One can argue that in today’s world of crossover and hybrid computers, the only thing that really separates a portable PC from a non-portable one is the battery. If it has one, then it’s a smartphone, phablet, tablet or a laptop; if it doesn’t, it’s some flavor of desktop PC.
At a company event in Taipei, that notion was destroyed when the new Acer PC Z3-700, an all-in-one that comes with a battery, was revealed.
The 17.3-inch, Windows 10 computer comes with either an Intel Pentium or Celeron processor, has up to 8GB of RAM and an HDD or an SSD for storage. Its multi-touch screen supports a stylus and has full HD (1,920×1,080 pixel) resolution. And if you’re on the go, the Z3-700’s battery will give you five hours of productivity.
A PC with a battery? Fine. But one look at the the Z3-700, and you’ll realize it looks exactly like a big tablet, except for the foldable kickstand on the back which makes it more practical for desk usage. So what’s the difference between an all-in-one with a battery and a tablet? Acer itself seems unsure; in its press release, the company says that the Z3-700 works like a “jumbo tablet” when flat.
This tablet-meets-all-in-one approach, we’d argue, is not without its upsides, as it allows Acer to worry a little less about making the thinnest tablet out there and instead offer a fairly powerful, portable device at a fair price.
Acer is no stranger to experimentation; take its Revo Build modular PC for example. While the Z3-700 is far less exciting, it’s just more proof that today, you don’t need a big plastic case under your desk to do serious work.
The Acer Aspire Z3-700 will be available in the EMEA region “by the end of the year” with pricing starting at €599 ($682).