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Acer Switch Alpha 2-in-1 Laptop, 12" QHD (2160x1440) IPS, Intel 6th Gen i5-6200U, 8GB DDR3 RAM, 256GB SSD, SA5-271-57QF

3.2 3.2 out of 5 stars 46 ratings
Temporarily out of stock.
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Brand acer
Model Name NT.LCDAA.005
Screen Size 12 Inches
Color Grey
Hard Disk Size 256 GB
CPU Model Core i5
Ram Memory Installed Size 8 GB
Operating System Windows 10
Graphics Card Description Integrated
Graphics Coprocessor Intel HD Graphics 520

About this item

  • Windows 10 Home
  • Intel CoreTM i5-6200U processor Dual-core 2.30 GHz
  • 12" QHD (2160 x 1440) 3:2 IPS
  • Intel Shared Memory.Card reader:microSD,microSDXC
  • 8 GB, LPDDR3 Memory + 256 GB SSD
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Product Description

The Acer 12" Aspire Switch Alpha 12 Multi-Touch 2-in-1 Notebook has a split personality by coming with a detachable keyboard that lets you utilize it as a notebook or tablet. Powering the hybrid system is a dual-core 2.3 GHz Intel Core i5-6200U processor that can handle multiple applications simultaneously and achieve speeds of up to 2.8 GHz when running demanding applications. For memory, it sports 8GB of DDR3 memory as well as a 256GB SSD, which holds the preinstalled Windows 10 Home operating system. Additionally, you can expand its storage capacity using an optional microSDXC memory card inserted into the card slot. The Alpha 12 is outfitted with a 12" IPS panel, providing wide-viewing angles as well as accurate colors. Visuals are handled by an integrated Intel HD Graphics 520 engine, which delivers a 2160 x 1440 resolution to the screen as well as to an external monitor via its USB 3.1 Type-C port. The Switch Alpha 12 features an adjustable kickstand that lets you tilt the screen, so you can experience multimedia content at an optimal viewing angle. Moreover, the screen is armed with multi-touch capabilities, letting you utilize Windows 10's swipe, tap, and zoom abilities.

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Warranty & Support

Amazon.com Return Policy:You may return any new computer purchased from Amazon.com that is "dead on arrival," arrives in damaged condition, or is still in unopened boxes, for a full refund within 30 days of purchase. Amazon.com reserves the right to test "dead on arrival" returns and impose a customer fee equal to 15 percent of the product sales price if the customer misrepresents the condition of the product. Any returned computer that is damaged through customer misuse, is missing parts, or is in unsellable condition due to customer tampering will result in the customer being charged a higher restocking fee based on the condition of the product. Amazon.com will not accept returns of any desktop or notebook computer more than 30 days after you receive the shipment. New, used, and refurbished products purchased from Marketplace vendors are subject to the returns policy of the individual vendor.
Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here. [PDF ]

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Acer

Acer Switch Alpha 2-in-1 Laptop, 12" QHD (2160x1440) IPS, Intel 6th Gen i5-6200U, 8GB DDR3 RAM, 256GB SSD, SA5-271-57QF

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What's in the box

  • Aspire Switch Alpha 12 SA5-271-57QF 2 in 1 Notebook
  • Lithium Polymer Battery
  • AC Adapter
  • Keyboard Dock
  • Stylus

    • Customer reviews

    3.2 out of 5 stars
    3.2 out of 5
    46 global ratings

    Customers say

    Customers like the tablet compatibility of the computer. They say it's a phenomenally performing machine that operates flawlessly. Customers are also impressed with the size, saying it'll fit the bill nicely. They appreciate the keyboard and trackpad, saying the design is good. They find the computer to be quick enough for their use. However, some customers have reported issues with charging.

    AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

    14 customers mention14 positive0 negative

    Customers appreciate the tablet compatibility of the notebook computer. They say it's a phenomenally performing machine, that operates flawlessly, and is an excellent tablet and laptop. Customers also mention that it is very convenient as desktop development and a perfect tablet for college.

    "...Tablets are supposed to be quiet, fast, and functional. This fits the bill nicely. Very well made...." Read more

    "...for my own use, this one is an 8 gb 256 gb i5 and it's pretty smooth running almost anything I've thrown at it so far...." Read more

    "This computer is adequate, but if I had it to do over again, I'd purchase something else...." Read more

    "...I absolutely love this tablet/laptop. It is so perfect in every way, the size is just right to perform as something close to a desktop computer..." Read more

    6 customers mention6 positive0 negative

    Customers like the size of the notebook computer. They mention it's compact enough that they could take it on a trip, has a slimmer form factor, and fits the bill nicely. Some say that it has a fairly large screen bezel giving them enough room to hold the tablet.

    "...Tablets are supposed to be quiet, fast, and functional. This fits the bill nicely. Very well made...." Read more

    "...It does have a fairly large screen bezel giving you enough room to hold the tablet in hand without distracting from screen content...." Read more

    "...And with all that, it's generally light and compact enough that I could take it on a trip with a lot more functionality than an iPad but not much..." Read more

    "...Well, I love it. If you are replacing a laptop, this device is very light and easy to use...." Read more

    5 customers mention5 positive0 negative

    Customers are satisfied with the keyboard of the laptop. They mention that it is very well made, and the trackpad is surprisingly nice. They appreciate the good design and the gorgeous screen.

    "...This fits the bill nicely. Very well made. Keyboard is very nice contrary to some opinions...." Read more

    "...So more functionality, less foot print on my desk, everything is beautiful...." Read more

    "...are replacing a tablet, you will love the capable processor, storage, keyboard and gorgeous screen for much less money than a Microsoft Surface..." Read more

    "...keyboard and trackpad were surprisingly nice.My main complaint was with the pen, which was, well, terrible...." Read more

    5 customers mention5 positive0 negative

    Customers find the computer quick enough for their own use, and appreciate the very fast SSD inside. They also mention that the transition from tablet PC to notebook was fairly painless.

    "...It has a very fast SSD inside. Faster than my desktop Sandisk ultra drive in another computer. Boots to a usable desktop in <10 seconds...." Read more

    "...As a Windows PC: I find the computer to be quick enough for my own use, this one is an 8 gb 256 gb i5 and it's pretty smooth running almost anything..." Read more

    "...For someone who has never used a tablet PC, the transition was fairly painless. Using the stylus is great for on the fly artwork or sketches...." Read more

    "...It's fast enough to run the Office programs, which is essential for my school work...." Read more

    3 customers mention3 positive0 negative

    Customers like the pen and stylus included with the notebook. They say it's an added bonus and great for on the fly artwork or sketches.

    "...The included pen is mildly useful. I have sketched a bit with it and it works fine...." Read more

    "...Using the stylus is great for on the fly artwork or sketches...." Read more

    "...it from "laptop mode" to tablet is a breeze, and the pen is an added bonus, although admittedly, I don't use it very often...." Read more

    3 customers mention3 positive0 negative

    Customers appreciate the value of the notebook computer. They mention that the price is excellent compared to other tablets.

    "...The price is excellent compared to other tablets...." Read more

    "...Great computer for the money and is great as a tablet as well! Half the price of the Microsoft surface pro." Read more

    "Amazing surface pro alternative, much cheaper" Read more

    3 customers mention0 positive3 negative

    Customers are dissatisfied with the charging of the notebook computer. They mention that it does not start or charge after 5 weeks.

    "...run out and try to start it up again which I did but the computer refuse to start up or even power on...." Read more

    "There are many things I liked about the computer, but it does not start or charge after 5 weeks...." Read more

    "...Then, about a month into using the tablet, it abruptly stopped charging...." Read more

    Top reviews from the United States

    Todd W. Carnes
    5.0 out of 5 stars Just buy it if you are on the fence. It's that good.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Yes, I too was looking for a MS Surface alternative. Tablets are supposed to be quiet, fast, and functional. This fits the bill nicely. Very well made. Keyboard is very nice contrary to some opinions. Battery life meter tends to jump around depending on what is running. Not a valid indicator of remaining charge. That said, I've used it for 2-3 hours straight without issue. Not sure it has the chops to play back to back movies on a long flight but for most uses of a tablet, it will do just fine. It has a very fast SSD inside. Faster than my desktop Sandisk ultra drive in another computer. Boots to a usable desktop in <10 seconds. I have the 8GB RAM, core i5 version and it's very quick. I am an IT tech by trade and do a lot with VMware. I run VMware workstation 11 on this and it handles it like a charm. For those who like to use something like this for work demos, it's nice to be able to run VMware workstation to have independent images not messing around with your base OS.

    *** One thing to note. This might just be my unique experience but the 2.4Ghz wireless NIC crushed my Archer C7 home router each time it came up on the network. Made the network unusable after about 2 minutes. Obvious radio interference there. Luckily this Alpha switch and my Archer router both support 5Ghz AC band networking. Once I switched to the AC band, all is good. I have also connected to other 2.4Ghz routers without issue.

    The included pen is mildly useful. I have sketched a bit with it and it works fine. I don't have artistic experience with the Surface and the MS pen with the greater pressure sensitivities. If you are looking for art to be your primary focus, you'll be better served by going with the surface from what i've read.

    Other than that one use case, I wholeheartedly recommend this Windows tablet.
    18 people found this helpful
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    Sammy
    1.0 out of 5 stars Cheap construction, junk
    Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    bought 3 of these. Within 2 year the Display lifted off and cracked on 2 of them, one I hardly ever used. Keyboard mouse died on one, and barely works on another. Battery life died after ~3 years despite always using it plugged in. The only one that did not quickly fall apart is the one I almost never use.

    Had lots of OS/driver problems too, with very bad product support.

    these are cheap junk, to avoid!
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    electrlux
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic hybrid computer device
    Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Update 9-22-2017
    Unfortunately this computer will no longer start up. I was on the phone with Acer to try to rectify the screen not coming on while the computer was still running and he was unable to shut down the computer. He suggested I let the power run out and try to start it up again which I did but the computer refuse to start up or even power on. Quite a shame because I really like this computer. But I'm going to move on to another brand because the best Acer could do for me was suggested I send it back to them with the turnaround time of 10 days and I can't be without my computer for my business for 10 days.

    Great hybrid computer. I wanted to replace my Samsung Galaxy Note Pro tablet and Asus laptop, both of them are great devices but this one services up the features of both for me quite nicely. I made the switch (no pun intended) without a hitch.
    First I'll note that I sent back an HP Spectre X2 2016 that was not to my liking and is a direct competitor to this Acer device. The HP had horrible port options, had a great keyboard, but was glitchy and unstable from day one.

    About the Acer Switch Alpha:
    Keyboard:
    Great keyboard that I find to be very comfortable to type on. It's lighted and has great touch feel to the keys. I have no problem typing for long periods of time . It detaches quite easily and although the system reminds you to use the "remove hardware" windows feature before detaching it, I've successfully detached it without doing so many times.

    Screen
    The screen is pretty bright and is crisp enough for my purposes but doesn't have the "pop" an OLED screen has if that matters to you or not. The screen is very touch friendly in tablet mode or PC mode and although it says it's more touch sensitive in tablet mode, I can barely notice any difference at all.

    Ports: this hybrid device has the best port options of any in its class in my opinion. Has a round peg style charging port for the AC coard which leaves a USB C port and USB 3.0 port available, along with a Micro SD card slot to add more memory and headphone jack, all residing on the right side of the screen which is my preference anyway.

    Kickstand: although the kickstand is not as "good" as the Surface kickstand it's does fold to any position angle you want and is relatively stable on flat surfaces. Don't think it's useful for lap use in my opinion but I never use my device in that manner anyway. It's always on a desktop or I remove the keyboard when I'm using it as a tablet.

    As a tablet: I have no problem using this as a tablet and although some have said the back gets warm I have been on this device for hours today and the back is only slightly warm to touch. It does have a fairly large screen bezel giving you enough room to hold the tablet in hand without distracting from screen content.

    As a Windows PC: I find the computer to be quick enough for my own use, this one is an 8 gb 256 gb i5 and it's pretty smooth running almost anything I've thrown at it so far. I have not yet tested the battery life but there's enough information out there that I know that to expect. As such I have a battery pack that can charge up the device for 4 hours additional time.

    Software: there is some "bloatware" on the device out of the box but I've uninstalled just about all of the apps that were useless to me but I've seen much worse on other devices and computers. One thing I'm very impressed with is that the device ran all the software updates first thing after turning it on.... that, was awesome getting all the WIN updates etc from the get go.

    Travel ability: this device with the keyboard attached weighs in the neighborhood of 2.8 pounds. Coming from a laptop I have no problem with this and without the keyboard attached using it as a tablet you will not be holding it in one hand for all that long, it really is a two handheld device for tablet use but... it has that awesome kickstand and I make use of it all the time.

    Accessories: you're not going to find much in the way of accessories for this device, there just arent that many around. I did manage tto find a screen protector and some port adapters such as USB C to USB a converters etc. Cases for the device / covers are not plentiful but I carry mine around in a nice neoprene zippered case and since the cover folds to protect the screen when not in use I'm ok with that.
    29 people found this helpful
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    Gabriel M. Ertsgaard
    3.0 out of 5 stars Adequate but glitchy
    Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This computer is adequate, but if I had it to do over again, I'd purchase something else. I'm on my second keyboard, since the first keyboard had a significant problem, but Acer was fortunately quite willing to honor their warranty. That's not to say the new keyboard is perfect. The touchpad is glitchy, and sometimes it will stop responding to taps until you detach and reattach it. For some reason, whenever this glitch kicks in, whatever program you have open will start scrolling down. If I'm typing something, it will get stuck on the last key typed, so I'll have 20 lines of "ggggggg" to delete. Also, sometimes when the screen goes black due to inactivity, it won't turn back on until you cold boot the computer. This can be really frustrating if you forget to save before going to the bathroom. I've lost work that way. Still it does what I need most of the time, but expect to always have a bit of frustration with this device.
    5 people found this helpful
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