![Acer Chromebook Spin 714](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2MaoTZBg48P52Q9pS9BHEd-415-80.png)
When it comes to the best laptops I’m on team Apple for my personal work, preferring to use the best MacBooks available. But there are some shortcomings in the fruit-named company’s laptop specifications - and Acer just dropped a new line-up with one ace new feature that makes me jealous.
The Acer Chromebook Spin 714, as revealed at the company’s ‘Next at Acer’ annual conference, is also the first in the company’s range to use an all-new 2K webcam. That’s a major upgrade - and one I wish Apple would move to sort out in its line-ups - for those of us frequently on calls.
Videoconferencing and home-working are now so commonplace that Acer has clearly identified an area of the market where the Chromebook Spin 714 can take command. The webcam’s specification is described as ‘QHD MIPI 2K’, meaning quad-HD resolution for crisp and clear images. There’s more, too, with “temporal noise reduction technology” to “maintain high-quality visuals even in low-light conditions” and a pair of microphones to ensure you sound as good as you’ll look.
I know, not everyone is going to get super-excited about a webcam, but the 2023 version of Acer’s Chromebook Spin 714 comes with other alluring features. The touchscreen can be controlled using an optional stylus, for example, while the product’s hinge mechanism - hence that ‘Spin’ name - means it can be positioned through a full 360-degrees for use as a laptop, touchscreen ‘tent’, or flat ‘tablet’. Very versatile.
Under the hood the Chromebook Spin 714 features Intel Core i processors (from i3 to i7), supported by Intel’s UHD Graphics or Iris Xe Graphics, making it a powerful workhorse. I could see this being one of the best laptops for students, therefore, in addition to one of the best Chromebooks coming in 2023.
You’ll have to be content with Google’s ChromeOS operating system, but of course, which is an integral part of a Chromebook’s lifeblood. I’m still super-happy with my macOS setup on MacBook, but I’d sure love the latest MacBook Air to feature a better webcam. Your move, Apple!
The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (also available in an Enterprise edition) will be available from this May. Pricing is from $699.99 in the USA, and while there’s no official UK, Euro or Australian pricing just yet, I’d expect those markets to have to pay a little more.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Mike is the Tech Editor at T3.com. He's been writing about consumer technology for 15 years and, as a phones expert, has seen hundreds of handsets over the years – swathes of Android devices, a smattering of iPhones, and a batch of Windows Phone too (remember those?). But that's not all, as a tech and audio aficionado his beat at T3 also covers tablets, laptops, gaming, home cinema, TVs, speakers and more – there's barely a tech stone unturned he's not had a hand on. Previously the Reviews Editor at Pocket-lint for 10 years, he's also provided work for publications such as Wired, The Guardian, Metro, and more. In addition to his tech knowledge, Mike is also a flights and travel expert, having travelled the globe extensively. You'll likely find him setting up a new mobile phone, critiquing the next MacBook, all while planning his next getaway... or cycling somewhere.
-
iPhone 17 slated for one massive camera upgrade which photographers will love
The question is, will it be too technical for non-photographers?
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Apple Vision Pro just got a load of new reasons to justify that cost
Some of the extra content coming sounds incredible
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Apple's iPad is now at a record-low price this Amazon Prime Day
If you've been waiting to pick up an Apple iPad, now might be the time to buy
By David Nield Published
-
Surprise new Apple HomePod mini arrives, and you can order it today
Apple has announced a new Apple HomePod mini
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Diver gets his Apple Watch back a year after losing it in the ocean – thanks to Find My
When technology works, it really works
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Forget Amazon Prime Day – MacBook Air now at lowest-ever price at Walmart
Apple silicon computing for less
By David Nield Published
-
iPhone 16 Pro could finally add something Android users have been enjoying for years
This is one rumour we can definitely get on board with
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
iPhone 16 "design changes" could impact Face ID on forthcoming handsets
No one's sure what it'll look like
By Max Freeman-Mills Published