Acer Switch Alpha 12: 2 in 1 Surface-like with some extra gear

Acer, at the annual conference for the press held by tradition now in New York, announced the notebook 2-in-1 Switch Alpha 12, equipggiato with Windows 10 operating system and proprietary cooling system LiquidLoop Acer, on which we return later. To say laptops 2 in 1 today does not allow to identify clearly which type of product we are going to describe, as it is used for very different models each other; Acer Acer Switch Alpha 12 is a "device to the Surface", which is a tablet with premium components that connect keyboard and docking station, if necessary.

First important feature: no Intel Core M but Core i3, i5 or i7 sixth generation depending on the configuration. Secondly, but not least: we are facing a fanless system and therefore silent, then suitable for meetings, shared office facilities, classrooms, libraries, or for those who just requires absolute silence when you use the PC. This is the first time that a system with Intel Core i7 processor is available in a fanless version; cooling think proprietary technology Acer LiquidLoop in fact a liquid circuit on which we will ask for details in the coming hours.

Continuing with the description, in addition to eight hours of battery life declared to be mentioned it is the careful design and especially the choice of materials; if the design is virtually impossible to expect something revolutionary (it's still a tablet form factor, as premium), you can appreciate the choice of anodized aluminum with a brushed finish. Surely it deserves a mention to the display, an IPS 12-inch with 2160x1440 pixel resolution diagonal with upstream graphical management borne by the Intel HD Graphics 520 integrated subsystem.

Designed for video conferencing, but not only, we find a webcam capable of recording video in Full HD at 1080p with audio, while Switch Alpha 12 are also integrated 2 speakers, that we will just analyze possible. The amount of RAM can be 4GB or 8GB, while on the front exclusively to 128GB SSD storage in cuts, 256GB or 512GB, expandable thanks to MicroSDXC slot. Connectivity? The addition to Wi-Fi in most current standards and Bluetooth, there is a Type-C USB port and also a USB 3.0 port. Other features include two minijack microphone input and headphone output.

The full-size keyboard on the Switch Alpha 12 (magnetic hinge, adjustable tilt) is designed to be thin and light, with well-spaced keys. The thickness is 5.85 mm and each key has a stroke of 1.4 mm, considered optimal by Acer for comfort and productivity while you type. He could miss the pen? Of course not: those who choose to focus on this form factor (and others) know that it is a must also because competition makes it a workhorse. Hence Acer Active Pen, a versatile cradle and a dockable keyboard, the Switch Alpha 12 uses Continuum to be used both as a Windows 10 notebook, and as a tablet with all PC functions.

There are two keyboards, standard and backlit, while worth mentioning are also a number of docking stations to enlarge the potential for connectivity. The Acer Switch 12 Alpha extent 292,1x 201.4 x15,85mm and weighs 1250 grams, with attached keyboard. The tablet measures just 9.5 mm thick and weighs 900 grams. Pricing and Availability? Since July, with a price that starts from € 699.00 (4GB of RAM, 128GB SSD), really not bad if you look at the competition, which will not like.