Acer Chromebook Spins 311 Review – Why it is So Great
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 has not been short of criticism or attention since its reveal at an event in January. Although it was only available for a short time as a public beta, there were many people who wanted a chance to get a firsthand look at what the device had to offer. In this review you will learn some of the Spin 309’s unique features and benefits.
Starting off with the good, the physical design of the Chromebook Spin appears to be a scaled down version of the full sized version of the Google Android handset. It definitely does feel like a laptop. The screen is a 7.9 inch one, but the aspect ratio of 16:10 is very comfortable for anyone to use. Furthermore, it is surprisingly lightweight, weighing in at just over two and a half pounds. Despite being in a standard USB form factor, it also has a USB card reader port, which may prove to be handy.
The biggest benefit to the Chromebook Spin’s physical design is in regards to port selection. There are four USB ports, two on the side and two on the back – a plus when traveling or doing tasks on the go. There is also a micro USB port, which is perfect for connecting accessories such as wireless mice, keyboards, etc. The Chromebook includes two headphones jacks, which makes it possible to enjoy audio while you’re using your chromebook.
Moving on to the bad, the touchpad of the Chromebook Spin is a little on the small side, which may make using it a little frustrating. The click wheel isn’t all that responsive, but it does work. On the plus side, the touchpad is pretty good. It responds quickly and has large touch areas, so you won’t have to worry about accidentally hitting a button. The only real issue is that the sensitivity of the touchpad can make it difficult to use if you have smaller fingers.
Apps Galore With all of its powerful processing power, the Chromebook Spin can make your browsing a breeze with all of the apps you want. There are tons of Google Play apps pre-installed, which means you’ll never again miss a beat with your favorite media-filled websites. Chrome is actually quite capable of streaming media, including movies, videos, music, etc. While this feature is fantastic for many people, others will find the lack of touchscreen accuracy to be a little annoying. It’s a minor gripe, but an important one to mention.
Easy to Use and Attractive design the most attractive feature of the Chromebook Spin is probably its touch screen, which is extremely responsive. The bezels around the screen are not really bezels at all, but are actually textured surfaces. This makes them perfect for writing or viewing photos in landscape orientation. In addition, the bezels are thin, which adds to the laptop’s appeal. It’s a good thing that Acer includes so many features in the Chromebook Spin, because otherwise it could have been a little bit more difficult to use.
Surprisingly Easy to UseThe Chromebook Spin is very easy to use, even for a “pro” level user. The smooth keyboard feels great when you write in comfort, even if it is just basic. One thing that might concern some is whether the touch sensitivity is as sensitive as some other Windows-based programs. To put it short and simple, the touch sensitivity is extremely responsive and can’t be found to be lacking.
Like most laptops, the Acer Chromebook Spin is pretty small. However, this isn’t a problem because it fits nicely into your laptop bag. You definitely won’t be able to carry it around without having to set it down to do so. Even though it is a little machine, the Chromebook Spin is surprisingly powerful and comfortable to use. Combined with a very affordable price, the chromebook Spin is a must-have if you are looking for a very compact yet powerful laptop. Acer Chromebook Spin 311
