Acer Chromebook C720P-2600 Pro Reviews

The Acer C720P Chromebook is a solid laptop. The processor is adequately quick, the keyboard and touchpad hold up under heavy use, and the battery offers plenty of life for a system of this size. Given these traits, it’s easy to see why some consumers are picking Chromebooks instead of Windows-based alternatives. And this system holds its own when compared to its peers. The HP Chromebook 11 is slightly less expensive, but lacks touch and is a tad slower. Samsung’s ARM-powered Chromebook is much less expensive, but also much slower, and is starting to look its age. Toshiba’s 13-incher is the only serious threat, as it offers the same processor and a larger screen for $20 less, but we haven’t had enough hands-on time with it to issue a verdict. Still, there’s a problem; the standard Acer C720 Chromebook sells for $199 and, touchscreen aside, is identical to the C720P Chromebook. While touch works alright with Chrome OS, there’s no feature that requires it or is even enhanced by it, so most buyers will be best served by the less expensive C720. Recommending the less expensive model is a modest criticism, however. Both versions of Acer’s C720 Chromebook are exceptional, and they’re our top choice among the current crop of 11.6 inch Chromebooks.

With a bright, clear touch screen and all-day battery life, the Acer Chromebook C720P-2600 dominates among Chromebooks.

Chromebooks are not the only game in the "cheap computer" world. There are inexpensive, and very good, Windows laptops, ones that can be tablets, too: ask yourself whether the Asus Transformer Book T100 would be a better match. Or, would an iPad, for that matter? Chrome OS has a lot of competition to deal with. But, for what they are, Chromebooks are getting better. And judging on recent sales numbers, they don't seem to be going away anytime soon.For $299, I can accept the Chromebook C720P. In fact, I can actually love it for being a low-maintenance, fast-starting little everyday "laptop lite" for your home... a true "netbook" the way the word "netbook" should have been intended. I like working on Chromebooks. They're easy to grab and go with. But, I could never shake the feeling that both the software and hardware felt subpar compared with any iPad, Android tablet, and most laptops. It's a compromise. But it's better than before, and if I was in a pinch to quickly do something Web-specific -- and I had a laptop, tablet, and Chromebook sitting in front of me -- I'd grab the Chromebook.

There was a lot to like about the Acer C720, and there's even more to like about the C720P. The laptop is very solid when held, and though plastic from top to bottom, it doesn't necessarily feel like a machine that costs $299 USD. The touchscreen is a wonderful addition, enabling functionality that the Chromebook lineups have generally been missing and allowing users to forgo the small track pad (though, it should be said, the track pad is of quality). As with the previous model, the C720P has excellent battery life. When using it for near-constant browsing and occasional music, we pulled in over 6 hours, and when used carefully (reduced display brightness and such), you can get it over the 7 hour mark. In summary, it is small, light, and inexpensive, three markers that make it appeal to many varieties of users. Those who have been holding out for an inexpensive Chromebook with a touch display will find the Acer C720P to be an excellent choice, doing all the things a Chromebook does best.