The new Windows 8 Bay Trail notebook/tablet convertible has an aluminum case, four usage modes, a display with LumiFlex™ technology and will be available starting in late May.
Earlier today in New York, Acer revealed the 2-in-1 Aspire Switch 10, a notebook/tablet convertible "that easily switches between four modes for touch, typing, viewing, and sharing." These four modes are mentioned in the official press release as "notebook, tablet, display, and tent." This versatility is achieved thanks to Acer's own Snap Hinge design.
Acer Aspire Switch 10 has the following highlights:
Processor: 1.3 GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3745 "Bay Trail"
Memory/Storage: 2 GB LPDDR3 RAM; 32 GB or 64 GB internal storage and microSD support
Display: 10.1-inch IPS touchscreen with 1,366X768 pixels and Zero Air Gap bezel with LumiFlex™ technology
The aluminum case of the Aspire Switch 10 is 0.32-inch thick, while the keyboard comes in at 0.44 inches. An optional keyboard dock for 500 GB of extra storage will be available, but there is no other information about it at this time.
According to the press release below, Aspire Switch 10 will hit the stores in late May across Pan America and Europe, Middle East and Africa, starting at $379.99 USD/€ 349 EUR.
Acer Unveils the 2-in-1 Aspire Switch 10: Notebook and Tablet in One Flexible Device
NEW YORK
Editors’ Summary
A smart 2-in-1 notebook that easily switches between four modes for touch, typing, viewing, and sharing
Four modes (notebook, pad, display, and tent) allow maximum versatility for work and play
Acer Snap Hinge™ permits smooth switching between modes and latch-free keyboard docking
10.1-inch display with Zero Air Gap and wide viewing angle provides a stunning visual experience
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 connectedwherever 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 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(1) 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™ (2) 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 Europe, Middle East and Africa 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.
1 All brands and product names mentioned herein include trademarks of their respective companies and are used solely to describe or identify the products. 2 AcerCloud is supported on Windows 7 and Windows 8 Desktop, Windows RT, Android 2.3 or later, and iOS 5.1 or later. To set up your personal AcerCloud service, you'll need at least one PC and one mobile device with the AcerCloud applications installed and must designate one PC as your Cloud PC.
Codrut Nistor - Senior Tech Writer - 6148 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2013
In my early school days, I hated writing and having to make up stories. A decade later, I started to enjoy it. Since then, I published a few offline articles and then I moved to the online space, where I contributed to major websites that are still present online as of 2021 such as Softpedia, Brothersoft, Download3000, but I also wrote for multiple blogs that have disappeared over the years. I've been riding with the Notebookcheck crew since 2013 and I am not planning to leave it anytime soon. In love with good mechanical keyboards, vinyl and tape sound, but also smartphones, streaming services, and digital art.