Acer has debuted its first Chromebooks for students powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 540 Processor, which aims to help students embrace a tech-forward curriculum and develop the skills they will need for later in life.
For schools, laptops are an integral part of classrooms, but buyers will look for the latest and most efficient technology but only at the right price, as budgets are, as ever, tight.
Acer has launched its Acer Chromebook Spin 311 and Acer Chromebook 311, its first education Chromebooks powered by the newly available MediaTek Kompanio 540 processor. The Chromebooks have the features and performance teachers want to help students embrace modern technology, but they are also available at reasonable prices and with a reduced total cost of ownership.
Performance and battery life
As mentioned, the Chromebooks are powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 540 processor, which enables smooth performance for everyday learning and demanding applications such as STEM programs and Minecraft® Education Edition. In addition, the new Chromebooks provide up to 15 hours of battery life and have fast-charging capabilities, making them ideal for students in 1:1 programs that take their devices home for after-school enrichment, as well as for lab and classroom environments where students share devices. The Chromebooks also have a power-efficient design resulting in fanless operation that is whisper-quiet.
The Chromebook Spin 311 (R725T) has a convertible design with 360-degree hinges that allow it to be used in four different modes, including tablet mode for reading, sketching and taking notes.
Meanwhile, the Chromebook 311 (C725) has a traditional clamshell design that is compact and lightweight, so young learners can easily use and transport it. Both models feature an 11.6-inch LED-backlit HD (1366×768) display with IPS technology, while the Chromebook Spin 311 also has the option for an Antimicrobial Corning® Gorilla® Glass display. Both Chromebooks can also be purchased with an optional TÜV Rheinland-certified display that offers low blue-light emissions.
The Chromebooks provide access to a range of features that enhance the student experience. Both feature a Full HD webcam supported by dual microphones for class projects and have the option for a world-facing camera for engaging science and art projects. The dedicated Quick Insert key on both Chromebooks encourages student creativity and efficiency by providing one-touch access to tools, menus and other applications. In addition, both systems are offered with up to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 for strong and reliable connections to the network and peripherals.
Maximising school budgets
The Chromebooks meet MIL-STD 810H testing standards and have durability features that protect schools’ investments and reduce total cost of ownership. Each Chromebook has an impact-resistant exterior, shock-absorbent bumpers, and internal honeycomb design that protects it from drops as high as 122cm, making them ideal for unpredictable classroom environments from nursery to year 13.
Brackets along the LCD panel and I/O ports provide reinforcement to withstand rough handling and repeated use. Both Chromebooks have a keyboard with a drainage system that routes water out of the device to help protect internal components from spills up to 330ml.
The Chromebooks have several modular design features that facilitate easy and affordable repairs and replacement, leading to maximum student uptime. The serviceable keyboard can be completely removed and replaced by removing just two screws, and it also has mechanically anchored keys that are difficult for students to remove but simple for IT personnel to repair. In addition, the serviceable USB Type-C port is modular, so repairs and replacements can be quickly made to it if damaged.
With sustainability an increasing concern for schools, buyers will be pleased to note that the new Chromebooks contribute to Acer’s sustainability goals; for instance, they utilise PCR plastics, eco-friendly packaging and energy-efficient designs for an overall reduced environmental impact. In addition, they are EPEAT registered, as well as Energy Star and TCO-certified.
Chrome Education Upgrade
The Chromebooks are available to schools with Chrome Education Upgrade, enhancing deployment, onboarding, security and IT support for an entire fleet of Chromebooks. It helps protect sensitive data, so that administrators, teachers and students can focus on utilising their Chromebooks for learning. IT departments can easily manage devices at scale, conduct admin support, and have new Acer Chromebooks automatically enrolled at school sites through zero-touch enrolment.
“Acer Chromebooks are acclaimed as a foundational technology to prepare K-12 students for a lifetime of learning,” said James Lin, general manager, Notebooks, Acer Inc. “Their durability, flexibility and ease-of-use help students collaborate and embrace new concepts with enthusiasm. Plus, they help teachers more effectively implement personalised learning strategies for their students, while IT departments can effectively manage Chromebooks to ensure sustainable operation and uninterrupted student learning.”
