Dell might be getting a head start on Windows 10, but Acer isn't far behind. Acer has several systems with Windows 10 that will be available starting July 29. The first of these systems are targeted at students for a back to school sale, but the company will expand its offerings as the year goes on.
Acer's had bigger goals than to simply put Windows 10 on existing Windows 8.1 laptops. Instead, the company opted to use new hardware and software technologies to enhance Windows 10 features. For example, the new E Series notebooks are optimized for Cortana, fine tuning the audio so Cortana can hear your voice better, and so she sounds clearer when speaking. Acer also claimed that the TrueHarmony technologies will improve the systems' audio for entertainment purposes, making them sound more realistic and engaging with greater depth.
The Acer E Series systems supporting these features will be available in 15.6-inch and 17.3-inch models, along with multiple color options.The displays also take advantage of a new BluelightShield feature designed to lessen eye strain of its users.
| New Acer E Series Notebooks with Windows 10 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model Number | Display | Resolution | CPU | GPU | RAM | HDD | Optical | MSRP |
| E5-573- 58FN | 15.6" | N/A | Intel 5th Gen Core i5-5200U | Intel HD Graphics | 8 GB | 500 GB | DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer Drive | $499.99 |
| E5-573- 52US | 15.6" | N/A | Intel 5th Gen Core i5-5200U | Intel HD Graphics | 8 GB | 1 TB | DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer Drive | $549.99 |
| E5-573T- 5935 | 15.6" Touchscreen | N/A | Intel 5th Gen Core i5-5200U | Intel HD Graphics | 8 GB | 1 TB | DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer Drive | $599.99 |
| E5-573- 395Q | 15.6" | N/A | Intel 5th Gen Core i3-5015U | Intel HD Graphics | 4 GB | 500 GB | DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer Drive | $449.99 |
| E5-573G- 5698 | 15.6" | N/A | Intel 5th Gen Core i5-5200U | Nvidia GeForce 940M, 2 GB DDR3 | 8 GB | 1 TB | N/A | $599.99 |
| E5-573G- 56RG | 15.6" | 1920 x 1080 | Intel 5th Gen Core i5-5200U | Nvidia GeForce 940M, 4 GB DDR3 | 8 GB | 1 TB | N/A | $649.99 |
Products coming in August include new convertible systems, 2-in-1s, AIOs and the Aspire One Cloudbooks. Currently, the only information we really have on these systems is that they will use Windows 10, and that they will be similar to Acer's existing products (although we did speculate as to what the Cloudbooks will entail).
| Acer Windows 10 Products Coming In August | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Display | Thickness | Modes Of Use | MSRP |
| Switch 10 E 2-in-1 Notebook | N/A | N/A | Notebook, Tablet, Display, Tent | N/A |
| R 13 Series Convertible Notebooks | 13.3", rotatable 180-degrees | Less Than 1" | Notebook, Display, Tent, Pad, Ezel, Stand | N/A |
| R 11 Series Convertible Notebooks | 11.6" | N/A | Notebook, Display, Tent, Pad | N/A |
| Aspire Z3 All-in-One Desktop | 23.8" 1080p | 1.4" | Desktop PC | N/A |
| Aspire One Cloudbooks | 11" | N/A | N/A | $169 |
Finally, Acer's Liquid M220 smartphone, which currently uses Windows 8.1, will be available with Windows 10 Mobile later this fall. The Liquid M220 uses a Snapdragon 200 processor from Qualcomm, and it features a 4-inch (480 x 800) display.
As with all Windows products purchased in the last few years, those using Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 will be eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 10. So if you just purchased an Acer system and are unhappy you missed out on having Windows 10, don't fret; you'll be able to upgrade to the new OS sometime in the next few weeks.
Follow Michael Justin Allen Sexton @LordLao74. Follow us @tomshardware, on Facebook and on Google+.
