Thanks for the research as this is quite interesting! It sure makes the Switch Alpha look appealing
The battery life is the biggest downsize to the Acer. Its not quite as good as the SP4, but from the reviews I've read I believe part of it is that its display is brighter and if its turned down appropriately it gets closer. Its also a bit heavier due to the water cooled design.
Two things that are leaning me toward still going Microsoft (regardless of price) are support and the image it conveys. There is virtually no forum activity anywhere on the Acer. Their own forum has some light discussion about it, but very light. That equally applies to the other higher end variants from HP, Dell, etc.. This forum is a great asset for the Surface. Also, part of the reason I've paid more for Apple over the years is the ability to go into an Apple store and get support... knowing that they made every part of the HW/SW. A big plus for the Surface on that front. The other thing is that I intend to use this at work, and I work for a large software company. I frequently teach classes or speak to groups; and also interact with our customers and executives. I think that using something like the Acer doesn't convey the image that having a Surface conveys... purely from a professional standpoint.
But give me an hour and I'll change my mind again!
If the new ones were in the Microsoft Store already, I'd have already impulse bought one. I've got several trips coming up to Asia Pacific and Latin America, so would really like to have the machine in hand to be the only thing I take with me!