Technology & IT | Tuesday 19 May, 2015 12:09 am |

Acer has expanded its award-winning Switch 10 series 2-in-1 notebook line with two new 10.1-inch models featuring Intel® Atom quad-core processor in a fashionable and flexible design for students, families and anyone wanting a lightweight device for essential computing on the go. The company also announced that it will be refreshing its Switch 11 series with a new 11.6-inch model leveraging a new hinge design, improved ergonomics and more processing power. More details on the Switch 11 will be announced later this quarter. The Switch 10 and Switch 11 notebooks are supported by Acer for the free Windows 10 upgrade.(2)


“We’re excited to announce the expansion of our popular 2-in-1 notebook line with models offering more processing power and stylish new aesthetics,” said Jerry Kao, president of Acer Notebook Business Group. “This flexible and practical platform is ideal for taking notes in a classroom, working on a plane or playing games while watching TV on a sofa.”


Thin, lightweight and durable, the new Aspire Switch 10 E (SW3-013) and Switch 10 (SW5-015) were designed for taking to class, to work and on the road. They combine a full Microsoft Windows® 8.1-based notebook and tablet in one flexible device featuring a magnetic detachable design for latch-free docking and smooth transition between four modes. These include notebook for content creation and other productivity apps; pad for browsing the Internet, viewing movies, playing tablet games and taking notes; display for showcasing presentations in small meetings, sharing with friends and communicating via videoconference; and tent for watching movies and maximizing space in confined spaces, such as while traveling by plane or train.


Switch 10 E: Advanced Ergonomics l Long Battery Life l Colour Options


The Red Dot award-winning Switch 10 E (SW3-013) features a second generation Acer Snap Hinge™ 2 with a guiding plane design for exceptionally smooth switching between modes. A low centre of gravity combined with a keyboard dock that can be elevated up to 5 degrees, enables easier and more comfortable typing. Outfitted with a powerful 30Wh battery, the Switch 10 E provides up to 12 hours of battery life on just one charge, enough for working on a transcontinental flight or a full day of classes and homework.(1)


To suit customer’s unique preferences and style, the new Switch 10 E will be available in six eye-catching colours. It will also sport a sophisticated textile pattern on the top cover and underside that helps prevent scratches, while providing a stylish appearance and a better grip for easier carrying and transport. This model comes with dual 2MP cameras (front and rear) offering customers more flexibility.


The HD 1280 x 800 resolution display delivers clear and vibrant visuals and supports 10-finger multi-touch. It features the Acer VisionCare™ suite, which includes Acer BlueLightShield™ to reduce eye strain by decreasing the blue light emitted from the screen, and Acer LumiFlex™, which optimizes the output of the display under sunlight to provide better visibility. On select configurations, Acer Switch Lock™ provides built-in HDD protection to protect valuable data in the event the keyboard dock is lost or stolen.


Very thin and light, the Switch 10 E measures just 262- x 180- x 10.95 millimetres and weighs only 630 grams in tablet mode. When attached to the accompanying keyboard with an optional hard drive, it measures 262 x 180 x 25.75 millimetres and weighs 1.28 kilograms.


Switch 10: Durable Gorilla Glass 3-Reinforced Tablet l Full HD


The stylish Switch 10 (SW5-015) features a FHD 1920 x 1200 resolution screen with Zero Air Gap technology displays sharp text and exceptionally crisp visuals, making photos, games and movies incredibly lifelike. Reinforced with an elegant white Gorilla Glass 3 back cover, the tablet is resilient and the silver grey keyboard dock is an aesthetically appealing match. In addition, customers can purchase the optional Acer Active Pen for this model, which supports both passive and active pen input without requiring a digitizer.


A 2.0MP front camera enables the impromptu capture of images and is capable of 1080p FHD audio/video recording for high-quality videoconferences with family, friends and associates. Outfitted with a 22Whr battery, it provides up to 7 hours of video playback.(1)


As a tablet, it measures only 261.6- x 177.1- x 8.9- millimetres and weighs just 0.6 kilograms. In notebook mode, it measures 261.6- x 177.1 x 23.8 millimetres and weighs 1.21 kilograms with the keyboard dock that includes an optional hard drive. It is the thinnest 2-in-1 notebook on the market.


Both Models: Quad-Core Processing l Premium IPS Display l Microsoft Office 365 Personal(3)


Powered by an Intel® Atom quad-core processor and 2GB DDR3L memory, the new Switch 10 and 10 E models deliver ample power for essential computing, whether it’s catching up on email, completing school projects or enjoying casual entertainment.


The IPS screen provides wide 178-degree wide viewing angles with accurate colours from edge to edge and Corning Gorilla Glass helps prevent damage and scratches. Acer LumiFlex™ automatically adjusts brightness and contrast to optimize screen visibility during outdoor activities, even in bright sunlight. For further protection, an anti-fingerprint coating reduces fingerprints and smudges, while making the display easier to clean.


A chicklet keyboard offers well-spaced keys and tactile feedback to increase typing comfort and speed. In addition, a Precision Touchpad supports six gestures and can distinguish between intentional finger gestures versus accidental contact. Dual front-facing stereo speakers deliver clear audio for videoconferencing, gaming and music.


Two USB 2.0 ports – one full sized and the other micro - enable connection to printers, external storage and other digital devices and a micro HDMI® port lets customers connect to a full-sized monitor for viewing movies and more on a bigger screen. Wireless connectivity is provided by Bluetooth 4.0 and 802.11a/b/g/n.


The Switch 10 series comes with up to 64GB(4) eMMC local storage and keyboard docks with optional hard drives supporting up to 1TB (4). In addition, built-in Acer BYOC™ (5) means users can easily access and manage their data anywhere. Acer BYOC Apps offer real time information, data management, and data security across multiple devices for immediate synchronizing.


These models are pre-loaded with Windows 8.1 along with Microsoft Office 365 Personal(3) at no additional expense, allowing customers to leverage the benefits of Word, Excel and PowerPoint virtually anywhere.


The new Aspire Switch series notebooks were unveiled at the Next @ Acer press event at 4 World Trade Centre in New York, where the company announced its latest devices and solutions for families, students and professionals.