Switch Alpha 12

Model	Intel i3 NT.GDQSM.004
Windows	Windows 10 Home
CPU	Intel® Core™ i3-6100U processor Dual-core 2.30 GHz
Display	30.5 cm (12") QHD (2160 x 1440) 3:2 IPS
Memory	4 GB, LPDDR3
Storage	128 GB SSD

RM 2499

i5 model : NT.GDQSM.003

Model	Intel i5 NT.GDQSM.003
Windows	Windows 10 Home
CPU	Intel® Core™ i5-6200U processor Dual-core 2.30 GHz
Display	30.5 cm (12") QHD (2160 x 1440) 3:2 IPS
Memory	8 GB, LPDDR3
Storage	256 GB SSD

RM 3499


------------------------
Packages includes :
1 year International Warranty
Acer's Synaptics/ELAN Pen (Depends on Luck)
Keyboard included (non-backlit)




My personal Review:
The Good:
- Great IPS Display
- somewhat great travel keyboard
- Run decently cool on light programs
- Good Malaysian Highpoint Service Centre if you are based in KL.

The Bad :
- Badly placed Home and End key...
- Heats up on backplate real quick on intensive apps
- Somewhat sketchy Palm Rejection
- No backlit keyboard
- Lack of Acer Dock/Type C dock currently available
- The Glossy Reflective Display, hard to read if you are under light.
- DENT GATE Find a case or protective cover....
- Acer' stylus runs battery like water. What's more it is not rechargable. You need numberous AAAA Battery.
- Bad build quality, currently it is my 2nd replacement unit (waiting for colelction).
First Unit : Faulty Digitizer where there is a deadzone. Second Unit (First Replacement Unit): Dead Left Speaker after a few months of use.
- Acer Switch Alpha 12 battery life only last me through 2-3 hours of use on 100 brightness, not as advertised, roughly 8 hours of use on their website.
- Even through like tasks like Words and Chrome, even running of Edge, the best you can get is 4 hours on Maximum Brightness

Current USB Type-C Compatible Accesories that wouldn't fry your laptop:
iE70P Aluminium USB Hub @ RM 4X.00 @ ALL IT HYPERMARKET.


List of approved items for Type C:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wJw...NzbA/edit#gid=0


Issues with my Original Purchased Unit:


Dead Digitzer Zone...
=========================
Replacement with new Unit Done of September 6, 2016.

New Unit have Bad Lamination on the screen, where it produce a white spots on the screen. Fortunately it wasn't a big issue, so no big fuss.
=========================
On 26 April 2017, after noticing my left speaker unit for my first replacement units is broken, sent to repair and got it back on 1 May 2017, realized no more Acer TrueHarmony and after fixing Auto Rotate is broken, means, the functionality is gone...

So kilang again.... :x
=========================
23 August 2017
Laptop completely "power on failure", after packing up heading for university for examinations.
When I reached to the university and tried to turn it on...


==========================================
Original Acer Charger came with Acer Switch Alpha 12:
Manufactured : Chicony Power Technology Co., Ltd
Model : A13-045N2A
UP/N: A045R016L REV: 02
Bar Code on the left



Compatible Original Acer Chargers:
Manufactured : LiteOn Technology Corporation
Model : PA-1450-26
< RM 40 + Shipping from Taobao
Bar Code on the right


This post has been edited by iSean: Jun 9 2019, 08:55 AM

Eyeing this too. Acer fb says out end of this month

the specs are very good for the price though the i5 variant could have been a little cheaper. just a tad dissappointed that it does not include Thunderbolt 3 port.

Anyone knows whether they have a model with sim card slot?

is there anywhere can trade in my Surface Pro 3 for this... .>"<

What is the drawback that you want to trade?

i5 6200, 2K screen.

my spec is 128gb 4gb ram

with this product hopefully other PC vendors will catch up with the design/spec and price

went to Acer digital mall PJ to hands on..... feeling so GOOD!

Can go test!

Asus just did what you hope...
http://www.engadget.com/2016/05/30/asus-transformer-pc/

and it has all the things i want. Core-i CPU + Thunderbolt

but it came from Asus and Asus MY service has a reputation...

got price for it?

nowadays 2-in-1 loves to copy Microsoft's Surface design
but please don't copy the price

a bit too late on the price though...

so far, Acer Switch Alpha 12 beat them at price point:
Asus Transformer 3 Pro: USD999 (rm4,000)
Asus Transformer 3: USD 799 (rm3,196)

Acer Switch Alpha 12
i3: rm2,499
i5: rm3,499
i7: rm4,499 ??? (this one i am not too sure)

but of course there are specs differentiation like screen size, ram, storage, and other features.

~RM3.5k for i5 version
am waiting for Huawei Matebook price.

Thanks for info btw...

Wow.. ASUS design is a direct rip off from Microsoft's SP lol

totally. but then cheaper than SP. so no complain

sorry just a question here

previous i heard mostly prefer macbook or imac due to screen resolution or true color display(dont know what is the jargon),but right now with such vivid screen from notebook/hybrid/tablet,issit comparable to macbook/imac in terms of display/screen/color(not graphic processing or CPU processing)

This post has been edited by amaze01: May 30 2016, 05:19 PM

All the same + or even better, all their terms are just marketing gimmick. The main difference to me is probably the calibration on how accurate the colours are displayed..

How about this?
http://shopap.lenovo.com/my/en/tablets/thinkpad/x1-tablet/

Is the device already start selling or still in pre-order?

Pre order in 11 street

I'm interested in getting Acer Switch Alpha 12, but would like to wait for some detailed review on the device to come out first.

First of all, would like to seek you all opinion on the price. Is it expensive to get i5 for RM3,499? it seems to be the cheapest and the most value for money comparing other 2-in-1 detachable device.

Previously i've been considering HP Spectre x2, Elite x2, SP4, Lenovo Miix 700. SP4 is running core I but it has a fan for cooling, limited ports, and definitely the more pricey one. The rest is slightly cheaper than SP4, but all running core M3, M5, or M7. And now Acer Alpha 12 seems to be able to get i5 performance with RM3.5k, while you will only get core M3 with this price in other brands.

My budget is RM4k, what say you? would you buy Alpha 12?

And I also notice Asus just released Transformer 3 Pro. Design looks ok, similar to SP4, running core I, has thunderbolt 3. But it will only be in Msia in Q3, and the price seems pricey too.

I compare it this way. Acer Alpha 12 was launched at price US$599 for version i3, US$749 for i5 and US$999 for i7.

While Asus Transformer 3 Pro's starting price is at US$999, and I'm guessing this is for version i5.

This post has been edited by wilson1234: May 31 2016, 09:46 AM

nope bro,
the Asus Transformer 3 Pro will start Core i7 at US$999. while the Asus Transformer 3 will probably have i5 or maybe i3. i got a strong feeling they might skip i3.

both Asus Transformer 3 Pro and Asus Transformer 3, OMG long names... , can we just call them AT3 Pro and AT3, have difference in design in one aspect that is one comes with a SF4 hinge like and one doesn't. only the AT3 Pro have a hinge like the SF4.

I already pre order it, the only downside I found is, it does not support thunderbolt.

Available here? Googled but couldn't find.

the Acer Switch Alpha has very good spec for its price in comparison of whats being offer in the market albeit the missing Thunderbolt 3. the Core i5 is the sweet spot i feel.

but if you don't intend to play triple A games on it, it shouldn't come as a disadvantage as it is a capable performer and the USB 3.1 can handle quite a lot of things. plus the main benefit of Thunderbolt is multi screen and/or a connection to eGPU which...
- eGPU casing ---> cost a sum
- a desktop GPU ----> cost another bomb


i figure it be at least in 2017 before there is more eGPU enclosure in the market and can cross connect between different brands of tablet/laptop.

i do hope Acer will make an Acer Switch Alpha 12 Version 2.0 with Thunderbolt hahahaha... but the AT3 Pro seems like a winner but the price...

Yea, I have seen people asking Acer Malaysia on whether Alpha 12 comes with thunderbolt 3, Acer Malaysia said Yes. Though there are people asking them back to verify the fact, but Acer Malaysia hasn't replied to it. Based on most reading I have done, I think the correct answer is No, it doesn't have thunderbolt 3.

Other than getting an additional eGPU, which will cost a bomb as you said. What other valid reason to need a thunderbolt 3? I'm not really a gaming person, so I'm in the midst of convincing myself I don't really need a thunderbolt 3.

Yea, agreed on the long names.

I don't know why they want to separate the design on the hinges. They should make all with the SF4 hinge and try to make it as thin as possible. I prefer i5, but need it to be standing on its own without the keyboard.

This device should be fine for me as I use it for checking mail, browsing and presentation. Since the price is much more cheaper than SP4 with the i5 spec.

http://www.lowyat.net/2016/103108/lenovo-f...es-in-malaysia/

It comes with nano sim card slot and 3d imaging module, but the price...

someone should start a new thread for the ATP3 and AT3.


ahhh i just remember one of the good point of thunderbolt 3 which might change your mind is charging. some tablets in the market with thunderbolt 3 are able to charge through a powerbank. but this is very sketchy because different manufacturers set different conditions for accepting power through the USB Type-C. but if the charging with powerbank works, one can actually put the adapter at home and carry a 10,000mAh powerbank with the tablet.

yes me too. i like it able to stand on its own too. with a hinge it is actually more convenient. i already can imagine the lazy pose that i am going to be and with a tablet with hinge to accommodate me.



then this device will be a good value for you.

Will this targus docking work on acer sa12? Since it using usb3.0, should be compatible right?

Targus USB 3.0 Travel Dock
http://www.lazada.com.my/targus-dock110ap-...o-10651306.html

Nice one you got there wongck! Not too sure on the compatibility, need some experts to advise on it.

Here's some other alternatives I have been checking on.

This one need AC to power up the station. But more powerful functions.
http://www.11street.my/productdetail/dell-...-d3100-17333708

This one is the mini dock, no need AC to power up. But you will sacrifice your USB3.0 into a USB2.0
http://www.11street.my/productdetail/dell-...tation-15384456

I'm considering other options as well, such as the new dock by Asus, which was introduced together with the AT3 Pro, and its using USB type C. But I haven't got info on the price.

(*Edit) Disclaimer: Pls check with experts on the compatibility, I am also worried after spending hundreds then not able to connect it. That will be frustrating.

This post has been edited by wilson1234: May 31 2016, 04:27 PM

Yeah I saw the Dell brand as well but it seems quite odd Acer + Dell, plus the cable seems quite short.

Can we really feel the difference using type-c 3.1 and usb 3.0? if only cater for ethernet/vga/hdmi.

Else wait for acer docking, but I saw it on video seems quite big the size.

Cheap but not cheap enough

what to do...malaysia currency like this.
i too wish to have a nice 2-in-1...been spotting for 2-in-1 since Acer W501 era..

Just saw the Acer Alpha Switch 12 and tested the keyboard and pen.
The pen is not Wacom but is Synaptics with a replaceable nib and feels as good as Surface.
Keyboard is excellent, but not backlit. Both keyboard and pen in the box.
Build quality excellent.
Has a usb type c 3.1 port which is much more flexible than display port of Surface.

Price of i5 8gb 256gb model is RM3499. Equivalent Surface is 5940 (cheapest Surface is 3939 Core-M, which is also fanless)!

Price of i3 4gb 128gb is RM2499. That's cheaper than a 128gb Surface 3!

This post has been edited by hkh m43: Aug 6 2016, 11:59 PM

start selling d?? wonder how is the performance under load, no fans

No front camera so no skype?

Feels heavy to me when tested in shop. At rm 3500 for i5 not cheap either

stylus technology confirm is wacom??

It was using wacom drivers and the pen box had a replacement nib, but its' Synaptics according to professional reviewers

This post has been edited by hkh m43: Aug 6 2016, 11:58 PM

Pen looks and feels cheap though. The machine feels solid but is quite thick and heavy. The weight was a bit of a shock for such a small device.

Would be nice to put the 3 side by side the

Spectre x2
Acer alpha 12
Surface pro 3 or 4

I have a sp3 and hate windows 10, the previous 8 was so much better. I have found Windows 10 annoying.

Battery life comparisons would be interesting because the sp3 is around 5 hrs and I believe the Spectre x2 is similar or worse.

What really spoils these devices is that Microsoft store is so poor with apps...no kindle for example and a poor paid version of Google drive. I m not a big app person but without even some basic ones it killed off my use of the sp3 as a tablet device

This post has been edited by yashin: Jun 4 2016, 05:52 PM

It is not a thunderbolt 3 port. It's just a USB type C.

1250 grams yep seems a bit overly heavy with cover keyboard, 900g just tablet

Surface Pro 4 is only 786g...

I think go get new bluetooth keyboard by Logitech then...

there is now usb c which supports thunderbolt 3. but im not sure whether the one in acer alpha switch 12 supports thunderbolt 3

This post has been edited by LiSheng95: Jun 5 2016, 12:12 AM

Ok I think you misunderstood my sentence. I have already answered your "I'm not sure". Read again my sentence. You are welcome.

The device itself sports a USB 3.1 Type-C port, and that’s it. With an optional dock you can add all the essentials — audio in and out, two USB Type C, three USB type-A, HDMI, and DisplayPort.

Unlike other USB 3.1 equipped devices, the port of the Alpha 12 only serves up fast data transfers, charging other devices and as a dock connector.

NON thunderbolt 3 lo

sorry misunderstood your sentence

but acer do mention their external graphics dock is delivered over usb c thunderbolt 3

This post has been edited by LiSheng95: Jun 5 2016, 01:20 AM

where is the statement link ?

cant find acer official statement but all the news reported, mentioned over here
http://www.lowyat.net/2016/106294/computex...o-convertibles/
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Acer-Graphics...s.161328.0.html
http://www.neowin.net/news/acer-unveils-it...a-thunderbolt-3

This post has been edited by LiSheng95: Jun 5 2016, 01:26 AM

wah, nice, but how come not seeing any thunderbolt 3 port as today i was playing the demo set

thunderbolt 3 now can be integrated into the usb c port
https://thunderbolttechnology.net/blog/thun...b-c-does-it-all

but the usb type c port in the acer switch only usb 3.1 , not thunderbolt 3 with usb 3.1 gen 2 , diff story oh

That's why I'm not sure too need wait acer to clarify this matter

Thx shirogawawa, you have understood it perfectly. The acer egpu is not for Alpha Switch 12.. But it's for aspire switch 12 S..

I asked Acer Malaysia page it says it supports their own eGPU, but very funny they didn't mention about USB 3.1C Support Thunderbolt 3.0.

It can allows Display out

This post has been edited by iSean: Jun 13 2016, 11:26 AM

does the USB-C port support to HDMI or DisplayPort, the logo on the USB-C port does port a D logo like display port, thanks

http://www.extremetech.com/wp-content/uplo...ernate-mode.jpg

Okay, drop your cash, it won't be supporting the Graphics Dock.
It will just be a Surface Pro 4 replacement.

Hi there, I was reading your posts and note that you suddenly mention it allows this and suddenly mention it doesn't allow. So.. Can I understand that based on your latest statement, the alpha 12 can allow display out but cannot support Egpu?

And to repeat again, I believe the egpu is meant for aspire switch 12 S.. It's for device with thunderbolt 3..

Switch alpha 12 has NO thunderbolt 3, so NO supporting egpu

i second this.

the Acer Switch Alpha 12 is has a USB TYPE-C Gen1:
it is capable of supporting multi monitor / ports / hubs / etc ... but it will not be able to support an eGPU. an eGPU will need 5040Gbps bandwidth on the cable which only thunderbolt can give.

hopefully Acer will make a revision to this if not, the AT3 Pro is looking sweet. it is disappointing as to why they decided not to include it.

below is just reference, prices from http://www.techhypermart.com/

Acer Aspire Switch Alpha SA5-271P-769B
i7-6500U, 8GB, 256GB - rm4,349

Acer Aspire Switch Alpha SA5-271-571N
i5-6200U, 8GB, 256GB - RM3,449


This post has been edited by chaosneo: Jun 14 2016, 09:16 AM

Well no idea Malaysia Acer is so fucking confused.

Got myself the Switch Alpha 12 two days ago..
The i7 with Windows 10 Pro

In the catalog from Acer Malaysia, the ads shows with Backlit Keyboard.
BUt the Malaysia market one does not come with the backlit version.. I have call Acer Support, they confirm that Malaysia version does not have it, then why the Catalog says so.. demmmm

So far so good.. managed to use it for more than 6 hours without powering up. Enought for 1 day on the move...
Still getting use to it..

This post has been edited by Zul_XT: Jun 18 2016, 05:47 PM

Can you try like going intensive task like video edit, or gaming will the back plate easily overheat?

can check what is the available sensors for it?

All sensors are in the 'Ready' state.

Im not into Gaming or Video editing.. only software development.
But so far, it more to 'luke warm' feels, which cooler than when my Smartphone heat up..

Thanks,can i assume it has e-compass/agps and can locate my position even if i use offline map(without internet) or online map?

This post has been edited by amaze01: Jun 20 2016, 12:30 PM

I believed its using the Wifi to locate you. It do correctly identify my location either at Home or Office.

can u try update your Windows Maps,then download Malaysia map.

Then turn off any internet connection and try move around,see it's working or not

Did you find a way to hook it up to an external monitor? Is the Acer USB-C dock for sale yet? Would be hard to use it as a work machine with such a small screen.

I think can use Microsoft Wireless Adapter to connect.

It would be good to use Wireless Adapter. But do you know if Switch Alpha 12 can support WiDi? Just hoping to get a more reliable source to support this fact before we get the wireless adapter.

And i think its better not to assume all new devices will surely support some features. One of the points made in our previous discussion is that USB Type C doesn't mean it has Thunderbolt 3.

Hi Zul_XT,

Can you charge the tablet using USB type C?

TQ

I have used the USB 3.1 port with VGA output device to connect to a projector. The same device was used with macbook. Now looking for a HDMI version.

My self just for a quick server access and work while on the move. I'm still using my desktop with 2 monitor for software development in office.

I dont have any USB C charger or cable. Only the VGA connector for now.
Need to go shopping for USB C peripheral...

There is a 50% off for a Surface Pro 4 right now on Lazada. But I prefer newer tech like Acer Alpha Switch 12, particularly fanless, USB type C. My phone already uses USB Type C to charge and data transfer so it will be easy to share charger and cable. Plus it will be future proof towards new accessories utilizing the USB type C.

Another thing I consider is the repairability. Is the Acer Alpha Switch 12 easy to be repaired?

What is your adaptor's brand? Judging from amazon and other online comments, usb-c to display adaptors are not universal. Most/All adaptors do not work with certain laptops or monitors, and most adaptors on the market are designed for the macbook. Even Dell's own adaptor has issues with their own laptops (https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Adapter-Type-Ethernet-470-ABQN/dp/B012DT6KW2). And usb-c adaptors are not cheap.

Officially, you cannot.

Take note that generic usb-c cables/chargers can destroy your laptopSee here

can i know whether acer alpha switch 12 i3 is available now?

Thanks bro... for now I did not owned any Usb C type phone.. so no charges available for me to try it out.. but with the article, I will stick to charge using the power adapter then...

My vendor quoted me for all 3 version, so I know its available, but not sure about the stock though..
I was told by the vendor that I have to wait for the i7 version since they out of stock, even Acer dont have one, but I managed to get one from TechHypermart..

Can try to give them a call..
Mr Mark is very friendly..
http://www.techhypermart.com/

anyone has recommendation USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to DisplayPort is much appreciated

right now, this is like MacBook

I'm using the targus 1 with vga, hdmi, usb3 & ethernet but is using the USB3.1.

Do you need to re-calibrate the pen? Feel not so smooth enough writing on it.

Usually will u put it in sleep mode or just shut it down?

thanks.

have you try this

The map failed to location when I turn off the Wifi or go to Flight Mode.

I just got my unit, i3. Feels sturdy but a little bit lag.

What do you mean by lag..

Launching application takes a while

Try disabling or uninstalling McAfee antivirus. Its a well known resource hog

Stylus come free or order separate?

included with keyboard.

Any idea when Acer switch 12 S will enter Malaysia market? Which one is better?