Acer Aspire Switch 12: A ‘5-in-1’ Tablet for Business

Credit: Acer

Is a tablet ever really just a tablet? Using kickstands, keyboards and other upgrades in design, tablets can now become your next notebook or PC. And Acer aims to do just that and more.

The company released this week the new Acer Aspire Switch 12, a "5-in-1" tablet that offers five different viewing angles to accommodate any business task. A follow- up to this summer's Aspire Switch 10, the Switch 12 is equipped with a new rear kickstand complete with a detachable, wireless keyboard.

Featuring a massive display, several viewing options and a powerful performance, the Acer Aspire Switch 12 could be the next convertible tablet for your business. 

Display

If you need maximum screen real estate, the Acer Aspire Switch 12 won't disappoint. It sports a stunning 12.5-inch, 1920 x 1080-resolution Full HD display, a serious upgrade from its 10-inch, 1366 x 768-resolution predecessor. The screen also uses the ultra-durable next-generation Corning Gorilla Glass and features a layer of anti-fingerprint coating to prevent smudges and keep the device looking sleek.

5-in-1 design 

Acer calls the Switch 12 a 5-in-1 convertible, offering several viewing options for presentations, editing documents, watching videos and more. Thanks to its new rear kickstand and detachable keyboard, the Switch 12 can take on the following five modes: notebook, tablet, display, tent and desktop. 

• Notebook. Attach the keyboard and transform the tablet into notebook form.
• Tablet. Hold as a tablet without the keyboard or kickstand.
• Display. Use the rear kickstand to rest the device upright.
• Tent. Use the rear kickstand to fold the device into a tent.
• Desktop. Combine the kickstand and the keyboard's wireless technology to turn the device into a desktop PC.

Power and performance

Powered by Intel's Core M processor, the Switch 12 delivers a high performance that can keep up with all your business computing needs. Not only does the Core M's fanless design reduce power consumption, but its architecture also provides a boost in power from the Switch 10's Atom CPU chip. 

If you need even more power, the Switch 12 has your back. It uses 2 x 2 wireless antenna technology, which Acer says processes data twice as fast as other tablets that use only a single antenna. 

Acer has also upped its storage offerings — whereas the Switch 10 came with 32 GB and 64 GB of storage, the Switch 12 starts with a 60 GB model, or you can double up with the 120 GB version to store even more of your data. 

In addition, the Switch 12 also comes with a micro USB 3.0 port and a micro HDMI port. It is also compatible with the optional Acer Active Pen1 stylus for fast note-taking and drawing on the device.

Acer claims the Switch 12 has a battery life of up to 8 hours of video playback.

Cost and availability

The Acer Aspire Switch 12 will be available in early 2015. Pricing information has yet to be announced. As a point of reference, its Switch 10 predecessor is currently priced at $519.99.