Good
Robust build
Powerful
Beautiful display
Bad
Too expensive
Lackluster speakers
No touchscreen
The Acer Chromebook 13 is a powerful Chromebook, packed with the latest hardware. But, it’s more expensive than comparable Windows laptops and lacks a touchscreen. This is a fine Chromebook for travelers, but – at this price – most would-be customers will want to stay away.
The Chromebook 13 offers one very compelling feature: It’s among the fastest Chromebooks you’re likely to find on the market today. And if you’re looking for a traditional clamshell and don’t care about flipping the display around or detaching the keyboard – or using your finger to tap and swipe on something other than the touchpad – then the Chromebook 13 will give you the speediest performance. But that’s pretty much it, which isn’t a lot for the £400 Acer is asking.
However, the high cost of this device, coupled with the lack of a touchscreen and decent speakers, makes this a puzzling laptop. Especially in a world where the Google Pixelbook exists, there’s nearly no reason to go with the Acer Chromebook 13, even if it’s cheaper.
Frankly, you can get a similarly specced – or better – Windows laptop for around the same cost. And this is what we would recommend.
Specification
Here is the Acer Chromebook 13 configuration for review:
CPU: 1.2GHz Intel Core i5-8250U (quad-core, 6MB cache, up to 3.40GHz)
Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620
RAM: 8GB LPDDR3
Screen: 13.5-inch QHD (2,256 x 1,504, 200 ppi) LCD IPS display
Storage: 64GB SSD (eMMC)
Ports: 2 x USB-C 3.1, headphone/mic jack, 1 x MicroSD, 1 x USB 3.0
Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2
Cameras: 720p webcam
Weight: 3.09 pounds (1.4kg)
Size: 12.2 x 9.7 x 0.7 inches (309.88 x 246.38 x 17.78mm; W x D x H)
