I received a review copy of an Acer Switch Alpha 12 Core i7, 512GB model.
Coming from a long line of Surface Pro's (I've own every model of Surface Pro and now a Surface Book), I can't help but compare them to the Switch Alpha 12. So some initial thoughts:
This is a solid machine if you are looking for something close to a Surface but don't want to pay the price. The keyboard is good and it is back-lit. Trackpad is fair.
Coming from a long line of Surface Pro's (I've own every model of Surface Pro and now a Surface Book), I can't help but compare them to the Switch Alpha 12. So some initial thoughts:
- Smooth performance.
- The keyboard is almost identical to Surface, down to the magnet to press against the screen for more stable typing.
- The track pad is not up to Surface Pro 4 Type Cover standards and not even close to Surface Book (but that is expected). Seems a little flimsily and cheap.
- I don't think the keyboard is replaceable via retail channels, so not sure what to do if it goes out.
- Basic gaming from Steam and GOG seem to be up to the task. Never expect high end gaming but it did fairly well.
- The screen is decent, not as good as a Surface but it isn't bad. Automatic brightness seems a little funky, especially when on battery power, as it kind of clicks into place rather than a smooth setting.
- The unit feels premium and well built.
- I like that it has USB-C as that is the new wave of the future. Connected my Pixel phone via USB-C and it worked great.
This is a solid machine if you are looking for something close to a Surface but don't want to pay the price. The keyboard is good and it is back-lit. Trackpad is fair.