One of many leaders within the Chromebook area is pushing the class once more with its new Chromebook R13.
Acer’s model new 13.Three-inch “convertible” (i.e., it folds backward) Chromebook R13, unveiled at IFA 2016, is clearly a step past the standard on supply from the Chromebook 14 that was launched again in March, however in fact it additionally has a better beginning worth at $399.
For the cash you are getting one thing actually good — a strong metallic construct surrounds what seems like a normal Acer trackpad and keyboard, with a sturdier hinge and shiny touchscreen above it. The one massive factor to notice right here is the load, at almost Three.Three kilos.
That is all desk stakes, actually, however the Chromebook R13 is stepping issues up elsewhere to attempt to make it well worth the worth. Proper off the highest it fees over USB-C, which is implausible to see, and Acer has additionally made this a USB Three.1 port that may deal with quick knowledge transfers and video output over the identical port. Becoming a member of it are a full-sized USB-A Three.zero port, in addition to HDMI and a microSD card slot. This is how the specs break down:
| Class | Spec |
|---|---|
| Working System | Chrome OS |
| Show | 13.Three-inch 1920×1080 Touchscreen |
| Processor | MediaTek M8173C Core Pilot quad-core |
| Storage | 16/32/64GB |
| Expandable | microSD card |
| RAM | 4GB LPDDR3 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth USB-C Three.1, USB-A Three.zero |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Battery | As much as 12 hours utilization |
| Digital camera | HD FOV webcam HDR |
| Dimensions | 326 x 228 x 15.5 mm |
| Weight | 1.49 kg / Three.28 lb |
Seeing a MediaTek M8173C processor inside is a bit fascinating, however I am not going to put in writing it off simply due to that — when paired up with 4GB of RAM and driving only a 1080p show I am assured the efficiency could be strong. In my fast utilization I did not have sufficient time to see how properly it might stand as much as heavy load of a number of apps and tabs, however it did not decelerate with my fast searching round, which is an effective signal.
The MediaTek chip ought to have the ability to present ample battery life as properly, which is regularly what shoppers are asking for. Acer is claiming you will get 12 hours of typical utilization, which even when matches as much as prior claims on Acer Chromebooks and lands at extra like 10 hours shall be nice for most individuals.
It is clear to me that that is one of the best Chromebook Acer has ever made, and inches us ever nearer to the true mid-range choices that many Chromebook followers have been asking for. With a better-than-usual construct high quality, nice display, good specs and essential options like USB-C and lengthy battery life Acer should not have any drawback asking $399 for the brand new Chromebook R13, and I am excited to spend extra time with one.