Search
  • Videos
  • Windows 10
  • 5G
  • CES
  • Best VPNs
  • Cloud
  • Security
  • more
    • AI
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
  • Newsletters
  • All Writers
    • Preferences
    • Community
    • Newsletters
    • Log Out
  • Menu
    • Videos
    • Windows 10
    • 5G
    • CES
    • Best VPNs
    • Cloud
    • Security
    • AI
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
      • Preferences
      • Community
      • Newsletters
      • Log Out
  • us
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • India
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    • ZDNet around the globe:
    • ZDNet France
    • ZDNet Germany
    • ZDNet Korea
    • ZDNet Japan

Review: Acer Chromebook 13 changing the game with the Nvidia Tegra

9 of 13 NEXT PREV
  • Acer Chromebook 13 with Nvidia Tegra K1

    Acer Chromebook 13 with Nvidia Tegra K1

    Most Chromebooks either have an Intel or ARM-based processor running things. The ARM-based models are from Samsung for the most part, and that means its Exynos version of the ARM chip.

    The Nvidia Tegra K1 processor pairs ARM technology with Nvidia’s graphics prowess, in a low-volt form that promises long battery life. Based on hands-on testing of the first Chromebook with the Nvidia chip, I can say that this is a new option that will shake things up.

    The Acer Chromebook 13 is a thin (0.71 inches) laptop that has a high-resolution display (1,920 x 1,080) option that is as good as anything on a Chromebook (Google's Chromebook Pixel excepted). Even with this HD display, the Nvidia Tegra K1 processor still delivers over 11 hours on a single charge of the battery.

    Display and Nvidia processor aside, the hardware is typical for the Chromebook. Note there is a standard resolution option available (1,366x768) for the Chromebook 13.

    Acer Chromebook 13 hardware specs as reviewed:

    Processor  Nvidia Tegra K1, quad-core, 2.1 GHz
    Display  13.3-inches, 1,920 x 1,080
    Memory  2 GB
    Storage  16 GB
    Communications  Wi-fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 4.0
    Ports  2- USB 3.0, HDMI, Audio
    Webcam  1,280 x 720
    Battery  2,220 mAh, 48 Whr, 11 hours
    Dimensions  12.87 x 8.96 x 0.71 inches; 327 x 227 x 17.95 mm
    Weight  3.31 pounds; 1.5 kg

    It's all about performance

    I have been using the Acer Chromebook 13 for a few weeks, and at first the quad-core Nvidia Tegra K1 failed to impress. Performance was so-so and the system was prone to exhibiting lags in the browser. It was enough to elicit my concerns during the testing, but that didn’t last long.

    Google pushed out an update to Chrome OS a few days after I started using the Chromebook 13, and it’s obvious it optimized the OS for the new Nvidia platform. Performance on the Acer device improved remarkably immediately after the update.

    Having used a properly performing Acer Chromebook 13 for a while, it’s clear it is faster and has smoother performance than Chromebooks with Intel processors. This includes Acer’s own 720 model with the Core i3 processor recently reviewed . The Nvidia Tegra K1 is definitely a better performer than either the Atom with Bay Trail or the Celeron with Haswell on all of the Chromebooks I have used.

    This is also true when comparing the Chromebook 13 with non-Nvidia ARM processors. There are no lags anywhere on the Nvidia-based Chromebook and everything runs as smooth as butter.

    HD Video

    Given Nvidia’s experience with graphic systems, it is no surprise to find this is an area in which the Acer Chromebook 13 excels. Playing full-screen HD video on the 1,920 x 1,080 display is as smooth as can be.

    Featured

    • Samsung's Galaxy S21 is official: Release date, price, features, specs and everything else you need to know
    • Best laptops at CES 2021: Top notebooks, 2-in-1s, and ultraportables
    • Capitol attack's cybersecurity fallout: Stolen laptops, lost data and possible espionage
    • Best web hosting in 2021: Find the right service for your site

    The only issue I've had using the high-resolution screen has nothing to do with the hardware. Some Chrome OS UI elements are very small on the high-res screen. The only way to make them bigger (without going into the experimental section) is to lower the resolution of the display in the settings.

    Fortunately, in the latest version of Chrome OS, Google added an easily accessible way to do this. There's a drop-down box for changing screen resolution on the fly. The setting just lower than the native screen resolution (1,536 x 864) works well on the 13.3-inch screen. No reboot is required, so the resolution can be changed as desired. It would be great if Chrome OS would allow changing just the UI elements, leaving the screen at the proper high resolution.

    The hardware

    The Acer Chromebook 13 has a full size HDMI port for connecting to peripherals. It also has two USB 3.0 ports. Rounding out the hardware is the inclusion of 802.11 ac Wi-Fi.

    The Chromebook 13 delivers over 11 hours on a charge in the real world, which makes this device one of the longest lasting currently available. This battery life is with the full HD screen. The standard resolution model should get 13 hours on a charge, an amazing run-time.

    The new Acer Chromebook is very thin, and is constructed out of plastic. It feels durable, but is not as sturdy as it would be with a metal case. The Chromebook 13 can be carried in small bags given its 0.71 inch thickness and weight of 3.3 pounds. It can be up and running seconds after taking it out and opening the lid.

    The keyboard is quite good and supports rapid touch typing. The large trackpad may feel like plastic (it is), but it works well as Chrome OS in general handles trackpad control well.

    Pros:

    • Good performance
    • Great HD video playback
    • Stellar battery life
    • Full size HDMI port

    Cons:

    • Plastic construction
    • Chrome OS controls tiny at high resolution

    Reviewer’s rating: 9.5 out of 10

    What it means

    The Acer Chromebook 13 is available from Amazon and Best Buy. The high-resolution model as reviewed is $299.99 and the standard resolution configuration starts at $279.99.

    After using this device for a while, I am impressed with the Acer Chromebook 13. If I was buying a Chromebook today, this would be my choice without hesitation.

    The performance of the Acer Chromebook 13 is so good that it will change the laptop landscape. Having good performance with outstanding battery life makes this the Chromebook to beat at the time of this writing. Models with Intel had a lock on good performance until the Nvidia Tegra K1 arrived. Intel should be concerned about the ramifications.

    Additional Chromebook coverage: 

    • Citrix and Google partner to bring native enterprise features to Chromebooks
    • Six months with the Acer C720 Chromebook: Still good for $199
    • Chromebooks: Going offline to compete
    • Chromebooks: Stuck between a rock and a cheap place
    • 11 tips and tricks for the Chromebook
    Published: September 4, 2014 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT)

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Acer Chromebook 13 side

    Acer Chromebook 13 side

    You can see how thin (0.71 inch) the laptop is from this side view. 

    Published: September 4, 2014 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT)

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Acer Chromebook 13 keyboard

    Acer Chromebook 13 keyboard

    The keyboard offers a nice typing experience. The entire trackpad is one big button and works very well.

    Published: September 4, 2014 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT)

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Acer Chromebook 13 closed

    Acer Chromebook 13 closed

    The white plastic construction looks very nice.

    Published: September 4, 2014 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT)

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Acer Chromebook 13 bottom

    Acer Chromebook 13 bottom

    As is common with current laptops, the battery is sealed and not user replaceable.

    Published: September 4, 2014 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT)

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Acer Chromebook 13 ports left

    Acer Chromebook 13 ports left

    The ports on the left side of the laptop, from left to right:

    USB 3.0

    SD slot

    Published: September 4, 2014 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT)

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Acer Chromebook 13 ports right

    Acer Chromebook 13 ports right

    The ports on the right side of the laptop, from left to right:

    Audio

    Power jack

    Published: September 4, 2014 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT)

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Acer Chromebook 13 ports back

    Acer Chromebook 13 ports back

    The ports on the back of the laptop, from left to right:

    USB 3.0

    HDMI

    Published: September 4, 2014 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT)

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Acer Chromebook 13 SD slot

    Acer Chromebook 13 SD slot

    Close-up of the SD slot.

    Published: September 4, 2014 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT)

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Acer Chromebook 13 LED indicators

    Acer Chromebook 13 LED indicators

    There are two indicators on the hinge, one for power and one as a battery indicator.

    Published: September 4, 2014 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT)

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Current Chrome OS version for Nvidia

    Current Chrome OS version for Nvidia

    Google has pushed two Chrome OS updates for the Nvidia platform in the few weeks I've been using this laptop. Performance is outstanding as a result.

    Published: September 4, 2014 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT)

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Chrome OS display settings

    Chrome OS display settings

    This dialog lets you change screen resolution on the fly, no reboot required.

    Published: September 4, 2014 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT)

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Acer Chromebook 13 sticker

    Acer Chromebook 13 sticker

    Overview of the configuration as reviewed.

    Published: September 4, 2014 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT)

    Caption by: James Kendrick

9 of 13 NEXT PREV
James Kendrick

By James Kendrick for Mobile News | September 4, 2014 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT) | Topic: Mobility

  • Acer Chromebook 13 with Nvidia Tegra K1
  • Acer Chromebook 13 side
  • Acer Chromebook 13 keyboard
  • Acer Chromebook 13 closed
  • Acer Chromebook 13 bottom
  • Acer Chromebook 13 ports left
  • Acer Chromebook 13 ports right
  • Acer Chromebook 13 ports back
  • Acer Chromebook 13 SD slot
  • Acer Chromebook 13 LED indicators
  • Current Chrome OS version for Nvidia
  • Chrome OS display settings
  • Acer Chromebook 13 sticker

The first Chromebook with the Nvidia Tegra is going to shake things up, especially for Intel.

Read More Read Less

Acer Chromebook 13 SD slot

Close-up of the SD slot.

Published: September 4, 2014 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT)

Caption by: James Kendrick

9 of 13 NEXT PREV

Related Topics:

Smartphones Mobile OS Security Hardware Reviews
James Kendrick

By James Kendrick for Mobile News | September 4, 2014 -- 12:00 GMT (05:00 PDT) | Topic: Mobility

Show Comments
LOG IN TO COMMENT
  • My Profile
  • Log Out
| Community Guidelines

Join Discussion

Add Your Comment
Add Your Comment

Related Galleries

  • 1 of 3
  • First look: Galaxy S21 and everything else announced at Samsung Unpacked [in pictures]

    Browse all the products and highlights from Samsung's January 2021 Unpacked event.

  • Winter Zoom backgrounds: New year, new virtual meeting decor

    Choose from beautiful landscapes, snow birds, winter holidays and more.

  • Incipio Grip case for Google Pixel 4a 5G: Enhanced grip and 14 feet drop protection

    While the Pixel 4a 5G is an affordable phone, it is still worth protecting from accidental drops. Incipio has its Grip case available in two colors for this black Pixel phone. ...

  • ZAGG Pixel 4a 5G hands-on: Cases and screen protectors for Google's affordable 5G phone

    There are Gear4 cases and InvisibleShield screen protectors available for the new Google Pixel 4a 5G smartphone. These products offer protection for one of Google's best values. ...

  • BodyGuardz cases for Apple iPhone 12: Unequal drop protection and antimicrobial treatment

    BodyGuardz incorporates its Unequal technology to help protect your phone from drops. The cases do not add much weight or thickness, but provide a nice option for protection for less ...

  • ESR cases for the Apple iPhone 12: Kickstands, protection, and MagSafe support

    Video content is enjoyable on a smartphone, but it helps to have a kickstand case to prop it up. ESG makes some of the best kickstand cases, but also has other case options for the new Apple ...

  • Incipio and Survivor cases: Sleek, stylish protection for the Apple iPhone 12

    The four new Apple iPhone 12 devices are available to purchase and case collections from Incipio and Survivor are now available to protect your new investment. ...

ZDNet
Connect with us

© 2021 ZDNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Privacy Policy | Cookie Settings | Advertise | Terms of Use

  • Topics
  • Galleries
  • Videos
  • Sponsored Narratives
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About ZDNet
  • Meet The Team
  • All Authors
  • RSS Feeds
  • Site Map
  • Reprint Policy
  • Manage | Log Out
  • Join | Log In
  • Membership
  • Newsletters
  • Site Assistance
  • ZDNet Academy
  • TechRepublic Forums