As Windows 8 Release Nears, Price And Specs Revealed For Two Acer Touch-Enabled Laptops

As hype builds for Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 8 release, the Internet has been buzzing about “convertible” laptops, which are hybrid computers that feature qualities of both tablets and clamshell laptops. However, one manufacturer has decided to take a more traditional route when it comes to creating new PCs for Windows 8.

Acer will be launching two laptops with touchscreen displays following Windows 8 debut, and the company revealed more information about these forthcoming devices on Thursday.

Aspire M5 Ultrabook

The Aspire M5 ultrabook comes equipped with a 14-inch 1366 x 768 display, a dual core 1.7GHz Core i5 processor, 6GB of RAM, a DVD drive, and a 20GB SD 500GB hard drive combo, according to BGR.

Acer will also be offering a non-touch version of this laptop, and the Aspire M5 will feature a backlit keyboard and a top casing made of aluminum alloy. The manufacturer estimates that its M5, weighting in at 4.6 pounds and 0.81 inches in thickness, will boast up to eight hours of battery life.

The Aspire M5 will be sold exclusively at Best Buy beginning Oct. 26, starting at $699/99 for a 15.6-inch and $799.99 for a 14-inch model.

Aspire V5 Laptop

With the V5, users get a choice of either 11.6-inch, 14-inch or 15.6-inch models with a screen resolution of 1366 x 768. A primary difference that distinguishes the V5 from the M5 is its lack of aluminum construction and its thicker design. Both computers, however, will support up to 10-finger multitouch on their respective displays.

Each V5 notebook will run on Windows 8 and feature an Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 processor with Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, 500 Gb or 750GB hard drives, Intel HD graphics 4000, and USB 3.0 ports. It’s also worth noting that the 14-inch and 15-inch notebook will come with a DVD drive. While they may be heavier than Acer’s other Windows 8 option, users can expect impressive performance from this three- to five-pound device.

The Aspire V5 will also hit retailers on Oct. 26, and pricing begins at $449.99 for the 11.6-inch variant, $749 for the 14-inch with touch, $499 for the 15-inch without touch and $699.99 for the 15-inch with touch.

This is just another indication that retailers and manufacturers are getting ready for Microsoft’s Windows 8 release. On Wednesday, Amazon posted its first product pages for the Windows 8 software bundles, although the online shopping website did not specify a price. Over the weekend the Home Shopping Network posted a selection of Gateway and Acer PCs without gaining Microsoft’s approval.