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Acer's latest Chromebook packs speed in a tiny rugged body
When you spring for a Chromebook, the choice between performance and ruggedness is usually an either/or proposition: you can get a durable machine or speedy hardware, but seldom both. Acer thinks it can strike a balance between the two. It's launching the Chromebook 11 C771, which theoretically blends a tough body with better-than-usual processing power. The system is the first 11.6-inch Chromebook to pack Intel's 6th-generation chips, which promise both a speed bump over rivals and very healthy battery life (up to 13 hours on a non-touch model). It starts off with a 1.6GHz Celeron chip, but you'll get Core i3 and i5 models in September that should be up to more demanding web tasks.
Dell unveils 2-in-1 Latitude and Chromebook laptops for schools
This year marks a first for Dell's education-focused computer family: 2-in-1 laptops. Like the company's other computers destined for schools, the Dell Latitude and Chromebook 11 Convertibles are built to withstand classrooms and student abuse. They both sport the same basic design -- rubberized shock protection for falls, sealed keyboards to handle spills and lots of rounded corners -- but one runs Windows 10 and the other is powered by Chrome OS (we'll let you guess which is which).
Acer adds a semi-rugged $180 model to its Chromebook line
Acer's almost certainly the most prolific ChromeOS supporter. It's brought Google's operating system to a wide range of devices over the years, including 15-inch laptops, convertibles and giant all-in-ones. It's going back to basics today, though, with a simple addition to its Chromebook 11 line. Named the CB3-131, it's a low-end machine with an 11.6-inch 1,366 x 768 display, an Intel Celeron processor and a choice of 2GB or 4GB of RAM (and 16GB or 32GB storage). Rounding off the spec sheet are dual-band 802.11ac WiFi, HDMI out, USB 3.0 ports, an SD card reader and a touted 9-hour battery life.
Dell has a new Chromebook and a tablet that runs your choice of OS
After winning a Best of CES Award last month and then releasing what appears to be everyone's favorite new laptop, Dell is already back in the news: The company today announced not one, but four new products. And they run the gamut too, including a Chromebook, a Windows laptop and a tablet that runs either Android or Win 8. While this might seem like a random assortment, they all have this in common: They're aimed at classrooms, and were designed to take a beating from careless children.
HP hedges its bets, unveils a 14-inch laptop running Android (updated)
If you thought this year's Computex show would be dominated entirely by Windows machines, you're in for a little twist. HP has just revealed the SlateBook, that 14-inch Android laptop we saw in a leaked video earlier this year. In addition, HP refreshed its 11-inch Chromebook with a slightly better battery, and dropped the price from $279 to $249. And that's not even counting all the Windows systems the company just launched. Some might call this strategy "throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks"; HP would probably just say it's hedging its bets. Either way, we've got the skinny -- but we'll leave it to you to decide which operating system makes the most sense.
HP Chromebook 11 with Verizon LTE now available at Best Buy for $379 (update: contract pricing)
HP's Chromebook 11 is one of the better Chrome OS devices on the market, power adapter woes notwithstanding, but it hasn't had a cellular version to please those who want always-on data. That won't be a problem after today, as Best Buy has quietly started selling a model with Verizon LTE. The 4G link boosts the ARM-powered laptop's price to $379 without otherwise changing the specs; if you attach it to a shared Verizon data plan, you'll also get a $50 rebate. The new computer probably won't change your mind if you didn't like the Chromebook 11 in the first place. Still, it's one of the cheapest LTE laptops on the market -- that's no doubt appealing to at least a few budget-conscious road warriors. Update: Best Buy tells us that you can get the Chromebook 11 for $279 if you sign a two-year contract with Verizon.
HP Chromebook 11 now ships with an all-new charger after official recall
A month after HP and Google put the kibosh on Chromebook 11 sales due to overheating chargers, and the laptop is now available with a brand new power adapter. According to 9to5Google, it looks like a smaller version of the one for the Pixel except it has a micro-USB tip instead. If you already have a Chromebook 11, do remember that you should be sending yours back in exchange for a new one due to a company recall issued a couple days ago. But if you haven't already pulled the trigger, now is definitely a safer time to do so for one of the best Chromebooks we've seen so far. [Image credit: 9to5Google]
Google and HP recall overheating Chromebook 11 chargers
Google and HP may have already put the brakes on Chromebook 11 sales due to overheating chargers, but there are many Americans who still own the risky equipment. Accordingly, the two companies have just issued an official recall for all 145,000 adapters in the US; owners now have to contact Google for a free replacement and stop using the flawed gear. There's still no word on just when Chromebook 11 sales will resume, although the existence of a fixed charger suggests that the 11-inch system will return to shelves in the near future.
Dell unveils education-focused Chromebook 11, arriving in January for under $300
As promised, Dell has taken the wraps off its first Chrome OS device, the Chromebook 11. The 11.6-inch, 2.9-pound laptop is built with the classroom in mind, and it should ship in tandem with a Wyse PocketCloud app that should make it easy for students and teachers to share their work online. Its 1.4GHz Celeron processor and 16GB solid-state drive are no great shakes, although the system could be the Chrome OS longevity champion -- Dell estimates a 10-hour battery life that could beat out Acer's long-lived C720. Educators who want the Chromebook 11 will have to be patient, though. A version with 4GB of RAM will ship to the US and UK in January. There will also be a 2GB model for cost-conscious schools, but Dell is only promising that it will launch sometime in the first quarter of 2014. Dell expects to sell at least one model under $300.
Dell's first Chromebook is destined for schools
Come tomorrow, Dell will take the wraps off of its very first Chromebook, which has been dubbed the Dell Chromebook 11. Specifics are scant at the moment, but we do know that the laptop (which will likely have an 11-inch display) has been designed for use in schools. Fret not Chrome OS fans who no longer have recess to brighten your day, the company is expected to announce Chromebooks for businesses and the Average Joe next year.
HP and Google put sales of Chromebook 11 on hold after reports of overheating chargers
If you were looking to nab up one of HP's latest Chromebooks for that special someone this holiday season, you might have to wait a bit. The laptop maker and Google decided to "pause" sales of the Chromebook 11 that made its debut last month "after receiving a small number of user reports that some chargers included with the device have been damaged due to over-heating during use." In a statement to The Verge, the duo confirmed reports that Best Buy had pulled the device from shelves. HP and Google also recommend those customers that have already taken the leap discontinue use of the included charger immediately in favor of a "Underwriters Laboratories-listed micro-USB charger" that came with a smartphone or tablet. Hopefully a quick fix is in order, because despite a sticky trackpad and the limitations of Chrome OS, we thought the $279 HP model was worthy of consideration after our review.
This week on gdgt: Kindle Paperwhite 2nd-gen, Chromebook 11, and fitness trackers
Each week, our friends at gdgt go through the latest gadgets and score them to help you decide which ones to buy. Here are some of their most recent picks. Want more? Visit gdgt anytime to catch up on the latest, and subscribe to gdgt's newsletter to get a weekly roundup in your inbox.
Weekly Roundup: Apple iMac review, BlackBerry Z30 review, Samsung's Galaxy Round and more!
You might say the week is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workweek, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Weekly Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past seven days -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Daily Roundup: Apple iMac review, HP Chromebook 11 hands-on, Nest's Protect smoke detector and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Google announces HP Chromebook 11 for $279, we go hands-on (video)
A few days ago, a leak tipped us off to an unannounced HP Chromebook 11, and today Google made that piece of hardware official. Priced at $279, this 11-incher is available today, and we've already had a chance to get our hands on the unit -- in several of its punchy color options, to boot. The laptop is sleek and attractive, especially considering the ultra-accessible price. At 2.3 pounds (1.04kg), the machine feels ridiculously light in the hand, though the magnesium frame also lends some sturdiness. HP's notebook, we must say, really reminds us of Apple's white MacBook from several years back thanks to the softly rounded edges and the white glossy finish, The design is completely screw-free, leaving the lid and back bare. Incidentally, the machine is also void of vents or fans -- with the Sasmung Exynos 5250 processor under the hood, hopefully things won't get too toasty. That processing unit is accompanied by 2GB of RAM, and a 16GB SSD is the sole storage option. As for WiFi, we're looking at dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n (with Bluetooth 4.0) though a rep said a 4G option will be available as well.
HP documents hint at unannounced Chromebook 11 (update: more details)
HP's fledgling Chromebook line has so far been limited to 14-inch models, but there are now hints that the company may be developing a smaller variant. A tipster has spotted mention of a Chromebook 11 in the PC builder's Energy Star qualification list, and we've also noticed a (largely blank) support page for the device. Unfortunately, the name is about all we have; HP hasn't divulged specifications or launch details, assuming the system launches at all. Still, the teasers should be good news for those who've wanted HP to make a smaller Chrome OS laptop. [Thanks, anonymous] Update: A source has helpfully provided an unpublished store listing (shown after the break) that reportedly shows specifications. Not surprisingly, the Chromebook 11 would be both thinner and lighter than its 14-inch cousin, at 0.7 inches thick and 2.4 pounds. Battery life should also be shorter at 6.5 hours, but owners would still get 100GB of free Google Drive space for two years.
