I’ve been using anAcer Chromebook 11 C732LT Celeron 1.1 GHz with 32GB since I came across it on sale in a department store in the USA while on a trip to attend a technology conference.
On sale for just $120 at curiously named bulk-buywholesale store BJs, it was too good an offer to pass up. Yes it’s kind of underpowered and limited, but its super-light and I’ve formed a bond with it… it’s excellent for slinging in your backpack and running to a keynote or even to the pub. It’s almost got a kind of plastic-y toughness to it and have never even picked up a scratch.
The time had to come though, I decided to move up the world with theAcer Chromebook Plus 514.
It’s a little heavier than my entry level machine, but it’s still only 1.43 kg (3.15 lbs) and its fast-charging battery offers up to 11 hours of power. That being said, at 82% this device shows 11 hours 41 minutes of power left, although admittedly that’s with just Chrome open and only open on one page.
OceanGlass touchpad
The OceanGlass touchpad is sensitive to a light touch (although set to “reverse scrolling” by default, which may not feel intuitive to some smartphone users) and it has a300-nit 14-inch full HD (1920×1080) display.
This new unit ships with an Intel Core i3-N305 processor, so it feels considerably more like a PC than my older Chromebook. That processor also makes it a lot easier to do Zoom and WhatsApp web calls (there’s a full HD webcam with AI tools focused on visuals) and the sound has been improved with the inclusion of dual “upward-firing” speakers with DTS Audio.
The new Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is the latest addition to Acer’s lineup of Chromebook Plus laptops that offer enhanced Chromebook performance… and, to be honest, it’s the “plus” factor that users like myself who’ve cut their teeth on entry level devices.
The plus parts of the Plus 514 include the fact that this new line has 512 GB of storage, which really helps put an end to me digging out old USB “thumb drives” to use when on a plane. Also crucial here, when Chromebook Plus 514 users are away from an Internet connection, File sync on Chromebook Plus keeps Google Docs, Sheets and Slides always accessible, whether online or offline.
The Chromebook Plus 514’s display is available in touch- and non-touch models, with anti-glare coating, I kind of wish I had the touch model to use, but there you go.
“The new Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-4H/T) delivers the sought-after combination of a portable design, 14-inch Full HD display and performance-minded technology that lets users get the most out of exciting capabilities offered with Chromebook Plus,” said James Lin, general manager, notebooks, Acer Inc.
“Students, businesses, families and individuals need to be more productive, connected and empowered than ever and can achieve this using Acer Chromebook Plus devices.”
The new Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is the latest addition to Acer’s lineup of Chromebook Plus laptops that offer enhanced Chromebook performance and experiences, emphasising better hardware designs with upgraded displays and cameras paired with powerful productivity, creativity, and multimedia capabilities.
It’s a much better webcam this time and when privacy is needed, the webcam can be closed with a physical shutter (I often use a Post-It note to be honest), or users can mute the dual microphones and turn off the camera with a single click.
Military-grade, kind of
Acer says its new Chromebooks is U.S. MIL-STD 810H compliant so that it’s ready to stand up to daily wear and tear… and yes, that does stand for Department of Defense Test Method Standard, Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests.
As you would expect, this device has Bluetooth 5.2 and a quite pleasing selection of ports i.e. a dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C ports (one on each side) supporting USB Charging. There is a SIM card slot too, which would be interesting to use, but my UK carrier only allows tablets and smartphones, so inserting one might be an expensive experiment.
Chrome Enterprise Upgrade
For hardcore business users above my level of device requirement, the Acer Chromebook Plus line is also available with Chrome Enterprise Upgrade to unlocking the built-in business capabilities of ChromeOS.
If you’re (like me) unaware of such functions, this technology enables IT departments with zero-touch user enrollment and allows admins to manage device policies that simplify user experiences and keep data and users safe. Those are features like data controls and remote device wipe to prevent data leaks.
Overall look & feel
In terms of overall look and feel, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 has the plus factor and feels more grown up for sure.
The on-board storage is the real change and benefit for me personally, but some users may find the image, screen, camera quality the real boon. The sound is good, but to play music you’d probably slap on a JBL via Bluetooth to be honest. The keyboard has progressed since I bought my first unit and is slicker and more business-like and perhaps less clacky than my cheap first-foray into Chromebooks.
The big question is, would I travel away from home and attend a work project without also taking a PC? Yes, almost, probably, let’s see… it’s kind of early days still, but in general, I bemoan the lack of Linux laptops out there, so that’s why I’ve been a keen Chromebook user i.e. I’m not averse to Microsoft Windows, but we need more and a good proportion of that more plus factor is on offer here.