Acer Introduces Two Rugged 12-Inch Chromebooks For Classrooms

Acer has announced its first 12-inch Chromebooks, the Acer Chromebook Spin 512 and the Acer Chromebook 512, for students and educators. The new Chromebooks sport a screen with a 3: 2 aspect ratio, a ratio that is halfway between textbooks and mobile screens, and similar to using paper and pen.

The 360-degree hinge of the Acer Chromebook Spin 512 convertible allows students to use the antimicrobial Corning® Gorilla® Glass screen2,3 in four modes of use: shell, tablet, screen and V-tent. The Wacom electromagnetic resonance attached pointer makes note-taking or drawing very natural and can be conveniently stored in the device's slot. Acer Chromebook 512 (C851 / C851T) sports a traditional notebook design with touch and non-touch options.

"The new Acer Chromebook 512 and Spin 512 sport a 3: 2 screen so students can see much more as they work together to learn and succeed." Says James Lin, general manager of detachable and professional notebook computers and IT product line of business at Acer. “With a rugged design and unique features like dual webcam, Corning® Gorilla® Glass antimicrobial screen2,3 and keyboard suitable for minors, these new Chromebooks from Acer are capable of tackling most of the typical problems of the educational environment. "

Great performance to boost productivity, taller screen, and more

The new Acer Chromebook displays feature a productivity-boosting 3: 2 aspect ratio, with 18% more vertical space compared to 16: 9 displays. As a result, students can view more text, maps, photos, and schoolwork from a single point. 12-inch HD + displays come with 1366 x 912 resolution and IPS technology4. In addition, a higher screen makes it easier to view content and read web pages from top to bottom.

Powered by up to quad-core Intel® Pentium® Silver N5000 or quad-core Intel® Celeron® N4100 processors, its lightning-fast boot time enables students to work faster while expending less power with higher performance. Those jobs with a high graphic component run smoothly, while its responsive software maintains the attention span of students. Additionally, the Acer Chromebook 512 offers a dual core Intel® Celeron® N4000 processor.

The Acer Chromebook 512 can be opened up to 180 degrees to lie flat on a desk to share with other students during class or work on projects. It also features mechanically anchored keys that are both difficult to remove and easy to replace, making it the perfect kit for shared school environments.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 512 comes with an 8MP group webcam on the lid, while the clamshell mode has an optional 5MP version, so students can capture high resolution images and videos for school projects. In addition, they will be able to connect with other students during video chats, and Google Hangout with Acer's HD webcam located above the screen.

Military grade resistance. Meets toy safety standards

The new Acer Chromebook Spin 512 and Acer Chromebook 512 meet the demanding US Army US MIL-STD 810G endurance standards. They can withstand drops from a height of 122 cm and up to 60 kg of pressure thanks to a reinforced design and shock absorbing edges. In addition, the new Chromebooks are designed to be used by the little ones. They have two of the main safety standards for toys: ASTM F963-16 and UL / IED 60950-1.  

The keyboard is splash resistant with a channeling system that expels water from the internal components of the computer and drains the bottom of its chassis, offering protection against splashes of up to 330 ml of water. Additionally, the display is moisture resistant, and the Acer Chromebook 512's keyboard can be easily repaired by any IT department.

Acer Chromebook Spin 512 touchscreen is covered with Corning® Gorilla® Glass2,3 antimicrobial, a more hygienic and resistant glass cover thanks to its antimicrobial components that resists the increase of odors and stains caused by microorganisms on touch panels. It is scratch resistant and perfect for students who want to share their device in different settings throughout the day.

Connectivity and portability

Students can connect to the internet with Intel Wireless-AC 2 × 2 802.11ac MU-MIMO connectivity (with multi-user input and multi-user output) for a lightning fast and completely reliable Gigabit Wi-Fi connection. MU-MIMO is a standard that offers faster wireless speeds and is capable of managing multiple wireless devices at the same time.

The peripherals can be connected via Bluetooth 5.0 with two first generation USB 3.1 Type-C ports, which can be used to charge the device, as well as other products, transfer data very quickly up to 5Gbps, and connect to an HD screen. Acer's Chromebooks also include two USB 3.0 ports.

Teamwork in four modes of use

Acer Chromebook Spin 512 has hinges that open 360 degrees, allowing four different modes of use. These include tablet mode for reading digital textbooks, notebook mode for using the keyboard, screen mode to get closer to the device, and V-tent mode for watching videos, presentations and working as a team. The four modes of use take advantage of its 8 MP group autofocus camera as well as its 88-degree wide-angle HDR webcam.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 512 includes a docked Wacom EMR stylus that allows users to take notes, complete projects, capture ideas, and interact with apps and web pages in an easy and natural way. To avoid losing it, the pointer can be conveniently stored in a slot on the device.

Great autonomy with up to 12 hours of battery

Acer Chromebook Spin 512 and Chromebook 512 offer great autonomy of up to 12 hours5, enough for several days of use in class or support throughout the day for students in 1: 1 programs.

Easy to install, use, and keep safe. Support for Google Play

IT managers will find it easy to update, configure apps, use extensions and much more with web-based management.6 that makes new Chromebooks easy to handle and install. The Kensington security slot allows them to remain secure in labs and wireless carts.

Students will be safer thanks to the fact that the Chrome operating system can update itself automatically and protect themselves from constant online threats such as viruses or malware. Parents can install the Family Link app on Chromebooks, making it easy to set basic digital standards while their kids surf the web. Parents can set limited daily screen exposure times, customize the list of websites and apps that their children can use, and even manage their children's Google account and lock remotely supervised accounts if necessary.

Chrome OS devices allow multi-user access, so each student can easily access their unique account to ensure their project, Gmail, and other information remains safe, even if the Chromebook is lost or stolen. Storage in Google Drive7 protects files, documents and photos safely in the cloud, and ensures that the most current version is always available.

Access settings are synced across any Chrome OS device, so students can switch devices or log in from home thanks to their G Suite for Education account. Your accessibility settings update automatically. The new Chromebooks come with full Google Play ™ support as standard, so students will have access to Android and Chrome web applications to learn, research, have fun, and more.

Acer will be at BETT London from 23 to 26 January at booth B100 Hall N1-19, where units of the new Acer Chromebook 512 and Spin 512 will be available.