Chromebook or Chromebook Plus? A Student's Guide
Choosing the right device for your studies can make all the difference, especially in an age where remote learning has become the norm. For students, having a reliable, efficient, and portable laptop is essential to staying on top of assignments, participating in virtual classes, and even enjoying some downtime with movies or games. Acer offers a range of Chromebooks designed specifically with students in mind. But with the introduction of the new Chromebook Plus models, how do you decide which one is best for you?
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between the standard Acer Chromebook and the newer Chromebook Plus models, focusing on aspects that matter most to students, such as performance, features, portability, and battery life. We’ll also walk you through how to set up your Acer Chromebook for remote learning, ensuring you’re ready to hit the ground running. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a device packed with advanced features, this guide will help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
Performance and Budget: Chromebook vs. Chromebook Plus
When it comes to performance, the Acer Chromebook and Chromebook Plus models cater to different needs, with the latter offering a noticeable boost in processing power. The standard Acer Chromebook models, such as the Acer Chromebook 315, are equipped with reliable processors that handle everyday tasks like browsing the web, streaming videos, and working on documents efficiently. However, the Chromebook Plus models take things a step further with newer, more powerful processors, including the 13th Gen Intel® Core™ processors in the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 and the AMD Ryzen™ 5 in the Acer Chromebook Plus 514. These upgrades make the Chromebook Plus models particularly well-suited for students who need to multitask across demanding applications or engage in creative tasks like photo editing with Adobe Photoshop.
From a budget perspective, the standard Acer Chromebook models like the Acer Chromebook 315 offer excellent value for students who need a reliable laptop without breaking the bank. Priced affordably, they are perfect for basic academic needs. On the other hand, the Chromebook Plus models, with their enhanced performance and additional features, come at a higher price point. For students who require more power for tasks beyond basic computing, investing in a Chromebook Plus might be a wise decision, offering greater longevity and capability for intensive academic and creative work.
Feature Comparison: What Do You Get with Chromebook Plus?
When comparing the Acer Chromebook to the Chromebook Plus models, one of the most noticeable differences lies in the display quality and size. The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 features a large 15.6-inch Full HD display, providing ample screen real estate for multitasking, watching lectures, and engaging in creative projects. This makes it an excellent choice for students who prefer a larger display for productivity and entertainment. On the other hand, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 offers a more compact 14-inch WUXGA display, which strikes a balance between portability and visual clarity. The 16:10 aspect ratio and anti-glare coating ensure that the screen is crisp and easy to read, even in bright environments, making it perfect for students who need to study on the go.
In addition to the superior display, the Chromebook Plus models come packed with advanced features designed to enhance the user experience. Both models include a 1080p webcam with AI-powered enhancements like Temporal Noise Reduction (TNR), ensuring clear video quality for online classes and meetings. The high-resolution IPS displays offer vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, making content creation and media consumption more enjoyable.
Setting up your Acer Chromebook for remote learning
Ease of setup:
Setting up your Acer Chromebook or Chromebook Plus for remote learning is straightforward and quick, allowing you to get started with your studies in no time. Begin by powering on the device and connecting to Wi-Fi by selecting your network and entering the password. Once connected, log in with your Google account or create one if you don’t have one. After logging in, you can access the Google Play Store to install essential apps like Google Classroom, Zoom, and any other educational tools needed for your coursework. Configure your device’s settings, such as adjusting the display brightness and enabling night mode for comfortable study sessions. The setup process is user-friendly, ensuring you can dive into your schoolwork without any technical hurdles.
Educational tools:
Both the Acer Chromebook and Chromebook Plus are optimized for use with a wide range of educational tools. Google Classroom, for example, runs smoothly on these devices, allowing you to manage assignments, collaborate with classmates, and communicate with teachers. The Chromebook Plus models further enhance the learning experience with their ability to seamlessly integrate advanced tools like Adobe Express and Google’s AI-powered features. These enhancements make tasks like editing projects, conducting research, and organizing notes more efficient and engaging, providing you with the technology you need to excel in your remote learning environments.
Portability and durability for students on the go
Portability:
When it comes to portability, both the Acer Chromebook and Chromebook Plus models are designed with students' needs in mind. The Acer Chromebook 314, with its 14-inch screen and lightweight design, is a highly portable option, making it ideal for everyday use. It easily fits into a backpack and is perfect for students who need a reliable device to carry between classes. On the other hand, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 offers a similar 14-inch display but adds a bit more power and features, making it a slightly more advanced option for those who need extra capabilities on the go. For students who prefer a larger screen, the Acer Chromebook Plus 515, with its 15.6-inch display, provides more screen real estate while still being reasonably portable for campus life.
Durability:
Durability is where the Chromebook Plus models truly shine. The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 and 515 are built to meet MIL-STD 810H standards, ensuring they can withstand the bumps and knocks of daily student life. This makes them particularly suitable for students who are rough on their tech or need a device that can endure the rigors of a busy schedule. The Acer Chromebook 314, while not built to the same military-grade standards, still offers solid durability with a well-constructed chassis designed to handle everyday use. However, if you’re looking for a device that offers both portabilitand extra durability, the Chromebook Plus models are the better choice, providing peace of mind along with their enhanced features.
Long battery life for a full day of learning
Battery life comparison:
Battery life is a critical factor for students who need their devices to last through a full day of classes and study sessions. The Acer Chromebook Plus models excel in this area, offering up to 10 to 12 hours of usage on a single charge. This extended battery life means you can confidently attend classes, participate in group projects, and complete homework without worrying about finding a power outlet. In comparison, while standard Acer Chromebooks also offer impressive battery performance, the Chromebook Plus models stand out for their ability to keep up with the most demanding schedules.
Choosing the best Acer Chromebook for your needs
Final recommendation:
When selecting the right Acer Chromebook for your needs, it comes down to how you plan to use your device. If you’re a student who requires a machine for heavy multitasking, creative projects, or advanced coursework, the Acer Chromebook Plus models, with their powerful processors and enhanced features, are ideal. For those who need a reliable device for casual browsing, note-taking, and streaming, the Acer Chromebook 315 is a top-rated, budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on performance. It offers the essentials without leaving you out of pocket, making it perfect for students on a tight budget.
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About Maxine Sheppard: Maxine is a writer and editor who specializes in topics ranging from travel, tech and music to wildlife and design. When not writing, you might find her driving through a national park with the radio on loud.
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