Acer announces its first two 12-inch Chromebooks

Acer has just announced its first two 12-inch Chromebooks: the Chromebook 512 and Chromebook Spin 512.

Starting with the Chromebook 512, the device features a 12-inch IPS display with 1,366 x 912 resolution. The 180-degree hinge lets you lay the Chromebook 512 flat on a surface, while the display can either be touch or non-touch.

On the sides are two USB-C ports, two full-size USB 3.0 ports, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack.

The Chromebook 512 is also compliant with the MIL-STD-810G standard, so it should stand up to a fair amount of abuse. In particular, the device can handle drops from heights of up to 48 inches and handle up to 132 pounds of pressure on the chassis.

Elsewhere, the Chromebook 512 features three processor options: the dual-core Intel Celeron N4000, quad-core Celeron N4100, and quad-core Pentium Silver N5000 processors. The device also comes with either 4GB or 8GB of RAM, either 32GB or 64GB of storage, and a battery that promises up to 12 hours of use.

The Chromebook Spin 512 mostly features the same specs, though you’re limited to the Celeron N4100 and Pentium Silver N5000. Even the port selection, spill-resistant keyboard, and MIL-STD-810G compliance remain the same across devices.

The main differences are with the included Wacom EMR stylus and the 360-degree hinge. With the two features, students can turn the Chromebook Spin 512 into a 3.31-pound tablet and jot down notes during class.

The Chromebook 512 will sell for $329.99, while the Chromebook Spin 512 will sell for $449.99. The two Chromebooks will be available in April.