Two-minute overview
Chromebooks are definitely among the many high candidates for gross sales this Black Friday and Cyber Monday and the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 isn't any exception. And, because it’s been out for a yr now, we anticipate this pocket book to see some deep reductions. It’s price noting that this Chromebook has been refreshed with upgraded internals, and we’ve up to date references inside this overview to replicate newer updates which have emerged since our assessments to offer you a greater thought of what you may be shopping for. Don’t underestimate the Acer Chromebook Spin 311. Regardless of being launched in 2020, it’s one of many greatest Chromebooks 2021 has to supply. That’s all because of its straightforward usability because of that implausible contact display screen, nice design, and stellar flexibility – to not point out, its upgraded specs for 2021.Aesthetically, the Chromebook Spin 311 is pretty understated, lined in a matte black that’s solely interrupted by a diamond-shaped sample that adorns the pocket book’s lid. Due to its restrained look, it would slot in completely whether or not you’re taking notes in school or utilizing it in a enterprise assembly. It’s additionally excellent for engaged on as a result of the touchpad and keyboard are such a pleasure to make use of. With that mentioned, the keyboard feels a bit cramped, most likely as a result of it’s the identical measurement as those on different Acer choices however in a smaller chassis. It took a while to regulate to it however its satisfying clicks and actuation gained us over in the long run. The show is a little bit of a blended blessing. Its touchscreen functionality is extremely straightforward to make use of in addition to very sturdy – it's protected by Gorilla glass, in spite of everything – however it’s additionally too dim and too small for consolation. It is also surrounded by very thick bezels, which seems like plenty of wasted area. The design could have required the big bezels to be able to incorporate the toughened glass touchscreen and general strong design, however it seems like a bit an excessive amount of potential display screen actual property has been misplaced. General the Acer Chromebook Spin 311's design may make it really feel a bit small for some customers - a laptop computer alternative this isn't - however if you'd like one thing cheap that's going to outlive the occasional bash and knock, then this Chromebook is certainly one to contemplate. Regardless of having a modest part set below the hood, the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 at all times handles no matter is thrown at it. Having far too many chrome tabs open, working and listening to YouTube - or Spotify - and messaging on apps all on the identical time by no means reveals any stuttering or bother that the AMD-based {hardware}, supported by 4GB of RAM, cannot deal with. Underrated and understated in efficiency, it is a constant little workhorse of a Chromebook. In consequence, the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is a superb machine: it gives good worth; it's totally enjoyable and versatile; and you are able to do something on it that you are able to do with different, more highly effective Chromebooks. Should you like the dimensions and desire a dependable Chromebook with a touchscreen, that is it.
The display screen is fairly good, although a little bit of a double-edged sword. On the one hand it's a clear, and easy-to-use touchscreen, and difficult - being properly protected by the Gorilla glass; however on the opposite it's a bit too small and in addition a bit too dim. It is also surrounded by very thick bezels, which seems like plenty of wasted area. The design could have required the big bezels to be able to incorporate the toughened glass touchscreen and general strong design, however it seems like a bit an excessive amount of potential display screen actual property has been misplaced. General the Acer Chromebook Spin 311's design may make it really feel a bit small for some customers - a laptop computer alternative this isn't - however if you'd like one thing cheap that's going to outlive the occasional bash and knock, then this Chromebook is certainly one to contemplate. Regardless of having a modest part set below the hood, the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 at all times handles no matter is thrown at it. Having far too many chrome tabs open, working and listening to YouTube - or Spotify - and messaging on apps all on the identical time by no means reveals any stuttering or bother that the AMD-based {hardware}, supported by 4GB of RAM, cannot deal with. Underrated and understated in efficiency, it is a constant little workhorse of a Chromebook. In consequence, all in, the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is a superb machine: it gives good worth; it's totally enjoyable and versatile; and you are able to do something on it which you can different, more highly effective Chromebooks. Should you like the dimensions and desire a dependable Chromebook with a touchscreen, that is it.
Spec Sheet
CPU: AMD A4-9120C processor Twin-core 1.60 GHz
Graphics: AMD Radeon R4 Graphics
RAM: 4 GB, DDR4 SDRAM
Display screen: 11.6-inch (29.5cm); HD (1366 x 768); 16:9; IPS
Storage: 32GB Flash Reminiscence
Optical drive: No
Ports: 2 x USB-A; 2 x USB-C; 1 x microSD
Connectivity: Wi-fi IEEE 802.11ac; Bluetooth 4.1
Digital camera: HD webcam
Weight: 3.3 kilos (1.5 kg)
Dimension: 11.7 x 8.1 x 0.92 inches (29.6 x 20.6 x 2.35 cm; W x D x H)
Value and availability
In contrast in relation to the Acer Chromebook 314, which was launched across the identical time, the Acer Chromebook Spin 311's value of $330 (£280; about AU$490) is somewhat eyebrow elevating.
A smaller mannequin with lesser battery life and stage of efficiency, however for extra money? It would not add up...at first. Nevertheless, its variations in design, construct, use and what it truly gives most likely justify it.
And for a flexible 2-in-1 Chromebook on the lower-mid finish of the worth spectrum - a premium Google Pixelbook that is completely not - that is affordable value territory. Throw in a sale and it is nearly impulse-purchase worthy.
It will be available from the standard retailers, nevertheless, in actuality, it seems just like the to-customer value in Australia is way increased than the conversion of the US or UK costs. One value on Amazon AU is safely above $700, for instance. Hopefully availability in Australia will enhance additional, and costs will steadily lower too.
Design
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 actually is a compact little machine, and its design, construct and aesthetic enhances its measurement enormously. Firstly, it is a symphony in black; blacks on the again, on the keyboard and surrounding the display screen. However this makes the entire aesthetic cohesive and engaging for somewhat Chromebook.
The principle physique of the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is the same matte black materials however the 'high' or again of the display screen has a really cool diamond-print panel. This feels prefer it may very well be for added sturdiness to guard the display screen however aesthetically it actually works too, including texture and a enjoyable quirk to the design.
General, although, the shell feels sturdy and stable, reassuring for these in search of a sturdy Chromebook. The one very slight exception to this can be a little bit of noticeable give to the keyboard panel, significantly in case you're a strong typer.
This contrasts that general solidity and robustness the shell has. Whereas the keyboard is similar measurement because the bigger Acer Chromebook 314, the general setting of it in a smaller chassis does make every part at the very least really feel more cramped and so it is not fairly as snug as bigger Chromebooks.
The keyboard and touchpad are nonetheless satisfying to make use of and click on clack your manner round. The one concern here is that there's a little bit of flex within the keyboard that exhibits itself in case you're a heavy typer.
Whereas the display screen technically is that 11-inches in measurement from nook to nook, that is compromised by the enormously vast bezels. Presumably that is to assist with safety - significantly in 'spin mode' - permitting the powerful Gorilla glass to be securely fitted.
There's additionally no fingerprint reader on the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 which might usually be a little bit of a disappointment for a circa $300 / £300 machine, however as a result of different quirks of the Acer Chromebook Spin 311's design, it is not likely a good criticism. However one to notice nonetheless.
The on-board port state of affairs is nice contemplating its measurement. You get two USB-Cs (both can be utilized for charging), two USB-As, a microSD slot and an audio jack. Break up roughly in two these are properly unfold alongside both facet, one facet sharing area with the ability button, and the opposite facet with the quantity slider and the Kensington lock dock/gap. You will be with out an Ethernet port nevertheless, so it is a purely wi-fi Chromebook. Although, given its measurement, that is a good compromise.
Benchmarks
Here is how the Acer Chromebook 311 carried out in our suite of benchmark assessments:
JetStream2: 41.330 (increased is best)
JetStream 1.1: 65.275 (increased is best)
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 (decrease is best): 3062.2ms
Sunspider: 595.3ms
Octane: 12895
Speedometer: 31.07
Battery Life (TechRadar film check): 8 hours and quarter-hour
Efficiency
The very first thing to note when sitting down to make use of the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is the very satisfying click on and clack to the keyboard, and it is stunning simply how pleasing typing may very well be on such a small machine. It is significantly good that the touchpad is of the identical ilk; straightforward, responsive and satisfying to make use of. Nevertheless, that satisfaction just isn't matched by what's on display screen, as we needed to enhance the brightness a good chunk to see photos more clearly. This inevitably got here at the price of battery life. The rise in brightness made the display screen brighter, clearly, however solely within the sense of it getting lighter and whiter; colours and contrasts would not observe swimsuit, for instance, so it's a bit powerful on the eyes. Utilising the spin mechanism of the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 to show it from a laptop-like system to a tablet-like one is nice enjoyable, but additionally useful, significantly together with the contact display screen. You possibly can go from utilizing it like a standard laptop computer or notepad, to a purely browse and contact tablet-like machine on the couch after which again once more, seamlessly and with minimal effort. One cool however vital word: when the display screen is flipped all the best way round to make use of simply as a touchscreen, the keyboard is disabled so that you unintentionally kind and smudge keys into odd google searches as you go. You possibly can even use the spin mechanism in quite a lot of methods to get pleasure from having a tool with you wherever you might be like placing it right into a tent place to look at Netflix. The boot time of 12 seconds from off to log in display screen is nice, and means you may shut the display screen to enter sleep after which immediately beginning up once more by lifting the display screen again up- it is a actually clean and speedy course of. Generally there may be the tiniest little bit of stuttering because it resyncs and hundreds up a Google account, docs, emails and so forth, however that is negligible and definitely nowhere close to a significant detractor. In the meantime, the benchmarks we ran show its dependable and clean, however would not present a blistering efficiency. As soon as once more, evaluate these to the larger and beefier Acer Chromebook 314 and the distinction is obvious by way of the info and numbers. Although to its credit score, it would not really feel a lot slower within the context of regular use and finishing up duties resembling utilizing dozens of Chrome tabs, enjoying music and chatting on Slack. It makes use of its modest and middling {hardware} to run Chrome OS and apps very effectively. Acer has since up to date the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 with newer elements. Our overview mannequin, for example, has acquired a CPU and GPU improve, now touting an AMD A6-9220C processor and AMD Radeon R5 graphics as an alternative of the older A4-9120C and Radeon R4. Nevertheless, we’ve not tried or examined this new configuration.
Battery life
The battery life is fairly good with the Acer Chromebook 311, however with out being actually excellent for a Chromebook. Do not get us mistaken, clocking it at greater than 8 hours in our film check is nice going, and exhibits it's going to safely final you a working day away from the workplace. The charging through USB-C may be very fast. and the Acer Chromebook 311 is totally charged from zero in two hours. Throwing this first rate battery life in on high of every part else the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 gives, and it is a very tempting proposition.
If you'd like one thing with a much bigger tank, the bigger Acer Chromebook 314 may be a more sensible choice, nevertheless.
Purchase it if...
Do not buy it if...
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