Acer has introduced a new 14-inch Chromebook Plus laptop powered by an Intel Core processor that will be available in Canada for under $500. The Chromebook Plus 514 functions like a traditional Chromebook, but the Plus moniker indicates that it also has some exciting AI capabilities under the hood.
Powered by an Intel Corei3-N305 processorand 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 provides two times the speed, memory, and storage while performing intensive tasks, like running built-in AI-powered apps like Google Docs and Photos, watching favourite shows in full HD on a 1080p display, or movie making with LumaFusion. The processor ensures that it can run all day, with battery life up to 11 hours per charge.
The Chromebook’s 14-inch Full HD display features IPS technology, 300-nit brightness, and wide viewing angles. This is ideal for the AI-powered graphic design and photo editing tools, like Magic Eraser in the built-in Google Photos app as well as Adobe Photoshopand Adobe Expresspowered by Adobe Firefly generative AI. The laptop is available in touch- and non-touch models, with anti-glare coating.
With Wi-Fi 6E and conferencing tools, the 1080p webcam features Temporal Noise Reduction (TNR) for noise cancellation along with AI-powered tools that enhance clarity, lighting, and blur backgrounds. The webcam’s facial auto exposure feature adjusts the exposure based on the lighting conditions around the subject’s face for more flattering images; it also features Blue Glass lens to produce high-quality imagery even in low-light conditions. When privacy is needed, the webcam can be closed with a physical shutter or you can mute the dual microphones and turn off the camera with a single click. The visuals are complemented by dual upward-firing speakers with DTS Audio.
This new line will be sold in configurations with up to 512 GB of storage to ensure you can store important creations locally. Even without an active internet connection, file sync on Chromebook Plus keeps Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides always accessible, both online and off.
Weighing only 3.15 lbs. and measuring 0.81 inches thick, the new Chromebook is U.S. MIL-STD 810Hcompliant, making it ready to stand up to daily wear and tear. Also, it can be connected to the latest devices, either via Bluetooth 5.2 or through its wide port selection that includes dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C ports (one on each side) supporting USB charging.
The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 supports the company’s Earthion mission, boasting several EPEAT registrationsas well as eco-friendly features such as the OceanGlass touchpad made of ocean-bound plastic waste. It contains recycled materials, sustainable packaging, and an energy-efficient design that meets Energy Star certification.
It is also available with Chrome Education Upgrade for seamless device management in schools. Chrome Education Upgrade helps administrators manage devices at scale and will offer admin policies to help manage all Chromebook Plus features. It’s also available with Chrome Enterprise Upgrade.
The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 will be available in Canada in May starting at $499.98.