Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W) Information

The Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W) is a versatile and reliable Chromebook designed for everyday use. With an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of internal storage, it offers smooth performance for web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. The 14-inch display with a resolution of 1920x1080 provides clear visuals, making it suitable for both work and entertainment. Its touchscreen feature enhances usability, allowing for easier navigation and interaction with Android applications.

Priced at $314.99, this Chromebook is an excellent choice for students and casual users looking for a balance between affordability and functionality. It supports Android apps and Linux applications, giving users more flexibility in how they use their device. The ChromeOS update support until June 1^st of 2031 ensures long-term reliability and security, making it a solid investment for those seeking a dependable computing solution.

System Specifications

The Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W) is an x86_64 based Chromebook powered by a Intel Core i3-1115G4 clocked at 1.7 GHz with 8 GB of RAM. As far as built-in storage, the Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W) has 128 GB of local disk space. The Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W) runs code built for the x86_64 architecture.

Performance Expectations

The Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W) delivers a smooth and reliable user experience for everyday tasks, making it an excellent choice for students, remote workers, and casual users. With its 8 GB of RAM, the device handles web browsing, video streaming, and productivity applications with ease, ensuring quick load times and responsive performance. The Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor provides sufficient power to run modern Chrome apps and Android applications without lag, while the 128 GB internal storage offers ample space for files, documents, and media. Whether you're working on a spreadsheet, watching a movie, or managing your email, this device delivers consistent performance that feels fast and efficient.

The 14-inch display with a resolution of 1920x1080 ensures clear visuals for both work and entertainment, making it ideal for long sessions without eye strain. The touchscreen feature adds versatility, allowing users to interact with Android apps and ChromeOS features in a more intuitive way. Combined with USB Power Delivery support, the device is well-suited for on-the-go use, providing enough battery life to handle a full day of tasks. Its balance of performance and affordability makes it a practical option for anyone looking for a dependable Chromebook that can keep up with daily routines without requiring high-end specifications.

CPU Performance Expectations

The Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor in this device delivers a balanced performance for everyday tasks, making it well-suited for web browsing, streaming media, and light productivity work. With 8 GB of RAM, the system handles multitasking smoothly, allowing users to keep multiple tabs open without significant lag. For common activities such as watching videos or editing documents, the CPU provides enough power to maintain responsiveness and efficiency. It's also capable of running most Android applications with ease, ensuring a seamless experience for those who rely on mobile apps for daily use.

When it comes to more demanding tasks like video conferencing or light photo editing, the processor performs adequately, though it may struggle with heavier software such as complex spreadsheets or advanced graphic design tools. The combination of the i3-1115G4 and 8 GB RAM ensures that basic workflows remain fluid, making this device a reliable choice for users who prioritize simplicity and affordability over high-end performance. It's ideal for students, remote workers, and casual users looking for a dependable machine without unnecessary complexity.

Storage Performance Expectations

The Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W) features eMMC storage, which provides reliable and consistent performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and media playback. While eMMC storage is generally slower than SSDs, it still offers sufficient speed for most common activities on a Chromebook. Users should keep at least 60% of the available storage free to ensure optimal performance, as low disk space can lead to noticeable slowdowns over time. This device is well-suited for users who prioritize affordability and portability without compromising on basic functionality. For those who require faster file access or large data transfers, an external USB drive or cloud storage may provide a more efficient solution. Overall, the eMMC storage in this model strikes a balance between cost and performance, making it ideal for general use scenarios.

Display Performance Expectations

The Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W) features a 14-inch display with a resolution of 1920x1080, offering crisp and clear visuals that are well-suited for everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and media playback. Its integrated graphics provide sufficient performance to handle modern workloads like video streaming and light photo editing, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a balance between affordability and functionality. The touchscreen capability enhances the user experience by allowing for more interactive engagement with content, especially when using Android applications or navigating through touch-friendly interfaces. For developers and creatives, the display’s color accuracy and brightness levels ensure that visual work remains consistent across various tasks without requiring additional calibration tools.

The device's GPU support enables smooth rendering of graphics-intensive applications, making it suitable for software development environments where performance is key. Whether you're working with code editors or design tools, the screen delivers reliable results without significant lag or pixelation issues. The high-resolution display also supports multitasking efficiently, allowing users to split their attention between multiple windows and tabs while maintaining clarity and readability. For those who prefer a traditional keyboard setup, the touchscreen serves as an optional feature that can be used alongside physical input for added convenience. Overall, this device provides a solid foundation for productivity and entertainment without compromising on visual quality or usability.

Android Performance Expectations

The Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W) offers a solid foundation for Android app usage thanks to its 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, making it suitable for everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and media playback. While it may not be ideal for heavy gaming or storing large offline files due to the limited internal storage, it can handle most Android applications smoothly, especially those that are lightweight or don’t require extensive resources. The built-in touchscreen enhances the experience for apps designed with touch in mind, such as drawing tools or interactive games, making it a versatile choice for users who want an all-in-one device.

For productivity and entertainment, this device performs well with popular Android applications like video streaming services and office suites. Its 1920x1080 resolution ensures clear visuals, and the touchscreen provides an intuitive way to navigate through apps without needing a physical keyboard or mouse. However, users who rely on large media libraries or high-end gaming may find the storage and processing power slightly limiting, though it’s more than adequate for casual use. Overall, the Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W) is a reliable companion for Android-centric tasks that don’t demand the highest performance levels.

Linux Performance Expectations

The Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W) offers a solid foundation for running Linux applications thanks to its x86_64 architecture and integrated support. With 8 GB of RAM, it can handle multiple virtual terminals simultaneously, making it suitable for tasks like software development and basic video editing. The Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor provides adequate performance for compiling code and running lightweight development tools, though more intensive projects may benefit from additional resources. Linux GPU support ensures that graphics-intensive applications can leverage the integrated graphics for smoother operation, which is particularly useful for developers working with visual tools or rendering tasks.

For users engaged in video editing, the 128 GB eMMC storage offers sufficient space for project files and temporary data, though larger projects may require external storage solutions. While the device lacks a dedicated SD card slot, it can still connect to USB drives for expanded storage needs. The combination of RAM and processor power allows for efficient multitasking, making it a reliable choice for those who rely on Linux applications for productivity work. Overall, this device strikes a balance between performance and affordability, catering to users looking for a capable Chromebook with Linux support.

Gaming Performance Expectations

Web-Based Gaming Experience/Web-Game Streaming Services

The Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W) delivers a solid gaming experience through web-based platforms, thanks to its Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor and integrated graphics. While it may not rival dedicated gaming laptops in performance, the combination of 8 GB of RAM and a 1920x1080 display ensures that most modern browser-based games run smoothly without significant lag or stuttering. The device's ability to handle Linux applications also opens up additional possibilities for users who prefer running lightweight game servers or emulators, though these are not ideal for high-end gaming.

For cloud-based gaming services, the Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W) provides a reliable foundation due to its stable performance and consistent frame rates. The built-in GPU supports decent graphical fidelity in most online games, making it suitable for casual players looking for an easy-to-use setup without the need for high-end hardware. However, users should expect some limitations when playing more demanding titles, as the device is designed primarily for productivity rather than intensive gaming tasks. Overall, this Chromebook strikes a balance between usability and performance for web-based and cloud-connected games.

Linux Gaming Experience

The Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W) offers a solid foundation for running Linux applications, making it a viable option for users looking to explore command-line tools or lightweight software that doesn't require a full desktop environment. With an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor and 8 GB of RAM, the device can handle basic multitasking and more complex tasks such as compiling code or managing server processes. Its 128 GB internal storage provides enough space for most Linux-based workflows, though users should be mindful of storage limits when installing multiple applications.

Graphics performance is supported through the integrated Intel Iris Xe GPU, which works well with Linux applications that don't demand high-end graphics capabilities. While it won't run resource-heavy games or professional graphic design software, it can manage everyday tasks like text editing, file management, and simple scripting efficiently. Users should check individual application requirements to ensure compatibility, as not all Linux programs may perform optimally on this hardware. Overall, the device provides a reliable platform for those who need Linux support without the overhead of a full desktop environment.

Steam-Based Gaming Experience

The Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W) offers a solid foundation for Steam-based gaming due to its x86_64 architecture and Linux support, allowing users to run a wide range of applications. With 8 GB of RAM and an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, the device can handle moderately demanding games, though performance may vary depending on the specific title. The integrated GPU provides basic graphics capabilities suitable for older or less resource-intensive titles, making it ideal for users looking to explore Steam without investing in high-end hardware.

However, the 128 GB of internal storage limits the amount of data that can be stored locally, which might affect the ability to install larger games or keep multiple titles on hand. Users should consider using external storage solutions or cloud-based game libraries to manage their collection effectively. It's important to note that while the device can run Linux applications, performance will depend on the specific game and its system requirements. Always check the individual game’s specifications to ensure compatibility with this Chromebook model.

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 514 (CB514-1W) 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 514 (CB514-1W) offers a smooth media consumption experience, thanks to its 1920x1080 display that delivers crisp visuals for both video and streaming content. With support for modern codecs and high-definition playback, the device handles popular streaming platforms with ease, making it ideal for watching movies, series, or live events without significant lag or buffering. The built-in speakers provide decent audio quality for casual listening, though users who prioritize sound clarity may prefer to use external headphones or a speaker system for an enhanced experience.

For offline media storage, the 128 GB internal drive provides ample space to store high-quality video files and music libraries. This makes it convenient for users who want to watch content without relying on an internet connection. The device’s performance remains stable even when handling multiple media tasks simultaneously, ensuring that streaming or playback does not interfere with other background processes. Overall, the Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W) is well-suited for everyday entertainment needs, delivering a reliable and enjoyable experience for both casual and more frequent users.

ChromeOS Work Experience

The Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W) offers a balanced work experience that caters to everyday productivity tasks, making it an ideal choice for users who need a reliable and efficient machine for office use. With an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor and 8 GB of RAM, this device handles document editing, video conferencing, and web-based applications with ease. The 1920x1080 display ensures clear visuals during meetings and when working with spreadsheets or presentations, while the touchscreen feature enhances navigation and interaction with Android apps. For users who rely on cloud services for file storage and collaboration, this Chromebook provides seamless access to Google Workspace and other online tools without the need for local storage expansion.

The device’s 128 GB of internal storage is sufficient for most work-related files, especially when combined with regular cloud backups. Its support for Linux applications opens up additional possibilities for developers or power users who require specific software tools that are not available on ChromeOS by default. The inclusion of Android app compatibility further broadens its utility, allowing users to run a wide range of productivity and business apps directly from the Chrome Web Store. For those working remotely, the USB Power Delivery feature ensures that the device can be charged quickly during long work sessions or travel. However, users should keep in mind that this model is still within its five-year support window, ensuring continued updates and security patches for a stable work environment.

ChromeOS Education Experience

The Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W) offers a reliable and practical experience for students, especially when it comes to handling everyday tasks in an educational setting. Its 8 GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking during online classes, research, or document editing, making it suitable for managing multiple browser tabs while using learning management systems like Google Classroom or Canvas. The 1920x1080 resolution provides clear visuals for video lectures and presentations, ensuring that students can easily follow along without straining their eyes. With support for Android applications and Linux applications, the device allows access to a wide range of educational tools, from productivity software to specialized learning apps, all running efficiently on its Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor.

The touchscreen feature enhances interactivity during lessons, enabling students to annotate notes, highlight text, or navigate through digital textbooks with ease. This makes it particularly useful for interactive learning experiences and collaborative projects. The 128 GB of internal storage is sufficient for storing educational materials, assignments, and apps without worrying about running out of space. Additionally, the device's built-in USB Power Delivery ensures that students can charge their Chromebook on the go, which is convenient for those who need to use it throughout the day. For educators looking for a dependable tool to support classroom activities or remote learning, this Chromebook delivers a balanced combination of performance and usability without unnecessary complexity.

General Productivity Experience

The Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W) offers a solid foundation for everyday productivity tasks with its 14-inch display and Full HD resolution, making it ideal for web browsing, document editing, and streaming. The 1920x1080 screen provides ample space to work comfortably without straining the eyes, while the touchscreen feature adds flexibility for users who prefer touch-based navigation or want to interact with Android applications more intuitively. Combined with an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor and 8 GB of RAM, this device handles modern web applications and multitasking with ease, ensuring smooth performance even when running multiple tabs or virtual desktops. The inclusion of Linux support allows for greater customization and the ability to run a wide range of command-line tools and scripts, which can be particularly useful for developers or power users looking to extend their workflow beyond standard ChromeOS capabilities.

For those who frequently work with documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, this device provides a reliable platform that supports seamless integration with cloud-based services like Google Workspace. The touchscreen adds another layer of convenience, enabling quick access to menus and tools without the need for a mouse or trackpad. Additionally, the built-in USB Power Delivery ensures that users can charge their devices on the go, making it a versatile option for students, remote workers, and anyone in need of a lightweight yet capable Chromebook. Whether you're managing emails, collaborating on projects, or simply staying connected, this device strikes a balance between performance and practicality that makes it well-suited for everyday use.

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 514 (CB514-1W) offers a solid foundation for developers looking to work on lightweight tasks without requiring high-end hardware. With 8 GB of RAM, the device can handle multiple browser tabs and basic development environments with ease. The x86_64 architecture ensures compatibility with popular tools like Git, Node.js, Python, and Visual Studio Code, making it a versatile option for coding in languages such as JavaScript, Python, or even compiling simple projects. Its 128 GB of storage provides enough space for local development files, while the 1920x1080 screen resolution ensures clear visibility of code and debugging output.

For developers who rely on Linux applications, this device is a strong contender. The inclusion of Linux support means you can run tools like Git, Docker, and more directly on ChromeOS without needing to switch operating systems or use cloud-based solutions. The built-in GPU support for Linux apps enhances performance when running graphical development environments or virtual machines. While it may not be ideal for heavy computational tasks like compiling large codebases or running complex simulations, the device is well-suited for writing, testing, and deploying smaller projects, as well as accessing cloud-based IDEs through browsers. The touchscreen adds an extra layer of convenience for quick edits and navigation during development sessions.

Pricing and Availability

Amazon

The Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W) currently on sale on Amazon.com for $314.99.

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 514 (CB514-1W) 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 514 (CB514-1W). 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 514 (CB514-1W).

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.

USB-C Chargers/Power Supplies

The Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W) 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 514 (CB514-1W) 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 514 (CB514-1W) on our USB Battery Bank Accessories Page along with links to purchase the USB Battery Banks.

Webcams

The Acer Chromebook 514 (CB514-1W) 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.