Computex 2012: Acer Rolls Out Windows 8 Devices
Taiwanese PC vendor bets on Microsoft with a host of fresh clients
Acer, the fourth biggest PC vendor in the world, has unveiled a host of computers designed for the upcoming Windows 8 OS and based on Intel processors, at the Computex trade show in Taipei, Taiwan.
The new devices include Ultrabooks, hybrid tablets and a giant, 64-point, simultaneous touch, all-in-one PC.
Acer attack
The Aspire S7 Ultrabook was one of the more conventional products launched at Computex. Dressed in a single sheet of aluminium, it will be available in two sizes, both currently holding a record. According to Acer, the 13.1” version of S7 is the thinnest full HD touch-enabled Ultrabook to date, while the 11.6” model is the smallest touch Ultrabook with a full HD screen. Both feature a light-sensing keyboard and Acer Twin Air cooling system.
The new Iconia W510 is a 10.1” full HD tablet, designed for everyday use. It is accompanied by a detachable keyboard dock/stand, containing an additional battery. This gizmo enables W510 to work for 18 hours from a single charge.
The W700 is a premium tablet from the Iconia range. It features a bigger, 11.6” full HD touchscreen, and comes with a “cradle” (just another name for a dock) containing an additional battery. The cradle can be used in both landscape and portrait mode, and features three USB 3.0 ports.
Acer has also unveiled two all-in-one desktops with huge touchscreens, designed to take full advantage of Windows 8 capabilities. The 27” 7600U has an ultra-slim 1.4” profile and a full HD edge-to-edge screen. It supports up to 64-point simultaneous touch from all angles, enabling use by multiple users at once. The smaller, 23-inch 5600U model is being hailed by Acer as the thinnest all-in-one PC available.
“It is a watershed moment for Acer,” said J.T. Wang, chairman and CEO of the company. “Acer has always been committed to breaking the barriers between people and technology and the leading design of these products, when coupled with the Windows 8 touch functions, will provide transformational experiences for users whether they are creating important output or simply being entertained.”
“Acer collaborated closely with Microsoft Corp and has taken the lead to engineer new products that will be great with Windows 8, demonstrating our product development efficiencies and taking advantage of our ability to provide an enhanced and satisfying computing experience,” commented Jim Wong, corporate president of Acer.
Asus, another Taiwanese vendor and one of Acer’s main competitors, has also used Computex as a launching platform for a number of exotic hybrid devices, including Taichi, a laptop with two screens: one on each side of its lid.
Today, Microsoft contributed to the buzz at the trade show by confirming that anyone who buys a Windows 7 PC between now and the end of the year will be able to upgrade to Windows 8 for just $14.99.
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