Acer C731T Chromebook
© 2017 Acer of America
Note that this laptop is sold with a different name in the consumer market .. the Acer 11 N7. Strong, cheap, light and powerful, this is our favorite and fastest Chromebook so far. It would be ideal for a library or school. We didn't drop test our review unit, but it seems very well made (Acer says it can survive a fall from a 48 inch desk, and it has a spill-resistant keyboard with a "gutter system" designed to drains root beer away from internal components. Other features include a touch screen, 12-hour batteries, a Kensington port, and no fan. The keyboard and touch pad is standard, and the screen is bright and clear. The speakers are a bit tiny, but powerful enough. A Kensington lock is available if you want to physically secure the computer to a table or cart. The more expensive version of this computer comes with more RAM and a swivel screen for easy sharing. The computer is 0.87 inches (22 mm) thick and weighs 2.98 pounds (1.35 kg). Setting up the computer was fast and easy, as long as you have an existing Google account and good Wi-Fi. If you do, you can be up and running in less than 2 minutes. You'll find Bluetooth 4.0, two USB 3.0 ports and one HDMI port. There is no USB-C option. Students can plug in headphones with the 3.5 mm combo audio port. Files can be transferred with the device’s built-in SD card reader. This computer has Google behind it. The Chrome OS is automatically updated. The price starts at $230 for the 16 GB model.
$230, Chrome
Teaches: A Chromebook for schools or libraries
CTR Rating: 100%