I just got mine delivered today and I love it. The 1 Gig N4500 processor seems to work just as well and other I 3 's and I 5's quad cores I have had in the past. The screen is just deluxe with FHD ISP, my last laptop didn't seem to like my coffee, so getting this one and just signing into Google saved all my sign in info from sites I used to visit. It's my first CB and I'll rec'm this to everyone.
Saw the Acer 317 was $159.99 on Amazon today (refurbished) plus a 5% coupon. Saw it when browsing for deals on Prime Day, but it wasn't even a Prime Day deal, but it still seemed like a good deal to me. Especially for something to watch RUclips videos on in the RV.
Perfect for a senior who wants to use Facebook, RUclips, and email. Add a dot of hot glue to the "F" and "J" keys to keep your fingers on track and it would be good to go.
A laptop's sound / speakers is my lowest priority. I wouldn't mind it if they didn't have speakers at all. The solution is headphones, wired or bluetooth. Over the ear in the little plugs you insert into your ears are the best. You can watch anything or play any video game as loud as you want with the illusion of full sound including great bass and nobody around you will be disturbed at all. Maybe if you are alone use the speakers but nothing is more annoying that someone listening to something over a laptop when there are other people around. But even when alone, why not use headphones? Way better user experience.
What do you think about running it as a Linux machine, mostly for word processing and web browsing? And does it seem built well enough to last a few years? I'm currently a Lenovo guy for the reliability.
I've been running windows 10 on an acer chromebook 15 for years now, looking to do the same on this just wanting a larger screen now. If windows works fine then linux will do even better.
Thinking of buying a laptop soon for business and this is the laptop I’ve been looking at, looks great for the price and has great reviews, would this be suitable for stock investing and Amazon selling and that kind of stuff?
Absolutely yes. Most of the day traders I know have a couple of screens active, but if you don't want that, a big 17" screen will let you track lots of info simultaneously. Good luck!
I've found that putting my fingers on the correct keys helps my use of every keyboard tremendously. In fact, I've never had a computer that didn't require my fingers on the correct keys. Can you tell us which ones don't require this?
@@AskDaveTaylor Thank you, but I was actually very serious about the second comment and semi-serious about the first. Accessibility features on computers can allow people with functional disabilities to elevate themselves and others to previously unobtainable levels. I knew a guy who had no use of his arms or legs, but he was an excellent accountant because he had a Mac computer with some very expensive accessibility software only slightly more functional than the accessibility features in Android or Chromebooks. Any computer with methods in place to remove the necessity to use the keyboard, or use it as designed, would be awesome for a great number of people. I switched a bunch of people with drastically limited sight to Linux from Windows because Linux offered a full screen magnifier that followed the keyboard or mouse cursor and Windows gave only a magnifying glass. One guy I know was an Android supporter for life because he didn't have to press the correct icons to use his apps due to the accessibility features. Imagine how many computer users might switch to Chromebooks for accessibility features alone if more people showcased the features helping the 1/5 of people with some form of disability. For me, Chromebooks are lightweight with good battery life. I have mobility issues, but I can still carry and use my Chromebook without complicating factors like cords, which have actually slipped while moving room to room and caused me to fall. Chromebooks are awesome for so many more reasons than "they run Chrome really well", which is at least 80% of the content in most videos I've seen.
Can you check the specs on the Chromebook you're showing? You said it was using a lower end Celeron processor but the label on the computer at 56 seconds reads Pentium Silver which is an upgrade over the Celeron.
I no longer have this device, but I go off the vendor-supplied specs. It's possible that the CPU was upgraded in the unit actually sent to me, for which I apologize. If you're poised to buy one, definitely read through the specs carefully!
@@AskDaveTaylor Thanks for the reply and I appreciate your review of the Chromebook. I did just order one and it's supposed to have the upgraded hardware. I'll be sure to pay close attention to what they send me.
Won't lag as in "instant"? Few laptops can deliver that experience. So instead, I demonstrate typical uses. App launch speed is also a function of if you were just using the app ten minutes earlier too; it's faster the second time, as you know.
Would this computer run Android Studio in Crostini? I have been having a Dickens of a time finding one that would work well for Android app development.
Maybe one with limited vision, lol... but seriously, I think due to the 4GB RAM, it's just mean to buy this for anyone other than yourself. And definitely not for teenagers, who will have multiple apps/tabs running at all times (just go for the 8GB version).
@@AskDaveTaylor The family needed a chromebook for home use and for homeschooling. It would be on a desk not carried around unless traveling. I figured the size for myself because of my eye sight isn't the greatest and I'd be teaching her for homeschooling. I appreciate you replying to my question.
How can a person know how long a Chromebook will automatically update, when looking to buy one? The last one I bought only updated for about a year and then it wouldn't play moves any more. I didn't know Chromebooks expired.
That shouldn't happen in normal situations. I would check with the manufacturer to see what it means. This should be helpful too: support.google.com/chromebook/answer/9367166?hl=en
I didn't experience any, but that might be a good question to Google or even ask ChatGPT to summarize user experiences with the Acer 317. Did you reach out to ASUS customer service when your unit failed, btw?
@@AskDaveTaylor No because it just happened last night but today I think will today, thank you. I paid $300 for the Chromebook so I'm hoping, maybe it was just because I had Chrome OS extensions that were making the sound go away throughout the entire chromebook or if it is defective, I did get a warranty when I bought it, so maybe they'll give me a replacement?? Hopefully, anyway, thank you for answering.
a dedicated HDMI port requires additional GPU interface lanes which would complicate the PCB layout, remember this is a cheap ass laptop with corners cut everywhere possible. A fully functional USB-C port is the better solution here
@Josh's life. I've heard it too, but we're talking more premium series like at least _500_ or more likely _700._ It's all about motherboard and those hosting Intel's _I_ processor may give you such option. And we're talking Celeron in _300_ series here... Still, all this is beside the point as it's the review of out of the box, stock laptop. You can have it 8 or 4 GB of RAM; N4500, N6000 and I guess at least one more processor option in various combinations (with 32, 64 or 128 GB of storage, at least last time I checked there was no 256 option). *BUT* in 317 the *touchscreen* you could have only on N6000 8 GB with 64 GB of storage! At least at the time of filming, later I saw (but only on one market, UK if memory serves) also 128 GB of storage with touchscreen, yet still N6000 and 8 GB RAM! And I watched this video while researching Chromebooks, did buy my 317 with touchscreen soon after. In the USA and I live in Europe where Acer wasn't offering touchscreen 17' model at all (at that time). So I was familiar with all possible configurations available on different markets.
@Josh's life. P.S. No it can't be user upgraded at all. I mean when it comes to RAM *maybe* you could replace 4 GB with 8, but it makes no sense... The cost (you're left with 4 GB you have to try sell used...) would be similar to just buying one of 8 GB options! In general you have *much more* options when you don't want touchscreen: various combinations of at least 3 processors, 4 or 8 GB RAM and 32, 64 and 128 GB of storage (256 already? I don't know). Touchscreens are not even offered on all the markets all the time and all I ever saw was N6000 8 GB with 64, later also 128 GB. Now, I can imagine 4GB of RAM would be possible as you have no touchscreen N6000 4 GB, but I wonder if cheaper Celeron hardware configurations even supports touchscreens...
@Josh's life. P.P.S. When navigating non-touchscreen options I would suggest getting the best processor with 8GB you can afford, storage you can easily extend. Which to priority: RAM or processor I honestly can't say:( Since touchscreen was priority for me I had only one choice: N6000 8/64 GB. Would I go for 128 if it was available at that time? That depends on price difference that may be even more region than option dependent!!! Like I got mine like $180 off in the USA (refurbished Acer certified, battery with 0 cycles on it!), so nice $100 cheaper when you consider shipping, so it was the price of like N4500 4 GB model in the EU:))) And check out 512GB Kingston super ultra tiny thumb drive! That's what I bought. It's barely sticking out of USB socket so I don't take it out when moving around with my laptop in the backpack! 64 GB of fast storage is plenty enough for anything you need fast access to and this extended 512 GB... I haven't even started to use yet to be honest:) But it's gonna be most likely movies to watch later, so access speed doesn't matter at all.
@@AskDaveTaylor lol.. orrrrr because i been tryna download apps ..and look for netflix on play store on a chromebook..with no luck.. hahhah..... so just use google to get netflix like normal... okay thanks ;-)
32gb storage is a spit in your face. and dont tell stories about "this is for school, its enough" or other bullshit. some low end Chinese android phones have more storage. manufacturer did save couple of dollars and prepared a tasty spit for anyone who will buy this machine
Wow, why this level of hostility? There are a zillion external storage options, but more importantly, the entire point of ChromeOS is that you're storing everything in the cloud, so you don't need local storage. It's not Windows or MacOS, it's a completely different approach to storage and the relationship between the individual machine and your data, Arthur.
I just got mine delivered today and I love it. The 1 Gig N4500 processor seems to work just as well and other I 3 's and I 5's quad cores I have had in the past. The screen is just deluxe with FHD ISP, my last laptop didn't seem to like my coffee, so getting this one and just signing into Google saved all my sign in info from sites I used to visit. It's my first CB and I'll rec'm this to everyone.
Saw the Acer 317 was $159.99 on Amazon today (refurbished) plus a 5% coupon. Saw it when browsing for deals on Prime Day, but it wasn't even a Prime Day deal, but it still seemed like a good deal to me. Especially for something to watch RUclips videos on in the RV.
Perfect for a senior who wants to use Facebook, RUclips, and email. Add a dot of hot glue to the "F" and "J" keys to keep your fingers on track and it would be good to go.
Great review! Just watched it and bought one for $169 at Walmart. Going to return the 15.6 screen Acer for the same price yesterday at Target.
tysm for the info i actually purchased mine thru walmart for only 169.00..so far so good lol ty again for ur video!
Storage with a chromebook is meant to be online using Google File, Sheets, Photos, GDrive etc. So physical memory does not need to be large.
That was certainly one of the original design specs, but I'm not sure I agree that it continues to be a core design concept for ChromeOS.
Great video. I’m going to get one. Thanks for sharing this with us. ❤
I wish the hinge was 360 and it was ultra slim with all aluminum body
Acer has a LOT of different models, it might well be the case they have one that meets your specs.
These are excellent for curling up in bed and watching Netflix or whatever the giant screen is perfect for streaming.
So you curl up in bed with a Chromebook? Very post-modern of you! :-)
@@AskDaveTaylor Cheers 😀
A laptop's sound / speakers is my lowest priority. I wouldn't mind it if they didn't have speakers at all.
The solution is headphones, wired or bluetooth. Over the ear in the little plugs you insert into your ears are the best.
You can watch anything or play any video game as loud as you want with the illusion of full sound including great bass and nobody around you will be disturbed at all.
Maybe if you are alone use the speakers but nothing is more annoying that someone listening to something over a laptop when there are other people around. But even when alone, why not use headphones? Way better user experience.
Okay, that's your perspective and it's logical. But people often use the speakers on laptops anyway for simplicity and comfort.
Because the point of a laptop is to be portable and convenient. having to carry around headphones hurts that
Maybe they have upgraded it in the last year because I am looking at one on Amazon that has a 8gb ram and a SSD.
What do you think about running it as a Linux machine, mostly for word processing and web browsing? And does it seem built well enough to last a few years? I'm currently a Lenovo guy for the reliability.
Don't know about dropping a Linux distro on it, but it has a decent heft and feels like it'd last a while.
Chrome is basen on Linux... There's a lot videos on both dual boot and Linux only chromebooks.
My advice: go with 8Gb touchscreen version.
Why bother putting Linux on it for those used? Chrome OS handles those perfectly well.
@@crosswhite17 Exactly: if you don't know what Linux does, you don't need it. Why would you inflatwll it then?
I've been running windows 10 on an acer chromebook 15 for years now, looking to do the same on this just wanting a larger screen now.
If windows works fine then linux will do even better.
The Chromebook you reviewed has 8 GB of RAM.
Subbed great review
Thinking of buying a laptop soon for business and this is the laptop I’ve been looking at, looks great for the price and has great reviews, would this be suitable for stock investing and Amazon selling and that kind of stuff?
Absolutely yes. Most of the day traders I know have a couple of screens active, but if you don't want that, a big 17" screen will let you track lots of info simultaneously. Good luck!
I've found that putting my fingers on the correct keys helps my use of every keyboard tremendously. In fact, I've never had a computer that didn't require my fingers on the correct keys. Can you tell us which ones don't require this?
haha.
@@AskDaveTaylor
The answer, of course, is voice activation. It just so happens this Chromebook is very good for that, too.
You're a funny guy, Turcotte. 🙂
@@AskDaveTaylor
Thank you, but I was actually very serious about the second comment and semi-serious about the first. Accessibility features on computers can allow people with functional disabilities to elevate themselves and others to previously unobtainable levels. I knew a guy who had no use of his arms or legs, but he was an excellent accountant because he had a Mac computer with some very expensive accessibility software only slightly more functional than the accessibility features in Android or Chromebooks. Any computer with methods in place to remove the necessity to use the keyboard, or use it as designed, would be awesome for a great number of people.
I switched a bunch of people with drastically limited sight to Linux from Windows because Linux offered a full screen magnifier that followed the keyboard or mouse cursor and Windows gave only a magnifying glass. One guy I know was an Android supporter for life because he didn't have to press the correct icons to use his apps due to the accessibility features. Imagine how many computer users might switch to Chromebooks for accessibility features alone if more people showcased the features helping the 1/5 of people with some form of disability.
For me, Chromebooks are lightweight with good battery life. I have mobility issues, but I can still carry and use my Chromebook without complicating factors like cords, which have actually slipped while moving room to room and caused me to fall.
Chromebooks are awesome for so many more reasons than "they run Chrome really well", which is at least 80% of the content in most videos I've seen.
Can you check the specs on the Chromebook you're showing? You said it was using a lower end Celeron processor but the label on the computer at 56 seconds reads Pentium Silver which is an upgrade over the Celeron.
I no longer have this device, but I go off the vendor-supplied specs. It's possible that the CPU was upgraded in the unit actually sent to me, for which I apologize. If you're poised to buy one, definitely read through the specs carefully!
@@AskDaveTaylor Thanks for the reply and I appreciate your review of the Chromebook. I did just order one and it's supposed to have the upgraded hardware. I'll be sure to pay close attention to what they send me.
Cool, and please do report back here on YT for everyone else's benefit!
The only thing I wanna know is if it’s fast. Fast as in it won’t lag when I try to open up something as simple as a web browser or google docs ?
Won't lag as in "instant"? Few laptops can deliver that experience. So instead, I demonstrate typical uses. App launch speed is also a function of if you were just using the app ten minutes earlier too; it's faster the second time, as you know.
Would this computer run Android Studio in Crostini? I have been having a Dickens of a time finding one that would work well for Android app development.
Is it good for travel agent work for booking vacations and webinars
Yes, I think it would work for that quite well, and the big screen would be a boon.
@@AskDaveTaylor OK ty
On sale at Walmart now for $169
On target $159
Can I still plug it into a tv if I get a c usb to hdmi kabel?
It looks really nice, thank you for the review!!!
Yes, it should plug into your TV without issue once you get the cable situation worked out.
Would this be good for editing youtube videos and travel agent work
Video editing is typically pretty demanding on the computer, so I wouldn't recommend any Chromebook for the task.
@AskDaveTaylor is it good for travel agent work for booking vacations
For the touchscreen version, what type of stylus could i use?
An interesting question! I would reach out to their customer service team to find out.
can you upgrade the RAM and the internal 64gb memory ? Sorry my english is bad, thank you so much !
Possibly with the initial purchase configuration, but I don't believe that it's user upgradeable, no.
Would it be a good chromebook for elementary school grade kid? For home schooling.
Yes, but quite honestly, they'd probably prefer a lighter unit with a smaller screen.
@@AskDaveTaylor Thank you so very much for your reply.
Maybe one with limited vision, lol... but seriously, I think due to the 4GB RAM, it's just mean to buy this for anyone other than yourself. And definitely not for teenagers, who will have multiple apps/tabs running at all times (just go for the 8GB version).
I disagree; this will work fine for someone who needs a device for basic tasks like webmail and Office365.
@@AskDaveTaylor The family needed a chromebook for home use and for homeschooling. It would be on a desk not carried around unless traveling. I figured the size for myself because of my eye sight isn't the greatest and I'd be teaching her for homeschooling. I appreciate you replying to my question.
How can a person know how long a Chromebook will automatically update, when looking to buy one? The last one I bought only updated for about a year and then it wouldn't play moves any more. I didn't know Chromebooks expired.
That shouldn't happen in normal situations. I would check with the manufacturer to see what it means. This should be helpful too: support.google.com/chromebook/answer/9367166?hl=en
Does Acer make a 317 non-glare screen in the 17" size?
i would check their site. They have a LOT of different configurations, for sure!
Yes, but it is not a a touch screen.
Backlit keyboard?
Check the Acer site to confirm this feature; I don't tend to use computers in the dark any more 🙂
Yes, the touchscreen version has one.
I brought a ASUS 17.3 and within a week, the audio stopped working, do Acer 317 Chromebooks have any audio issues?
I didn't experience any, but that might be a good question to Google or even ask ChatGPT to summarize user experiences with the Acer 317. Did you reach out to ASUS customer service when your unit failed, btw?
@@AskDaveTaylor No because it just happened last night but today I think will today, thank you. I paid $300 for the Chromebook so I'm hoping, maybe it was just because I had Chrome OS extensions that were making the sound go away throughout the entire chromebook or if it is defective, I did get a warranty when I bought it, so maybe they'll give me a replacement?? Hopefully, anyway, thank you for answering.
a dedicated HDMI port requires additional GPU interface lanes which would complicate the PCB layout, remember this is a cheap ass laptop with corners cut everywhere possible. A fully functional USB-C port is the better solution here
And yet it worked fine when I plugged in an HDMI cord and tried it on an external monitor, in 1920x1080 resolution. Go figure.
Dude, make up your mind! Is it touchscreen that comes only with 8Gb and N6000, or the 4Gb N4500 variant?!?
So: apparently they've made some changes. Now touchscreen you can get *only* with 8Gb of RAM and backlit keyboard. And N6000.
@Josh's life. I've heard it too, but we're talking more premium series like at least _500_ or more likely _700._ It's all about motherboard and those hosting Intel's _I_ processor may give you such option. And we're talking Celeron in _300_ series here...
Still, all this is beside the point as it's the review of out of the box, stock laptop. You can have it 8 or 4 GB of RAM; N4500, N6000 and I guess at least one more processor option in various combinations (with 32, 64 or 128 GB of storage, at least last time I checked there was no 256 option). *BUT* in 317 the *touchscreen* you could have only on N6000 8 GB with 64 GB of storage! At least at the time of filming, later I saw (but only on one market, UK if memory serves) also 128 GB of storage with touchscreen, yet still N6000 and 8 GB RAM!
And I watched this video while researching Chromebooks, did buy my 317 with touchscreen soon after. In the USA and I live in Europe where Acer wasn't offering touchscreen 17' model at all (at that time). So I was familiar with all possible configurations available on different markets.
@Josh's life. P.S. No it can't be user upgraded at all. I mean when it comes to RAM *maybe* you could replace 4 GB with 8, but it makes no sense... The cost (you're left with 4 GB you have to try sell used...) would be similar to just buying one of 8 GB options! In general you have *much more* options when you don't want touchscreen: various combinations of at least 3 processors, 4 or 8 GB RAM and 32, 64 and 128 GB of storage (256 already? I don't know). Touchscreens are not even offered on all the markets all the time and all I ever saw was N6000 8 GB with 64, later also 128 GB. Now, I can imagine 4GB of RAM would be possible as you have no touchscreen N6000 4 GB, but I wonder if cheaper Celeron hardware configurations even supports touchscreens...
@Josh's life. P.P.S. When navigating non-touchscreen options I would suggest getting the best processor with 8GB you can afford, storage you can easily extend. Which to priority: RAM or processor I honestly can't say:(
Since touchscreen was priority for me I had only one choice: N6000 8/64 GB. Would I go for 128 if it was available at that time? That depends on price difference that may be even more region than option dependent!!! Like I got mine like $180 off in the USA (refurbished Acer certified, battery with 0 cycles on it!), so nice $100 cheaper when you consider shipping, so it was the price of like N4500 4 GB model in the EU:))) And check out 512GB Kingston super ultra tiny thumb drive! That's what I bought. It's barely sticking out of USB socket so I don't take it out when moving around with my laptop in the backpack! 64 GB of fast storage is plenty enough for anything you need fast access to and this extended 512 GB... I haven't even started to use yet to be honest:) But it's gonna be most likely movies to watch later, so access speed doesn't matter at all.
just ordered one form my mom
Terrific. Let us know how it works out!
how do ii get netflix on it...or does it come with it?
I just go to netflix.com in the Web browser. An entirely functional interface that lets you enjoy Netflix on any computer! 🙂
@@AskDaveTaylor lol.. orrrrr because i been tryna download apps ..and look for netflix on play store on a chromebook..with no luck..
hahhah..... so just use google to get netflix like normal... okay thanks ;-)
Perfect for me for trading
hey im trading on Mac screen small for option is it worth the chrome book
dilemma - i have 12" on the go and chromebox on screen this big toy smack in between ..
Can it run steam?
Sort of. Apparently there's a Steam app for ChromeOS, but I don't think it's released to the public yet...
I would never buy this computer again it was so difficult to use
going to sell this one and getting ready to buy a new gaming computer
Difficult to use how? Because of ChromeOS, or because of the physical device itself?
mine has no touch screen n6000 etc then I saw you have a spin 713 with touch screen? not a 317??
32gb storage is a spit in your face. and dont tell stories about "this is for school, its enough" or other bullshit. some low end Chinese android phones have more storage. manufacturer did save couple of dollars and prepared a tasty spit for anyone who will buy this machine
Wow, why this level of hostility? There are a zillion external storage options, but more importantly, the entire point of ChromeOS is that you're storing everything in the cloud, so you don't need local storage. It's not Windows or MacOS, it's a completely different approach to storage and the relationship between the individual machine and your data, Arthur.
yo bro why you so mad for?If it trash don’t buy it 😂
so is there a video out option? can the usb c port be used for a video out to mirror screen to a 2nd monitor?
Sure. It's not generally seen as "video out" but just as a port, but you can definitely hook up a second display.