Acer - 15.6" Touch-Screen Chromebook - Intel Pentium - 4GB Memory - 32GB eMMC Flash Memory

I was very excited to finally find a "laptop" that was light weight, had a fast processor, touchscreen & a good size screen. Unfortunately, after the 6th time of turning it on the screen started acting up. Once that started, the battery couldn't hold it's charge anymore. Mind you, it's only been a week since I bought it. I guess I got the bad one from the group?

ACER CHROMEBOOK 15 MODEL #CB515-1HT-P39B SETUP & USE Out-of-the-box, I was amazed at how easy it was to set up this Chromebook. As a lifetime Windows user, I found it surprisingly simple. Just plug it in, connect to your Wi-Fi, log in, or create a Google acct., & you’re off & running. For Windows users, the main thing to understand is that you can’t install traditional desktop software on this notebook. So, though it looks & feels like a laptop, Chromebook is really a different breed of portable computer. It runs on Google’s web-based Chrome operating system & is designed to be used w/an internet connection. Google’s Chrome browser is Chromebook’s principal user interface. Chromebooks heavily feature & are optimized for Google’s suite of cloud/web-based apps, including: Google Calendar, Docs, Drive, Search, Sheets, Talk, Hangouts, YouTube, & Gmail, etc. Google gives you 100GB of free Google Drive cloud storage w/a Chromebook purchase, though that only lasts for 2yr, after which you'll get only 15GB of free storage. Unfortunately, popular software apps like MS Office suite & Adobe Photoshop, etc., aren't available on Chromebooks. But MS Office Online, the free cloud version of Office, is available as a webpage in the Chrome browser, & you can always use the native Google Drive to open/edit docs/spreadsheets. Because Chromebook is meant primarily for online use, the onboard technical specs aren't as important as they are for traditional Windows-based laptops. Just as Chromebook isn’t designed for traditional desktop software, neither is it intended for serious gamers. In general, Chromebooks are affordable, portable, & offer decent performance. And the introduction of Android apps is both increasing Chromebook capabilities & user productivity to the level that many are now considering their Chromebook as a desktop replacement. If you’re already familiar w/the Chrome OS & you like or prefer Google’s apps/services, Chromebook is a good choice for home, work, school, & fun. MY LATEST CHROMEBOOK MULTIMEDIA EXPERIENCE Last weekend I couldn’t wait to finish streaming a fascinating Netflix documentary that I’d started earlier in the week. Without any light in the bedroom, I sat up in bed, opened my Chromebook on my lap, used the beautiful LED backlight touchscreen, backlit keyboard, & earbuds plugged into the headphone jack, & watched the last ½-hr of the movie—all without disturbing my spouse. Besides the total silence of the fan-less Chromebook, my thighs never felt like they were on fire—the way they used to feel from the heat radiating from my previous hot-running laptops w/their heavy mechanical hard drives & noisy fans. And when I’m not using the Chromebook in silent mode, I can still lower the speaker volume for quiet environs, as I no longer have to overcome a noisy fan. PROS -Looks: The thin brushed aluminum case is sleek & sturdy. It has a high-end, minimalist look to it. -Display: Chromebooks usually have smaller displays, but I really like this larger 15.6” multimedia display. Why spend life hunched over & squinting at small displays? (Likewise, I always choose the largest available smartphone display option when I upgrade phones.) This Full HD 1080p display offers big, bright, vivid colors w/minimal glare, which makes viewing photos & YouTube & Netflix videos much more enjoyable. -Portability: Lightweight, easy to carry -Ports-a-Plenty: 2 USB 3.0, 2 USB 3.1 Type C, MicroSD, left- AND right-side power jacks, & a headphone jack -Performance: Both the Intel Pentium quad core processor & the flash drive are quick, quiet, & responsive. -Touchscreen: I use it more than the trackpad -Trackpad: Tactilely, it sounds/feels cheap when clicked on, although it’s smooth when moving the cursor. -Keyboard: Full-sized -Webcam: Wide-angle lens accommodates more participants in video chats -Multiple User Sign-On Ability -Bluetooth 4.2: faster, more reliable, & higher capacity connectivity, convenience, & security -Battery Life: Very good. I enjoyed ~ 12hr in the 1st unplugged cycle, including a fair amount of video streaming. -Value: Good value for the price CONS -Printing: Very difficult to set up without a Cloud Print-enabled printer -Speakers: Claims of a ‘stunning entertainment experience’ are overrated. Unfortunately, the 2 upward-facing stereo speakers are tinny w/absolutely no bass. Music sounds distorted/scratchy at increased volume. SPECS -Operating System: Google Chrome OS: auto-downloads/installs security/software updates; no more patches/restarts. -Security: Offers multiple layers of built-in protection to defend against viruses/malware when using Google apps. -Cloud Support: Save files to Google Drive for secure access wherever you go. Sync w/other Chrome devices & work offline when needed. -Multimedia Features: 2 upward-facing stereo speakers, long battery life, & 2+ million apps (& games) from Google Play Store -Aesthetics: Sleek, brushed aluminum build feels very sturdy, yet lightweight, due to its thin profile. The finish hides smudges well, & the TouchPad is framed w/chamfered (grooved/beveled) edges. -Webcam: HDR (Hi-Dynamic Range) 1280 x 720p 88° wide-angle lens delivers clearer, more natural images w/improved color for photos, video chats, & teleconferences. -Wi-Fi: 2x2 MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) 802.11ac wireless LAN w/data rates ~3x faster vs. 802.11n -Bluetooth 4.2: Wirelessly transfer photos/music between your Chromebook & desktop, smartphone, MP3 player. -Processor: Intel Pentium N4200 1.1 GHz Quad Core -Memory: LPDDR4 (Low Power Double Data Rate) 4GB RAM: Lower power consumption/faster memory speeds -Storage: eMMC (embedded Multi-Media Card) 32GB Flash Drive provides data stability/durability, quick boot-ups, & support for HD video playback. -Display: Immersive 15.6” Full HD (1920 x 1080 resolution) IPS (In-Plane Switching) multi-touch CineCrystal LCD panel w/glossy screen display technology using newer LED backlighting—resulting in brighter, more vivid color reproduction (regardless of viewing angle) & better contrast ratios for improved clarity for photos/movies; 16:9 aspect ratio. -Touchscreen: Google Play apps are mostly designed for touchscreens vs. devices relying on trackpads/mice. -Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 505 (integrated/on-processor); LPDDR4 Shared Graphics Memory: good image quality for internet use, basic photo editing, & casual gaming -Ports/Connectors: 2 USB 3.0 ports (blue) & 2 USB 3.1 Type-C ports (doubles transfer speed of USB 3.0 to 10Gbps & allows up to 100W power output; so, it can also charge the device): maximizes latest hi-speed devices for easy transfer of text/data files, photos, & movies at 10x USB 2.0 speed (backwards compatible w/USB 2.0 devices). Other ports incl.: 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack & 1 microSD media card reader. -Input Devices: TouchScreen, TouchPad, & backlit chiclet keyboard -Battery: 4-cell 3220mAh Lithium-Polymer; up to 12hr battery life -AC Power Adapter: 45W, USB-Type C -Dimensions: 15”w x 10”d x .75”h -Weight: ~ 4 lbs. -Warranty: 1yr limited

This is my first time ever using a Chromebook to any degree and I can't stress enough how amazingly good it feels to own and use. The purpose of this review was to talk about the hardware surrounding this amazing OS. Which I will do first then talk about my experience with Chrome OS from a Window 10 user. Acer really came with a powerful Chromebook this time around and one I can't stop raving about. I'm even typing this review from it. Design: The design is great with the aluminum well-constructed throughout the top and surrounding the keyboard. there is a nice silver trim that just gives off the illusion of luxury. The Acer logo shines while the Chrome logo gives it a nice color, everything about the laptop feels nice even the bottom of the laptop which is plastic. Oh, want to know the best thing about this Chromebook? It is extremely lightweight, lighter then any laptop I've held in previous years. I can pick this up with one hand and place it down easy. it certainly feels lighter than an iPad Pro 12" with a 3rd party keyboard attached. I am so happy with the fanless design as well having a fanless laptop is just a breath of fresh air. Screen: Oh yes, the very thing I'm sure you would be buying this for. The screen is BEAUTIFUL for a Chromebook! it's a 1080p IPS Muti-Touch panel. And yes it's gorgeous to look at. Nothing and I mean nothing looks ugly on this screen. Having the touchscreen allows you to use the Google play apps that are available. (which is a treat within itself but I'll get to that later.) I am able to multitask with more than one screen open at once. The screen gets really bright when you turn up the brightness and gets low enough not to disturb anyone next to you. YouTube Netflix and Hulu all look amazing on the vibrant screen. (The actual screen resolution 2160 x 1215 if that counts.) Sound: The speakers are placed on each side of the keyboard and the speakers are LOUD. There are not tiny small speakers at all and they sound way more fuller than anything on a tablet. Youtube at its loudest is a treat to hear but listening to music on Google Play Music, Pandora, Spotify, and (with a few hoops) Apple Music sounds flawless. There isn't a lot of bass in the speakers but they do get loud enough for people to enjoy. When the speakers on this laptop aren't enough, When connected through Bluetooth you can use any wireless speakers you have. Don't have Bluetooth? Well just use the headphone jack on the side of the laptop. But the speakers are amazing on the laptop itself. Performance: I'm not sure whats inside the Acer Chromebook 15, It says Intel Pentium but to tell you guys the truth whatever version it is....it's Blazing fast. in fact, this almost feels like overkill for a Chromebook. This laptop cuts through whatever Chromebooks do. I played Asphalt 8, GTA Series, Sonic CD, and Implosion games and it ran all the games without any issues. Acer Chromebook also never overheats at all. I had multiple tabs in chrome open while using some Android apps. It opens up a whole new mind of mindset getting used to having an OS so smooth with Google Play store. Other apps like Netflix, Youtube, Hulu, Amazon, and Xfinity Stream all was here working just fine with the respective apps. If doing basic task is something you need this is a performer as it comes with 4GB of memory which is a good amount for this laptop. Battery Life: THE STAR OF THE SHOW. I have never ever witness battery life in a laptop EVER such as this! I kid you not this laptop does last around the 12-hour mark. I was getting INSANE standby time. If this is the future of Chrome OS I am all for it. my Windows 10 Laptop can't even last 4 hours before crapping out. The Acer Chromebook 15 last so long before needed another charge. Certainly the first laptop I can confidently walk out the door and be safe about it lasting all day. I have been on Chromebook since 3:24 PM, it is now 9:35 PM and I still have 60% left off the first charge with brightness about 75%. Stamina is what this Chromebook is all about! Keyboard: The keyboard works well with a nice travel between them. They are pretty satisfying to click even as I type this review in the dark. Oh yeah, The keys are backlit! They are bright enough to get work done at later hours of the night. There are some annoyances that I personally don't like about it. One is the long "search" on the left. I nearly hit the key every time near the "a" on the keyboard. Though I think this is just a chrome thing. Another problem I have with the keyboard is that there are two icons that are "gears" one is a big one and one is a small one, you control the brightness with these keys and they feel mislabeled and nothing that could resemble brightness...Again this is my first Chromebook. Media Music controls would have been appreciated but that is not a big deal. I/O ports and others: Kensington lock slot, 2 USB-C ports for charging on each side of the laptop, 2 USB 3.0, MicroSD card slot, and headphone jack all work fine.using a 128 GB SD and it reads everything from it. if you need ports its funny enough here on this Chromebook 15. There is a webcam and the quality is ok, nothing to write home about. Its there if you need it but that is about it. MIMO Wireless is supported so superfast Wifi is here. Chrome OS: I'm a Windows user and have been since the 90s, This was my first time using Chrome OS and I love it. From the Superfast bootup times to using Apps in the Google play store It just a blast to use, work with, and, own. It feels like a very mature Android Laptop but so much more. For years going through Windows issues, it feels like none of that is here. It's designed to get you to where you need to be online and fast. I was once a non-believer of Chromebooks now I can't stop recommending them to everyone who just needs a basic PC to do task fast. Infact now that I think about it, I didn't even need to learn much to understand Chrome OS on it own. it was very easy to setup and start using. The OS is just design to be easy and it shows. Google Play: The very reason why I jumped into Chrome OS now, The Google Play Store is the BIGGEST reason to own the Acer Chromebook 15! Every app I used worked without a problem so far. To me the Google play store opens up this Chromebook to everyone, with so many apps that work with it there is no reason why not to get one. Got Apple music running, Play emulators, Unkilled was a blast to see on a big screen, Streamed Sling TV, Youtube is flawless and all of this was thanks to the power of Android apps running behind it. There is nothing like using the google play store on Acer Chromebook 15 combined with the screen. I don't know how they got this to work as good as they did but I have to give big props to Google. My final word is I love it, I love everything about it because it feels like the hardware with the software is unmatched. The build is phenomenal, the OS is fluid with the performance. This is one of the best PC-like experiences I ever used. For my basic needs, I will always use this Chromebook 15 and one I'm most likely going to keep using going forward. because Acer did an outstanding job. I had no shortcomings from using the device and would recommend this to my family and friend.

Great investment for my online business! I love it so much!

Acer Chromebook 15 comes with big screen with IPS display. The processor is lightning fast and it is pentium quad core processor N4200 and absolutely no lag with the 4 GB RAM version. It comes with 32GB SSD and supports 802.11 AC wireless, Bluetooth 4.0 The screen is big, nice and clear, bright, and vibrant IPS display. The keyboard is more natural feeling and the trackpad is bigger and very easier to use. The speakers quality is great and the sound is better than any laptop to date. . It is louder and clearer. The Chrome software is running better than ever, and all apps are working fine. Charging time is super fast and reaching 50% power to 100% in less than an hour. It is very lightweight and does not heat up even after continuous use. With full charge, i was able to use more than 10 hours which is huge bonus for power users. The Full HD, 1920x1080, 15.6-inch Full HD IPS touch screen display is simply beautiful and colors are very natural and rich. I was able to view the screen from 180 degree angle and still able to read the words. It comes with HD camera with wide angle support perfect for video calls, 2 USB TYPE C ports for charging, USB 3.0 Ports in both sides. I absolutely love my Acer Chromebook 15 and recommend to anyone without any hesitation.

I am very very impressed with this Chrome Book! This resembles the 2015 MacBook Pro 15” and that’s a good thing! The body of the laptop is plastic but it looks like aluminum. The keyboard and trackpad work much better then most $1000 laptops. Yea it’s a chrome book so it can’t do something’s windows 10 can do but I am very satisfied with this laptop. I mostly use this for school, it’s a light and portable laptop and works 100% for me. Pros: Light Awesome battery life USB C USB 3.0 1080p 15” IPS Screen Trackpad Keyboard layout Loud Speakers Cons: Plastic body Non mate screen No HDMI port I would recommend this for anyone who just needs a laptop for watching videos (Netflix, YouTube, Hulu) also for anyone who goes to school and needs to take notes or get on the internet.

The screen is huge, but the laptop is not heavy for its size. The silver finish is attractive, and the lighted keyboard comfortable to use. I have no complaints about the nice, bright screen. I attached the AC brick to boot for the first time, and was fully logged in to my Google account, with all set up and updating completed within five minutes at most. All resources were available. I have streamed movies, done office work, and surfed the web for several hours and have a little less than 80 per cent battery life. Never a hiccup. I checked my work office 365 account, created Word and Excel documents over the web connection, and had full use of all my office resources. The on-board speakers are fine, but I have spent most of the night with headphones attached, streaming music. For all of the purposes I use a laptop, this Acer handles them all with ease. Wi-fi connection is speedy and solid, and the cpu never choked. I love this big boy. Nice job, Acer!

Wow – Chromebooks have come a long way since I’ve used them last! I’m a PC guy, so using Chrome OS really wasn’t my thing. This latest Chromebook ALMOST made me change my mind – still missing just a few key items. Right off the back – you can help but notice the well finished, aluminum case. It is stylish. It is light. The battery lasts for 12 hours. The Wifi is AC based – and FAST. The screen is a full 1080p for HD. It really is AWESOME! Wait…..looking at the keyboard – where is the Delete key? Where is the Caps Lock, page up, page down, home, end, etc? Why? Why?? Why??? It’s so close to replacing a laptop for me. At work, I use a virtual desktop – so in couple quick steps and a Citrix logon, I’m running Windows 10 for my company in a browser window – and it works great! All accept for “deleting” an email. My choices? Either right click the email and select Delete. Move my mouse to the delete “x” in Outlook, or use a keyboard combination like Alt+Backspace. My kids however, love it. Touch screen is awesome. The school system uses Apple iPads and Google Chromebooks, so the kids took to it immediately whilst mom and dad – the old PC generation aren’t quite as nimble. Your google accounts takes you immediately to productivity. Chrome Browser favorites are seamlessly synced from your legacy devise to your new Chromebook. Good photos, docs, sheets, google+, etc all immediately available. Really slick I tell ya! Speakers put out some good sounds too! Right on top so it’s easy to hear. MicroSD slot for quick expandability. USB C for power and other devices. Webcam built right in for convenient use. Responsive and smooth trackpad for easy mouse navigation. I enabled Bluetooth and paired by Microsoft Arc Mouse for even more easy use. Again – very sleek, large and impressive device. Even though it’s missing that Delete key, I’m going to give it a week or two of real production use and see how it goes. Nice job Acer! You’re stepping up your game! Four stars only because Chromebooks are missing what I think are crucial keys on the keyboard. Darn it!