Acer Spin 11-inch Convertible Chromebook (CP311-3H-K9K9)

This model ranked #11 among Laptops priced under $500 in terms of bang-for-the-buck.
This versatile Chromebook offers a great experience for the price and is a compelling option if you can`t quite decide between getting a netbook or a tablet and have limited funds.
Other Considerations
Here are a few things about this Laptop which could come as a surprise. For each point, you will find how to fix it (if it's an issue) and how much to budget for it. Not every point below will be a concern, but hopefully, we can keep your surprises to a minimum.
Slow storage. Once started, this Laptop should perform ok, however, expect it to take some time to start up, launch programs and open large documents. This could potentially be fixed by replacing the hard drive with a faster component but I couldn't confirm that it is indeed an option in this case.$60+
No Optical Drive. If you still use CDs, DVDs, or Blu-Ray disks on a regular basis, you will need an external drive to read them with this Laptop.$30+
No Number Pad. If you primarily work with numbers, the lack of a number pad on this laptop could be inconvenient. You have the option of using an external number pad to remedy that, especially if you only need it on occasion.$20+
Limited Workspace. The included screen has a lower resolution than the typical TV or computer monitor. This could hinder your ability to multi-task, especially if you work with multiple windows at once. On the plus side, things will tend to be displayed larger on screen if your eyesight is challenging.
This is easy to fix on a desk by connecting to an external monitor, but hard to address anywhere else.
Set Expiration Date. This Laptop will cease to receive updates from Google after June 1st, 2028, making it more vulnerable to new threats past this date. If you're adventurous, some users have been able to turn their Chromebooks into Linux machines before, but it does require a bit of extra know-how, and most people will likely want to look for a replacement past this point.
Every tech company declares its products obsolete and stop supporting them eventually; Google mostly differs by setting this date long in advance instead of notifying us after the fact. Still, this information should play a role in your decision, especially if you're considering buying an older model.
Assuming you are starting over fresh, you can expect to spend $18 on accessories, for a total cost of $470.
Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared to other Laptops
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power (General Purpose) | |
Power (Graphical) | |
Power (Large Files & Multitasking) | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy | |
Ease of Maintenance | |
Longevity |
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power (General Purpose) | |
Power (Graphical) | |
Power (Large Files & Multitasking) | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy | |
Ease of Maintenance | |
Longevity |
Specs
Screen
11.6", 1366×768 (1366 × 768, 1MP), 135.09 PPI, IPS Display (incl. PLS, AHVA, etc.), Multiple Monitor Support, Touch Screen
Operating System
Android, Chrome OS
CPU
MediaTek MT8183, 8 cores clocked from 1.4 to 2 GHz
GPU
ARM Mali-G72
Memory
4 GB
Storage
64 GB total
Forseeable Obsolescence
in 6 years
Battery
35.9Wh, 4670mAh
Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions (cm): w29 × d20.6 × h1.88
Dimensions (in): w11.42 × d52.32 × h4.78
Weight (kg): 1.2
Weight (lbs.): 2.65
Features
- Fast-Charging
- External Power Brick
- Webcam / Front-Facing Camera / Selfie Cam
- IPS Display (incl. PLS, AHVA, etc.)
- Multiple Monitor Support
- Touch Screen
- USB 2
- USB Type-C
- USB 3.1
- USB Type-A
- TPM & other Encryption Hardware
- Built-In Keyboard
- 3.5mm Headphone+Microphone combo jack
- Built-in Microphone
- Built-in Speakers
- Bluetooth 4
- Wi-Fi a
- Wi-Fi b
- Wi-Fi g
- Wi-Fi n
- Wi-Fi ac
Maintenance and Upgrades
Commonly Replaced Components
Battery: A technician can help you with that
Local Storage: Can't be repaired or updated
Memory: Can't be repaired or updated
GPU: Can't be repaired or updated
Additional Ressources
Pricing and Current Offers
Software Compatibility
Here's how you can expect this laptop to fare with popular software based on developpers specified system requirements. For reference, a 1-star rating means minimal requirements are met and a 3-stars rating means recommended specs are met. Ratings beyond the 3-stars point could be advisable for uncommon scenarios like modding, working with very large and complex documents, etc.
Browse the software library for more options and find compatible hardware
Accessories you might need
Other laptops in the same price range

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Who it's For
- Multitasker
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Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Linux, Android, Chrome OS
Screen
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CPU
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GPU
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Memory
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Pricing

Lenovo 14-inch IdeaPad 3 Chromebook (82KN0002CF)
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- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Linux, Android, Chrome OS
Screen
14", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
MediaTek MT8183
GPU
ARM Mali-G72
Memory
4 GB
Storage
32 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)
Pricing

Acer 14-inch Chromebook 314 (CB314-1H-C1S4)
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Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Linux, Android, Chrome OS
Screen
14", 1366×786(1366 × 786, 1.1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
Intel Celeron N4000
GPU
Intel UHD Graphics 600
Memory
4 GB
Storage
32 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)
Pricing

Asus C523NA 15-inch Chromebook (C523NA-BB02-CB)
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Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Android, Chrome OS
Screen
15", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
Intel Celeron N3350
GPU
Intel HD Graphics 505
Memory
4 GB
Storage
64 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)
Pricing

Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14-inch Netbook (82GW0047CF)
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Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Windows 10, S Edition
Screen
14", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
AMD 3020e
GPU
AMD Radeon Vega 3 Graphics
Memory
4 GB
Storage
64 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)
Pricing

HP 14-inch Laptop (14-fq0008ca)
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Who it's For
- Casual Worker
Compared Overall
Bang for the Buck | |
---|---|
Versatility | |
Power | |
Storage Space | |
Portability | |
Battery Autonomy |
Specs
Operating System
Windows 10, S Edition
Screen
14", 1366×768(1366 × 768, 1MP), Multiple Monitor Support
CPU
AMD 3020e
GPU
AMD Radeon Vega 3 Graphics
Memory
4 GB
Storage
64 GB total, Media Card Reader, eMMC Storage (slow)