Acer Chromebook 514 Overview: On a regular basis Efficiency, All Day Lengthy

Acer makes numerous Chromebooks they usually are available an enormous number of configurations and display sizes. That is nice for shoppers, colleges and companies as a result of there is something to fulfill each and every want. However it may well get difficult when purchasing for one, particularly when Acer assists in keeping the identify the similar 12 months after 12 months, as with its Chromebook 514. 

This older model from a few years in the past continues to be round, as an example. Then again, there also are two present variations, the Chromebook 514 CB514-1W and the Chromebook 514 CB514-2H/T. The latter is the only reviewed right here, and it is the one I’d suggest to most of the people searching for a straight-up excellent Chrome OS revel in in a compact light-weight frame. Particularly in case your finances is below $500.

If you’ll be able to spend somewhat extra, the more-expensive CB514-1W fashions have Eleventh-gen Intel Core i3 or i5 processors. In addition they have top class 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 garage; and mil-spec development. The cost begins at $680. 

However 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 the entire top class options, regardless that it does nonetheless have a relaxed backlit keyboard and a clean Gorilla Glass touchpad. It might’ve been great if Acer may just’ve stored a minimum of a few the Intel type’s higher options (I think like conserving the HDMI out and microSD card slot are not giant asks). In its protection, the CB514-2H/T does get started at $400. It does not appear to be to be had but in the United Kingdom or Australia however the associated fee converts to round £305 and AU$540. 

What is nice in regards to the Kompanio 828 system-on-a-chip is that it is a mid-range possibility particularly designed for Chromebooks. The cost is very similar to that of a more moderen Intel Celeron-based Chromebook however with higher efficiency and killer battery lifestyles. Going by way of my benchmark trying out, it handles processing duties quicker 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, regardless that. 

Until you are a energy consumer or planning on doing some severe gaming past Android apps, the Kompanio 828 must be enough. And as it was once made for Chromebooks, it is specifically environment friendly. It ran for 18 hours, half-hour on our streaming video battery drain take a look at. Whilst I used to be the use of it, even if I believed I used to be about to expire of energy, the meter all the time gave the impression assured I had a few hours of price left within the tank. And even if it does run low, the 514 refills briefly.

The frame in this model of the Chromebook 514 is probably not constructed to mil-spec requirements, nevertheless it did not appear flimsy both. I commuted with it for a few weeks, the use of it on my educate rides and at espresso retail outlets. I do know that isn’t numerous time, however nonetheless, the steel lid did not display any indicators of wear and tear and the remainder of the chassis held up high quality, too. It is in point of fact light-weight additionally at just below 3 kilos. The 514 is fast to begin up with a turn of its lid and connects to Wi-Fi speedy. This does have Wi-Fi 6 give a boost to, which is not a ensure on a $400 Chromebook but. 

Despite the fact that the Acer Chromebook 514 would possibly no longer have most of the top class options of its Intel linemate, it is nonetheless a very good Chromebook for the cash. The brand new MediaTek SoC strangely can pay off right here, giving the 514 excellent all-around efficiency for productiveness and leisure and lengthy battery lifestyles besides, all in a three-pound package deal.