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Should The Acer C720P Chromebook Be Your New Laptop? [Review]
Is Acer and Google’s Chromebook partnership a fruitful effort in the competitive market of affordable laptops? MenStuff goes hands-on to find out…
Searching and selecting a new laptop can be a daunting process, and trying to decide what’s right for you, and at the right price, are easily the most difficult aspects. If you’re looking for something that can handle some word processing, web-browsing and other relatively lightweight tasks, there’s nothing more that makes sense than Google’s affordable Chromebook line.
The internet giant has recently partnered with Acer to create its latest Chomebook entry, the C720P, priced at $299 (around R3,600) but is this 11-inch tablet-like PC something to consider?
In a nutshell, definitely. On the surface, it’s a gorgeous device. Finished up in a matte white exterior, the C720P looks slick and nonabrasive, and its 1.36kg weight and 2cm thickness makes it an easy choice when doing some work on the couch or heading out to a meeting. It also features two USB ports, HDMI, and an SDcard slot, which are welcomed features for such a small and cost-efficient laptop.
The keyboard is also very usable and responsive, something that’s often a weak point with less expensive machines.
In terms of speed the Acer is fast to load thanks to a 32GB SSD on board, and with an apparent 7.5 hours of battery life per charge thanks to a Haswell processor inside – we gave it a test and while it didn’t necessarily make the 7.5 hour mark with normal use, it did give enough hours of juice to get what you need done. There’s also 100GB of Google Drive space provided for two years, a Chromebook standard.
One of the unique selling points of the Acer C720P device is the 11.6 inch (1366 x 768 resolution) touch-screen. Operating much like that of a tablet, users are able to pinch, zoom, swipe and select using a simple finger gesture. It’s a great addition and responds nicely with no lag, but it won’t be the core way you use the C720P. The display itself is clear, and while it may not have the clarity of a pricier PC option, it’s easily the best in its class and will do the job for any casual user.
If you’re in need of a light, portable computer for web access, writing, and watching that hilarious cat-video everyone’s been emailing you, a Chromebook can be an inexpensive alternative to a Windows PC or MacBook. It won’t be able to play the latest games out there, but it should cover off the needs of many users without blowing the budget.
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james
May 13, 2015 at 09:45
Very great little laptop. I’ve always used Acer’s and they’ve never let my down.
James
May 13, 2015 at 09:46
I’m using a Lenovo at the moment and it’s also great but I must say I am missing my Acer.
GregZa
May 13, 2015 at 13:52
The new Lenovo’s are great laptops as well
vusi_s
May 13, 2015 at 19:05
Yeah I had a Lenovo a while ago. It was good but I want a change
Jeremy Proome
May 14, 2015 at 12:37
Also used a Lenovo Thinkpad for work previously – was a very solid machine!
Jeremy Proome
May 14, 2015 at 12:46
Agreed! Loved mine until I had to give it up.
Not A MasterCheff
May 13, 2015 at 09:47
Looks great!
Black Francis
May 13, 2015 at 09:48
There is no way it has 7.5 hours of battery power?
Jeremy Proome
May 13, 2015 at 10:27
Ya, I think they mean sitting idle or in sleep-mode. While in use it didn’t last THAT long. That said, it definitely has a pretty decent battery though.
vusi_s
May 13, 2015 at 19:02
Yeah, how does this work if it has a touch screen as well?
Jeremy Proome
May 14, 2015 at 12:38
You can use the touch screen as a secondary (or primary) way to select text, press links, swipe windows away, control your browser etc
jhb_boet
May 13, 2015 at 13:34
At R3600 that out shines so many other laptops. There is no way retailers will stock it at that price.
GregZa
May 13, 2015 at 13:53
Dion Wired or Incredible Corruption sell it for R3600 I will be surprised
vusi_s
May 13, 2015 at 19:00
Here’s hoping that it only costs R3600
GregZa
May 13, 2015 at 13:50
Looks like a great deal, very good option for students and young professionals. At that price, if it does indeed cost R3600, I’d like to see big corporates sponsoring a few to some worthy causes.
vusi_s
May 13, 2015 at 19:03
Very noble of you Bruh
vusi_s
May 13, 2015 at 18:58
It’s a great looking machine, when are they hitting the shores of SA?
vusi_s
May 13, 2015 at 18:59
Quick question can it compete with the MacBook Air?
james
May 13, 2015 at 21:17
Looks like a great deal for a work laptop, or a media laptop/library interface. It must obviously have hdmi outputs?
Jeremy Proome
May 14, 2015 at 12:36
It has a single HDMI port. Pretty cool for such a small laptop.