Acer 11" Chromebook model: CB3-132-C6ZD

I had a few things to say about this laptop

Watch the video below to hear why you should (or shouldn't) get it for yourself. I recorded this during the March 8th, 2019 live stream. The video below starts right when we started discussing the Acer 11" Chromebook.

I make new recommendations according to latest rebates every Friday, and you can see my latest picks here.

Quick Description

Designed to access the web simply and securely, it's an excellent fit as someone's 1st laptop or if your needs away from your desk are basic.

If you mostly want a laptop to check your Emails, social media, and streaming videos, this is a cost-effective choice.

Guillaume's pick!

This laptop stood out to me on 22 occasions while compiling the weekly Tech Worth Buying Newsletter. It was most recently selected on 2020-04-24, selling for $240.

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.

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.

Assuming you are starting over fresh, you can expect to spend $18 on accessories, for a total cost of $260.

Currently Exclusive to Canada Computers for $239

Based on 639 days of observation, the Acer 11" Chromebook usually costs ~$180 in Canada. The lowest price on record for this laptop is $146.63.

Scroll down to find charts comparing the Acer 11" Chromebook to similar devices, to see how well it runs your favorite apps and to find where it can be bought from.

Pricing

History

Here's how this device has been priced up to now:

Here are a few Canadian retailers who currently sell this product:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Canada Computers or The Source at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Specs

Here's how the Acer 11" Chromebook ranks compared to similar devices. The more stars there are, the better (except for the price row).

Laptops

Bang for the Buck1/5
Versatility for the Price5/5
Price0/5
Durability0.5/5
Power0.5/5
General-purpose power0/5
Graphical power0.5/5
Memory1/5
Storage0/5
Portability4.5/5
Autonomy4/5
Ease of MaintenanceN/A

Netbooks

Bang for the Buck3.5/5
Versatility for the Price5/5
Price0.5/5
Durability2.5/5
Power3.5/5
General-purpose power1/5
Graphical power3.5/5
Memory4.5/5
Storage0.5/5
Portability4/5
Autonomy2.5/5
Ease of MaintenanceN/A

All Smart Devices

Bang for the Buck1/5
Versatility for the Price5/5
Price0/5
Durability1.5/5
Power0.5/5
General-purpose power0/5
Graphical power0.5/5
Memory1/5
Storage0/5
Portability4/5
Autonomy3.5/5
Ease of MaintenanceN/A

The Meaty details

The Specs

Operating System: Chrome OS, Android (Chrome OS)
Processor: Intel Celeron N3060
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics
Memory: 4.00 GB
Storage: 16.00 GB
Screen Size: 11.6"
Screen Resolution: 1366×768(135.09ppi)
Dimensions: 29.40 × 20.40 × 1.85 cm
Weight: 1.100 kg

The features

  • Built-in Media Card Reader
  • Fixed storage: Solid State (very fast)
  • Webcam / Front-Facing Camera / Selfie Cam
  • HDMI
  • USB 2
  • USB 3
  • 3.5mm Headphone+Microphone combo jack
  • Built-in Microphone
  • Built-in Speakers
  • Bluetooth 4
  • Wi-Fi a
  • Wi-Fi ac
  • Wi-Fi b
  • Wi-Fi g
  • Wi-Fi n
  • USB Type-A
  • Multiple Monitor Support
  • Built-In Keyboard
  • IPS Display (incl. PLS, AHVA, etc.)

What it's capable of

Here are the tasks this computer can handle and how easily it'll breeze through it. A 5-star rating means it should handle the task at a professional level, a 1-star rating means it can do it, but it likely won't be a pleasant experience.

Activities it will handle

  • Web & Communication

    The basics 4/5
    Design Websites 0/5

  • Audio & Visual medias

    The basics 2/5
    Music Production 0/5
    Drawing and Illustrations 2/5
    Photo Editing 0/5
    Video Editing 0/5

  • Texts & Numbers

    The basics 2/5

  • Video Games

    Casual and Mobile Games 0/5
    Enthusiast Games 0/5
    Triple-A Video Games 0/5

  • 3D and CAD

    The basics 0/5

Programs, Apps and Games it will handle

Activity ratings are good but sometimes, you want to be absolutely sure your next purchase will be able to run a specific piece of software.

A 1 star rating means the program'll be usable (according to the developer's own definition; some are more demanding than others); 3 stars mean recommended specs are met with this device; 5 stars will means you will have plenty of overhead to handle uncommon uses of that program like mods, plug-ins and more.

Web & Communication (5 / 5)

More Web & Communication Software

Texts & Numbers (4 / 10)

More Texts & Numbers Software

Drawing and Illustrations (0 / 12)

More Drawing and Illustrations Software

Audio & Visual medias (0 / 4)

More Audio & Visual medias Software

3D and CAD (0 / 9)

More 3D and CAD Software

Music Production (0 / 11)

More Music Production Software

Photo Editing (0 / 5)

More Photo Editing Software

Video Editing (0 / 12)

More Video Editing Software

Enthusiast Games (0 / 71)

More Enthusiast Games Software

Video Games (3 / 12)

More Video Games Software

Triple-A Video Games (0 / 79)

More Triple-A Video Games Software

In the same price range

For roughly the same price, you could get one of these. Anything in there sounds like a better deal?

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