Chromebooks have always been leading the realm of portability, offering excellent computing support minus the hassle of a complicated carriage. The new Acer Chromebook Spin 13 CP713-1WN-53NF is a fascinating take on the quintessential Chromebook and provides a spin-me-as-you-like design. Instantly, the laptop can transform into a tablet, a tent, or morph into the display mode. Aside from its easy versatility, this laptop also offers good performance thanks to its eighth-generation Intel i5 processor, a wide-view touchscreen, and up to ten hours of battery backup. The Chromebook Spin 13 is priced at a competitive $899.99.
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Multiple Modes, Multiple Uses
Without a doubt, the spin design of this convertible gives it a distinct edge in terms of portability. The 360-degree hinge is tested to be reliable and supports easy transformation into four modes: notebook, display, tent and tablet.
While the notebook mode gives you full functionality including a complete keyboard (backlit), the display mode is optimized for entertainment purposes. Your multimedia content seems closer and more immersive.
The tent mode is a modification of the display mode; it comes in handy when you need to view content in cramped spaces such as airplanes. As for the tablet mode, it is your go-to for computing on the run. In this compact but fully functional mode, you can complete all your everyday tasks like checking e-mail or editing documents without the need for a stationary workstation.
Notably, the overall design of the laptop is lightweight and portable. It has a sturdy, steel grey aluminum body that is both attractive and sturdy. The laptop weighs 3.5lbs and has a thickness of 0.67” (overall dimensions: 9.68 x 12.19 x 0.67”).
Processing Powerhouse
If you’re a fan of the Chrome OS for its responsiveness and quick access to Google apps, you will find plenty to love in the new Chromebook Spin 13. The operating system is protected from viruses, updates on its own, and offers a response time unlike any other. The best part is still the ease with which you can use your favorite Google apps, converting documents and spreadsheets into Google docs and sheets in a blink.
This laptop, however, also scores a win with its CPU an eighth-generation Intel i5-8250U processor that supports boosts up to 3.4GHz. It is equipped with 8GB RAM (LPDDR3). You can comfortably use this machine for multitasking as well as for draining tasks such as video trans-coding. You will also find that your apps tend to load faster as boot times are considerably lowered.
The storage space on this laptop is 128GB (eMMC). While this is arguably on the lower side, you can avail of the offline storage that comes inbuilt with Chromebooks. Plus, you get an additional 100GB of storage space for your files, music, pictures, etc., on Google Drive. This cloud-based storage is reliable and spacious enough for any content you need frequently.
The battery life is promising, with the 3-cell Lithium Ion battery (4670 mAh) supporting unplugged use for up to ten hours. You can bid adieu to anxiety about power supplies and cables for most of your workday.
Vivid Imagery, Durable Screen
While the new 13.5” Chromebook is evidently designed for modern, mobile lifestyles, it doesn’t compromise on the quality of the display. Yes, you miss out on the splendor of a dedicated graphics card and instead get integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620. But even so, things are bright and pleasing to the eye. You get a high-resolution display that supports a screen resolution of 2256 x 1504. The screen also supports wide-view (178°), so you can enjoy undistorted imagery from various viewing angles. The aspect ratio supported is 3:2. The imagery is accurate and vivid enough to do justice to your multimedia content and make it worth your while as you sit back and unwind with a favorite film or share a work presentation with your colleagues.
Adding reliability to the screen is a Corning Gorilla Glass NBT that makes it damage-resistant and more reassuring to lug along the laptop as you get through a hectic day.
Smooth and Precise Accessibility
A significant win of this Chromebook is its support for the Acer Stylus—an incredibly precise and fulfilling experience. Using the stylus with its elastomer tip and Wacom Electro-Magnetic Resonance technology, you can write on the screen (10-point multi-touch) with astonishing ease and comfort. You will also find that the pen tends to slide less because of its higher elasticity and friction. Note that the pen is included with the purchase of this laptop.
Multi-functional USB Ports, Wide-Angle Camera
Facilitating support for devices and peripherals on this convertible are two USB 3.1 ports (Type-C). This latest-technology port is a force to reckon with for it supports ultra-fast data transfer at speeds almost ten times faster than USB 2.0 (up to 5Gbps). You can also use this port for charging the battery and streaming videos. (Note: This laptop does support wireless compatibility—802.11ac dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2.)
If you want to video-call family and friends, you can use the inbuilt HD Webcam that offers a wide angle lens and supports High Dynamic Range. The camera has a resolution of 1280 x 720, so you will find the picture quality during the call quite pleasing.
Final Word
All in all, the Acer Chromebook Spin 13 CP713-1WN-53NF Convertible Laptop looks set to become a great choice for professionals and students looking for a versatile computing partner. Its spin-based design and support for multiple modes make it handy for various purposes including collaboration with peers, entertainment, and working on the run.
In addition, it offers a decent display, good battery life and steady performance, and ample support for devices or external displays. Those of us who have seen several generations of Chromebooks get launched in the marketplace and prove their worth amidst peers are more than likely to see history repeat itself.
