Gadgetory

unlike some of its higher priced competitors the Acer Aspire switch alpha 12 really can be used equally comfortably as a laptop and a tablet that's because it packs impressive specs for less than $800 although unlike some competitors it doesn't have an OLED display still I think it'll be fine for most needs and the display did survive an accidental fall off a table at Starbucks despite the core i5 processor in my test configuration the switch out for twelves fanless liquid cooling system keeps it silent and while it does get a little warm perched against my legs it's not bad it does stay cool streaming netflix all night as a laptop it's quite well designed with a kickstand that lets you tilt it at almost any angle and a bundled magnetically attached keyboard cover with island-style keys the keys have good travel and it's comfortable for typing for long periods the touchpad isn't too sensitive and doesn't get in your way the laptops roughly letter-sized in weighs just under three pounds so traveling with it won't break your back as a tablet it weighs about two pounds but it doesn't support USB charging so you may have to select the AC adapter if you need more than five and a half hours of battery life which adds another 11 ounces to your burden it can't compare with something like the Microsoft Surface pro 4 for creative work the active stylus is okay for note-taking but the system only sports 256 levels of pressure sensitivity but it's a great alternative if you're on a budget you