acer switch 11 vs. Surface 3

[Steve Adams]

I need to replace my vivotab because of screen touch issues. The two replacements are the switch 11 with i3 processor, 4gb ram and 128gb storage and the surface 3 128gb. I know the surface is superior in build quality, but when its all said and done, it will be about 3-400 dollars more expnsive than the switch with similar accessories.

I have great service life with acer products, and I expect this tablet to be the same. So what I am asking, is the surface worth the extra coin.?

 

[WillysJeepMan]

I need to replace my vivotab because of screen touch issues. The two replacements are the switch 11 with i3 processor, 4gb ram and 128gb storage and the surface 3 128gb. I know the surface is superior in build quality, but when its all said and done, it will be about 3-400 dollars more expnsive than the switch with similar accessories.

I have great service life with acer products, and I expect this tablet to be the same. So what I am asking, is the surface worth the extra coin.?

i currently own an Acer Aspire Switch 11 (i3/4GB/128GB). I had gone through a similar thought process, comparing the Surface Pro 3 with the Switch 11. (the equation doesn't change THAT much when comparing against the non-Pro Surface 3).

In my opinion, obviously neither Surface was worth the extra expense. Spec-wise they're comparable, but here is a list of "pros" (not in any order) that weighed in the Switch's favor for me (they may not be priorities for you)...

1. Front-facing speakers. Although some state that the volume is too low, I find the volume adequate, but the speakers facing forward very much help.
2. Hinge-mechanism. Love the way the Switch 11 just pops onto the 2 hinge posts and transforms it into a notebook. It is very handy for switching (no pun intended) between notebook and tablet mode.
3. Proprietary charger. This is seen as a negative for many, but I prefer a separate charging port to allow access to the USB ports for USB peripherals.
4. 2 USB ports. There's a full-sized USB port on the tablet itself, and another one in the keyboard. VERY handy.
5. Different display configurations. notebook, presentation, tent modes.
6. Pen. It can use any Synaptic-compatible pen. I use the 3rd generation pen from Dell.

There are some cons...

1. Weight. It is heavier.
2. Battery life. Not as good as the Surface or iPad.
3. Top-heavy in notebook mode.

Having said that, I also own a Surface 2 (among many other devices) and still use it regularly.

For the purposes that I use the Switch 11 (that would also be met with the Surface 3), the Switch 11 works wonderfully and the $300 saved (over a comparable Surface 3 config) was worth more to me than any of the thinness/lightness/battery life gains by going with the Surface 3.

In the end, both are great devices, you can't go wrong with either of them.

 

[Steve Adams]

Just what I wanted to hear. I want the acer, I have all acer computers right now. and Love them. I am guessing the switch will be the same!