Acer is upgrading its high-end convertible Chromebooks with enhanced AI functionalities. Unveiled at IFA 2025 in Berlin, the latest Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 (CP514-5HN) is powered by a MediaTek Kompanio Ultra chip featuring a neural processing unit (NPU) that can achieve up to 50 TOPS, unlocking unique software functionalities.

The Spin 514 stands as the only Chromebook Plus model equipped with an NPU, alongside the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, which utilizes the same processor. Similar to its rival, the Spin 514 offers a complimentary trial of Google AI Pro, granting 12 months of access to sophisticated AI tools such as Veo 3 Fast and NotebookLM.

“With high-performance capabilities, AI resources, and a sturdy premium framework, the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 will enable creators, workers, and educators to innovate, engage, and remain efficient from any location,” stated James Lin, General Manager of Notebooks at Acer, in an official announcement.

One configuration of the Spin 514 is currently listed on Acer’s website for $799.99; a different option will be available at Best Buy later this month for $100 less. Early reviews are encouraging, with the Spin 514 regarded as a solid budget 2-in-1 laptop.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 specifications and availability

Acer provided a Spin 514 (model CP514-1HN-K6DY) with the following specifications:

– MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 processor
– Arm Immortalis-G925 MC11 integrated graphics
– 12GB RAM
– 256GB UFS storage
– 14-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 16:10 aspect ratio, and stylus compatibility (sold separately)
– 1080p webcam
– WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
– Non-backlit keyboard
– Two USB-C ports and a headphone jack on the left; two USB-A ports and a Kensington lock slot on the right

The finalized version available at Best Buy will feature a 5MP webcam and is set at $699.99, launching later this month.

Acer commenced sales of another configuration on its website for $799.99 on September 4 (model CP514-5HN-K4ZE). It boasts 16GB of RAM, a fingerprint scanner, and a backlit keyboard, along with a display with a higher 2.8K resolution but a lower refresh rate of 60Hz.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 design

The 2025 Spin 514 measures 12.32 x 9.13 x 0.61 inches and has a weight of three pounds, rendering it slightly bulkier than an M4 MacBook Air. It’s sleek and portable, even if not the slimmest laptop available.

The Spin 514 is on the higher end of the Chromebook price spectrum, but its design exudes premium quality, and the build is impressive. The lid shows no flex when pressed, and the hinge is robust, allowing the display to rotate a full 360 degrees into tablet mode.

The Spin 514 complies with military-grade MIL-STD810H standards, having been tested for extreme resilience, able to withstand four-foot drops and 25,000 open/close cycles.

Visually, the Spin 514 is appealing with an aluminum shell and glossy metallic accents. The Platinum Silver finish tends to show fingerprints easily.

The keyboard cover is constructed from matte plastic, harmonizing with the overall chassis for a seamless appearance.

Display

The Spin 514’s bezels are somewhat thick, but the touchscreen functions well. The 120Hz refresh rate enhances gaming and video playback. Text and details are sharp, making the higher-res display with a lower refresh rate unnecessary unless additional RAM is required.

The brightness of the screen is rated at 300 nits, typically used at maximum settings. The higher-priced model’s display can reach up to 340 nits, which is a minor difference.

Keyboard and touchpad

The Spin 514’s keyboard is responsive and comfortable, though it lacks backlighting and a fingerprint reader, which are features of the more expensive configuration. It includes dedicated keys for the Launcher and Quick Insert tool.

The touchpad is made from Acer’s “OceanGlass” material, which has a glass-like feel and is resistant to moisture.

Speakers

The Spin 514 features upward-firing speakers that can sound somewhat tinny but are not considered poor quality. The sound is clear, and the speaker position helps prevent muffling.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 performance

The Spin 514 operates with a fan but remained quiet and cool during stress testing. In Geekbench 6, it achieved a score of 7,187, making it the second-fastest model assessed.

Google AI features

Chromebook Plus models introduce AI features unavailable on standard Chromebooks. The NPU in the Spin 514 enables smart grouping and an on-device image editor. Smart grouping organizes tabs by subject, beneficial for multitaskers. The image editor’s tools are