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Acer announces TravelMate Spin B1 convertible

Teaser
Acer's TravelMate line gains a new member: the Spin B1 is a convertible notebook with a 360-degree hinge. Targeted at education markets, the Spin B1 promises long battery life and a durable design.

Acer’s TravelMate line of notebooks is typically targeted at the more practical education and business markets. The notebooks usually feature plain designs and focus on utility and longevity. On the other hand, the Spin line is Acer’s take on 2-in-1 convertible notebooks with 360-degree hinges. The new TravelMate Spin B1 announced today looks to merge the two product categories into one device.

The TravelMate Spin B1 aimed squarely at the educational market for use in classrooms. The notebook features “four versatile modes that facilitate all aspects of classroom learning, including Stand and Tent modes for group projects and sharing, Tablet mode for learning on the move in labs or during field trips, and Laptop mode for everything else.” The device will also feature a “shock-absorbent middle rubber frame that can handle the rough-and-tumble of the classroom, while a pressure-resistant screen with increased strength can withstand frontal impact of up to 60 kg.” The keyboard will also be spill resistant. The rugged design and included stylus (with support for Windows Ink) may make the device perfect for schools to deploy for classwork and note taking by a classroom full of students

The notebook will be powered by a power-sipping Intel Pentium Processor and Intel HD Graphics. Acer estimates that the low-powered chip will net the laptop 13 hours of battery life. Other specs include:

  • 2x2 MIMO 802.11ac WiFi
  • Bluetooth 4.0
  • Two USB 3.0 ports
  • One USB 2.0 port
  • One HDMI port
  • Headphone jack
  • SD Card reader

An interesting feature is an LED light system that will interface with Acer’s TeachSmart software, allowing students to signal teachers via colored lights. Using the system, Acer says that students will be able to “easily communicate with the teacher, get class materials, take quizzes, and even request bathroom breaks.”

The TravelMate Spin B1 is expected to be available in Q2 of 2017. Specific pricing and specifications will be announced at that time and will vary by region.

Source(s)

Acer press release

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Sam Medley, 2017-01-23 (Update: 2017-01-23)