Review: Acer Spin 514 (MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910)
I wanted to share my thoughts on the new Acer Spin 514 with the MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910.
TL;DR: This is a great device.
I have the 12-gig variant. It's a convertible with a touchscreen-the manufacturer claims 100% sRGB, and it feels pretty bright to me. I really enjoy the keyboard; it's actually the most incredible feature here. The battery life is also excellent.
I was debating between this and the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14-inch, which has the same processor. I ended up buying the Acer after finding a great sale on eBay-brand new, in box-and I'm very satisfied.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The keyboard is amazing to type on. The trackpad is absolutely fantastic (!!). I know there aren't many YouTube reviews of this specific Chromebook, which is why I'm writing this. It's a shame we don't have more coverage-it feels like Lenovo is the only reviewed Chromebook with this processor. But really, the Acer offers pretty much the same thing.
Port Layout Concerns
Buying this, I wasn't thrilled about the I/O layout. One side has two USB-Cs and a headphone jack; the other has two USB-As. That's a missed opportunity.. having USB-C on both sides would be better, and I know Lenovo has that. So I was a little concerned.
But here's why I decided to buy it anyway.
Why I Chose This Device
First because I found a great deal on eBay for this brand new. Second, the touchscreen. For me, it's very important. In the past I used to think I don't need it.. but once I had it, I use it all the time. I find it faster to tap the screen than reach for the trackpad.
Also, being a convertible means I can watch movies with my partner much more comfortably. I can flip the screen and watch without the distraction of the keyboard. It just gives us more room.
This processor is ARM-based, which means great battery life. And because it's a powerful ARM processor running Chrome OS, tablet mode turns this into a !! powerhouse !! tablet. Great battery, touchscreen, amazing ARM processor that runs Android apps fantastically. For me, that was the biggest selling point. Think about what you get here - probably one of the best tablets on the market.
Speakers and Fingerprint Sensor
Some reviews criticize the speakers, but honestly who cares about bass? These are upward-firing speakers in the keyboard area. I just want to hear YouTube videos or understand people on Zoom calls. If I want high-quality audio, I'll connect my wireless earbuds.
I know a lot of people want a fingerprint sensor. This one doesn't have it. For me, it's not a big deal since I never use those.
USB-C Workaround
The only real issue for me is not having USB-C on both sides. I solved this by buying a longer USB-C charging cable. Now it's not a big trouble. And honestly, I feel comfortable charging to 100% and heading to a café without even bringing a charger because I know it'll last the whole day, probably two days.
Yesterday I worked at least four or five hours on this device. Today, I watched a couple of YouTube videos and as I'm writing this review I have 58% battery left. This is exactly what I needed. Thank you Tech Gods for the ARM technology, I love it Thank you.
I'm a heavy Linux user. I have a mini PC with Linux for powerful, high-productivity work. For my old laptop: I came from a typical Acer with an Intel i7-not a Chromebook, a Windows laptop I installed Linux on. The battery would die after four hours. I had to charge twice a day just to get through my workday. Frustrating.
Weight
The weight is a little heavy for my preference: 1.38 kg. I'd prefer 1.2 kg, which is what the Lenovo offers. But it depends on the price, and Lenovo isn't offering any deals right now on their laptop. Acer, on the other hand, typically has lots of refurbished options and discount deals - that's just how they do business. So it gives better access to this CPU IMO.
Chrome OS: The Cherry on Top
Now let me talk about the real cherry on top: Chrome OS.
Wow. It's not my first Chromebook, but I came back after a long time, and Chrome OS is incredible. It's so fast, has everything I need. I can be super productive with multiple desktops, Gemini baked in with a right-click, one tap dictation, a beautiful recording app that transcribes all my meetings... God I really like this.
This is a 120Hz screen (make sure you get the 12GB version for that). Chrome OS plus 120Hz plus this MediaTek processor plus touchscreen = it's just amazing. Everything is super fast and smooth.
The 16-gig version has a 90Hz screen, which is probably still great. I don't really know why you'd need 16 gigs in a Chromebook (but maybe you have your reasons..) For my use case anyways, it's not something I worry about.
Chrome OS gives you Android apps with an amazing variety. I love that Google added a UI for "apps & games" recommendations. WhatsApp on Chromebook is incredible-I can make calls while it's still connected to my phone, so it's not like mobile WhatsApp anymore. A lot simply works beautifully.
Chrome OS has come a long way.
For anyone thinking of buying a laptop, I think there are only two options today: Mac or Chrome OS. Windows is too bloated, heavy, laggy, full of malware, no privacy, no security. It's done for me.
If you're in the Apple ecosystem, MacBooks are great: ARM processors, great battery life, great performance. If you're more into Android, Chrome OS is absolutely a beast. With this processor, it's even better. The prices are better than MacBooks, and you get MacBook quality with, in my opinion, a better OS.
I forgot to mention: I really like the function keys and the ability to customize keyboard shortcuts through Chrome OS. And as the whole world has moved toward the browser (less Photoshop, more Canva) Chrome OS is the best operating system.. At least for my use case.