Acer Chromebook 514 review
The Acer Acer Chromebook 514 ranks as the #752 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 63. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #176-ranked features among 777 laptops. Consider the Acer Swift 3 or Panasonic Toughbook FZ-40, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Acer Chromebook 514 is a surprisingly impressive device that offers excellent value for its price. While its specs may not be the most impressive, its performance in daily tasks is more than satisfactory. The keyboard and trackpad are top-notch, making it a pleasure to work on. Battery life is also exceptionally long, lasting up to 12 hours with moderate use. With a seven-year support lifespan from Google, this Chromebook offers peace of mind for those looking for an affordable laptop. At $399, it's a steal. If you're in the market for a budget-friendly laptop that gets the job done, the Acer Chromebook 514 is definitely worth considering.
Build
The Acer Chromebook 514 boasts an unassuming build that belies its capabilities. The plastic chassis is sturdy enough, though not particularly premium-feeling. The screen, while not a standout feature, gets the job done with decent brightness and a matte finish. The keyboard and trackpad are highlights of the device, offering comfortable typing and precise navigation. Weighing in at 3 pounds, it's easy to carry around without feeling too cumbersome. Overall, the build of the Acer Chromebook 514 is functional and unremarkable, serving as a solid foundation for its impressive performance and battery life. You might prefer Acer Swift 3 OLED, designed with an upgraded build for a better experience.
Display
The Acer Chromebook 514's display is a mixed bag. While it's fine for daily use, it doesn't stand out in terms of quality. The matte finish works well with touch input, but the screen itself isn't particularly bright or vibrant. It gets the job done, but you won't be blown away by its performance. The lack of a USI pen and stylus compatibility is also worth noting, making this Chromebook less ideal for creative work. Overall, the display is average, not bad, but not great either. For a superior display, Acer Chromebook Spin 514 could be the right choice.
Performance
The Acer Chromebook 514 boasts impressive performance courtesy of the Mediatek Companio 828 processor. In daily workloads, this device excelled, handling multiple desktops and windows with ease. While it may not deliver Intel Core i7-level performance, it competes favorably with the Snapdragon 7c Gen2. The eight gigs of RAM in our model contributed to its seamless operation, but the Companio 828's effectiveness was the primary factor. The only notable hiccup occurred when trying to output 1080p to an external monitor, which limited use of multiple displays. Otherwise, performance remained snappy and efficient throughout our testing. A better alternative might be Acer Chromebook Spin 511, featuring a next-level performance.
Battery and Charging
The Acer Chromebook 514 boasts an impressive battery life, with Acer rating it at 15 hours. However, I found that to achieve this, screen brightness needs to be kept low. In my testing, I easily got 12+ hours of use even with a brighter display setting. Standby mode also preserves the battery's charge, making it feel "untouchable" when not in use. This device joins a select few in offering such confidence away from the charger.
Connectivity
The Acer Chromebook 514 features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 connectivity. It also has one USB-C port, two USB-A ports, and an HDMI output. However, it lacks an SD card slot and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which may be a drawback for some users. If you’re after a better connectivity, Acer Chromebook 314 could be the ideal option.
Features
The Acer Chromebook 514 boasts an impressive feature set. The keyboard is superlative, with a comfortable typing experience. The trackpad is also exceptional, providing smooth navigation. Battery life is almost eternal, lasting up to 15 hours. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 ensure seamless connectivity. The Mediatek Companio 828 processor delivers mid-range performance, handling daily workloads with ease. A June 2029 expiration date for OS updates provides peace of mind. Overall, the Chromebook 514's features make it an attractive option for those seeking a reliable laptop experience. Acer ConceptD 3 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded features.
Support and Maintenance
The Acer Chromebook 514 offers reliable support with a June 2029 end date for OS updates, ensuring seven-plus years of regular maintenance. This long-term commitment is a significant advantage, making it an attractive option for those seeking a hassle-free computing experience without worrying about frequent software updates.
Pros
1. The superlatives like the keyboard, trackpad, and battery life all help to prop up all the less flashy elements.
2. The mediatek companio 828 processor is pretty great for daily workloads.
3. Battery life feels almost like eternal with easy 12 plus hours on a charge even with brighter screen settings.
4. The Acer Chromebook 514 serves as an affordable laptop option at $399.
Cons
1. The screen is not a huge overall win for this chromebook, but it's not a detractor either.
2. It doesn't come with a USI pen and is not compatible with any stylus.
3. There are occasional hiccups in performance, but they're rare.
4. The plastic chassis may be considered less desirable than other materials.
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