Acer today announced the Aspire Switch 10 tablet/notebook/thing. The Windows 8.1-powered 10-inch tablet comes with a magnetically-attached optional "Acer Snap Hinge" dock that lets the user switch (ohhhhh...) between using the device as a standalone tablet or a more traditional laptop. Normally this kind of device might cost a pretty penny, but Acer is pricing the entire kit at $379.99.
That said, it's not a terribly impressive device as a laptop or a tablet. The 10.1-inch IPS display has a 1366x768 resolution. It's relatively thin a 8.9mm, though the keyboard dock thickens it up to 20.2mm. It's powered by an Intel Atom Bay Trail processor of unspecified clock speed 2GB of RAM and up to 64GB of storage. The keyboard dock can add up to 500GB of storage through a physical hard disk, if you're into such things.
You get what you pay for, as they say.
And, being a convertible-detachable tablet, the Switch 10 supports a few different viewing/use modes, including traditional keyboard+screen notebook mode, pad mode without the keyboard, display mode with the keyboard to the rear, and tent mode. Pretty standard stuff. That's all accomplished through a magnetically-attached latch-free dock.
Acer is projecting the Aspire Switch 10 to be available at the end of May in North and South America, Europe, and Asia for US$379.99 (€349).
In addition to the Aspire Switch 10, Acer also announced the E14 and E15 Windows 8.1 notebooks at the very cheap price point of US$299, and the Aspire V 11 (Touch) notebook at US$369.99.
Press release:
Acer Unveils the 2-in-1 Aspire Switch 10: Notebook and Tablet in One Flexible Device
NEW YORK (April 29, 2014) Acer unveils the 2-in-1 Acer Aspire Switch 10 that's a notebook and tablet combined in one flexible device with four modes for touch, typing, viewing, and sharing at any time. The smart device features a magnetic detachable Acer Snap Hinge design for easy transition between modes, latch-free keyboard docking, and optional additional storage capabilities. The Acer Aspire Switch 10 is the ideal companion that helps users stay a touch more connected wherever they go.
Acer Chief Marketing Officer Michael Birkin said, "The Acer Aspire Switch 10 is a winner. A brilliant package of portability, flexibility and vibrancy. It is a stunning addition to the Acer portfolio of Connected Devices putting you in control of your world work or play." "The market is experiencing explosive growth in the 2-in-1 category and Acer has been a leading innovator," said Peter Han, Vice President of Worldwide OEM Marketing, Microsoft. "We are looking forward to partnering with Acer on the launch of their new Acer Aspire Switch which will provide customers with a great Windows 8.1 experience for both touch and keyboard."
Switch between 4 modes for seamless touch, typing, viewing, and sharing
From students who want a device for study and play, to business travelers needing multi- functional methods of working and staying socially connected on the go, the Acer Aspire Switch 10 fits smartly anywhere with four modes of usage notebook, pad, display, and tent.
Notebook mode — as a fully functional notebook PC with spacious keyboard and Precision Touchpad for comfortable typing and productive work.
Pad mode — as a tablet for browsing the Internet, viewing movies, and having everything in your hand.
Display mode — switch the screen to show content, such as a presentation file in meetings or sharing photos with friends.
Tent mode — for confined spaces while travelling such as an airplane cabin or on a side coffee table. It's also the ideal mode for watching movies.
Sturdy Acer Snap Hinge design
The Acer Snap Hinge allows users to switch easily between the four modes. It features a magnetic detachable design for latch-free docking and smooth transition. The sturdy Acer Snap Hinge includes two hooks to firmly connect the tablet to the keyboard, plus a 2-way connector that holds the tablet for convenient two-sided viewing. The tablet can easily be plugged or released (by lifting) from the dock with a magnetic force capable of holding 2.8 kg (6.2 lb.) in weight.
Elegant, portable design for maximum productivity
The aluminum rear cover of the tablet features an architectonic cross-brush pattern achieved through nano imprint lithography technology (NIL) and delivers an elegant touch.
The Aspire Switch 10 is one of the thinnest 2-in-1 devices on the market, measuring less than 8.9 mm thin (0.35 inches) in tablet mode and 20.2 mm (0.44 inches) with the keyboard dock. Weighing just 0.59 kg (1.29 lb.) for the tablet only and 1.17 kg (2.58 lb.) for the tablet and keyboard, the light and ultra-thin design is ideal for bringing on the road.
The 10.1-inch display (1366 x 768 pixels) with IPS technology provides wide viewing angle of up to 178-degrees, and richer colors. Zero Air Gap technology delivers more vibrant and crisp images, while Acer LumiFlex solution further optimizes screen visibility during outdoor activities, even under sunlight.
The Acer Aspire Switch 10 with up to 64GB of storage and 2GB of RAM is powered by an Intel® Atom (Bay Trail T) quad-core processor for fast performance and multitasking in all modes. Windows 8.1 includes several intuitive features, such as InstantGo that keeps data and apps up-to-date even when the screen is off by maintaining an Internet connection along with an efficient power-saving feature so it's ready to go at any moment. It comes pre-loaded with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 at no additional expense so users can create and edit Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents virtually anywhere.
The Precision Touchpad enhances sensitivity and accuracy for the same visual experience as using a touch screen and supports six core Windows 8.1 Touchpad gestures for improved navigation and smooth gestures. The spacious keyboard ensures comfy and productive typing, while an optional keyboard dock with integrated hard-disk offers additional storage of up to 500GB.
Built-in AcerCloud means users will never be unprepared as they can easily access and manage their data anywhere. AcerCloud apps offer real time information, data management, and data security across multiple devices for immediate synchronizing.
Optional accessories include the Acer Snap Case that protects and packs the tablet and keyboard for easy carry, and the micro USB cable that serves as a connection and charging hub.
Pricing and availability
The Acer Aspire Switch 10 will be availability in Pan America and EMEA in late May with prices starting at US $379.99/€ 349 respectively.
To find out about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office or retailer via www.acer.com.
