Acer Switch 5 Series
Processor: Intel Kaby Lake i5-7200U, Intel Kaby Lake i7-7500UGraphics Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 620
Display: 12.00 inch, 12.20 inch
Weight: 0.92kg, 0.927kg, 1.27kg, 1.29kg, 1.291kg
Price: 1000, 1100, 1299 euro
Average of 21 scores (from 33 reviews)
Acer Switch 5
The Acer Switch 5 is Acer’s latest hybrid tablet-laptop, and its first 2-in-1 device to be powered by Intel's latest 7th-gen Core i7 chip. The device builds on the innovations of its predecessor, the Switch Alpha 12, and was launched alongside the Switch 3, which is its less-powerful sibling, as well as what seemed to be hundreds of other devices. The Acer Switch 5 is made of anodised aluminum, giving it a good, solid appearance. Like the Switch Alpha 12, the Acer Switch 5 has a Surface Pro-inspired design thanks to an auto-retracting kickstand so that it's viewing angle can be easily adjusted. It also comes with an attachable backlit keyboard that snaps on with ultra-secure magnets, which can be adjusted depending on user preference. The keyboard is similarly good: It feels very strong, with no flex under normal typing use. The keys are even backlit, which isn’t always a given on 2-in-1 keyboards. The touchpad is a real highlight, with perfectly weighted swipes, clicks and gestures. On the outside, the Switch 5 is a fairly standard hybrid, but under its hood, Acer has done something pretty smart: fanless cooling. Using its proprietary LiquidLoop fanless cooling system, Acer claims it can keep the Switch 5 running efficiently without fan noise. The system works by dissipating heat as liquid floats through the machine. It takes up much less space than bulky fans this way while keeping a stable temperature and running efficiently without fan noise; it also provides improved reliability.
Acer's new hybrid is also thin and light, despite some pretty heavy specs. It measures 12mm thick and weighs 1.27kg when the tablet and keyboard are connected. When undocked from the keyboard as a standard tablet, the Switch 5 tablet measures just 9.6mm thick and weighs 0.92kg. While it feels thin enough to be portable, the Switch 5 is chunkier than the Surface Pro 4. Nevertheless, it still felt like it had a relatively slim design during our hands-on, especially considering it's running such a powerful chip. The Switch 5 features a 12-inch FHD+ IPS touch display that boasts a resolution of 2160x1440. The screen appeared crisp and bright during our time with it, even in the brightly-lit environment of the outdoor demo area. However, the lack of a matte finish means it picks up a lot of reflections. As for specs, the Switch 5 boasts Intel's latest 7th-Gen chip, the Core i7, as well as up to 8GB of LPDDR3 SDRAM, meaning it features great performance when completing simple tasks. For connectivity, users will also benefit from the USB-C port, Bluetooth 4.0 and 2x2 11ac Wi-Fi. An optional USB-C dock will give you DisplayPort, HDMI, two USB-C 3.1 ports and three USB Type-A ports, along with audio input for a microphone and audio output for speakers.
Hands-on article by Jagadisa Rajarathnam
Specifications
Notebook: Acer Switch 5Processor: Intel Kaby Lake i5-7200U
Graphics Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 620
Display: 12.00 inch, 16:9, 2160 x 1440 pixels
Weight: 0.92kg
Price: 1000 euro
Links: Acer homepage Acer notebook section
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Reviews
Source: Kitguru Archive.org version
Acer has not created the perfect convertible Windows tablet but, despite its somewhat mediocre IPS screen and some other niggles, the Switch 5 presents a very capable and good-value machine. It offers a complete overall package with highlights like passive cooling and a very competent bundled keyboard and stylus.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/30/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Trusted Reviews Archive.org version
If you’re on the market for a semi-affordable Windows 10 convertible that won’t break the bank, the Acer Switch 5 is a decent choice. It isn’t the sexiest or most original device on the market, but it ticks most of the right boxes when it comes to functionality and performance. The liquid-cooling system is also a nice addition that makes it run near-silently.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/20/2017
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Toptenreviews Archive.org version
We can’t quite give it full marks, but if color isn’t vitally important for you, the Switch 5 is close to being a Surface Pro at a huge saving.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 10/09/2017
Source: It Pro Archive.org version
With a spec to rival the Surface Pro, and some accessories thrown in, the Switch 5 offers a decent 2-in-1 experience at a great price point. Unfortunately, woeful display performance and an average battery life hold it back from being a true challenger to the Surface range. Still, the Switch 5 is a great companion device if you're in the market for something cheaper.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/04/2017
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Pocket Lint Archive.org version
The Acer Switch 5 is a largely successful progression of the series, with decent battery life, silent operation, ample power, plus other great features such as the one-handed stand adjustment and the fingerprint scanner being built into the power button.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/27/2017
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Stuff TV Archive.org version
The clever hinge and bundled stylus make the Switch 5 a great Surface alternative for anyone looking to draw, doodle or write instead of type. The infinitely adjustable positioning is far more flexible than Microsoft's rigid kickstand. The keyboard cover is a great inclusion as well, meaning it works just as well as a laptop as it does as a tablet.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/28/2017
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
We certainly like the Switch 5 which is essentially an improved version of the Alpha 12. However, it’s the price that’s really the sticking point here so look for the Switch 3 if it’s out of your price range.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/28/2017
Source: Trusted Reviews Archive.org version
This is probably Acer’s best 2-in-1 to date, but with a starting price of nearly €1099 (around £1100), it’s right up against the Surface Pro 4, so there will be some fairly strong comparisons to make when Trusted does its full review. The Switch 5 launches in June.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/27/2017
Foreign Reviews
Source: Netzwelt DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/28/2017
Source: Mobil.se SV→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/20/2017
Rating: Total score: 72%
Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-5819
Specifications
Notebook: Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-5819Processor: Intel Kaby Lake i7-7500U
Graphics Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 620
Display: 12.00 inch, 3:2, 2160 x 1440 pixels
Weight: 1.291kg
Price: 1299 euro
Links: Acer homepage Acer notebook section
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Reviews
Hot worker. We are testing the Surface Pro rival and successor to Acer's Swift Alpha 12, and we will discover to what extent it can meet Windows standards. Acer tackles this feat with high performance at a low price.
Update: Lower power consumption in idle scenario
Source: Pocket Lint Archive.org version
The Acer Switch 5 is a largely successful progression of the series, with decent battery life, operation, ample power, plus other great features such as the one-handed stand adjustment and the fingerprint scanner being built into the power button.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/20/2017
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Pocket Lint Archive.org version
The Acer Switch 5 is a largely successful progression of the series, with decent battery life, operation, ample power, plus other great features such as the one-handed stand adjustment and the fingerprint scanner being built into the power button.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/20/2017
Rating: Total score: 80%
Foreign Reviews
Source: Netzwelt DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/29/2017
Rating: Total score: 78% performance: 80% features: 70% display: 70%
Source: Netzwelt DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/29/2017
Rating: Total score: 78% performance: 80% features: 70% display: 70%
Source: Tuexperto ES→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Elegant design; large screen; nice display; powerful hardware. Negative: Uncomfortable keyboard.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/12/2018
Source: Tuexperto ES→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Elegant design; large screen; nice display; powerful hardware. Negative: Uncomfortable keyboard.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/12/2018
Source: HDblog.it IT→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Impressive design; powerful processor; compact size; light weight. Negative: No USB-C.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 05/19/2018
Source: HDblog.it IT→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Impressive design; powerful processor; compact size; light weight. Negative: No USB-C.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 05/19/2018
Source: Tablets Magazine NL→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/21/2018
Rating: Total score: 75%
Source: Tablets Magazine NL→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/21/2018
Rating: Total score: 75%
Source: Prohardver.hu HU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Good hardware; high performance; good cooling and silent system; backlit keys; smart stylus pen.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 03/14/2018
Source: Prohardver.hu HU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Good hardware; high performance; good cooling and silent system; backlit keys; smart stylus pen.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 03/14/2018
Source: Tek.no NO→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 01/14/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Tek.no NO→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 01/14/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Alt om Data DA→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 07/03/2018
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 60% performance: 80%
Source: Alt om Data DA→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 07/03/2018
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 60% performance: 80%
Source: Arena IT →EN Archive.org version
Positive: Great built quality; powerful hardware; good price.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/26/2017
Source: Arena IT →EN Archive.org version
Positive: Great built quality; powerful hardware; good price.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/26/2017
Acer Switch 5 SW512-52P
Specifications
Notebook: Acer Switch 5 SW512-52PProcessor: Intel Kaby Lake i7-7500U
Graphics Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 620
Display: 12.00 inch, 3:2, 2160 x 1440 pixels
Weight: 1.27kg
Links: Acer homepage Acer notebook section
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Foreign Reviews
Source: Diskidee.nl NL→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 04/13/2018
Rating: Total score: 69% price: 77% performance: 60%
Source: Techzine NL→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/11/2017
Rating: Total score: 85% performance: 80% display: 90% mobility: 80% workmanship: 80%
Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-73Y5
Specifications
Notebook: Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-73Y5Processor: Intel Kaby Lake i7-7500U
Graphics Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 620
Display: 12.00 inch, , 2160 x 1440 pixels
Weight: 0kg
Links: Acer homepage Acer notebook section
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Foreign Reviews
Source: Techzilla.it IT→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 03/05/2018
Rating: Total score: 83% price: 80% display: 85% mobility: 75% workmanship: 85%
Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-50XX
Specifications
Notebook: Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-50XXProcessor: Intel Kaby Lake i5-7200U
Graphics Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 620
Display: 12.00 inch, 3:2, 2160 x 1440 pixels
Weight: 0.927kg
Links: Acer homepage Acer notebook section
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Foreign Reviews
Source: Alt om Data DA→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 03/19/2018
Rating: Total score: 100%
Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-58Q4
Specifications
Notebook: Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-58Q4Processor: Intel Kaby Lake i5-7200U
Graphics Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 620
Display: 12.20 inch, 16:9, 2160 x 1440 pixels
Weight: 1.29kg
Price: 1100 euro
Links: Acer homepage Acer notebook section
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Reviews
Source: Gadgetspeak Archive.org version
While this is a Notebook as it has a keyboard it is more likely to be used as a Tablet as the keyboard folds back behind the screen and then you have an excellent touch screen Windows unit that even comes with a stylus for accurate work. If fact the keyboard can even be totally detached should you wish.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 06/22/2018
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 60% performance: 80% workmanship: 80%
Comment
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.
Modern games should be playable with these graphics cards at low settings and resolutions. Casual gamers may be happy with these cards.
Intel HD Graphics 620: Integrated GPU (GT2) found on some Kaby-Lake CPU models (15 W ULV series).
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.
Intel Kaby Lake:
i5-7200U: Kaby-Lake based SoC with two CPU cores clocked at 2.5 to 3.1 GHz, HyperThreading and manufactured with an improved 14nm process.
i7-7500U: Kaby-Lake based SoC with two CPU cores clocked at 2.7 to 3.5 GHz, HyperThreading and manufactured with an improved 14nm process.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.
12.00:
This range of display format is largely the upper limit for tablets and the lower limit for subnotebooks.
The advantage of subnotebooks is that the entire laptop can be small in size and therefore easily portable. The tiny display has the added advantage of requiring little power, which further improves battery life and thus mobility. The disadvantage is that reading texts is exhausting for the eyes. High resolutions, which one is used to from a standard laptop, are almost not usable.
The same applies to tablets in this size range.
» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.
No weight comment found (one expected)!
79.49%: 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.