The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 is a rugged Chromebook designed for someone who needs a device built for productivity and reliable performance. It boasts a large 15.6-inch touch display, stereo speakers, and full-sized keyboard, including a numeric keypad. It also boasts a 15.6: display that can be configured with touch features.

The Chromebook Plus 515 is a powerful productivity-forward Chromebook for those that want to be productive as well as enjoy web browsing, music, and streaming.

Acer Chromebook Plus 515: Getting Started

After unboxing I was able to set up the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 just like any other Chrome device by simply logging in with my Google account. Once I finished some of the set up steps the device was ready for use.

Right from the start I could tell this device was quite powerful. Everything loaded very quickly and the response to more processor heavy tasks was handled without issue. It has a sturdy build to take abuse while on the go but is not too heavy for a device its size.

I liked the responsiveness and accuracy of the touchscreen as well as the quality images it produced. The speakers did a nice job delivering clear sound in both video and music streaming, while the battery delivered with a respectable charge to get me through a workday. Although, as with any cordless device your battery life may vary depending on use. But, overall it did a very nice job for all of my tasks.

I found the Chromebook Plus AI features to be a great help with both productivity and research tasks. It allows for text generation, live video/audio captioning, and basic image editing, all of which worked very well and are great additions.

I also liked how AI is integrated into so many areas of the ecosystem with new features being rolled out at a nice pace.

Acer Chromebook Plus 515: Key Specifications

• Display - 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080 IPS (non-touch or touch)
• Processor - Intel Core i3-1215U (configurable up to Core i7-1355U)
• RAM - 8GB LPDDR5X (up to 16GB in higher configs)
• Storage - 128GB UFS (up to 512GB in higher configs)
• Graphics - Intel UHD
• Ports - 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, HDMI 1.4, 3.5mm audio jack
• Connectivity - Wifi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
• Webcam - 1080p with privacy shutter
• Dimensions - 14.2 x 9.4 x 0.79 inches (approx. 360.6 x 238.4 x 19.95mm)
• Weight - 3.7 pounds (1.68 kg)
• Battery - 53Wh, up to 8 hours per charge
• Build - Plastic chassis, MIL-STD 810H durability

Acer Chromebook Plus 515: Cost

The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 as tested is priced at $399.99

Acer Chromebook Plus 515: Key Takeaways

The Chromebook Plus 515 offers performance for everyday tasks such as writing, web browsing, and streaming, thanks to its Intel Core i3 (or higher) processor and 8GB of RAM. The large 15.6-inch 1080p screen is large and the option touchscreen is very responsive. The upward-facing stereo speakers are a standout feature, delivering surprisingly good sound for a Chromebook.

The device offers a wide selection of ports, including two USB-C, one USB-A, HDMI, and a headphone jack, making it versatile for peripherals and external displays. The AI features of Chromebook Plus such as text generation and live captioning, work well and add value, especially for productivity.

Overall, the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 is an excellent choice for students, writers, and anyone needing a reliable, affordable large-screen Chromebook for everyday productivity. It may need a bit of a charge for long, heavy-use days, but its performance, port selection, and speakers make it a standout in its price range.

The Acer TravelMate P4 Spin 14 is at the higher end of Acer’s TravelMate line. It’s a 2-in-1 convertible laptop built for educators and students who need a device that can handle processor intensive tasks. It is built for power and durability, including an Intel Core Ultra processor, AI tools, and long battery life.

I tested this laptop in a variety of scenarios including audio, video, and computer-aided design (CAD). It performed very well overall and handled some fairly demanding tasks, such as Sketchup 3D drawings, as well as audio and video editing.

This 2-in-1 laptop has features that are very innovative with thought put into useability, durability, and performance. The Acer TravelMate P4 Spin 14 has a larger 14” touchscreen and comfortable keyboard, yet it does not feel big and heavy.

Acer TravelMate P4 Spin 14: Features

The Acer TravelMate P4 Spin 14 has several standout features that cater to the needs of students and educators that need to complete more demanding tasks. It offers a convertible design with a 360-degree hinge that lets me easily switch between laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes. The pen/stylus is also conveniently stored in the device.

Overall, it’s a nice size, but may be a little thin for those with bigger hands. I found it comfortable and very responsive. The 14-inch WUXGA touch display has vibrant colors and sharp details. The touch features of the screen worked very well with my finger as well as the included stylus.

The Acer TraveMate P4 Spin 14 is one of the newer devices on the market that has built-in AI tools, including TravelMate Sense and Microsoft Copilot with Bing Chat Enterprise. These provided quick access to tools to help with productivity as well as system optimization, performance, and management.

This is a powerful and rugged device. It is built with MIL-STD 810H certification, a spill-resistant keyboard, and security features such as a biometric login, all of which are features I like to see in a device.

In addition, it stays cool and uses the Acer DustDefender feature that automatically clears dust when the system is powered on to preserve performance and extend system life.

Acer TravelMate P4 Spin 14: Key Specifications (as tested)

• CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 125U processor
• Graphics: Intel Graphics
• RAM: 16 GB SDRAM (upgradeable to 32 GB)
• Storage: 512 GB Gen4 NVMe SSD (upgradeable to 1 TB)
• Audio: Intel Bluetooth Audio, Acer PurifiedVoice
• Webcam: 1080p FHD with privacy shutter and TNR (Temporal Noise Reduction)

Acer TravelMate P4 Spin 14: Build & Connectivity

I found the TravelMate P4 Spin 14 solid and well-built. It’s 0.74 inches thin and weighs 3.28 pounds, making it lightweight and easy to carry around. The 360-degree hinges are sturdy and it is very smooth when converting to tablet mode. The 14-inch touchscreen is responsive and protected by antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass.

This is a fast device with updated connectivity, including wifi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and multiple ports, including two USB4 Type-C with Thunderbolt 4. Also, it offers the Intel Unison feature that lets me integrate with both Android and iOS devices for calls, texts, and file transfers.

I was very impressed with its up to 14-hour battery life. I easily managed to get through a full workday on a single charge, plus, the fast-charging feature is a bonus, allowing me to quickly recharge during short breaks.

Acer TravelMate P4 Spin 14: Cost & Warranty

The Acer TravelMate P4 Spin 14 (TMP414RN-54-56G9) is priced at $1,329.99.

Acer provides a standard one-year limited warranty on the TravelMate P4 Spin 14, with options for extended coverage.

Acer TravelMate P4 Spin 14: Final Takeaways

The Acer TravelMate P4 Spin 14 is a versatile, high-performance laptop with a nice combination of a sturdy build, powerful internals, and AI-powered features. Its versatile 2-in-1 design makes it a great choice for users who need long battery life and power.

Overall, the Acer TravelMate P4 Spin 14 is a good value offering productivity, security, and durability. It’s well worth considering for those who need a reliable, future-proof laptop.

• Educator Edtech Reviews

Synopsis

It’s official: Chromebooks have hit their stride in the education sector. Thanks to increased processing power, Google Play compatibility, and a variety of mindful partnerships, these lightweight machines have finally found the synergy we were all waiting for—and Acer’s $629 Chromebook Spin 713 (NX.HWNAA.001) is a fantastic example of proper execution. 

For high school and college students who need inexpensive, portable workstations (both on and off campus), the Acer Chromebook 713 could be a downright godsend. If you’re looking for versatility in a Chromebook-flavored clamshell, look no further.  

Verdict

The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is a powerful 2-in-1 machine with a gorgeous 13.5-inch display and oodles of battery life; the innovative 3:2 touchscreen is perfectly ideal for students of all ages. 

Acer Chromebook Spin 713: Features

•  3:2 display is ideal for word processing and web browsing 
•  2-in-1 design is sturdy, practical, and easy to carry 
•  Impressive specs and zippy performance for the price 
•  Top-notch battery life 

Acer Chromebook Spin 713: Build and Connectivity 

Described as “stylish yet tough,” the 100% aluminum chassis is meant to take some abuse. In fact, it’s Military Standard-certified (MIL-STD 810G) for impact-resistant drops, extreme temperatures, moisture resistance, and more. We weren’t gentle as we put the Spin 713 through its paces, and indeed, the construction feels rock-solid (no matter which mode you use). 

That’s right—the Spin 713 is a 2-in-1 laptop, too. The flexible hinges let you convert it into a tablet, or use tent mode for movies and videos. The hinges rotate smoothly, and the mechanism feels sturdy; it was a pleasure using the tent mode to toggle between Google Chrome tabs, Drive docs, and YouTube videos.

The full-size, island-style keyboard is very similar to that of the Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook (or a MacBook Pro, coincidentally), which isn’t a bad thing. Thin black bezels frame the gorgeous VertiView 13.5-inch screen, and a 720p webcam sits at the top. (No privacy shutter, though.)

Measuring 11.8 x 9.3 x 0.7 inches and weighing 3 pounds, this Chromebook is slightly clunkier than the Asus Chromebook Flip C436 (2.6 pounds) and Google Pixelbook Go (2.3 pounds). The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is small enough to fit in your backpack, and light enough to schlep around all day. From an ergonomic perspective, it’s also very well balanced.

On the left side of the Acer Chromebook Spin 713, you’ll find a USB-C port, USB 3.0 port, headphone jack, and microSD slot. On the right side, there’s a second USB-C connection, power button, and dedicated volume rocker. What makes this machine extra capable, however, is Acer’s inclusion of an HDMI port—especially if you utilize a dual-monitor setup in your workspace.

Acer backs their Chromebook Spin 713 with a one-year limited warranty, which is standard fare.

Acer Chromebook Spin 713: Display 

The Acer Chromebook Spin 713’s 13.5-inch, 2256 x 1504-pixel (QHD) display is absolutely stellar. Boasting a 178-degree viewing angle, colors are nothing short of vibrant. The 3:2 aspect ratio also allows for more vertical screen space, which is ideal for reading and writing. In fact, with 18% more height (and all those extra pixels) to work with, you’ll find yourself scrolling less as you navigate from one webpage to another. It’s durable, too: both the touchscreen display and touchpad are constructed from Corning Gorilla Glass, which provides greater toughness and scratch resistance than regular plastic. 

In our testing, the touch display was seamlessly responsive, and a pleasure to navigate with. The antimicrobial touchpad was equally easy to use, and the combination of touchpad, touchscreen, keyboard, and Google autocomplete equaled an extremely robust web-navigation experience. We saw no lag whatsoever as the screen reorientated itself between modes, and multi-finger gestures were smooth as butter.

Acer Chromebook Spin 713: Keyboard, Touchpad, and Touchscreen 

The backlit, island-style keyboard has a pleasant bounciness to it, and minimal flex. Acer’s 4.2 x 3.0-inch touchpad is smooth and responsive, too. Chrome OS gestures were a snap, and the touchscreen is just as buttery. When used in conjunction with one another, these navigational surfaces should put your productivity through the roof; in tablet mode, screen orientation was instant and seamless.  

Acer Chromebook Spin 713: Audio and Webcam 

While speech comes through clearly over these minuscule speakers, audio performance was lacking in the music category. While playing My Chemical Romance’s “Disenchanted,” via YouTube, the vocals were tinny at best, and the bassline was practically nonexistent. There’s no real distortion at full volume, though, and the overall clarity is just fine for daily use.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 also features a 720p webcam, and while images can come out somewhat grainy, the video quality is still plenty acceptable for this price point.

Chrome OS 

For those already tethered to Google’s robust suite of productivity apps, the appeal of Chrome OS has grown with every passing year. Offline access keeps your most important files close at hand—even if there’s no Wi-Fi in sight—and Instant Tethering makes it easy to use your smartphone as a wireless hotspot.

Google’s built-in security features support multiple users, so sharing this device between friends, family members, or fellow students is no problem; Chromebooks are specifically designed with data protection in mind. 

Note: On the back end, Google’s Chrome Education Upgrade (coming in 2021) promises extra resources for educators and IT administrators, adding an additional upgradeability factor to the mix. 

Acer Chromebook Spin 713: Performance and Battery Life 

Packed with an Intel Core i5-10210U CPU and 8GB of RAM, the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is a speedy little machine, to say the least. It took 15 YouTube tabs (playing videos simultaneously), 5 Facebook tabs (playing CNN news clips simultaneously), and finally Google Play Music to get the Chromebook Spin 713 to say “uncle.” Even with all that media running at once, we could toggle between apps with barely a stutter. 

Acer also utilizes Intel WiFi 6 (Gig+), which is up to three times faster than the old 802.11ac standard. In our testing, latency issues were nearly non-existent. This thing was built for cloud computing.

Traditionally, Acer laptops do quite well on the Laptop Mag battery test, and the Chromebook Spin 713 is no exception; it lasted 11 hours and 54 minutes, which is far better than average (10:23), and longer than the Asus Chromebook Flip C436 (9:25). The Google Pixelbook Go can go head-to-head with Acer’s offering, though, at 11:29. In everyday use, we rarely found ourselves reaching for the power cord.

Note: Our review unit is the least expensive configuration in this series; for $1,099, you can upgrade the processor (Intel Core i7-8550U) and RAM (16GB). Coders and power users might want to spend the extra money, but most will be happy with lesser specs.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a business user, student, or general consumer, there’s something for everyone with the Acer Chromebook Flip 713. For $629, it offers a brilliant 2-in-1 form factor that’s durable enough for daily use, powerful enough to replace the functionality of many full-fledged laptops, and lightweight enough for all-day battery life. Avid writers will love the keyboard and extra screen real estate, while multimedia mavens will appreciate the streaming capabilities of Google OS. 

• Best Chromebooks for School 2020
• Best Webcams for Teachers and Students 2020

Looking for The Chrome ecosystem is not just for Chromebooks anymore with tablets, desktops and all-in-one systems available for the classroom. The Acer Chromebase 24 ($400) stands head and shoulders above the crowd when it comes to delivering value at school.

At 15.8 by 22.9 by 1.5 inches, the Acer Chromebase 24 has a two-tone black and silver design and rounded corners that make it look a lot like an Apple iMac. It takes up 24- by-12 inches of desk space and is 18.4 inches tall. It came with a wired keyboard and mouse set that fit well under the Chromebase 24’s screen.  

It weighs in at a modest 20-pounds and should fit nicely on everything from a computer lab or library table to a physics lab bench or the school’s front office. The stand looks great and has a place for snaking wires, but the system can also be hung on a wall with a standard VESA mounting bracket.

The system is powered by a small external power adapter like those used on notebooks, although it requires a three-prong grounded outlet. Inside, the Chromebase 24 has a dual-core Celeron processor that runs at 1.7GHz but doesn’t vary its speed based on the task at hand. It comes with 4GB of RAM and a scant 16GB of solid-state storage space that falls short of the 128- or 256GB that most Chromebox desktop systems like the CTL CBX1C or Asus Chromebox 3 include. It should be fine for most school uses and there are ways to augment its storage potential.

Power Ports

On the display’s left side is a cut out for the SD card reader that makes adding up to a 256GB card for extra storage a snap. There’s also a headphone jack and a USB 3.1 port. In the back, the Acer Chromebase 24 has two USB 3.1 one USB 2.0 ports and a gigabit wired LAN connection. The HDMI port works well for sending video to a projector, but it can’t be used as an input for viewing an external video source on the system’s display.

The Acer Chromebase 24 does just as well with wireless data as with cables with built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It quickly connected to my network and later I used a wireless speaker, keyboard and mouse.

With a pair of speakers under the screen and four microphones above, the system has surprisingly strong audio. This makes it appropriate for video conferencing, creating podcasts or interactive online curriculum. Its screen measures a comfortable 23.8-inches (diagonally), shows 1920 by 1080 resolution and was more than bright enough to use in a sunlight room. It, however, does without touch sensitivity.

Tilt-O-Matic Display

The Acer Chromebase 24’s display is adjustable to suit a variety of kids and adults, with the screen tilting from 5-degrees forward and 30-degrees back; it can’t be moved up or down, though. By the same token, the system’s 1280-by-720 resolution Web cam has a lever behind it to aim the camera up or down 30-degrees.

All this adds up to a system that’s just as good for researching a social studies paper or viewing YouTube videos as for taking assessments or videoconferencing with a parent. It scored a 15,854 on the Octane benchmark that includes key tasks like math processes, encryption, memory and storage operations. That puts it 15 percent ahead of the Acer Chromebox 3’s 13,770, but 28 percent behind the HP X2 Chromebook’s 20,366.

Security Plus

The Acer Chromebase 24 is a secure system with a Trusted Platform Module to encrypt data. The system easily handled a month of daily use that included everything from recording and viewing videos and listening to podcasts, writing and editing Google Docs as well as drawing with Sketchpad and using the Desmos graphic calculator.

Still, the Chromebase isn’t a power hog. When it was being used, it consumed just 15.3 watts, including its display; when it was idle, that drops to 1.3 watts. If the school pays the national average of 13 cents per kilowatt-hour and uses the system for 8 hours per day, every school day, it will cost less than $4 a year to operate.

Of course, there’s a lot more to Acer’s Chromebase 24 than numbers and specs. It comes with a one-year warranty and is not only powerful and economical enough for most schools but its design and finish are surprisingly high-end for a computer that costs $400. The Chromebase 24 is one of the best buys in school computers you can get today.

A-

More: Acer

Acer announces over 50 computer promotions being offered on Amazon Prime Day. Selected offers include:

Acer Swift 3 -- $200 discount on Prime Day – marked down to $799.99 from its original MSRP of $999.99: The Swift 3 (SF314-55) is a thin/light notebook providing up to 12 hours of battery life and fast connection speeds in a lightweight aluminum chassis. Powered by an 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, it has NVIDIA GeForce MX150 graphics and 14” Full HD IPS display. Performance is boosted with 8GB RAM and customers have ample room to digital media on the 256GB PCI SSD.

Acer Chromebook Spin 13 – $140 discount – marked down to $599.99 from $740.00: This high-end Chromebook offers a 13.5-inch display in a 3:2 aspect ratio, a convertible aluminum design,and Corning Gorilla Glass display.

In addition, several Aspire 5  and Swift (thin/light) Windows notebooks will be offered at  discounts during Prime Day sales. Visit www.amazon.com/acer for more information.

Acer today announced that it is accepting entries for its Acer STEAM Lab Makeover for K-12 schools in the United States. The winning school will receive 10 Aspire 7 laptops and 10 Acer Windows Mixed Reality headsets, valued at $13,000.

STEAM Labs help students explore connections between science, technology, engineering, arts and math, and delve into emerging fields like 3D modeling and design, electronics, digital media and fabrication.

Schools may submit entries now through Aug. 31, 2018 and the winner will be announced in early September by a random drawing of all valid entries. To enter, applicants must Tweet @AcerEducation with the hashtag #AcerGivesBack along with a brief statement describing why their classroom deserves to win a makeover and how the makeover would make a difference at their school. The statement may also include a Twitter post, picture or video attached to the entry Tweet.

The Aspire 7(A715-71G-71NC) features an Intel Core™ i7-7700HQ processor, a 1TB hard drive, 15.6-inch Full HD display, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics, 8GB of DDR4 memory, a wide range of ports and advanced connectivity with 802.11ac wireless LAN and Gigabit LAN. It is available for $899.99 (MSRP).

The Acer Windows Mixed Reality Headset with wireless motion controllers pairs with the Aspire 7 and is available for $349.99 (MSRP). It immerses students in the virtual world, while allowing them to interact with others in the physical realm without removing the headset – all that’s required is a flip up of the headset visor.

Entry details, rules and regulations for the Acer STEAM Lab Makeover may be found on the contest website.

Acer America today announced an alliance with Wonder Workshop to deliver STEAM bundles in the United States that teach K-8 students coding, robotics and computer science as part of their STEAM initiatives. The bundles pair Wonder Workshop’s Cue, Dash and Dot robots with Acer Chromebooks, Chrome tablets, Window notebook PCs and Android tablets.

The new STEAM bundles are being shown in Acer (2002) and Wonder Workshop’s (5418) booths this week at ISTE 2018 in Chicago at McCormick Place West Building.

[What’s New: New Tools for Schools]

Wonder Workshop’s Cue, Dash, and Dot robots allow students to build and develop computer science skills, while also learning the fundamental skills of critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration and creative storytelling.

STEAM Bundles – Options, Pricing and Availability

Elementary and middle schools can choose from various bundles offered by Acer and Wonder Workshop that include the key components for classroom success, including age-appropriate robotics tools and accessories, computing devices, an accompanying curriculum based on standards and teacher training to apply coding and robotics into a range of subject areas.

Elementary schools can choose from two bundles that include Wonder Workshop Dash robots compatible with the Acer Chromebook Tab 10 and Education Android tablets, accessories, and a range of curriculum and support options. Prices start at $895.

Middle schools can choose from two different bundles that utilize Wonder Workshop Cue robots compatible with Acer Chromebooks and Windows 10 notebooks, accessories, and a range of curriculum and support options. Prices start at $1,200.

Acer today announced the launch of its new Acer Chromebook Seed Program, which allows Acer channel partners to nominate K-12 schools across the United States for the opportunity to test a Acer C731T-C42N Chromebook running Chrome OS for free, without obligation to purchase.

Features of Acer’s newest model C731T include:

1. Spill-resistant keyboard
2. Compliance with several key U.S. Military Standard (MIL-STD 810G) specifications(2)
3. Intel® Celeron® processor, the new Chromebook provides
4. Up to 10 hours of battery life in a
5. Portable, fan-less design suitable for labs, carts and 1:1 programs

To participate in the Acer Chromebook Seed Program, K-12 schools can request a conference call with their Acer account manager to confirm program details and discuss their school’s specific needs. Applications will be accepted beginning today and will be offered while quantities are available.

Acer today announced the world’s first touchscreen Chromebase for meetings (CA24V), an all-in-one, dedicated video conference system.

Designed for videoconferencing, Acer’s Chromebase for meetings features the largest screen of all Chrome OS devices on the market, a 24-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display with IPS technology. Included are four microphones and two speakers, an adjustable HD webcam and a chassis that tilts from - 5° to 30°.

Chromebase for meetings now supports 25-person Hangouts across a variety of devices such as laptops, tablets, or smartphones, for anyone with a meeting link

It’s the first day of TCEA 2016 and Acer is announcing its new TravelMate B117 notebooks tailor-made for education are coming to the United States in late March with prices starting at $229.99 (ESP).

The TMB117-M-C578 includes these features, for a price starting at $229.99:

• Intel® Celeron® N3050
• 2GB DDR3L
• 32GB e-MMC storage,
• matte 11.6 (1366x768) display
• integrated Intel® HD Graphics
• 802.11ac WLAN 2x2
• Bluetooth® 4.0, webcam
• 12 hours battery life

The TMB117-M-C0DK includes these features for a price starting at $249.99:

• Intel® Celeron® N3050
• 4GB DDR3L
• 32GB e-MMC storage
• matte 11.6 (1366x768) display
• integrated Intel® HD Graphics
• 802.11ac WLAN 2x2
• Bluetooth® 4.0
• webcam
• 12 hours battery life

The notebooks are powered by Windows® 10 Pro and support Acer TeachSmart that offers tools and cloud-based services to distribute, collect and monitor class materials and assignments digitally. Designed for students and classrooms, the TravelMate B117 features a ruggedized frame with a rubber strip framing the chassis, a weight of 2.9 pounds and measuring 0.8 inches thick. A solid hinge which opens to 180 degrees can take up to 25,000 swings, while the cover can withstand up to 132 pounds of pressure. The spill-resistant keyboard has a water drainage design that protects against accidental spills.

Acer today announced its new TravelMate B117 notebook, made for the education market and powered by Windows 10 Pro. It’s the first notebook to support the Acer TeachSmart solution, which provides teachers tools and cloud-based services to distribute class materials and collect assignments digitally.

The TravelMate B117 with Acer TeachSmart features an LED light embedded on the lid which can flash in different colors. Students can toggle between four colors through a software interface to indicate their status, allowing teachers to keep track at a glance.

Powered by Intel® Pentium® or Celeron® processors, the 11.6-inch TravelMate B117 features Intel® HD graphics, up to 4GB of DDR3L memory, HDD or eMMC storage options, a discrete TPM (Trusted Platform Module), dual digital microphones and an Acer Crystal Eye HD webcam with HDR support. In addition, a Precision Touchpad supports Windows 10 gestures.

The TravelMate B117 features a ruggedized frame with a rubber strip that frames the chassis to protect the device from unexpected bumps and drops, while weighing 2.9 pounds and measuring 0.8 inches thick. A solid hinge which opens up to 180 degrees can take on up to 25,000 swings, while the cover can withstand up to 132 pounds of pressure. The keyboard is spill-resistant with a water drainage design that protects against accidental spills .

Classroom in the Cloud

Through Microsoft OneNote sharing with a Microsoft account, teachers can distribute class material and assignments and stay informed of each student’s progress.

The TravelMate B117 features 802.11ac wireless with 2x2 MIMO. Wired connectivity options include one USB 3.0 port, one USB 2.0 port and a full-sized HDMI port with HDCP support.

To learn more, visit www.acer.com.

www.acer.com■Retail Price: $279.99

The Acer C740-C4PE Chromebook is designed to be lightweight, portable, and rugged. The C740-C4PE specs includes a 9-hour battery, 11.6” full HD (1366x768) anti-glare display, Intel Celeron 320U Dual-core 1.50GHz processor, 4GB of RAM, and 16GB solid state drive. The C740-C4PE includes one USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 port as well as HDMI, headphone, and a Secure Digital (SD) card reader. The C740-C4PE communications feature a dual-band 802.11AC wireless card with multiple input, multiple output (MIMO), and Bluetooth 4.0 technology.

Quality and Effectiveness: The Acer C740-C4PE is designed to fit into a backpack and withstand the rigors of a 1:1 program. The cover is designed to withstand over 130 pounds (60 kg) of force, and the corners can survive drops of over 17” (45cm). The C740 has reinforced hinges to take the strains of twisting and various stresses placed upon the unit, especially when contained in a backpack. This feature protects the HD screen which gives the user a high quality viewing experience. The TFT LCD screen features a 16:9 aspect ratio and Acer ComfyView to reduce glare and eye strain. At the top of the screen is an HD webcam for videoconferencing, pictures, or video creation.

Ease of Use: Just like any other Chromebook on the market the C740-C4PE is ready to go in minutes. It can be easily joined to your Google Apps for Education (GAFE) domain with a few simple keystrokes. Its compact lightweight (2.87 lbs.) form factor makes the C740-C4PE an ultra-portable device. Along with the fast boot time, around 10 seconds, students can get to work in about a minute or so. Furthermore, the configuration of the device is a nice balance between power and battery life. Students and teachers will be able to get an entire day of use out of it without a problem.

Creative Use of Technology: Acer has addressed many of the complaints that have been voiced about 1:1 programs and take home devices with the C740-C4PE. The design is rugged, yet not heavy, which strikes a nice balance for longevity and portability. The ports and communications specs also make wireless connectivity and peripheral speeds very fast. This factor is important since cloud devices rely on a good wireless connection.

Suitability for Use in a School Environment: The Acer C740-C4PE’s configuration, build, and multimedia features make it a suitable device for classroom use. Since it is a Chromebook, schools using GAFE will have no issues integrating it into either a new or existing deployment. They can even be mixed with other non-Chrome devices in combination with GAFE.

OVERALL RATING:

The Acer C740-C4PE is an excellent choice for school environments. If a school district wants to go 1:1 or start or sustain a Chromebook program, the C740-C4PE is worth a look. They are designed with schools and their specific needs in mind. They have enough power and longevity to give a good day’s work.

TOP FEATURES

• Rugged construction for the school environment

• Widescreen anti-glare HD display with HDMI output

• 802.11ac WiFi and USB 3.0 ports

The Chromebook has quickly moved into prominent discussions among educators as a flexible Internet-based device in classrooms. Whether you are using the system as a cart or taking advantage of 10-second start-up times or optimizing it as a low-cost 1:1 device for utilizing Google Apps, the Chromebook is now a computer that schools must consider. Over the past year, several manufacturers have come into the marketplace, including Samsung, Acer, Lenovo, and HP. Since Chromebook’s operating system is the same across all of these platforms, we thought it would be interesting to take each model for a test drive and look at what makes them unique. Today we look at the HP 14-c010us Chromebook. Next up - the Chromebox.

Acer C7-10
The Acer C7-10 Chromebook provides the best screen of the 11.6 models. The short battery life could be extend with a larger external battery, but that would add weight to a device that is already a little heavy for its size. Unfortunately, the keyboard is terrible - not responsive and clicks audibly while typing. Overall, the look is slick and adds to the coolness factor.

Key Features

• Cost: 229.99
• Battery: external, 3 hours life
• Weight: 3 lbs
• Weight Comparison to iPad: 2.08
• Size: 11.2" X 8.0" X 1.1"
• Processor: Intel® Celeron® 847 processor (1.1GHz)
• RAM: 4GB
• Keyboard: Full keyboard with function key and caps lock. Keys are "clicky" and not as smooth when pressing.
• Touchpad: 3.6" x 2.0"; zero button
• Screen: 11.6" LED 1366x768 - bright
• Ports: USB 2.0 (3), Lock, SD, Ethernet, VGA, HDMI
• Memory Card: 2 in 1
• Power Adapter: Full traditional Acer
• Storage: 16GB Flash
• Durability: Traditional power cord. Not a very thick backing behind screen, but resists any flexing.
• Speakers: Quality stereo sound
• Coolness Factor (Would a kid want to carry this around?): 4

www.acer.com/us • Retail Price: $549

It’s likely that any new tablet computer will be compared to an iPad. The Acer Iconia Tab W500 is no exception.

Acer’s 10.1-inch tablet runs on the Windows 7 OS and comes witl a docking station and keyboard built in as a case. It is similar to the iPad in size and shape but slightly heavier once the keyboard accessory is added. The innovative combination of the removable keyboard dock in a detachable clamshell really sets this device apart. Kevin Hurley, a math teacher at Maine South High School, says, “The detachable keyboard design is very slick and easy to use.”

Because this tablet runs a full version of Windows 7, it is a much more appropriate teaching tool for a classroom teacher. Running Flash and all of the familiar desktop applications, teachers and students can get a familiar computing experience and yet have the tablet feel.

The Iconia W500 also adds the tablet interface with all of the gestures common to tablet technology. The product’s touch screen is better than most, yet not quite as responsive as an iPad.

The major downside of this device is the lack of a stylus or digital pen. Windows 7 offers incredible “inking” technology and is very responsive to handwriting recognition, all of which is lost when you go from a pen to a finger.

The fact that you are working on a real computer with USB drives, integrated SD card reader, dual cameras, and HDMI video out, makes the Acer Iconia Tab W500 a much more versatile tool for the classroom than other tablet options. Several of my teachers are recording presentations using tablets and Jing, which the iPad and Android tablets do not support. This type of a device would be well received by teachers as a multipurpose presentation and work device. Hurley, who has used a tablet PC for instruction for the past three years, said “this device is easy to hand to students and is intuitive for them.”

Top Features

• For the price of other popular tablets running a mobile operating system, you gain a full operating system, a keyboard, and an “eraser tip” two-button mouse. This allows for easy creation of content as well as consumption.
• The device is relatively light, intuitive, and responsive to natural gestures.
• The ability to run Flash gives the classroom teacher access to the full range of materials on the Web.

Product:Acer Iconia Tab W500

www.acer.com/us

Retail Price: $549

By Dr. Henry C. Thiele

The Acer 10.1-inch tablet runs Windows 7 and includes an additional docking station and keyboard built in as a case. It is similar in size and shape to an iPad, if you add a keyboard accessory to it, but slightly heavier.

Quality and Effectiveness
No matter how unfair, any computer company looking to enter the tablet market is going to be compared to an iPad. The Acer Icona Tab W500 is no exception. This tablet however runs a full version of Windows 7, which makes it a much more appropriate teaching tool for a classroom teacher. Running Flash, and all of the familiar desktop applications, teachers and students can use this device much more like a familiar computing experience and yet have the tablet feel. For my teachers already using tablets this would be a great device to easily pick up and begin to use.

Ease of Use
Since this works just like any other Windows 7 laptop, teachers and students will hop right on and work like on any other computer. It also adds the tablet interface with all of the gestures we have learned to use with tablet technology. The touch screen is better than most, yet not quite as responsive as an iPad. The major downside of this device is the lack of a stylus, or digital pen. Windows 7 offers incredible “inking” technology and is very responsive to handwriting recognition, all of which is lost when you go from a pen to a finger.

Creative Use of Technology
The innovativn a detachable clamshell style really sets this device apart. “The detachable keyboard design is very slick and easy to use,” commented Kevin Hurley, a math teacher at Maine South High School.

Suitability for Use in a School Environment
The fact that you are working on a real computer with usb drives, integrated SD card reader, dual cameras, and HDMI video out makes the Acer Iconia Tab W500 a much more versatile tool for the classroom than other tablet options. Several of my teachers are recording presentations using tablets and Jing, which the iPad and Android tablets do not support. This type of a device would be well received by teachers as a multi-purpose presentation and work device. Mr. Hurley, who has used a tablet PC for instruction for the past three years, reported that the device is "easy to hand to students" and "intuitive for them.”

Top features:

• For the price of other popular tablets running a mobile operating system you gain a full operating system, a keyboard, and an “eraser tip” two-button mouse. This allows for easy creation of content as well as consumption.
• The device is relatively light, intuitive, and responsive to natural gestures.
• The ability to run Flash gives the classroom teacher access to the full range of materials on the Web.

Get Ready for the Big Screen

The Acer Iconia media tablet takes the screen size of competing products (guess) and multiply it by two. Instead of a screen and a keyboard, the Iconia sports a second screen that can be used either as an extended desktop or as a virtual keyboard. It runs on Microsoft’s Windows 7 operating system and has a 2.6 GHz Intel Core i5-M480 processor, 4 GB of Ram (upgradable to 8 GB), and a 650 GB hard disk. Maximum battery life is four hours; exact time depends on usage.
www.acer.com/iconia