Available to buy here:
Welcome to Reviews inside tv, where we bring you in-depth, no-nonsense reviews of the latest tech gadgets. Today, we’ll be diving into the Acer Chromebook Plus 514, a sleek, feature-packed laptop designed for both work and play. Let’s break it down and see if it’s the right fit for you.
Product Overview
The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 boasts a 14-inch WUXGA touch display, offering a 1920 x 1200 resolution with an anti-glare coating that’s perfect for working outdoors or in well-lit environments. It’s powered by an AMD Ryzen 3 7320C processor, paired with 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 128GB of eMMC storage. The laptop comes preloaded with Chrome OS, supported by the reliability and security of Google’s ecosystem. Expect up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge, depending on usage, and a 1080p webcam enhanced by AI features for crystal-clear video calls.
Real-World Testing & Usage Experience
When I first set up the Acer Chromebook Plus 514, the process was straightforward, thanks to its intuitive Chrome OS interface. Navigating through apps, documents, and browsing was smooth, and the Ryzen 3 processor powered through everyday tasks effortlessly. The WUXGA touchscreen was a delight, offering sharp, vibrant visuals that made both work and leisure enjoyable.
I tested it under different scenarios, like multitasking with office apps while streaming a movie, and the Chromebook handled it with ease. The 12 hours of battery life is impressive, though I did find it more realistic to expect 9-10 hours with constant web use and video streaming.
However, there are some areas where this Chromebook could use improvement. For one, the 128GB eMMC storage feels a bit limiting if you’re someone who stores a lot of large files. It’s a bit on the lower end for a modern device, though cloud storage options like Google Drive are readily available.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
High-quality WUXGA display with excellent brightness and clarity, even in bright settings.
AI-powered webcam with enhanced features for better video calls (clearer image, noise cancellation, and automatic lighting adjustments).
Rugged design: MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability ensures it’s a sturdy companion.
Upgraded Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 support ensures fast, reliable connections.
Cons:
Limited storage at 128GB eMMC, which might be restrictive for users with large files.
No dedicated graphics card, so gaming performance will be limited compared to devices with discrete GPUs.
The fan can get noisy during intensive tasks, which might be distracting for some users.
Value for Money
The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is priced competitively for its category. For the AMD Ryzen 3 processor, WUXGA display, and AI-powered features, you’re getting solid performance. However, its price tag may feel a bit high considering the storage limitations and the fact that it’s not geared for intensive gaming or media production. But for those looking for a reliable, daily-use laptop with excellent security and productivity features, it’s a fair investment.
Comparisons
When compared to similar Chromebooks in this price range, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 stands out with its WUXGA display and AI-powered webcam features. The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5, for instance, offers an OLED display but lacks the Ryzen processor and AI webcam technology. Meanwhile, the HP Chromebook x360 offers better storage options but lacks the same battery life.
In terms of performance, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is a solid middle-ground device that excels in productivity tasks while being light on gaming or demanding applications.
Build Quality & Longevity
The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 features a robust construction with MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability, which should withstand everyday wear and tear. The spill-resistant keyboard is a nice touch for those prone to coffee spills while working. As for longevity, it holds up well over time, but the eMMC storage might limit upgrade options as you store more data.
Customer Support
I didn’t need to reach out to customer support for this Chromebook, but Acer has a solid reputation for responsive customer service, especially when it comes to warranty claims and tech support for Chromebook models.
Final Verdict
To wrap it up, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable, AI-enhanced, everyday laptop for work and play. Its sharp display, solid battery life, and AI features make it a strong contender in the Chromebook category. However, the limited storage and lack of a dedicated graphics card may push heavy media users or gamers to look elsewhere.
For most users, though, this Chromebook will offer more than enough for everyday use. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, it strikes a good balance between performance, value, and convenience.
Thanks for Watching
Thank you for joining us here at Reviews inside tv. If you’re interested in picking up the Acer Chromebook Plus 514, check out the link in the comments box below. We’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences with the product, so feel free to leave a comment or ask any questions! Until next time, keep your tech reviews sharp, and stay tuned for more deep dives into the gadgets you care about!
Available to buy here:
