Set to be released Spring 2012, the Acer S5 will be the premium version of the company's ultrabook line. Acer already has an ultrabook out on the market with their S3 model. When the S5 is released, it will be the thinnest ultrabook on the market. Reports from the 2012 CES is that this ultrabook only measured 15mm thick!!
Where do you put all the ports with a laptop so thin? The answer is Acer's "MagicFlip I/O Port" The Aspire S5 is Acer's first Ultrabook to feature a smartly designed MagicFlip I/O port panel concealed just below the hinge. This design feature enhances the overall slenderness and streamlined form of the S5. When needed, a press of the MagicFlip key opens the panel to reveal a selection of I/O ports: HDMI, USB 3.0 and 20 Gbps Thunderbolt.
The Magic I/O Port is truly innovative, but I'm concerned about it's practical everyday use. As the old adage goes, "the more moving parts, the more things to break". When you type on the keyboard with the ports open, will it hold up to the pressure? Acer claims that the pedestal will support up to 50 pounds of pressure so there's no real problems in that department. Also, if you are like me, you probably have USB devices connected to your laptop all the time. It may get a little cumbersome opening and closing that thing.
With a curved chassis in Onyx Black, The Aspire S5 cover is composed of magnesium-aluminum alloy. It gives users a sturdy feel and also maintain it's elegant appearance.
I really love the design and how everything is blacked out. From the keys to the cover, everything is black! This modern look is much different than most of the brushed metallic designs from other manufacturers. Comfort was another priority for Acer with the design of the S5. They gave this ultrabook a good feel when carrying is around and they made it comfortable to use as well. The airflow is actually drawn from the keyboard to the back. The heat is always flowing away from you.
There's not a lot of specs yet for the S5. We know that it will be powered by one of Intel's Ivy Bridge Processor Core i5 or Core i7. Acer's Green Instant On technology ensure speed along with energy saving characteristics so your battery can last several weeks on standby. Also, Acer Always Connect updates your current data even in sleep mode. Everytime you open up your laptop you will have the most current email, twitter messages, facebook streams, ect. Furthermore, Acer Always Connect can wake up the Aspire S5 from a remote device like a smartphone. Access to all documents, music, pictures and video files is fast and always available.
Yup, it has a Thunderbolt port. 20 times faster than USB 2.0 and twice as fast as USB 3.0. At 10 Gbps both up and down, Thunderbolt promises lighting fast speed with it's huge data pipe.
Overall, I would give the S5 a thumbs up. I love the design, the functionality, and performance. I'm pretty sure the price will be right around $1000. Acer has really come alive with their ultrabook line. Their CEO has announce an 10% increase in production of their ultrabook in 2012. He also claims that Acer has sold about 300,000 units of the Acer S3. That's pretty impressive in such a competitive market.
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