Chromebook Vs. Chromebook: Measuring Acer's C910, C740
The massive Chromebook 15 C910 dominates in size and processing power, but the smaller C740 wins for on-the-go productivity.
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Chromebook budget laptops are built to last and are known for offering decent quality with reasonable price tags.
Acer is a leader in the Chromebook market, capturing 36% in 2014, reports Forbes. Its devices are often associated with educational environments but could alternatively transition to business use.
It's easy to see how these inexpensive devices would be ideal for education -- if you're going to have kids on laptops, best to choose the least expensive and most durable products on the market. That aside, Chromebooks also merit consideration from professionals on the run.
The two recently released Chromebooks, the Acer C910 and C740, are distinctly different in size.
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The larger C910, the first of its size, is designed to be used in commercial or educational environments. Its design makes it a suitable choice for individuals who need more screen space or frequently share devices, such as students in a laboratory.
Acer's C910 is a strong option for professionals who need to maximize productivity during frequent travel. Its large trackpad makes it easy to navigate a larger screen, and a 4-cell LiPolymer battery should last for eight hours of use, according to Acer.
Traveling professionals who don't mind a smaller screen (or who tend to drop/bump their laptops) may instead consider the Acer C740, a followup to Acer's earlier C720. The newer model is similar to its predecessor but has a more durable design and projected nine hours of battery life.
Obviously, size isn't everything. If you're looking to do some video editing or intense gaming, the C740 won't be able to meet your needs. If you're looking for a basic device that can support Internet browsing and word processing, however, it's a solid pick.
Read on to learn more about the C910 and C740 and see them side by side. Do you use a Chromebook? Would you purchase a low-budget device for productive travel? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
If you're looking for a broad workspace, Acer's Chromebook C910 is a giant. The 15.6-inch screen has a 1920x1080 resolution display and weighs 4.85 pounds. You'll get 4GB of memory and 32GB of SSD storage.
Its smaller counterpart, the Chromebook C740 has a 11.6-inch display with 1366x768 resolution. Weighing in at 2.87 pounds, the C740 is one of the lighter Chromebooks available. It also carries 2GB or 4GB of memory and 16GB of SSD storage.
The C910 comes with a Broadwell Intel Core i5-5200U CPU, giving the device extra power for its larger display. The C740 runs on the Intel Celeron 3205U dual-core processor, which is not quite as powerful but should run fine, so long as you don't overload it with too many tabs and apps running at the same time.
Both Chromebooks were built to last, withstanding bumps and bruises. Both the C910 and C740 are built with reinforced covers that can handle up to 60kg of force, Acer reports. The corners of each device can withstand drops up to 45cm without damage. Acer's C740 is a bit more rugged, with extended hinges that can handle extra twisting.
Both devices have USB 2.0, 3.0, and HDMI ports, 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, and SD card slots.
With great power comes a higher price. The Acer C910 will cost you $499.99, while the comparatively smaller C740 sells for $279.99.
Like all "this vs. that" scenarios, the Chromebook you choose depends on how you plan to use it. If you already have a primary laptop and need an inexpensive device for on-the-go productivity, I'd opt for the C740. Its keyboard is a bit cramped, but it has a longer battery life, which would be my priority if I'm typing in transit. It's also built like a brick, so bumps and bruises won't do it harm.
If you're in the market for a budget laptop that still has speed, the C910 is a better bet. With more power and a better display, Acer's largest Chromebook has plenty of screen space and battery power for use throughout the day.
Like all "this vs. that" scenarios, the Chromebook you choose depends on how you plan to use it. If you already have a primary laptop and need an inexpensive device for on-the-go productivity, I'd opt for the C740. Its keyboard is a bit cramped, but it has a longer battery life, which would be my priority if I'm typing in transit. It's also built like a brick, so bumps and bruises won't do it harm.
If you're in the market for a budget laptop that still has speed, the C910 is a better bet. With more power and a better display, Acer's largest Chromebook has plenty of screen space and battery power for use throughout the day.
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