Skip to main content

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

WindowsTabletBanner
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

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.

Editors' Recommendations

AJ Dellinger
AJ Dellinger is a freelance reporter from Madison, Wisconsin with an affinity for all things tech. He has been published by…
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5, Surface Pro 9 heavily discounted today
The Surface Pro 9 in laptop mode on a table.

Microsoft's Surface devices are well known for their versatility and performance, but they command premium prices. That's why there's always high demand for Surface Laptop and Surface Pro deals, as who doesn't want to enjoy a discount when making a huge investment? If you're interested, Best Buy is offering the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 at $300 off, which brings its price down to $1,000 from $1,300, and the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 at $540 off, which lowers its price also to $1,000 from $1,540, ahead of the arrival of the consumer versions of the Surface Laptop 6 and Surface Pro 10. You need to push through with your transaction as soon as possible if either of these bargains caught your attention, as we're not sure how much time is remaining before they disappear.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 -- $1,000, was $1,300

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 is a traditional Windows 11 laptop that's powered by the 12th-generation Intel Core i5 Evo processor, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, and 8GB of RAM. It won't match up to the performance of the best laptops, but it's going to be more than enough to handle daily tasks for work or school. The laptop features a 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen with vibrant colors and sharp details, a battery that can last up to 18 hours on a single charge, and a 512GB SSD that provides ample storage space for your files. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 also comes with a 720p webcam and dual far-field Studio Mics for clear video calls.

Read more
The best MacBook to buy in 2024
Apple MacBook Pro 16 downward view showing keyboard and speaker.

Now that Apple has started outfitting its laptops with its M3 generation of chips, it's time to take another look at which is the best MacBook to buy in 2024. That’s not always easy, though, as buying the newest MacBook isn’t always the right decision. Apple has several tiers of performance, as well as various sizes, which can further complicate the matter.

What’s more, you can also still get M1 and M2 MacBooks, some from Apple’s own website and some from third-party retailers. But are they still worth your money? Our guide should help you decide.

Read more
9 best laptops of 2024: tested and reviewed
The MacBook Air on a white table.

To earn the crown as the best laptop in 2024, a device needs to have it all: gorgeous design, killer performance, a productive keyboard, long-lasting battery life, and much more.

Each of the laptops below has been vetted thoroughly by Digital Trends. Whether it's an affordable Chromebook or a top-of-the-line gaming laptop, they've all been subjected to real-world testing, as well as benchmark and battery tests, to collect enough data to objectively pit them against each other.

Read more