Acer Launches 8th Gen Core Chromebox, 4G LTE Chromebook 11 And Chromebook Spin 11 2-in-1
Acer has students and educators in its sights with the introduction of two new Chromebook models, including the Chromebook 11 and Chromebook 11 Spin, and a Chromebox mini PC. All three are primarily aimed at the education segment, a place where Chrome OS and, by extension, Chromebooks have thrived due to their relatively low cost and cloud capabilities.
The Chromebook Spin 11 leads the pack. It is a 2-in-1 device that is similar to Google's PixelBook, in that it offers USB-C connectivity by way of two USB 3.1 Type-C ports, and comes with a stylus. However, it has a much lower starting price at $349 (PixelBooks start at $999) to reflect the lower end hardware inside—like other recent Chromebooks that have emerged, the Chromebook Spin 11 leverages Intel's Apollo Lake Pentium and Celeron processor options, including the dual-core Celerong N3350, quad-core Celeron N3450, and quad-core Pentium N4200.
Other specs include 4GB or 8GB of LPDDR4 RAM, 32GB or 64GB of eMMC storage, 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 wireless connectivity, and a microSD card reader.
As the model name suggests, the Chromebook Spin 11 is an 11.6-inch laptop. It has an IPS panel with a 1366x768 resolution and multi-touch support, and hinges that allow it to fold back onto itself to use as a tablet.
For users who want a more rugged solution, Acer's Chromebook 11 C732 is IP41-rated to protect against object and water intrusion, drop tested up to 48 inches (122 cm, has a spill-resistant keyboard that can withstand up to 330 ml of liquid, and is compliant with the MIL-STD 810G specs.
"Acer has been known for providing incredibly durable Chromebooks that exceed the expectations of our education customers for investment protection and performance," said James Lin, General Manager, Commercial & Detachable Notebooks, IT Products Business at Acer. "The new Acer Chromebook 11 C732 delivers durability features typically found in much more expensive and specialized products. This enables schools to expand learning to more environments so students get even more out of their Chromebook."
Beyond the ruggedness, the Chromebook 11 features a fanless design three display options—11.6-inch IPS with touch support, 11.6-inch without touch support, and 11.6-inch TN without touch support—and either an Intel Celeron N3350 or N3450 processor. It also features two USB 3.1 Type-C ports, two USB 3.0 ports, a microSD card reader, and 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity. Some models will also come with 4G LTE support.
The Chromebook 11 will be available in March starting at $280.
Last but certainly not least is Acer's new Chromebox CX13. It's essentially a mini PC built around Chrome OS, and a powerful one at that with up to 8th Gen Intel Core processor options.
Connectivity is key here, with the Chromebox offering up a myriad of options, including a USB 3.1 Type-C port, five USB Type-A ports supporting USB 3.1 and USB 2.0 depending on the model, a gigabit Ethernet port for wired connections, and HDMI output. And for wireless connectivity, it offers 2x2 MIMO 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2.
Acer sees the Chromebox being useful in a computer lab at school. It will support Google Play at launch, allowing students to access millions of Android apps, along with everything else that can be done on Chrome OS.
There is no information on pricing or availability just yet.
The Chromebook Spin 11 leads the pack. It is a 2-in-1 device that is similar to Google's PixelBook, in that it offers USB-C connectivity by way of two USB 3.1 Type-C ports, and comes with a stylus. However, it has a much lower starting price at $349 (PixelBooks start at $999) to reflect the lower end hardware inside—like other recent Chromebooks that have emerged, the Chromebook Spin 11 leverages Intel's Apollo Lake Pentium and Celeron processor options, including the dual-core Celerong N3350, quad-core Celeron N3450, and quad-core Pentium N4200.
Other specs include 4GB or 8GB of LPDDR4 RAM, 32GB or 64GB of eMMC storage, 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 wireless connectivity, and a microSD card reader.
As the model name suggests, the Chromebook Spin 11 is an 11.6-inch laptop. It has an IPS panel with a 1366x768 resolution and multi-touch support, and hinges that allow it to fold back onto itself to use as a tablet.
For users who want a more rugged solution, Acer's Chromebook 11 C732 is IP41-rated to protect against object and water intrusion, drop tested up to 48 inches (122 cm, has a spill-resistant keyboard that can withstand up to 330 ml of liquid, and is compliant with the MIL-STD 810G specs.
"Acer has been known for providing incredibly durable Chromebooks that exceed the expectations of our education customers for investment protection and performance," said James Lin, General Manager, Commercial & Detachable Notebooks, IT Products Business at Acer. "The new Acer Chromebook 11 C732 delivers durability features typically found in much more expensive and specialized products. This enables schools to expand learning to more environments so students get even more out of their Chromebook."
Beyond the ruggedness, the Chromebook 11 features a fanless design three display options—11.6-inch IPS with touch support, 11.6-inch without touch support, and 11.6-inch TN without touch support—and either an Intel Celeron N3350 or N3450 processor. It also features two USB 3.1 Type-C ports, two USB 3.0 ports, a microSD card reader, and 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity. Some models will also come with 4G LTE support.
The Chromebook 11 will be available in March starting at $280.
Last but certainly not least is Acer's new Chromebox CX13. It's essentially a mini PC built around Chrome OS, and a powerful one at that with up to 8th Gen Intel Core processor options.
Connectivity is key here, with the Chromebox offering up a myriad of options, including a USB 3.1 Type-C port, five USB Type-A ports supporting USB 3.1 and USB 2.0 depending on the model, a gigabit Ethernet port for wired connections, and HDMI output. And for wireless connectivity, it offers 2x2 MIMO 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2.
Acer sees the Chromebox being useful in a computer lab at school. It will support Google Play at launch, allowing students to access millions of Android apps, along with everything else that can be done on Chrome OS.
There is no information on pricing or availability just yet.
