Acer’s new Chromebook Plus laptops feature built-in editing tools for Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, streamlining photo and video enhancements even offline. These laptops offer memory and storage options of 8GB to 16GB RAM and SSD storage up to 512GB. They come with Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1, 1080p webcams with AI enhancements, physical webcam shutters, and dual upward-firing speakers. The Chromebook Plus 515 features Intel processors, while the Chromebook Plus 514 uses AMD Ryzen processors, both compliant with US MIL-STD-810H standards. Both models support Chrome Education Upgrade for schools, offering device management, offline productivity tools, and security configurations.
Acer offers new Chromebook Plus laptops
Acer unveiled its latest Chromebook Plus laptops: the 15-inch Intel-powered Plus 515 Chromebook and the 14-inch AMD-powered Plus 514 Chromebook. Acer says these laptops represent a new level of Chromebook performance, focusing on improved hardware designs featuring upgraded displays and cameras, such as HD IPS displays and 1080p cameras.
Built-in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slide editing capabilities facilitate swift photo and video enhancements, says Acer. For instance, the AI-powered Magic Eraser in the Google Photos app eliminates unwanted distractions. Movie creation tools enable advanced video editing. Users can now utilize File Sync to access Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides through the Chromebook Plus File Manager, even without an Internet connection.
The new Chromebook Plus laptops offer memory and storage capacities, ranging from 8GB to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and SSD local storage options up to 256GB for the 14-inch model and up to 512GB for the 15-inch variant. They maintain connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1. The laptops offer various ports for charging, data transfer, and display extension, including dual USB Type-C ports and HDMI.
Conferencing features include 1080p webcams with temporal noise reduction and blue glass lens, complemented by AI-powered tools that enhance clarity, lighting, and noise cancellation. A physical webcam shutter ensures privacy during meetings, while a one-click mute and camera-off button adds convenience. Dual upward-firing speakers with DTS audio are included.
Acer says the Chromebook Plus 515, equipped with Intel processors (up to Core i7 models), is optimized for ChromeOS features. It offers multitasking and up to 10 hours of battery life on fast-charging batteries. With a 15.6-inch HD IPS display, it has wide viewing angles and anti-glare properties.
Chromebook Plus 515 (CB515-2H/T)
- 12th or 13th Gen Intel Core processors
- 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display (touch optional)
- 8GB–16GB LPDDR5X memory
- 128GB–512GB storage
- 1080p webcam with temporal noise reduction, blue glass lens, and a privacy shutter
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Ports: Two USB Type-C, one USB 3.2, one HDMI, and headphone/speaker jack
- Entry-level configuration—Chromebook Plus 515, model CB515-2H-31NY: 12th Gen Intel Core i3 1215U processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB universal flash storage, non-touch 15.6-inch display; available in October for an MSRP of $399.99.
The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 utilizes AMD Ryzen processors, combining up to four high-performance Zen 2 CPU cores with AMD RDNA 2 integrated graphics. The laptop features a 14-inch WUXGA display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, anti-glare coating, and wide viewing angles.
Chromebook Plus 514 (CB514-3H/T)
- AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors
- 14-inch WUXGA 1920×1200 IPS display (touch optional)
- 8GB–16GB LPDDR5X memory
- 128GB–512GB storage
- 1080p webcam with temporal noise reduction, blue glass lens, and a privacy shutter
- Up to 12 hours of battery life
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Ports: Two USB Type-C, one USB 3.2, one HDMI, and headphone/speaker jack
- Entry-level configuration—Chromebook Plus 514, model CB514-3H-R6G5: AMD Ryzen 3 7320C, 8GB RAM, 128GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, non-touch 14-inch display; available in October for an MSRP of $399.99.
- Step-up configuration—Chromebook Plus 514, model CB514-3HT-R8C2: AMD Ryzen 3 7320C, 8GB RAM, 256GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, touch 14-inch display; available in October for an MSRP of $449.99.
Both models are designed for durability and comply with US MIL-STD-810H standards, with features like the OceanGlass touchpad and an optional backlit keyboard. MIL-STD-810H standards include how the device holds up in high and low temperatures, rain, wind, humidity, fungus, rust, sand and dust, explosive atmospheres, shock, gunfire vibration, and more.
Both Acer Chromebook Plus laptops are available with Chrome Education Upgrade, simplifying device management for schools. This upgrade enables administrators to manage devices, granting educators and students access to teaching and collaboration tools for offline productivity; it also offers security configurations. Additional features include zero-touch enrollment and 24/7 Google support.
