The Acer Switch Alpha 12, which can be seen as the affordable Surface Pro 4 alternative is getting a new replacement. At its Next@Acer event in New York, they had introduced two new 2-in-1 convertible notebook models – the Switch 5 and Switch 3. Both are running on Windows 10 with the latest Creators Update.
Acer Switch 5
The new Acer Switch 5 is their top of the line offering and it runs up to 7th Generation Intel Core i7 processor in a compact tablet with kickstand design. Just like the Switch Alpha 12, this is a fanless convertible laptop which offers a quiet experience made possible with its LiquidLoop cooling technology.
Apart from the new updated processor, the Switch 5 gets a new auto-retracting kickstand which makes it easier to adjust your preferred angle with a single hand. For better security, it also gets a new home button on the sides that doubles up as a fingerprint sensor.
In terms of display, the Switch 5 gets a 12″ IPS panel which is now marketed as FHD+ instead of QHD but it still pushes the same resolution of 2160×1440. Also included is a detachable backlit keyboard with trackpad that’s 5.85mm thin. Like the Microsoft Surface Pro, it attaches onto the device via magnets and it doubles up as a cover when not in use. Also included is an Acer Active Stylus pen which has 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity.
The Switch 5 comes with LPDDR3 RAM up to 8GB and you have storage options of either 256GB or 512GB PCIe SSD which can be expanded further via a microSDXC slot. The Switch 5 comes equipped with a reversible USB 3.1 Type C port which supports charging and video output as well as a full sized USB 3.1 Type-A port. For power users, there’s an optional USB Type-C Dock which gives you additional DisplayPort, HDMI, 2x USB 3.1 Type-C, 3x USB Type-A port and audio in/out via a USB Type-C connector.
The Switch 5 weighs just 1.27kg with the keyboard attached (0.92kg without) and it measures just 12mm thin. It will be available in the US beginning June starting from US$799 (about RM3,474) and it will head to China in the following price starting from 4,999CNY (about RM3,152).
Acer Switch 3
Acer has also announced the Switch 3 which comes with a budget friendly price tag starting from US$399 (about RM1,735). It’s also a convertible 2-in-1 device with a 12.2″ Full HD (1920×1200) IPS display and it’s powered by an Intel Pentium and Celeron processor inside. It gets up to 4GB of LPDDR3 RAM with eMMC storage options of 32GB, 64GB and 128GB. The Acer Switch 3 will be available in North America and EMEA in June and it’s coming to China in July.
