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Acer C720 11.6" Chromebook 2GB RAM 32GB SSD USD $264.94 Delivered from Amazon

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Acer C720 11.6" Chromebook 2GB RAM 32GB SSD USD $264.94 Delivered from AmazonAffiliate
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scotty on 29/03/2014 - 21:59 amazon.com (2552 clicks)
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Don't you hate it that the same thing that costs USD$199 in US is selling for almost $400 in JB Hi-Fi? That's the 16GB version of the Acer C720 Chromebook and Amazon doesn't seem to ship that to Australia. HOWEVER they somehow are willing to ship the 32GB version (wasn't the case when I checked last time). USD $239.99 + $24.95 delivery = USD $264.94. If you let Amazon doing the currency conversion for you it's AUD $297.79 but wiser to keep it in USD and pay with 28degrees.

As of Acer C720, it's this year's Acer Chromebook — 11.6", 2GB RAM (with ZRAM in kernel), 32GB SSD and Celeron 2955U. Claiming 8.5 hours of battery life.

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.
Computing Chromebook 11.6inch Acer Computer Laptop

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closed Comments

  • ttkc on 29/03/2014 - 22:01
    +1

    Can we install Windows on it?

    • Raynes on 29/03/2014 - 22:06
      +1

      You can install Linux with a bit of hassle, and then emulate windows in some way. I think.

    • tonyjzx on 29/03/2014 - 22:06

      probably have a hard time getting windows onto 32gb

      • ProspectiveDarkness on 29/03/2014 - 22:16
        +1

        Apparently the SSD is upgradeable (no idea how that goes on the software side, or how much replacements cost as it's not standard 2.5").
        Though the Windows installation (plus a few odd drivers / programs) on my desktop's main drive is only 24.4GB.

        • Davo1111 on 29/03/2014 - 22:31

          You can, just need a next generation form factor solid state drive - like this. Oh and you need to void your warranty.

      • foobar on 29/03/2014 - 22:18

        I've run W7 and W8 off a 30GB Kingston SSD no problems at all, just have to keep on top of it and not let the bloat get out of control.

      • Magic Mirror on 30/03/2014 - 17:09

        I've put Windows 7 on a 10GB HDD before. Just standard install process but very little space left. So yes, you can do it.

    • scotty on 29/03/2014 - 22:07
      +2

      Apparently yes.

      • foobar on 29/03/2014 - 22:10
        +11

        With just a few, erm, minor issues by the looks of it.

        Problems:
        Keyboard and Trackpad do not work.
        Sound does not work.
        Video Accelaration does not work.
        Power Management does not work.

        To make these work we need the drivers, Acer have officially said they will not release them, the only other way is to somehow port over the Linux drivers — and that seems impossible at this current time.

        • tonyjzx on 29/03/2014 - 22:19
          +17

          lol who needs kbd or trackpad or sound or video or power…

        • foobar on 29/03/2014 - 22:24

          It's undoubtedly fine as it is but with Windows installed, it sounds about as useful turned off as it does turned on.

          Hopefully some smart cookie will work something out and get that stuff going or Acer will relent and release drivers.

        • [Deactivated] on 30/03/2014 - 12:58

          I'm not sure why there wouldn't be video acceleration. Doesn't intel have drivers for the HD graphics?

          Furthermore, shouldn't the keyboard work with a generic driver on windows 8. There are also generic audio drivers, although, you probably won't get HD audio.

          Which makes me think that the article is not up to date or the person hasn't turned on windows update or bothered to try to source the drivers through the Intel website.

          I built a Z3470 laptop with windows 8 using generic hardware and it works fine. Cost was $250(Excluding cost of windows)

          I just realised the 2955U is a lower class and more expensive CPU than the newer Z3470 with Quad Core. No wonder the chromebook is overpriced… Even the processer costs $70 more.

          http://ark.intel.com/products/75608/Intel-Celeron-Processor-…
          v
          http://ark.intel.com/products/76759/Intel-Atom-Processor-Z37…

          If you skimp on the hardware costs, you can make a Z3470 laptop for $150, i.e. using plastic case instead of alumnimum, and using a cheaper low resolution screen.

          If what the forum states is correct, then I wouldn't recommend a chromebook as there are much cheaper alternatives with much better support.

        • scotty on 30/03/2014 - 13:11
          +2

          Z3470 = Atom for tablets
          2955U = Haswell Celeron

          Two different class of processors. When you said "lower class" you might mean "newer" although that does not translate to faster.

        • ozhunter68 on 31/03/2014 - 01:14
          +2

          I do not want to disagree with both of you, but were not both these chips released in the same quarter, Q3 13. Looking at the specs for both these cpu's, I would say that the Celeron is superior by a fair bit, plus has more potential than being used in this Acer Chromebook here. Whether it is worth the big difference in quoted price is another matter.

    • Weezle on 29/03/2014 - 23:23
      +13

      Defeats the purpose of these devices. The reason they are fast is because they don't have to load an operating system that is a resource hog.

      • [Deactivated] on 30/03/2014 - 13:09
        -1

        Yeah, it's only a dual core. The new atom processors are much better and several times cheaper. So, all in all, watch out for cheaper laptops coming soon.

  • [Deactivated] on 29/03/2014 - 22:02
    +4

    Screen Size 11.6 inches
    Max Screen Resolution 1366 x 768 pixels
    Processor 1.4 GHz Celeron 2955U
    RAM 2 GB DDR3L SDRAM
    Hard Drive 128 GB
    Graphics Coprocessor Intel HD Graphics
    Graphics Card Ram Size 128 MB
    Wireless Type 802.11bgn
    Number of USB 2.0 Ports 1
    Number of USB 3.0 Ports 1
    Average Battery Life (in hours) 8.5 hours

    It's a nice looking laptop, looks well built

    http://www.engadget.com/products/acer/chromebook/c720/

  • Logical on 29/03/2014 - 22:15
    +2

    Everything can be shipped to Australia from Amazon….. I use mail forwarder - shipito

    • Save Medicare on 30/03/2014 - 00:03
      -2

      $8.50 and postage is more expensive than it would be from amazon

      • Logical on 30/03/2014 - 00:40
        +4

        Hey Wang, the OP said that the 16GB version of the Acer C720 doesn't ship to Australia, so how can you say that shipito postage would cost more than Amazon? Amazon usually have free shipping within US. Then you only pay one shipping fee from Shipito to Au.

        • smellfry on 30/03/2014 - 09:25

          How much are the shipping rates usually?

        • scotty on 31/03/2014 - 08:13
          +1

          Use the shipito calculator 4.5lb to Australia would be around $44.

  • ProspectiveDarkness on 29/03/2014 - 22:19
    +4

    I've been seriously contemplating grabbing one of these to play around with… though for just twice the price, I could grab a first gen Surface Pro, which I also want to grab to play around with. Damn it OzBargain.

    • foobar on 29/03/2014 - 22:20
      +1

      I've got a half decent laptop I hardly use and I'm considering this.

      Must… resist…

  • habibby on 29/03/2014 - 22:21

    Very tempting… I might wait and see what local prices of the Samsung Chromebook 2 (XE503C32-K01US)end up being. It's a shame however, that the C720 (4GB ram) version got discontinued. I would also like to mention that this is NOT the touch screen model (Acer C720P).

  • Davo1111 on 29/03/2014 - 22:27
    +1

    As mentioned earlier, i've got one, and posted a review here. It's limited, but if you like chrome, then you'll like this device. Otherwise you've got to fiddle with linux.

  • Clurt on 29/03/2014 - 22:44

    So what do you use it for?

    Similar purposes to a tablet?

    • Davo1111 on 29/03/2014 - 23:13
      +1

      It's basically an internet only device with limited offline capacity.

      If you can do all your work using only the chrome browser (including the chrome extensions/apps), and a usb key, then this is for you.

      • Astro551 on 29/03/2014 - 23:30

        can you use google apps while offline seamlessly? (Gmail, Docs, etc). I vaguely remember this being a feature but can't remember exactly.

        • Davo1111 on 29/03/2014 - 23:40

          i can give it a proper try on monday when i'll have access to my Chromebook.

          If i use chromeos, i basically use my usb key, and edit files using "quick office", an app which works on chrome. Tbh it's easier to start up a linuxVM (crouton), switch across, and use openoffice for everything.

        • Sindex on 30/03/2014 - 00:04
          +3

          Yes you can. Chromebooks are awesome. I hope never to go back.

    • oringal on 29/03/2014 - 23:50

      a pretty nice insight of using it
      http://www.cnet.com.au/chromebook-diaries-the-verdict-339345…

  • russbot on 29/03/2014 - 23:00
    +1

    So the power's out and what do I do? Spend $265 on this Chromebook. Can't wait to get it, thanks!

  • eddieaus on 29/03/2014 - 23:17
    -7

    Netbook is still not dead???

    • scrimshaw on 30/03/2014 - 01:55
      +1

      It's well and truly dead. Chromebooks and tablets killed it.

  • henryph-am on 29/03/2014 - 23:23
    -1

    Fancy Stand-alone web browser lol
    Good price anyway (y)

  • FourMills on 29/03/2014 - 23:25

    Thanks Scotty.

  • DauntingEarth on 29/03/2014 - 23:33

    This would make a great device for quickly browse the internet.

    VERY TEMPTING!

  • scotty on 29/03/2014 - 23:51

    I have actually bought it myself as well. I have been deciding between this and Asus Transformer T100 as spare laptop for me to use on the couch and for my kids to do their homework, which is mostly on Google Docs and Edmodo. Yes with ChromeOS you almost always need to be online. However with Crouton you can install a chroot version of Linux that would make it a lot more useful offline.

    • Astro551 on 30/03/2014 - 00:28

      So how come you chose it over the T100? The keyboard was pretty cramped on it so if you are doing a lot of that then I understand, although I thought a tablet form factor would be perfect for a couch surfer.

      • scotty on 30/03/2014 - 07:31
        +1

        That's if you "surf". I usually ended up using a lot of keyboard typing up emails & Linux commands (yeah, while watching TV).

        Oh and this is cheaper :)

  • Yael on 30/03/2014 - 00:07

    Is there a way to have word processing/spreadsheets run on this - other than in google drive? I'm looking for a 2nd lappy, mainly for emails, web browsing, streaming online videos etc, and editing documents & excel stuff. Other than that, no need for windows etc?

    Figure a chromebook might be a cheaper option than a cheap laptop that doesn't get used for 1/2 the stuff it can do

    • Davo1111 on 30/03/2014 - 00:12

      you can run through a usb, or off your "downloads" folder (temporary folder on your hard drive). If you want to edit the spreadsheet, either use "quickdocs" or edit through google docs. OR run linux like a vm and switch across (and use open office)

      • onlyletters on 31/03/2014 - 08:23

        whats the 32GB for if you cant store locally?

        • Davo1111 on 01/04/2014 - 15:27

          Operating system & "syncing" through google software & downloads folder.

    • Bystander on 11/04/2014 - 07:42

      If you want to use Word, Excel etc you can always use the free offering from Microsoft
      https://onedrive.live.com/about/en-au/

  • treeherring on 30/03/2014 - 00:41

    I've been looking for something like this just to read lecture notes and textbooks at UNI (PDF), with simple word processing and internet capabilities. I don't have a 28 degrees card.

    VS The Samsung?
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/138540
    What would you pick?
    Is $300AUD delivered pretty much the minimum I'm looking at for a new laptop currently?
    Close to pulling the trigger on this…

    • beeze on 30/03/2014 - 00:56

      Its cheaper than what you can get locally and from most US stores by the time you ship it.
      Best alternative is Dell Outlet but thats refurbs mostly and stock varies frequently.

  • treeherring on 30/03/2014 - 01:17

    Is it worth getting the 32GB over the 16GB for a chromebook…?

    • scotty on 30/03/2014 - 07:33
      +1

      Depends how much you want to cache locally. Also you would appreciate the extra space if you want to run Linux on it.

  • sportivore on 31/03/2014 - 09:19

    Is the charger going to have a US socket though?

    • ozhunter68 on 31/03/2014 - 13:17
      +1

      I would say yes. You will have to get an adaptor too.

    • .kram on 31/03/2014 - 16:17

      The cable from the power brick to wall socket would be replaceable, not sure if it's a standard figure 8 cable or not though.

    • Davo1111 on 01/04/2014 - 15:31

      It has a US socket, but you can pull out the cable and anything you have lying around (or use an adapter)

      From memory you need a cable like this… http://www.utekco.com.au/Adapter%20Cable/3-Prong_4FT_AC_Powe…

      I can check on thursday and take a photo if you like

  • SaberX on 01/04/2014 - 12:13

    Hmm new to this whole chromebook thing, last I had a netbook 2-3 years ago, littler acer one. Are chromebooks the next gen 'light and portable/high battery life' netbook, so to speak?? Someone able to keep me up to date?

    Netbook last 3-4 hours word processing, although I thought netbooks were originally designed for 5-6, so I'm looking for something that can last a whole days worth of processing, seminars, lectures. so 7 hours or more battery life would be great!

    Are they only chromebooks, or are their windows 'chromebook style equivalents - light, no frills, good battery life so mainly for on the go internet browsing , docs, internet, emails etc?

    Otherwise I guess there's still ultrabooks these days right, if you want high battery life performance?

    (saw intel's site http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/2-in-1/shop-2-in-1.ht…
    http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/sponsors-of-tomorrow/…)

    Seems like alot of options out there these days, that the lines between products are getting more blurred and it's getting hard to decide wth you want!? haha, or am I the only one with these first world problems.

    Has anyone tried an ultra book 2 in 1 - how is it in tablet mode? comparable to any other tablet, if not better given it has a normal laptop's performance/specs? Just heavier obviously?

    • Astro551 on 01/04/2014 - 17:17
      +2

      Chromebooks are I guess google's attempt at targeting the old netbook market. As you said they have long battery life, fairly lightweight (usually ~1kg) and can do things most users need (word processing, web browsing, viewing pdf's, etc). Although the differences between the two being
      *1. There are only certain Chrome OS "apps" (essentially everything you find in Chrome Web Store) that can be run offline (e.g. Google Docs, Gmail, and others to my knowledge). However everything else you will need an internet connection. Although in this day and age if you're not connected to the internet you're not going to be doing all that much (generally).
      *2. There is not a lot of offline disc storage, you get ~32GB or ~16GB depending on the model, so like your phone or tablet. There is an SD card slot but it isn't "expandle" to my knowledge cause it sticks out. So if you want to be storing a lot of photos or videos to watch etc this might not be for you. (There is 100GB Google Drive Cloud storage but obviously you need a net connection).

      The thing with ultrabooks is, despite their 1.5k+ price tag; most of them still only last around 6 hours real world. Exception I've found so far being macbook air which is actually pretty decent.

      But yeh you're definitely right, so many choices nowadays gets confusing. IMO for the most part, traditional ultrabooks are way more powerful than people even need cause usually the first thing people fire up is a web browser and spend 90% of their time there (ala the Chromebook - but then people have a hissy fit when you say you can't run traditional programs, even though usually you won't be running any. But I guess it is restrictive in a sense).

      For 2-in-1's they get interesting. Battery life and weight are top. It's a solid 9-10 hours with web browsing and weights 1.07kg. Only disadvantages I would say are possibly the screen is too small (10.1") and the keyboard is pretty cramped from what I've tried. I assume you'll get used to it, but still.

      Yoga 2 Pro exepensive as hell. Yoga 11S isn't bad, batt life lasts around 6 hours and pretty expensive in stores atm (like 1.3k at JB i think, keeping in mind it's running the "Y" Haswell processor, which is equivalent to like i3 Haswell laptops). Dell XPS 12 I reccommend if you can get it at a decent price (cheapest I've seen is like $1599 for 8GB RAM, 256 SSD and i7).

      • cheapbloke on 06/04/2014 - 02:17
        +1

        Block-quote There is an SD card slot but it isn't "expandle" to my knowledge cause it sticks out.

        The Toshiba 13" CB-30 Chromebook uses the kind of spring-loaded, flush-mount SD card slot so nothing is sticking out. So I guess that would qualify as "expandle".

    • scrimshaw on 02/04/2014 - 00:29

      Are they only chromebooks, or are their windows 'chromebook style equivalents - light, no frills, good battery life so mainly for on the go internet browsing , docs, internet, emails etc?

      Dell Inspiron 11 series. They have Bay Trail and Haswell variants, touchscreen, 4GB (up to 8gb) of RAM, and can be equipped with an SSD as well.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ireHKm8c_5w&feature=player_d…

  • scotty on 08/04/2014 - 10:20

    Received mine this morning :)

    • andrewzx on 08/04/2014 - 16:12

      Is the charger a US or AU plug?

      • scotty on 08/04/2014 - 16:18

        3-pin US plug. However see Davo's comment here — it's easy to change or just use an adapter.

    • Bystander on 10/04/2014 - 07:02

      So I'm guessing the adaptor is universal 110V - 240V?

      Does Asus offer international warranty? Otherwise if there's a fault it would be expensive to return it to the US.

  • tomssy on 08/04/2014 - 15:57
    +2

    Seems Amazon now also ships the 16GB to Australia.

  • ProspectiveDarkness on 10/04/2014 - 22:57
    +1

    The recently announced Dell Chromebook 11 actually looks pretty nice. Could definitely see myself getting one - price permitting, of course.

    The Verge review

    • scotty on 10/04/2014 - 23:20

      Indeed. I have been using C720 for 2 days now and am typing this comment here. Love this cheap little piece of hardware. However I think 2GB RAM is just not enough, and Chrome felt more and more bloated. 4GB on Dell Chromebook 11 would definitely be a plus.

    • Bystander on 11/04/2014 - 07:46

      I was about to get the $199 C720 but the reviews for the Dell are impressive. One major bonus for me is the SD card doesn't stick out from it's slot on the Dell so you can put it in and leave it there for extra storage.

      Now, how do we get one for $300 and then shipped to Aus?

      • jamizzle on 12/04/2014 - 23:06

        I was just going to grab this too until I read that Verge review for the Dell. I'm after something that I can take to class (that's not a 15" rMBP) and take notes on. So I'm after battery life and a good keyboard which the Dell seems to improve on.

        Does anyone run Linux on their Chromebook? It would be great to just to do a bit of casual programming in Eclipse.

        • Bystander on 13/04/2014 - 06:08

          There's a good review here

          http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-chromebook/

        • ProspectiveDarkness on 13/04/2014 - 07:26

          I'm after something that I can take to class…

          Me too. It's frustrating that the Surface Pro offers a no compromise OS situation but has a non-optimal form factor for typing / notes, whereas Chromebooks are the reverse. The Surface really would be the perfect solution for me, if not for the kickstand setup. I think I'll either end up spending $1600 on a Macbook or taking a gamble on a Chromebook. Anything in between is a hard sell.

    • scotty on 12/04/2014 - 23:28

      Another Chromebook that I would be interested in — Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 11e Chromebook (Liliputing review).

      Pros — 11.6" IPS touch display that can be used in tablet and tent mode. Nicer keyboard. ThinkPad build quality.

      Cons — Pricer. Celeron N2920 is a beefy Atom (rather than a slow Haswell). ThinkPad without a trackpoint WTF?!!!

      Need a Chromebook discussions in the forum maybe?

      • ProspectiveDarkness on 13/04/2014 - 07:16

        The ThinkPad Yoga looks interesting, though I still have doubts over the usefulness of a touchscreen on ChromeOS. Considering this is aimed at education, I'd have added an active digitiser. Further encourages growth for meaningful touch implementations in Chrome Apps and adds utility for the classroom.

        And yeah, without a TrackPoint, they may as well have just called it an IdeaPad or a ChromePad or something.

        Need a Chromebook discussions in the forum maybe?

        Can't see why not. Judging from all the replies here, there does seem to be a bit of interest.

  • scotty on 17/04/2014 - 23:59
    +1

    Appears another $10 drop today — now USD $229 + postage

  • jamizzle on 19/04/2014 - 14:07

    Well if anything Amazon have amazing customer service. I bought this on Tuesday and just noticed the price drop today. Sent them an email and about 5 mins later got an email back saying that they would refund the $10 back onto my card. I'd say given how cheap this is now, get the 32GB over the 16GB, for that little bit extra you double your storage which might come in useful if you want to say install Ubuntu on there in the future or empty your memory card on holidays.

  • whirlpool_guy on 28/04/2014 - 19:00
    +1

    Added the 16GB $199 model to cart. Amazon seems to allow shipping to Australia now. (USD 18.45 shipping)

  • whirlpool_guy on 28/04/2014 - 23:55

    Just pulled the trigger:

    Item(s) Subtotal: $229.99
    Shipping & Handling: $18.45
    Grand Total: $248.44

    Delivery estimate: May 12, 2014 - May 15, 2014

    Thanks for sharing this awesome deal!

  • onlyletters on 30/04/2014 - 15:09

    I got mine and installed ChrUbuntu on it and its a great laptop, everything works well, its now a online/offline laptop and I can do everything my normal computer does, even add a IP printer which was found by the Ubuntu system automagically.

    • whirlpool_guy on 02/05/2014 - 08:57

      Did you wipe the Chrome OS or chroot?

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