The Acer Spin 714 Chromebook is a laptop crafted to bring ultimate ease of use to its users. Featuring a 360-degree hinge, this device transitions with effortlessness between laptop, tent, tablet, and stand modes. With a sleek aluminum frame and a 14-inch full HD touchscreen, this device is engineered to work fast with its 8th-generation Intel Core processor. Moreover, it is equipped with a backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, and up to 10 hours of battery life for convenience when it comes to work and entertainment.
FEW MINUTE REVIEW
Once heralded as the perfect educational companion for its lightweight design, web-based convenience, and lengthy battery life, Chromebooks have since seen a meteoric rise in the corporate sphere. Businesses quickly began to recognize the device’s value and adaptability.
With its 14-inch HD touchscreen and aluminum construction, the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (CP714-1WN) is a premium Ultrabook-inspired laptop, rather than an inexpensive device intended for students.
Acer designed the web-based workhorse to have a full-size, robust keyboard that boasts a backlight design, allowing easy typing in dimly lit environments.
Despite its metal and plastic composition, the Spin’s weight remains at a sturdy 3.09 lbs (1.4 kg), while it is only 0.7 inches (18.05 mm) thick. Comparatively, its weight is identical to its predecessor, yet still light enough for convenient portability.
Building on the success of its previous 713 designs, Acer has unveiled the 714 which offers an increased level of power and utility without sacrificing the same distinctive look that earned the 713 series its popularity.
Despite Acer’s transition to the 12th Gen, the MicroSD card slot from the prior model has been removed, the great 2256 x 1504 resolution screen has been lost, and battery life is still stagnating at 10 hours.
Acer failed to include a MicroSD card slot and maintain the previous model’s 2256 x 1504 resolution screen with their transition to 12th Gen technology, and unfortunately, the battery life has remained unchanged at 10 hours.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding its superiority compared to the 713, the jury recognizes that this hardware is undoubtedly superior to most other hybrid Chromebooks. Its quality construction is evident and can be appreciated.
PRICE & AVAILABILITY
Comparatively pricier than most Chromebooks, the Spin 714’s cost of $700 is still a steal when compared to ASUS CB9400CEA Chromebook and Google Pixelbook.
Acer offers an Enterprise edition of this model for corporate customers in the UK at £1,099.99 and in the US at $1049.99.
Enterprises benefit from preinstalled business tools for a simpler implementation process and up to 16GB of RAM for greater productivity.
Other brands such as Acer provide much cheaper Chromebooks with a comparable setup. Intel, Lenovo, HP, Asus, and Acer make ARM-based Chromebooks at a fraction of the price.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i provides a good example of a design that is less powerful yet costs approximately $500.
DESIGN
Given the propensity for misuse, durability is a necessity for any commercial-grade Chromebook such as the Spin 714; thus, its ability to withstand some wear and tear is an essential attribute.
Acer’s Spin 714 took on a look and design similar to that of the popular 713, so it isn’t unexpected that they decided to go with the same strategy.
Even so, the Spin 714 has sacrificed a few key features that the 713 offered in order to gain the others. Undoubtedly, these details make a considerable difference.
For those who are curious about the flexible hinge on this Chromebook, it is completely extendable and will go from being completely shut to a full 360 degrees, making it possible to use it like a tablet. In addition, it can be put into tent mode to watch presentations or movies at any angle in between those two extremes.
With its adaptability, the 714 can cater to multiple uses; functioning either as a regular laptop or as a tablet, based on the needs.
Touch sensitivity for the screen has been integrated by Acer, mainly to provide the tablet mode experience. This has been done to avoid the inconvenience caused by fingerprints. Even though the stylus isn’t pressure sensitive nor does it possess any buttons, it still offers an improvement when compared to using your finger.
Not only is the slot where the stylus resides a convenient place to store it but also an ideal spot for charging. A quick 15-minute charge provides enough power for four hours of use.
Without running ChromeOS, the same hardware could still provide an enjoyable computing experience, since it has all the necessary Intel x86/64 ports for either Windows or Linux to run efficiently.
The left-hand side of the device features a power button, a full-size HDMI output, a Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port, and a 2.5mm audio jack. Meanwhile, the right-hand side of the device is home to a volume rocker, a USB 3.0 Type-A port, and another Thunderbolt 4 port.
Our experience with USB-C on Windows laptops was disappointing due to ports dedicated solely to charging. On the other hand, with the Thunderbolt 4 ports on this laptop, you have the convenience of charging on either side.
Despite being a bit undersized, the illuminated keyboard on this machine has excellent keystroke travel, which makes typing comfortable. The touchpad is relatively small, but thankfully the touchscreen makes a mouse unnecessary.
Strategically placed to the left of the touchpad and beneath the keyboard lies a fingerprint sensor, accompanied by a 1080p webcam positioned at the top center of the screen complete with a physical privacy cover (a definite plus).
The major divergence between the 713 and the previous model lies in its display, which has less dazzling brightness and poorer resolution. Regrettably, the panel on the 714 may not give the same splendid 400-nit experience as that on the 713.
HARDWARE
For the 713, the 10th and 11th Gen Intel components were implemented; whereas, the 714 integrates the more recent Intel Core i5-1235U, a 12th Gen CPU with ten cores. Though the 713 came with one of the Core i7-1185G7, i5-1135G7, i5-10210U, or i3-1115G4 models, the i5-1235U installed in the 714 surpasses all these prior options.
Despite its powerful components, the machine surprisingly did not require the fans to kick in for regular use. This is unlike its predecessor, the 713, which ran its fans regardless of its processor model.
The benefits of cooling our chips include reduced power consumption and extended chip life, so we fully support such alterations.
Acer’s promotional material for this laptop model emphasizes the Thunderbolt 4 port, compatible with both USB 3.2 and Thunderbolt. A perk particularly advantageous to Windows users, this port facilitates quick transfers and enables external SSD storage.
Moving files around is a concept from the last century. A Chromebook eliminates the need for that, as everything is saved in the Cloud rather than managed by file managers.
Investigating the contrast between a Windows PC and Chromebook for file management raised the query of why the Chromebook was outfitted with a 12th Generation Core-i5 processor. Was it overkill for the web-based applications and data the device was designed to manage? Although the device seemed intent on acting as a Windows PC, the inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 underlined this divergence.
IT personnel that has users that constantly move files between the Chromebook and external storage devices demonstrate a lack of knowledge of how to operate it.
Exceptions exist, such as in video editing and graphic design, where bringing along a movie collection on a journey could prove beneficial. Nevertheless, the majority of individuals that understand Chromebooks’ capabilities would never find a use for them.
Although we experienced reduced cooling and less user engagement, the device’s battery life was unaffected.
This 3-cell Li-ion battery of 56Wh, a similar version to the 713 models, still has the expected lifespan of ten hours.
The battery’s failure to stretch with a 12th Gen processor indicates that additional components, such as the NVMe storage and the upgraded display, are absorbing the energy savings from the Core i5-1235U processor.
By equipping users with the necessary power equations, they will have access to enough energy to work through the day. In addition, Liteon supplies a 65W USB-C charger that enables four hours of operation after only a 30-minute charge.
Had a more capacious battery been installed, it could have compromised the 714’s weight, an element that is essential in any Chromebook.
When disconnected from the web, Chromebooks can lack performance; thus, mobile communication is a crucial part of the 714 hardware set.
Acer’s exclusion of a SIM slot, capable of enabling LTE and 5G connections on the go, is perplexing, necessitating users to rely on their phones to supply the Spin 714 with WiFi away from the workplace. This exclusion is all the more peculiar when taking into account that the Enterprise edition has been bolstered with more RAM and built-in remote administration tools.
Omitting the MicroSD card slot from the 713 can be overlooked, yet it is more difficult to accept that there are no cellular communications options.
PERFORMANCE
Analyzing the performance of Chromebooks can be challenging as they don’t operate on the same executables as Windows computers. The Chromebook in question is able to utilize Android applications, yet the emulation is hardware-based. This makes comparing it to an ARM-based phone or tablet impossible.
When running PCMark for Android and 3DMark, we experienced a variety of outcomes. Unfortunately, 3DMark declined to proceed with most tests, citing that the system was too potent. However, we did manage to attain a Wild Life result from it.
The scores we received revealed the Chromebook’s strength; unsurprisingly. Performance is dependent on external factors, so could this Chromebook’s power be fully tapped? We are uncertain.
The Acer Spin 714 Chromebook longs to operate like a Windows PC, yet it is equipped with ChromeOS and classified as a Chromebook, creating a contradiction.
For those seeking a superior Chromebook that offers superior quality, the Acer Spin 714 is a perfect fit. It features an attractive design, and reliable performance, and integrates seamlessly with ChromeOS.
With an unbeatable price tag, this Chromebook stands out amongst its competitors. But what truly sets it apart is its special features such as the 360-degree hinge, stylus, and Thunderbolt ports, making it a perfect choice for tech-savvy users.
Can this Chromebook take advantage of its superior power? If not, why bother having such a robust configuration? The 714 presents some fresh alterations to its predecessor, the 713, but loyal customers may lament the omission of its better display and MicroSD card slot. Unfortunately, this rendition failed to prioritize the integration of LTE/5G comms, something which Acer designers seemingly deemed inconsequential.
