Acer has announced the world’s most powerful Google Chromebook, and a new 10-inch tablet running on the Chrome OS at its annual global press event.
The Chromebook Spin 13 convertible is the first Chrome OS-based laptop to feature the 8th-generation Intel Core i3 or i5 processors.
While Chromebooks aren’t known for their power, this machine is likely to appeal to those preoccupied with functionality, rather than users seeking a laptop for school and light use.
Designed to tackle Google’s own Pixelbook and the Samsung Chromebook Pro, it has a 10-hour battery life and a 2256 x 1504 13.5-inch IPS screen with a 3:2 aspect ratio. Those powerful processors will be backed up by up to 16GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.
With a 360-degree hinge, the laptop features an all-metal chassis and a Corning Gorilla Glass trackpad. Of course, it’ll also offer access to Android apps vianthe Google Play Store.
In terms of connectivity, there’s a pair of USB-C ports, microSD and USB-A compatibility, Bluetooth 4.2 and 2×2 MIMO 802.1ac Wi-Fi.
Related: Windows 10 S vs Chrome OS
Acer says it has been “designed with productivity in mind, it features more vertical display space to reduce the need for scrolling while editing documents.”
Next up is the Chromebook Tab 10, which is designed for use in schools and is compatible with Google’s Expeditions augmented reality technology.
Acer says students will be able to use the tech to, for example, conduct science experiments in AR within the classroom without the danger or expense usually associated with such endeavours. The tablet also comes with a built-in stylus from Walcom EMR stylus.
The firm is yet to reveal price and release date for the pair of Chromebooks, but we’re chasing them up as we speak.
On the Windows side of things, Acer also announced a new version of the Swift 15 laptop. It has a 15.6-inch screen, all-day battery life and an all-metal design. Despite those additions, it has maintained the same sub 1kg weight of the previous model.
Is Acer the kind of the Chromebooks? Let us know @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
