Acer has launched the first of what is likely many new Qualcomm-powered Always On, Always Connected Chromebooks. The Chromebook Spin 513 will be available in two variants when released.

Both the Chromebook Spin 513 and Acer Chromebook Enterprise Spin 513 weigh in at less than 1.2Kg and yet boast a battery life of up to 14 hours, including the option of LTE (4G) connectivity.

Qualcomm has already used its compute platforms for similar Windows PC powered devices, but this is the first laptop (in this case a 2-in-1) using Chrome OS, which is arguably ideal for an ARM based chipset that will work brilliantly with Android apps.

The Chromebook Spin 513 has a aluminum top cover as well as a Corning
Gorilla Glass display and touchpad that provide resistance to scratches and damage. It also has an optional backlit keyboard.

The 13.3-inch Full HD IPS2 touchscreen has a 78% screen-to-body ratio.

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7c compute platform comprises an 8nm octa-core Kyro 468 CPU and integrated Adreno 618 GPU. You will be able to buy the Spin 513 with up to 8GB of LPDDR4X SDRAM and up to 128 GB of storage.

Optional LTE connectivity (via a SIM card tray on the side) allows for the always connected experience, with instant connectivity and no need to seach around for Wi-Fi (the Spin 513 comes with Wi-Fi 5).

Two 360-degree hinges allow multiple usage modes, including clamshell, tablet, display and tent modes. Two microphones help with better reception for conference calls.

Other ports on the Chromebook Spin 513 include two full-function USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1) ports with DisplayPort over USB-C and USB charging, plus a USB Type A port (3.2).

There’s Bluetooth 5 included too.

Enterprise

The Acer Chromebook Enterprise Spin 513 provides additional security, enterprise capabilities and cost savings, with easier remote management by IT administrators.

Devices can be set to automatically enrol into enterprise mode as soon as the recipient connects to the Internet, saving the need for any physical interaction by admins.

Pricing and Availability

The Acer Chromebook Spin 513 will go on sale in north America in February 2021 with pricing starting at US$399.99. It will also come to Europe, Middle East and Asia in January 2021 with pricing starting at €429/£399.

The Enterprise variant will start at $699.99 in north America and €699 in EMEA, with availability from March 2021 and February 2021 respectively.