The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 serves as a reminder of the appealing aspects of Chromebooks. For individuals immersed in the Google ecosystem in both professional and personal settings, and who own an Android device, like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Chromebooks offer a more convenient experience compared to devices like the M2 MacBook Air. During setup, users are prompted to log in with Google credentials, simplifying the process, especially for those less familiar with Microsoft products like OneDrive and Teams, which can create setup challenges due to password recovery issues.
Retailing at an attractive starting price of just under $500, the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 presents a compelling option, though a particular drawback might cause some potential buyers to reconsider. Despite this, it stands out as one of the top choices available in the Chromebook market.
Pricing and Specifications
The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 begins at $499 at Best Buy, with the option to upgrade to an Intel Core Ultra 5 115U configuration for $699.
Design
The design elements of the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 are noteworthy, featuring a gray-and-rose-gold color scheme. The laptop’s aluminum chassis is available in Steel Gray, accented by rose gold hinges and a reflective trim around the touchpad. The "Spin" in its name highlights the device’s versatility, allowing it to transform into different configurations such as tent mode and tablet mode.
These various modes cater to different user preferences; tent mode is ideal for media consumption on platforms like Netflix and Hulu, while tablet mode, despite its common issue across 2-in-1 devices of feeling the keyboard beneath, is perfect for drawing and note-taking. The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is compatible with styli, although one is not included with the purchase.
The laptop also meets MIL-STD 810H standards, indicating military-grade durability, making it an excellent choice for children known for their mishaps with technology. It weighs 3.21 pounds and has a thickness of 0.74 inches.
Display
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 features a 14-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels and a 16:10 aspect ratio. This aspect ratio is increasingly popular, providing more vertical space for tasks such as web browsing and document reading. Exceeding initial expectations, the display captures vibrant colors and details well, despite a lower brightness of around 340 nits, which may pose a challenge in bright environments.
Ports and Connectivity
The laptop offers a range of ports, including two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports and an HDMI 2.0 port on the left side, while the right side houses a USB-A (3.2 Gen 1) port and a headset jack. The device also supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1.
Audio and Input
The audio quality is one of the less favorable aspects of the Chromebook, with upward-firing speakers producing a sound that some users might find tinny and flat.
Conversely, the keyboard is a standout feature, providing a satisfying typing experience with well-contrasted keys that are both responsive and quiet. The trackpad also performs adequately, responding well to user input.
Performance and Battery Life
On Geekbench 6, the Chromebook scored 5,223, which is reasonable given ChromeOS’s reliance on cloud applications rather than local processing. The laptop manages to handle tasks, such as using Google Chrome with multiple tabs, efficiently without noticeable lag.
It is equipped with a 53 watt-hour battery purported to offer up to 10 hours of life. However, in video tests, it lasted approximately nine hours, which might be insufficient for users requiring at least 10 hours of operation.
Google AI Integration
The Chromebook integrates Google Gemini, providing AI-based functionality such as webpage summaries and writing assistance. Although generally effective, there are instances where creating AI backgrounds for video calls can be delayed.
Webcam
The device includes a 1440p webcam that, while not exceptional, efficiently captures clear images.
Conclusion
The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 offers a refined design, a commendable display, and reliable durability. However, its screen brightness, sound quality, and battery life leave room for improvement. Despite these drawbacks, it represents a good option for budget-conscious buyers requiring a desk-based solution or a robust device for younger users needing basic performance.
