The Acer Switch Alpha 12 is not just another entry in the crowded market for 2-in-1 notebooks. As the first device of its kind to pack liquid cooling, the metal-clad slate features more capable hardware than most of its competitors, while maintaining fanless design and quiet operation.
With detachable keyboard and optional stylus pen, the Acer Switch Alpha 12 is a direct rival to Microsoft's own Surface Pro 4 slate. However, thanks to its remarkably lower $600 starting price tag, the newcomer is considerably more affordable than its more popular competitor.
In the Metal
With a brushed metal back and neatly integrated kickstand, the Acer Switch Alpha 12 looks and feels as upmarket as the best devices in its class. The front of the tablet is dominated by its 12-inch display, whose bezels we wish were a tad smaller.
The build quality of the Acer Switch Alpha 12 is solid; the same goes for the device's bundled accessories. Despite its long spec sheet, the Switch Alpha 12 is only a bit over half an inch thick, and weighs about 2.8 pounds.
Hardware
Buyers of the Acer Switch Alpha 12 can choose between Intel's sixth-generation Core i3, Core i5, or Core i7 processor. Depending on their configuration choice, they will get 4GB or 8GB of RAM.
The manufacturer's innovative liquid cooling is a key differentiator between the Alpha Switch and its competitors. The setup has roots in space exploration, and utilizes liquid evaporation and condensation to battle heat. It enables Acer to use the above-mentioned powerful processor options without the need of cooling fans.
All Switch Alpha 12 tablets boot Windows 10. Some of the top-end variants run the Pro version of the OS.
Onboard storage choices range between 128GB and 512GB (all solid-state drives). Users can also expand memory via a microSD card slot. as well as by plugging external drives into the device's USB ports.
Every Acer Switch 12 features an excellent 12-inch IPS touchscreen with a resolution of 2,160 by 1,440 pixels. The sharp display panel delivers good color reproduction, stellar contrast, and top-notch viewing angles.
All models feature a 5MP camera on the back, couple with a 2MP front-facing snapper. The latter can also stream HD video.
The device's wired ports include a full USB option, and a speedier USB Type-C one. A full set of wireless connectivity options is also on board.
Acer ships the slate with a detachable backlit keyboard with trackpad. Buyers can also order a stylus pen, which will give them another way to interact with the device.
Performance and Battery Life
We tested a mid-range configuration of the Acer Switch Alpha 12 with Intel Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD. The convertible notebook is plenty powerful for a device in its class, so we weren't surprised to see it make quick work of every task we threw at it.
In addition to handling casual computing without breaking a sweat, the device is also a capable work tool, especially in Core i5 and Core i7 guise. More demanding tasks such as photo and light video editing will not slow the device down.
Acer's detachable backlit keyboard for the Switch Alpha 12 is one of the best in its class. It works well on any surface, including in your lap. The trackpad is reasonably large and pleasantly responsive, while the built-in kickstand allows users to find the right angle on every occasion.
The optional stylus pen is well made and works as expected. Users who like to take notes by hand, as well as more creative activities such as drawing should spend an extra $50 and get the accessory.
According to Acer, the Switch Alpha 12 can deliver up to eight hours of battery life. During our time with the device, we managed to get between five and six hours of usage on a single charge.
The relatively underwhelming battery life means that users who spend a lot of time on their device should probably look elsewhere for a companion. However, considering the device's form factor and available hardware, we weren't too surprised by its endurance.
Wrap Up
By offering an appealing blend of power, portability, pleasant design, and attractive pricing, the Acer Switch Alpha 12 is handily on of the most appealing options in its class. The manufacturer's innovative liquid cooling tech allows the slate to deliver performance and productivity that most of its competitors cannot quite match.
The most notable rival to the Switch Alpha 12 is the better looking and hugely capable Microsoft Surface Pro 4. However, with a $899 starting price tag (for an Intel Core m-equipped device), it is considerably more expensive than similarly equipped Acer devices. The excellent keyboard for the Surface costs additional $130.
Pricing of the Acer Switch Alpha 12 kicks off at $600 for a variant with Intel Core i3 CPU, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB SSD. In our opinion, the best options to go for are priced between $700 and $850, and come with more powerful Core i5 CPU and 8GB of RAM (internal storage options vary by price).
Photos by Stefan Vazharov
