Google has launched the first Chrome OS tablet, and it’s called the Acer Chromebook Tab 10. This 10-inch tablet is designed to beat Apple and the iPad into submission, and cement Chrome OS as the number one operating system in the education market.
Chromebooks for Classrooms
Despite the cynics, Google’s Chromebooks have grown in popularity. They’re popular with ordinary consumers who want an affordable, easy-to-use laptop, and they’re extremely popular in classrooms, where the next-generation of consumers are being forged.
Chromebooks have, until now, been laptops. Some have sported touchscreens, and some have had 360-degree hinges so they can be used as tablets. But now, with the Acer Chromebook Tab 10, we have a Chrome OS tablet designed to compete with the iPad.
The First Chrome OS Tablet
The Acer Chromebook Tab 10 has a 9.7-inch IPS touchscreen, a Rockchip processor with a dual-core Cortex A72 and quad-core Cortex A53, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of eMMC storage, a 2MP front-facing camera, and a 5MP rear-facing camera. And it weighs in at 1.21 pounds.
Introducing the first Chrome tablet. Built for K–12 students, the new portable #AcerChromebookTab10 is equipped with 9.7-inch QXGA IPS touch display and free interactive stylus. Learn more: https://t.co/1NeT8hw8ue pic.twitter.com/Am37tWNuAJ
— Acer (@Acer) March 26, 2018
The keyboard sported by every other Chromebook has been replaced with a Wacom EMR stylus. This can be stored away in the Chromebook Tab 10, and doesn’t require a battery. It’s also provided free with the device, which is set to retail at US$ 329.
The Acer Chromebook Tab 10 will be available in the U.S. in April, but it’s initially only being sold to education and commercial customers. It will arrive in Europe in May (priced at €329), and it has to be assumed will eventually be available to ordinary consumers.
Who Needs an iPad Anyway?
It’s no coincidence that the Acer Chromebook Tab 10 has been priced the same as the entry level iPad. Google already dominates in the education market, and releasing a Chrome OS tablet with similar specs and price as Apple’s effort should bolster that victory.
If you haven’t yet tried Chrome OS, we recommend you read our previous coverage on Chromebooks. Whether it’s the essential tips for new Chromebook users, the apps you need to replace your desktop favorites, or our guide to picking the perfect Chromebook.
