Acer unveils 'Chromebase for meetings' all-in-one with videoconferencing focus

While many people view Chrome OS as nothing more than a basic operating system for home users, it is actually much more. In fact, the Linux-based machines can work beautifully for businesses too -- depending on needs, of course. As more and more solutions become web-based, a traditional Windows/Office solution from Microsoft becomes less of a necessity.

One way that Chrome OS shines in business environments, is videoconferencing and collaboration with Hangouts. Google's 'Chromebox for meetings' has proven to be a great option in this regard for some companies, thanks to low cost and ease of use. Today, business decision-makers that prefer all-in-one solutions to diminutive desktops gain a new option -- Acer's Chromebase for meetings. With an integrated display, this all-in-one is inexpensive, attractive, and extremely easy to setup and deploy.

"Designed for videoconferencing, Acer's Chromebase for meetings features the largest screen of all Chrome OS devices on the market, a 24-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display with IPS technology, reproducing consistent and accurate colors at up to 178-degree wide viewing angles. An array of four microphones and two speakers ensure that participants can hear and be heard clearly, while an adjustable HD webcam and a chassis that easily tilts from - 5° to 30° allows them to be framed perfectly on the call", says Acer.

Google explains, "so now, you can collaborate and meet over video from a dedicated device at home, your desk at work or a phone room. And since meeting in smaller spaces creates additional opportunity to work together across larger groups, we've also recently expanded the number of meeting participants to 25 people for Google Apps customers".

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Acer shares the following specs.

• CPU: CELERON-3215U
• Ram: 4 GB
• Storage: 16 GB
• Screen Size: 23.88 inch
• Form Factor: all-in-one
• Touchscreen: Yes

I know what you are thinking -- what if a business sometimes needs a larger than 24 inch screen? No worries -- the Chromebase for meetings features HDMI out, so you can connect to a larger display, television, or projector if needed. Of course, if you have no need for the integrated display, a Chromebox could be a smarter buy.

It also features gigabit Ethernet, three USB 3.0 ports, a single USB 2.0 port, 3.5mm audio jack and an SD card reader. Of course, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are included too.

This $549 computer will be available imminently at various retailers. In the interim, you can pre-order now here.