Acer Chromebook 311 review
The Acer Acer Chromebook 311 ranks as the #855 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 53. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #98-ranked build among 777 laptops. Consider the Asus ASUS Chromebook C425 or Asus ASUS Chromebook Flip C434, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Acer Chromebook 311 is a budget-friendly laptop with a 10-hour battery life, gigabit Wi-Fi, and USB-C. It's perfect for schoolwork and office tasks. However, the 10-hour claim may be exaggerated, as I experienced around 4-5 hours of battery life in normal conditions. The screen can be flimsy, and the laptop is not designed for heavy use or gaming. Despite these drawbacks, it's still a great value for its price (CAD $299). If you're looking for a basic, affordable laptop for everyday tasks, the Acer Chromebook 311 is worth considering.
Build
The Acer Chromebook 311 has a compact design with a small keyboard that had to be adjusted for size, resulting in the shift key being cut off. The exterior features a metallic finish with silver accents and logos from Acer and Google Chrome. Ports include USB-A, USB-C, and a headphone jack on one side, while the other has a charging port, USB-A, and SIM card slot. Build quality feels sturdy, but the screen appears flimsy, suitable for its price point of $299 CAD. Overall, the build is functional but not particularly impressive, making it suitable for basic office and school use. A better alternative might be Toshiba Portege X30, featuring a next-level build.
Display
The Acer Chromebook 311's display is a mixed bag. While it boasts a high brightness level that can reach near-black levels, the screen itself feels flimsy and may not withstand heavy use. The visuals are crisp, but not particularly vivid. For casual browsing, office work, or educational purposes, the display gets the job done. However, for more demanding users or those who value a premium viewing experience, this Chromebook's LCD might be considered subpar. Overall, the display's shortcomings may be forgivable given the device's budget-friendly price tag of $299 CAD. You may find Samsung Galaxy Book a better fit, thanks to its superior display.
Performance
The Acer Chromebook 311 performs admirably with swift loading times, making it ideal for editing and changing YouTube thumbnails. The Intel processor delivers satisfactory results, although the battery life falls short of its claimed 10 hours, lasting around 4-5 hours in moderate use. Wi-Fi connectivity is standard, without notable issues. The laptop's performance is well-suited for schoolwork and basic tasks, but may not be sufficient for more demanding activities like gaming or heavy multitasking. Overall, the Chromebook 311 offers reliable performance for its price point, making it a suitable option for those seeking an affordable computing solution. If you’re after a better performance, Apple iPad Air 13 could be the ideal option.
Battery and Charging
The Acer Chromebook 311's battery life is a letdown, lasting around 4-5 hours despite claiming 10 hours. However, the battery does last longer with brightness turned down to its lowest setting. The charging port and USB ports are standard, but the laptop's compact design makes it prone to scratches without a protective case. Overall, the Chromebook's battery life is a compromise for its affordable price tag of $299 Canadian.
Connectivity
The Acer Chromebook 311 boasts impressive connectivity features. It's equipped with gigabit Wi-Fi for ultra-fast wireless speeds, making it ideal for heavy internet users. Additionally, the laptop has a USBC port and USB 3 for seamless data transfer. A wide-angle camera is also available, along with Google's standard suite of applications and services, ensuring users stay connected on-the-go. For an improved connectivity, Acer Extensa 15 is worth considering.
Features
The Acer Chromebook 311 boasts an Intel processor, 10 hour battery life, and gigabit Wi-Fi for ultra-fast wireless speeds. It features a wide-angle camera, USB-C port, and a compact keyboard with a unique shift key design. The device runs on Linux-based Chrome OS, offering access to Google apps like Gmail, Docs, and YouTube. Additionally, it has two speakers and a range of ports, including USB 3 and HDMI. You might want to check out Acer Nitro Blaze 11, featuring an upgraded features for a superior experience.
Support and Maintenance
The Acer Chromebook 311 is a decent entry-level laptop, but its maintenance support leaves much to be desired. The company only releases software updates for four years, rendering the device outdated soon after purchase. This means users will need to budget for a new laptop every four years, making it less appealing for long-term use.
Pros
1. The loading times are really fast, great for editing and changing thumbnails.
2. It has a wide field of view camera
3. The brightness goes pretty high and goes all the way to black
4. Gigabit wi-fi provides ultra-fast wireless speeds
5. Has a USB-C port for fast data transfer
6. Runs Linux very basic but functional
Cons
1. Battery life is around 4-5 hours, not 10 hours as advertised
2. Screen is a bit flimsy and may get scratches or scuffs if carried without protection
3. Software updates are only available for 4 years, then it's time to get a new laptop
4. Hardware is cheap and meant for office school use
5. May not be suitable for gaming due to its specifications
6. False advertising on battery life
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