14 DAY TRIAL // Present at IFA 2014 in Berlin, Acer has just announced a heavily revamped R 13 convertible, which comes with a screen that can swing around in its bezel.
Acer took the original R-series model and applied a bunch of design makeovers in order to make it look more 2014. For starters, the touchpad does no longer reside above the keyboard and we applaud this move, because it didn't really make any sense to have it there in the first place.
The new design now bears an uncanny resemblance to the Dell XPS 12, although we’re talking about a 13.3-inch model here.
Acer uses its own Ezel Aero Hinge technology to allow the screen to rotate in six different positions:
- Notebook mode - provides a precise and spacious keyboard for maximum productivity; - Ezel mode – brings the display close for convenient reading and web browsing. - Stand mode – makes it easy to draw a flow chart, take notes, brainstorm with others or edit artwork. The stand is sturdy enough for drawing and other touchscreen interactions; - Pad mode – enables the R 13 to be used as a tablet for web browsing, playing games or watching videos. The screen fits perfectly in the chassis frame, so it’s steamlined and easy to hold; - Tent mode – the ideal position when space is limited, such as an airplane’s seatback tray or a small kitchen for easy viewing of online recipes; - Display mode – good for viewing photos and video or playing games with others.
The standard model arrives with a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution, but more demanding users can bump things up all the way to 2,560 x 1,440.
In the computing department, convertible enthusiasts can have their choice at either Intel Core i5 or Core i7 chips in combination with up to 8GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.
From our time spent with the machine, we can tell you the frame is quite stable and easy and intuitive to use. Also, the screen can be flipped with the outermost ease.
The system per se seems quite responsive due to the performant hardware inside. The laptop’s screen is coated with Gorilla Glass 3 and you can find that on the lid too, which feels quite fine and strong.
The only problem is that the glass on top of the lid is not exactly smudge proof (as you’ll probably notice in some of the images).
The R 13 can be used in concert with an optional Active Pen which works side by side with Acer’s own Hover Access app that comes pre-installed on the device.
Acer will make the R 13 available starting October for the price of $900 / €684.
