Computex 2012: Acer announces new Windows 8 tablets, iPad quivering in fear?

Acer has announced two of its newest Windows 8 tablets at Computex, Taipei. The ICONIA W510 evolves the computing experience with three different modes of touchscreen operation, while the ICONIA W700 is a 11.6-inch full HD display Windows 8 tablet with the added versatility of a cradle. Both are designed to set new standards in ergonomics and user-friendliness. The most unique part of the W510 tablet is the tri-mode, allowing users to touch, type and view. Aside from the conventional tablet mode, it can be used in productivity mode. A detachable keyboard dock can be connected to the tablet for optimal typing as well as extending the battery life up to 18 hours. Rotating the tablet 295 degrees allows it to be used in presentation mode, which can be used for watching a video, browsing a webpage or viewing a PowerPoint presentation. In addition to it, the W510 has Always On, Always Connect technology and a 10.1-inch touchscreen, providing a wider viewing angle with more vibrant and consistent colours. It is an everyday tablet with convertible functions, designed for people whose primary needs are freedom of usage for slate, keyboard and hands-free touch.

The W700 with the dock

Acer's W700 comes with a multipurpose cradle that allows for several viewing options. When using it in landscape, it can be tilted up to 70 degrees for better viewing, or 20 degrees for convenient touch. Furthermore, it can be used vertically like a portrait for easy browsing and reading. The W700 also has three USB 3.0 ports for expansion and the tablet is equipped with an 11.6-inch Full HD touchscreen as well as Dolby Home Theatre for your multimedia requirements. Engadget was at Computex and they did have an interesting hands-on of the two devices and their capabilities, which can be viewed out here

The W510

From what can be seen, these two definitely look like interesting tablets. With Windows 8 onboard, you do have the capability to run native x86 applications and that may well be another incentive for most users to purchase one of these tablets. It’s been no secret that Windows PCs have been the masses’ go-to devices as far as productivity is concerned and with the upcoming Windows 8 tablets, are we going to see a shift in power? We'll know soon for sure.