![]() ("Tearing" is a common kind of distortion that occurs when a display tries to write a new frame to the screen when the previous one hasn't been fully written yet you get a screen with mismatched halves.) When enabled, G-Sync lets the screen refresh rate scale up and down with the frame rate that the graphics chip is putting out, much reducing the tearing threat. That means the Helios 500 can display your games, among other content, at up to 144 frames per second (fps), thanks to the high refresh rate, and without screen tearing, if you activate G-Sync. What's packed into that big chassis? For starters, a full HD (1,920-by-1,080-pixel), 17-inch matte display, supporting two premium features: Nvidia's G-Sync technology, and a 144Hz refresh rate. Do keep in mind, however, that you will also have to carry with you a weighty, 1.25-by-3.5-by-7-inch power brick. Its size and weight make it a formidable desktop-replacement gaming laptop, one you can lug to tournaments and the like. Measuring 1.5 by 16.9 by 11.7 inches (HWD), the Predator Helios 500 is comparable in size to other 17-inch gaming laptops, such as the 1.18-by-16.7-by-13.1-inch Alienware 17 R5 ($1,559.99 at Dell), and at 8.82 pounds, it's almost a pound lighter than that Alienware. Plastic chassis are standard issue in systems less than half the cost of the Acer Predator Helios 500, such as the Lenovo Legion Y530 ($749.99 at Lenovo). ![]() Other premium gaming laptops, such as the Razer Blade, have adopted all-metal bodies, while the MSI GS65 Stealth Thin is outfitted with a plastic-like alloy outer shell. The outer shell is wholly plastic, a design decision that's a little disappointing in any laptop in this price range, gaming or not. Though this is a membrane keyboard, each keypress is deep and satisfying, almost to the point where it feels like Acer used mechanical switches.Īside from the color scheme, the rest of the Acer Predator Helios 500's appearance is gamer-laptop standard. The feel of the keys does not disappoint, however. ![]() The keyboard, alas, does not offer per-key-programmable lighting, but instead four-zone RGB backlighting, customizable from a palette of 16.8 million colors. Then there is the key backlighting you can change the lighting hues in the built-in PredatorSense software, but the entire keyboard and touchpad are backlit by default in a blue haze, including the six hotkeys and the power button. The deck has a row of dedicated hotkeys that you can program to functions you choose, including auto-overclocking. The directional-arrow and WASD keys are bordered with a blue paint job that sets them apart. None of the all-too-pervasive black-and-red here-the Helios 500 sports a black finish with blue accents. ![]() It's refreshing to see a gaming laptop that doesn't follow the pack in its color scheme. Best Hosted Endpoint Protection and Security Software.But then why not just buy a desktop machine? Especially for this amount of money. If you want something that stays at home, plugged in, ready for action, then the Helios 500 might be a good choice. Whether it's right for you will depend highly on what you're hoping to get out of it. The end result is a gaming laptop that leaves us with mixed feelings. However, we were equally unimpressed by the cheap feeling design, large bezels and fairly shocking battery life. We were impressed with the power of the Helios 500, its multitasking capabilities and all its bells and whistles. However, if you want something light and nimble that can last for hours without being plugged in, this is not it. If you're all about power and performance over looks, then this is the laptop for you. This is a powerful gaming laptop that delivers high frame-rates on that smooth 144Hz Full HD panel. The Acer Predator Helios 500 is big and while it's not a looker, it's certainly capable of beautiful things when it comes to gaming - so long as it's plugged in. But are high-end specifications alone enough to please? We've been testing one of find out. This is a big, bold and brazen laptop with specs that gamers will love. The current top-end of that line-up is the Acer Predator Helios 500.
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