The just announced Acer Chromebook R13 is both the first Mediatek Chromebook and the first 64-bit ARM Chromebook thanks to its Mediatek MT8173(c) quad core processor with two ARM Cortex-A72 cores, and two ARM Cortex-A53 cores. The Chromebook is also fitted with a 13.3″ touchscreen display, 4 GB RAM, and up to 64GB internal storage.
Acer Chromebook R13 specifications:
- SoC – Mediatek M8173C quad core processor with 2x ARM Cortex A72 cores, 2x ARM Cortex A53 cores, and a PowerVR GX6250 GPU
- System Memory – 4GB LPDDR3 RAM
- Storage – 16, 32 or 64 GB eMMC flash
- Display – 13.3″ touchscreen IPS display; 1920×1080 resolution; 10-point touch; 360-degree hinge design
- Audio – Integrated microphone, dual built-in speakers, microphone and headphone jacks
- Video Output – HDMI
- Camera – HD webcam (1280×720 resolution) with HDR and 720p HD audio/video recording
- Wireless Connectivity – 2×2 MIMO 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0
- USB – USB 3.0 port, USB type C port for data, video, and power
- Battery – Up to 12 hours of battery life
- Dimensions – 326 x 228 x 15.5 mm
- Weight – 1.49kg
The Chromebook will also support Android Apps via Google Play Store (WIP). The 360-degree hing will allow you to use your Chromebook as a “ChromePad”/”ChromeBlet”, or “ChromeTent” as show in the picture below.
Just like Rockchip made a specific RK3288C processor for Chromebooks out of its RK3288 processor, Mediatek provided MT8173C specifically for Chromebook, but it’s unclear what the differences are with the original MT8173 processor. You can find part of the source code, including the device tree file on Chromium OS public repositories.
Acer Chromebook R13 will sell for $399 and up in North America, and in Europe, Middle East and Africa zone for 399 Euros and up starting in October.
Via 9to5Google
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress
