Acer Spin 11-inch Convertible Chromebook model: CP311-3H-K9K9

Ranked #1 among Laptops priced under $525.

Acer Spin 11-inch Convertible Chromebook

Quick Description

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. Sadly, the hard drive in this model cannot be replaced.

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 $390.

Currently Exclusive to Best Buy for $370

Based on 48 days of observation, the Acer Spin 11-inch Convertible Chromebook usually costs ~$450 in Canada. The lowest price on record for this laptop is $369.99. If you were waiting for this laptop to drop in price, this could be the day you were waiting for.

Scroll down to find charts comparing the Acer Spin 11-inch Convertible 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 Best Buy at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Specs

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

Laptops

Bang for the Buck3/5
Versatility for the Price4/5
Price0.5/5
Durability5/5
Power0.5/5
General-purpose power0.5/5
Graphical power0.5/5
Memory0.5/5
Storage1/5
Portability4.5/5
Autonomy5/5
Ease of Maintenance0.5/5

Tablets

Bang for the Buck4/5
Versatility for the Price4/5
Price2.5/5
Durability5/5
Power3.5/5
General-purpose power4/5
Graphical power3.5/5
Memory4.5/5
Storage4/5
Portability2/5
Autonomy5/5
Ease of Maintenance5/5

Large Tablets

Bang for the Buck4/5
Versatility for the Price4/5
Price2/5
Durability5/5
Power3/5
General-purpose power3.5/5
Graphical power4/5
Memory4.5/5
Storage3.5/5
Portability3/5
Autonomy5/5
Ease of Maintenance5/5

Netbooks

Bang for the Buck4.5/5
Versatility for the Price5/5
Price2/5
Durability5/5
Power3/5
General-purpose power3/5
Graphical power4/5
Memory3.5/5
Storage4.5/5
Portability4/5
Autonomy5/5
Ease of Maintenance5/5

All Smart Devices

Bang for the Buck2/5
Versatility for the Price4.5/5
Price0.5/5
Durability5/5
Power0.5/5
General-purpose power0.5/5
Graphical power0.5/5
Memory1/5
Storage1/5
Portability4.5/5
Autonomy5/5
Ease of Maintenance0.5/5

The Meaty details

The Specs

Operating System: Chrome OS, Android (Chrome OS)
Processor: MediaTek MT8183
Graphics: ARM Mali-G72
Memory: 4.00 GB
Storage: 64.00 GB
Screen Size: 11.6"
Screen Resolution: 1366×768(135.09ppi)
Dimensions: 29.00 × 20.60 × 1.88 cm
Weight: 1.200 kg

The features

  • External Power Brick
  • IPS Display (incl. PLS, AHVA, etc.)
  • Multiple Monitor Support
  • Touch Screen
  • USB 2
  • USB 3.1
  • USB Type-A
  • USB Type-C
  • Built-In Keyboard
  • Built-in Microphone
  • Built-in Speakers
  • Bluetooth 4
  • Wi-Fi a
  • Wi-Fi ac
  • Wi-Fi b
  • Wi-Fi g
  • Wi-Fi n
  • TPM & other Encryption Hardware
  • 3.5mm Headphone+Microphone combo jack
  • Fast-Charging
  • Webcam / Front-Facing Camera / Selfie Cam

Repair / Upgrade Options

Score Ease of Maintenance
Battery Replacement6/10A technician can help you with that
Memory Upgrade0/10Can't be repaired or updated
Data Storage0/10Can't be repaired or updated
Graphics Upgrade0/10Can't be repaired or updated

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 5/5
    Design Websites 2/5

  • Audio & Visual medias

    The basics 3/5
    Music Production 1/5
    Drawing and Illustrations 3/5
    Photo Editing 2/5
    Video Editing 1/5

  • Texts & Numbers

    The basics 5/5

  • Video Games

    Casual and Mobile Games 1/5
    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 (4 / 4)

More Web & Communication Software

Texts & Numbers (4 / 9)

More Texts & Numbers Software

Drawing and Illustrations (1 / 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 (1 / 6)

More Photo Editing Software

Video Editing (0 / 13)

More Video Editing Software

Enthusiast Games (2 / 60)

More Enthusiast Games Software

Video Games (4 / 11)

More Video Games Software

Triple-A Video Games (0 / 71)

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?

  • Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15-inch Touchscreen Laptop

    Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15-inch Touchscreen Laptop from US$34022%, Best price yet!
    ~$450 with accessories

    Device Ratings

    by Laptops standards

    Bang for the Buck2.5/5
    Versatility for the Price3.5/5
    Power1.5/5
    Storage2/5
    Portability2/5
    Autonomy3/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buckequivalent
    Versatility for the Price-14.42% inferior
    Power15.39% better
    Storage20.19% better
    Portability-32.69% inferior
    Autonomy-43.06% inferior

    by Large Laptops standards

    Bang for the Buck2.5/5
    Versatility for the Price3/5
    Power1/5
    Storage1.5/5
    Portability3/5
    Autonomy3.5/5
    Specs
    Processor: Intel Core i3-1005G1
    Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
    Memory: 8.00 GB
    Storage: 256.00 GB
    Screen Size: 15.6"
    Screen Resolution: 1366×768
    Dimensions: 36.20 x 25.30 x 2.00 cm
    Weight: 1.851 kg

    Pricing Accuracy

    Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Best Buy site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
  • #4, Laptops (under $525)
    Asus Flip C234MA 2-in-1 Chromebook

    Asus Flip C234MA 2-in-1 Chromebook from US$330;
    ~$428 with accessories

    Device Ratings

    by Laptops standards

    Bang for the Buck0.5/5
    Versatility for the Price3.5/5
    Power0/5
    Storage1/5
    Portability4.5/5
    Autonomy5/5

    by Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck3.5/5
    Versatility for the Price3/5
    Power1.5/5
    Storage4/5
    Portability1.5/5
    Autonomy4/5

    by Netbooks standards

    Bang for the Buck2.5/5
    Versatility for the Price4/5
    Power1.5/5
    Storage4.5/5
    Portability3.5/5
    Autonomy4/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck-31.73% inferior
    Versatility for the Price-10.58% inferior
    Powerequivalent
    Storageequivalent
    Portabilityequivalent
    Autonomyequivalent

    by Large Tablets standards

    Bang for the Buck3/5
    Versatility for the Price3.5/5
    Power1.5/5
    Storage3.5/5
    Portability2/5
    Autonomy4/5
    Specs
    Processor: Intel Celeron N4020
    Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 600
    Memory: 4.00 GB
    Storage: 64.00 GB
    Screen Size: 11.6"
    Screen Resolution: 1366×768
    Dimensions: 29.20 x 19.90 x 2.01 cm
    Weight: 1.200 kg

    Pricing Accuracy

    Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Best Buy site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
  • #5, Laptops (under $525)
    Asus C523NA 15.6" Chromebook (Touch) Guillaume's pick; 3 times!

    Asus C523NA 15.6" Chromebook (Touch) from US$320;
    ~$420 with accessories

    Device Ratings

    by Laptops standards

    Bang for the Buck0.5/5
    Versatility for the Price3.5/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage1/5
    Portability3.5/5
    Autonomy2.5/5

    by Netbooks standards

    Bang for the Buck2/5
    Versatility for the Price4.5/5
    Power2.5/5
    Storage4.5/5
    Portability1/5
    Autonomy0.5/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck-32.69% inferior
    Versatility for the Priceequivalent
    Powerequivalent
    Storageequivalent
    Portability-13.46% inferior
    Autonomy-56.94% inferior
    Specs
    Processor: Intel Pentium N4200
    Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 505
    Memory: 4.00 GB
    Storage: 64.00 GB
    Screen Size: 15.6"
    Screen Resolution: 1920×1080
    Dimensions: 35.81 x 24.89 x 1.52 cm
    Weight: 1.692 kg

    Pricing Accuracy

    Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Best Buy site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
  • #6, Laptops (under $525)
    Asus C523NA 15.6" Chromebook (Touch)

    Asus C523NA 15.6" Chromebook (Touch) from US$280;
    ~$368 with accessories

    Device Ratings

    by Laptops standards

    Bang for the Buck0/5
    Versatility for the Price3/5
    Power0/5
    Storage0/5
    Portability4/5
    Autonomy2.5/5

    by Netbooks standards

    Bang for the Buck1.5/5
    Versatility for the Price3.5/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage1.5/5
    Portability2.5/5
    Autonomy1/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck-35.58% inferior
    Versatility for the Price-27.89% inferior
    Power-11.54% inferior
    Storageequivalent
    Portabilityequivalent
    Autonomy-51.39% inferior
    Specs
    Processor: Intel Celeron N3350
    Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 500
    Memory: 4.00 GB
    Storage: 32.00 GB
    Screen Size: 15.6"
    Screen Resolution: 1366×768
    Dimensions: 35.81 x 24.89 x 1.52 cm
    Weight: 1.410 kg
    from US$274.2

    Pricing Accuracy

    Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
  • #8, Laptops (under $525)
    Lenovo S330 14-inch Chromebook - Business Black

    Lenovo S330 14-inch Chromebook - Business Black from US$280;
    ~$370 with accessories

    Device Ratings

    by Laptops standards

    Bang for the Buck0/5
    Versatility for the Price2.5/5
    Power0/5
    Storage0/5
    Portability2.5/5
    Autonomy4/5

    by Netbooks standards

    Bang for the Buck0.5/5
    Versatility for the Price2.5/5
    Power1/5
    Storage1.5/5
    Portability0.5/5
    Autonomy2.5/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck-42.31% inferior
    Versatility for the Price-29.81% inferior
    Powerequivalent
    Storageequivalent
    Portability-25.96% inferior
    Autonomy-26.39% inferior
    Specs
    Processor: MediaTek MT8173
    Graphics: ARM PowerVR GX6250
    Memory: 4.00 GB
    Storage: 32.00 GB
    Screen Size: 14"
    Screen Resolution: 1366×768
    Dimensions: 32.57 x 23.24 x 2.08 cm
    Weight: 1.501 kg

    Pricing Accuracy

    Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Best Buy site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
  • #3, Laptops (under $525)
    Acer Chromebook 311

    Acer Chromebook 311 from US$280;
    ~$368 with accessories

    Device Ratings

    by Laptops standards

    Bang for the Buck1/5
    Versatility for the Price3/5
    Power0.5/5
    Storage1/5
    Portability5/5
    Autonomy2.5/5

    by Netbooks standards

    Bang for the Buck3/5
    Versatility for the Price3.5/5
    Power2/5
    Storage4.5/5
    Portability4.5/5
    Autonomy1.5/5

    by All Smart Devices standards

    Bang for the Buck-23.08% inferior
    Versatility for the Price-27.89% inferior
    Powerequivalent
    Storageequivalent
    Portabilityequivalent
    Autonomy-50% inferior
    Specs
    Processor: Intel Celeron N4000
    Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 600
    Memory: 4.00 GB
    Storage: 64.00 GB
    Screen Size: 11.6"
    Screen Resolution: 1366×768
    Dimensions: 29.60 x 19.90 x 1.82 cm
    Weight: 1.100 kg

    Pricing Accuracy

    Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Best Buy site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×

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