Acer says there’s little the new Aspire Switch 12 can’t do. In fact, the new 12.5-inch device is being touted as a 5-in-1 portable … well, everything!
The Switch 12 is a follow-up to the original Switch from Acer — the Switch 10. But the Switch 12 is more than just an over-sized tablet. Acer says it can work as a laptop, a tablet that does or does not have a keyboard, a desktop PC, and as a tent or display media viewing or sharing device.
Here is a quick breakdown of the five modes on the Aspire Switch 12:
Tablet
On it’s own, the Switch 12 10-point touchscreen display would rival any of the leading tablets based on size alone.
Tablet with Keyboard
With the detachable full-sized keyboard, the Aspire Switch 12 suddenly becomes quite the mobile productivity tool, more ideal than a smaller-screened tablet with a smaller keyboard, perhaps.
Laptop
With the keyboard attached to the display and considering the internal and external specs on the Switch 12, there’s little reason why it couldn’t serve as a laptop.
Display
Resting on its kickstand, the Switch 12 has a vibrant display that makes it ideal for sharing photos, videos, and presentations with others.
Tent:
The mode is achieved by showing the screen upside down by resting the top of the screen inverted on the kickstand.
Here’s a quick glimpse of the device in its various configurations from Acer:
In addition to the 12.5-inch 1920 x 1080-pixel display, the Switch 12 also comes with a detachable 12-inch, full-sized keyboard, according to an official release on the Acer website.
The keyboard also has a “pointing stick” that aids in on-screen navigation. The magnetic keyboard works both connected to the display as well as apart in a wireless configuration.
Because it’s designed to work as a computer, laptop and tablet, the Acer Aspire Switch 12 is stocked with an Intel Core M processor. The device is also designed to work on-the-go on a high-speed data connection.
Acer notes that the Switch 12 uses a 2×2 wireless antenna that processes data at two times the speed of a single antenna.
A report from Engadget indicates that the Aspire Switch 12 will be sold with either 60GB or 120GB or internal storage, Engadget reports.
The screen is made from Corning Gorilla Glass, so it’s designed to be durable. Acer says the design of the display is intended for it to be seen from wide viewing angles. So this would be ideal for when the Switch 12 is being used in its tent or display modes to share images with others.
There are also a micro USB 3.0 and micro HDMI port built into the display portion of the device. Those may be handy when you’re inputting video to share with others on the Aspire Switch 12, too.
Image: Video Still
I can still remember the old days when it is too hard to get a tablet. Now it is easier and you get to draw directly on the gadget. I somehow miss the old days but I also appreciate how much technology has grown in a short period of time.