Acer unveils two new Chromebook Plus models at Computex 2024

In the run-up to Computex 2024 in Taipei, we see some interesting Chromebook news. Earlier today, MediaTek announced their latest AI-powered Chromebook SoC in the Kompanio 838, and now we have Acer with a pair of new Chromebook Plus models for both businesses and consumers. Let’s take a quick look at the new Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 and Chromebook Plus 515 Enterprise.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514

We’ll start with the more interesting of the two models, as the new Spin 514 will be only Acer’s second Plus model to be convertible. While it’s probably not as high-end as the Spin 714 we saw at Google’s Chromebook event last week, the images and specs of this new device from Acer look pretty good.

With a 16:10 1080p display, top-firing speakers, a backlit keyboard, and a generally pleasant aesthetic, I’m very curious to see how this Chromebook feels in the hand. Acer says it will start at $549.99 at Best Buy when it launches in North America in August (July for EMEA), so I’m hopeful the build quality is solid and the screen is decent too. There will be quite a few SKUs of this device (and an Enterprise-focused model), so let’s get all those specs out of the way and then discuss what we’ll see in store to begin with.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 Key Specifications

• Up to Intel Core 7-150U processor (options for Core 5-120U, Core 3-100U, Core i5-1335U and Core i3-1315U)
• 14-inch 1920×1200 IPS touchscreen
• USI pen support
• Up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM
• Up to 256GB NVMe
• QHD or 1080p webcam with temporary noise reduction
• Blue glass lens with privacy shutter
• 2x USB Type-C
• 1x USB 3.2 Type-A
• HDMI 1.4
• Battery life of 10 hours
• WiFi 6E
• Bluetooth 5.2
• Backlit keyboard
• Fingerprint scanner
• OceanGlass touchpad
• 12.59 x 9.05 x 0.82 inches / 319.9 x 229.9 x 20.9 mm
• 3.31 pounds / 1.5 kg
• MIL STD 810H

What we will see in Best Buy stores to begin with is the model with the Intel Core 3-100U, 8 GB RAM and 128 GB UFS storage for $549.99. I imagine there’s a slim chance the fingerprint scanner will be omitted from this model, and I guarantee the webcam option is the 1080p version, not the QHD. Those things aren’t certain, but based on historical data, that’s likely what we’ll see with upgraded spec models available for purchase from Acer down the road.

Acer Chromebook Plus Enterprise 515

When I first saw this listing I wasn’t sure if they were just re-releasing the existing Chromebook Plus 515, but after seeing the specs and images this is clearly a new device. And I really like the way it looks. Acer says this will only be available through commercial sales channels, so we may or may not ever see this Chromebook in stores; but there is always a chance.

The initial SKUs with the Core 3-100U and 8 GB RAM are reasonably priced (for Enterprise options), starting at $649.99, so I could see this very attractive, larger device being quite popular with companies that want lightweight (3 .7 pounds) want to bet. , Chromebooks with large screens for a reasonable budget.

Acer Chromebook Plus Enterprise 515 Key Specifications

• Up to Intel Core 7-150U processor (options for Core 5-120U, Core 3-100U, Core i5-1335U and Core i3-1315U)
• 15.6-inch 1920×1080 IPS display (touch option optional)
• Up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM
• Up to 256GB NVMe
• 1080p webcam with temporary noise reduction
• Blue glass lens with privacy shutter
• 2x USB Type-C
• 1x USB 3.2 Type-A
• HDMI 1.4
• Battery life of 10 hours
• WiFi 6E
• Bluetooth 5.2
• Backlit keyboard with numeric keypad
• Fingerprint scanner optional
• OceanGlass touchpad
• 14.2 x 9.39 x 0.79 inches / 360.6 x 238.4 x 19.95 mm
• 3.7 pounds / 1.68 kg
• MIL STD 810H

With the existing Chromebook Plus 515 and the new Chromebook Plus 516 GE already in stores, I don’t know if this device would have room in the consumer space, but it’s still an interesting one. I think it looks nice and the color update is quite attractive. Expect it to launch in June, both in North America and EMEA.