I have chosen deliberately for Windows 8 and x86 (Atom). Windows 8, I personally find better than Android or IOS. It is worlds more versatile and kompatiblerer to external devices (printer, etc.). I have the option to install the browser of my choice, with full Flash support, and can do otherwise and be what I want without rooting it. We have an Xbox, several Windows phones and all the computers are switched to Win8. Thus, the Acer W510 fits very well into our IT landscape.
The impression after delivery was not as positive. The whole system was very slow. Disk utilization was often at 100% and the touch pad does not work optimally. The Firmewareupdate of Acer, which I have tried first, has it not changed much. Therefore, I have relaunched the system.
This has proven to be a challenge, because I wanted to install Windows 8 Pro (The W510 comes with no Pro version). This has cost me a whole evening. I was too wound up happy managed. For Nacharmer:
1. I have a Windows 8 Pro update license for 29,99 and 32-bit image from Microsoft worried (64bit is not supported by the processor, a WinXP license is required and I have a second XP 32bit machine (VM) from taken this step) ,
2. The Imgage then extract on a FAT32 USB flash drive (I have done with WinRAR, NTFS is not possible and therefore not the "Windows 7 USB / DVD Download Tool" from Microsoft)
3. make the USB stick bootable (cmd with admin rights, bootsect / nt60 d :)
4. Copy drivers from Acer to the stick
5. Create a new file called EI.cfg the sources folder with the following contents:
[EditionID]
Professional
[Channel]
Retail
[VL]
0
This step is necessary because the BIOS of Windows8 Key is deposited and this will not work when installing the Pro version. With this trick, you can enter the correct key after installation and activate.
6. Booting from a USB stick can be reached by pressing the F12 key after turning on. Possibly you have to turn on before this in the BIOS (F2).
7. During the installation process, neither the Tastaturdock including touchpad and the touchscreen works. An external USB mouse is therefore required. Fortunately, the W510 has two USB ports.
8. After the installation I immediately installed the driver package from Acer. For everything to work again.
The installation of Win 8 Pro has solved the speed problem. The touchpad still does not work satisfactorily. The recovery partition I have not deleted, but this is useful because thus over 10GB more storage available. Currently I have 32GB of free space available.
At software previously have Office2007, Visual Studio 2012 Express and various smaller programs (Notepad ++, MP3Tag etc.) installed. My old DOS games can be due to DOS box also play (directly over the network). Play Counter Strike is also possible. As a game machine but I will not use it. Everything goes fast enough, but you must remember that it is this is an Atom processor and therefore one should not have too high expectations.
What has struck me very positively, the W510 is absolutely silent. The battery life is very satisfactory. Overall, a great device. A star is available for the touchpad deduction. I particularly enjoyed the Versatile the device.
Update:
Now that I've worked for a long time extensively with the device, I would like to extend my review and report on my other experiences. I was affected by Touchpadproblem, I turned to the Acer service. Since I've done this for free via the website, it has taken accordingly until I could send in the keyboard. The perseverance paid off, because the touchpad was successfully repaired. Thus, I am very satisfied and have fun with your tablet. This also recognize our children, who are also welcome to use the tablet. Good that the tablet is multi-user capable.
On the last business trip I had the tablet, including dock there. During the train ride there have entertained me with music and a movie and I could work on a blueprint. The size, weight and endurance are ideal. During the service business I have researched it, made my notes and my remote connected to my office computer. The tablet is thus also used productively.
Overall, I am still convinced positively by this device and would recommend it to everyone.
