eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.
Acer has introduced new Chromebook models designed for business and classrooms, including the Chromebook 11 C732 laptop and the new Chromebox CXI3 desktop. Acer also introduced a new Chromebook Spin 11 hybrid model with a multi-position 360-degree hinge.
The latest machines, which support Google Play and other Google services, were unveiled Jan. 23 by Acer at the Bett 2018 education technology show in London.
The Acer Chromebook 11 C732 models, which will start $299.99 for touch models and $279.99 for non-touch models when they go on sale in March in the U.S., can be configured with Intel Celeron dual-core N3350 processors or Intel Celeron quad-core N3450 processors and 11.6-inch IPS touch-screen or non-touch-screen displays with 1366×768 HD resolution. Also available is 4G LTE connectivity.
The Chromebook 11 C732 also includes an HD web cam, as well as estimated battery life of up to 12 hours on a charge. Two USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 1 ports are built in, as well as two USB 3.0 ports, a microSD card reader and Bluetooth 4.2 and 2×2 MIMO 802.11ac WiFi connectivity.
The machine is built to withstand hard use and meets MIL-STD 810G and IP41 standards for protection against impacts, dirt, dust and water intrusion. It is 11.88 inches wide, 8.23 inches deep, 0.84 inches high and weighs 2.78 pounds.
Acer Chromebook Spin 11
The Chromebook Spin 11 laptop includes a 360-degree rear hinge that allows it to be positioned and used in a wide range of positions, including as a laptop, in tent mode or as a tablet. Prices will start at $349 when several models of the Spin 11 go on sale in the U.S. in April.
The Chromebook Spin 11 features an 11.6-inch HD IPS2 touch-screen display with 1366×768 resolution that can be used with an optional Wacom stylus to give users the capability of “writing” on the display as if they were using a pen and paper.
The machines can be configured with Intel Pentium quad-core N4200 processors, Intel Celeron quad-core N3450 processors or with Intel Celeron dual-core N3350 processors, as well as with 4GB or 8GB ofLPDDR4 memory and 32GB or 64GB of onboard eMMC storage.
Like its Chromebook 11 C732 brethren, the Chromebook Spin 11 includes an HD web cam, as well as estimated battery life of up to 12 hours on a charge. Two USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 1 ports are built in, as well as two USB 3.0 ports, a microSD card reader, and Bluetooth 4.2 and 2×2 MIMO 802.11ac Wi-Fi connectivity.
The machines come with an HD web cam above the keyboard and can be configured with a second optional web cam for use in tablet mode. The Spin 11 is 11.65 inches wide, 8.11 inches deep and 0.78 inches tall.
Acer Chromebox CXI3
Design for education and commercial customers, the latest compact Chromebox desktop model can be configured with various Intel processor models up to the 8th generation Intel Core processors.
It will also be equipped with one USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 1 port, five USB Type-A ports supporting USB 3.1 and USB 2.0 depending on model, one HDMI port, one Gigabit Ethernet port, and a microSD card reader. Also included is 2×2 MIMO 802.11ac Wi-Fi wireless and Bluetooth 4.2.
Acer hasn’t announced pricing and availability for the new Chromebox desktop.