Acer (Acer Inc.) is a Taiwanese global tech giant, founded in 1976 as Multitech, known for affordable PCs, expanding into gaming (Predator) and rugged devices, focusing on fusing hardware/software/services, while the similar-sounding ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) is a separate educational research body established in 1930 in Australia. Acer Inc. grew by making technology accessible, becoming a major player by prioritizing low costs and innovation in the PC market, evolving into a diversified tech company.
Key Milestones
Early Years & Brand Establishment (1976–2000)- 1976: The company was founded as Multitech International in Taiwan.
- 1987: The name was changed to "Acer," which is Latin for "sharp, acute, and able".
- 1989: The first Acer laptop, the Acer 256, was launched.
- 1993: Acer acquired the PC division of Commodore International.
- 1995: The widely successful Aspire series of consumer PCs was introduced.
- 1997: Acer acquired the Texas Instruments notebook computer business.
- 2007: Acer acquired US-based rival Gateway, Inc., which included the eMachines brand, to strengthen its presence in the American market.
- 2008: Acer acquired a controlling interest in Packard Bell and the Taiwanese electronics manufacturer E-TEN.
- 2009: Acer was ranked as the world's No. 2 company in total PCs.
- 2011: The company acquired iGware to invest in cloud technology, leading to the creation of Acer Cloud.
- 2012: Acer was a TOP Partner for the London Summer Olympics.
- 2015: The high-end Predator gaming product line was launched.
- 2016: Research and development into virtual reality began, and Acer revealed the world's first curved-screen gaming notebook, the Predator 21 X.
- 2019: The ConceptD brand, a portfolio of products specifically for creators, was launched.
- 2021: Acer joined the RE100 initiative, committing to sourcing 100% renewable electricity by 2035, and unveiled the Vero line of sustainability-focused products.
- 2023: Acer pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and entered the e-mobility market with an AI-driven e-bike.
- 2024: Acer debuted on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and was named in the TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies list. The company also announced its first Copilot+ PC with the Swift 14 AI laptop.
Overview
- Common Name: Acer
- Year Founded: 1976
- Founders: Stan Shih and his wife Carolyn Yeh
- Origin: Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Headquarters: 1F, 88, Sec. 1, Xintai 5th Rd., Xizhi, New Taipei City 221, Taiwan
- Tagline: Explore Beyond Limits
Main Products
Laptops & 2-in-1s:- Aspire Series: Everyday laptops for home, school, and general use.
- Swift Series: Thin, light, and powerful ultrabooks for professionals/students.
- Predator Series: High-performance gaming laptops (e.g., Predator Helios, Triton).
- Nitro Series: Affordable gaming laptops for entry-level to mid-range gamers.
- Chromebooks: Chrome OS-based laptops for education and cloud-centric work.
- TravelMate: Business-focused laptops.
- Aspire (Desktops): Home and family PCs.
- Veriton: Business desktops for corporate environments.
- Predator (Desktops): Powerful gaming desktops.
- Monitors: Gaming (Predator, Nitro), business, and general-purpose monitors.
- Projectors: For business, education, and home entertainment.
- Predator & Nitro: Gaming monitors, desktops, accessories, and handheld gaming devices (e.g., Predator G1, Acer Handheld Gaming).
- Offer various tablets (Iconia) and smartphones, though less prominent than their PC lineup.
- Other:
Accessories: Keyboards, mice, headsets, docks.
eMobility: Electric scooters (e.g., &«»Predator Extreme»), though this varies by region.
Innovation & Partnership
Acer collaborates with other technology leaders through associations and specific product integrations.
- Information Technology Industry Council (ITI): Acer is a member of the Environment & Sustainability affiliate group, engaging in working groups that address green procurement, product stewardship, and regulatory policy development.
- Component Suppliers: Acer integrates technologies from major players like Nvidia AI and Intel in its products, as seen in its gaming and AI PC ranges.
- Air Link Communication Limited (Airlink): A strategic partnership was formed to introduce Acer Gadget laptops, tablets, and all-in-one devices to the Pakistani market.
- Tarsus Distribution: The partnership was expanded to deliver a full range of Acer products in South Africa.
Sustainability
- Renewable Energy: Aiming for 100% renewable electricity by 2035 (RE100).
- Carbon Reduction: Net-zero emissions by 2050, reducing energy consumption, and involving suppliers in carbon goals.
Market Position
- Ticker: TPE: 2353
- Market Cap: Approx. TWD 82.44 B
Acer Inc. reported NT$264.71 billion (approx. USD $8.22 billion) in revenue for the full year 2024, holds a global presence in over 160 countries, and made the 6th place in the Top 6 vendors by number of units shipped, 2024 with a 6.9% share.
Useful Links
Browse authorized repair centers and official retail stores of Acer using the links below to get support or shop for products on Google Maps.
Customer Support
- Website: www.acer.com
- Online Help: Acer Help & Support