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Acer has a knack for quietly releasing some truly compelling Chromebooks, especially in the mid-range. A while back, they dropped an impressive Chromebook Plus 514 that really stood out, thanks to its generous 512GB storage. Now, they’re back with a refreshed version of that same device, and it looks like a very worthy successor that comes packed with great specs and an incredibly aggressive price tag – currently sitting at just $249.
All about the value
This new Chromebook Plus 514 – currently listed at $399 on Acer’s website and actually up for sale at Costco for a mind-boggling $249 for the rest of October – is all about getting the fundamentals right. Here’s what makes this device a compelling package:
- Processor: The new Intel Core 3 N355 chip, which scored around 68,000 on Octane in our initial tests, means it’s plenty fast for everyday tasks.
- RAM & Storage: A solid 8GB of RAM paired with that impressive 512GB of UFS storage.
- Screen: A 14-inch 16:10 1080p touchscreen with an anti-glare finish and 300 nits of brightness.
- Keyboard & Trackpad: A backlit keyboard with a quiet, tactile feel, and a large, well-seated OceanGlass trackpad that’s top-notch for an affordable device.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a full-size HDMI port, offering excellent I/O.
- Camera: A 1080p webcam with a privacy shade.
Getting the core experience right
While it might not blow your mind in any single facet, the new Chromebook Plus 514 delivers on the core Chromebook experience. The screen, keyboard, trackpad, and speed are all excellent for the price. It’s a device that’s built for everyday productivity and content consumption, and it packs enough power and storage to handle a wide range of tasks.
We’ll be putting the new Core 3-N355 chip through its paces for a full review soon, but our initial impressions are very positive. If you’re looking for an incredibly affordable Chromebook Plus that doesn’t compromise on storage and gets all the basics right, this could be the one to get.
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