METAL ALL THE WAY
No ifs, ands, or plastics: The exterior of the
Chromebook 514 is all aluminum. The lid and chassis
are impressively rigid and strong. The anti-glare metal
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silver (the only color available) can become downright
dazzling in direct sunlight.
The 12.7-by-9.1-inch chassis is about as trim as a
Chromebook (or a notebook PC, for that matter) with a
14-inch display can get. The display’s minimal side
bezels give it a modern, chic appearance, while the
taller top bezel allows the Acer’s 720p webcam to live
up there. The cam’s muddy picture quality isn’t better
or worse than I’ve seen from ones in similarly priced
laptops, but that’s hardly an excuse for device makers
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on my several-years-old smartphone is much clearer.
In addition to its slim dimensions, the Chromebook 514
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one around the price range of even this topped-out
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Acer
Chromebook 514
PROS Sharp-looking
aluminum design for a
budget machine.
Excellent battery life.
Touch display (as
tested) looks great.
Comfortable backlit
keyboard. Big
touchpad.
CONS Processor
could use a pick-me-
up. Ho-hum speakers.