Hands-on with Acer’s 2014 Iconia Android tablets
Acer’s been quick to make its immediate plans for the new year known, including the impending release of its refreshed Iconia Android tablets. Today the company’s been kind enough to show the new slates to us, both of which will ship with 4.2 Jelly Bean. The A1-830 is the more premium of the pair, and to give you a quick reminder of the specs, it sports a 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage (don’t worry, there’s a microSD slot if you need more), and 5-/2-megapixel cameras. With its 4:3 aspect ratio and 1,024 x 768 display, you’d be forgiven for mistaking it for a iPad mini from afar — the form factor is deceptively similar. It sits at the top of Acer’s tablet range, and fittingly, has an aluminum back to prove it. It doesn’t look half bad, either, although the plastic which encroaches the top edge, framing the camera, kind of ruins the upper-end look. The screen appears to be relatively good quality and it feels solidly built. With a noticeably thin profile, it gives a good first impression. Its specs might be of a mediocre standard, but the price makes up for it. When the tablet hits the North American market in late Q1 2014, it’ll set you back $149, which we wouldn’t say is an unfair ask after out brief flirtation with the hardware.
Acer’s refreshed Iconia B1 tablet (aka the B1-720), which falls in behind the A1, didn’t score nearly as high in our estimation, however. There’s a lot of bezel surrounding its 7-inch, 1,024 x 600 display, making the screen look smaller than it really is. Spec-wise, it’s not all that different from the A1. You’re looking at a 1.3GHz dual-core Mediatek CPU, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of storage (microSD-expandable), and only a 0.3 megapixel front-facing camera. It’s significantly thicker than the A1 and swaps the aluminum backing for textured plastic. You can squeeze a fair few creaks out of it; in general, it feels leagues behind the build quality of the A1. The screen, too, is of noticeably lower quality, but then again, it’ll only be $130 when launched in black and red hues later this month. If you want 3G connectivity on top of WiFi, a SIM-friendly model (B1-721) will be available soon after, but it’ll arrive for at least a $50 mark-up.
Acer made a last-minute pricing adjustment to the A1, bringing the cost down from $180 to $149. While that’s great for enticing eyes to the A1, it has a completely different impact B1. Given there’s been no price adjustment for the lower-end slate, we’d highly recommend chucking the extra 20 bones down for the altogether better tablet.
Alexis Santos contributed to this report.
Acer’s new Liquid Z5 smartphone is more expensive than it should be (hands-on)
Acer didn’t just bring a couple of new tablets to Vegas this year, but something to make calls with, too. The latest addition to its Liquid range after the top-spec S2, the Z5 is very much a “value” proposition, as the raw numbers show. We’re looking at a 5-inch, 854 x 480 display, 1.3GHz dual-core Mediatek processor, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD), and a 2,000mAh non-removable battery. For cameras, the Z5 has a modest VGA shooter up front, and a 5-megapixel main affair with a 5-lens array and IR sensor that Acer promises will improve focus and low-light performance, respectively.
The Liquid Z5 isn’t revolutionary in design, but at 8.8mm thick with a plastic unibody, it’s not horribly unattractive. Debuting on the Z5, however, is Acer’s new “Rapid” button, which the firm expects to bring to other devices in the future. It sits conveniently under the camera on the back of the device (just where your forefinger would rest), undoubtedly taking inspiration from LG’s G2 array of rear buttons. Pressing it once unlocks the device, and second prod will send you straight into whatever app or menu you assign it to. A long press boots the camera app. To further differentiate itself from phones of similar specs or price point, Acer has added a couple of software features to the Z5′s Android 4.2 build. These include the company’s answer to multitasking, called “float apps,” and various custom skins, including one that simplifies the whole Android experience for newcomers or dumbphone nostalgics. As is the fashion these days, there are white and grey peek covers to match the handset’s two color options, should you want to accessorize.
Its sub-par internals certainly show, as even unlocking the phone generated a little lag. We wouldn’t consider this a massive issue if the Z5 was priced accordingly, but it’ll retail for around 170 euros ($230) when it launches later this month. It’s not destined for North America, mind, and will initially land in select European markets before heading to Asia, the Middle East and Africa in due course. It’s hard to come away feeling positive about this device. When Motorola’s offering the much more capable Moto G at a lower price point — and we expect direct competition in this ultra-affordable space soon — the Liquid Z5 already feels dead in the water.
Alexis Santos contributed to this report.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Acer
Acer’s affordable Liquid Z5 debuts for Europe
Acer will have numerous devices on display at CES 2014 and one of their newest is a smartphone for those on a budget or buying a smartphone for the first time, the Liquid Z5.
Being a budget phone, the device is no game changer, but what you’ll get for your Euros is a device with a 5-inch display with a 16:9 aspect ratio, dual-core 1.3 GHz processor, 4 GB of storage, Wi-Fi, GPS, a 5 MP camera rear-facing camera, front speaker boosted by DTS Sound™ technology and it’s running Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean under the hood.
The device is also 8.8 mm thin, weights only 147 grams and has a rounded edge.
Some of the other features Acer mentions about this phone is “AcerRAPID™ design” that acts as a personal control key, bringing even more one-hand control to the user by allowing users to unlock the phone, wake-up the screen, launch the camera, take a picture, launch apps from home screen and pick up phone calls, and “Acer Float™ User Interface” that allows app windows to stay open, so users can multitask without having to back out of one app to work on another. Acer said that with the press of a key, users can brings up the Float Apps shortcut where apps on a translucent screen float over the function being used and it allows access to apps such as the camera, maps, calculator and notes and can be customized with up to 8 app shortcuts.
The camera may also be only 5 MP, but it supports “BSI technology” that enables more light on the sensor than traditional FSI, is said to deliver better low-light sensitivity, and comes with a 5 elements f2.4 lens, instead of traditional 4 elements for sharper images.
Acer’s new Liquid Z5 be available in France, Benelux, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Ukraine and UK around mid-January in two colors, “Essential White and Gentle Grey,” for €169.
via Acer
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Daily Roundup: CES 2014 preview, new Acer tablets, Veronica Mars movie trailer and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours — all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
CES 2014 preview
CES 2014 is right around the bend, soon to flood the internet with product releases, demos and the occasional giant robot. To help prepare you for the madness, we’ve complied our predictions for this year’s conference. Click the link for our CES 2014 preview.
Acer announces new Iconia tablets
Acer refreshed its tablet lineup with the Android-powered Iconia A1-830 and B1-720. Though both slates pack mediocre specs, their $149 and $130 respective prices make a them a great option for folks on a budget. Click through for specs and details.
Acer unveils 27-inch monitor/Android PC
The TA272 HUL is Acer’s latest $1,099 desktop monitor, equipped with an “NVIDIA Tegra quad-core processor” that let’s it double as a touchscreen Android PC. Click on through for more information.
AT&T offers up to $450 to leave T-Mobile
AT&T’s latest promotion offers up to $450 to new customers who switch from T-Mobile. Follow the link for details about this limited time offer.
Filed under: Misc, Blackberry, Acer
Acer intros portable 21.5-inch All-in-One
Acer, keeping rather busy in the runup to CES 2014, has introduced a second Android-powered all-in-one device. This time, we’re not looking at something designed to stay in one place; the Acer DA223 HQL, rather, is mobile.
Powered by Android Jelly Bean, the specs include a 21.5-inch (1920 x 1080) display capable of 10-point touch. Under the hood you will find a 1.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor, MHL connectivity, and an internal battery. While you can plug it in and use this as a monitor for a Windows device, it’s designed to head out on the road. Or at least to the coffee table.
According to Acer, the DA223 HQL All-in-one is already shipping worldwide with a retail price of US$699. We might look for more details from Acer at CES which takes place in a few days time.
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Acer debuts 27-inch Android-powered All-In-One
Acer on Friday debuted a new Android-powered all-in-one device on the eve of CES 2014. Known as the Acer TA272 HUL, it features a 27-inch 2560×1440 display capable of 10-points of touch. Internally you’ll find an NVIDIA Tegra quad-core processor, 16GB internal storage, 2-megapixel front-facing camera, and Dolby virtual surround sound speakers. Connection ports include USB 3.0, HDMI and DisplayPort inputs; the Acer TA272 HUL can pull double duty as a touch screen for a Windows 8 laptop or PC. In terms of Android, the all-in-one runs 4.2 Jelly Bean.
Already shipping worldwide with a suggested retail price of $1,099, the Acer TA272 HUL will be on display at CES next week.
Acer Introduces Acer TA272 HUL Android All-in-One with WQHD Resolution for a Visually Stunning Home Computing Experience
Editors’ Summary:
- Android OS for the Android experience on a big screen – ideal for home entertainment, browsing and sharing
- 27-inch WQHD high resolution, wide-viewing angles and 10-point capacitive touch
- NVIDIA® Tegra® quad-core processor for smooth multi-tasking and amazing performance
- Dolby surround sound effect
- Build Your Own Cloud (BYOC™) for creating reliable, more secure and easy-to-use self-built clouds
LAS VEGAS, (January 3, 2014) Acer today launched the Acer TA272 HUL Android all-in-one (“AIO”) that combines an ultra-high resolution 27-inch display, powerful NVIDIA Tegra quad-core processor and premium chassis design.
The Acer TA272 HUL brings stunning visuals to home entertainment. It is equipped with a WQHD display with a 2560 x 1440 resolution that is four times sharper than HD, providing users incredibly crisp visuals for all their discerning entertainment needs. In addition, it also offers wide-viewing angles without color difference and a high contrast ratio, ideal for sharing and collaborating with friends and family. Featuring a 10-point touchscreen, users are provided a convenient, intuitive experience for apps and widgets.
The Acer TA272 HUL possesses the necessary performance for smooth multitasking, daily computing, gaming and applications. The system comes fitted with an NVIDIA Tegra quad-core processor, 16G internal memory and dual-band 802.11 abgn wireless. Running Android OS 4.2 Jellybean, users can take advantage of millions of free apps and enjoy the Android experience afforded by mobile devices on a big screen.
The Acer TA272 HUL sports a premium design that incorporates a transparent base and asymmetric stand that makes the AIO appear it is floating and an edge-to-edge glass design for a seamless and minimalistic look. The stand allows the frame to be easily positioned from 30 to 80 degrees tilt, allowing users to set the most comfortable viewing angles. The Acer TA272 HUL is also outfitted with two front-facing Dolby surround sound speakers for superb audio and a 2MP webcam.
Excellent connectivity is afforded including a USB 3.0 port for attaching game controllers and other peripherals. HDMI and DisplayPort permit the display to be used as an external monitor for other devices, and Windows 8 certification permits smooth touch control when the Acer TA272 HUL is used to project devices with Windows OS as well.
Acer PCs can be seamlessly integrated for accessing data anytime, anywhere through Build Your Own Cloud (BYOC™) (1). It enables users to build their own cloud on their devices, such as music, photos and other types of clouds. These self-built clouds, based on an Acer Open Platform, are reliable, more secure, easy to use and provide users convenient access to their information and content anytime, anywhere.
Pricing and availability
The Acer TA272 HUL all-in-one is already shipping worldwide with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of US$1,099. For details about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office or retailer or see http://www.acer.com.
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Acer announces new 7 and 7.9-inch Iconia tablets for $130 and up
Acer is known to refresh its Android tablet line-up at CES, and this year is no different. Ahead of the madness, the company has just announced new 7.9-inch and 7-inch models: the Iconia A1-830 and the Iconia B1-720.
The 7.9-inch A1 is the more premium of the two, with an aluminum backing and an IPS display for wide viewing angles (albeit with a ho-hum 1,024 x 768 resolution). It runs Android Jelly Bean 4.2.1 with an Atom processor and 1GB of RAM under the hood. There’s 16GB of on-board memory (expandable to 32GB via micro-SD card), and the rear camera lets you shoot at a 2,560 x 1,920 resolution. Of course, at $180, it’s still on the cheap side, but it looks to be a good low-end option, with up to seven hours of battery life to boot. The A1-830 be available in early 2014, and Acer will sell an optional keyboard and cover as well.
Now in the ultra-affordable category: the Iconia B1-720 costs $130, and your money buys you a basic slate that’s nonetheless faster than last year’s version. You get a 1.3GHz dual-core processor with 1GB of RAM, and the device is rated for up to five hours of battery life. The patterned finish is a touch classier than the previous B1′s glossy backing, too. The 7-incher will hit North America later this month, alongside an optional protective case. Check back later this week, when we get a chance to check out both tabs in person.
Acer’s latest all-in-one doubles as a 27-inch touch monitor and Android PC
Perhaps the best way to regard Acer’s growing range of Android “all-in-ones” is not as PC replacements, or even as giant tablets, but rather as touch-sensitive monitors that have the added benefit of being able to run their own OS. That certainly applies to the latest model, the TA272 HUL, whose 27-inch, 2,560 x 1,440, 10-point touch panel makes it particularly well equipped as a monitor for a Windows 8 PC. Alternatively, an “NVIDIA Tegra quad-core processor,” which we suspect might be an old Tegra 3, will allow the unit to run basic tasks and media playback in Jelly Bean even when the source PC is switched off. The TA272 HUL comes with 16GB of onboard storage, a USB 3.0 port, HDMI and DisplayPort inputs and a 2-megapixel webcam, all for an RRP of $1,099. For reference, that’s at least $100 more expensive than a similarly specced Acer monitor without Android (the T272 HUL), so you’d need to be pretty certain that you’ll put that built-in OS to good use.
Filed under: Desktops, Displays, Acer
Source: Market Wired
How would you change Acer’s Aspire V5?
11-inch laptops are tricky beasts, purely because the compromises that make them so portable are almost always the ones that mean you’re better off with a 13-incher. That’s why our reviewer was impressed with Acer’s Aspire V5, a laptop that managed to navigate between the pitfalls and produce a robust and reasonably priced model that should have satisfied plenty of you out there. The question that we’re asking, you see, is that now that you’ve had time to use this hardware, what did you think of it?
Acer’s 21.5-inch Aspire Z3-600 all-in-one can move from room to room, costs $779
It may seem as if Acer is all about Chromebooks these days, at least judging by its most recent announcements. Today, however, the company is putting the focus back on Microsoft’s operating system, with the introduction of its new (and somewhat un…
AIVAnet 