Computer maker Acer announced its Aspire R7 notebook now includes the latest 4th generation Intel processor and an Acer Active Pen to further redefine the notebook’s touch capability.
Designed to provide a better environment for both touch and typing, the R7 features a repositioned keyboard and high-definition touch-screen mounted on what the company calls an "Ezel hinge," which allows the screen to flip, reverse, lie flat or float. The notebook also features up to 12GB of memory, up to 1TB hard drive (or up to 256GB SSD), and full-size backlit keyboard.
The Ezel Hinge makes it possible to flip the 15.6-inch full HD 1920 x 1080 touch-screen around to share visuals and other content with others. The dual hinge technology allows for single-hand switching between modes and keeps the display steady when touched. The keyboard is closer to the edge of the chassis to make typing more comfortable and bring the keys closer to the user.
In addition, the Acer Active Pen can be used with gesture controls at the same time, so customers can, for example, resize a picture with the pinching gesture and adjust fine details with the pen. The device uses electromagnetic induction technology and responds to varying degrees of pressure sensitivity like an actual pen.
The company is including a variety of applications to enhance the touch-screen experience, including Scrapboard, which makes it possible to collect images and ideas from the Web for future reference or for a project or to share them, while AccuFinger is designed to help users acquire tiny items on the screen more accurately when using their fingers.
Acer also unveiled additional colors for the Aspire E1 notebook line as well as a 10 point multi-touch display option with a range of graphic solutions for everyday computing. The notebook series is available in two high-definition display sizes, 15.6-inch and 14-inch, as well as with a choice of graphic solutions. The 15.6-inch model supports various discrete graphics options, such as Nvidia GT720M and GT740M and AMD Radeon HD 8000M, while the 14-inch version is available with GT720M graphics. Video content can be displayed on a bigger screen thanks to the HDMI port.
The E1 series is also shipped with M-Disco Ready Drive, which means users can keep their data safe virtually on M-Discs, which are composed of chemically stable and heat-resistant materials that are not used in any other DVD or optical disc. Data is engraved into the M-Disco by physically altering the recording layer and creating permanent pits or voids in the disc, preserving files forever. The Aspire E1 will be available mid-October with a suggested price starting at approximately $530.
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