CES 2015 – Acer Launches Super-Sized Chromebook, Two New 4G Smartphones

Acer has unveiled a series of new devices at CES 2015, including two new 4G smartphones and the world’s first ever 15.6in Chromebook.

The new Acer Chromebook 15 uses fifth Generation Intel Core i3 and Intel Celeron processors based on the Intel Broadwell micro-architecture.

Its 15.6in display makes it the biggest Chromebook currently in existence, with a 27 percent larger screen than the current size leader. The screen comes in two variations – a full HD display or an HD 1366×768 resolution display for budget-minded customers.

Weighing a mere 2.2kg, the Chromebook 15 features a fabric-like surface which enables a secure grip, and has been reinforced to withstand up to 60kg of force, while the corners can tolerate up to 45cm drops without damage.

Available with either a 16GB or 32GB SSD drive and either 2GB or 4GB RAM, the Chromebook 15 will go on sale in selected European countries for €279 (£218) from February.

Powerhouse

“The Acer Chromebook 15 is a true powerhouse – it provides fast mobile performance and a large display to help customers accomplish more every day,” said John Miedema, director product marketing, Acer Europe.

“Acer has been a leader in the Chromebook market, from providing the latest in technology and trailblazing battery life to designing new form factors. We’re driving the category forward again with the world’s first 15.6-inch display Chromebook, the Acer Chromebook 15.”

Also at the show, Acer revealed two new 4G-enabled smartphone devices, the Liquid Jade S (pictured above) and the Liquid Z410.

The former is a 5in device weighing just 116g. Powered by a 64-bit Mediatek octa-core processor which supports Category 4 LTE networks, the Jade S will run Android 4.4 KitKat on release but will later support Android Lollipop 5.0 later in the year.

The Jade S also features a controllable voice-command function for its 13MP rear camera and 5MP front camera. Users can take photos using commands such as “Cheese” to shoot or “Selfie” to switch from the rear to the front camera and seamlessly snap a perfect smile.

Available in January for €299, the Jade S will be available in either black or white versions.

The Liquid Z410 is a more budget-friendly device, retailing at €129 from February. The 4.5in device has a 64-bit quad-core processor and also supports 4G networks. It also features the same voice-controlled camera functions, but comes with slightly less powerful lenses, sporting a 5MP rear camera and 2MP front lens.

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