[CES 2017] Acer announces Chromebook 11 N7, with classroom-ready features

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Acer has taken the wraps off of the new Chromebook 11 N7, a rugged Chromebook meant for the classroom. Aside from its durable construction, the N7 also features a fan-less design and long battery life to keep the learning going all day long. Acer is looking to expand on their impressive 33% Chromebook market share with a new model.

The Chromebook 11 N7 will be available with an IPS Touch display (C731T) and a standard non-touch (C731) for greater flexibility in budgeting for larger districts. It has also met U.S. MIL-STD 810G military testing for durability. Some of its most impressive features in that regard include the ability to withstand a drop from 48″, 132 pounds of downward force on the lid, a reinforced case and hinges, and a spill-resistant keyboard. The keyboard features a unique gutter system that allows up to 11 ounces of water to safely pass through the keys, yet away from any electronics before being routed out the bottom of the chassis.

Acer expects this device to get up to 12 hours of battery life, lasting more than a full school day. Even with these durability features and impressive battery life, the Chromebook 11 N7 should still be very easy to carry, measuring just 0.87 inches, and weighing a mere 2.98 pounds. This Chromebook should have added value, as it is set to receive the Google Play update, allowing Android apps to run in the Chrome environment.

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Educators looking to get their hands on the new Chromebook 11 N7 will need only wait until later this month, or early next month in some regions. Models will be available in North America starting in January with a starting price of $229, and in the EMEA in February starting at €299.

You can see the full specs for this new Chromebook below, and read more about the Acer Chromebook 11 N7 in the full press release just below that.

  • Operating System: Chrome OS
  • CPU: Intel Celeron dual-core processor N3060 (2MB L2 cache, 1.60 GHz, up to 2.48 GHz with Intel® Burst Technology, DDR3L 1600MHz, 6W)
  • Memory: 4GB of Dual-channel LPDDR3 SDRAM support
  • Display:
    • C731: 11.6-inch HD 1366×768 resolution, high-brightness Acer ComfyView™ LED-backlit TFT LCD ultra slim design
    • C731T: 11.6-inch Touchscreen display with IPS technology 1366×768 resolution, high-brightness Acer CineCrystal™ LED-backlit TFT LCD with wide viewing angles
    • Both models: 16:9 aspect ratio, Mercury free, environmentally friendly
  • Graphics: Intel HD Graphics
  • Storage: 16GB eMMC or 32GB eMMC
  • Audio: High-definition audio support, two built-in stereo speakers, built-in microphone
  • HD webcam: HD webcam with 1280×720 resolution 720pm HD audio/video recording
  • Wireless and networking: Intel Dual Band Wireless AC, 802.11ac/a/b/g/n wireless LAN, Operates at 2.4 and 5GHz, 2×2 MIMO technology Bluetooth 4.0
  • Input and Output: Two USB 3.0 ports SD card reader, HDMI port, 3.5mm headphone/speaker jack, DC-in jack for AC adapter
  • Reliability Testing: MIL-STD 810G: high temperature, low temperature, rain, humidity, vibration, mechanical shock, transit drop
  • Keyboard and Touchpad: Acer Fine Tip keyboard with international language support Fully clickable touchpad featuring click anywhere functionality
  • Privacy Control: Trusted Platform Module and Kensington lock slot
  • Color: Granite Gray
  • System compliance: Energy Star®, EPEAT® registered
  • Battery: 4090 mAh 11.1 V 3-cell Li-Ion battery Battery life up to 12 hours
  • Dimensions: 11.72w x 8.27d x 0.87h inches (297.6 x 210 x 22 mm)
  • Weight: 2.98 lbs, 1.35kg

What do you think about the Acer Chromebook 11 N7? Let us know in the comments below or on Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.

 

FULL PRESS RELEASE

Rugged Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) is a Smart Solution for Classrooms

LAS VEGAS (Jan. 3, 2017) Acer today announced the availability of its newest Chromebook for education customers, the Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) with enhanced durability features. In addition, it provides long battery life and a fan-less design, making it an exceptional choice for schools and school districts that want a reliable, powerful and quiet device for student learning.

“Chromebooks have become the de facto standard for education technology in many districts around the country,” said Chris Chiang, Vice President of Product Management at Acer America. “The new Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) will set the bar even higher for what schools utilize for their classrooms and labs – a durable design, quiet fan-less operation and a portable form factor that makes them easy to transport for 1:1 programs, around the classroom, outside and in the lab.”

According to data from Gartner, Acer Group is the world’s leading Chromebook brand with over 33 percent market share in 2015.

Durable Design Features Enhance Real-Time Learning

The durability and design features of the Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) ensure maximum uptime and contribute to reduced IT maintenance. The device endured rigorous testing to meet the demanding U.S. MIL-STD 810G military standard. This military specification testing validates the ruggedness, durability and quality of the Chromebook 11 N7 (C731), so that student learning can take place in a variety of environments.

The Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) can handle up to 132 pounds (60kg) of downward force on the top cover, while the reinforced case and hinges result in greater resistance to twisting and stress, even if students cram them into their backpacks. In addition, the corner-shield structure and rubber bumper keyboard surround further protect the Chromebook, so it can tolerate drops from heights up to 48 inches (122cm). These features ensure the Chromebook will be protected whether it takes a tumble while being transported or is accidentally knocked off a desk. The anti-slip pattern on the rear case makes it easy to grip and helps prevent it from slipping out of students’ hands.

The Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) has a spill-resistant keyboard that provides protection against spills of up to 11 fluid ounces (330ml) of water. The unique gutter system under the keyboard and touchpad drains water so that it’s routed away from internal components and out the bottom of the chassis.
A new feature to the Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) is the keyboard design with recessed keys that prevent the key caps from being easily removed by students. In addition, the keyboard was designed for an excellent typing experience for students, many of whom are still learning keyboarding skills.
The Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) has a fan-less design that provides cool and quiet operation, so it doesn’t add noise, even to a whole classroom of students. Also, reliability is boosted since it doesn’t require venting that may cause airflow issues and dust accumulation.

Long Battery Life up to 12 Hours, Excellent Performance

Administrators and teachers won’t have to worry about charging their Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) every evening, since it provides up to 12 hours of battery life, enough for several days of classroom use1. This long battery life is also ideal for 1:1 programs where students use their Chromebook throughout the school day, then take it home for homework and fun. Powered by Intel® Celeron® dual-core processors, the Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) delivers solid everyday performance.

Touch Display Option, 180-Degree Hinge Promotes Sharing

School administrators can meet their curriculum and budget requirements with different models of the Chromebook 11 N7. The Acer C731T has an 11.6-inch IPS touch screen display, while the C731 has a standard non-touch display. Touch models allow students a heightened level of engagement, since any webpage or app can benefit from touch gestures in both solo and group settings. The display has a 1366×768 resolution that ensures sharp and legible apps and text as well as vivid, clear videos and photos. Also, the Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731)’s hinge is designed to open up to 180 degrees – so it can lay flat on a table for sharing during certain lessons such as labs.

The slim and portable form factor makes the Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) ideal for use anywhere – at home, school, work and on-the-go. It measures only 0.87 inches (22mm) thin and weighs only 2.98 pounds (1.35kg).

The Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) will provide additional capabilities thanks to planned support for Android apps via the Google Play™ Store in the coming months.

Students Stay Connected

Students can stay connected to their campus network with the fast dual-band 2×2 MIMO 802.11ac Wi-Fi. The device connects easily to peripherals via Bluetooth 4.0, two USB 3.0 ports and one HDMI port. Students can plug in headphones with the 3.5mm combo audio port. Files can be transferred with the device’s built-in SD card reader.

Sharing and Collaborating

The Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) supports multiple user sign on to keep each student’s data safe. Students simply log onto their unique accounts to ensure their project, Gmail and other information is kept safe, even if the Chromebook is lost or stolen. Storage on Google Drive4 protects files, documents, and photos safely in the cloud, and ensures that the most current version is always available. Students can also access files offline, and even open and edit Microsoft® Office documents as well as Google Documents.

Easy to Deploy, Manage, Keep Safe; Backed by Acer Support

The Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) is easy to deploy and manage. IT administrators will find it easy to make updates, configure apps, utilize extensions and policies and more with the webbased management.

Students will stay protected since Chrome OS is automatically updated and guards against everchanging online threats, such as viruses and malware. The new Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) has a Kensington lock, so it can be secured to a wireless cart or lab.

U.S.-based Acer Premier Care also is provided to U.S. Acer education and business customers purchasing 100+ units. Acer education customers can also take advantage of the Acer Educare Warranty Programs to further protect their investment with solutions such as battery replacement, paid two-way shipping, and accidental damage protection.

Price and Availability

Several models of the new Acer Chromebook 11 N7 – both the C731 with a non-touch display and C731T with an IPS touch screen display – will be available with either 16GB or 32GB eMMC storage and 4GB of RAM. It will be available to education and commercial customers in North America in January with prices starting at $229.99, and in EMEA in February with prices starting at €299.

Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To learn more about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office via www.acer.com.

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