Acer will launch its S7 ultrabooks in the UK next month for £1,149.99 and up. That’s close to $1800 US, but the laptops will likely be substantially cheaper if and when they’re released int he US.
SlashGear reports that the starting price covers a model with an Intel Core i5 Ivy Bridge processor, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB solid state disk.
But what really makes the Aspire S7 special is the fact that the thin and light laptop features an optional touchscreen display.
While the computer will initially ship with Windows 7, the touchscren will really come into play when a Windows 8 update is available in the following months.
Windows 8 is designed with a touch-friendly user interface including a new start screen with large tiles for launching apps and viewing live updates including incoming email messages, status updates, and weather information.
Microsoft’s new operating system will also support full-screen, tablet-like apps which can be used with a mouse and keyboard or fingertips. So bringing tablet-like features to laptops could make some of these apps easier to use.
Other options will include faster processors, additional RAM, and more storage space.
Acer is expected to offer Aspire S7 models with 11.6 inch and 13.3 inch displays.
I’m going to pass on the touchscreen option as well unless it’s a very cheap upgrade. I really would like to know how close the 11.6 inch version gets to its advertised 9 hour battery life. Anyone know the capacity of the battery used? Too bad I’m not really a fan of the keyboard layout though.
To me, the most interesting feature of this notebook is the claimed battery life. I’m interested in what the actual capacity of the battery is. It would have been nice if the 11.6″ version came with a dark gray/graphite color option.
Glad to hear that the touchscreen is optional. Saves me some bucks on the 11.6″ version. Not being a convertible or undockable tablet really makes using the touchscreen too awkward. Besides, thankfully, Windows 8 is just as usable (maybe even more usable) with a mouse and keyboard.
yes the 11″ non touch ultrabook market could do with some competition.
All new systems with Windows 8 pre-installed should have touch pads certified for Windows 8, which means they support the same gestures as you would use on the touch screen and thus negate the need for a touch screen.
Incidentally, this means the end for touch pads with the side scroll area.
Also, MS is releasing W8 certified peripherals that should similarly make it easier to do things like side scrolling, which reportedly sucks with traditional mouse scroll wheels.