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Acer Aspire P3 vs. Surface Pro: Convertible tablet spec showdown

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Image used with permission by copyright holder

Microsoft still owns the biggest chunk of the desktop operating system market, but it just can’t seem to convert its user base over to mobile. Despite Windows 8 running essentially in full form on Surface Pro tablets, the device just hasn’t been able to capture much market share. Perhaps it’s the price; maybe it’s the internal storage controversy that revealed the device has significantly less available space than advertised; or maybe it’s the fact the Surface was just a little late to the game. Whatever is causing the lag behind in Surface Pro’s success, now it has something else to worry about: Competition. Acer has unveiled its Aspire P3, a convertible tablet that runs Windows 8. How do the two compare? Let’s find out.

 

Surface Pro

Microsoft-Surface-Pro
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Acer Aspire P3

AspireP3
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Starting Price
 $900 $800
OS Windows 8 Windows 8
Processor Dual-core 1.7GHz Intel Core i5
 Dual-core 1.4GHz Intel Core i3 or i5
RAM 4GB 2GB or 4GB
Display 10.6-inch LCD 11.6-inch LCD
Resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels 1366 x 768 pixels
Dimensions (WxDxH) 10.81 x 6.81 x 0.53 inches 11.63 x 7.5 x 0.39 inches
Weight 32 oz 28 oz
Graphics Intel HD 4000 Intel HD 4000
Bluetooth Yes, 4.0 Yes, 4.0
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n 802.11 b/g/n
Camera Front: 1.2MP, Rear: 1.2MP Front: 1.2MP, Rear: 5MP
USB 3.0 Yes Yes
Video capabilities 720p recording 720p recording
Internal storage 64GB/128GB 60GB/120GB
SD card slot Yes Yes
Max. battery life 5 hours 6 hours
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It’s honestly kind of difficult to make a call on these devices based solely off the information on the spec sheet. They are very similar in a lot of ways. Only time (and a full review of the device) will tell if the Aspire P3 runs in to the same issues that Microsoft’s Surface Pro was stifled by. If you’re looking to save a couple bucks and are willing to make the step down to what appears to be a budget option in the Windows 8 tablet market, the Acer will probably suit you just fine. Then again, a small step up in price will net you a little boost in specs on the Surface Pro. Sturdiness, functionality, and performance are likely what will set these devices apart, but the numbers really don’t. We’ll know more about the P3 in the coming weeks.

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AJ Dellinger
AJ Dellinger
Contributor
AJ Dellinger is a freelance reporter from Madison, Wisconsin with an affinity for all things tech. He has been published by…
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