Convertible tablet-style netbooks aren’t exactly new, but I came across an unusual model form Chinese company Acamar today. There are two things that set the Acamar Transformer apart from other convertibles.

For one thing, it has an 8.9 inch display. For another, it has an unusual design which allows you tilt back the screen before closing the lid in order to transform from netbook to tablet mode.

Acamar Transformer

The computer has a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N450 single core processor, 2GB of DDR3 memory, a 120GB hard drive, and Windows 7 operating system. It has a 1024 x 600 pixel display, WiFi, Bluetooth, 2 USB 2.0 ports and VGA and Ethernet ports.

In tablet mode the computer can take advantage of a g-sensor and multitouch display.

I wouldn’t expect a lot of run time out of the 3000mAh battery. According to the spec sheet, you can expect 2.4 hours of “standby time.” That might just be a poor translation for “run time.”

But at least the Acamar Transformer is reasonably compact. It measures 10.2″ x 5.7″ x 1″ and weighs 2.4 pounds. Unfortunately part of the reason it’s not larger is that there’s no touchpad below the keyboard. Instead you have left and right buttons and a tiny optical sensor.

I haven’t seen any reviews for this convertible mini-laptop and it’s only available in the US and Europe from a handful of stores such as PandaWill and Fly Dolphin. They’re not exactly household names, so order with caution.

In fact, I’d even look at the listed specs with a skeptical eye before ordering — the listed specifications for the tablet suggest it has an HDMI port, but the photographs only show a VGA port. That makes more sense, since the Intel Atom N450 chip with GMA 3150 graphics doesn’t support HD video very well.

The Acamar Transformer sells for about $460, so if you don’t mind the larger display you might be able to find an old Dell Inspiron Duo for less money.

If you know know anyone that’s had any experience with the Acamar Transformer I’d love to hear more about its performance, build quality, and reliability. For a Chinese tablet from a company I’ve never heard of, it has an intriguing design, if nothing else.

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3 replies on “Acamar Transfomer Windows netbook converts into a tablet”

  1. I am using one of the MTL89 Acamar netbooks to type this message. You are right that the battery run time is short. Only around 2 hours.

    I installed Windows 8 on it. The screen resolution is too small in height to use the Windows 8 store, or any of the other Windows 8 start screen features. All of the hardware that worked in Windows 7 works under Windows 8. The only thing that is not working is the Bluetooth device. There is a Bluetooth indicator light and button, but neither Windows 7, 8, or Linux Mint 10 detected a Bluetooth device. Pressing the Bluetooth button does not do anything. It maybe that there is no Bluetooth device installed.

    According to Windows 8 System Information the netbook has two logical processors in one core. The fan runs a lot, and the vents are poorly placed.

    I paid $335 for it. My plan is to use it as a terminal for digital ham radio communications. So far it is working well for that, and as a simple netbook.

    I really like the transforming feature, and having a touchscreen on a netbook is handy. Overall it is a decent netbook for the price.

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