Acer has taken to this year’s all-digital CES 2021 event to unveil its first-ever AMD Ryzen 3000-C series-driven Chromebook, the Chromebook Spin 514.
Sold under model designations CP514-1H and CP514-HH, there are two different device lines to discuss here. The former number represents consumer models while the latter represents Enterprise models. But this time around, both have effectively the same specifications.
The differences will primarily be on the software side. Namely, the Acer Chromebook Enterprise Spin 514 ships with the Chrome Enterprise Upgrade of Chrome OS. That’s in addition to Zero-Touch Enrollment and other IT management features.
Otherwise, this 14-inch 2-in-1 is effectively the same for both models. Starting with the MIL-STD 810H-rated, 3.42lb, 17.35mm thin metal chassis and frame. That’s rated to withstand drops from up to 48-inches and downward force up to 132lbs. On the display side of that, the screen is attached via 360-degree hinges and coated in Corning Gorilla Glass. The screen-to-body-ratio is 78-percent. With the latter metric coming down to bezels measuring just 6.1mm across on each side.
What makes this Chromebook special?
Setting aside the build, what sets this Chromebook apart is almost exclusively on the inside. Apart from the newly redesigned concave keycap-embued keyboard. And that’s because this package is fueled by an AMD Ryzen 3, 5, or 7, depending on the package purchased.
The chips are built on the Zen architecture and are backed by world-class Radeon graphics as well. And, for the models with AMD Ryzen 7 3700C or Ryzen 5 3500C quad-core processors, that’s AMD Radeon Vega Mobile Graphics. So this is going to be some powerful hardware for not a lot of money, despite boasting up to 10-hours of battery life on a single charge.
Keyboard backlighting and HDMI output are options too, with the latter reliant on purchasing the AMD Ryzen 3 or Ryzen 7 variants of the Acer Chromebook Spin 514. But, in any case, Acer backed up these chips with up to 16GB of DDR4 DRAM and up to 256GB of storage. So this is undeniably going to be one of the most powerful Chromebooks on the market. At least for the start of the year.
Specs
Now, for those that need the in-depth details — as provided — those are listed as follows.
| Acer Chromebook Spin 514 | Acer Chromebook Enterprise Spin 514 | |
| Screen size | Gorilla Glass 14″ Full HD touch IPS display 1920 x 1080 pixels 6.1 mm (0.24 in) side bezels, 78% screen-to-body ratio | Gorilla Glass 14″ Full HD touch IPS display 1920 x 1080 pixels 6.1 mm (0.24 in) side bezels, 78% screen-to-body ratio |
| SoC | AMD Ryzen 3000 C-Series Mobile Processor –Ryzen 7 3700C, Ryzen 5 3500C, or Ryzen 3 | AMD Ryzen 3000 C-Series Mobile Processor –Ryzen 7 3700C, Ryzen 5 3500C, or Ryzen 3 |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon Vega Mobile Graphics | AMD Radeon Vega Mobile Graphics |
| RAM | Up to 16GB DDR4 DRAM | Up to 16GB DDR4 DRAM |
| Storage | Up to 256GB eMMC storage | Up to 256GB NVMe storage |
| Cameras | HD Webcam | HD Webcam |
| Audio | Dual microphones Integrated dual stereo speakers | Dual microphones Integrated dual stereo speakers |
| Battery | Up to 10 hours of battery life | Up to 10 hours of battery life |
| Optional | Backlit keyboard HDMI port (Ryzen 5 & Ryzen 7-only) | Backlit keyboard HDMI port (Ryzen 5 & Ryzen 7-only) |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), 2×2 MU-MIMO Bluetooth 5.0 2 USB Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen 1, up to 5 Gbps) –DisplayPort over USB-C and USB charging 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports –One for power-off charging MicroSD card reader | Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), 2×2 MU-MIMO Bluetooth 5.0 2 USB Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen 1, up to 5 Gbps) –DisplayPort over USB-C and USB charging 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports –One for power-off charging MicroSD card reader |
| Security | U.S. MIL-STD 810H-compliant | Chrome Enterprise security features Zero-touch enrollment U.S. MIL-STD 810H-compliant |
| OS | Chrome OS | Chrome OS, Chrome Enterprise Upgrade |
| Colors | Pure Silver, Steel Gray, and Mist Green | Pure Silver, Steel Gray, and Mist Green |
| Dimensions | Width: 12.7-inch (332.6mm) Depth: 8.88-inch(225.5mm) Height: 0.68-inch (17.35mm) | Width: 12.7-inch (332.6mm) Depth: 8.88-inch(225.5mm) Height: 0.68-inch (17.35mm) |
| Weight | 3.42lbs (1550g) | 3.42lbs (1550g) |
When does Acer Chromebook Spin 514 hit shelves?
As to the cost and availability of the Ryzen-powered Acer Chromebook Spin 514, that’s set at around the same time as Acer’s Snapdragon Chromebook. Albeit at a higher entry cost, based on this CES announcement. The Acer Chromebook Spin 514 is set to start at just $479 in North America when it’s released in February. The gadget will launch in EMEA in March, conversely, at €529.
Conversely, the Acer Chromebook Enterprise Spin 514, will start at $749.99 in March in North America. The EMEA variant will land around the same time, starting at €799.
