The webcam performed a fantastic job of keeping me visible in low light thanks to its physical shutter, which is simple to push back and forth (though it delivered a somewhat grainy picture). Additionally, there are two built-in microphones. The laptop’s specifications allow it to handle a variety of workloads. My computer has a competent Core i3-1115G4 processor, but versions can also have Pentium Gold 7505, Core i5, or Core i7 processors (which will be overkill for most consumers).
Acer Chromebook 515 review: Design
The Acer Chromebook 515 looks and feels much more expensive than it actually is thanks to its sleek design and dark grey color. It looks fantastic because of its stylistic resemblance to the more expensive and slightly older Chromebook 714. The 515 feels sturdy because to the use of metals, and a light tap to the chassis doesn’t produce a hollow sound. Additionally, it has relatively small bezels around the display’s side, with the top bezel being just thick enough to accommodate a 720p webcam. Even though the Chromebook 515 weighs 1.8kg, which is on the heavier side for a 15-inch laptop, it doesn’t feel or appear that heavy. Although it has some weight to it, its 25mm thickness hides the fact that it is a heavy-duty laptop. You can buy this chromebook from its official website.
Acer Chromebook 515 review: keyboard and touch pad
For everyday work, the keyboard feels snappy and tactile, and the full-size layout offers all the functionality you could want. Although the key travel in this case is possibly on the shorter side and the keypress is occasionally a little soft, it seems decent overall. The Chromebook 515 can be used for some after-dark work because the brightness is even and brilliant when turned all the way up. Additionally, a fingerprint scanner that offers a more secure login option is included in the bottom-right corner of the screen. The trackpads on Acer’s laptops have always been plentiful, and the 515 is no exception. It’s quite huge, with plenty of space for your fingers and tactile buttons on top of that. Things seem much smoother because the pad is covered with Gorilla Glass.
Acer Chromebook 515 review: Display
The laptop’s specifications allow it to handle a variety of workloads. My computer has a competent Core i3-1115G4 processor, but versions can also have Pentium Gold 7505, Core i5, or Core i7 processors (which will be overkill for most consumers). It operated quickly while handling my everyday workload of about a dozen Chrome tabs, and it played YouTube videos without any issues on top. Although Acer hasn’t specified the battery size, they promise up to 10 hours of use. The 15.6-inch display is also spacious for multitasking and matte enough to prevent glare, despite the fact that it isn’t the brightest.
Acer Chromebook 515 review: Performance
A superb keyboard and trackpad, enough battery life to get through a workday, and a sizable, brilliant display that’s easy on the eyes make it a great gadget in and of itself. However, the additional performance is unappealing because you’re paying for hardware that the operating system can’t really take use of (unless you really want to play a number of Steam titles). Value is the issue at hand. The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2, among the best Chromebooks we’ve tested, isn’t nearly as fully furnished. However, it turns out that when you’re designed for online browsing, a Core i3 and 8GB of RAM are more than plenty.
Acer Chromebook 515 review: Battery life
It says the battery may last “up to 10 hours.” Depending on how it is utilized, it may be less if you constantly stream videos. While the Wi-Fi is absolutely adequate, the Ethernet connector provides a little bit more protection for individuals using it for banking and other chores that other people might find interesting. What, if anything, is there that this can’t handle? However, if you use Windows apps, this is not for you since they need Windows to function. If there are other people in the house, the fingerprint reader in the space just in front of the keyboard on the right side is helpful because it ensures that only you can use it.
Acer Chromebook 515 review: Price and competition
The standard Chromebook 515 and the Chromebook 515 Enterprise are technically two different types of the Chromebook 515. The latter comes with Chrome Enterprise, which contains additional security and administration features for IT departments, and that is the only difference I can see. That model is also the only one that will be available in the US when it launches in January 2022. It will cost $649.99 in North America and €799 in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In October, the normal model will be available in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with prices beginning at €499.
Acer Chromebook 515 review: Conclusion
The Acer Chromebook 515 is difficult to recommend at the $999 asking price of our review device. A superb keyboard and trackpad, enough battery life to get through a workday, and a sizable, brilliant display that’s easy on the eyes make it a great gadget in and of itself. However, the additional performance is unappealing because you’re paying for hardware that the operating system can’t really take use of (unless you really want to play a number of Steam titles). Value is the issue at hand. The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2, among the best Chromebooks we’ve tested, isn’t nearly as fully furnished.
