New year, new Chromebooks. Today, Acer is showing off four ChromeOS devices — including the Chromebook Vero 712 — all of which are built to endure the strain of being used daily in a classroom.
Chromebooks have carved out a niche in schools, offering a balance of simplicity, ease of replacement, and affordability. For its latest models, Acer has put special attention into the unique need for durability when it comes to school-owned equipment. For example, all four Chromebooks have reinforced hinges and corners, metal-plated ports, and spill-resistant keyboards.
At the top of the line, the Acer Chromebook Vero 712 strikes a balance between sustainability and performance. This particular Chromebook has components made from recycled plastic, including 50% post-consumer recycled plastic in the keycaps and packaging made from 100% recycled paper pulp. Meanwhile, for performance and productivity, you’ll find up to a 12th Gen Intel Core processor, paired with a 3:2 aspect ratio display (with or without touch).
A baseline, Celeron-powered model of the Acer Chromebook Vero 712 will retail for $429 and launch in April, while a model with the Intel Core i3 will cost $529.
Acer Chromebook Vero 712 specs
Processor options:
Intel Core i3-1215U
Intel Pentium Gold 8505
Intel Celeron 7305
Display: 12-inch, 1366×912, LED-backlit TFT with IPS (touch optional)
Memory options:
4GB LPDDR4X SDRAM
8GB LPDDR4X SDRAM
Storage options:
32GB eMMC
64GB eMMC
128GB eMMC
Audio/video:
Stereo speakers
Dual microphones
720p webcam
Battery: 50Wh 3-cell Li-ion, up to 10 hours
Connectivity:
Wi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth 5.2
Ports:
2x USB 3.2 Type-C
1x USB 3.2 Type-A
3.5mm headphone/speaker audio
Moving down the lineup, Acer is launching a trio of lower-end devices that are among the first Chromebooks to be powered by the latest Intel Processor N100 and N200 chips. In terms of raw specs, the biggest differences between these devices — besides the price points — are actually focused on the display.
The Acer Chromebook 511 is a traditional clamshell laptop with only optional touch support, while the Chromebook Spin 511 and Spin 512 both have 360º hinges and full touchscreens. Better yet, both Acer Spin models are even available with options for a dockable USI stylus and a higher-quality, world-facing camera. The Acer Chromebook Spin 512 sets itself apart from the other two by featuring a 12-inch 3:2 aspect ratio display.
All of Acer’s new classroom-ready Chromebooks are set to launch by the end of April.
Acer Chromebook 511 / Spin 511 / Spin 512 specs
Processor options:
Intel Processor N200
Intel Processor N100
Display:
511: 11.6-inch, 1366×768, optional touchscreen
Spin 511: 11.6-inch, 1366×768, touchscreen, optional USI
Spin 512: 12-inch, 1366×912, touchscreen, optional USI
Memory options:
4GB LPDDR5 SDRAM
8GB LPDDR5 SDRAM
Storage options:
32GB eMMC
64GB eMMC
128GB eMMC (Not on Chromebook 511)
Audio/video:
Stereo speakers
Dual microphones
720p webcam
Spin 511: Optional 5MP webcam
Spin 512: Optional 8MP webcam
Battery: 50Wh 3-cell Li-ion, up to 12 hours
Connectivity:
Wi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth 5.2
Ports:
2x USB 3.2 Type-C
2x USB 3.2 Type-A
3.5mm headphone/speaker audio
MicroSD card slot
Images: Acer
Add 9to5Google to your Google News feed.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
