Following the surprise success of the Acer Switch Alpha 12, Acer has decided to release not one, but a whole series of 2-in-1 detachable laptops called the Switch.
Acer is introducing two new models under the Switch family: the Acer Switch 3 and Acer Switch 5. Details are scarce at the moment, but the Switch series continue with the Switch Alpha 12’s most important feature: the LiquidLoop liquid cooling technology.
The Switch 3 and 5 both feature detachable keyboards that are similar to the Microsoft Surface, but unlike the Surface the Switch uses a unique U shaped kickstand. For the new Switch 3 and 5, this kickstand is now auto-retractable when the device is lifted up.
Interestingly, the Switch also features an integrated fingerprint sensor on the power button, with support for Windows Hello. On top of that, there’s also an Acer Active Pen with 1,024 pressure points that comes with the Switch 5, and a loop on the left side of the keyboard keeps it in place.
The Switch 3 and 5 will differ in hardware, of course. The higher-end Switch 5 will be powered by an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor paired with the LiquidLoop technology, and have a sharper 12-inch 2160 x 1440 display. The detachable keyboard is also backlit.
Meanwhile, the lower-end Switch 3 will run on either Intel Pentium or Celeron processors, and will not have LiquidLoop inside. The 12-inch display is also less sharp at 1920 x 1200, while the keyboard is not backlit.
Both variants will sport 720p webcams, as well as one USB Type C and one USB Type A ports. The Acer Switch 3 and 5 will be available from June 2017.
