Acer's 2018 next@acer global press conference was held today in New York and unveiled the company's latest product lineup, which includes new powerful chromebooks including a 15-inch convertible one, gaming desktops and notebooks.

New Chromebooks

Acer promotes its new premium Chromebooks as designed for business use.

Both the Acer Chromebook Spin 13 and the Acer Chromebook 13 models feature an all-aluminum design and a full HD+ (2256x1504 resolution)
13.5-inch display in a 3:2 aspect ratio for 3.3 million pixels. The IPS display lets users present projects and share content thanks to its wide 178-degree viewing angles. They are powered by 8th Gen Intel Core processors, and come with Corning Gorilla Glass touchpads and dual microphones.

The convertible Chromebook Spin 13 (CP713-1WN) has 360-degree hinges for use as a tablet, notebook, display, or in tent-mode. It comes with a Wacom stylus (for pen input) that can be stored in the device slot. The Acer Chromebook 13 (CB713-1W) opts for the traditional notebook design for keyboard-heavy tasks.

The new Acer Chromebooks have USB 3.1 Type-C ports on each side for charging the Chromebook from the most convenient angle. Plus, the ports can be used for quick data transfers when connecting to an external display or for charging other devices. Both new Chromebooks also have a legacy USB 3.0 port and a MicroSD card reader.

The Chromebook Spin 13 and Chromebook 13 feature dual slot-antennae to provide 2x2 MIMO 802.11ac Wi-Fi, while Bluetooth 4.2 delivers convenient connection to peripherals.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 13 can be used for a full day of work with its battery life of up to 10 hours. It is powered by an 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U processor or Core i3-8130U processor. It offers up to 16GB LPDDR3 memory and up to 128GB of on-board eMMC storage.

The Acer Chromebook 13 processor options include an 8th Generation Intel Core i3-8130U, Intel Pentium 4415U or Intel Celeron 3865U. It comes with up to 16GB LPDDR3 memory and either 32GB or 64GB of on-board eMMC storage.

Both the new Acer Chromebook Spin 13 and Chromebook 13 support Android apps via Google Play. They run on Google's Chrome OS platform, which automatically updates and uses multiple levels of security to guard against online threats.

First 15-inch Convertible Chromebook

Acer also introduced the Acer Chromebook Spin 15 (CP315-1H), the first convertible Chromebook with a 15.6-inch display. The large touchscreen display pairs with the convertible 360-degree design to deliver a portable Chromebook with increased entertainment and productivity capabilities.

In addition, Acer is launching a new Chromebook 15 (CB315-1H/1HT) line that pairs a large 15-inch display and long 14-hour battery life at a budget-friendly price.

Both the new Acer Chromebook Spin 15 (CP315-1H) and Chromebook 15 (CB315-1H/1HT) support Android apps via Google Play.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 15 has a 1080p IPS display which supports 10-finger touch. The display is complemented by two full-sized upward-facing speakers. It comes with a full-sized keyboard and a large Corning Gorilla Glass touchpad.

The Chromebook Spin 15 has a silver cross-hairline pattern on the top cover. It can easily be moved around the home or office since it weighs only 2.1kg (4.63 pounds).

It has a fanless design and it's battery life will last for up to 13 hours. It powered by the quad-core Intel Pentium N4200 processor, Intel Celeron N3450 processor, or the dual-core Intel Celeron N3350 processor. It comes with 4GB or 8GB LPDDR4 memory and either 32GB or 64GB of on-board eMMC storage.

Other features include 2x2 MIMO 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, an 720p HD webcam with high dynamic range (HDR), two USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 1 ports, two USB 3.0 ports and a MicroSD card reader.

Acer also introduced a new model in its Chromebook 15 line that delivers the same large 15.6-inch display and long 14-hour battery life at a budget-friendly price. The Chromebook 15 has a Full HD 15.6-inch display in both touch (CB315-1HT) and non-touch (CB315-1H) displays that both provide a Full HD 1920x1080 resolution. The Chromebook 15 is powered by the quad-core Intel Pentium N4200 processor, the dual-core Intel Celeron N3350 processor, or quad-core Intel Celeron N3450 processor and comes with two full-sized upward-facing speakers that support high-definition audio. It can be connected to a wireless network via Intel Wireless-AC 7265 (802.11ac 2x2 MIMO) WiFi and to other devices with its two USB 3.1 Type-C ports and two USB 3.0 ports. It will be available with up to 8MB dual-channel LPDDR4 memory and 64GB of on-board eMMC storage.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 15 (CP315-1H) will be available in North America in July starting at $449; and in EMEA in June starting at EUR449.

The Acer Chromebook 15 (CB315-1H/1HT) will be available in North America in July starting at $349; and in EMEA in June starting at EUR399.

Predator Orion 5000 Gaming Desktops

Acer released the new Predator Orion 5000 series gaming desktops and the mid-range Predator Orion 3000 series gaming desktops, as well as a collection of Predator accessories.

The Predator Orion 5000 Series gaming desktops feature up to 8th Gen Intel Core i7+ 8700K processors paired with the latest Intel Z370 chipset, up to 32 GB of Intel Optane memory, and up to 2-way NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti GPUs in SLI.

The Predator Orion 5000's chassis has a transparent side panel to show off its internals and is EMI-compliant to protect users and peripherals from potential electromagnetic interference. Side panels allows users to swap out components and cables during upgrades. The IceTunnel 2.0 airflow management design segments the system into different thermal zones and provides each sector with its own airflow tunnel to expel heat. A front mesh panel with dust filters allows the Predator Orion 5000 to inhale massive amounts of air while filtering out dust. Additional features for core gamers include Killer LAN high-speed Ethernet, cradles for audio headsets, a carry-handle for portability and Acer's signature Predator design.

With up to 8th Gen Intel Core i7+ processors, and up to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 GPUs, the VR- ready Predator Orion 3000 supports 4K gameplay as gamers take aim at opponents on the battlefield with great clarity. Like the 5000 series, the Predator Orion 3000 can be configured with up to 32 GB of Intel Optane memory, and up to 64 GB DDR4-2666 RAM.

The Predator Orion 3000 Series features the same design language as its bigger brother, with a transparent EMI-compliant side panel, RGB lighting, blue accents and built-in headset cradles.

Alongside the new Predator Orion 5000 and 3000 series gaming desktops, Acer has expanded its gaming gadget and accessory:

• Predator Cestus 510: a customizable gaming mouse with an optical sensor that supports up to 16,000 DPI
• Predator Gaming Chair: includes detachable cushions, ergonomics, and lumbar spine support
• Predator Hard Case: protects valuable assets with a hard outer shell and customizable foam inserts that fit around your computer
• Predator Aethon 500 durable mechanical keyboard with a lifespan of 70 million strokes per key, customizable with 16.8 million colors
• Predator Mousepad series available in plastic or fabric finishes

The Predator Orion 5000 gaming desktops will be available in North America in July starting at $1,499; in EMEA in June starting at EUR1,699; and in China in June starting at RMB15,999.

The Predator Orion 3000 gaming desktops will be available in North America in October starting at $999; in EMEA in July starting at EUR1,299; and in China in July starting at RMB6,999.

Acer Nitro Series Desktops and Monitors

The new Acer Nitro 50 Series desktops and Nitro VG0 and RG0 Series monitors handle demanding processing and graphics requirements for both content creation and consumption.

The Nitro 50 Series PCs are powered by up to 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processors, and are equipped with up to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 GPUs.

They deliver 4K resolution visuals and can support up to four displays simultaneously. They come with up to a 3TB HDD and a 512GB SSD, sport a wireless charging deck for keeping users' Qi-enabled wireless devices powered up and ready to go. To top it off, the Nitro 50 series features an armour-inspired housing with front-facing LED lighting that emits a sinister red glow.

Lastly, the Nitro 50 desktops optimize network speed for gaming, browsing, and streaming through Realtek Dragon LAN.

The Nitro VG0 and RG0 series monitors (1920x1080@75Hz) with AMD Radeon FreeSync satisfy gamers' need for speed with a response time of up to 1ms Visual Response Boost (VRB), along with up to 144 Hz refresh rates. The Acer Nitro VG0 series is available with 27-, 23.8- and 21.5-inch panels and resolutions of 4K UHD, WQHD or Full HD. The Acer Nitro RG0 series boasts a .27-inch thin profile and is offered in 27- and 23.8-inch models.

Integrated 6-axis color adjustment lets gamers fine-tune color, hue and saturation to best suit the game at hand, while built-in black boost enables gamers to select from 11 black level options to optimize visual advantage and clearly spot enemies.

The IPS panels provide accurate views even at wide angles of up to 178 degrees horizontally and vertically. They are also meeting 72 percent of the NTSC standard and delivering a 250 cd/m2 brightness. Two 2W stereo speakers deliver audio and HDMI, VGA and DisplayPort ports connect to a wide array of PCs.

Integrated Acer Game Mode has eight pre-set display modes to optimize visuals depending on the type of content being displayed. Display modes include Action, Racing, Sport, User, Standard, ECO, Graphic and Movie. Settings are easily accessed through a hotkey or the On Screen Display (OSD) settings menu.

Outfitted with a VESA mount, the monitors can be hung on a wall to free up desk space, leaving more room for game sticks, mice and more.

The Acer Nitro 50 gaming desktops will be available in North America in July starting at $799; in EMEA in May starting at EUR999; and in China in July starting at RMB5,999.

The Acer Nitro VG0 gaming monitors will be available in North America in June starting at $129.99; in EMEA in May starting at EUR129; and in China in May starting at RMB999.

The Acer Nitro RG0 gaming monitors will be available in North America in July starting at $169.99; and in EMEA in May starting at EUR139.

Acer Predator Helios 500 Notebook

Acer unveiled two new Predator Helios gaming notebooks today. They include the powerful Predator Helios 500, featuring up to 8th Gen Intel Core i9+ processors, and the Predator Helios 300 Special Edition that includes upgraded specs from its predecessor and a white chassis.

Designed for extreme gamers, the Predator Helios 500 features up to overclockable 8th Gen Intel Core i9+ processors and overclockable GeForce GTX 1070 graphics. Intel Optan memory increases responsiveness and load times, while NVMePCIe SSDs, Killer DoubleShot Pro networking, and up to 64GB of memory keep the action going.

Visuals are delivered on 4K UHD or FHD IPS 17.3-inch displays with 144Hz refresh rates. NVIDIA G-SYNC technology is supported on both the built-in display and external monitors. For those looking for maximum gaming immersion, dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, and display and HDMI 2.0 ports support up to three external monitors. Two speakers, a subwoofer, and Acer TrueHarmony and Waves MAXXAudio technology deliver sound and 3D audio using Waves Nx.

The Helios 500 stays cool with two of Acer's proprietary AeroBlade 3D metal fans, and five heat pipes that distribute cool air to the machine's key components while simultaneously releasing hot air. Fan speed can be controlled and customized through the PredatorSense app.

A backlit RGB keyboard offers four lighting zones with support for up to 16.8 million colors.

The more budget-friendly Helios 300 gaming line sees the addition of a Special Edition model featuring an all-white aluminum chassis accented with gold trim.

The Helios 300 Special Edition (PH315-51) allows for smooth gameplay via its 15.6-inch FHD IPS display with an upgraded 144Hz refresh rate. It's powered by up to an 8th Gen Intel Core i7+ processor, overclockable GeForce GTX 1060 graphics, up to a 512 GB PCIe Gen 3 NVMe solid state drive, and up to a 2 TB hard disk drive.

The Helios 300 Special Edition also comes equipped with up to 16 GB of DDR4 memory, and is upgradable to 32GB. Intel Optane memory speeds up load times of games and applications. In addition, Gigabit Ethernet provides fast wired connections, while Gigabit Wi-Fi is provided by the latest Intel Wireless-AC 9560 that delivers up to 1.73Gbps throughput when using 160 MHz channels (2x2 802.11ac, dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz).

The Helios 300 Special Edition also includes two of Acer's (0.1 mm) all-metal AeroBlade 3D fans. They can be controlled with Acer's PredatorSense app, which offers three usage modes:

1. Coolboost mode:
For heavy loading games, rendering, streaming, and extended video consumption

2. Normal mode:
For productivity tools like Microsoft Office

3. Silent mode:
For web browsing and online chatting

The Predator Helios 500 gaming notebooks will be available in North America in June starting at $1,999; in EMEA in May starting at EUR1,999; and in China in June starting at RMB15,999.

New Acer 15-inch Swift 5 Notebook Weighing Less Than 1 kg

Acer also announced its new Swift 5 notebook designed for users who want portability and performance. With a 15-inch display, the chassis weighs less than 1 kg (2.2 lbs). The Swift 5 is powered by Windows 10, the latest Intel Core processors and features battery life that lasts through the workday.

The Swift 5's Full HD IPS1 touchscreen features narrow bezels measuring just 5.87 mm (0.23 inches), giving it a 87.6% screen-to-body ratio. The Swift 5 features Acer Color Intelligence technology, which dynamically adjusts gamma and saturation in real-time, optimizing screen color and brightness without clipping or over saturation, while Acer BluelightShield technology allows adjusting of the screen's blue-light emission over extended periods of use.

The Swift 5 is constructed with materials including magnesium-lithium alloys for the top and bottom cover, and magnesium-aluminum alloys for extra sturdiness on the palm rest area. Thanks to the LED backlit keyboard, users can work effectively on the go all day and even at night.

The Swift 5 features Intel Wireless-AC 9560 which offers 2x2 802.11ac wireless Gigabit performance. Up to 1 TB of SSD storage and up to 16 GB of DDR4 memory keeps the system fast, while connectivity is provided through one USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 2 port (10 Gbit/s data transfer, supporting power delivery and display output), two USB 3.1 Type-A ports (one with power-off charging functionality), an HDMI port, and an SD card reader. The Swift 5 supports Windows Hello through a fingerprint reader, allowing users to log in to their accounts faster.

"Predator X" Gaming PC featuring Intel Xeon processor

Acer also mentioned teased the audience with the "Predator X" gaming PC powered by an Intel Xeon processor, which is typically found in high-performance workstations and servers.

It is designed for not only 3D gaming, but also for those engaged in live streaming and rendering, and generally seek for multi-tasking performance.

No further details were disclosed.