In addition to launching the Chromebook 13 and Chromebook Spin 13 this morning, Acer announced larger 15-inch models. The Spin 15 is the more premium version, but the line in general focuses on more casual use cases and media watching, with the Chromebook 15 targeted as being “value-oriented.”
Acer has been selling its Chromebook 15 in a variety of configurations since January of 2015. In fact, they currently list 8 different varieties on the Acer online store and somehow more at Amazon. There are bare bones versions of the Acer Chromebook 15 for as little at $179 at Walmart, but what we’re here to talk about today is a relatively high-end model affectionately named the “CB515-1HT-P39B.”
Most important, is its aluminum shell or at least half the shell, which your friends, if their vision isn’t great, might mistake for a 2015 MacBook Pro. It also has 2 charge capable USB-C ports on either side with 2 legacy USB-A ports, as well.
I took my first look at this year’s model at IFA in August and last week Acer sent me one for review. Here are my thoughts after a week.
Announcements from IFA are slowly starting to trickle in, and one of the first comes from Acer with the company’s updated Chromebook 15. This latest model of the Chromebook 15 makes some solid improvements over its predecessors, and for those in the market for a large and powerful Chromebook option, this looks like one of your best bets.
Chrome OS is my favorite platform for “grab and go” work, especially writing. Over the past few years I’ve had the chance to play with several Chromebooks from the uber-cheap to the top-of-the-line, but last year I found a happy medium, the Acer Chromebook 15.
With a reasonable price point, capable specs, and a fantastic display, it was my perfect machine for using around the house and on the go for work, despite being a little large. Eventually, I gave it up to upgrade to the Dell Chromebook 13 for the sake of a bit more power, but the Chromebook 15 remained one of my favorite options, and one I recommended when the prices started dropping even further.
Now, Acer has launched a refresh to the Chromebook 15 just ahead of the holidays, and it’s sure to get people’s attention with a super affordable price tag. However, is it actually worth picking up? Let’s take a quick look.
After a slow start, Google’s rollout for Android apps on Chrome OS is gearing up for a big expansion over the coming weeks. In the latest developer channel update, we’ve seen several Chromebooks pick up Android apps, and now three more are joining that list.
Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.
Klipsch (Sub-12HG) Synergy Series 12-Inch 300-Watt Subwoofer: $199 shipped (Orig: $499)
Acer Chromebook 15 Laptop: $259.99 shipped (Orig: $350)
Apple 12-inch MacBook w/ Retina display 1.2GHz/8GB/512GB in all colors: $1,500 shipped (Orig: $1,599)
Mackie CR3 powered speakers + Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Pro Headphones: $130 shipped (Orig: $199)
Today only, as part of its Gold Box Deals of the Day, Amazon is offering up to 80% off a wide selection of Back-to-School Essentialsincluding notebooks, binders, Sharpies, post-it-notes, scissors, tape, pens, and just about everything else you’ll need. One standout is the 3-Pack of Scotch 8-inch Precision Ultra Edge Scissors (1458-3AMZ) for $9.95 with free shipping for Prime members (free trial) or on orders over $35. That’s as much as $14 under some bloated listings and the best price we can find by $3+.
Perfect for going back to school or around the office, these multi-colored scissors are the best selling option on Amazon and have received a 4.7/5 star rating from over 1,600 Amazon customers. Here are some more of our top picks from the sale:
