Aesthetically, the Chromebook Spin 311 is rather understated, finished in a matte black that is only interrupted by a diamond-shaped pattern that adorns the lid of the notebook. Its understated look makes it a perfect fit, whether you’re taking notes in class or using it in a business meeting. It’s also perfect for working because the touchpad and keyboard are so comfortable to use. However, the keyboard feels a bit cramped, which is probably because it’s the same size as other Acer models but housed in a smaller case. It took us some time to get used to it, but the satisfying clicks and actuations finally convinced us. The display is a bit of a mixed blessing. Its touchscreen capability is incredibly easy to use and very durable – it is protected by Gorilla Glass, after all – but it is also too flimsy and too small for comfort. It’s also surrounded by very thick bezels, which feels like a big waste of space. The design may have necessitated the large bezels to accommodate the tempered glass touchscreen and overall rugged design, but it feels like a bit too much potential screen space has been lost. Overall, the Acer Chromebook Spin 311’s design might make it feel a bit small for some users – it’s not a laptop replacement – but if you’re looking for something inexpensive that can withstand the occasional bump and knock, this Chromebook is definitely worth considering. Despite the modest specs under the hood, the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 can withstand anything you throw at it. With too many Chrome tabs open, YouTube – or Spotify – playing, and apps running at the same time, there’s never any stuttering or issues that the AMD-based hardware, backed by 4GB of RAM, couldn’t handle. Underrated and unobtrusive in performance, it’s a steady little workhorse of a Chromebook.
