Acer Chromebook 514 (ARM)
The Acer Chromebook 514 is a mid-range Chromebook that balances style, performance, and affordability. Equipped with a MediaTek Kompanio 828 processor, this Chromebook provides more power than budget Chromebooks designed for kids, despite being priced under $500. The Chromebook 514 features a sturdy aluminum construction, a 14-inch full HD display, 8GB of memory, and 64GB of eMMC flash storage. Its port selection includes a USB 3.2 Type-C port, three USB Type-A port, and a combination headphone/headset audio jack. The laptop's webcam has a bright green indicator light, and its 720p sensor offers decent image capture with slightly washed-out colors.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sturdy aluminum construction | Limited port selection |
| 14-inch full HD display | Absence of a drop hinge |
| Long battery life (up to 15 hours) | 720p webcam sensor offers decent image capture with slightly washed-out colors |
| 8GB of memory and 64GB of eMMC flash storage | Storage is not upgradable |
| MediaTek Kompanio 828 processor offers more power than budget Chromebooks | Performance can't match more expensive Intel Core CPUs |
More About Acer Chromebook 514
The Acer Chromebook 514 is designed with functionality and straightforwardness in mind. Its 14-inch, full HD display supports touch capability, making it a boon for anyone wanting to use Android apps on their Chromebook, whether for productivity or gaming. The laptop's design is functional and straightforward, with a 14-inch, full HD display that supports touch capability. The computer is also equipped with 8GB of memory and 64GB of eMMC flash storage. Despite the absence of a drop hinge, the laptop can sit flat on a table due to the Kompanio processor's lower heat generation.
The Acer Chromebook 514's MediaTek Kompanio processor outperformed the low-end processors of other Chromebooks in the market but couldn't match the performance of the more expensive Intel Core CPUs. However, the laptop excelled in battery life, managing an 11-hour runtime that matches the best in the category.
Reviewers' Opinions on Acer Chromebook 514
Reviewers have generally praised the Acer Chromebook 514 for its balance of style, performance, and affordability. Brian Westover from PCMag commended the Chromebook 514 for its "premium look, all-day battery life, and more power than budget Chromebooks for kids." He also noted that despite being equipped with an ARM processor, the Chromebook 514 performs well and "brings to the table an elegant machine that offers much of what you want in a premium Chromebook, including stylish construction and relatively perky performance, but still sells for a budget-friendly price."
In their YouTube review, Chrome Unboxed highlighted the device's balance of user experience, performance, and reasonable pricing. They praised the Chromebook's keyboard and trackpad for their comfort and functionality. They noted the device's impressive battery life: "I was easily getting 12 plus hours on a charge even with my brighter screen settings."
Lon Seidman, in his YouTube review, recommended the ARM version of the Acer Chromebook 514 for its adequate performance for basic web browsing and Android gaming and its better battery life compared to the Intel version. He found the Chromebook a good value for its price, with a nice display, backlit keyboard, and impressive performance. He stated, "Overall, I found it to be a very good value. I think the display is really nice on it. You've got a nice backlit keyboard here, and the performance in particular really surprised me."
Customer Reviews of Acer Chromebook 514
Customers have largely praised the Acer Chromebook 514 for its performance, particularly for web browsing, online banking, and remote work. They have also appreciated the device's physical attributes, including its backlit keyboard, light weight, and solid feel due to its metal chassis. The device's screen was also praised for its crispness.
However, some customers noted that the device was not the fastest, but it handled Google Docs and web apps just fine. A few users also pointed out that the device was manufactured over a year ago, which is a point of concern. Despite this, the Chromebook was still considered a great value for its price.
Users recommended this Chromebook for older users due to its user-friendly features and as a good family computer. Customers seemed satisfied with their purchase, stating that the device was a perfect blend of features and worth the cost.
Conclusion
The Acer Chromebook 514 is a stylish and relatively powerful machine at a budget-friendly price. It handles everyday apps capably and boasts hours of battery life, making it a strong contender for the best midrange Chromebook under $500. It is ideal for users who need a laptop for everyday tasks like web browsing, online banking, and remote work. Its long battery life makes it a good choice for students and professionals who need a laptop that can last all day. However, users who need a computer for heavy tasks like video editing or gaming might want to look elsewhere due to the Chromebook 514's limited storage and performance compared to more expensive laptops.
