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Acer announced on Nov. 23 a couple tablets that it hopes will help it take on Apple’s iPad in that space. One model features a 7-inch display, while the other includes a 10.1-inch screen. Those devices will be available in the spring of 2011, with a tentative release date of April.
Some are wondering what Acer will actually offer in the tablet space. The company is well-known for its computers, but in the mobile market, it’s unproven. And with such an entrenched competitor in the iPad, it might seem like an uphill battle for Acer to even try competing with Apple’s option in the tablet space. But compete it will. And further inspection reveals it might just do better than some think.
Acer really is a threat in the tablet space.
Read on to find out why:
1. Its computing business is growing
Acer wasn’t such an important PC maker a few years ago, but now the company is central to the success of the PC industry. In fact, it’s one of the top PC makers in the world and could eventually become the de facto leader in the space. Realizing that, and considering Acer has been able to appeal to PC buyers, there’s no reason to suggest it can’t do the same with tablets.
2. It has both screen sizes covered
When Acer releases its tablets next year, the company will be offering both a 7- and 10.1-inch option to consumers. That’s important. Apple has been touting the 9.7-inch size of its iPad display, while Samsung has been saying that its Galaxy Tab’s 7-inch option is better. By covering both sizes, Acer can say that it offers solutions for customers looking for either option.
3. Windows and Android is a good combination
Acer realizes that the tablet market is expanding at a rapid rate, and as that expansion continues, consumers and enterprise customers will be looking for different options. That’s why the vendor’s decision to offer both Windows and Android in its upcoming tablets is a good one. It gives consumers more options, and it makes both Google and Microsoft worry even more about how they will appeal to tablet customers.
4. Acer gets design
A quick glance at Acer’s tablet designs proves that the company understands what consumers are looking for when it comes to the look and feel of a product. The tablets feature prominent displays and a nice finish that should appeal to those who want a good-looking product. With its tablets, Acer has undoubtedly watched Apple and realized that design really matters.
Acer a Threat to Tablet Makers
5. It’s waiting
The worst thing Acer could have done was offer its tablets this year. As Google has pointed out, Android 2.2 isn’t ready for tablets. The next version of the mobile OS, Android 2.3, will do a better job on slates. By waiting until next year, Acer is giving Google the time it needs to get its operating system right before the tablets hit store shelves. It’s a smart move that could pay off in a big way.
6. Its tablet capitalizes on gaming
Part of the value of the 10.1-inch Acer tablet is that it’s designed with casual gamers in mind. In fact, it features a built-in gyroscope and a nice HD display for users to play more complex titles. It’s a smart move on Acer’s part, as games are integral to the experience of using a tablet. And Acer will be in a position to capitalize on that with its tablet.
7. It has the enterprise possibility
Although the enterprise has been relatively slow to adopt tablets, preferring instead to wait and see which company will target it first, Acer might have a product that companies will respond well to. After all, its tablet will run Windows, and with a 10.1-inch display in tow, productivity might be heightened over a product featuring a smaller screen. There’s no guarantee that the tablets will be enterprise favorites, but it’s certainly possible.
8. The connectivity is there
One of the biggest issues with RIM’s PlayBook tablet is that it won’t ship with 3G connectivity. However, Acer’s tablets will feature a 3G option, immediately making them more viable than RIM’s tablet if it does indeed ship without 3G. Mobile connectivity is extremely important. And to simply ditch it in a tablet makes the device obsolete for some folks. Acer won’t have that problem.
9. The 10.1-inch model has entertainment covered
Part of the value of getting Acer’s 10-inch option is that it features HD capabilities. That makes it an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy entertainment content on the device, which at least right now is a large group of tablet owners. Plus, the device features an HDMI port, allowing users to connect the tablet to their HDTV. It’s a feature that can’t be overlooked by the competition.
10. Its history says so
When Acer first entered the PC scene, few believed the company had what it takes to be a success in that market. But over the past few years, it has proved that it does have what it takes. And it’s now one of the top PC makers in the world. In other words, Acer “gets” the computing space. And there’s no reason to suggest it won’t “get” the tablet space too.