Acer recently released a 2-in-1 device that can work as a laptop or a tablet. Dubbed as the Acer Chromebook R 13, it runs on Chrome OS but Google has tweaked the operating system in order to allow Android apps from Google Play store to run on newer models of Chromebook.
The Chromebook R 13 sports a 13-inch Full HD IPS display that rotates, allowing users to transform it into a tablet or a laptop with ease, depending on their use. According to Gizmondo, the panel also has a 10-point touch capability that allows supports tapping, swiping, and pinch-to-zoom gestures. When used as a tablet, the display also functions as a touchscreen allowing users to experience mobile-like interface and run Android apps.
Chromebooks are an affordable alternative to typical laptops. With the Chromebook R 13, the added supports for the Android operating system means that the device can essentially support mobile apps instead of being restricted to purely Chromebook applications.
Regarding its specs, the Chromebook R13 has a MediaTek M8173C CorePilor chipset with an octa-core processor. The R13 is essentially the first Chromebook model to sport a MediaTek processor. The Chromebook R 13 also boasts 4GB of memory, and a webcam with 1280 x 720 resolution. Storage space is available in three options: 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB.
Other features of the Chromebook R 13 include USB Type-C and USB 3.0 support, Bluetooth, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and HDMI ports. Acer claims that the Chromebook R 13 can last up to 12 hours on just a single charge. Since these specs are not exactly premium-tiered, Acer was able to squeeze everything into a body that is only 15.5mm thick and weighs 1.49 kilograms.
According to PC World, the Acer Chromebook R 13 is slated to be released in October. The device will pick up a price tag of $399 in North America, and $445 in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.