Acer AC700 Chromebook hits shelves this month for $350

The next Chromebook to run Google’s Chrome OS is the Acer AC700, which will hit shelves this month (4 days left!) for $350 — Acer announced today. The 3G version of this device will not be available when the Wi-Fi version launches, but it will be on its way later this summer. The AC700 is packing Chrome OS, an Atom N570 processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of flash storage, a 1.3 megapixel webcam, two USB 2.0 ports, 6-cell battery, and a 4-in-1 memory card reader.

This device will certainly be a great competitor to the Samsung Series 5, a device that we have already unboxed. Stay tuned with 9to5Google for a review of the AC700 when it’s available. Press release after the break.

Press release:

Acer America today debuts the Acer AC700 its first Chromebook in the United States and its first product running Google’s Chrome-based operating system. The Acer AC700 ultraportable delivers blazing boot times and instant access to the Internet.

The first in a planned line of products that will utilize Google’s Chrome operating system, the Acer AC700 Chromebook is ideal for savvy mobile consumers, educational institutions, and business people that spend most of their time on the Internet for cloud computing such as using web-based email, uploading photos to sites like Flickr and Picasa, and keeping up-to-date on the latest news and events. The new Acer AC700 provides WiFi connectivity, a sleek thin and light form factor, long battery life and excellent HD playback.

“We are pleased to be one of Google’s leading launch partners delivering a new experience in cloud computing for customers of our new Acer AC700 Chromebook,” said Arif Maskatia, CTO, Acer. “As a leader in the mobile computing space, we strive to offer customers the widest range of mobile computing devices to support the many ways our customers connect to their world. The Acer AC700 represents the future of computing as it shows how they can access the cloud to vastly improve the simplicity, security and speed of their online experience.”

“Acer’s expertise in technology and hardware make them an ideal partner to bring one of the first Chromebooks to market,” said Caesar Sengupta, Director of Chrome OS, Google. “The Acer AC700 Chromebooks are built for people who want a fast, simple and secure web-based computing experience.”

Chrome is Speedy, Secure – Boots in 10 Seconds, Defends Against Threats
The Acer AC700 tackles every task with incredible speed. It boots in less than 10 seconds and resumes almost instantly, so users immediately start enjoying their always-on Internet connection.

The Acer AC700 running the Chrome operating system is designed to defend against the ongoing threat of malware and viruses by employing the principle of “defense in depth” to provide multiple layers of protection, including sandboxing, data encryption, and verified boot.

Sharing and collaborating on the Acer AC700 is easy. With online applications such as Google Docs and Calendar, customers can share media, collaborate on documents and projects, and share their work and personal calendars. Plus, because customers save their documents, files, photos, video and more in the cloud, they are protected from data loss if an Acer AC700 is physically damaged, lost or stolen.

Connectivity for the Web-Based Lifestyle
The Acer AC700 is a portable powerhouse truly optimized for the growing number of customers who use their computer to spend most of their time online. Acer InviLink Nplify 802.11b/g/n Wifi Certified will keep customers connected to the Internet. To support this always-on connection, the Acer AC700 provides excellent battery life of up to six hours with its 6-cell battery.⁽¹⁾

Incredible Mobility, Easy to Use and Enjoy
Designed for ultimate mobility, the Acer AC700 is portable and sleek. It weighs only 2.95 pounds and measures a mere one inch thin, so it can be easily taken anywhere as it fits into a backpack, briefcase or purse.

The combination of a simple and intuitive Chrome operating system and full-sized keyboard makes the Acer AC700 incredibly easy to use and navigate. The oversized fully-clickable touchpad allows customers to conveniently click anywhere on it as they navigate the Internet.

Ready for On-the-Go Entertainment
The Acer AC700 is ready for instant fun and entertainment. The Acer AC700’s integrated HD 1.3MP webcam w/ LED indicator is great for video chatting and conferencing, as well as capturing video and photos for sharing online. It supports the latest web standards and Adobe Flash 10.1 video. Everything looks incredibly crisp and clear on the Chromebook’s 11.6-inch HD Widescreen CineCrystal^TM LED-backlit LCD. Plus, the Acer AC700’s HDMI output lets customers stream video from the cloud to high-definition TVs and displays.

Many Benefits for Travelers, Business, Education
Business and education customers will appreciate the simplicity and manageability of the Acer AC700, since files can be shared or edited from one device, saved to the cloud, and then accessed from another Chromebook or any device with a web browser. In addition, Chromebooks are great for accessing web-based tools, applications behind the firewall, and virtualized desktops. This eliminates the need for a large hard drive and helps protect against data loss since everything is stored remotely.

IT managers will value the security and simplicity benefits that the Acer AC700 provides. Also, customizing and managing a fleet of Acer AC700s can be done from one web-based console in an efficient, timely manner.

Acer AC700 Built for Performance
The Intel Atom N570 dual-core processor and 2GB of DDR3 memory provide the performance to speed through the web, access files, enjoy video and more. It has a 16GB SSD for storing files as well as the millions of Chrome apps and games from the Chrome Web Store. The Acer AC700 also has two USB 2.0 ports and a 4-in-1 card reader that accepts popular flash storage, so customers can play music and video directly from the card, or upload photos, video and music to their favorite sites.

Software, Pricing and Availability
The Acer AC700 Chromebook is available this month in the United States at Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices starting at $349.99. A model with 3G broadband wireless capabilities will be coming this summer.

Limited Warranty
The new Acer AC700 comes with a standard one-year parts and labor warranty, which can be extended to three years with the Acer Advantage service. All Acer Chromebooks are backed by toll-free service and support.⁽²⁾

About Acer 
Since its founding in 1976, Acer has achieved the goal of breaking the barriers between people and technology. Globally, Acer ranks No. 2 for total PCs and notebooks.⁽³⁾ A profitable and sustainable Channel Business Model is instrumental to the company’s continuing growth, while its multi-brand approach effectively integrates Acer, Gateway, Packard Bell, and eMachines brands in worldwide markets. Acer strives to design environmentally friendly products and establish a green supply chain through collaboration with suppliers. Acer is proud to be a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic Movement, including the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and London 2012 Olympic Games. The Acer Group employs 8,000 people worldwide. Revenues for 2010 reached US$19.9 billion. See www.acer-group.com for more information