Acer announces Windows 10 back-to-school computers

Microsoft's Windows 10 launches tomorrow, so naturally it is the topic du jour. Chatter about the operating system will likely dominate the tech news for many days and weeks after too. You know what? Good. It is a damn good operating system -- the best version of Windows ever -- and it deserves the attention.

While Windows 10 is a free upgrade for many Windows 7 and 8.x users, many others are still on XP and Vista machines. Rather than pay for a Windows 10 license, you should probably buy a new computer instead. I understand the economy is still bad, but new machines are surprisingly affordable. Today, one of my favorite value-focused manufacturers, Acer, announces a new line of Windows 10 computers. While the focus is on "back-to-school", these machines are great for non-students too. The best part? You can buy some of them starting tomorrow.

"E Series are offered in several sizes, with either 15.6-inch or 17.3-inch displays, and in a variety of colors. They feature the latest Intel processors, NVIDIA GeForce 940M series graphics with dedicated DDR3 VRAM, up to 16GB RAM and 2TB HDD/1TB SSD storage options. MU-MIMO technology delivers up to 3x faster performance when connected to an 802.11ac based router. In addition, a new BluelightShield feature lessens eye strain by reducing blue light emission from the screen", says Acer.

 

The company shares the following 15 inch E-series configurations and prices. Unfortunately, the promised 17.3 inch models do not have availability or pricing yet.

• E5-573-58FN – 15.6-inch display, 5th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-5200U processor, 8GB memory, 500GB hard drive, DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer Drive ($499^.99)
• E5-573-52US – 15.6-inch display, 5^th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-5200U processor, 8G memory, 1TB  hard drive, DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer Drive ($549^.99)
• E5-573T-5935 –15.6-inch touchscreen display, 5th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-5200U Processor, 8GB memory, 1TB  hard drive, DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer Drive ($599^.99)
• E5-573-395Q – 15.6-inch display, 5^th Generation Intel® Core™ i3-5015U processor, 4G memory, 500GB  h/d, DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer Drive ($449^.99)
• E5-573G-5698 – 15.6-inch display, 5^th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-5200U processor, NVIDIA® GeForce® 940M with 2 GB of DDR3 VRAM, 8G memory, 1TB  hard drive ($599^.99)
• E5-573G-56RG –15.6-inch display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, 5^th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-5200U processor, NVIDIA® GeForce® 940M with 4 GB of DDR3 VRAM, 8GB memory, 1TB hard drive ($649^.99)

OK, but what if you don't want a traditional laptop? No worries. Acer has Windows 10 all-in-one desktops and convertibles planned as well. Unfortunately, these machines will not be available for purchase until later in August. Acer share the details below.

• Switch 10 E 2-in-1 notebook – The new Acer Switch 10 E provides the ultimate in flexibility since it transforms quickly and easily between four usage modes (tablet, notebook, display and tent).

• R 13 Series Convertible Notebooks – Less than 1 inch thin, these lightweight notebooks incorporate the inventive Acer Ezel Aero hinge that allows the 13.3-inch screen to rotate 180-degrees, so it can be used in six different modes (Notebook, Display, Tent, Pad, Ezel and Stand).

• R 11 Series Convertible Notebooks – With an 11.6 inch display, the R 11 convertible is compact enough to take anywhere – it fits easily in a purse or backpack, and is an ideal size for using on the road and in crowded spaces. With four distinct modes to choose from (Notebook, Display, Tent or Pad), it provides the flexibility to use it comfortably anywhere.

• Aspire Z3 All-in-One desktop – The Acer Aspire Z3-710 AIO features 10-point multi-touch and a 23.8-inch full HD (1920x1080) LED backlit display in a slim 1.4-inch chassis. Stereo speakers with Acer True Harmony and Dolby Digital Plus™ Home Theater® provide powerful audio, while built-in digital microphones can sense the location of voices to ensure they are heard clearly even with significant ambient noise. It offers comfortable viewing via an adjustable screen that tilts from -5 to 25 degrees.

 

What I am really excited about, however, is Acer's Cloudbooks. These are really inexpensive Windows 10 laptops aimed to compete with Google's Chromebooks. The company promises that an 11 inch model will start at $169, which is a really attractive price. I expect both home users and schools to be interested in purchasing. Heck, if the keyboard is good, I'd love to buy one for light use. Unfortunately, availability is not yet known -- Acer promises to share more at a later date.

So, will you purchase an E5 tomorrow? If so, all configurations look great -- the $449 model would be a great choice for both students and home users alike. With that said, if you are the student in your life is interested in light gaming, the models featuring the NVIDIA GeForce 940M would be an ideal choice instead.