Acer Goes Large with New Chromebook sporting 15.6-Inch Model
Chromebooks have traditionally been in the lower-powered range of PCs with the Chrome OS, Google apps and a slimmed down profile in order to not require too much power under the hood. However, as consumers and businesses become more comfortable with the Chrome OS, the demand for better specifications even without extreme power options is become obvious for laptop manufacturers.
The Acer C720 Chromebook was one of the top 3 sellers in the laptop category at Amazon in the run up to Christmas Day demonstrated the high demand for the Chromebook as an alternative to the traditional laptop. Usually though these cut down computers come in smaller form factors like a 13.3-inch and smaller models which are suitable for short term use for occasional travelers but lack the size or power requirements of road warriors who have to take a different computer out on the road with them.
Acer C720 Chromebook
Interesting Chromebook Specification
Now Acer, which according to research company Gartner is the second best-selling Chromebook producer, is following on from the success of their C720 Chromebook model with the Acer Chromebook 15 which features a comfortable 15.6-inch display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution (Full HD).
A fifth generation Intel Celeron processor is included which is still lacking sufficient “oomph” to attract power users. However, the model does include the latest 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard, Bluetooth 4.0 LE (low energy version), USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports, plus a HDMI port for good measure. The Acer Chromebook 15 weighs just under 2.2 kilos and comes with a battery which may last up to 8 hours on a single charge.
The display can be chosen between a 720p or 1080p version. There is a 16 GB or 32 GB SSD model for expanded, fast storage. Included RAM memory runs between 2 GB and 4 GB depending on the model selected. There will also be a Chromebook 13 with a smaller 13.3-inch display released later in the year.
The most basic model is expected to retail at about $250 with prices rising for better specifications like the 1080p display and 32 GB SSD storage. A release date has yet to be announced.
Aspire V17 Nitro Black Edition
The Aspire V17 Nitro Black Edition is also sure to turn heads at the upcoming CES 2015 trade show. It features a black design with orange back lighting for the keyboard and an Intel 3D camera. The camera has an infra-red camera, a traditional webcam camera and an infra-red laser projector in order to correctly interpret user movements and gestures.
The user is expected to be able to use gestures to initiate certain commands with the laptop. The camera can also act as a 3D scanner which can be useful for generating 3D models and possible help towards 3D printing as well. Acer includes a couple of pieces of software to take advantage of these new 3D camera features too.
The Acer Aspire V17 also comes with a powerful Intel Core i7 processor, NVidia GeForce graphics card with as much as 4 GB of video RAM, a 128 GB or 256 GB SSD, and the option for up to 16 GB of internal RAM memory as well. A better internal fan is included which it is hoped will reduce dust build up inside the laptop while running cooler and quieter as well. A choice of DVD or Blu-ray player is there too.
The Aspire V17 is clearly a beast that will attract hardcore users and gamers alike. Released in January, price as yet unknown.
