Acer Chromebook Spin 312: A Dependable Daily Companion with a Comfortable Typing Experience
Introduction
The Acer Chromebook Spin 312 is a versatile laptop designed for everyday use. With its reliable performance, comfortable keyboard, and relatively affordable price point, it offers a compelling option for those seeking a budget-friendly Chromebook. However, it’s not without its drawbacks, which we’ll delve into in this comprehensive review.
Specifications and Design
The Acer Chromebook Spin 312 comes in a single configuration, featuring an Intel Core i3-N305 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of flash storage. These specifications are on par with the Chromebook Plus models, leading to some speculation as to why the "Plus" designation was omitted from the Spin’s name. The device features a light gray rectangular design, with the only splash of color being the Chromebook logo on the lid. While the design is not particularly eye-catching, it maintains a understated and functional aesthetic.
Build Quality and Durability
Despite being constructed entirely of plastic, the Acer Chromebook Spin 312 exhibits surprising durability. The hinge feels sturdy and firm, and there is minimal flex in the display area. The keyboard deck is notably strong, resisting any bending despite significant downward pressure. The build quality inspires confidence in the device’s ability to withstand everyday wear and tear.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The keyboard is one of the strongest features of the Chromebook Spin 312. It’s easy to type on, with well-spaced keys that provide a pleasant clicking sound. The smaller keyboard size, suited for those with smaller hands, contributes to the comfortable typing experience. The touchpad is equally responsive, offering smooth clicking and swiping. The touchpad is centered with the display, enhancing its usability. Interestingly, it utilizes ocean-bound plastic, resulting in a smooth, glass-like surface that is both comfortable to use and environmentally conscious.
Display
The 1920×1200 display on the Chromebook Spin 312 offers a sharp and clear viewing experience. The taller 16:10 aspect ratio makes it convenient for navigating documents, spreadsheets, and web pages. The display brightness, estimated at around 250 nits, could be improved for better visibility in certain lighting conditions. It also features a touchscreen, adding an intuitive navigation option. However, the thick bezels around the display take up a significant portion of the screen real estate, which is a drawback given the relatively small 12.2-inch display size.
Audio and Webcam
The Chromebook Spin 312 features a combination of downward and side firing speakers, providing a balanced and loud enough audio experience for everyday use. The 1080p webcam offers average video quality, suitable for video calls and conferencing. It handles natural light well but may not be ideal for low-light conditions.
Connectivity and Ports
The Acer Chromebook Spin 312 provides a decent selection of ports, including one USB Type-C, two USB Type-A, one HDMI 1.4, and one 3.5mm headphone/speaker jack. However, a limitation to note is that only one side of the device supports charging via USB Type-C. This can be inconvenient and restricts the positioning options when the laptop is charging.
Performance and Battery Life
In terms of performance, the Chromebook Spin 312 handles everyday tasks with ease, exhibiting faster bootup times and smooth tab switching. Performance benchmarks place it between the Lenovo Chromebook Duet and the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus. With its Intel Core i3-N305 processor, it is designed for energy-efficient performance, which is reflected in its impressive battery life. It lasted nearly 14 hours in our standard battery test, indicating that it can power through a full day of use without requiring a recharge.
Value and Verdict
The Acer Chromebook Spin 312 is a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly Chromebook with reliable performance, a comfortable keyboard, and long battery life. While it falls short in areas such as display brightness, chunky bezels, and a single charging port, the $379 sale price at Amazon at the time of writing makes it a more compelling option. If you’re looking for an affordable and dependable laptop for everyday computing, the Acer Chromebook Spin 312 is worth considering.
