Acer launches a new hybrid into the wild

Nov 4, 2014 09:24 GMT  ·  By

Intel revealed the names of the first tablets/laptops to arrive with Intel Broadwell in September. Some of them have already been introduced, like the Lenovo ThinkPad Helix and Dell Latitutde 13 7000, but others remained a mystery.

A few weeks ago the Acer Aspire Switch 12, which will also take advantage of Intel Core M architecture, was spotted in the first leaked image.

Acer Aspire Switch 12 launches with Intel Core M inside

Now Acer is taking the opportunity to launch the convertible officially, but don't get your hopes up about being able to pick it up in time for Christmas.

The Acer Aspire Switch is a 12.5-inch device coming with a full HD display and an Intel’s new Core M Broadwell platform. The device is a convertible, so that means customers will get a tablet with an optional keyboard dock that can be used as a notebook too.

The Aspire Switch family has other members as well, including a 10-inch model and an 11-inch model. But their design is a little bit different from what the Switch 12 offers.

The smaller convertibles are basically tablets that come with a detachable keyboard, while the newcomer uses a built-in stand to prop itself up, in the style of an AIO. This happens regardless of whether you’re using the keyboard or not.

Acer markets the Aspire Switch 12 as a 5-in-1

Then again, there’s a keyboard you can attach to the display part so you can get the complete notebook experience, if you’re into that. Acer says that given the variety of modes of use, the Acer Switch 12 qualifies as a 5-in-1 rather than a simple 2-in-1.

As for internal specifications, the hybrid takes advantage of a 12-inch IPS display with Corning Gorilla Glass delivering 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution.

Acer says the machine has a fanless design, so we’re not expecting any surprises like in the case of the Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro (or should we?).

Other selling points of the machine include a micro USB 3.0, micro HDMI port, 2 x 2 Wi-Fi, a battery that should sustain up to 8 hours of working life (or at least Acer says so) plus stereo front-facing speakers.

Some information is left out like how much RAM the machine will end up shipping with, but we can tell you Acer will offer both 60GB and 120GB storage models.

While Intel has been saying the first batch of Core M laptops/tablets will be ready for retail in time for the holiday season, Acer will make it a little late to the party.

The company says the 5-in-1 hybrid will hit US and Canada in early 2015 and prices specifications are not disclosed yet.

Acer Aspire Switch 12 (7 Images)

Acer Aspire Switch 12 with keyboard
Acer Aspire Switch 12 in tablet modeAcer Aspire Switch 12 in AIO mode
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