Hands-on Review: Acer Aspire R11 Convertible with Windows 10

Acer Aspire R 11 is Acer’s smallest convertible which was launched in Malaysia just after the Microsoft Windows 10 global launch.

It is the first Windows 10 pre-installed device in Malaysia. Anyway, every compatible Windows computer gets free Windows 10 upgrade and every new Windows computer will ship with the latest Windows operating system.

So, what’s great about the Acer Aspire R 11? Read on to find out.

360-degree hinge

Generally, small factor notebooks do not have a flexible hinge, but Acer Aspire R11 is an 11.6-inch convertible laptop with a 360-degree hinge. You can use it in 4 different modes: notebook, pad, display, and tent.

The dual torque hinge design allows you to open the lid with one finger till 110 degrees for notebook mode. Then, with another hand pressing R 11’s base, you can further press the lit forward until it lay flat. You can lift it up and flip the lid to the back, too. The hinge is stable and provides wobble-free touch experience.

The audio channel output will automatically reverse based on the screen orientation. Desktop wallpaper will change as you switch R11 to a different mode, too — so that you can quickly identify the current mode.

Acer Aspire R 11’s fabric-textured cover offers better grip and is scratch resistant. The laptop chassis feels a bit bulky but tough. The keyboard is almost full-size and comfortable to type on.

The display glass is Corning Gorilla Glass for anti-scatches and smoother touch experience. It also comes with anti-fingerprint coating to keep the screen clean and clear.

Complete ports

Despite the small size of the convertible laptop, R11 includes complete range of input/output ports at the left side: 1x USB3.0 port, 1x USB2.0 port, HDMI port, headphone/speaker jack, and an Ethernet (LAN) port.

I am surprised that an LAN port is included, because it is rare, even on a larger laptops. An LAN port is handy when your hotel only provides wired Internet.

Turn to the back, you will find the SD memory card reader at the center of the back. It is not a convenient position but better than none. R11 also supports fast WiFi (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/AC).

Pentium Performance

Acer Aspire R 11 is powered by Intel Pentium Quad-core processor (N3700) with 4GB (max. 8GB) and 500GB hard disk drive.

“Pentium” processor may be a deal breaker in the year 2015 but, during my hands-on period, R11 runs Windows 10 smoothly with no lag, mode switching is fast too. Daily office works won’t be a problem, but not recommended for gaming.

The 11.6-inch HD (1366×768 pixel) display is LED-backlit TFT LCD with multi-touch. The resolution is fine on a small display, but the viewing angle is bad that wash out when you view it from a side.

The 48 Wh 3220 mAh 4-cell Li-ion battery pack provides up to 8 hours battery life, according to Acer. The convertible laptop weight 1.5KG with the battery pack.

Software

Acer Aspire R 11 comes with several software features:

• Acer TrueHarmoney to deliver better audio.
• Acer BluelightShield protects your eyes by reducing screen’s blue light.
• Skype Certified laptop to ensure high-quality audio and video for Skype calls.
• Acer Touch Tools allows you to capture, collect, write and share screen data with a touch of a finger.
• Precision TouchPad (PTP) enhance the accuracy and performance of the touchpad navigation, as well as palm rejection technology to distinguish between finger gestures or accidental contact with palm or hand.

You also get 1-year free Microsoft Office 365 subscription with every purchase of R11.

Price in Malaysia

Acer Aspire R 11 priced at RM1,499 and available at all major Authorized Acer Resellers.

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Thought

Acer Aspire R11 is not slim nor lightweight, but 360-degree hinge provides usability anywhere, such as in a tight space like airline seat or classroom. The small size and complete ports make it an ideal on-the-go laptop, as well as a primary computer for students.

What do you think about Acer Aspire R11 and its price?