Acer Chromebook 314 (2023) CB314-4H / CB314-4HT
View on Amazon in your region: amzn.to/3H6J0Dq or alternate UK link: amzn.to/428ggDI (my affiliate links). Check spec. matches as shown in the video.
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In this video I'll give you my first impressions and an unboxing of the Acer Chromebook 314. This is a 2023 model with the Intel Core i3-N305 processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, IPS non-touch screen and a full HD webcam. Sadly not qualifying for the Chromebook Plus update although it seems to meet the required spec.
Exact model in the video: CB314-4H-361R / NX.KNDEK.001 from the 2023 CB314-4H / CB314-4HT series of the 314.
As always, double check the spec before if looking to purchase.
Note, there are also variations of this Chromebook with the Intel N100 processor, I am not sure if in some regions the Intel N200 processor is also used, please post in the comments if you have an example - thanks.
Other UK models:
CB314-4H-C80V | NX.KNBET.001 (Intel N100, 4GB/64GB)
US models:
CB314-4H-C2UW | NX.KKTAA.001 (Intel N100, 4GB/64GB)
CB314-4HT-32X6 | NX.KMUAA.002 (Intel Core i3-N305, 8GB/128GB, touchscreen)
CB314-4HT-38SL | NX.KMUAA.003 (Intel Core i3-N305, 8GB/128GB, touchscreen)
Other videos and links mentioned:
* Acer Chromebook Spin 314 Review (N6000): • Acer Chromebook Spin 3...
* Acer Chromebook 314 Review (MT8183): • Acer Chromebook 314 Re...
* HP 15a Chromebook Plus: • HP Chromebook 15a: Che...
* Chromebook Plus OS update eligibility: support.google.com/chromebook...
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:17 How I purchased and what I paid
00:31 Unboxing
00:47 Spec (inc. processor, RAM, storage, display, webcam)
01:08 Why no Chromebook Plus status for this Acer 314
01:23 Model reference
01:40 ChromeOS version and AUE date
01:48 Build type and quality inc. weight
02:38 Keyboard deck, speakers, keyboard and touchpad
03:10 Screen and webcam
03:31 Connectivity inc. ports and WiFi
03:45 Vents and fans
04:11 Battery life and cycles
04:21 Wrap up
Intro music: Positive Fuse - French Fuse
#acer #chromebook #laptop #chromeos #chromebooks #acerchromebook #acerlaptop
View on Amazon in your region: amzn.to/3H6J0Dq or alternate UK link: amzn.to/428ggDI (my affiliate links). Check spec. matches as shown in the video Find/follow/support the channel: linktr.ee/mergedroid
You're probably right regarding the "chromebook plus" badge. I bought CB314-4H in Poland for around 180 GBP brand new (xmas promo), but my unit has only 4GB of RAM and N100 processor. 3xx series is definitely on the lower end of the chromebook spectrum. Despite the lower specs it's pretty snappy. The only problem is when you have opened a lot of tabs or apps and you return from sleep. It slows down for a few seconds when switching apps. Then it's back to normal. Great reviews, btw. :) Cheers!
Thanks, glad you're liking the channel, great to hear and thanks for commenting! It sounds like a nice spec'd Chromebook you have there still for that price, despite that odd bit of lag you mention. A bit like the Lenovo Flex 3 I am typing on right now (with the N100, but 8GB RAM - kzhead.info/sun/ocdvgrGlboxvfYk/bejne.html). I haven't noticed the slow down on returning from sleep, so maybe more to do with the RAM in this case than the N100 processor. Thinking more on why this Acer isn't a Chromebook Plus though, I think it may be more to do with the differentiation I mention between the different Acer series of Chromebook e.g. 3XX vs more premium 5XX and 7XX. The HP 15a Chromebook Plus (kzhead.info/sun/d9ebdN2GsWaAd6c/bejne.html) model I mention also a bit like your Acer 314, comes in different specs, some with the Pentium Silver N6000 for example........so if HP managed to have one of the lineup being a Plus model (even in their entry level range), I think Acer probably could have if they wanted to. Maybe there's more to it as I'm just coming up with my own theory really, or maybe there will be a change in the future, who knows.
@@MergeDroid Yeah, CB314 has always been a budget chromebook. It would be really weird and confusing for customers if ASUS suddenly applied "plus" badge to this model. And only for some of the variants. Anyway, I have some good news regarding my unit... all the problems with returning from sleep (slow responses) went away with the latest v120 update. Or at least it seems that way so far. :)
@@bayger3756 that's great news on your issues. Agree about CB314 being budget, but then it's a bit of a 'mess'/confusion if Google let another manufacturer, say HP with the 15a do just this: kzhead.info/sun/d9ebdN2GsWaAd6c/bejne.html I feel like the 'Chromebook Plus' branding is already potentially too easy for consumers to misinterpret. Some may think it means they're getting a high end device all round, including build quality and where it sits in the manufacturer's line up......but that doesn't seem to be the case, it's simply about certain internal specs. Maybe we're going to get a 'Chromebook Max' or 'Chromebook Pro' spec. to address this 😆
Acer chromebook 314 vs Asus chromebook (plus) CX34: Both your reviews on these two chromebooks are top notch - plenty of solid common-sense. I'm torn between the two so perhaps you'd be good enough to give a steer. My priorities are: 1. Display, 2. Trackpad, 3. Keyboard - how do they compare? ps: Perhaps the Acer 314 isn't rated 'chromebook plus' because its webcam is sub 1080p?
Hi Stephen, Thanks very much for feedback on the videos - it's great to hear and I'm glad they're proving useful. I'd like to do a video comparing these two Chromebooks in detail, but it's on a long list at the moment :) For anyone else reading this and looking for the ASUS CX34 Chromebook Plus video: kzhead.info/sun/gpqwYJudpYx8qmw/bejne.html These are both great options, so even with a preference or clear victor in certain areas it by no means suggests the other one is 'bad' in the area. That said, to comment on your priority areas: 1. Display - Both very similar in terms of FHD, IPS, matte non-touch finishes and somewhere between 250 and 300 nits. Having them side by side I notice the ASUS is a little more 'vibrant'. 2. Trackpad - The ASUS has a larger trackpad, but I personally find the construction and quality of the Acer's to be my preference. I think they've really nailed the design of their 'Ocean Glass' (although it's not glass, but designed to feel like it) touchpad. 3. Keyboard - The ASUS has a backlit keyboard, the Acer does not. However, just for the typing experience my preference is slightly toward the Acer, I feel it just gives me more 'feedback', perhaps due to very slightly deeper key travel. Some extra considerations: The ASUS uses the Intel Core i3 (and options of i5 and i7 too) 12th gen processors VS the Core i3-N305 in the Acer, so the ASUS will be more powerful, but that said my experience is the Acer will be more economical with its battery and crucially the Acer will get ChromeOS updates to the AUE date of June 2033 vs June 2032 for the ASUS. On the topic of ChromeOS, the ASUS of course has the Chromebook Plus update, the Acer does not. Regarding the webcam, it is also 1080p on the Acer. I'm more convinced that Acer have chosen to differentiate their 5 series from their 3 series, e.g. the Acer 514 is the 'Acer Chromebook Plus 514' in its latest release, where as this 314 is not. I've just reviewed the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 - kzhead.info/sun/ZdmClMuhf5tsYK8/bejne.html but I haven't been hands on with the 514 version yet. To throw another choice in here, what do you think of the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook Plus? Another 14 inch Chromebook with the Core i3-N305 that I'd say competes very strongly with these two and given your preferences I'd say should definitely be considered - kzhead.info/sun/d7JxeauLopqDiWw/bejne.html Check out my recent posts on X too, there are some bargains to be had on ebay right now If you're in the UK(?): * Same version in my review - x.com/MergeDroid/status/1769673391471055343 * Version with 256GB storage and a backlit keyboard - twitter.com/MergeDroid/status/1770092656116277714 Overall I hope this has helped and not complicated things further, it's likely there is no bad choice here. Let me know what you think of course and any other questions.
Thanks for all the super-useful info MergeDroid. I got the Acer - and i'm really impressed with it. It's well balanced spec-wise with no weak points at all. It'll do well as a daily driver for everyone except gamers and power-users. Charging capability both sides is a big plus. Hope you stick with the chromeOS/chromebook vids - they'll be needed more & more as people reject Microsoft's heavy handedness. @@MergeDroid
@StephenCharles-xw2kk you're welcome and very pleased to hear you've got one and are happy with it. I'm glad the review and info helped in the selection process. Oh and yes plenty more Chromebook content to come, so stay subscribed 👍
How can I play sega sonic on my Chromebook?🤷♂️
Various Sonic titles available via the Google Play Store or if emulator apps with ROMs and then connect up a controller, I have videos on the channel. For the authentic experience: kzhead.infoboFu_0owMgo
I decided to get a huawei matebook d15 instead of a Chromebook, its quite useful qnd i love it
Hi, glad you're happy with it, they always look like quality devices. Hope you'll still keep an eye on the Chromebooks over here too 👍
@@MergeDroidi probably wont buy one but ofc ill stay here, gotta stay updated in tech and you still deserve the sub so i wont just unsub
Nice one 😎
Does Minecraft run smooth on it?
Yes, will be no problem. I made a Shorts video recently showing Minecraft running on the Flex 3i with the Intel N100 - kzhead.infoGcUZWYrXTjw so you can imagine it'll be no issue with the Core i3-N305 on this Acer Chromebook 314.