Acer Aspire Switch Alpha 12 SA5-271-31YN
Specifications
Price comparison
Average of 4 scores (from 12 reviews)
Reviews for the Acer Aspire Switch Alpha 12 SA5-271-31YN
Source: Mobile Syrup Archive.org version
Where things become more complicated is in the difference between input devices. We spend so much of our time on these devices interacting with the included keyboard and trackpad. So much so that I don’t think it’s unreasonable, depending on a person’s budget, to purchase a lower specced machine if it means coming away with a computer that has a better keyboard and trackpad. While it would be hard for me to get a new computer with less than 8GB of RAM, depending on your computing needs, a Surface Pro model with 4GB of RAM and a Core M3 processor may be enough, especially if all do with your computer is surf the web, send emails and watch YouTube.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/09/2016
Source: Pocket Lint Archive.org version
As a full laptop-replacement the Acer Switch Alpha 12 ticks many of the right boxes. The integrated stand is solid, the silent operation from the LiquidLoop cooling system is an obvious benefit, there's as much power on hand as a Microsoft Surface Pro 4, ample screen brightness and resolution, while the keyboard dock and stylus are both included in the box (in the UK).
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 07/29/2016
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Expert Reviews Archive.org version
Overall, I feel Acer has done a noteworthy job here, with the Switch Alpha 12 really proving its worth. With a superbly crafted design and a surprising amount of oomph under the hood, you get a whole lot for your money, even if the display and keyboard aren't quite up to the best we've seen.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 07/25/2016
Rating: Total score: 80%
Foreign Reviews
Source: Tuexperto ES→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Good display; comfortable keyboard; small size; support smart pen; new LiquidLoop Cooling technology; long battery life.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/07/2016
Source: Geek 4 You IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/15/2016
Rating: Total score: 83%
Source: Notebook-Center.ru RU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Good design; energy savings; long battery life. Negative: Inconvenient display; weak speakers; poor webcam and rear camera; uncomfortable keyboard and touchpad; ineffective cooling system.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/12/2016
Source: Geeks.hu HU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Very good price; excellent performance; silent operation. Negative: Mediocre battery life.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/19/2016
Source: CNews.cz CZ→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Good price due to high performance; fast SSD; good ergonomy and display. Negative: Short battery life.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/08/2016
Source: Notebook.cz CZ→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Full keyboard and large touchpad; decent performance; ability to maintain high performance fanless; IPS display. Negative: Hot under load.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 06/14/2016
Source: Tinh Te VN→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/22/2016
Rating: Total score: 76% price: 80% performance: 70% display: 80% mobility: 80% workmanship: 80% ergonomy: 70% emissions: 70%
Source: Laptop.bg BU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Excellent build quality and ergonomics; comfortable keyboard; great IPS display; decent battery life. Negative: Limited connectivity; poor tocuhpad; heavy.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 08/08/2016
Comment
Model: The Switch Alpha 12 is the predecessor of Acer’s fan-less CPU innovation. Powered by the LiquidLoop cooling, the CPU performance stays optimal without generating fan noise, thereby making this machine quiet and powerful. As suggested by its name, the Switch Alpha 12 is easily convertible from a tablet to a full-fledged laptop mode. Ergonomically, it is fitted with a kickstand which provides support for the screen when it is fitted with the keyboard. This machine is largely metal-built with aluminium as its main component.
Its 12-inch touchscreen features a resolution of 2160 x 1440 pixels and uses IPS technology. The Windows 10 system is powered by an Intel Core i3-6100U processor with 4 GB RAM. Graphics are rendered by an Intel HD Graphics 400. In addition, it comes with a 128 GB SATA SSD. Standard connectivity is available on this machine with one USB 3.0 and one USB 3.1 Type-C port as well as a microSD card slot. Networking is supported by both WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. Users may also opt for the Acer Active Pen, which is sensitive and capable of precise input. The battery life is decent with up to 8 hours.
Series: The Acer Aspire Switch Series is a series of portable and hybrid laptops. The design of the laptop models is stylish thanks to their attractive looking aluminium lids. The hinge of the Windows systems allows users to flip, rotate and even detach the screen from the keyboard in a snap. Each model in the Switch Series has different processors ranging from 1.33 GHz Intel Atom Z3745 up to Intel Core i5-6200U processors. There are also different options for the graphic card ranging from Intel HD Graphics up to Intel HD Graphics 5300.
In terms of storage, Acer offers two different options; 32 GB and 64 GB. There are 10.1-inch and 12-inch models. The displays are Full HD, IPS and they provide good contrast and colors from all viewing angles. In addition, they are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for additional damage and scratch resistance. The tablet part of the laptop has a USB 2.0 port, a micro HDMI port and a headset jack, while the keyboard dock has an additional USB 2.0 port. The weight of the laptop starts from 1.05 kg up to 1.6 kg depending on the model the user selects.
Intel HD Graphics 520: Integrated GPU (GT2) with 24 EUs found on some Skylake CPU models (15 W ULV series).
Modern games should be playable with these graphics cards at low settings and resolutions. Casual gamers may be happy with these cards.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.
6100U: Skylake-based ULV dual-core processor for thin notebooks and ultrabooks. Offers an integrated HD Graphics 520 GPU and is manufactured in 14 nm.» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.
12.00":
This is a standard display format for tablet computers or small convertibles. You see more on the screen than on a smartphone but you can't use big resolutions well. On the other hand, mobility is not a problem.
» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.Acer: In 1976, the company was founded in Taiwan under the name Multitech and was renamed Acer or Acer Group in 1987. The product range includes, for example, laptops, tablets, smartphones, desktops, monitors, TVs and computer peripherals. Since 2007, the group has merged with Gateway Inc. and Packard Bell, which also market their own laptop product lines.
Acer computers are designed for a variety of purposes, including ultrabooks for mobile use, gaming laptops for gamers, affordable options for everyday tasks, and 2-in-1 convertible laptops for versatility. Acer's product portfolio also includes tablets that offer portable computing and multimedia capabilities.
79.75%: This rating is not earth-shattering. This rating must actually be seen as average, since there are about as many devices with worse ratings as better ones. A purchase recommendation can only be seen with a lot of goodwill, unless it is about websites that generally rate strictly.
» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.