Students can connect to the Internet via Intel Wireless-AC 2x2 802.11ac MU-MIMO connectivity, a standard designed to offer faster wireless speeds and support more wireless devices concurrently. Peripherals can be connected via Bluetooth 5.0 or the two USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 1 ports, which can also be used to charge the device itelf, charge other products, transfer data at up to 5Gbps, and connect to an HD display. The Acer Chromebooks also include two USB 3.0 ports.
The Acer Chromebook Spin 512 and Chromebook 512 provide up to 12 hours of battery life, which is meant to be enough for several days of classroom use or day-to-night support for students in 1:1 programs.
IT administrators, Acer says, will find it easy to make updates, configure apps, utilize extensions and policies, and more with the help of web-based management tools. The Kensington lock slot allows them to be secured to wireless carts or labs, while the underlying Chrome OS is automatically updated and designed to guard against ever-changing online threats. Parents can use the Family Link app to set digital ground rules as their kids explore the internet. They can also set daily screen time limits, customize the list of websites and apps their children can use, manage their child's Google account, and remotely lock supervised accounts on the Chromebook if necessary.
Both devices support multiple user sign-in, so each student can log onto their unique account to ensure their project, Gmail, and other information remains safe even if the Chromebook is lost or stolen. Storage on Google Drive aims to protect files, documents, and photos safely in the cloud, and ensures that the most current version is always available.
Accessibility settings sync across any Chrome OS device, so as students switch between shared devices or log in at home with their G Suite for Education account, their accessibility settings automatically update. The new Acer Chromebooks will fully support Google Play at launch, so students will have access to Android and Chrome web apps for learning, research, fun, and more.
The new Acer Chromebooks will be available with either 32 or 64 eMMC storage and 4 or 8GB of RAM to education and commercial customers in Q2 in both EMEA and North America. Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region.
Acer also unveiled the Acer TravelMate B114-21, a 14-inch Windows PC, today designed to serve as a sturdy platform for running educational multimedia apps and resources. Featuring up to a 7th Gen AMD A6-9220C APU paired with Radeon R5 Graphics, it offers support for a wide range of learning and teaching activities.