By Gokul Bhagabati

Berlin, Sep 4 (IANS): The race for the crown of the world's lightest and yet powerful laptop intensified on Wednesday as Taiwanese electronics and PC makers Acer and ASUS unveiled new products -- a lot of them powered by 10th Gen Intel Core processors -- at Europe's premier cosumer electronics show IFA 2019.

While Acer claimed that its refreshed Swift 5 model, weighing 990 grams, maintains its position as the world's lightest 14-inch notebook, ASUS just a couple of hours later unveiled a laptop weighing just 880 grams. ASUS, which also utilised the occasion to mark its 30th anniversary, cliams that its ASUSPRO B9 is the world's lightest 14-inch "business" laptop.

Besides ASUSPRO B9 (B9450), the ZenBook Duo (UX481), ZenBook 13/14/15 (UX334/434/534) and ZenBook Flip 14/15 (UX463/563) all enjoy the benefits of the 10th Gen Intel Core processors, ASUS said, wile introducing its new laptop lineup.

Acer's refreshed models in Swift notebook and Aspire all-in-one desktop ranges are also powered by the latest 10th Gen IntelACore processors. These new processors deliver better battery life and more advanced performance.

The latest Swift 5 model weighs just 990 grams with a new discrete NVIDIA GeForce MX250 graphics option, or even less with newly updated integrated Intel IrisAPro graphics while measuring just 14.95 mm thin. The screen features a three-side narrow bezel with a high screen-to-body ratio of 86.4 per cent.

"We're continuously challenging ourselves on how we can make the world's lightest 14-inch notebook even better," said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, IT Product Business, Acer.

"With the new Swift 5, we've integrated a discrete graphics chip and the latest processors so mobile professionals no longer have to compromise between portability and performance," Lin added.

"10th Gen Intel Core processors redefine what's possible in a modern laptop by bringing broad-scale AI to the PC for the first time, an all-new graphics architecture for a leap in performance with Iris Plus graphics, and integrated best-in-class connectivity with Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+) and Thunderbolt 3," said Chris Walker, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of Mobility Client Platforms in the Client Computing Group, Intel.

Acer also introduced a refershed Swift 3 notebook which has a 14-inch Full HD IPS screen and weighs 1.19 kg. The Swift 3 packs a lot of power into its 15.95 mm thin chassis with up to a 10th Gen Intel Core i7-1065G7 processor with Intel Iris Plus graphics and an optional discrete NVIDIA GeForce MX250 GPU.

The two PC makers -- ASUS and Acer -- also introduced several devices targeting the content creators -- including YouTubers and bloggers -- gamers and other professionals.