Acer describes the Aspire Switch 12 (Display Monitor Vol 21 No 35) as a two-in-one notebook, rather than a hybrid tablet, because of its 12.5″ size. The product has 1920 x 1080 resolution, a kickstand and magnetic keyboard, much like Microsoft’s Surface tablets. An IPS panel with optical bonding is used in the design, as well as Gorilla Glass. Using an Intel Core M processor, the notebook can last for up to eight hours of constant use. Micro-HDMI, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports are featured. Acer will begin selling the Switch 12 in December, starting at £440 ($705).
The Venue 11 Pro tablet from Dell (Display Monitor Vol 20 No 38) has been refreshed with a speed boost. The Venue 11 Pro 7000 Series model features a 2GHz Intel Core M processor, enabling a longer battery life and 15% thinner chassis. Security features such as two-factor authentication and the Dell Data Protection software suite can also be added. However, the full-size HDMI port on the original model has been replaced with micro-HDMI. The tablet will be available in the USA from the 11th November, starting at $800 with a stylus and keyboard.
Getac has refreshed its S400 semi-rugged laptop with Core i3 and i5 Haswell processors. The 14″ laptop features an optional multitouch display, can operate in temperatures between -21 deg and 60 deg and is MIL-STD-810G and IP5X certified. The new variant is available now, starting at €1,185.
Google’s Nexus 9 tablet (Display Monitor Vol 21 No 41) is now available in the UK, although customers might struggle to find some models. The black and white 32GB version sold out within hours of the tablet going on sale, although two other versions (‘sand’-coloured and a 4G model) are yet to arrive. The 16GB unit is available as normal, at the time of writing.
Additionally, Google has confirmed that it has stopped production of the Nexus 5 smartphone, in order to focus on the Nexus 6. Pre-orders for the new phone will begin in the UK on the 18th November, for a 1st December launch.
A 5″ smartphone with an OLED display is being launched by Lenovo for the Chinese market. The Sisley S90 features 1280 x 720 resolution, 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm CPU (running Android 4.4.4), 1GB of RAM, 16GB of storage and a 2,300mAh battery. It will cost CNY1,800 ($295).
Motorola has rebranded the Droid Turbo smartphone (Display Monitor Vol 21 No 43) as the Moto Maxx for a launch in Latin America. It is available in Brazil now and will roll out to other markets ‘soon’.
The Gear S smartwatch from Samsung is now on sale in the USA. Prices start at $350. The company will also start selling its Galaxy Note Edge smartphone (Display Monitor Vol 21 No 35) in the country from the 14th November.
