Acer’s Chromebook 514 begins at $400.
Josh Goldman/CNET
Acer makes a number of Chromebooks they usually are available an enormous number of configurations and display screen sizes. That’s nice for shoppers, colleges and companies as a result of there’s one thing to satisfy each want. But it may get difficult when looking for one, particularly when Acer retains the title the identical 12 months after 12 months, as with its Chromebook 514.
This older model from a few years in the past continues to be round, for instance. However, there are additionally two present variations, the Chromebook 514 CB514-1W and the Chromebook 514 CB514-2H/T. The latter is the one reviewed right here, and it is the one I’d suggest to most individuals searching for a straight-up good Chrome OS expertise in a compact light-weight physique. Especially in case your finances is below $500.
Like
Amazing battery lifeBacklit keyboardMatte touchscreenGood on a regular basis performancePadded laptop computer sleeve included
Don’t Like
Many options lower from higher-end Intel model
If you possibly can spend a bit extra, the more-expensive CB514-1W fashions have Eleventh-gen Intel Core i3 or i5 processors. They even have premium options like a full-HD webcam with a privateness shutter; a fingerprint reader; two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports; an HDMI output; a microSD card slot; SSD storage; and mil-spec building. The worth begins at $680.
But the Chromebook 514 CB514-2H/T trades the Intel processors for Mediatek’s Arm-based Kompanio 828 system-on-a-chip and cuts just about all of the premium options, although it does nonetheless have a cushty backlit keyboard and a easy Gorilla Glass touchpad. It would’ve been good if Acer may’ve saved not less than a few the Intel mannequin’s higher options (I really feel like holding the HDMI out and microSD card slot aren’t massive asks). In its protection, the CB514-2H/T does begin at $400. It does not appear to be obtainable but within the UK or Australia however the worth converts to round £305 and AU$540.
Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-2HT-K0FZ)
Price as reviewed
$460
Display measurement/decision
14-inch 1,920×1,080-pixel contact show
Processor
2.6GHz MediaTek Kompanio 828
Memory
8GB LPDDR4X SDRAM
Graphics
Mali-G57 MC5 IG
Storage
64GB eMMC flash reminiscence
Ports
USB-C (x2), USB-A (x2), audio/mic jack
Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) Bluetooth 5.2
Operating system
Google Chrome OS/Android 9
Weight
2.9 kilos (1.3kg)
What’s nice concerning the Kompanio 828 system-on-a-chip is that it is a mid-range choice particularly designed for Chromebooks. The worth is just like that of a more recent Intel Celeron-based Chromebook however with higher efficiency and killer battery life. Going by my benchmark testing, it handles processing duties sooner than a Celeron or Pentium processor and even the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c compute platform. It trails chips just like the AMD Ryzen 3500C and Intel Core i3-1115G4, although.
There are USB-C ports on the left and proper so you possibly can cost from both facet.
Josh Goldman/CNET
Unless you are an influence consumer or planning on doing some critical gaming past Android apps, the Kompanio 828 needs to be adequate. And as a result of it was made for Chromebooks, it is notably environment friendly. It ran for 18 hours, half-hour on our streaming video battery drain check. While I used to be utilizing it, even once I thought I used to be about to expire of energy, the meter all the time appeared assured I had a few hours of cost left within the tank. And even when it does run low, the 514 refills rapidly.
A easy silver Chromebook.
Josh Goldman/CNET
The physique on this model of the Chromebook 514 may not be constructed to mil-spec requirements, however it did not appear flimsy both. I commuted with it for a few weeks, utilizing it on my prepare rides and at espresso retailers. I do know that is not a number of time, however nonetheless, the steel lid did not present any indicators of wear and tear and the remainder of the chassis held up wonderful, too. It’s actually light-weight additionally at slightly below 3 kilos. The 514 is fast to start out up with a flip of its lid and connects to Wi-Fi quick. This does have Wi-Fi 6 assist, which is not a assure on a $400 Chromebook but.
Although the Acer Chromebook 514 may not have most of the premium options of its Intel linemate, it is nonetheless a superb Chromebook for the cash. The new MediaTek SoC surprisingly pays off right here, giving the 514 good all-around efficiency for productiveness and leisure and lengthy battery life besides, all in a three-pound bundle.
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