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

By AJ Dellinger May 3, 2013

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 Image used with permission by copyright holder	Acer Aspire P3 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.

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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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