This could signal the future of corporate computing: the newest Windows 8 notebook released by Acer today is a $1,000 laptop that includes the touchscreen functionality of a tablet. Unlike tablets that have added keyboards almost as an afterthought, the R7 appears to put business before pleasure, including a full-size keyboard, three USB ports, a 500 gigabyte hard drive and a 24 GB solid state drive.
The 15.6 inch HD display sits on a hinge that can be used to position it in different ways: traditional screen, flat like a tablet, or flipped over so that you can share your work with others in the room. Acer calls its innovation an “Ezel” hinge. When the device is folded the hinge protrudes from the back, adding to the R7’s bulk. It weighs more than 5 pounds and is just over an inch thick, making it hefty for a tablet.
Although the R7 may be a harbinger of what we can expect in future notebook computers, this particular device may not be a huge success due to the peculiar placement of the trackpad. The trackpad sits at the back of the keyboard, meaning that when you use it you can easily make accidental keyboard commands if your hands rest on the keyboard.
The R7 is powered by an Intel i5 processor and includes 6GB of RAM and of course Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. It will be available exclusively at Best Buy here in the U.S., and is expected later this month.
The Star Trek-inspired video that Acer produced to promote the R7 has already been viewed more than 100,000 times on YouTube; check it out below.
