Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 Review: Spotlight on Google Gemini


### Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 Review: A Reliable Chromebook with Some Shortcomings

The **Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714** has reminded me of the enjoyment I derive from using Chromebooks. Being heavily immersed in the Google ecosystem for both professional and personal tasks, along with owning an Android device (such as the [Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra](https://mashable.com/review/samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra)), I find that Chromebooks provide a convenience that my [M2 MacBook Air](https://mashable.com/review/15-inch-macbook-air-m2) simply cannot offer.

The setup process for the Chromebook was incredibly straightforward. I signed in using my Google account, and everything synced without a hitch. In contrast to Windows laptops, where I frequently forget my Microsoft credentials, the Chromebook’s initiation was seamless and user-friendly.

Priced under $500, I briefly contemplated using a Chromebook as my primary device. However, one significant limitation brought me back to reality. Nonetheless, I’d contend that the **Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714** ranks among the [top Chromebooks](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-chromebooks) available.

### Price and Specs

The **Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714** starts at [$499 through Best Buy](https://zdcs.link/QWdpOW?pageview_type=RSS&template=review&module=content_body&element=offer&item=text-link&element_label=%24499%20via%20Best%20Buy&object_type=review&object_uuid=04GI1J4a5YeB8liKI3VUpnJ&short_url=QWdpOW&u=https%3A%2F%2Fmashable.com%2Ffeeds%2Frss%2Fall) and includes the following specifications:

– **Intel Core i5-1335U**
– **8GB of RAM**
– **256GB SSD storage**
– **14-inch, 1920 x 1200-pixel display**
– **ChromeOS**

For those in need of additional power, there’s an option to upgrade to an **Intel Core Ultra 5 115U** for an extra $200, bringing the total to [$699](https://zdcs.link/z3bwxm?pageview_type=RSS&template=review&module=content_body&element=offer&item=text-link&element_label=additional%20%24200%20for%20a%20price%20of%20%24699.&object_type=review&object_uuid=04GI1J4a5YeB8liKI3VUpnJ&short_url=z3bwxm&u=https%3A%2F%2Fmashable.com%2Ffeeds%2Frss%2Fall).

### Design

The design of the **Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714** appeals to me. The **Steel Gray** aluminum body, complemented by rose gold accents on the hinges and touchpad, exudes a contemporary aesthetic.

True to its name, “Spin,” this Chromebook is remarkably adaptable. Its 360-degree hinge allows for conversion into multiple positions, including **tent mode** for viewing media and **tablet mode** for sketching and note-taking. However, as with most 2-in-1 devices, utilizing it in tablet mode can make the keyboard somewhat intrusive, which might not be the most comfortable experience.

A notable feature is its **MIL-STD 810H** certification, indicating it can handle the rigors of daily use. This makes it a suitable choice for children or anyone prone to accidental drops. However, it’s not the lightest option on the market, tipping the scales at **3.21 pounds** and measuring **0.74 inches thick**.

### Display

I didn’t anticipate much from the **14-inch, 1920 x 1200-pixel display**, but it surpassed my expectations. The **16:10 aspect ratio** offers increased vertical screen real estate, which is beneficial for browsing and document reading.

While viewing trailers like *Snow White (2025)*, the display rendered colors and details vividly, creating an enjoyable viewing experience. On the downside, the screen’s brightness is somewhat underwhelming, maxing out at **340 nits**, which may hinder visibility in well-lit settings. However, indoors, it performs adequately.

### Ports

The **Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714** boasts a respectable array of ports:

– **Left side**:
– 2x **USB-C/Thunderbolt 4**
– **HDMI 2.0**
– **Right side**:
– **USB-A (3.2 Gen 1)**
– **Headset jack**

Additionally, it supports **Wi-Fi 6E** and **Bluetooth 5.1**,