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Acer's first touchscreen Chromebook arrives next month for $299
If you'd rather get hands-on with your Chromebook work sessions, Acer is looking to lend a hand. The company has outed the C720P: its first touchscreen Chromebook, and the first we've seen outside of Google's own Chromebook Pixel -- something that we've been expecting ever since more touch-enabled features showed up in stable Chrome OS builds. The Google-fied laptop sports an 11.6-inch HD LED display with 1,366 x 768 resolution alongside an Intel Celeron 2955U processor, 32GB SSD and 2GB DDR3 RAM. Weighing in at only 2.98 pounds and measuring 0.78 inch thick, the C720P claims up to 7.5 hours of battery life -- an hour less than its Haswell-powered sibling, the C720. There's both USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, an HDMI jack, SD card slot and two years worth of 100GB Google Drive space for extra storage. Sound too good to pass up? Well, you'll be able to snag one in early December for $299 -- far less than the $1,299 Pixel -- from Amazon, Best Buy and the Acer store.
Acer unveils $200 Haswell-based Chromebook for the extra-thrifty
Acer gave its Chromebook line a welcome tune-up when it launched the Haswell-based C720, but the $250 starting price was no doubt disappointing to those who wanted the C7's $200 entry point. The company is accommodating those spendthrifts today with its $200 C720-2848 variant. The only sacrifice is a lower 2GB of RAM; owners still get a 1.4GHz Celeron processor, a 16GB solid-state drive and that vaunted 8.5 hours of battery life. Should you want to save a cool $50, or are just frustrated that you can't buy a Chromebook 11, you can pick up the new C720 today from Amazon or Best Buy.
Daily Roundup: PlayStation 4 review, all-in-one credit card, 2014 ASUS lineup 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.
ASUS plans new smartphone and Chromebook launches for early 2014
ASUS' bread and butter is in the PC business, so as growth dwindles, it's got to reinvent itself elsewhere. According to the Taipei Times, the company is set to introduce its first line of Chromebooks and a number of new smartphones early next year. We'll likely see new handsets at CES 2014 in January, possibly including the 5-inch MeMOFone, followed by new 11.6-inch and 13.3-inch Chrome OS-powered notebooks (said to be priced at $199 and $249 respectively) later in the quarter. ASUS previously teased Haswell Chromebooks at Intel's Developer Forum in September, where it also showed off its new lightweight Chromebox PC. Further down the line, ASUS will become the latest entrant into the wearable market -- we'll apparently get to see what it's been working on at Computex in June.
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.
Google to give parents more control with supervised user accounts in Chrome
Those unwilling to spend big bucks on a laptop for their kids might consider a low-cost Chromebook as an option, but could be a bit hesitant due to the OS's lack of parental controls. That could all change however, thanks to a new feature the Chrome team is rolling out this week to its beta channel. Simply add your child as a "supervised user" on Chrome, and you can see his or her browsing history and decide whether to allow or block certain sites. He or she can also request permission to view a blocked site if necessary. Interested parties can go ahead and try this out now by downloading the beta version of Chrome on Windows, Mac and Linux, though obviously this feature would be more useful for a machine with Chrome as its sole browser. Thankfully, that should be the case once this feature passes the beta phase.
LG looks set to launch its first Chrome OS devices
LG's tie-up with Google has been limited to Android in the past, but new evidence hints that the pair are teaming up for devices running Chrome OS. TMWatch has spotted that the company has filed trademarks for "ChromeOne," "ChromeDesk," and ChromeStation," which could mean we're going to get three new pieces of hardware running the browser-based platform. It's been coming for a while, considering that the Korean giant signed a patent deal with Microsoft covering future Chrome OS devices last year, and has since seen HP, Samsung, Acer and Lenovo dabble with Google's desktop software. After all, now that LG and Google have buddied up for the Nexus 4 and forthcoming Nexus 5, it looks as if everyone wants a piece of the Chrome OS action.
Chrome OS 30 stable build adds select, drag-and-drop features for touchscreens
Adventurous folks running Chrome OS beta have been enjoying the platform's new touchscreen functions since September, assuming they have a Pixel. Now, touchscreen text selection and drag and drop support is arriving to the operating system's stable build aboard the latest software update. While these features are useless if you're using anything other than Pixel, their arrival in a stable build sets the table for more touchscreen devices. The platform's latest version also comes with a number of other changes including the ability to choose audio sources from the tray menu and the addition of on-by-default Quickoffice editor for Word and Excel. Users can now also check their connection using a diagnostics tool and share folders and files direct from the File app. If you're using any Chrome OS device, you can expect to get the update within the next few days.
Daily Roundup: Fitbit Force fitness watch, Twitter's Event Parrot, Pantech Vega Secret Note 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.
Acer details Haswell-based C720 Chromebook, begins pre-orders at $250
Acer was only willing to tease its Haswell-powered Chromebook at last month's Intel Developer Forum, but it's ready to spill the beans today. Now called the C720, the 11.6-inch system revolves around a more efficient 1.4GHz Celeron processor that (along with 4GB of low-power RAM) allows a healthy 8.5 hours of claimed battery life. The PC also ditches the hard drive of its ancestor; there's now a 16GB solid-state drive that improves responsiveness and helps Acer slim the design by 30 percent, to 0.75 inches thick. The company isn't saying just when the C720 will ship, but Amazon and Best Buy are both taking pre-orders today for a $250 based model that undercuts HP's Chromebook 11.
Daily Roundup: HP Chromebook 11 review, Samsung's Galaxy Round, a gold HTC One 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.
HP Chromebook 11 review: is this $279 Chrome OS laptop really for everyone?
We've seen Chromebook prices get cheaper and cheaper, but the majority opinion appears to remain the same: they're nice laptops in theory, but they don't cut it in the real world. Interesting, then, that Google's marketing the new HP Chromebook 11 as the laptop "for everyone." One thing that we think almost everyone can agree on: $279 for a well-designed, 11.6-inch notebook with a bright IPS display is a none-too-shabby deal. But, given the limitations of Chrome OS, is this actually a worthwhile purchase?
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.
Weekly Roundup: Apple iPhone 5s and 5c hands-on, LG G2 review, Moto X's Texas factory, 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: HP Haswell Chromebook hands-on, Dell going private, Samsung's 64-bit CPUs, 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.
HP Chromebook 14 with Haswell hands-on (video)
Aside from the new Acer Chromebook, we also got a hands-on look at the new HP Chromebook 14. The latest Haswell-powered Chromebook from HP comes in an array of eye-popping colors -- Snow White, Ocean Turquoise and Coral Peach -- which certainly makes them the most colorful Chromebooks we've ever seen. In person, the colors seem bright and playful, though we can't help but feel they look like they belong in Toys R Us rather than an electronics store. The Chromebook's chassis is made out of plastic, which makes the whole thing seem even more toy-like. The top cover has a smooth rubberized finish, but the plastic-molded keyboard feels a bit gritty; the texture reminds us of the material used in 3D printing. As the name suggests, the Chromebook 14 has a 14-inch display with 1,366 x 768 resolution. It looked bright enough underneath the convention center's lighting, though it's difficult to tell after just a few minutes of use. It's certainly not the lightest Chromebook we've ever held -- it measures about 0.81-inch thin and weighs in at a whopping 4.08 pounds. HP opted to adhere to the standard Chromebook keyboard layout instead of its own, and the trackpad has just a single button instead of the two found on the HP Pavilion 14. Other features include a HDMI port, 16GB of storage, USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports, an HD webcam, an SD card slot and a battery that promises up to 9.5 hours of continuous use. If you decide to buy one, it comes with 100GB of Google Drive for free for two years. The HP Chromebook 14 is priced at around $299.99 to start, and should be available for purchase before the holiday season. To get a closer look at the candy-colored laptops, have a peek at the gallery or hit the video after the break.
New Acer Chromebook with Haswell hands-on (video)
One of the first Chromebooks to come blessed with Intel's Haswell processor is the new Acer Chromebook, and we had a chance to get a closer look at it today. If not for the "new" moniker that Acer has so kindly bestowed on it, at first glance you'd be hard-pressed to find much different in comparison to its C7 predecessor. Get closer however, and you'll notice it's lighter and slimmer, measuring around 0.75 inch thin and weighing in at about 2.76 pounds. The new Acer Chromebook also has much better battery life, boasting up to 8.5 hours of continuous use from a non-removable cell this time around. It also sports an HDMI port, two USB ports (one 3.0), a standard headphone jack and an SD card slot on the sides. The 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 resolution display is a little on the small side, but still looks crisp and colorful enough to our eyes. The raised chiclet keyboard feels tactile and comfortable to use, and Acer wisely chose to adhere to the standard Chromebook keyboard layout instead of recycling a PC layout like on the C7. While we don't know its price just yet, we do know that you'll get 100GB of Google Drive storage free for two years with every purchase. Sadly, we don't have much more information about the new Acer Chromebook to share with you, but we'll be sure to update this post once we do. In the meantime, have a peek at the hands-on gallery and video after the break.
Daily Roundup: Moto X factory tour, which new iPhone to buy, Intel's Haswell Chromebooks, 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.
