This week Acer has unveiled a few new Windows 8 PCs, one of them was the new Aspire R7, which I already wrote about, and now is the turn to have a first look at the new Acer Aspire P3. This new “Ultrabook convertible”, like the Taiwanese computer vendor calls it, is an Intel powered tablet that comes inside of a folding case with a bluetooth keyboard that it will remind you of a Microsoft Surface Pro.
The P3 comes with the choice of an Intel Core i3 or i5 processor and it runs the full-blown version of Windows 8, which means that you’ll be able to run all your legacy applications including Photoshop, iTunes, and many others.
Acer is targeting the Aspire P3 as a consumption device as well as a productivity device. However the P3 can easily be a hard choice to make, because of its clumsy dock design that makes it difficult to pop-out the tablet, its thickness (0.77-inch) and weight (3.06 pounds) which is a bit heavy for this kind of device. But on the other hand is quite powerful, and like the Aspire R7, the Aspire P3 also comes with Dolby sound system and the specs are pretty much like a traditional ultrabook.
Tech specs
This hybrid Ultrabook/tablet features an 11.6-inch HD touch-enabled display (1366 x 768), and as I also mentioned earlier you’ll have the choice of a Core i3 and i5 processor. The P3 has an estimated battery life of 6 hours — pretty standard for such device –. Also comes with 4GB of memory, the choice of a 60GB or 120GB solid-state drive, Dolby Home Theater boosts sound, a USB 3.0 and Micro HDMI port, a 5-megapixel back camera and a 720p capable front facing camera, full-sized keyboard which is said is very comfortable and optional stylus pen. It’s also worth noting that the case and keyboard comes included with the device.
Over all it is a pretty good new idea, but when you look at it, it will quickly remind you of a Microsoft Surface, which is just about $100 bucks more and has better specs including a 1080p full-HD display.
Gallery
Price and availability
The new Acer Aspire P3 is available now in the U.S. according to a Microsoft article, but I have yet to see an online store or retailer that is selling the device, and the price starts at $800.
Source Windows Experience Blog | Images courtesy of Microsoft and Acer