Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) Information

The Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) is a versatile mid-range Chromebook designed for everyday productivity and casual use. With a 15.6-inch Full HD display, it delivers clear visuals for browsing, streaming, and document work. The device runs on an Intel Pentium N4200 processor paired with 4 GB of RAM, offering smooth performance for lightweight tasks such as web browsing, email, and basic office applications. Its support for Android and Linux applications expands its functionality, allowing users to run a wide range of apps directly from the Chrome Web Store or through Linux containers. The built-in touchscreen adds convenience for touch-based interactions, making it suitable for both casual use and light creative work.

Priced at $125.99 on Amazon, this model provides excellent value for users seeking an affordable entry into ChromeOS. It features a range of connectivity options including USB ports, a MicroSD card slot, and audio jacks, enhancing its versatility for various tasks. While the 32 GB eMMC storage is sufficient for basic use, users looking for more space may need to rely on cloud services or external drives. The device is expected to receive updates until June 1^st of 2027, ensuring continued compatibility with modern web standards and ChromeOS features. However, due to its age, it’s recommended to consider upgrading in the future for improved performance and long-term support.

System Specifications

The Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) is an x86_64 based Chromebook powered by a Intel Pentium N4200 clocked at 1.8 GHz with 4 GB of RAM. As far as built-in storage, the Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) has 32 GB eMMC of local disk space. The Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) runs code built for the x86_64 architecture.

Performance Expectations

The Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) offers a solid foundation for everyday computing, making it ideal for users who prioritize simplicity and reliability over high-end performance. With its 4 GB of RAM and x86_64 architecture, the device handles basic web browsing, email, and document editing with ease, while still allowing for multitasking in more demanding scenarios. The built-in Intel Pentium N4200 processor ensures smooth navigation through ChromeOS and Android applications, making it a great choice for students or casual users looking to stay connected without the need for a full desktop computer. For media consumption, the 1920x1080 display provides crisp visuals, whether you're streaming videos or viewing photos, delivering an enjoyable experience for entertainment purposes.

The device's touchscreen adds another layer of flexibility, allowing for intuitive navigation and touch-based interactions with Android apps. This can be particularly useful for users who prefer a more direct approach to app controls or want to take advantage of the larger screen for tasks like note-taking or light creative work. While it may not match the performance of newer models, the Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) remains a capable machine for those seeking an affordable and straightforward computing solution that supports both ChromeOS and Android applications without requiring advanced hardware.

CPU Performance Expectations

The Intel Pentium N4200 CPU in this device provides a balanced approach to performance, making it well-suited for everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, and light document editing. This processor is capable of handling multiple tabs and basic productivity applications without significant lag, though users who rely on more intensive software may find the experience slightly limited. For media consumption, streaming video and playing standard-definition content runs smoothly, while higher-resolution videos may require some patience due to the CPU's modest capabilities. The 4 GB of RAM complements the processor by ensuring that common workflows remain responsive, although multitasking with several applications at once can lead to occasional slowdowns.

For users who primarily use ChromeOS for online activities and basic software, the Pentium N4200 offers a reliable and efficient experience. It is particularly effective for tasks that do not demand heavy processing power, such as browsing social media, managing emails, or using cloud-based productivity tools. While it may struggle with more demanding applications like video editing or complex spreadsheets, it remains a solid choice for those who prioritize affordability and simplicity over high-end performance. The combination of this CPU and the available RAM ensures that most users will find the device adequate for its intended purpose without unnecessary complications.

Storage Performance Expectations

The Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) comes equipped with a 32 GB eMMC storage solution, which provides reliable performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and media playback. While eMMC is generally slower than SSDs, it still delivers smooth operation for most common use cases, especially when the device has sufficient free space. Users should be mindful of storage management to ensure optimal performance; keeping at least 60% of the drive free can help maintain faster read and write speeds over time. For tasks that require more intensive data handling or frequent file access, this device may show limitations compared to newer models with SSD storage. However, for basic computing needs, the eMMC storage should suffice without significant performance issues. Regularly cleaning up temporary files and uninstalling unused applications can also contribute to maintaining a responsive system experience.

Display Performance Expectations

The Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) features a 15.6-inch display with a resolution of 1920x1080, offering Full HD clarity for everyday tasks and media consumption. While the screen is capable of handling standard web browsing, video streaming, and document editing without issue, users engaging in more demanding visual workloads such as video editing or graphic design may find the display limitations. The resolution provides a decent balance between detail and usability, though it lacks higher refresh rates or color calibration for professional-grade workflows. For general use, the display is sufficient, but those requiring precision color accuracy or advanced multimedia capabilities might consider a dedicated external monitor for enhanced performance.

The device's GPU support enables basic graphic processing, which is adequate for running modern web applications and Android apps smoothly. While it may not handle complex software development tasks with high-performance graphics requirements, the built-in hardware can still provide a satisfactory experience for light coding or design work. Users should expect some limitations when working on more intensive visual projects without additional external tools or displays. The overall display performance aligns well with its role as a mid-tier Chromebook, making it suitable for typical consumer use cases while acknowledging its constraints in professional multimedia environments.

Android Performance Expectations

The Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) offers a solid foundation for Android-based tasks, making it suitable for users who rely on apps from the Google Play Store. With 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of eMMC storage, this device can handle basic Android applications such as messaging, social media, and lightweight productivity tools like Google Docs or Sheets without significant performance issues. However, it may struggle with more demanding apps or those that require substantial storage space for offline use, especially if the user intends to store large files or games locally.

For casual gaming on Android, this device can run simpler titles smoothly, but users looking for high-end mobile gaming should consider a more powerful option. The touchscreen feature enhances the experience for certain apps, particularly those designed with touch in mind, though it's not essential for all Android tasks. For media consumption, such as streaming videos or listening to music, the 1920x1080 resolution and built-in speakers provide a satisfactory experience without needing additional hardware. Overall, this device is well-suited for users who prioritize portability and basic functionality over advanced performance in Android applications.

Linux Performance Expectations

This device offers moderate performance for Linux applications due to its x86_64 architecture and 4 GB of RAM. While it can handle basic tasks such as text editing, command-line tools, and lightweight development environments, users should expect some limitations when running more resource-intensive software like virtual machines or advanced code editors. The Intel Pentium N4200 processor provides sufficient power for everyday use, but it may struggle with complex builds or large-scale data processing. For video editing, the device can manage simple projects with basic effects, though rendering high-resolution footage might be slow without additional hardware acceleration.

Linux GPU support ensures that graphical applications and some development tools will run smoothly, making it a viable option for users who need to run Linux applications alongside ChromeOS features. However, performance may vary depending on the specific software used. Overall, this device is well-suited for casual use and entry-level tasks but may not be ideal for heavy computing workloads that require more powerful hardware.

Gaming Performance Expectations

Web-Based Gaming Experience/Web-Game Streaming Services

The Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) offers a solid foundation for web-based gaming and cloud-based entertainment, thanks to its Intel Pentium N4200 processor and integrated graphics. While it may not handle the most resource-intensive titles with ease, it can run many casual games and streaming platforms smoothly, especially when relying on cloud rendering or lightweight web experiences. The 4 GB of RAM ensures that basic multitasking remains manageable, though users should be mindful of running too many applications at once to maintain performance.

For those who prefer gaming through browsers or cloud services, this device provides a reliable platform with decent graphics quality for its class. Its 1920x1080 display delivers clear visuals, making it suitable for both casual and competitive play in supported environments. However, users should expect some limitations when playing more demanding games that require higher processing power or dedicated GPU support. Overall, the Chromebook strikes a good balance between performance and affordability, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a budget-friendly gaming setup.

Linux Gaming Experience

The Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) offers a solid foundation for Linux gaming, thanks to its x86_64 architecture and support for Linux applications. With 4 GB of RAM, it can handle lightweight games and multitasking reasonably well, though users should expect some performance limitations when running more demanding titles. The Intel Pentium N4200 processor provides adequate processing power for basic gaming tasks, but it may struggle with higher-end titles that require more robust hardware. Graphics quality will be limited by the integrated GPU, which is suitable for casual gameplay and older titles rather than modern graphically intensive games.

Storage capacity plays a significant role in the Linux gaming experience on this device. The 32 GB eMMC storage is sufficient for installing a few Linux applications and games, but users should be mindful of space constraints. For those looking to expand their library, external storage via MicroSD can help, though it's important to note that Linux applications are installed directly to internal storage. Overall, this device provides a functional platform for Linux gaming, making it a viable option for users seeking an entry-level setup or those who primarily play older or less demanding titles. Users should always check the system requirements of individual games to ensure compatibility with their hardware.

Steam-Based Gaming Experience

The Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) offers a solid foundation for casual gaming through its Linux support and x86_64 architecture, allowing users to install and run a variety of applications that can handle basic gaming tasks. With 4 GB of RAM and a dual-core Intel Pentium N4200 processor, the device is capable of running lightweight games or emulating more complex titles, though performance will be limited compared to modern hardware. The integrated GPU, while not powerful enough for high-end graphics, should suffice for older titles or simpler games that don't demand intensive processing power.

Graphics quality on this device will be modest at best, as the built-in display and lack of dedicated graphics hardware restricts visual fidelity. Users looking to run Steam-based games will need to consult individual game system requirements to determine compatibility, as not all titles will perform well on such an older model. While the 32 GB eMMC storage is adequate for basic use, it may pose a challenge for games that require significant space or frequent updates. Overall, this device provides a functional platform for casual gaming but is best suited for users who prioritize budget-friendly performance over high-end graphics and complex gameplay.

Usage Scenarios

ChromeOS devices are versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks. The sections below provide an overview of the experience you can expect when using the Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) in different scenarios. Your experience may vary based on the specific configuration of your device, the applications you use, and your individual usage patterns.

Media Consumption Experience

The Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) delivers a solid media consumption experience thanks to its full HD display, which provides clear visuals for streaming videos, watching movies, or browsing through photo albums. With a resolution of 1920x1080, the screen ensures that content appears crisp and detailed, making it ideal for casual viewing sessions. The device’s built-in speakers offer decent audio quality for everyday use, though users looking for more immersive sound may prefer to connect external headphones or speakers via the headphone/microphone combo jack.

For offline media storage, the 32 GB eMMC internal storage is sufficient for a modest collection of videos and music files, but it may feel limiting for those who want to store large libraries. The inclusion of a MicroSD card slot allows for additional storage capacity, which can be useful for expanding media collections or backing up important files. While the device's age may impact its ability to handle newer video formats and encryption standards, it still performs well for basic streaming and playback tasks. Overall, this model strikes a balance between affordability and usability for users who prioritize simplicity in their media consumption setup.

ChromeOS Work Experience

The Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) offers a solid foundation for everyday work tasks, making it a reliable choice for users who need a lightweight yet capable device. Its Intel Pentium N4200 processor and 4 GB of RAM provide sufficient power to handle document editing, web browsing, and video conferencing with ease. The 1920x1080 display delivers clear visuals, which is particularly useful when working with spreadsheets or presentations, while the touchscreen feature adds versatility for note-taking and interactive tasks. With Android support, users can access a wide range of mobile applications directly on their Chromebook, enhancing productivity without the need for additional software.

For remote work scenarios, this device supports cloud-based services and virtual desktops, allowing seamless integration into modern workflows. The inclusion of Linux applications further expands its functionality, enabling users to run specific tools or scripts that are essential for certain projects. However, it's important to note that as a mid-tier model, the Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) may struggle with more demanding tasks such as video editing or running complex software. While it remains functional for basic office use, users should be aware that its performance might not keep up with newer devices in the same category. For those seeking a balance between affordability and capability, this Chromebook provides a practical solution for everyday work needs.

ChromeOS Education Experience

The Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) is a solid choice for students looking for a reliable and affordable device to support their learning needs. With a 1920x1080 resolution display, it offers clear visuals that make web browsing, document editing, and video conferencing smooth and comfortable. The Intel Pentium N4200 processor provides enough power to handle basic educational tasks like accessing learning management systems, participating in online classes, and running essential productivity software without lag. Its 4 GB of RAM ensures that multitasking remains manageable, though more intensive applications may require some patience.

The device’s built-in Linux support allows students to run a variety of open-source tools for coding, data analysis, or other advanced projects, making it a versatile tool for both classroom and independent study. The touchscreen functionality adds an extra layer of interactivity, especially when using Android apps that are commonly found in educational environments. With the ability to expand storage via MicroSD, students can easily manage large files or store additional resources without worrying about running out of space. However, it’s important to note that this device is approaching its end-of-life support date, so users should consider future updates and compatibility with newer software as part of their planning.

General Productivity Experience

The Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) offers a solid foundation for everyday productivity tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and multitasking. With its 15.6-inch Full HD display, users can comfortably work on spreadsheets, write emails, or stream content without straining their eyes. The 1920x1080 resolution ensures that text and images remain clear and sharp, making it suitable for both casual use and light professional work. Combined with the Intel Pentium N4200 processor and 4 GB of RAM, this device handles basic applications smoothly, though more resource-intensive tasks may feel slightly sluggish. The touchscreen feature adds an extra layer of convenience, allowing for easier navigation and interaction with Android apps or touch-friendly web interfaces.

For users who need to switch between multiple windows or tabs, the Chromebook’s multitasking capabilities shine. The ability to split-screen and run several browser tabs at once makes it ideal for managing emails, research, and document editing simultaneously. While the 32 GB eMMC storage is sufficient for most basic needs, including ChromeOS itself, users should be mindful of their file management to avoid running out of space. The inclusion of a MicroSD card slot provides an additional way to expand storage if needed, though it’s important to note that Linux applications are installed directly to the internal storage and cannot be placed on external media. Overall, this device remains a capable tool for those who prioritize simplicity and affordability in their computing setup.

Developer Experience

Please note that this section is focused on the developer experience using a stock ChromeOS environment, this should not be confused with the ChromeOS Developer Mode which does allow for additional customizations and development tools at the cost of security and stability.

The Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) offers a solid foundation for developers looking to work on lightweight tasks, thanks to its x86_64 architecture and support for Linux applications. With 4 GB of RAM, the device can handle basic code editing and compiling efficiently, especially when working with tools like Git or Node.js. The 32 GB eMMC storage provides enough space for essential development files, though users may need to manage their projects carefully due to limited capacity. For those who rely on cloud-based IDEs such as Google Cloud Shell or GitHub Codespaces, the Chromebook’s seamless integration with web services ensures a smooth experience without the need for local heavy applications.

The 1920x1080 display offers clear visuals for reading code and debugging, making it suitable for everyday development workflows. While the device lacks advanced GPU capabilities, its Linux support allows developers to run popular tools like Python, VS Code, and more directly on ChromeOS without relying on external storage or complex setup processes. The touchscreen feature enhances usability for touch-based interactions with Android apps or certain Linux applications, though it’s not essential for most coding tasks. For users focused on cloud development, the Chromebook remains a practical choice due to its lightweight design and compatibility with modern web-based tools.

Pricing and Availability

Amazon

The Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) currently on sale on Amazon.com for $125.99.

eBay

eBay is one of the largest marketplaces for both new and used ChromeOS. You can check to see if this Chromebook is available for sale on eBay by clicking here.

Accessories

The Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) is a versatile and powerful Chromebook, offering a seamless blend of performance, design, and flexibility. To unlock its full potential and enhance your user experience, a wide range of accessories can complement this premium device. Whether you're looking to improve productivity, boost creativity, or protect your investment, there’s something for everyone.

In this section, you'll find a curated list of accessories that are fully compatible with the Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT). From must-have peripherals like docking stations, webcams, and chargers to additional enhancements like keyboards, mice and external monitors, we’ve got you covered. Each recommendation has been carefully selected to ensure compatibility, quality, and the best possible experience for your Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT).

MicroSD Cards

The Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) has a MicroSD Card Slot that allows you to expand the storage capacity of your device. This is especially useful if you need to store large files such as videos, photos, or documents. We have compiled a list of MicroSD Cards that are compatible with your device on our Accessories Pahe along with links to purchase the MicroSD Cards.

USB Docking Stations

The Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) can be connected to a USB Docking Station to expand the number of ports available to you. This is especially useful if you need to connect multiple peripherals to your device such as a keyboard, mouse, external hard drive, printer, or other devices. We have compiled a list of USB Docking Stations that are compatible with your Chromebook on our USB Docking Station Accessories Page along with links to purchase the USB Docking Stations.

Universal DisplayLink Docking Stations

Universal Docking Stations powered by DisplayLink Technology allow you to power external displays over a standard USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 Port. These docking stations are excellent for those who wish to focus on productivity but these Universal Docking Stations do have several limitations that may be a problem for some users such as the inability to view High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) such as content from streaming media or Android Applications with security policies that previent screenshots/screen mirroring (banking applications and password managers). Additionally, these limitations may prevent some work related applications from functioning if your company uses any security policies that block screen mirroring or screenshots of company applications.

Although the Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) will work with Universal DisplayLink Docking Stations, it is recommended to use a USB-C Docking Station with Video Output Support for the best experience. USB-C Docking Stations do not suffer from the same limitations as DisplayLink Docking Stations and will allow you to access secure applications that are restricted on DisplayLink.

USB-C Chargers/Power Supplies

The Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) can be charged with a USB Type-C charger using the USB Power Delivery Standard (USB-PD). You can purchase a compatible charger at most electronic retailers. We have created a list of chargers that we have tested to ensure they will work with your device. You may view this list via our Accessories Page, along with links to the product page if you wish to purchase the charger.

USB Battery Banks

The Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) can be powered via an external USB Type-C Battery Bank if you need to use your device for extended periods of time when not near a reliable power source. USB Battery Banks are also ideal for those who use their ChromeOS Device while traveling or even in an emergency situation such as a severe storm, which may have power outages. Not all USB Battery Banks are capable of providing enough power to charge your Chromebook. We have compiled a list USB Battery Banks that can run your Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) on our USB Battery Bank Accessories Page along with links to purchase the USB Battery Banks.

Webcams

The Acer Chromebook 15 (CB515-1HT) should work with most consumer and professional grade webcams on the market. The list below shows several of the most popular webcams that will work for your Chromebook however you can access the ChromeOS Guide Accessory Database for a full list of devices that we have verified will work with ChromeOS.