Acer Chromebook Spin 514 Review - For Those Who Want Power To Spare, Love Attention To Details
Chromebooks have just continued to improve over the past several years and taking a closer await at the Acer Chromebook Spin 514, recently sent to Android Headlines for review, is a great way to highlight that change. Not only is this laptop a credit to the entire category. It's a prime example of how far Acer has come up in the segment.
Specifically, Acer sent the AMD Ryzen 5 variant of this gadget — model designation CP514-1HH-R0SS. So this is the variant that ships with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. As with the Ryzen 7 version, it also features a full-fledged HDMI port, in improver to its ii USB-C ports, USB-A port, combo headphone jack, and menu reader. A Kensington security port is part of the package too.
Just none of that, the other internals, the MIL-STD 810H military machine toughness certification, or MIL-STD 810F dust and sand resistant rating actually provides a keen picture of just what this Chromebook is. Instead, it'due south how all of those parts come together that really makes information technology a great device. And more worthy of its Editor'due south Choice accolade.
So let's have a closer look at how this gadget does nether a full review.
Acer Chromebook Spin 514 hardware touts small details for a great experience
Opening up the Acer Chromebook Spin 514 that was sent out for review, one affair became readily apparent. Acer intends this Chromebook to exist great for productivity. Non but did the visitor send out a bundle with a weaved fiber behave case — complete with costly inner lining and a secondary pocket for accessories. It also included a Chromebook-compatible Wireless mouse with batteries. The mouse, of grade, utilizes the congenital-in total-size USB-A port.
But it isn't just the accessories here that are sleek. The Acer Chromebook Spin 514 builds on the framework laid out past some of Acer'south most premium products. With chamfered edges all around and, where those are in the metal lid, a diamond-cut style, polished finish.
The keyboard surface, conversely, feels like 100-percent plastics. Merely it'due south not the kind of plastic that would exist found in a inexpensive device past any stretch of the imagination. It's firm, with very little give. So the entire package only feels durable and premium. The plastics also don't become in the way of the typing experience at all.
In fact, this Chromebook easily has amongst the most comfy keyboards I've used to date. With the keys snapping down what feels like a nearly-perfect travel distance with ease. And with no accidental presses either. Continuing in that same vein, the ports and plugs on this Chromebook all snap firmly into place when used. At that place's no wiggle or jostle to be found. And the buttons, while not quite equally clicky every bit might be hoped, aren't squishy either.
Similarly, the hinge is firmly seated, making it easy to use the 360-degree-folding frame at whatever angle. Without being too tight or requiring an undue amount of force to motion. That's so good, in fact, that 1-handed operation of the swivel is piece of cake, without as well much elevator in the keyboard. Although the dorsum of the backlit-standard keyboard does raise slightly every bit the lid is tilted for a more ergonomic typing experience.
The touchpad, like the keyboard, is responsive and offers a superior experience to the majority of Chromebooks I've tested.
All of those things would already make for a great experience overall on whatsoever laptop or Chromebook. But Acer Chromebook Spin 514 also looks cracking.
The company gave it a vivid silver hue nether straight lighting, with even brighter edgework around the chamfering on the keyboard and frame. Nether less direct lighting, or in shadows, that vivid hue tones way down. Becoming most a dark slate color. In reality, it's "Mist Light-green" in color. The green tint is near imperceptible only definitely there if yous await shut enough or catch it in the right lighting. And information technology's a very unlike color from the besides-available silverish model.
Small touches, such as a chamfered, sunken keyboard, slight lip for easier lid opening, and other details take that farther. This is arguably among the best-looking Chromebooks on the market.
The brandish here is smashing, except where information technology isn't
Acer built this variant of this Chromebook with a standard FHD display fix between narrow bezels with a 78-percent screen-to-body ratio. That left but enough bezel to be comfortable using the Chromebook Spin 514 touchscreen during this review, in tablet mode, without taking up too much space. Information technology feels like a perfect ratio for this blazon of 360-caste folding laptop.
The technology giant also includes a full-size HDMI port on the AMD Ryzen v and Ryzen 7 models, only in instance a 14-inch display isn't big enough.
Of course, 1,920 by one,080 is non ideal for entertainment, even at fourteen-inches. And particularly with consideration for all of the 4K HDR content bachelor for consumption. Merely the IPS console is still more than serviceable and virtually users aren't going to miss the extra resolution since information technology takes a existent close-up wait to see pixels. This model'south AMD Radeon Vega viii graphics assistance with that too, ensuring things look as crisp and bright as possible.
The screen is besides incredibly responsive, hands matching any smartphone or calculator touch screen I've used, to date. That is, Chrome OS responds to touches almost instantly without any stutter or lag. And without whatsoever annoying unwanted blur, except under the fastest swipes. So, by and large speaking, the screen on Acer Chromebook Spin 514 performed too as any top-tier Chromebook.
Just none of that is to say that this display is at all perfect. Despite the glare-resistant CineCrystal panel, Acer Chromebook Spin 514 did non do well under direct sunlight during my review. Although it works brilliantly indoors and even nether somewhat bright lights indoors, with bully color accuracy and well-nigh no wash-out with the effulgence maxed out, sunlight but well-nigh makes this screen unusable.
Future-proofing is the name of the game for Acer Chromebook Spin 514
Among the great things about Chromebooks, and especially newer Chromebooks is their longevity. Considering the operating organization tends to exist so lightweight and because of frequent updates — the Acer Chromebook Spin 514 under review will see updates until June 2029 — the devices tend to last a long time. That'southward even with weak hardware. Hereafter-proofing is, for Chrome OS, the name of the game. But the Chromebook Spin 514 is a unlike animate being entirely from most that have come before.
That's considering this Chromebook utilizes AMD Ryzen series chipsets. And, for this model, version CP514-1HH-R0SS, that's a quad-core AMD Ryzen v 3500C. Then the processor speed is set at 2.10GHz.
Now, that's the base of operations speed for this processor. And information technology can max out at around 3.7GHz, which has big implications for this particular Chromebook. During my review of Acer Chromebook Spin 514, it never really slowed down or became bogged downward.
Equally noted in the next segment, I chiefly used this Chromebook for work. Merely that also includes some small video editing, heavy photo editing, and enough of tabs all being open at in one case. More than than thirty-tabs, on average, in fact. So it's by no means a light workload for any reckoner.
Even playing games natively from Android while doing those other tasks presented no issues. And that should hold for the life of this Chromebook, given how much power it brings to the table. As well as for many games available via Linux, Stadia, and other services. Where many Chromebooks accept weaker processors and slow down significantly during the heavier tasks I was attempting, this one simply didn't.
As Chrome OS continues to advance and more than features are added, that could change. There are no guarantees on that front. And those who want to do fifty-fifty heavier tasks such every bit developing or heavier graphics design associated with that and with other tasks might desire to opt for the Ryzen 7 version instead. Simply that actually shouldn't exist necessary for just nearly everybody else. And it certainly should be more than enough for nigh of the gaming that Chromebooks are capable of.
Put only, when information technology comes to operation, Acer Chromebook Spin 514 stands out amid the rest every bit a true contender. There were, during my review, no lag, latency, overheating, or other frustrations to be found on this front. Only effortless functioning and endless wells of ability, relatively speaking, for Chrome Bone to depict from.
Battery life volition vary widely on a user-past-user footing, as with all electronics
Now, my battery exam during this review of Acer Chromebook Spin 514 is not necessarily going to be typical. To brainstorm with, there are dozens — and more — contributing factors when information technology comes to the longevity of a battery. For my test, this automobile was mostly used for work purposes — at least during the battery segment. And I kept the screen and backlit keyboard brightness turned up, as well as the volume.
Similarly, I made utilise of the included wireless mouse during my review. And for this exam in particular, as well as an 60 minutes or so of HDMI output.
Summarily, I put this Chromebook through its paces during my bombardment test. So my usage should be more intensive than what near buyers would see but not for all. It goes without saying, that means my battery feel volition be somewhat shorter than what many users would see. And it's worth noting that under less strenuous conditions, I did arroyo the claimed battery life of upwards to x-hours. So that's not out of the question for those who don't turn the screen effulgence up. Or those who don't perform battery-intensive tasks.
With that said, during my bombardment test, Acer Chromebook Spin 514 lasted right effectually six-and-a-half hours. That's well short of the "up to x-hours" claim, only that's not at all unusual for whatever electronic device. And, in fact, it'south a far better battery life than I've noted with similar devices making similar claims.
What's more, I used this Chromebook far more intensively than virtually users are likely to. So my results should be toward the lower stop of the range in terms of longevity. With a more reasonable screen brightness, volume, and workload, this Chromebook is going to final several hours longer per accuse.
In terms of charging, that took right around 2-hours, using the included charging hardware.
Audio from laptop speakers is never dandy, Acer Chromebook Spin 514 is no exception
If you're looking for a bang-up audio experience, at to the lowest degree from the headphone port, Acer Chromebook Spin 514 tin can deliver. But users shouldn't expect too much from the bottom-firing speakers. Those are, in fact, almost always the biggest drawback to whatsoever laptop, and that includes this Acer.
Put plain, these speakers perform all-time when placed in clamshell orientation on a solid surface such as a wooden tabletop. In any other orientation, bass notes are still largely present. But "tinny" is the merely descriptor that really works there. Highs merely drown out bass frequencies. And mids are nowadays but don't really smoothen through.
Placed on a tabletop or other surface, the bass tones don't necessarily punch either though. And, disappointingly, the lowest notes disappear regardless of which orientation this Chromebook is placed in.
Now, none of that is unexpected. Laptop speakers, past and large, are generally atrocious. And the Acer Chromebook Spin 514 didn't perform whatsoever worse under review. And, in fact, information technology performs better than the overwhelming bulk that I've tested — an impressive feat in its own correct. Admitting non one that'southward saying much. The included iii.5mm audio combo jack more than makes up for that. So the real question here is how well the mics perform since many users will exist limiting utilize to that.
It's worth noting that this laptop doesn't ship with any kind of noise cancelation. But, in spite of that fact, the mics practise a keen job of keeping background noises separate and apart from foreground speech. With a webcam that'southward well higher up par for the course too, that means that Acer Chromebook Spin 514 is going to be a great option for those who demand video conferencing or to record voice notes.
Connections and software are rock-solid with this Chromebook
Considering Acer Chromebook Spin 514 is a Chrome Bone laptop, there's not much to be said near the software experience during this review. Functioning was on point, merely Chromebooks all transport with effectively the same software. That's in addition to any apps or web apps downloaded on a previous Chromebook, via syncing.
But that doesn't mean this one is just like all the others on that front either. Especially when information technology comes to the connectivity side of things. Yes, Acer ships this with all of the aforementioned connectivity options as other Chromebooks. But information technology as well shipped this, in addition to the ports mentioned above, with Bluetooth 5.0.
Summarily, at to the lowest degree for this Chromebook, that worked far better than the variations of Bluetooth four.0 and upwards that I've seen in other devices. Connected accessories but stayed continued over larger distances and there weren't whatsoever software issues to speak of on that front either.
Better nevertheless, this Chromebook fully supports dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11a/b/g/n/air-conditioning). That's not quite every bit good as if it supported Wi-Fi half-dozen but, in combination with 2×2 MU-MIMO engineering, information technology'southward more than than adept plenty for everything from Stadia Cloud gaming to video conferencing and online video or photograph editing at speed. In fact, information technology'southward good enough to do all of those things at once.
During my review of Acer Chromebook Spin 514, I didn't detect any connectivity problems at all for any of the included options. So this Chromebook is every bit reliable as it is fast when it comes to software and connections.
Should you lot spend your money on Acer Chromebook Spin 514?
If this review proves anything, it's that Acer went above and across its previous entries in the Chrome Os space with the Chromebook Spin 514. Non only did the company eschew Intel for AMD's Ryzen serial processors. It opted for processors that ensure future-proofing. And it did the same for RAM and storage options, both of which come up at a premium for devices in this segment. All while keeping things under $600.
That's while keeping a backlit keyboard, all the ports and plugs y'all could need, a stone-solid build, and comfort to go on things going all day long, if needs exist.
But that'due south not all there is to love from this Chrome OS gadget. In fact, there are really only three issues with this Chromebook worth mentioning and each of those is minor. The screen, for example, could stand to be brighter. It's not completely unusable except under straight sunlight. And it keeps color accuracy as well as smoothness of the display high otherwise. But it does wash out in direct brilliant sunlight beyond what most users would phone call usable.
Secondary to that, the speakers — equally with all laptop speakers — lack bass punch. There'south still clarity and balance in droves. But not if you want heavy thumps or bass outside of clamshell orientation.
Lastly, no Wi-Fi 6 support is available. And that's non bully for those trying to build their internet experience effectually the greatest standards. But is all the same ultimately capricious in terms of the availability of Wi-Fi 6 and the benefits from that. Virtually users simply won't find a difference.
Having said all of that, is the Acer Chromebook Spin 514, equally shown in this review, worth its cost? The answer is a resounding "yes" even without the high-value cost it bears. This is easily one of the best Chromebooks of 2021. Bar none.
Source: https://www.androidheadlines.com/2021/05/acer-chromebook-spin-514-review.html
Posted by: jamescithys.blogspot.com
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