Unboxing the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 with the Kompanio Ultra inside

We have the brand-new Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 in the Chrome Unboxed studio, and that means its time for an unboxing and hands-on video. As the second Chromebook to feature the incredible MediaTek Kompanio Ultra chip, the hype for this device has been high, and my first impressions are quite good. This is a fantastic new convertible that offers a clear and compelling alternative to the excellent Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 and a lower price with some definite upsides.

Sleek, versatile convertible

Right out of the box, the Spin 514 feels great. It has a thin but rigid aluminum build with classy chamfered edges that give it a premium look. Unlike the fanless Lenovo, this device does include fans, which could mean better performance under sustained heavy loads—something we’ll be sure to test in our full review.

One of the first things we noticed is the more-generous port selection. With two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports, the Acer immediately has a connectivity advantage over its main competitor. The keyboard is clicky and feels great to type on, and the large, spacious glass trackpad is as good as I’ve come to expect from Acer.

Two models, one clear winner for most users

We were sent two configurations of the Spin 514, and there’s a clear winner for most users. The model that will be available at Best Buy for $699.99 in mid-September comes with the Kompanio Ultra, 12GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and a fantastic 14-inch 16:10 1920×1200 screen with a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate that hovers a bit above 300 nits of brightness.

A second, higher-end model will be available from Acer’s own store in October. It bumps the RAM to 16GB and the screen to a higher QHD+ resolution, but it drops the refresh rate back down to 60Hz. For the money, the smoother 120Hz experience on the Best Buy model is the more compelling feature for day-to-day use in my opinion. All those extra pixels don’t make the screen that much sharper, but the kick up to 120Hz is felt throughout the experience.

Convertibility and pen support

The biggest functional difference between this new Acer and the Lenovo is the form factor. As a “Spin” device, the 514 is a full 2-in-1 convertible with a 360-degree hinge and USI stylus support. We tested it with an Acer USI pen, and the performance was fantastic—fast, accurate, and able to keep up with even the quickest, messiest handwriting, making it a great option for note-takers and digital artists.

While the backlighting on the keyboard doesn’t seem to work on our pre-production unit (the software definitely thinks there is backlighting and the higher-priced model has it), I’d wager we’ll see it as an included feature for sure. Additionally, though the speakers are upward-firing, they are mediocre. A set of headphones is definitely in order, here.

The new Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 is a fantastic entry into the high-end ARM Chromebook space. It gives consumers a bit more choice, too. If you want a convertible form factor, a 120Hz screen, USI pen support and more ports, the Acer is the Kompanio Ultra device for you. If you prioritize a fanless design, a stunning OLED screen, and superior audio, the Lenovo is still the one to beat. It’s great to have options, and this is one I can’t wait to put through its paces for a full review.