Let’s talk about the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 (2023). I recently got my hands on one and as someone who’s been around the tech block a few times I figured I’d share my honest no-nonsense thoughts.
Think of this as a chat with a friend – straight talk no fluff.
Performance: Snappy for Everyday Tasks But Don’t Expect Miracles
This Chromebook is surprisingly peppy for its price point.
The Intel Core processor (I had the i3-1215U model but they offer higher-end options) handles everyday tasks like browsing document editing and streaming videos without a hitch.
It’s significantly faster than the Celeron or Pentium processors you find in other budget Chromebooks.
Opening multiple tabs switching between apps – it all feels smooth and responsive.
If you’re a heavy multitasker or plan on running resource-intensive apps though consider stepping up to the i5 or i7 variant.
They’ll give you that extra oomph for a smoother experience.
The difference between the 12th and 13th generation Intel processors is subtle in day-to-day use so don’t sweat that detail too much unless you’re a power user.
Memory and Storage: Enough for Most But Consider Your Needs
The memory and storage options are standard for a Chromebook in this price range.
8GB or 16GB RAM is available and storage options top out at 512GB.
Keep in mind the 128GB model uses a soldered UFS drive which is slower than the 256GB and 512GB models that utilize faster M.2 PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSDs.
This is a key factor to consider during your purchase.
If you anticipate storing a lot of media or large files upgrading your storage is a must.
If you need more you’ll have to rely on cloud storage.
It’s not a deal-breaker but it’s something to keep in mind if you work with sizable files regularly.
Design and Build: Solid Enough But Not a Showstopper
The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 (2023) has a straightforward professional-looking design.
It’s all plastic but it feels surprisingly sturdy for a budget laptop.
There’s some flex in the keyboard deck and lid but nothing overly concerning.
The build quality is acceptable for daily use but doesn’t scream premium.
The hinges are smooth and stable but you won’t be able to open the laptop with one hand.
The overall feel is a bit heavy for its size which was a small disappointment.
Keyboard and Trackpad: Comfortable but Could Be Better
The keyboard layout is spacious and comfortable for long typing sessions.
The keys have decent travel but they feel a bit mushy—a common trade-off in budget laptops.
The lack of backlighting is a minor drawback for those who prefer working in low-light conditions.
The touchpad is a pleasant surprise.
It’s large responsive and generally a pleasure to use.
While the center is very responsive the edges lag a bit.
Overall it’s a better-than-average experience for a Chromebook at this price.
Display: A Mixed Bag
The 1080p display is sharp enough for daily use at a normal viewing distance but it has some limitations.
Brightness is a major drawback; it struggles in brightly lit environments.
The color gamut is also quite narrow resulting in washed-out colors that aren’t ideal for color-sensitive work.
While the 16:9 aspect ratio is fine for media consumption a 16:10 ratio would’ve been better for productivity.
The refresh rate is 60Hz which is standard but doesn’t offer the smoothness of higher refresh rate displays.
Overall the display is functional but not a standout feature.
Webcam and Audio: Surprisingly Good Webcam Average Speakers
The webcam is surprisingly good for a budget Chromebook.
It captures sharp detailed images although slightly overexposed.
The audio quality is adequate for video calls but lacks bass making it sound a little thin and unnatural.
The speakers can get loud but don’t expect anything close to a high-fidelity audio experience.
Ports and Connectivity: Standard Options No Surprises
The port selection is fairly standard: one USB-A two USB-C (supporting charging and DisplayPort) an HDMI 1.4 port and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
It’s adequate for most users but the lack of Thunderbolt 4 is worth noting if you need that kind of speed and connectivity.
Wi-Fi 6E is included offering faster speeds and lower latency if your router supports it.
Battery Life: A Fair Compromise
Battery life is decent lasting around eight hours of light use.
This is enough to get you through a workday but isn’t remarkable compared to many other Chromebooks.
If you’re a heavy user you may find yourself needing to top up the charge.
It significantly underperforms during video playback coming in around five hours.
Chrome OS Experience: The Usual Chrome OS Goodness
The Chromebook runs the standard Chrome OS which is smooth intuitive and easy to use.
The OS excels at web browsing productivity apps and Android apps from the Google Play Store.
However remember that you won’t be running full-fledged Windows or macOS applications.
If you’re heavily reliant on such apps a Chromebook might not be your best choice.
Software Updates and Longevity: Long-Term Support
Google provides software updates for several years and the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 (2023) is slated for updates until June 2032. This long-term support is a significant advantage of Chrome OS.
Comparison to Other Chromebooks
Several Chromebooks are in the same price range as the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 (2023). Some offer better displays (like the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i) longer battery life (HP Chromebook 14) or 2-in-1 convertible designs (Acer Chromebook Spin 714). The choice will depend on what features matter most to you.
For sheer processing power at this price point the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 (2023) holds up well especially if you opt for a higher-end processor.
Overall: A Solid Budget Chromebook
The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 (2023) is a decent budget Chromebook that provides solid performance for everyday tasks.
It’s sturdy enough has a comfortable keyboard and trackpad and boasts a surprisingly good webcam.
The drawbacks are the dim display limited color accuracy average battery life and the somewhat mushy keyboard.
If you’re looking for a no-frills Chromebook for basic tasks and web browsing it’s worth considering especially if you can find it on sale.
Just manage your expectations regarding the display and battery life.
Weigh its strengths and weaknesses against competing models and decide if it ticks the boxes for your needs.
It’s not perfect but it’s a solid option in its price bracket.