In this preview we will discover the new Acer Chromebook 515 and discover the impressions it gave us during this hands-on
Lightness, versatility and utility, make Chromebooks more and more prominent and dominant in the market. Unlike gaming notebooks, designed for more intensive use, Chromebooks they are more suitable for browsing the web and they can be affordable for everyone thanks to the various price ranges. Some time ago we had a preview of theAcer Cromebook 514, getting to know him. In this preview instead we will go to see theAcer Chromebook 515, the elder brother if we can define him that way.
Data sheet
- Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7
- Display: 15,6″ FHD Acer ComfyView IPS Multi-Touch LCD
- Storage: 256 GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- RAM: 16 GB
- Battery: 56 Wh Lithium-Ion
- ODD: not present
- Connectivity: AX, Bluetooth 5.0, two USB type-C sockets, one USB 3.0 socket, one HDMI port, one 3.5mm jack socket, one microSD reader
A proven design | Acer Chromebook 515, hands-on and impressions
For this Chromebook 515 the designers certainly did not indulge themselves much e they opted for a design that is already familiar to users. In fact, the external shell is almost similar to that of other models and it does not bring any innovation from this point of view. Both the materials and the shapes adopted for this device in fact follow those already known with the Chromebook 514 long ago.
The computer turns out to be then very elegant and with a resistant structure which gives us a good sense of solidity when we have it in hand. Although it is the same as other models at first glance, the first differences begin to be noticed already starting from the arrangement of the ports that allow connection to other peripherals. In fact, on the left side we will find one porta USB type-C for charging the device, an HDMI port to connect a second screen e a 3.5 mm jack socket to connect headphones.
On the left side instead we find the second USB type-C port, a USB 3.0 port and the microSD reader, very useful if we want to quickly transfer some files. However, the differences do not end there. By lifting the display from 15.6 ” we find a keyboard complete with numeric keypad, although the various keys F1, F2 and so on are still absent. In their place, however, we find a row of keys that can be used to directly control some functions important such as volume or screen brightness.
The TouchPad is laid out below the keyboard as always, however the dimensions of the latter turn out to be truly disproportionate. This in fact is really very large and occupies, in width, about half of the body. To the right of the TouchPad, towards the numeric keypad, we find the fingerprint reader.
Keyboard and display | Acer Chromebook 515, hands-on and impressions
Opening the display is very convenient and the hinges guarantee a really important sense of solidity. The opening of the screen stops at just 180 °, although the 15.6 ″ display has the touch technology that would allow you to use the device as a huge notebook. Once the display is open we can see a grid for heat dissipation placed above the keyboard, near the panel.
The keyboard illumination, coupled with a muted typing sound, make this Chromebook very suitable for night use, allowing us not to disturb our roommates and to work even in dim light. In the upper frame of the display we can see the small one built-in webcam, complete with a useful and practical hatch to be able to darken it when not in use.
The Chromebook therefore turns out to be very similar to its predecessors, taking the strengths that have characterized Acer’s production lines. An important difference with the others is definitely the display touch, an increase in RAM to 16 GB and a battery of 8 Wh higher compared to that of the Chromebook 514. However, for reasons related to the timing set by Acer, we were unable to carry out the necessary tests to understand its effective efficiency during use..
Is it a good Chromebook? According to what we saw with its predecessors, it will certainly have a lot to say from this point of view. Is it better than its peers? This unfortunately we are not given to know, at least not before having it back in hand to be able to test it more thoroughly. Certainly the differences are not many e could allow for longer and smoother work sessions.
In your opinion, will this Acer Chromebook 515 live up to expectations? Let us know yours in the comments. In order not to miss any news regarding the hardware universe, keep following the pages of techgameworld.com!