New Products Galore
Acer has just wrapped up its latest next@acer event. It looks like the company prefers to save up lots and lots of new product launches and fire them off in a salvo like this. Looking through the many products for highlights; there are new additions to the Predator range of Gaming PCs and accessories, there is the Acer Switch Alpha 12 ‘Surface competitor’, and updates to familiar ranges such as TravelMate, Veriton and Aspire PCs.
At the event Acer CEO Jason Chen said that the event showed off “the fruits of our corporate transformation”.
Acer Predator Gaming range
New entrants to the Predator range are Nvidia GeForce VR Ready laptops and desktops but there is also a new range of Predator Z1 monitors.
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The Predator 17X laptop includes an Intel Core i7-6820HK processor, Nvidia GeForce GTX 980 graphics, and a custom triple-fan cooling system. This laptop’s CPU can be overclocked with Turbo speeds of up to 4GHz and up to 1310MHz for the GPU. Its 17.3-inch display is G-SYNC enabled and buyers can specify either FHD IPS or UHD IPS panels. Enhancing the laptop further is DDR4-2133 RAM and storage including NVMe PCI SSDs. Killer DoubleShot Pro networking is present, as is Thunderbolt 3 connectivity. Acer says the Predator 17X will be available in June starting at $2,799/€2,499.
Acer’s Predator G1 gaming desktop is a 16 litre machine which is ‘highly transportable’ as it can fit under your arm or in an optional carry case. Buyers can specify components including the latest 6th gen Intel Core processors, Nvidia GeForce GTX graphics (up to Titan X) and up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM. Again Killer DoubleShot Pro networking features. Other key specs are Creative Soundblaster X-Fi MB5 and 7.1 channel audio support, HDD/SSD storage options, USB 3.1 Type-C connectivity and customisable multi-colour LED lighting. Acer says the Predator G1 will become available in July/June priced at $2,299/€2,199.
The Acer Predator Z1 monitor range are based around new tight 1800R curve displays. These Nvidia G-SYNC displays will be available in screen sizes of 31.5-, 30-and 27-inches. As an example of the range, the 30-inch model offers 2560x1080 resolution with 100 per cent RGB colour gamut, 4ms GTG, 178 degree viewing angles, and up to 200Hz refresh. Acer supplies an ergonomic stand and plenty of adjustments via its 6-axis controls. Some models come with ambient lighting features. Acer has implemented its usual range of VisionCare, BlueLight Shield and GameView features. Predator Z1 monitors will become available in June starting at $599//€599.
Acer Switch Alpha 12
This is a new fanless 2-in-1 based upon a 6th generation Intel Core processor – said to be an industry first. To eschew the fan Acer has turned to a custom designed ‘LiquidLoop’ silent cooling solution. Like the Microsoft Surface this device features a full variable multi-position kickstand. The device’s 12-inch IPS screen offers 2160x1440 resolution and can be inked upon with an optional Acer Active Pen.
Acer has constructed the Switch Alpha 12 in an anodised aluminium chassis. The tablet portion is just 9.5mm thick and 900g. The combined device is 15.8mm thick and weighs 1250g. Users should enjoy about 8 hours of battery life. The machine can be configured with up to a 512GB SSD and 8GB of RAM. Connectivity includes dual-band 2x2 MU-MIMO 802.11ac/a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, BT4.0, and ports for microSDXC and USB 3.1 Type-C.
Acer has a dock for the Switch Alpha 12 to expand connectivity with additional DisplayPort, HDMI, two USB 3.1 Type-C ports and three USB Type-A ports, as well as audio input for microphone and audio output for speakers. The Acer Switch Alpha 12 will cost from $599/€699 and become available in May/June.
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