Finally, a $699 Windows laptop that I wouldn't mind putting my MacBook Air away for

• The Acer Aspire 16 AI is currently on sale for $699.
• It's a reliable, lightweight workhorse with a marathon battery that's ideal for long days.
• However, its hardware has performance limitations.

Acer's new Aspire 16 AI is a humble laptop. It isn't flashy or over-the-top, it doesn't house high-end hardware or an OLED screen. Instead, it focuses on being a reliable work device with a midrange price tag. Considering how expensive things are nowadays, we need more laptops like this now more than ever before -- especially if you're a college student.

For students, the Aspire 16 is a reliable device with enough battery power to get through the day. Instead of bells and whistles, it delivers solid performance and a slim form factor that's easy to commute with. 

Sleek design

The Acer Aspire 16 AI opts for a practical ...