14 DAY TRIAL // In addition to Microsoft and HP, which have both announced Windows 10 S laptops, Acer is also joining the revolution with its own device, once again specifically tailored for the education sector.
Acer isn’t launching a completely new product, but only a Windows 10 S version of an existing laptop: the TravelMate Spin B1.
Already available with a $399 price tag, the device will be sold for just $299 when powered by Windows 10 S, and it comes with hardware that could also deal with the full version of Windows 10 Pro should customers decide to upgrade - switching from Windows 10 S to Windows 10 Pro can be done for just $49, as per Microsoft’s pricing schedule for the new OS version.
The 11.6-inch Acer device features an Intel Celeron processor and 4GB RAM, with 64GB storage offered by default. There’s Bluetooth 4.0 support, one USB 3.0 port and another one with USB 2.0, plus an HDMI connector. Battery life has been one particular focus, with Acer saying it can offer up to 13 hours per charge.
Built for the classroom
The TravelMate Spin B1 is a laptop that Acer built specifically for the education market, so it comes with special features like water resistance for the keyboard and a built-in system that prevents liquids from reaching the internals.
The display is also pressure resistant, while the case features rubber bumpers to withstand shocks, hits and drops that typically take place in the classroom.
Microsoft promised that Windows 10 S could go as low as $189 in terms of pricing, so expect more such devices to see daylight in the coming weeks, especially because the company has joined forces with the majority of OEMs to provide customers in the education sector with as many choices as possible.
The Surface Laptop is Microsoft’s own Windows 10 S product, but given the $999 starting price, it’s very clear that the software giant is leaving some space for its partners to dominate the laptop industry.
