Acer Chromebook 712 with 3:2 display and ruggedized features announced for Education market
The BETT show for education takes place in London this week and we typically see a few Chromebooks for education launch at this annual event. Acer is the first out of the gate on Monday, introducing the Acer Chromebook 712 (aka, the Acer Chromebook C871), a rugged clamshell with a 12-inch 3:2 aspect screen.
![Acer-Chromebook-712_C871-C871T-front-view - About Chromebooks](https://45-56-100-85.ip.linodeusercontent.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Acer-Chromebook-712_C871-C871T-front-view-1024x844.jpg)
The Acer Chromebook 712 will start at $329.99 when it arrives in the US this March. The base model is powered by an Intel Celeron 5205U, the first Chromebook I’ve seen with this newer processor, paired with 4 GB of memory. Schools can opt for up to an Intel Core i3-10110U and 8 GB of RAM, however.
Being a Chromebook for EDU, there are always some features limited to keep costs down. You can’t get a 1080p display, for example, as the only choice is a 1366 x 912 TFT LED panel. A touch screen is also optional. Still, an HD+ resolution is likely more than adequate in the classroom. There’s no backlit keyboard either but it’s safe to assume most schools are paying their electric bills.
![Acer-Chromebook-712_C871-C871T keyboard view - About Chromebooks](https://45-56-100-85.ip.linodeusercontent.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Acer-Chromebook-712_C871-C871T-keyboard-view-1024x750.jpg)
On the flipside, ruggedized features are added including MIL-STD 810G certification, mechanically anchored keys, and a spill-resistant keyboard. And there’s a heavy-duty hinge “that remains intact even when students pick it up by the display,” according to Acer.
Here’s a rundown on the hardware specifications for the Acer Chromebook 712:
CPU | Intel Celeron 5205U Intel Pentium Gold 6405U Intel Core i3-10110U |
GPU | Intel Graphics |
Display | 12-inch, 1366 x 912 TFT LCD panel, 3:2 aspect ratio, touch optional, folds to 180-degrees |
Memory | 4 GB DDR4 8 GB DDR4 |
Storage | 32 / 64 GB eMMC, microSD slot |
Connectivity | WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
Input | Non-backlit keyboard, multitouch trackpad, built-in microphone, 720p webcam with SHDR imaging |
Ports | Two USB Type-C ports, one USB Type-A, headphone jack |
Battery | 48 WHrs, claimed run time up to 12 hours |
Weight | 3.09 pounds |
Software | Chrome OS software automatic update expiration date: June 2028 |
![Acer-Chromebook-712_C871-C871T-rear-angle - About Chromebooks](https://45-56-100-85.ip.linodeusercontent.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Acer-Chromebook-712_C871-C871T-rear-angle-1024x633.jpg)
While we don’t know the costs of the upgrade models, the Acer Chromebook 721 is surely the most powerful education Chromebook I’ve seen yet, at least in its top-line configuration. I can’t remember seeing an Intel U-Series processor inside one of these.
That suggests to me that there’s either a market for better-performing education Chromebooks or that Acer thinks there’s a market for one. I’d be curious to see what any educators think, particularly if they’ve used lower-powered Chromebooks in the classroom before.