Acer has built a Surface clone tablet that won’t break your bank. It’s called the Switch Alpha 12, and it’s the first 2-in-1 to feature a liquid-cooling system, known as LiquidLoop, to keep the device cool without overheating or throttling.
While liquid-cooling systems are not uncommon on gaming and workstation computers, the Acer Switch Alpha 12 is the first convertible device to offer this type of system to keep components from heating up.
The new cooling system also makes the Switch Alpha 12, the first tablet to offer Intel’s Core i processors on a compact fanless design. However, it’s not unique, Microsoft has a similar cooling design on its Lumia 950 XL handset.
At 1.98 pounds, the Acer Switch Alpha 12 sports a 12-inch 2160 x 1440-pixel display, which is the same resolution Microsoft offers with the Surface Pro 3. It also features Intel’s sixth-generation Skylake Core i3, i5, and i7 processors with the option of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage and 4GB or 8GB of memory, and USB Type-C port.
Similar to the Microsoft Surface line, the Switch Alpha 12 offers a kickstand and backlit detachable keyboard, which also comes included with the device at no extra cost. In addition, Acer has also created an optional dock that connects using the USB-C to expand ports, including a DisplayPort, HMDI, two USB Type-C and three USB Type-A ports,as well as audio input for microphone and audio output for speakers.
Acer Switch Alpha 12 tech specs
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Display | 12-inch IPS display |
| Resolution | 2160x1440 resolution |
| Processor | Core i3 Core i5 Core i7 |
| Dimensions | 292.1 (W) x 201.4 (D) x 15.85 (H) mm (11.5 x 7.93 x 0.62 inches) |
| Thickness | 95mm without cover 15.85mm with cover |
| Weight | 1.98 pounds without cover 2.76 pounds with cover |
| Storage | 128GB 256GB 512GB |
| Memory | 4GB 8GB |
| Battery | 8 hours |
| Networking | Fast dual-band 2x2 MU-MIMO 802.11ac/a/b/g/n Wi-Fi Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Ports | USB 3.1 Type-C MicroSDXC slot Headphone port |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 520 |
| Speakers | Dual front-facing speakers |
| Camera | Front-facing camera with 1080p resolution |
Acer will be making available the Switch Alpha 12 tablet starting June, starting at $599, but even though it’s in the cheap side, you will notice that it’s not near as a premium device as the Surface Pro 4.