For Acer, IFA 2016 often serves as a platform for the newest devices they plan to roll out for Christmas this year. The Taiwanese manufacturer had plenty of wares to showcase earlier in the week (31 August), but three notebooks in particular stood out, each serving a different consumer sector. 

Predator 21 X

We'll start with the biggest announcement of the day, the Predator 21 X, a new addition to the company's gaming range with a thick body and curved display. Just like the other gaming notebooks in the Predator range, the 21 X's name is an indicator of its screen size. 21" diagonally and curved in nature, it serves up a 2560x1080 resolution like the older Predator notebooks. The curved display also features G-Sync to serve up above average refresh rates, akin to the Predator Z35 screen. Whether it can replicate the same surround-feel gaming experience remains to be seen. 

Internally, the 21 X features a dual Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 processor setup, along with a five fan cooling system to ensure things don't get too hot under the collar. All this computing and cooling power is why the 21 X has such a thick base, but if the dual Nvidia system can reap the gaming benefits we believe it can, a bigger base can easily be forgiven. At this stage, Acer has not detailed how much the Predator 21 X will cost when it lands locally. Until more information is forthcoming, hit play on the video below. 

Switch 7

Along with a new addition to the Predator ranks, Acer unveiled its Switch lineup, a group of sleek notebooks that have a very MacBook-esque feel to it. None more so than the range topping Switch 7 (there is also a Switch 5, Switch 3 and Switch 1 on offer), designed for consumers who like their notebooks as slim as possible. At a svelte 9.98 mm thin, Acer has christened it the thinnest notebook in the world. 

It comes in a gold and black design, and features rounded edges on its frame and a chamfered layout for the touchpad. In terms of capabilities, the Switch 7 can offer up to nine hours of battery life, along with sporting two 3.1 USB Type-C ports on its side. Up front is a 13.3" Full HD display, and just below the screen sit Dolby Audio speakers. Arriving in South Africa during Q4 this year, Acer South Africa has given the Switch 7 a R24 999 RRP.

Spin 7

It wouldn't be an Acer event unless there was a convertible notebook of some kind being unveiled. To that end, Acer served up the Spin range. Much like the Switch models, Acer has a range of odd-numbered notebooks, the key difference being their convertible functionality. The best model is the Spin 7, a notebook with a display that can flip backwards 360-degrees. Like Acer has done with past convertibles, the Spin 7 can be used in a variety of modes, including tent, display and tablet. 

For the latter it has a 14" Full HD screen, which caters to 10-point simultaneous touch. As far as battery life goes, Acer says the Spin 7 can last up to eight hours unplugged, while also sporting dual USB 3.1 Type-C ports on its side. The Spin 7 is also expected to land in South Africa during the final quarter of 2016, with a recommended R26 999 price tag from Acer.