Acer Chromebook Spin 311 review
The Acer Acer Chromebook Spin 311 ranks as the #807 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 59. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #163-ranked features among 777 laptops. Consider the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 or Lenovo Yoga Creator 7, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is a budget-friendly convertible laptop that exceeds expectations in many areas. Its IPS touch panel display offers vibrant colors and good contrast, while the quad-core processor and 8GB RAM ensure seamless browsing and multitasking performance. The build quality is also impressive, with solid display hinges and a comfortable keyboard and trackpad. While the speakers are lacking and battery life falls short of Acer's claimed 10 hours, this Chromebook still offers excellent value for its $1,599 price tag. With decent storage options and expandability, it's an ideal choice for those invested in Google Suite apps and services, making it a worthwhile purchase for most users.
Build
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is a standout in the budget convertible market with its impressive build quality. Unlike other cheap options, this device boasts an attractive design made from plastic that looks and feels premium. The IPS touch panel is a welcome upgrade over the washed-out TFT LCD found on most entry-level models. The solid display hinges provide a seamless transition between laptop and tablet modes, making it perfect for everyday use. Even the port selection is generous, with two USB 3.1 ports and a micro SD card slot. Acer Chromebook 311 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded build.
Display
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 boasts an impressive 11.6-inch HD touchscreen display with excellent color accuracy and contrast, thanks to its IPS panel. The Wacom digitizer and active stylus provide a smooth writing experience, making it ideal for note-taking or creative endeavors. However, the loudspeakers are disappointing, producing tiny sound without any bass. Overall, the Spin 311's display is a standout feature in a budget convertible Chromebook, offering great value for those who prioritize visual quality. For an improved display, Acer Chromebook 311 is worth considering.
Performance
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 delivers decent web browsing performance and battery life, with up to 8 hours of use from my testing. The Intel Celeron M4100 quad-core processor handles multiple browser tabs without issues, while the 8GB RAM and 64GB EMMC storage provide ample capacity for media and documents. However, it's essential to note that the build quality and display are where this Chromebook truly shines, offering an IPS touch panel and solid display hinges. Overall, its performance makes it a suitable option for those who rely heavily on web-based tasks. You might want to check out Acer Chromebook 311, featuring an upgraded performance for a superior experience.
Battery and Charging
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 offers up to 10 hours of battery life, in my experience, I got around 8 hours with a mix of video streaming and web browsing. The device supports USB PD charging and can be fully charged from zero percent in about 90 minutes via a 45W power bank. This feature is convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery on the go. Overall, the battery life and charging capabilities of the Spin 311 are satisfactory for its price point.
Connectivity
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 boasts an impressive port selection for its price point. It features two USB 3.1 ports that support both charging and display output, as well as two full-size USB 3.1 ports and a micro SD card slot for storage expansion. This level of connectivity is rare in entry-level laptops, making the Spin 311 a standout option for those who need to stay connected on-the-go. If you're after top-notch connectivity, consider Acer Chromebook 311.
Features
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 boasts an IPS touch panel, quad-core Intel Celeron M4100 processor, 8GB RAM, and 64GB storage. It features two USB 3.1 ports, a micro SD card slot, and a Wacom digitizer for a seamless writing experience with the included active stylus. It’s worth checking out Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra, delivering remarkable features.
Support and Maintenance
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 offers reliable support and maintenance features for budget-conscious users. With up to 8 hours of battery life, this device can handle daily tasks with ease. Additionally, the USB PD power bank feature ensures that you can quickly charge your Chromebook up to 45 watts in just 90 minutes. This convenience is a significant advantage for those who require a hassle-free computing experience.
Pros
1. It has a nice IPS touch panel display with good colors and contrast.
2. The build quality is excellent, even for a budget convertible chromebook.
3. It comes with a Wacom digitizer which offers a really good writing experience.
4. The keyboard and trackpad are very comfortable and offer decent key travel.
5. The HD webcam supports HDR and is serviceable for conference calls.
6. Battery life is up to 10 hours, and it gets fully charged from zero percent in about 90 minutes.
Cons
1. Build quality of some other chromebooks in its price range is pretty bad.
2. Loudspeakers are tiny and don't produce bass at all, affecting media consumption experience.
3. The base model comes with only 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, which may be limiting for some users.
4. The camera quality isn't good in low light conditions, making it less useful for certain tasks.
5. The price is a little pricey, especially considering the extra $400 for more RAM and storage.
6. It doesn't come with a privacy shutter or a webcam disabled key, which may be a concern for some users.
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