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Acer Aspire Switch 10E (SW3-13-10MU) Notebook $199 at Dick Smith

500

I was at the Bourke Street Dick Smith just before and they had the Asus Aspire 10 E (SW3-13-10MU) model on clearance for $199.

Only in white at this store. I would imagine it's the same price at all other stores. Not the most amazing price, but if you're after a cheap tablet/laptop hybrid, this could do the trick.

They had 5 new and 2 floor stock from what I gathered at that particular store.

Specs

OS - Windows 8.1 (free upgrade to Windows 10)
Processor - Intel Atom Z3735F
RAM - 2G DDR3
Screen - 10.1" Touch
Storage - 64GB eMMC
Software - Office 365 Personal for one year

Dick smith product code: XC0319 - this does not include a HDD


Mod: Possible stock levels (7/12 12PM)

Store Quantity
Morley 4
Wollongong 1
Chermside 3
Hurstville 1
Dandenong 7
Springvale 1
Belconnen 4
St Marys 1
Bankstown Square 3
Bondi 1
Rouse Hill 3
Hobart 30
Tamworth 1
Liverpool 2
Perth 2
Townsville Castletown 1
Hornsby 2
Albury 6
Box Hill 6
Northland 5
Nunawading 11
Elizabeth City 7
Melbourne Bourke Street 8 Sold out
Tuggeranong 8
Warringah Mall 12
Glen Waverley 9

(Note: This is a partial list and may be inaccurate.)

Quick review

I got around to setting this baby up. So far it's running quite nicely and for the price I'm impressed with it. Some pros and cons:

Pros

  • The IPS panel is quite nice, this is going from a laptop with a crappy TN panel
  • It's not as light/small as the Asus T100, however still very small and portable
  • Contrary to other reviews, I think it's a sexy unit, especially in white
  • I haven't thrown a great deal at it, but it performs nicely and boots up quick so far (better than my HDD laptop)
  • 44Gb free, which for the purposes I need is more than enough, even if it doesn't come with the 500G HDD
  • The way the unit clicks/unclicks is really nice and it feel sturdy too in laptop mode

Cons

  • The keyboard can be a little cramped compared to a normal laptop (obviously, it's 10" only) but works OK
  • There was a lag I noticed while starting to write this mini review, but putting it down to things still going on in the background, like Windows 10 downloading and other updates
  • Not a fan of the way the trackpad clicks, but can't expect much for this price

Over all I can't complain (so far) given the $199 price. Seriously loving the screen which is heaps better than the laptop I was using. It's small, portable, performance is alright, can't ask for more given the price.

Related Stores

Dick Smith / Kogan
Dick Smith / Kogan
Marketplace

closed Comments

  • Is this better than Asus T100?

    • +2

      this Acer, lcd 1280x800, Asus T100, 1366x768, guess which is better!

      • Yeah, I think next one better get a 16:10 windows tablet.

    • The T100 is the same price at 199, if you can find any.

      Spotted 2 on display at DJ Glen Waverley on Monday.

      Didn't pick up as can't justify it after getting an Acer Iconia Tab 8W for 48 earlier.

    • Similar , Asus normally has a better build . However , Asus T100 has never been this cheap . The close one was 299 USD for a T100 64GB model

      • +1

        I think mine cost me $440 years ago, a bit slow after upgraded to Win10.

      • I have an Acer w510 and Asus tf810c which are both first get Windows convertibles. I have to say as expected the build if the Asus is much better (although it's a more premium laptop and was initially a lot more expensive). The w510 had a couple of issues:

        -No two finger scrolling or other gestures on the trackpad
        -Eventually the screen got loose and sometimes when the table is bumped it disconnects momentarily from the keyboard, a problem if you are using G the keyboard usb for connecting drives
        -the touch screen eventually had a problem where half the screen didn't respond

        The first issue is as designed, I sent it back about the second two issues but they only fixed the screen, which suggests they can't do anything about the wobbly key oars connection. Not sure if they have fixed these issues for this model but it's worth knowing they existed for the previous one. The Asus suffers from none of this.

    • The T100 has had some bad reviews (but may be a particular model, not sure): http://www.cnet.com/au/products/asus-transformer-book-t100/u…

  • my friend was looking for this two days ago, and that was 299 at local DS. tks

  • are the ex display ones any cheaper?

    • +1

      Not sure. At first the salesperson thought the display ones were all that was left, but after checking the stock, there were 7 new ones. So I didn't ask, but I assume as per the other sale items they had, the price for floor stock is the same as brand new.

      • 7??? Not enough for a deal!
        JK. For $200, this would be great for watching movies/shows on long trips/flights, given the good battery life.

  • Thanks cnut. Wonder if these magically got put back into stock after being put out the back for staff.

  • Is there a 500 GB dock comes with this model ? If yes , it is the same one as I brought 5 days ago for 249 at my local DS..

    • There's no drive in the dock from what I can tell. Is yours perhaps the original Aspire 10 from 2014?

      This one: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/images2500x2500/acer_nt_l…

      If so, yours is technically a better device. Higher res screen. 500G hard drive (on top of solid state), etc.

      EDIT: I can't tell for certain but this says:

      Acer Aspire Switch 10 E will go on sale from May 1st in Malaysia; the 32GB model that comes bundled with the 500GB keyboard dock is priced at RM1,399, while the 64GB variant (with a thinner HDD-less keyboard) goes for RM1,099.

      Perhaps the 32G SSD version comes with the 500G drive in the keyboard whilst the 64G doesn't.

  • +1

    I own an older 32Gb version this tablet/transformer for almost a year.
    Ordered from US, paid around A$280.
    For $199 it's a great buy!

  • Does it definitely have the 500gb - or need to check the model no?

    • +1

      Nah I don't think this one has 500G. From what I can tell by reading online, the 32G model has 500G but the 64G model doesn't.

      This is what I gather from this site and what I posted above. http://www.techattack.my/acer-aspire-switch-10-e-malaysian-l…

      the 32GB model that comes bundled with the 500GB keyboard dock is priced at RM1,399, while the 64GB variant (with a thinner HDD-less keyboard) goes for RM1,099.

      64G is probably enough for most intents and purposes. Can always upgrade with a low profile USB drive later.

      • +1

        The SW5 is the one with 500GB…
        The SW3 does not have a HDD just 64GB

    • power it on and check if you can find a 500 GB D drive.

      • +2

        Can confirm, it's the one without the 500Gb drive.

  • +1

    It is deals like this that make me spend too much time of my work day deciding if I have a need for one and how I can justify it to myself

    • +1

      me too - has anyone been and asked if it does have the 500gb? I'm only 5 mins from the store..

      Weird the Acer website doesn't show this as a current model.

      • Nope no HDD in this one, the one with the HDD has a slightly different model number but is still $399 (down from $499).

        The SW5s were $249 but not sure if anyone has stock left.

    • I am even tempted to visit the Cranbourne store again … last time I was there (a few days ago) staff wasn't very helpful at all … no mobile phones or tablets on special prices at all.

  • +3

    Hey folks - just an FYI for those that are looking for a new and cheap laptop. I have been on the lookout for a good laptop without the bells and whistles (as I only need the machine for editing docs, emails, web browsing and little movie watching) and I found one today - the Lenovo 100S http://www3.lenovo.com/au/en/laptops/ideapad/ideapad-100/ide…. Basically it looks great and it is very light. At Officeworks it is $249 and I got a price beat using HN ($247).

    The only problem that I have so far is that the touchpad does not support multi gestures (ie two finger swipe up etc).

    Anyway just a thought for anyone on this thread looking for a good laptop (albiet it is not heavily discounted).

    • How's the battery life? Looking for atleast 8-10 hours.

    • +2

      the Lenovo one is using the previous cpu and only comes with 32gb storage and the screen is not detactable from the keyboard.

      • +1

        Its not a touch screen either.

  • I bought the T100 yesterday in Queensland for $249, $199 I would go for a second unit!. I believe that $249 is a good price already. Is there anyway to check stokes of DS stores online? I experience some hostility from staff on DS stores when asking about stocks….

    • I was considering at T100 over this as they're the same price, but I read a bunch of less favourable reviews about it. :(

      http://www.cnet.com/au/products/asus-transformer-book-t100/u…

      • Yes, reviews on the internet are often biased to the bad side. I read some of the reviews in your link, and maybe they are talking about a different model, mine has front view camera and the battery life seems ok.
        Let's see how it goes.
        I wanted the Acer SW5 that was on sale for the same price, but I could not find any anywhere near Brisbane, even in stores that show that have stock (I wonder Why?)

  • are these a good alternative to a chromebook? Seems better with Windows 10 etc.

  • this really show how overpriced Microsoft surface 3 is !!

    • I do think that the surface 3 is overpriced but not compared to this. It does have a higher resolution screen and other features.

      Really you can't compare a dick smith fire sale price to other retailers who are selling these low resolution screen windows tablets for between 400 to 500.

      Its quite sad that you can't get a windows tablet with a higher screen resolution for under 500 but you can buy and android or ipad for under 500 with a great screen resolution.

      • http://www.geekbuying.com/item/Teclast-X16-Pro-Dual-OS-Windo…

        Teclast X16 PRO FHD screen, Intel Cherry Trail T4-Z8500 64bit USD280(AUD340)

        I own the Teclast X98 Pro and X98 Air 3G, they both are great device for their price.

        • I think the chinese tablets are ok for someone who has some spare cash and is willing to take a chance that it might be a dud. But if your on a tight budget and are unsure of the warranty process than I don't think the chinese tablet is the way to go. From what I've read online its a real mixed bag as to what you'll end up getting. Plus I would prefer to have a good look at the screen and form factor before taking the plunge.

          My original comment was Australia specific anyway. There are Australian ipads and android tablets below 500 dollars with good screens but it doesn't exist for windows tablets in Australia which is a shame.

        • does the telclast has glass screen? or flexi plastic like Chuwi?

  • Can someone who purchased one of these post the receipt please?
    :-)

    • +1

      pm me your email address and I would be happy to forward you a copy of mine.

      • I'd like one too please

  • I don't need this but I am sure I will find a use for it. Just bought the last one from Bourke St
    There is the display model but it is pretty hammered looking

    • He also mentioned they had sold 4 in the last hour!

      • damn :( was going to head there after work.

  • well done camoqs was thinking about it but wifey will kill me….

  • +1

    Can't be bothered starting a new deal but DS have a promotion starting tomorrow and ending 15th December. You receive $200 of iTunes gift cards when you spend over $1000 on Apple branded products. In store or online. Limit of one redemption per customer.

    http://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/39370/35517/image.jpeg

  • I'm always impressed when a poster puts the effort in listing stock levels.

  • +1

    I don't usually like to post my opinion online about tech stuff because it usually varies from one user to another but I own the Acer Iconia W7 and this site has been good to me lately so I think this might be useful. (The W7 is the previous model to the aspire 10 if I am not mistaken)

    I was looking to buy the Aspire 10 this time last year and that's when I saw the W7 at DSE. Though the W7 is older, the specs on it are way better than the Aspire 10 in many ways.

    Pros for the Iconia W7 compared to the (Aspire 10)
    USB 3 on the side (No USB on the device itself)
    11.5 inch IPS display (10.1 IPS D)
    Resolution of 1920 by 1080 (1366x768)
    4 GB Ram (2GB)
    128GB internal memory (32GB or 64GB)
    fan ventilation is better. (not sure if it has one)
    5MP cam (2.5mp)
    Comes with a very handy doc with 3 usb 3.0 ports Check it out if you are planning on using it at home or in an office. (10E has keyboard with 1 usb port and storage instead)

    The upside to the Aspire 10 is the keyboard. It makes it feel like a laptop (a tiny one). It also has storage it in as I mentioned earlier. The downside though is connectivity. There is only 1 USB port & it is on the Keyboard. Not the device itself which I find useless tbh because if those are made for productivity, they should have 1 USB port at least.
    my friends has the W7 and he bought the Acer Keyboard & cover for it. I chose to go for the Window foldable keyboard instead which is easier to carry in my bag in my opinion, it's splash proof and it works with IOS, Android and Windows

    Although I am happy I opted for the W7 over the 10E, I must admit I had to send it away to Acer 3 times so far. (I must say they service isn't great either) The battery died, the screen bubbled up and the CPU, Ram and wifi card were under performing by 60% on battery. (Google the model + issues. plenty of users reported these issues and I had them all in my tablet)
    For uni work, travel and quick browsing, the tablet is decent. As the main device for use, I would never recommend either of them. The screens are too small (smaller on the Aspire 10). It truly makes it hard to use the on screen keyboard. So.. they aren't really the best for what they're made for.

    You can compare the two for yourself if you want.
    Aspire 10
    http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/review/windows-tablets/acer-aspir…
    Iconia W7
    http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/review/windows-tablets/acer-w700-…

    I hope this helps

    • +1

      Aspire Switch 10 has two USB ports - micro USB on the tablet (OTG) and full size USB in the keyboard.

      • I find micro usb impractical for daily usage tbh. it's like I have to carry more cable on me lol.
        I should have mentioned that though. My bad.

    • I'm not sure comparing a $999 device to a $399 device is really valid?

      • I honestly bought it for $430 from DSE. I even got 2 years warranty on top.

        • Then you are still comparing a $430 machine to a $199 one? But yes, I get your point about a better spec. But you get what you pay for.

  • Does anyone know if the Acer Aspire Switch 10E supports the Intel Virtualization Extensions (ie. VT-x)?

    Could someone with this unit check the BIOS to see if the extension is enabled?

    Whilst it is supported by Baytrail CPU some manufacturers disable the VT-x extension in bios and also remove any ability to allow it to be turned back on.

    I have a HP Pavilion X2 that has the VT-x extension disabled and no way to turn it back on which stops me from running AMIDUOS.

    • There is such option in BIOS on Aspire Switch 10.

      • oops, I meant "there is NO such option"

  • How do you get the stock in the stores?

    • Unless I misunderstood your question just go to the store and ask for the product. The stores with one or two might be out of stock given the stock was from this morning.

      • I probably worded the question wrong.
        My question is actually, is there any way to check the stock without going to the stores?
        OP put a table with the stock available and I am wondering if I can see if I can find some other things of my interest.
        Thanks!

        • +1

          call your local store and ask them to check the stock level for you

        • Generally if it is available for Click and Collect it is in stock. Note that the stock levels are only updated overnight, so it isn't live.

          Although I have had one experience where it wasn't in stock, but they got the items in anyway.

  • +1

    Thanks picked one up from Logan central DSE. Nice sales guy and very helpful. Bought it for my 10y.o BYOD next year. At least if it gets dropped or keypad gets stepped on it won't be too painful. Thank you! very happy and so cheap. He's using it purely for school, research, presentation and word processing only.

  • Not worth that money.

    Compare to Mi Pad 2
    much lighter and slim design similar to Ipad Air
    Intel X5 Z8500
    2G RAM
    64G eMMC
    2048*1536/ 8 inch screen

    only about AUD $280

    You can choose windows 10 version or android version (or flash the ROM yourself)

    • The issue here is warranty….

      While i agree the Mi Pad is a better buy given it has Cherry Trail and higher res and is the "latest tech", the Acer has local warranty and a host of other benefits imo.

      The 64GB version Mi Pad is also more than $280 AUD… the 16GB version is @ $280 Presale price (Once factoring USD to AUD conversion)

      Also.. the Mi Pad doesn't come with a detachable keyboard dock… and at $199 for the Acer (or if your a Woolies employee you get 7.5% off @ $189..)
      it's not much of an outlay for something that's complete!

      The Mi Pad is also smaller… I agree the form factor is good, but 10.1" for me is the "right" size! I also have an 8" Pendo Win 8.1 (Windows 10 updated)
      and 8" is just a tad too small.

      I purchased the Acer switch this morning… It's a solid little unit and I like the feel of it in the hand. It's certainly not ultra light with the keyboard
      attached but the hinge is sweet! I really wanted the 2 in 1 thing.. not having a keyboard/Trackpad at times was truly frustrating with the 8" Pendo
      even though the touchscreen was fairly responsive, the keyboard popping up takes up a fair bit of space while still being usable and I just found myself
      wanting the ability to type and use a mousepad often!

      I looked at some of the newer Chuwi Cherry Trail based tablets but warranty is the issue here for me… I did want to go the 64GB with 4GB ram version,
      but most of the review units I've seen on Youtube and sites like techtablets have stated many are coming with a 32bit UEFI and no ability to install
      64bit Windows and 2.98GB usable ram which negates the premium price paid… Might as well spend the money on a Core M based unit instead!

      • yes, agree……warranty is the issue.

        Also I am highly suspect the quality of Chiwei and Teclast
        In these Chinese brands, I would say Lenova and Mi are better quality

        For your purpose with keyboard, I think it's a good choice to pickup Acer.

        I more looking for a win pad I can stay on the bed with all the windows applications.
        Hate go to the study, tune on computer…..especially during the winter…..

        Hows ur pendo goes?

        • The Pendo isnt bad… it was dirt cheap so essentially a throwaway item really!

          While it is smaller than the Acer and has only 1Gb ram it is surprisingly good for travel use and media consumption (The eMMC is 16GB.. 3.2GB free atm)
          I took it to Indonesia in a backpack, with the Pendo and my clothes for 9 days the backpack was 5.7kilo.. Carry on was 7.0kg limit. In that regard it's handy….

          It's not as fast as it was with Windows 8.1 installed… but it still handles things okay! I just find it a tad too small now, at first I didn't think so but opinions
          change when you actually use something a bit and the issues make their way to the surface!

          I'm a bit like you with the usage, I don't want to go upstairs just to use a Windows device (My Windows desktop is in the study) and all my other devices
          are Apple (Macbook Pro 15" retina and iPad Mini 2 4G)… I need the one good portable Windows device! The Acer Switch seems "enough"…

          I grabbed the Pendo to dip my foot in the small portable form factor Windows pool.. it has served me well in that regard and will serve one of my kids
          for a little bit too if they want it… Worse case scenario for the Pendo's new lease on life is if I sit at the back of the TV and it can replace my Raspberry Pi with XBMC installed..

          I have a Xiaomi Phone already and I'm super impressed with it.. the Mi Pad will be well built! As for Teclast and Chuwi, they are considered better built than say
          Onda or Voyo but it can be hard to tell who is the OEM.. Voyo for example can be also rebadged… The Pendo is considered a Voyo A1 but with 1GB ram and smaller eMMC.

    • How can you compare two totally different devices?
      Mi Pad is a handheld tablet.
      Acer is a transformer, basically a small laptop.

      • Acer's selling point is u can take it off keyboard as a tablet.
        otherwise why not buy laptop

        • +1

          Another selling point is you can attach the keyboard and use as a laptop :)

  • mi pad isnt comparable. if i bought that i would just get an iPad. we already have iPads. its more comparable to surface pro or ipad pro..but not risking that price for a byod 19yo boy.

    its also a pain to fix surface pro screen.

    this will be sufficient for byod and nice n cheap since he already has ipad air for his go to gaming device.

    • Yes, Mi Pad is comparable to Ipad
      But Mi Pad 2 is intel based with Windows 10, it more close to Surface

  • +1

    Picked one up from Bankstown store, the guy working there said that I had to go online and purchase it there, then come in store. I told him, "No, it should be in store." He looked it up, then offered me other more expensive options. I told him to go search for it. He said whether I'd want it if he found it. I said "Yes, it's $199", damn hoarder lmao…

    • Brought one there too at 4.30pm today. Had no issue with check out. Lol

  • Thanks OP. Picked one up for $179.10 with 10% vip discount. Worth a try at that price point.

    • Where did you find stock?
      Thanks

      • +1

        Eastland, but seems to be available all over the place.

    • No worries. Hope you like it. I upgraded mine to Win 10 and it'a neat. Boots and runs well so far.

      I picked up a Mac too so now deciding which to use. The choice might be obvious to some (the Mac) but I'm really digging this small thing.

  • Was at the Chatswood store earlier inquiring about this laptop and was told its priced at $399 and that the clearance model was the older one! Just wondering if the price is nationwide or in particular stores only?

    • There's two models. I think the $399 is the one with the hard drive or something.

      You need to ask for SW3-013-10MU. From memory the other model has the 10MU different. I think maybe they said the price for the 178N model.

      Also both are the current models. The 10 E only came out in July this year or something.

      And yes it's nation wide. People have been getting them from various places. Hobart is hoarding heaps. I checked the system yeaterday out of curiosity and there were still 15 left.

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