
Software(1) | ||
Operating System | macOS Sierra | Windows 11 Home in S Mode |
Keyboard & Input(1) | ||
Backlit Keyboard | true | false |
Display(2) | ||
Display Size (inches) | 13.3 inches | 15.6 inches |
Display Resolution | 1440x900 | 1920x1080 |
Battery & Power(3) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 12 hours | 11 hours |
Weight (kg) | 1.3426 kg | 1.777 kg |
Thickness (mm) | 2.8 mm | 18.8 mm |
Connectivity(2) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | 802.11ac | Wi‑Fi 6 |
Bluetooth Version | 4.0 | 5.1 |
Warranty & Support(1) | ||
Warranty Period (years) | 0.25 years | 1 years |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Reviewers praised its low cost, long battery, and solid build, while consistently pointing out the dated non-Retina screen and limited port selection.
Users love the portability and battery endurance, but many are frustrated by the blurry screen and lack of USB-C.
Professional reviewers view the Aspire 3 as a competent budget notebook that delivers solid value for its price. While its performance is adequate for web browsing, office apps and video calls, critics point out the limited storage, non-upgradable components, and variability in display quality as notable compromises.
Everyday users appreciate the laptop's speed, lightweight feel, and Full HD screen, noting that it handles schoolwork and remote-work tasks well. Common frustrations revolve around the small SSD capacity, lack of a backlit keyboard, and occasional washed-out display or low-quality webcam and speakers.
“Still runs macOS smoothly for basic tasks even in 2026.”
“The screen looks blurry compared to my iPhone or iPad.”
“Battery lasts all day - I use it for classes and writing.”
