Acer Chromebook Vero 514 – A Sustainable and Reliable Option for Everyday Use

Although we believe that Windows remains the top operating system, a Chromebook could be an appealing option for a second laptop that is primarily used for web-based tasks or travel. The Acer Chromebook Vero 514, while not the most economical choice, offers considerable power and a delightful user experience. Additionally, it’s more environmentally friendly than most laptops. Its design is simplistic, similar to the Windows-based Acer Aspire Vero, and its plastic chassis has a distinctive texture that adds to its unique green features. We appreciate the slightly rough feel of the laptop, which sets it apart from other models.

The Vero range from Acer has always emphasized the significance of credentials, and the Vero 514 follows suit by incorporating a considerable amount of recycled material for its case and keys, making it an eco-friendlier alternative compared to its competitors. However, this process results in a slightly higher cost for the device. Google promises to provide updates for the Vero 514 until June 2030. Weighing in at approximately 1.4kg, the device is lightweight yet durable enough to be tossed into a backpack without a case, and you can rest assured it will endure the day. The 14-inch display is sharp and accurately reproduces colors, with just enough saturation to make bright hues pop without appearing overly garish in your photos and videos. The keyboard and trackpad provide a comfortable working experience, with the trackpad being particularly enjoyable due to its smooth glassy texture and satisfying button clicks.

Similar to other Chromebooks, the Vero 514 model lacks a Caps Lock key. Instead, it features the “Everything Button” which serves as a handy shortcut to Google search. This functionality ensures that regardless of where you are or what you’re doing on the Chromebook, you can quickly and effortlessly open a new tab that can transport you to any online destination.

Despite the Chromebook’s many benefits, one limitation is its inability to run all of your preferred Windows programs. While a plethora of apps are accessible via the Google Play Store and you can still access web-based services such as Google Docs and Gmail, there are still other restrictions. Consequently, it’s wise to carefully examine the tools and programs you intend to use to ensure they’re compatible or have suitable alternatives available.

There is a variety of models available, each powered by different Intel processors. We specifically evaluated the Intel Core i5 version, which costs £680 on Amazon, but there is also an i3 version available for £500. While the i3 version’s performance may not be as swift as our i5 model, it should still be good enough for most basic tasks. Because this laptop runs on ChromeOS and not Windows, we were unable to conduct our usual suite of benchmark tests. However, it performed well, as expected from a 12th-generation i5 chip, and has more than enough power to manage typical Chromebook tasks such as web browsing and email management. The battery life proved to be decent, lasting over 10 hours in our video-playback test, which is quite impressive.