Acer launches rugged Chromebook 311 laptops for classrooms

Acer has introduced two new Chromebook models designed primarily for school environments, focusing on durability, ease of maintenance and dependable everyday performance rather than high-end features. The Acer Chromebook 311 (C725) and the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 (R725T) are aimed at K–12 classrooms and institutional buyers, where devices are shared, handled roughly and expected to last for several years.

Both laptops feature an 11.6-inch HD IPS display and optional touch support. Acer has also included TUV Rheinland-certified low-blue-light panels to reduce eye strain during extended use. While the standard Chromebook 311 follows a traditional clamshell design, the Chromebook Spin 311 features a convertible hinge that allows the screen to rotate fully, enabling tablet-style use when needed.

By launching two closely related models, Acer is seeking to give schools flexibility in how devices are deployed. The company is positioning the new Chromebooks as practical tools for digital learning, online research and classroom collaboration, rather than general-purpose consumer laptops.

Designed to survive daily classroom use

At the heart of both Chromebooks is the MediaTek Kompanio 540 octa-core processor. This chipset is designed for energy-efficient performance and can handle typical educational workloads, such as web browsing, document editing, and video streaming. Acer said the processor is also powerful enough to run more demanding applications used in schools, including STEM software and Minecraft Education Edition.

The processor is paired with up to 8GB of LPDDR5X memory, while storage options include 32GB, 64GB or 128GB of eMMC storage. These specifications reflect the focus on cloud-based computing that underpins Chrome OS, where most files and applications are accessed online rather than stored locally.

Both models run Google’s Chrome OS, offering a familiar interface for students and teachers and access to Android apps through the Google Play Store. Acer has equipped the devices with a 1080p front-facing webcam and dual microphones to support remote learning and video calls. There is also an optional 5MP world-facing camera, allowing students to capture photos of notes, experiments, or project work directly from their desks.

Connectivity options vary by configuration and include support for Wi-Fi 7 or Wi-Fi 6E, alongside Bluetooth 5.3 or Bluetooth 5.2. Acer has also included a practical selection of ports, with two USB-C ports that support charging and DisplayPort, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and a combined headphone and speaker jack. Power is supplied by a 45Wh battery, which Acer claims can deliver up to 15 hours of use on a single charge, depending on workload and settings.

Built to military standards and easy to maintain

Beyond the core specifications, Acer is placing strong emphasis on physical durability. Both Chromebooks meet MIL-STD-810H, a standard benchmark for devices intended for tough environments. According to the company, the laptops feature impact-resistant exteriors, shock-absorbing bumpers and an internal honeycomb structure designed to reduce damage from drops.

The devices are rated to survive falls of up to 1.2 metres, a key consideration in busy classrooms where laptops are frequently moved between desks or carried in backpacks. Acer has also reinforced the area around the display panel and the I/O ports to withstand repeated opening and closing, as well as cable plugging and unplugging, over time.

Liquid spills are another common risk in schools, and Acer has addressed this with a dedicated drainage system. The system is designed to channel liquid away from internal components, with the Chromebooks able to handle spills of up to 330ml. This feature is intended to reduce downtime and repair costs following accidents.

Acer has also highlighted ease of repair as a core design goal. The Chromebooks are intended to be simple to service, allowing schools and IT teams to replace key components more quickly and extend the lifespan of each unit. This approach reflects growing pressure on educational institutions to manage technology budgets carefully while still providing students with reliable devices.

Pricing and availability

Acer said the new Chromebook 311 and Chromebook Spin 311 are scheduled to launch in North America by March 2026. The company has not yet confirmed availability for other regions, but Chromebooks of this type are typically rolled out more widely following an initial release.

Pricing reflects the rugged design and education-focused features. The Acer Chromebook 311 is expected to start at US$499.99 for the base configuration, while the convertible Chromebook Spin 311 is priced higher, with an expected starting price of US$579.99. Final pricing may vary depending on memory, storage and connectivity options.

With these new models, Acer is reinforcing its long-standing focus on the education market. By combining a military-grade build with modern connectivity and long battery life, the company aims to offer schools devices that are practical, resilient, and cost-effective over the long term.