Acer showed off several new products – possibly the largest portfolio of new devices of any company that we met with at BETT.
Two Chromebooks – the C740 and C910 – were introduced. Following a theme we saw throughout the show, both Chromebooks are strengthened models designed to withstand the rigours of student life. They have reinforced covers able to withstand up to 60kg of force, while the corners can stand a 0.45m drop. The clamshell hinges are also reinforced against twisting and stress.
Internally, the Chromebooks are similar. Both feature either dual-core 1.5GHz Intel Celeron processors, or dual-core 2GHz Core i3 (Broadwell). For ports, they feature HDMI, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, as well as an SD card reader.
The C910 is a 15.6″ unit – similar to the Chromebook 15 – with 1920 x 1080 and 1366 x 768 resolution options, using an IPS panel. It also features 16GB/32GB of storage, 4GB of RAM and an eight-hour battery life. Acer will sell it for $300. The C740 is smaller (11.6″), with 16GB of storage, 2GB/4GB of RAM and a nine-hour life. It will cost $260. Both models will be launched in February.
New ultra-short-throw projectors were discussed but are not yet available: the U5320W and U5220W. The former projects images up to 87″ from 0.35m at 3,000 lumens of brightness, while the U5220W throws a 77″ image from 0.4m. They have 1280 x 800 x 1024 x 768 resolutions, respectively. Both are compatible with Acer’s Interactive Smartpen2 and can have wireless adapters, such as Chromecast, hidden inside the chassis.
Acer’s new U-series projectors will be available across EMEA in Q2.
Finally, Acer showed the new Switch 12: a 12.5″ convertible that will be released soon. It has 1920 x 1080 resolution, Gorilla Glass 3 cover glass, an eight-hour battery life and wireless keyboard. The price is TBC.
