Acer has announced its first convertible Chromebook, the Acer Chromebook R11 — and yes, it’s exactly the same device that we wrote about a few months ago.
The Acer Chromebook R11 is an 11.6-inch notebook with a touchscreen display. The screen can rotate a full 360 degrees to function as a tablet, or be manoeuvred into ‘tent’ and ‘display’ modes.
It is powered by a speedy Intel Celeron N3050 dual-core processor (Braswell, 1.6GHz) and comes with 2GB or memory and 16GB of flash storage. Acer say a slightly more expensive model will a marginally faster processor, 4GB RAM and 32GB of flash storage will also be available.
The IPS display pushes a standard HD (1366 x 768) resolution. Not fantastic but worth remembering that a higher FHD resolution would likely make the touch capabilities more fiddly given the small screen size.
The R11 does have a better HD webcam than previous Acer models. It offers HDR technology for better lighting and contrast. There’s also dual-antennae MiMo Wi-Fi for improved connectivity and a smattering of USB 3.0 ports.
Easily one of the thinest and lightest Chromebooks released so far, the R11 weighs a mere 1.25 kg and stands a svelte 19.2 mm thin. It will be available in either black (pictured) or white.
Acer Say It’s Offers ‘Greater Choice’ For You
Jerry Kao, president of Notebook Business Group at Acer, says the device will provide customers “with a greater choice of Chrome OS notebooks.”
“We already offer a variety of Chromebooks from 11 to 15 inches. The addition of the convertible series is another illustration of our commitment to our customers and the category.”
With a price tag of $299, the R11 is more expensive than the ASUS Chromebook Flip but with its larger screen and far more powerful processor, it’s easily better value for money.
And with a launch date of this October, it should help make seasonal purchase decisions interesting later this year.
Not after a convertible? Lenovo has something new for you, too…