Tech Q&A: When a Chromebook no longer receives security updates – The Union Leader
Tech Q&A: When a Chromebook no longer receives security updates The Union Leader
Tag Archive for: Chromebook
Acer Chromebook Spin 514 review: Mean green machine
Sometimes (slightly) bigger is better. Computing on small screens can leave you feeling cramped and unproductive. That’s why the Acer Chromebook Spin 514 packs a 14-inch screen in a convertible form factor, giving you a wide range of ways to use it. This mid-range Chromebook targets those seeking to get more from their machines, such as business users, college students, and teachers. And it comes in a number of configurations to suit your budget. Does it deserve a home in your backpack or briefcase? Find out in the Android Authority Acer Chromebook Spin 514 review.
About this Acer Chromebook Spin 514 review: I used the Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (Ryzen 5, 8GB/128GB) for seven days running Chrome OS 89. The Acer Chromebook Spin 514 review unit was provided to Android Authority by Acer for this article.
What you need to know about the Acer Chromebook Spin 514
Eric Zeman / Android Authority
- Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (Ryzen 3, 4GB/64GB): $479/£479/€479
- Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (Ryzen 3, 8GB/64GB): $529
- Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (Ryzen 5, 8GB/128GB): $599/£599/€599
The Acer Chromebook Spin 514 comes in three different variants. The main differences between them are the processor, RAM, storage, and ports. We tested the high-end model (priced at $599), which has the fastest processor along with the highest configuration of RAM/storage and the most ports. Beyond these differences, the Spin 514 is the same across the versions.
See also: The best Chromebooks you can buy
That means you get a 14-inch Full HD display, an aluminum chassis with military-grade durability, a spacious keyboard, nearly all-day battery life, and the 360-degree spinning form factor. While the entry-level model is available only in Pure Silver, the middle and high-end models are available in Pure Silver and Mist Green. We tested the green colorway.
How is the hardware?
Eric Zeman / Android Authority
In a word, solid. Acer built a hefty Chromebook in the Spin 514. This device is semi-rugged and can take a beating, which means the chassis is substantial. The lid is covered in aluminum, the lower chassis is made from a toughened plastic material, and the display is covered by Gorilla Glass 3. The Chromebook is…
Dell Chromebook 11 (3100) – Review 2021
Some schools and parents swear by the Apple iPad, but Chromebooks have tons of appeal as go-to tech tools for school-age children thanks to significant buy-in from charitable foundations and school districts. Many of them gravitate toward specialized devices like the Dell Chromebook 11 (model 3100; $239 as tested). This inexpensive, rugged, no-frills laptop with an 11.6-inch screen is nearly everything a kids’ computer should be. Aside from some Wi-Fi issues we experienced in testing, it’s the best Chromebook you can buy for your youngsters without upending your budget.
Not Your Average Cheap Chromebook
Any cheap Chromebook can serve as a homework and remote learning platform in a pinch, and there are a ton of them. But many laptops in the $200-to-$300 range that run Google’s pared-down operating system feel cheaply made and skimp on features. The Chromebook 11 is one of the rare models in this price range that is actually pleasant to use.
The little Dell is not snazzy by any means, but it’s well-engineered. The exterior is made of textured black plastic that would look more at home in a corporate conference room than an elementary school classroom. That’s OK, though, because the plastic feels reassuring to the touch, like it’s going to shrug off a week’s worth of tiny, not-so-clean fingers pawing at it. Dell says the system is tested to survive 30-inch drops onto a steel surface, a standard that goes above and beyond the MIL-SPEC drop testing some premium laptops are subjected to.
Rubber bumpers protrude significantly from the bottom of the Chromebook 11, which help minimize the impact of inevitable bumps and drops. There are more protrusions around three of the four edges, which means the USB ports and headphone jack are recessed and thus further protected from damage. The rounded edges contrast with the staid black color to soften the Chromebook 11’s appearance somewhat. So does the bright, colorful Chrome logo recessed in the upper left corner of the display lid.
All of these physical protection features mean that the Dell is significantly larger and heavier than some other Chromebooks with screens that measure less than 13 inches. With the lid closed, it…