Hey everyone, Akshat here, and welcome to Official Akshat!
After using a desktop with an Intel i7-4790 for years, I finally decided to upgrade to something portable yet powerful. I picked up the Acer ALG (13th Gen i5 variant) during the Republic Day sales, and after putting it through its paces with GTA V, PUBG, and heavy VS Code sessions, here is my honest take.
1. Build Quality & "Minimalist" Design
Most gaming laptops look like spaceships with glowing red lights everywhere. As someone who prefers a minimalist aesthetic, I actually love the Acer ALG.
* The Look: It’s a clean, professional grey/silver finish. I can take this to school or a library without it screaming "I am a gamer."
* The Feel: It’s sturdy, though it is a bit heavy. But hey, for the cooling it provides, I don't mind the weight in my backpack.
2. The Display: 144Hz Goodness
The 15.6-inch FHD screen is a massive jump for me.
* Smoothness: The 144Hz refresh rate makes a huge difference not just in games like PUBG, but even just scrolling through code in VS Code or Kali Linux.
* Color: For an AMOLED fan (I use a Poco X7), the screen is decent. It’s bright enough for indoor use, though in the bright Bageshwar sun, you’ll want to stay in the shade.
3. Performance: Coding & Gaming
This is where the i5-13420H and the RTX 3050 (6GB VRAM) shine.
* Coding: I run multiple Docker containers and Kali Linux VMs. With 16GB of RAM, there’s zero lag. If you’re a Class 9 or 10 student learning Python or C++, this is actually overkill—which is great because it will last you through college.
* Gaming: I’ve been playing GTA V and PUBG. On High settings, GTA V is buttery smooth. The 6GB of VRAM is the secret weapon here; most laptops in this price range only give you 4GB. That extra 2GB helps a lot with modern textures.
4. Thermals (The Bageshwar Test)
Even though it’s winter here in Bageshwar, laptops can still get hot under load. The dual-fan system in the ALG works well. The keyboard area stays cool, though the fans do get loud when the RTX 3050 kicks in during a PUBG match. I recommend using a simple laptop stand to keep the airflow clear.
5. Keyboard and Trackpad
The typing experience is solid. The keys have good travel, which is important for long coding marathons. The trackpad is large and responsive, though for gaming, I still use my dedicated mouse for that precision.
The Verdict: Should You Buy It?
Pros:
Value for Money: Getting a 13th Gen i5 with a 6GB RTX 3050 under 60k is a steal.
Minimalist Design: Doesn't look like a toy.
Upgradability: Easy to add more RAM (up to 64gb) or another SSD later.
Cons:
Battery Life: Like most gaming laptops, don't expect more than 2-3 hours of regular work. Keep your charger handy!
Webcam: It’s 720p—okay for school Zoom calls, but don't expect to start a streaming career with it.
Final Thought: If you are a student like me who needs to balance Information Technology homework, Cybersecurity learning, and high-end gaming, the Acer ALG is probably the best "bang for your buck" right now. It’s a massive upgrade from an older desktop and handles everything I throw at it.
And if you want to buy it then make sure to follow up this link: https://amzn.to/3ZUd8ej