The newest addition to Acer’s 2-in-1 range comes in the form of a run-of-the-mill Windows 8.1 hybrid tablet with detachable keyboard, the third-generation Aspire Switch 10, which is targeted at education and business.
The tablet component contains a 10.1in screen with a 1920x1200 resolution. It uses in-plane switching (IPS) for wider viewing angles, and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. This is coupled with Zero Air Gap which increases contrast with a promise of bright, crisp images for readability in sunlight.
Powering the tablet is a quad-core Intel Atom Processor (Z3735F) that is housed alongside 2GB of DDR3L RAM, and up to 64GB of flash storage. These components sit inside a chassis that is 8.9mm thick and weighs 585g with the 2-cell, 22 Watt-hour battery (Acer claims a battery life of up to 8hr).
One of the Switch 10 Pro’s drawcards is the inclusion of an Active Pen which promises fast, precise input for handwriting or drawing.
Along the tablet’s left edge is the microphone, microSD card slot, micro-USB port, micro-HDMI port, and DC-in jack for the AC adapter, while the right edge contains the headphone/speaker combo port, power button, volume rocker, and a physical Windows ‘Home’ button (a convenient location which minimises inadvertent pushes). The front of the unit also contains a HD webcam, and dual speakers. The only USB port is of the 2.0 variety, and has been built into the right-hand side of the keyboard dock.
Connectivity options include Acer’s own 802.11a/b/g/n dual-band wireless and Bluetooth 4.0.
The bundled keyboard dock has a multi-gesture touchpad attached; it supports two-finger scroll and pinch, and is, of course, compatible with Windows 8.1 commands.
The keyboard allows the Switch 10 Pro to be connected in four different positions via magnetic, latch-free docking. ‘Notebook’ mode resembles a standard clamshell; ‘Pad’ for tablet mode with keyboard still attached; ‘Display’ with the keyboard tucked away behind the tablet; ‘Tent’ which is self-explanatory. These positions are common practice in today’s 2-in-1 market.
The Switch 10 Pro is priced from $749 in Australia, and $NZD799 in New Zealand.
Australian distributors include Bluechip Infotech, Ingram Micro, and Synnex, while New Zealand distributors are Dove and Synnex.
