Mobile Computing

Acer Introduces Notebook for Education

• By Michael Hart
• 01/21/16

Acer has launched a new notebook, the TravelMate B117, that company officials say is its first product designed specifically with students in mind.

The Windows 10 Pro-powered notebook is the first from Acer that supports TeachSmart, the company's cloud-based service that keeps students and teachers connected. The notebook comes equipped with software that allows teachers to share class assessments, worksheets and other education material, as well as monitor student progress.

The TravelMate B117 has an embedded LED light on the lid that flashes in different colors. Students can toggle between four colors to indicate their status, thus allowing teachers to keep track of their progress at a glance.

For instance, students can toggle one light to signal a need for assistance or to indicate a quiz or assignment is done, allowing the teacher to scan the classroom to see the progress the entire class is making. Teachers will have a dashboard that indicates the number of students that might have finished an assignment or the breakdown of multiple choice answers.

The TravelMate B117 will be available in Intel Pentium or Celeron processors, sporting an 11.6-inch display, dual digital microphones, HD webcam with HDR support and a precision touchpad that supports Windows 10 gestures. Connectivity options include 802.11ac WiFi with 2x2 MIMO, USB 3.0, USB 2.0 and HDMI with HDCP support.

A frame with a rubber strip protects it from drops and bumps and a solid hinge allows for the notebook to be opened up to 180 degrees. There's also a spill-resistant keyboard.

Acer has not yet announced suggested retail prices or the dates when the notebook will be available. For more information, visit the Acer site.