Acemagic AX15 Laptop review
Table of Contents
The design of this product showcases impressive engineering with numerous commendable attributes. Despite its strengths, the device is somewhat hampered by Windows 11, and the use of a SATA SSD limits its potential performance. It would likely be better utilized as a Chromebook.
Pros
- Well-Engineered Case: The build quality is solid and reliable.
- Ample Ports: There are plenty of connectivity options available.
- Large, Bright Screen: The display is sizable and clear.
Cons
- Intel N95 Processor: The processor may not meet higher performance demands.
- SATA Storage: The storage type does not optimize the device’s capabilities.
- Windows 11 Pro: The operating system might overwhelm the hardware.
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$1,299.99
Acemagic, known for its strong presence in the Mini PC market, has made its debut in the laptop sector with the AX15.
The AX15, the company’s sole product in this category, appears to be a strategic probe rather than a full-scale entry into the laptop industry. Its specifications are clearly tailored for casual users and students.
Powered by Intel’s 12th Generation N95 processor and featuring the UHD Graphics GPU, the AX15 isn’t designed for high-performance tasks. However, Acemagic has equipped it with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage to ensure smooth operation for its target audience.
Unfortunately, possibly due to the limited number of PCIe lanes available on this platform, the SSD is only SATA rather than NVMe, despite what the website claims.
To enhance the user experience, the AX15 comes with a streamlined version of Windows 11 Pro, free of bloatware, offering a clean and unexpectedly minimalist interface.
The strengths of the AX15 lie in its solid build quality, featuring a metal casing, and its vibrant 15.6-inch IPS display. However, it falls short in processing power, the use of a SATA SSD, and the absence of USB ports with speeds exceeding USB 3.1 Gen 1.
After extended use, the AX15 seems better suited as a Chromebook alternative rather than a Windows laptop, as its four cores can quickly become overwhelmed.
How much does it cost? $299
When is it out? Available now
Where can you get it? Directly from Acemagic and on Amazon
Currently, Acemagic offers only one version of the AX15, which includes 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Priced at $299, it can be purchased directly from Acemagic with free shipping for US customers from their US warehouse.
German customers can buy the same model for €359.10, but it is not available for direct purchase in other regions.
For faster delivery, the AX15 is also available on Amazon.com for $339.98, with a current coupon deal reducing the price by $20.
Acquiring this hardware outside the US and Germany is difficult.
It’s worth noting that the AX15 lacks a Kensington lock or equivalent security feature, which might make it less ideal for educational environments.
Despite a few shortcomings and an unusual keyboard layout that assigns Prt Scr to a function key combination, the AX15 remains a sleek, portable laptop with a sufficient number of ports for the average user.
However, where this laptop begins to falter is in its computing performance. It suffers from the constraints of Intel’s 12th Generation mobile platform, which operates at the lower end of the performance spectrum.
Item Spec
- Acemagic AX15
- Intel N95 processor (4 cores, 4 threads)
- Intel UHD Graphics (EU 16)
- 16GB DDR4 (maximum)
- 512GB SATA M.2 2280
- IPS 15.6-inch, FHD (1920 x 1080)
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C power delivery 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C data only (no DP) 1x USB 2.0 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A 1x HDMI 1.4 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack 1x MicroSD Card slot
- WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0
- 720p HD (no Windows Hello)
- Windows 11 Pro (pre-installed)
- None
- Type-C 19V/2.1A
- 350 x 220 x 16 mm (13.78″ x 8.66″ x 0.63″)
- 15W
- 38WHrs, 3-cell Li-ion
- 1.68kg (3.7lbs)
