Processor, RAM, storage

The Aspire is running an AMD Ryzen 3 (7320U) quad-core processor with 8 gigabytes of RAM and a 128-gigabyte solid state drive.

The Swift is running an Intel Core Ultra 5 (125H) with 14 cores with 8GB of RAM and a 512GB solid state drive.

The difference in the processors is big, but if your main use for a laptop is internet browsing, email and watching streaming content, the Ryzen on the Aspire has enough power.

The Swift is designed for AI (artificial intelligence) and will likely be viable for more years.

I also need to address the storage on the Aspire, which at 128 GB is too small. When I powered it up, the Aspire’s hard drive has just 75 GB of space free for you to use for your apps and documents.

It will not take you long to fill up the storage, and you’ll be looking to add more. I’d consider 256 GB to be the minimum I’d buy, but I can see why they start at 128 GB, to lower the price.

At least the Aspire’s storage is solid-state, meaning it has no spinning platters. The storage is all on memory chips and is quite fast.

I’d also consider 8 GB of RAM to be the bare minimum. I’d personally consider bumping the RAM to 16 GB if you want the machine to last as long as possible. RAM is the memory your PC uses when it is operating. More is better, but obviously more expensive.

I’d opt for more storage first, then more RAM if you have the money to spend.

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