When you consider its performance, size, and price, the Acer Chromebook 314 CB314-4H-C2UW provides lots of value as a laptop. It’s not the highest spec Chromebook on the market and isn’t the most powerful, but Acer offers this as a solid alternative to a Windows laptop with a broad, 14-inch screen and is just compact enough to carry around campus.
The best Chromebooks in 2024 come with touchscreens and we love the truly powerful Google Pixelbook series, especially that feature Intel Core i7 chip. But with the CB314-4H-C2UW, you’re getting something affordable, and while not boasting high-end specs, this Chromebook knows who it’s for; one of the best laptops for students on the market, and hands down one of the best Chromebooks for students.
About the Acer Chromebook 314
Here are the key specs of the Acer Chromebook 314 in this review:
- Processor: ‎ Intel Processor N100
- Graphics: Integrated
- RAM: 4GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 64GB Flash storage
- Display: 14-inch 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
- Weight: 2.3 pounds
- Size: 12.87 x 0.81 x 8.86 inches
Unlike many of Acer’s Chromebooks, the 314 features a simple line-up, with configuration options being limited to what’s shown here. There’s a 14-inch Chromebook 314 with an FHD touchscreen, another model with a 14-inch HD display, and our review unit is the 14-inch with a Full HD display.
What We Like
Good everyday performance
The Acer Chromebook 314 is designed for simple everyday tasks and does a fine job. With an Intel N100 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB eMMC storage, we don’t expect this clamshell laptop to compete with the best of its class, but when used as expected, it won’t disappoint.
As specced, you can use this Chromebook for a range of work tasks, casual browsing, and college tasks and it handles everything thrown at it without struggling. Even the upward-firing speakers are respectable enough for a machine of this composition and makeup, delivering enough legroom for YouTube videos and Netflix binging.
The bright, roomy display makes it ideal to seamlessly transition between tasks through maps and images as well as documents and forms. Combine all this with the usual intensive workout and still the Acer Chromebook. 314 has no trouble doing exactly what it is required to do without any hiccups.
However, keep in mind that ChromeOS isn’t as flexible as Windows on laptops like the Asus VivoBook E1504FA, limiting downloads to what’s available on the Google Play Store. That said, all of the common apps are available, such as Spotify and Netflix, but you may be out of luck if looking for something more.
Comfortable, portable construction
The Acer CB314-4H-C2UW is the same size and feel of a small PC laptop, but slightly larger than a notebook. It gets a metallic silver finish, and it feels splashy giving the impression of an aluminum finish, even though it’s not, the Acer Chromebook 314 is all-plastic.
The form of this laptop-like Chromebook is nice in the hand, but it’s a little heavier than the more powerful touch-enabled Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (2.28 kg and 1.3kg respectively). There’s a little bulk feel to this Chromebook, but it still looks and feels premium.
It’s hard to tell where the weight comes from, given the all-plastic construction, heavier than even the aluminum Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook. But it is still portable enough to stash into a backpack on the daily commute.
Terrific battery life
Simply put, the battery life is excellent. With brightness set at 50%, the Acer Chromebook 314 can last a total of 13 and a half hours before shutting down. That represents roughly two full working days of juice when in constant use and it will see you through a heap of work and tasks.
Whether you want to watch the latest TV show on Netflix or type away college assignments, the CB314-4H-C2UW has you covered, and regardless of how you run the battery down, the USB-C charging is incredibly efficient and will see you back to full capacity (from absolute zero) in about two hours.
What We Don’t Like
Display would be better
The screen is decent, you get a 14-inch panel framed inside a thick black bezel with a camera at the top. The design is neat and unobtrusive, but I still have concerns over the brightness and quality, particularly if you’ll be using the Acer Chromebook 314 for creating artwork. The 1920 x 1080-pixel dimension is effectively 1080p, which is okay at 14-inches for streaming video but its brightness is found wanting for more interesting or serious visual tasks.
There’s a heavy anti-glare, matt finish covering the screen; this is great for tasks such as writing, noting, or blogging and can be great for watching videos. However, if you want to work with images and need to see exact colors, this isn’t the screen for you. If your budget can be extended a little, you can get a better, more colorful screen. This screen is designed for regular tasks such as writing, browsing the web, and taking part in video calls.
Should you buy it?
Yes, if you want a laptop-esque Chromebook.
The Acer Chromebook 314 CB314-4H-C2UW sits at the lower end of the Chromebook market, its RRP is very appealing, and you can expect to pay far less, as it’s regularly on discount in the market.
It’s worth checking the version you’re buying too. Here, I’m reviewing the 64GB flash memory model but there’s also another model with a touchscreen. Given how this laptop is designed to store most files in the cloud you don’t need a huge amount of storage. However, most Android apps are using on-device storage, so you may want to invest in a micro-SD card, which would work out cheaper.
Also, I would say it’s worth considering the Acer Chromebook 314 touchscreen model; its Full HD screen will greatly broaden the appeal and use of this laptop. A touchscreen model is around $150 / £150 more expensive than the FHD version I’m reviewing, so keep this in mind as it’s still cheaper than a comparable Windows PC or Mac.
Recommended Configuration
Acer Chromebook 314 CB314-4H-C2UW Laptop
3 used from $181.59
The Review
Acer Chromebook 314 CB314-4H-C2UW Review
The Acer Chromebook 314 CB314-4H-C2UW is affordable, easy to use, and has phenomenal battery life; making it a great Chromebook for students and basic home users.
PROS
- Good value for money
- Excellent for students
- Terrific battery life
CONS
- No fingerprint reader
- Screen would be brighter
Review Breakdown
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ARS SCORE
