All-in-One PC with Touchpad: Exploring the Acer Aspire S32's Modular Design

Colburn_Ngai · August 2023

Taking a modular approach to PC design, the Acer Aspire S32 all-in-one PC offers a fresh experience that reinterprets how you can interact with your workspace. While great for families and home offices because they eliminate multiple wires and declutter desks, most all-in-one PCs have become progressively predictable in their design over time. The Acer Aspire S32 all-in-one PC seeks to change this and think outside the box—or screen if you will—and bring a unique level of flexibility and functionality to the market for a truly customizable and enjoyable computing experience. Here are some broad specs:

32-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) IPS Display, 75Hz
13th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor with Intel Arc graphics
32 GB DDR4 RAM
1 TB M.2 SSD
Detachable touchpad with active stylus
Swappable 1440p QHD ring-light webcam
Swappable monitor light bar
USB Type-C (3.2 Gen 2), HDMI 2.0, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.0, SD card slot

The Touchpad (and the Art of Sitting Comfortably)

The first thing to catch your attention is the detachable and surprisingly ample touchpad, which is sleek and responsive to the touch. It’s made from ocean bound recycled plastic and is a nice quality-of-life enhancement for those who use their devices at home for tasks such as digital art. But even if you don’t, being able to browse and work while sitting comfortably in your chair—and not needing to reach for a mouse—is a nice experience.

There’s even a handy button that opens the on-screen keyboard if you are sitting comfortably and really don’t want to get up from your chair to type. The other touchpad controls are a mute button and sliders for volume and brightness. When not in use, the touchpad is magnetically secured in the docked position, where it charges. However, there’s also a USB-C port that supports charging while in use for those who really, really like sitting comfortably in their chairs.

Swappable Webcams and Custom Lighting

Earlier we mentioned how the Aspire S32 all-in-one PC embraces a modular design. This is evident by straying from the conventional built-in webcam and instead utilizing a magnetic attachment at the top of the monitor, allowing for easy connection to a range of options: a 1080p webcam, a 1440p webcam with ring light, or a monitor light bar.

The ring light—featuring three adjustable brightness settings—can be easily controlled with simple touch gestures to adjust lighting during video calls. Additionally, the monitor light bar provides the same adjustable brightness—but with the choice between white light, yellow light, or even a blend of both—whatever suits your preference. It’s a clever way to save space by eliminating the need for a desk lamp.

Personalized Webcam Features

A noteworthy feature of the swappable webcams is Acer EyeSense, which utilizes facial recognition to implement a range of quality-of-life improvements. Among these is peeker detection, an alert system that notifies you when prying eyes attempt to sneak a glimpse from behind. There’s also an auto-lock screen feature that conserves power by intelligently adjusting screen brightness based on your presence, ensuring optimal balance between energy efficiency and visual comfort. All in all, this set of features offers up a more personalized experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

The Sights and Sound

Images are crisp, and colors shine bright on the Aspire S32 all-in-one PC’s 32-inch WQHD (2560 x 1440) display, providing an enjoyable and visually pleasing experience. The screen is thin and space-saving with slim bezels. It also tilts vertically—which complements the detachable touchpad—better accommodating those who prefer standing or changing positions during extended work or browsing sessions. Additionally, the Aspire S32 all-in-one PC delivers a surprisingly strong and immersive audio experience, thanks to DTS® audio support for its dual speakers and subwoofer, further enhancing overall multimedia enjoyment.

Ports and Connectivity

The rear and side panels of the base stand provide a multitude of connectivity options, ensuring seamless integration with various devices. Notably, it features HDMI input and output ports, allowing you to easily connect to a second display if needed. Additionally, the built-in SD card slot offers convenient access for transferring and storing files, making it particularly useful for photographers and videographers who want to directly import their media from cameras. Overall, the Aspire S32 all-in-one PC excels in providing a solid range of connectivity options that truly enhance the computing experience.

In Conclusion

Catering to users seeking a more flexible and convenient workstation experience, the Acer Aspire S32 all-in-one PC offers a refreshing and innovative approach to computing. While it may not be for everyone, its modular design and detachable touchpad reimagines how we interact with a workstation—providing a customizable setup tailored to individual preferences. Whether you're a creative professional or a home user seeking a more personalized and enjoyable computing experience, the Acer Aspire S32 all-in-one PC stands out as a reliable and feature-packed option for all that you aspire to do.