Chromebooks are getting extra highly effective — why? — who is aware of, however Acer needs to be extra environmentally aware about its merchandise, in order that’s the place the Acer Chromebook Vero 514 is available in.
Regardless of its ugly design and dim show, the Vero 514 has so much to supply. For $599, you get sturdy efficiency, a snug keyboard, lengthy battery life, and a very good webcam wrapped in a rugged chassis. It appeared like an incredible deal till we obtained to the touchpad, which made navigating via the net a bit irritating. It’s usable, however not how I wish to expertise a laptop computer for eight hours a day.
Regardless of that, it inched near our finest Chromebooks web page. Right here’s why.
Acer Chromebook Vero 514 value and configurations
Acer Chromebook Vero 514 specs
Worth: $599
CPU: Intel Core i5-1235U
GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Show: 14-inch 1920 x 1080
Battery: 9:59
Measurement: 12.3 x 8.8 x 0.8 inches
Weight: 3.2 kilos
I reviewed the $599 Acer Chromebook Vero 514, which is outfitted with an Intel Core i5-1235U processor, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 8GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, and a 14-inch 1920 x 1080, 16:9, 60Hz show.
The one different mannequin is the marginally cheaper $499 model, which will get downgraded with a Core i3-1215U CPU, Intel UHD Graphics, 8GB of RAM, a 128GB SSD, and a 14-inch, 1920 x 1080, 16:9, show.
You’re not going to see me get into numerous Chromebook arguments, since they’re not for me. Nonetheless, in case you’re deciding which mannequin to get, shell out for the $599 model. An extra $100 for 3 worthwhile upgrades is a superb deal. If it’s nonetheless out of your value vary, take a look at our finest price range laptops web page.
Acer Chromebook Vero 514 design
I’ve blended emotions. On one hand, the Acer Chromebook Vero 514 appears distinctive and in contrast to the ocean of homogeneous grey and black laptops that stroll via my door. Alternatively, it appears prefer it was closely impressed by plywood. Its mild grey hood is meshed with blue and highlight-yellow dots scattered round, giving it that recycled “for the planet” look. Pay attention, we are able to intention to cease local weather change whereas additionally wanting horny. This isn’t horny.
The inside is extra of the identical, besides it takes some cues from the Macbook with its black, rounded keys. Its profile is first rate — there’s sufficient room on the deck for my wrists, and the bezels on the show are comparatively slim. The touchpad is massive, nevertheless it might’ve used some extra space on the lip for working room.
Acer constructed this Chromebook to final somewhat longer than your ordinary plastic. It’s MIL-STD-810H licensed, which implies it went via sand and dirt testing performed in managed settings. Nonetheless, Acer states that it doesn’t assure future efficiency in all conditions.
At 12.3 x 8.8 x 0.8 inches and three.2 kilos, the Acer Chromebook Vero 514 is about the suitable measurement for a 14-inch pocket book. Its opponents — HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook (2.8 kilos, 11.6 x 8.7 x 0.7 inches), Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (3.2 kilos, 12.3 x 8.8 x 0.7 inches), and Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook (2.2 kilos, 12 x 7.4 x 0.3 inches) — characteristic slimmer footprints.
Acer Chromebook Vero 514 ports
There’s loads of ports for a Chromebook.
On the left aspect of the Vero 514 lies one USB Kind-C port, an HDMI port and a headphone jack, whereas the suitable holds a Kensington lock slot, one USB Kind-C port and one USB Kind-A port.
If you happen to want extra ports, see our finest USB Kind-C hubs and finest laptop computer docking stations pages.
Acer Chromebook Vero 514 show
The Acer Chromebook Vero 514’s 14-inch, 1920 x 1080 show might be brighter, however I wasn’t anticipating a lot from a Chromebook. Nonetheless, it nonetheless managed to be decently colourful.
I watched the trailer for Puss In Boots: The Final Want (unironically glorious movie), and the titular character’s orange fur popped on display screen as he confirmed off his fight experience towards an indignant stone big. Nonetheless, within the battle towards The Wolf, the corners of the tavern have been darker than they need to have been. The viewing angles are additionally awkward — even after I appeared within the middle of the display screen, the edges confirmed a darkish glare.
In line with our colorimeter, the Acer Chromebook Vero 514’s panel lined 79.2% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, which roughly matches the Chromebook common (79.3%) and even beats out some price range gaming laptops. The Dragonfly (79.3%) and Duet 5 (85.2%) did barely higher, whereas the Spin 714 (78.9%) lagged not far behind.
At 274 nits of brightness, the Acer Chromebook Vero 514 didn’t impress the Chromebook common (333 nits). The Dragonfly (392 nits), Spin 714 (358 nits), and Duet 5 (361 nits) fully rinsed the Vero 514.
Acer Chromebook Vero 514 keyboard and touchpad
This keyboard felt nice to sort on. The keys have been delicate however punchy — not a lot of a click on to them, however that they had deep sufficient journey to maintain me gliding throughout the board and not using a misstep. And there’s simply sufficient room on the deck to maintain my palms heat.
I hit 84 phrases per minute on the 10fastfingers.com typing check, which crosses over my 78-wpm common. I just like the spacing of the keys and the way mild every click on felt with out giving solution to the mushy sensation that cheaper keyboards provide.
The three x 4.2 inch touchpad is problematic. The cursor is a bit jumpy when I attempt to transfer it round on display screen — it’ll skip a number of frames right here and there solely when it simply registers my contact. It’s usable, and the touchpad itself is delicate, however I can’t see myself utilizing this every day with out getting pissed off. Gestures like two-finger scrolling additionally suffered from the identical jumpiness.
Acer Chromebook Vero 514 audio
The Acer Chromebook Vero 514’s backside firing audio system sound OK. They’re low cost, however not unhealthy.
I listened to Hozier’s “Blood Upon the Snow,” and the opening vocals have been melodic and delicate, however the background bass devices have been snuffed out by the stringed devices. When the louder elements of the refrain kicked up, it tempted me to decrease the quantity, as a result of the audio system have been on the verge of peaking and getting uncomfortable.
There’s no built-in audio software program, however since you might have entry to the Play Retailer, you possibly can fiddle and tune it if you wish to put within the effort.
Acer Chromebook Vero 514 efficiency
Packed on this laptop computer that may most likely solely internet surf is a barely overpowered Intel Core i5-1235U processor and 8GB of RAM. I didn’t discover any slowdown after I opened a dozen Google Chrome tabs and a few YouTube movies.
On the Geekbench 5.4 benchmark, the Vero 514 scored 5,647, crushing the two,666 Chromebook common. The Spin 714’s Core i5-1235U registered 4,415; the Duet 5’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 averaged a measly 1,727; and the Dragonfly’s Core i5-1245U vPro failed constantly due to a software program challenge.
On the JetStream 2.0 benchmark, the Vero 514 averaged 246, sliding previous the class common of 230, whereas additionally beating the Dragonfly (213.7), Duet 5 (70), and Spin 714 (221).
These numbers most likely don’t imply a lot to you, however the gist is that the Vero 514 can deal with something that you just’re more likely to throw at it.
Acer Chromebook Vero 514 battery life
Don’t fear about bringing a charger as a result of the Acer Chromebook Vero 514 will get you thru a workday after which some.
On the Laptop computer Magazine Battery Check, the Vero 514 web-surfed repeatedly over Wi-Fi at 150 nits of brightness for 9 hours and 59 minutes, crossing the Chromebook common (9:37). The Dragonfly (9:14) died first, however the Duet 5 (13:31) and Spin 714 (10:45) outlasted the Vero by fairly a bit.
Acer Chromebook Vero 514 webcam
I like this webcam, and also you gained’t see me say that fairly often.
Due to its 1080p shooter, the Vero 514 caught many of the element in my hair and beard, together with the sharper angles. The colour within the My Hero Academia poster behind me was additionally spot on, with the colourful ensemble of garments popping off towards the deep blue sky. My face was additionally well-lit, regardless of a nook of my head being washed out. The window behind me was additionally fully blown out.
You possible don’t must get an exterior webcam for the Vero 514, however if you’d like one, take a look at our finest webcams web page.
Acer Chromebook Vero 514 warmth
All issues thought of, the Vero 514 is a cool buyer. After streaming a 15-minute FHD video, the underside reached 89 levels Fahrenheit, staying comfortably under our 95-degree threshold. The middle of the touchpad and keyboard hit 84 and 76 levels, respectively. In the meantime, the most popular it obtained was 97 levels, simply above the middle of the left vent — not unhealthy in any respect.
Acer Chromebook Vero 514 Chrome OS
The Acer Chromebook Vero 514 ships with Chrome OS put in. For Chrome OS or Android customers, setup is straightforward. After you enter your Google account information, your entire Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides recordsdata will likely be out there alongside along with your Chrome browser extensions and any Android apps.
If you happen to’re not conversant in it, ChromeOS is principally a stripped down model of Home windows or macOS. If all you need out of a laptop computer is to internet surf, watch some movies, do some fundamental productiveness work, or possibly play a number of Android video games, then this working system is for you.
The Acer Chromebook Vero 514 comes with a one-year restricted guarantee. See how Acer carried out on our Tech Help Showdown and Greatest and Worst Manufacturers rating.
Backside line
I don’t like Chromebooks, however I did just like the efficiency, keyboard, webcam, battery life, and rugged nature of the Acer Chromebook Vero 514. It misplaced some factors with the show and design, nevertheless it actually messed it up with the touchpad.
If you happen to’re keen to spend some additional money, I recommend going for the Acer Chromebook Spin 714, because it provides an incredible improve throughout, together with contact and 2-in-1 capabilities.
However general, the Chromebook Vero 514 is a good selection for the cash.
