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Just about all the Acer Chromebooks -- from basic to premium -- I've tested over the years are recommendable, and the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-4H/T) is no different. It meets all the requirements to be stamped as a Chromebook Plus model, delivers good performance and even better battery life. It has a respectably bright display with a matte finish to limit glare. And it has more storage than you'd typically find at its $400 starting price. It's a simple, sturdy Chromebook for school, work or home. And, once again, it's easy to recommend.
| Price as reviewed | $400 |
|---|---|
| Display size/resolution | 14-inch 1,920x1,080 touch LCD |
| CPU | 1.8GHz Intel Core i3-N305 |
| Memory | 8GB LPDDR5 4,266MHz |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics |
| Storage | 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Networking | Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 + Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Ports | USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (x2), USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (x2), microSD card slot, 3.5mm combo audio jack |
| Operating system | ChromeOS |
Acer offers a few configurations of the 514. I'm reviewing a CB514-4H/T, specifically the CB514-4HT-359X. It has a 16:9 display and two USB-C ports, but no HDMI display out. The configuration I tested is $400 and includes a protective sleeve. It's exclusive to Costco, available in-store and online starting April 22. And although mine didn't have one, there will be versions of the 514 with a backlit keyboard.
The CB514-4HT-375Z, which is the same configuration as the 359X sans protective sleeve, will be available from Acer and on Amazon for $400 in May. Other configurations will be available direct from Acer and elsewhere as well. Models with a T in the model number mean it has a touchscreen.
The Chromebook Plus 514 CB514-3H/T initially launched last year with AMD processors instead of Intel. That version also has a 16:10 display ratio, so taller, not wider, and has an HDMI output but only one USB-C port. The starting price is also $400 but can be found for $300 on sale; I won't be surprised if that's eventually true for the CB514-4H/T, too.
Acer put a USB-C port on each side of the Intel 514 for high-speed charging from the right or left. Josh Goldman/CNET
As Google's ChromeOS has evolved, Chromebooks have grown right along with it. They now range from basic models for less than $200 to premium options up to $1,000. It can make shopping for one to fit your needs a headache, especially if you're on a budget. To simplify the process, Google introduced the Chromebook Plus category.
With Chromebook Plus, you're guaranteed to get at least the following specs, with a starting price of $399:
You'll find Chromebook Plus models with better specs than these, such as a faster processor or more memory. But at least you know that if you see Plus in the name, you're getting features and performance that won't disappoint. Chromebook Plus models also come with three months of Adobe Photoshop on the web and Adobe Express, three months of Nvidia's GeForce Now cloud gaming service and 25% off LumaFusion's video-editing suite.
