Lenovo and Acer refresh Chromebook lineups at IFA 2015

Both Acer and Lenovo have updated their Chromebook lineups at IFA 2015 in Berlin today, and both are looking to offer decent products at attractive price points. Acer announced the new R11 Chromebook in a bid to compete with the convertible ASUS Chromebook Flip, while Lenovo unveiled the budget-friendly Chromebook 100S.

ACER Chromebook R11

Acer’s Chromebook R11 is the company’s first convertible notebook, with a durable hinge which has the ability to rotate 360-degrees. It’s designed to work in four modes: laptop, pad, display and tent modes. It’s powered by an Intel Celeron processor, has 2×2 MIMO 802.11ac wireless and an 11.6-inch, 1366 x 768 resolution HD touchscreen. The built in HD webcam features HDR for better contrast during video calls. It weighs just 1.25kg and measures 19.2mm thin, has an aluminum cover and hosts USB 3.0 ports.

“By launching the Acer Chromebook R 11, we are providing our customers with a greater choice of Chrome OS notebooks,” said Jerry Kao, president of Notebook Business Group at Acer. “We already offer a variety of Chromebooks from 11 to 15 inches. The addition of the convertible series is another illustration of our commitment to our customers and the category.”

The Chromebook R11 will be available in October, with prices starting at $299 with configurations up to 4GB RAM and 32GB storage available.

Lenovo Chromebook 100S

Unlike Acer’s more premium and powerful Chromebook, the Lenovo Chromebook 100S is going for budget pricing. The 100S will be available to buy in October with pricing starting at just $179. Lenovo states it has 8 hours of battery life, an Intel N2840 processor, up to 4GB RAM and up to 32GB storage alongside an 11.6-inch display.

For those times when you just want to get on the web quickly to answer emails or look something up, the Lenovo Chromebook 100S arrives at $179, Lenovo’s most affordable Chromebook ever. The Chromebook 100S is intended for simplicity of use with a the small-and-light form factor at a mere 2.6-lbs. and 11.6″ high definition display. The Intel Intel™ BayTrail-M processor ups the ante in terms of horsepower handling multiple audio and video streams with aplomb and while great for anyone on a budget the system maintains a solid durable construction that protects against dents, bumps and scratches. There’s a beautiful simplicity there, especially since the web browser monopolizes so much of what most people do day-to-day on their PC.

If you don’t mind waiting a few weeks, both these devices look like decent Chrome-based notebooks worth considering. If you can’t wait and absolutely must get a great Chromebook now, with school season starting again, be sure to check out our guide of the best Chromebooks currently available.