Acer has refreshed its educational hardware lineup, introducing the Chromebook 311 and Spin 311. These are the company’s first student laptops powered by the MediaTek Kompanio 540 chip, a switch designed to prioritize all-day endurance over raw processing speeds.
The new models are built specifically for the chaotic environment of K-12 schools, featuring heavy-duty reinforcements and battery life that outlasts the typical school day.
Built to Survive Students
Anyone who works in education knows that student laptops take a beating. Acer has addressed this by building both models to meet military-grade durability standards (MIL-STD 810H).
The chassis is wrapped in shock-absorbing bumpers to handle drops, while the ports are reinforced to stop them from wiggling loose over time. The keyboards are also spill-resistant and feature mechanically anchored keys, preventing curious students from prying them off. If something does break, the design is modular, allowing IT staff to easily swap out parts like the keyboard or screen on-site.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The move to the MediaTek Kompanio 540 processor is a strategic choice for efficiency. Acer claims these laptops can run for up to 15 hours on a single charge. This means students can get through classes and homework without needing to hunt for a wall outlet.
Surprisingly for this category, Acer has included support for Wi-Fi 7 in select configurations. This is a significant upgrade that helps maintain stable internet connections in crowded areas like auditoriums or packed classrooms.
Two Ways to Work
The release offers two distinct designs. The standard Chromebook 311 is a classic laptop, while the Spin 311 features a 360-degree hinge that flips the screen around for use as a tablet. Both use compact 11.6-inch displays, keeping them small enough to fit easily into a backpack.
Market Impact & Context
By adopting the Kompanio 540, Acer is leaning hard into the benefits of ARM architecture—specifically cooler operation and longer battery life. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 is a forward-looking move, ensuring these devices won’t feel obsolete in a year or two. However, with a starting price around $500, these aren’t the cheapest options available. Acer is betting that the rugged design will save schools money on repairs in the long run.
Pricing and Availability
The new Chromebooks are set to launch in North America and Europe this March. The standard model starts at $499.99 (approx. Rs. 45,800), while the flexible Spin version begins at $579.99 (approx. Rs. 53,100).
