Notebookcheck Logo

Acer Chromebook 14 for Work (i5 6200U, 8 GB) Review

The Chrome Notebook. In the Acer Chromebook 14 for Work slumbers the hardware of a notebook. As an office companion it is a successful product. However, the components do not use their full potential.

For the original German review, see here.

Acer christens their new Chromebook series with the addition "for Work." A glance into the specification sheet shows unusual performance characteristics for a Chromebook, which are usually equipped with relatively weak hardware and with an Intel Core m processor at most. In this case, however, Acer boasts with an Intel Core-i5 CPU, targeting the business segment. For just over 400 Euros (~$452, $560 in the US), the new Acer notebook has 8 GB of working memory, a 32 GB of eMMC storage, and a Full HD IPS panel.

The following other Chromebooks will accompany it in our test: the Acer Chromebook R13 and the HP Chromebook 13, which is equipped with an Intel Core m5 and is considerably more expensive at about 800 Euros (~$912).

Acer Chromebook 14 CP5-471-53QV
Processor
Intel Core i5-6200U 2 x 2.3 - 2.8 GHz, Skylake
Graphics adapter
Memory
8 GB 
, DDR3 storage, single channel, fixed, soldered in
Display
14.00 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 157 PPI, IPS, glossy: no
Storage
32 GB eMMC Flash, 32 GB 
Connections
3 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: audio combo, Card Reader: SD
Networking
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 (a/b/g/h/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.2
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 22.4 x 330.9 x 227 ( = 0.88 x 13.03 x 8.94 in)
Battery
45 Wh, 3920 mAh Lithium-Polymer, 3 cells
Operating System
Google Chrome OS
Camera
Webcam: 720p
Additional features
Speakers: stereo speakers, Keyboard: chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, 24 Months Warranty
Weight
1.4 kg ( = 49.38 oz / 3.09 pounds), Power Supply: 274 g ( = 9.67 oz / 0.6 pounds)
Price
420 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case

The looks of the new Chromebooks in closed state are impressive: an elegant piano finish graces the back of the display of the test unit. But this initially imposing impression is lost after only a little use, when the lid is marred by many fingerprints all over it. The rest of the case consists of gray plastic elements. All parts of the otherwise matte case are connected well with each other, and we have no complaints about the workmanship.

The display is held by two hinges that are quite thin. They are relatively hard to move and stronger than they initially appear. After opening it, the display does not bounce.

The back is graced by an elegant piano finish.
The back is graced by an elegant piano finish.

Features

The extent of the connections is relatively sparse. At least there are USB-3.0 connections on both sides and there is even a USB-3.1 Type-C port. This is also used for charging, so the user has to decide between the power connection and access to the port. HP has equipped the Chromebook 13 with two USB Type-C connectors. 

Since all the ports in the Acer Chromebook 14 are placed quite far in the back, any connected cables will not interfere with the workspace on the desk.

Left: USB Type-C port (power connection), HDMI port, 1x USB 3.0, audio combo
Left: USB Type-C port (power connection), HDMI port, 1x USB 3.0, audio combo
Right: SD card reader, 1x USB 3.0, Kensington Lock
Right: SD card reader, 1x USB 3.0, Kensington Lock

SD Card Reader

In our test, the performance of the SD card reader remains within limits. As reference storage card, we are using a Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II. Copying .JPG image files (around 5 MB each) is sluggish at 37.5 MB/s. The competition does not prove to be much better. The HP Chromebook 13 G1 achieves slightly higher transfer rates of 51.2 MB/s.

SD Card Reader - average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
HP Chromebook 13 G1 Core m5
 
51.2 MB/s +37%
Lenovo ThinkPad 13 Chromebook
 
50.9 MB/s +36%
Acer Chromebook 14 CP5-471-53QV
 
37.5 MB/s

Communication

Intel dual band Wireless AC7265, which transfers up to 867 MBit/s (gross) thanks to MIMO-2x2 technology, takes care of the wireless communication. A Bluetooth-4.2 connection is also on board.

Networking
WiFi Speed Client 1m 4M x10 Netgear AX12
WiFi Speed Server 1m 4M x10 (-R) Netgear AX12

Maintenance

Although the manufacturer has not installed separate maintenance flaps, to take a look at the innards is not particularly difficult. After loosening 12 Phillips screws, the bottom of the case can be carefully removed. Careful: the battery is not fixed inside. Not having been fixed by the screws, it lies loosely in the case. After taking off the back, there are not many maintenance tasks you can do. The battery and WLAN module can be exchanged, and the fan is accessible.

Warranty

The Chromebook 14 offers a two-year bring-in warranty from the date of purchase. Please see our Guarantees, Return policies and Warranties FAQ for country-specific information.

Input Devices

Keyboard

The black chiclet keyboard has a crisp response. All the keys are set into the keyboard robustly and do not yield too much at the corners. The stroke could have been slightly longer. Overall, the keyboard is even suitable for prolonged writing tasks. In addition, there is a keyboard illumination. Another positive note is that the writing noise is very quiet.

Touchpad

The smooth surface translates inputs quickly. Only in the corners, the movements are hardly recognized. Multi-touch gestures such as scrolling succeed without any problems.

The mouse keys are at the bottom of the touchpad. Towards the edges, the stroke becomes longer and longer.

Capable input devices
Capable input devices

Display

Pixel grid
Pixel grid

The image is displayed on a Full HD IPS panel. However, the matte display achieves a meager average brightness of only 213 cd/m². This is on the same level as the Acer Chromebook R13. At 261 cd/m², the Lenovo ThinkPad 13 Chromebook is slightly brighter. The front runner is the expensive HP Chromebook 13 with 330 cd/m². The HP competitor also has a high-resolution QHD+ display.

The black value of 0.1 cd/m² is excellent and ensures a saturated black tone. The CalMAN analysis shows the good values typical for an IPS panel. The DeltaE deviations from the grayscale are below 4. There is also no noticeable tint. 

210
cd/m²
223
cd/m²
229
cd/m²
208
cd/m²
214
cd/m²
205
cd/m²
216
cd/m²
207
cd/m²
210
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 229 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 213.6 cd/m² Minimum: 1.1 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 90 %
Center on Battery: 214 cd/m²
Contrast: 2140:1 (Black: 0.1 cd/m²)
ΔE Greyscale 3.86 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
Gamma: 2.42
Acer Chromebook 14 CP5-471-53QV
1920x1080, 14.00
Lenovo ThinkPad 13 Chromebook
1920x1080, 13.30
HP Chromebook 13 G1 Core m5
3200x1800, 13.30
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
1920x1080, 13.30
Response Times
-16%
-10%
8%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
38 ?(19, 19)
37.6 ?(15.2, 22.4)
1%
39.2 ?(18, 21.2)
-3%
38 ?(14, 24)
-0%
Response Time Black / White *
27 ?(16, 11)
36 ?(5.2, 30.8)
-33%
31.6 ?(11.6, 20)
-17%
23 ?(5, 18)
15%
PWM Frequency
1389 ?(44)
Screen
-88%
-113%
-35%
Brightness middle
214
262.9
23%
355.5
66%
192
-10%
Brightness
214
261
22%
330
54%
204
-5%
Brightness Distribution
90
92
2%
90
0%
88
-2%
Black Level *
0.1
0.601
-501%
0.804
-704%
0.23
-130%
Contrast
2140
437
-80%
442
-79%
835
-61%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
3.86
3.51
9%
4.35
-13%
3.99
-3%
Gamma
2.42 91%
2.17 101%
2.35 94%
2.45 90%
CCT
6276 104%
6476 100%
6269 104%
6380 102%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
4.87
3.75
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
12.18
7.15
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-52% / -70%
-62% / -87%
-14% / -25%

* ... smaller is better


CalMAN Greyscale
CalMAN Greyscale
CalMAN Saturation Sweeps
CalMAN Saturation Sweeps

Anyone also wanting to use the Chromebook outdoors should avoid direct and indirect sunlight. Because of the low display brightness, it is necessary to find shady places.

A dark outlook outdoors
A dark outlook outdoors

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
27 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 16 ms rise
↘ 11 ms fall
The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 63 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
38 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 19 ms rise
↘ 19 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 49 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

Thanks to the use of an IPS panel, the colors and brightness are not distorted when looking from the sides.

Performance

Except for the small 32-GB eMMC storage, a look at the specifications points towards a standard notebook. The processor is an Intel Core i5-6200U of the Skylake generation which appeared in 2015. With a clock speed of 2.3 to 2.8 GHz and two cores, it is possible to run more demanding software. Multitasking is also not a problem. Depending on the scenario, the power consumption is 15 W (TDP). Due to "configurable TDP," the processor can also run at 7.5 W (cTDP Down). This ensures that the device runs quieter and remains cooler. The consequence is a lower performance capability. 

With the internal Intel HD Graphics 520 graphics unit, all Chrome apps, games, and videos should be displayed smoothly. Since the large 8 GB DDR storage has been built only into the single channel, the full graphics performance is not available. The overall package is available for around 400 Euros (~$452).

In the various browser benchmarks, the Chromebook 14 shows a solid performance. A bit strange: The similarly built Lenovo ThinkPad 13 achieves better results across the board. The HP Chromebook 13 G1 which is also equipped with an Intel Core m5 processor beats our test candidate in most benchmarks as well. Even though the performance analysis comes out a little meager for the hardware used, the system runs smoothly. During the time of our testing, the web sites were displayed quickly and smoothly. Even with several browser tabs with various videos starting in each, the Chromebook had no problems. 

JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Lenovo ThinkPad 13 Chromebook
173.3 Points +22%
HP Chromebook 13 G1 Core m5
164 Points +15%
Acer Chromebook 14 CP5-471-53QV
142.3 Points
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
57 Points -60%
Sunspider - 1.0 Total Score
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
578 ms * -94%
Acer Chromebook 14 CP5-471-53QV
298.2 ms *
HP Chromebook 13 G1 Core m5
228.8 ms * +23%
Lenovo ThinkPad 13 Chromebook
213 ms * +29%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
3297 ms * -166%
Acer Chromebook 14 CP5-471-53QV
1240 ms *
HP Chromebook 13 G1 Core m5
1056 ms * +15%
Lenovo ThinkPad 13 Chromebook
1007 ms * +19%
Octane V2 - Total Score
Lenovo ThinkPad 13 Chromebook
29435 Points +7%
HP Chromebook 13 G1 Core m5
28478 Points +4%
Acer Chromebook 14 CP5-471-53QV
27414 Points
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
10139 Points -63%
WebXPRT 2015 - Overall
Acer Chromebook 14 CP5-471-53QV
373 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad 13 Chromebook
359 Points -4%
HP Chromebook 13 G1 Core m5
347 Points -7%
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
138 Points -63%

Legend

 
Acer Chromebook 14 CP5-471-53QV Intel Core i5-6200U, Intel HD Graphics 520, 32 GB eMMC Flash
 
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK Mediatek MT8173C, PowerVR GX6250, 32 GB eMMC Flash
 
Lenovo ThinkPad 13 Chromebook Intel Core i5-6300U, Intel HD Graphics 520, 32 GB eMMC Flash
 
HP Chromebook 13 G1 Core m5 Intel Core m5-6Y57, Intel HD Graphics 515,

* ... smaller is better

Storage Solution

Chromebooks live in the cloud, which makes having their own large storage unnecessary. Also the eMMC storage used is considerably slower than SSD storage. The storage can only be extended via external devices, such as an SD card.

Emissions

Noise Emissions

Fan characteristics
Fan characteristics

Most Chromebooks that we tested so far have been passively cooled. Because of the stronger CPU, passive cooling is not sufficient, causing Acer to opt for an active cooling strategy. However, in normal operation this is not really noticeable. Even under load, we measure a maximum value of only 34 dB(A). The frequency produced by the fan does not have any annoying high sounds.

Noise Level

Idle
30.6 / 30.6 / 31.7 dB(A)
Load
33.1 / 34 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Audix TM1, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 30.6 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2030.636.537.435.53530.62530.730.632.23328.230.73131.829.331.230.525.431.84031.229.929.436.129.831.25030.129.630.537.728.530.16331.126.931.630.328.931.18029.727.728.530.429.129.710029.527.227.427.428.929.512527.126.926.925.828.427.116025.123.925.8272725.120026.124.125.726.523.826.125023.822.62423.322.723.831523.122.223.824.821.923.14002221.122.422.620.92250021.320.722.322.420.521.363020.520.22121.819.520.580020.719.521.821.918.420.7100020.618.82322.418.220.6125019.618.922.121.417.819.616002018.323.121.9182020001918.124.222.217.819250018.618.224.320.917.818.6315018.217.82019.417.918.2400018.117.819.719.417.918.1500018.317.719.7191818.3630018.317.519.218.91818.3800018.217.31919.117.918.21000018.317.319.11917.818.31250018.317.4191917.718.31600018.717.719.519.717.818.7SPL31.730.83433.230.731.7N1.71.521.91.51.7median 20median 18.8median 22.3median 21.9median 18median 20Delta2.72.32.32.62.22.735.440.135.435.635.535.629.931.129.929.629.829.629.729.529.735.733.335.730.727.830.726.92726.924.225.324.22424.32425.724.625.721.922.421.922.621.822.62020.32020.22020.219.418.919.418.718.118.717.317.717.31716.81716.616.316.616.216.116.215.915.615.915.715.515.715.415.415.415.31515.315.415.315.415.115.215.11514.91515.114.915.115.21515.229.329.129.31.31.21.3median 17median 16.8median 172.72.82.7hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseAcer Chromebook 14 CP5-471-53QVHP Chromebook 13 G1 Core m5

Temperature

Neither in idle operation nor under load can we speak about any heat development. While idling, the temperatures that we measured always remained below 25 °C (77 °F). Even under load, the temperatures do not rise that much and remain below the 30-°C mark (86 °F) almost everywhere.

Max. Load
 27.2 °C
81 F
29.1 °C
84 F
27.2 °C
81 F
 
 27.3 °C
81 F
28.7 °C
84 F
26.6 °C
80 F
 
 24.5 °C
76 F
24.8 °C
77 F
24.6 °C
76 F
 
Maximum: 29.1 °C = 84 F
Average: 26.7 °C = 80 F
24.6 °C
76 F
32 °C
90 F
29.2 °C
85 F
24 °C
75 F
29.7 °C
85 F
26.4 °C
80 F
24.1 °C
75 F
24 °C
75 F
24.2 °C
76 F
Maximum: 32 °C = 90 F
Average: 26.5 °C = 80 F
Power Supply (max.)  30.9 °C = 88 F | Room Temperature 23.1 °C = 74 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 26.7 °C / 80 F, compared to the average of 29.5 °C / 85 F for the devices in the class Office.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 29.1 °C / 84 F, compared to the average of 34.2 °C / 94 F, ranging from 21.2 to 62.5 °C for the class Office.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 32 °C / 90 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 23.6 °C / 74 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 24.8 °C / 76.6 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(+) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.7 °C / 81.9 F (+2.9 °C / 5.3 F).

Speakers

Speaker spectrum
Speaker spectrum

The built-in speakers suffice for the occasional YouTube viewing. The sound reproduction is slightly heavy on the mids, and the presence is lacking. The bass is missing completely. The volume turns out mediocre as well. To really enjoy the sound, you need to connect external devices via the audio-combo port. 

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2040.73540.72538.928.238.93139.825.439.84041.229.841.25042.828.542.86343.928.943.98044.429.144.410045.828.945.812547.228.447.216049.22749.22005123.8512505422.75431559.221.959.240061.220.961.250063.520.563.563068.419.568.480073.318.473.310007018.27012506717.867160067.21867.2200067.617.867.6250062.717.862.7315067.217.967.240006917.969500062.11862.1630056.81856.8800059.417.959.41000062.317.862.31250065.717.765.71600062.517.862.5SPL7930.779N451.545median 62.5median 18median 62.5Delta6.22.26.235.335.132.931.831.83236.535.132.428.93328.936.328.848.32761.52752.924.860.92462.822.763.32269.521.267.82174.82075.919.472.718.97117.770.117.86917.671.817.668.117.671.417.673.717.670.417.571.617.671.617.669.617.459.717.583.630.662.51.5median 69.6median 17.84.72.442.735.842.73933.33939.532.639.540.631.340.641.829.941.844.131.144.144.328.244.34528.34545.625.345.647.525.647.551.224.951.254.323.554.359.522.959.560.421.860.463.120.963.16619.96672.719.372.771.318.971.363.218.263.261.918.261.963.117.863.165.317.665.366.417.666.467.317.667.370.517.670.563.817.863.865.917.865.964.717.764.764.617.564.665.117.765.179.130.879.146.11.546.1median 63.8median 18.2median 63.842.44hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseAcer Chromebook 14 CP5-471-53QVApple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHzAcer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
Acer Chromebook 14 CP5-471-53QV audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (74 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.4% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 5.1% higher than median
(+) | mids are linear (5.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 3% away from median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (9.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (15.1% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 10% of all tested devices in this class were better, 4% similar, 86% worse
» The best had a delta of 7%, average was 22%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 17% of all tested devices were better, 4% similar, 80% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (10.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 5% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 93% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 3% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 96% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (73 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 13.2% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (5.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 3.2% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (6.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2.5% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (13.9% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 0% of all tested devices in this class were better, 14% similar, 86% worse
» The best had a delta of 14%, average was 25%, worst was 35%
Compared to all devices tested
» 12% of all tested devices were better, 3% similar, 85% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Frequency comparison (Checkboxes selectable!)

Power Management

Power Consumption

With 2.7 to 6.7 W in idle operation, the Acer Chromebook 14 for Work does not demand much. During load, the power consumption rises up to 24 W. This is considerably higher than the maximum 12.7 W of the Acer Chromebook R13 and the 18 W of the HP Chromebook 13 G1. The reason is quickly found: The more powerful CPU has higher power demands.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.37 / 0.49 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 2.7 / 6.2 / 6.7 Watt
Load midlight 14 / 24 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Acer Chromebook 14 CP5-471-53QV
6200U, HD Graphics 520, 32 GB eMMC Flash, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Lenovo ThinkPad 13 Chromebook
6300U, HD Graphics 520, 32 GB eMMC Flash, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
HP Chromebook 13 G1 Core m5
6Y57, HD Graphics 515, , , 3200x1800, 13.30
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
MT8173C, PowerVR GX6250, 32 GB eMMC Flash, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
Power Consumption
37%
-16%
6%
Idle Minimum *
2.7
0.77
71%
3.7
-37%
3.8
-41%
Idle Average *
6.2
5.11
18%
8.7
-40%
6.2
-0%
Idle Maximum *
6.7
5.88
12%
9.4
-40%
6.6
1%
Load Average *
14
7.43
47%
12
14%
11
21%
Load Maximum *
24
14.73
39%
18
25%
12.7
47%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

Acer has equipped their Chromebook for Work with a large 45-Wh battery. The HP Chromebook 13 G1 has a similar capacity. According to the manufacturer, our test unit can run for up to 12 hours without a power connection. To get a more realistic value, we simulate surfing the net with a medium brightness of 150 cd/m². The Acer Chromebook stops working after exactly 9 hours. With this, the powerful office companion should last also for a longer work day.  

The Acer Chromebook R13 does even better at almost 13 hours. In contrast, the runtime of not even 7 hours of the expensive HP competitor is rather disappointing.

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing
9h 00min
Acer Chromebook 14 CP5-471-53QV
6200U, HD Graphics 520, 45 Wh
Lenovo ThinkPad 13 Chromebook
6300U, HD Graphics 520, 42 Wh
HP Chromebook 13 G1 Core m5
6Y57, HD Graphics 515, 45 Wh
Acer Chromebook R13 CB5-312T-K0YK
MT8173C, PowerVR GX6250, 53.9 Wh
Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing
540
536
-1%
404
-25%
773
43%
Battery Runtime
-1%
-25%
43%
WiFi v1.3
540
536
-1%
404
-25%
773
43%
Reader / Idle
1249
Load
170
150
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-1% / -1%
-25% / -25%
43% / 43%

Verdict

Pros

+ capable keyboard
+ low heat development
+ quiet fan
+ very good battery life

Cons

- slow SD card reader
- dark display
- delicate case surface
- not making full use of performance
- soldered-in memory storage
The Acer Chromebook 14, provided by notebooksbilliger.de
The Acer Chromebook 14, provided by notebooksbilliger.de

"The Chromebook for work." This is how Acer likes to see their new Chromebook: an office device for everyday work. Already the first glance at it shows that the Chromebook has grown up. Instead of playful colors, it is built with shiny piano-finish looks. It is unfortunate that the surface is so susceptible to fingerprints. However, for a work device, the suitability of the input devices is more important. The keyboard in particular is even suitable for longer days in the office. To be a real business device, more security features are lacking. 

The matte IPS screen comes out as very solid overall. Colors and grayscale are displayed well. Unfortunately, the display is lacking some brightness. Direct light sources in the office or outdoors can restrict the operation or completely prevent it. 

The hardware equipment in particular received our attention. However, it cannot live up to its potential and even limps behind the weaker Intel Core m5 processors in the benchmarks. Still, the system runs very smoothly and faster than some other Chromebooks. 

The Acer candidate scores with its good emission values and a 9-hour battery life.

Acer Chromebook 14 for Work is exactly what it is supposed to be: an office notebook for everyday work in the office with sufficient stamina.

Anyone who wants to completely switch to a Chromebook as their main device should also take a look at the HP Chromebook 13 G1. And the Lenovo ThinkPad 13 Chromebook offers even more performance.

Acer Chromebook 14 CP5-471-53QV - 06/30/2017 v6(old)
Nino Ricchizzi

Chassis
78 / 98 → 79%
Keyboard
75%
Pointing Device
78%
Connectivity
46 / 80 → 58%
Weight
70 / 20-67 → 100%
Battery
91%
Display
89%
Games Performance
0 / 68 → 0%
Application Performance
76 / 92 → 83%
Temperature
97%
Noise
93%
Camera
53 / 85 → 62%
Average
77%
83%
Office - Weighted Average

Pricecompare

static version load dynamic
Loading Comments
Comment on this article
Please share our article, every link counts!
> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Acer Chromebook 14 for Work (i5 6200U, 8 GB) Review
Nino Ricchizzi, 2017-07- 7 (Update: 2020-05-19)