Acer Chromebook 317 review
The Acer Acer Chromebook 317 ranks as the #849 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 55. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #676-ranked features among 2 laptops. Consider the Acer Extensa 15 or Acer Aspire Go 15, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Acer Chromebook 317 boasts a 17.3-inch screen, making it the world's first Chromebook with such a large display. While this comes with pros and cons, I believe it's worth considering for those who don't need to travel with their device. The keyboard is spacious, keys have good travel, and the trackpad is responsive. Performance is decent, and battery life is average due to the big screen. With an Intel Celeron N4500 processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage, it's suitable for light use, like browsing and streaming. Overall, I think this Chromebook is worth considering if you're looking for a desktop-like experience without breaking the bank.
Build
The Acer Chromebook 317's build is a mixed bag. The fully plastic construction feels somewhat cheap, with noticeable flex when handled. Weighing in at 4.74 pounds (2.15 kg), it's surprisingly light considering the large 17.3-inch screen. While not the most portable device due to its size, it's relatively lightweight and shouldn't be a deal-breaker for those who prioritize productivity over portability. Overall, the build is adequate but unremarkable, failing to impress with its budget-friendly feel. A better alternative might be Acer Nitro 17, featuring a next-level build.
Display
The Acer Chromebook 317 boasts a 17.3-inch screen, making it one of the largest Chromebooks available. The display is full HD IPS, capable of producing vibrant colors and decent brightness levels suitable for indoor use. While the exact nits rating isn't specified by Acer, it's estimated to be under 300. The large screen is beneficial for productivity, allowing for multiple windows and spreadsheets open simultaneously, as well as watching movies and videos comfortably. Overall, the display is a significant advantage of this Chromebook, making it suitable for those who prioritize typing comfort and don't need to travel with their device. You may find Acer Nitro 17 a better fit, thanks to its superior display.
Performance
The Acer Chromebook 317 boasts a sturdy Intel Celeron N4500 processor, providing decent performance for light gaming and multitasking. The four gigs of RAM and 64 gigs of storage are sufficient for everyday tasks, although the battery life could be improved due to the large 17.3-inch screen. The keyboard has good travel and response, making it suitable for typing-intensive users. Performance-wise, this Chromebook is ideal for those who don't need extreme multitasking or gaming capabilities. It's a great option for productivity and general use, but may not be the best choice for heavy users. If you’re after a better performance, Acer Chromebook 315 could be the ideal option.
Battery and Charging
The Acer Chromebook 317 boasts a massive 17.3-inch screen, making it perfect for productivity and entertainment. However, this size comes with some drawbacks. I've found the battery life to be average, requiring daily charging to keep up with my usage. The large screen is likely to blame, as it tends to drain the battery quickly. With five full charge cycles on this device, I'm not confident in its ability to last through a second day of use. This could be a deal-breaker for those who need a laptop for extended periods away from a power source.
Connectivity
The Acer Chromebook 317 boasts a range of ports for its size, including dual USB-C, an SD card slot, and a headset jack. This makes it well-suited for productivity work or entertainment. The inclusion of a Kensington Lock port adds an extra layer of security. While the fully plastic build has some flex to it, the weight is reasonable at 4.74 pounds. Overall, the connectivity options make this Chromebook a great value for its price point. For an improved connectivity, Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel is worth considering.
Features
The Acer Chromebook 317 boasts a 17.3-inch screen, making it one of the largest Chromebooks available. The device features dual USB-C ports, a headphone jack, and a microSD card slot. It's powered by an Intel Celeron N4500 processor with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. A non-touch screen model is available, but other variants offer touchscreens and increased storage capacity. You might want to check out Acer Predator Triton 500 SE, featuring an upgraded features for a superior experience.
Support and Maintenance
The Acer Chromebook 317 boasts a massive 17.3-inch screen, making it perfect for those who don't need to travel with their device. However, its size also means it may not be ideal for frequent travelers or those who use multiple screens and peripherals. The Chromebook runs on Intel Celeron N4500 Processor, offering decent performance and battery life, but may require daily charging due to the large screen.
Pros
1. The large 17.3 inch screen is a huge plus for productivity, spreadsheets, and watching movies.
2. The keyboard is large, well-spaced, and has good travel, making it comfortable to type on.
3. The trackpad is solid and responsive, great for navigating Chrome OS.
4. The speakers are decently loud and have good sound quality, considering the price point.
5. The Intel Celeron N4500 Processor provides decent performance for light gaming like Roblox.
6. Battery life is okay, but you'll need to charge it most days due to the big screen.
7. The build is fully plastic, with a bit of flex, and weighs in at 4.74 pounds, which is relatively cheap considering its size.
8. There's a good range of ports, including dual USB-C, a headset Jack, a Micro SD card slot, and a Kensington Lockport.
Cons
1. The large screen may not be suitable for traveling with, as it can be bulky to carry around.
2. Battery life could be improved, especially considering the size of the screen.
3. The build is made of plastic, which may not feel as premium as some other Chromebooks on the market.
4. There's no backlit keyboard option on this model, but there are variations with touchscreens and more storage options.
5. The webcam is only 0.9 megapixels, which may not be sufficient for video conferencing or online meetings.
6. The speakers can sound tinny at times, although they're decently loud.
7. The price point of £123 (around $149 USD) may be a bit high considering the specs and build quality.
8. There's no option to purchase this Chromebook with an AMD processor in its current form factor.
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