Acer Iconia W4 8-inch Bay Trail Windows 8.1 Tablet

Acer have just unveiled the Acer W4 (Acer Iconia W4-820), an 8-inch Windows 8.1 tablet that replaces the outgoing Acer W3 – which was the first 8-inch Windows 8 tablet.
It’s possible to order the Acer Iconia W4 here: http://www.amazon.com/Acer-Iconia-W4

(UPDATED: Prices have been cut to $219 since launch)

There are three main changes to this small Windows 8.1 tablet.
First of all it’s got a more powerful processor, since it’s now powered by the 1.8GHz Intel Atom of Intel’s new Bay Trail series, which gives this tablet a lag-free and snappy performance.

The second major change is an infinitely better display, which was were the old W3 failed the most unfortunately. But not any longer. Even though the resolution is the same at 12800 x 800, the display have employed Zero Air Gap technology that smacks the LCD and panels together snugly, which results in low reflection and glossiness. In addition the IPS have 178 degree viewing angles and better color reproduction.

Acer Iconia W4 with keyboard

A third major update is of course the just released Windows 8.1.
And in the case of this tablet, there is also Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 bundled in for free.

But there are more new specs under the hood of this Windows 8.1 tablet.
The rear camera have a 5MP resolution, while the front camera have a 2MP resolution, which is more than enough for a webcam. As for ports, there’s a micro-USB, micro-HDMI, and a microSD card slot for cheap and quick storage expansion.

The storage or model options are between the 32GB model for $329, and the 64GB model for $379.
The thickness of the Acer W4 is now at 0.42 inches, or 10.75mm, while the weight for this 8-inch tablet is 0.91 pounds or 415g. Which is down 82g from its predecessor.

And as the pictures so clearly give demonstrate, there’s accessories like keyboard, stylus, and a fresh looking origami cover like we have seen on the new Kindle Fire tablets released these days made to fit the Acer Iconia W4 too. The Acer Crunch Keyboard is a 5.3mm thick Bluetooth keyboard which fits neatly into the Crunch Cover. And the origami Crunch Cover works as a multi-position kickstand.