The Acer Chromebook Plus 514: An Affordable Laptop Option
Currently available on Amazon for just $299.99, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 represents a significant drop from its normal price of $399.99.
As per price-tracking services, this is the most affordable price available for the device. For anyone in need of a secondary laptop or a device intended for light usage, this could be worth considering. However, it is essential to have realistic expectations: this model is not designed for high-performance tasks. It features an AMD Ryzen 3 7320C processor, coupled with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of eMMC storage, which firmly places it in the “basic utilization” category. Ideal for web browsing, checking emails, video conferencing, and streaming, but not well-suited for more demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, or extensive multitasking.
On the brighter side, the laptop boasts a 14-inch WUXGA touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200, providing a smooth navigation experience—particularly when scrolling through articles or zooming into images. Enhanced connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1, making it relatively future-proof. Additionally, despite its plastic design, it meets MIL-STD-810H standards for durability (as noted in a PCMag review) and includes a spill-resistant keyboard—a considerate feature for those prone to accidental spills.
What are your thoughts so far?
Battery life is adequate, lasting about 10 hours under typical usage, making it suitable for a solid portion of the workday. Connectivity options include two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and a headphone jack to accommodate most peripherals. Nevertheless, it’s essential to remember that this is an entry-level laptop. The Ryzen 3 processor is intended for basic tasks, and the eMMC storage offers slower performance compared to SSDs. Upgrading the storage isn’t possible, so users should rely heavily on cloud storage solutions if additional space is needed.
