It appears to be new Chromebook season, as Acer has announced the Chromebook Spin 11 (pictured), Chromebook 11 C732, and Chromebox CXI3. All three are priced near the budget end of the price spectrum, with the latter two intended specifically for education and enterprise markets. The newly-announced models are run by 8th generation (Apollo Lake) Intel processors. As with all new Chrome OS devices, the trio support Google Play, allowing them to run Android apps.

Acer Chromebook Spin 11

According to Acer, the Chromebook Spin 11 (CP311-1H / CP311-1HN) is positioned as the follow-up to the R 11 model. It retains the 360-degree hinge, and adds two USB-C 3.1 ports for charging, data, and connecting external displays, in addition to two standard USB 3.1 ports and a microSD card reader. While specific SKUs have not been shared yet, it is available in a variety of configurations, including quad-core Intel Pentium N4200 or Celeron N3450 processors or the dual-core Celeron N3350. It also comes with 4 or 8GB LPDDR4 RAM and 32GB or 64GB eMMC storage. Some models have a secondary webcam for use in tablet mode, and a Wacom EMR stylus option is also available. The Spin 11 has an 11.6" 1366x768 IPS display.

The Spin 11 will be available in North America in March, starting at $349 for the entry-level model, as well as in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa in April starting at €379.

PRESS RELEASE

Acer Chromebook 11 C732

For the education markets, the IP41-rated Chromebook 11 C732 is a durable option intended to withstand handling by children. It retains the same USB ports and connectivity as the Chromebook Spin 11, though the hinge only opens to 180 degrees. The display panel is 1366x768. The touch-enabled C732T is IPS only, whereas the non-touch C732 is available with IPS or TN panels. The C732 can be ordered with either a quad-core N3450 or dual-core N3350 Celeron processor. Depending on the SKU, the C732 can be ordered with 16, 32, or 64GB of eMMC storage, and "up to" 8GB RAM. The C732 series will be available in North America in March from $299.99 for touch models and US$279.99 for non-touch models.

Acer has plans to offer 4G LTE-connected models, but these are not planned for release in North America.

Acer Chromebox CXI3

Presently, little information is available about the Chromebox CXI3, though it is powered by an unspecified Apollo Lake 8th generation Intel processor. Compared to the Chromebooks, it has but one USB-C port, though it uses a traditional pin-and-barrel connector for power. It also adds one HDMI and Ethernet port each. There are 5 standard USB Type-A ports, some of which may be USB 3.1, depending on model. Pricing and availablity information is not yet available.

PRESS RELEASE