Acer C720 Chromebook
Jun 20, 2014, 8:25 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2014
Location: LHR/BHX
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Posts: 194
Acer C720 Chromebook
Anyone got one of these?
Got 2 months planned in China and need a light-weight machine to take with me as I'm probably going to do some private English teaching lessons whilst there.
I've got a laptop but it's too heavy for travel as I've experienced on many occasions.
Also, I am UK based and obviously want the best price if anyone can recommend?
Got 2 months planned in China and need a light-weight machine to take with me as I'm probably going to do some private English teaching lessons whilst there.
I've got a laptop but it's too heavy for travel as I've experienced on many occasions.
Also, I am UK based and obviously want the best price if anyone can recommend?
Jun 20, 2014, 2:14 pm
#3
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Anwhere ex-MAN
Programs: A3 *G, BA Silver
Posts: 2,706
I've been using one for the past month and am very happy with it for the price I paid (free as part of a Vendor Seminar :-) ). Having used it now, I would be happy to part with the £199 that Google are asking at the moment.
It's replaced an ageing netbook that was beyond hope - even with a SSD and Linux Mint the processor was thrashing trying to run Chrome. Performance was not much better with Firefox or Opera.
My machine is used as a real "laptop" - I'm typing this on the sofa watching the kids watch TV. It's great for surfing, mail, FT and light office tasks. I would hate to think of typing this on a tablet - a reasonable screen and a keyboard for half the price of the same screen on a tablet makes it a no-brainer for me.
Performance has been fine, no problem loading up multiple pages on FT or other fora. Iplayer works well, sound is fine and screen is OK - it won't compete with the Retina display, but it's more than good enough. The mouse gestures on the touchpad make it very easy to use and naviate around. Google Apps are fine for basic editing. All of my extensions load and run fine in Chrome and the sync between all my devices is seamless - desktop, 2 laptops, Nexus 4&7.
I've taken it on a weekend's camping to check on work emails with a 3G wifi and it was fine. Very useful being able to type an extended reply - again something you can't do with a tablet unless you have an additional keyboard. Again, this is half the price of a tablet and compares well on weight.
The one gotcha may be printing on the road - no chance to simply plug in a USB. I've had no issues using cloud print on via my home desktop.
Post or PM if you have any specific questions - I'll be happy to answer them.
It's replaced an ageing netbook that was beyond hope - even with a SSD and Linux Mint the processor was thrashing trying to run Chrome. Performance was not much better with Firefox or Opera.
My machine is used as a real "laptop" - I'm typing this on the sofa watching the kids watch TV. It's great for surfing, mail, FT and light office tasks. I would hate to think of typing this on a tablet - a reasonable screen and a keyboard for half the price of the same screen on a tablet makes it a no-brainer for me.
Performance has been fine, no problem loading up multiple pages on FT or other fora. Iplayer works well, sound is fine and screen is OK - it won't compete with the Retina display, but it's more than good enough. The mouse gestures on the touchpad make it very easy to use and naviate around. Google Apps are fine for basic editing. All of my extensions load and run fine in Chrome and the sync between all my devices is seamless - desktop, 2 laptops, Nexus 4&7.
I've taken it on a weekend's camping to check on work emails with a 3G wifi and it was fine. Very useful being able to type an extended reply - again something you can't do with a tablet unless you have an additional keyboard. Again, this is half the price of a tablet and compares well on weight.
The one gotcha may be printing on the road - no chance to simply plug in a USB. I've had no issues using cloud print on via my home desktop.
Post or PM if you have any specific questions - I'll be happy to answer them.
Jun 21, 2014, 3:53 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: LON, ACK, BOS..... (Not necessarily in that order)
Programs: **Mucci Diamond Hairbrush** - compared to that nothing else matters (+BA Bronze)
Posts: 15,128
I've been using one for the past month and am very happy with it for the price I paid (free as part of a Vendor Seminar :-) ). Having used it now, I would be happy to part with the £199 that Google are asking at the moment.
It's replaced an ageing netbook that was beyond hope - even with a SSD and Linux Mint the processor was thrashing trying to run Chrome. Performance was not much better with Firefox or Opera.
My machine is used as a real "laptop" - I'm typing this on the sofa watching the kids watch TV. It's great for surfing, mail, FT and light office tasks. I would hate to think of typing this on a tablet - a reasonable screen and a keyboard for half the price of the same screen on a tablet makes it a no-brainer for me.
Performance has been fine, no problem loading up multiple pages on FT or other fora. Iplayer works well, sound is fine and screen is OK - it won't compete with the Retina display, but it's more than good enough. The mouse gestures on the touchpad make it very easy to use and naviate around. Google Apps are fine for basic editing. All of my extensions load and run fine in Chrome and the sync between all my devices is seamless - desktop, 2 laptops, Nexus 4&7.
I've taken it on a weekend's camping to check on work emails with a 3G wifi and it was fine. Very useful being able to type an extended reply - again something you can't do with a tablet unless you have an additional keyboard. Again, this is half the price of a tablet and compares well on weight.
The one gotcha may be printing on the road - no chance to simply plug in a USB. I've had no issues using cloud print on via my home desktop.
Post or PM if you have any specific questions - I'll be happy to answer them.
It's replaced an ageing netbook that was beyond hope - even with a SSD and Linux Mint the processor was thrashing trying to run Chrome. Performance was not much better with Firefox or Opera.
My machine is used as a real "laptop" - I'm typing this on the sofa watching the kids watch TV. It's great for surfing, mail, FT and light office tasks. I would hate to think of typing this on a tablet - a reasonable screen and a keyboard for half the price of the same screen on a tablet makes it a no-brainer for me.
Performance has been fine, no problem loading up multiple pages on FT or other fora. Iplayer works well, sound is fine and screen is OK - it won't compete with the Retina display, but it's more than good enough. The mouse gestures on the touchpad make it very easy to use and naviate around. Google Apps are fine for basic editing. All of my extensions load and run fine in Chrome and the sync between all my devices is seamless - desktop, 2 laptops, Nexus 4&7.
I've taken it on a weekend's camping to check on work emails with a 3G wifi and it was fine. Very useful being able to type an extended reply - again something you can't do with a tablet unless you have an additional keyboard. Again, this is half the price of a tablet and compares well on weight.
The one gotcha may be printing on the road - no chance to simply plug in a USB. I've had no issues using cloud print on via my home desktop.
Post or PM if you have any specific questions - I'll be happy to answer them.
Has anyone else done this and did it meet your expectations?
Jun 21, 2014, 4:06 am
#5
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Anwhere ex-MAN
Programs: A3 *G, BA Silver
Posts: 2,706
I did have a look at this, but decided there would be little to gain - given the small SSD. Unless you want to run a specific app, say Skype, I would stay will Chrome. You can run the office apps and Gmail offline and if I'm not connected, I have no use for the machine anyway! (Other than Video, which streams from my Seagate Wifi Drive)
Jun 21, 2014, 5:11 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: LON, ACK, BOS..... (Not necessarily in that order)
Programs: **Mucci Diamond Hairbrush** - compared to that nothing else matters (+BA Bronze)
Posts: 15,128
I did have a look at this, but decided there would be little to gain - given the small SSD. Unless you want to run a specific app, say Skype, I would stay will Chrome. You can run the office apps and Gmail offline and if I'm not connected, I have no use for the machine anyway! (Other than Video, which streams from my Seagate Wifi Drive)
. The weight of the thing is less than some ultrabooks I looked at so won't kill me taking it everywhere. My folks live somewhere with a very dodgy broadband connection and mobile is patchy at best 3G even more so.
Jun 21, 2014, 10:41 am
#7
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Anwhere ex-MAN
Programs: A3 *G, BA Silver
Posts: 2,706
If you're wanting to use Gimp, I think you'd need a beefier machine anyway.
For me, Chromebooks are the new Netbooks - perfect thin clients for people who are mainly connected and doing browser based stuff. Google docs is a bonus. Use your smartphone for Skype.
If you're wanting to do more and do more offline, like photo work, then it's maybe not the machine for you. For the price of the Chromebook Pixel, I would buy the equivalent Mac. (Not that I would buy a Mac anyway, I'd get a cheaper PC).
For me, Chromebooks are the new Netbooks - perfect thin clients for people who are mainly connected and doing browser based stuff. Google docs is a bonus. Use your smartphone for Skype.
If you're wanting to do more and do more offline, like photo work, then it's maybe not the machine for you. For the price of the Chromebook Pixel, I would buy the equivalent Mac. (Not that I would buy a Mac anyway, I'd get a cheaper PC).
Jun 21, 2014, 3:21 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2014
Location: LHR/BHX
Programs: BA, VS, SU
Posts: 194
I've been using one for the past month and am very happy with it for the price I paid (free as part of a Vendor Seminar :-) ). Having used it now, I would be happy to part with the £199 that Google are asking at the moment.
It's replaced an ageing netbook that was beyond hope - even with a SSD and Linux Mint the processor was thrashing trying to run Chrome. Performance was not much better with Firefox or Opera.
My machine is used as a real "laptop" - I'm typing this on the sofa watching the kids watch TV. It's great for surfing, mail, FT and light office tasks. I would hate to think of typing this on a tablet - a reasonable screen and a keyboard for half the price of the same screen on a tablet makes it a no-brainer for me.
Performance has been fine, no problem loading up multiple pages on FT or other fora. Iplayer works well, sound is fine and screen is OK - it won't compete with the Retina display, but it's more than good enough. The mouse gestures on the touchpad make it very easy to use and naviate around. Google Apps are fine for basic editing. All of my extensions load and run fine in Chrome and the sync between all my devices is seamless - desktop, 2 laptops, Nexus 4&7.
I've taken it on a weekend's camping to check on work emails with a 3G wifi and it was fine. Very useful being able to type an extended reply - again something you can't do with a tablet unless you have an additional keyboard. Again, this is half the price of a tablet and compares well on weight.
The one gotcha may be printing on the road - no chance to simply plug in a USB. I've had no issues using cloud print on via my home desktop.
Post or PM if you have any specific questions - I'll be happy to answer them.
It's replaced an ageing netbook that was beyond hope - even with a SSD and Linux Mint the processor was thrashing trying to run Chrome. Performance was not much better with Firefox or Opera.
My machine is used as a real "laptop" - I'm typing this on the sofa watching the kids watch TV. It's great for surfing, mail, FT and light office tasks. I would hate to think of typing this on a tablet - a reasonable screen and a keyboard for half the price of the same screen on a tablet makes it a no-brainer for me.
Performance has been fine, no problem loading up multiple pages on FT or other fora. Iplayer works well, sound is fine and screen is OK - it won't compete with the Retina display, but it's more than good enough. The mouse gestures on the touchpad make it very easy to use and naviate around. Google Apps are fine for basic editing. All of my extensions load and run fine in Chrome and the sync between all my devices is seamless - desktop, 2 laptops, Nexus 4&7.
I've taken it on a weekend's camping to check on work emails with a 3G wifi and it was fine. Very useful being able to type an extended reply - again something you can't do with a tablet unless you have an additional keyboard. Again, this is half the price of a tablet and compares well on weight.
The one gotcha may be printing on the road - no chance to simply plug in a USB. I've had no issues using cloud print on via my home desktop.
Post or PM if you have any specific questions - I'll be happy to answer them.
I'll be using it for much of the same as you as my gaming days are near enough over! Shame about Skype not working on it, however it won't be a complete replacement for laptops/computers so there's not too much of an issue there. I use Skype quite often due to my girlfriend living in China and being Chinese, therefore she is not allowed to be in England without employment sponsorship! If the great firewall decides they don't like Skype anymore than I'm in a tricky situation
Any cross-compatible (Win/ChromeOS) Skype-like pieces of software that anyone has used well?
Jun 21, 2014, 3:23 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2014
Location: LHR/BHX
Programs: BA, VS, SU
Posts: 194
However, I'm good with technology so won't be any issues getting used to the functionality.
Jun 23, 2014, 12:10 am
#10
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 155
Google Hangouts, use it all the time on both the Acer 720 and my Android phone to keep in touch with family and friends.
Jun 23, 2014, 1:24 am
#11
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
I bought an Acer C720 back in November, the model that came with 4GB of RAM and the Haswell chipset. I purposely bought that model as some reviews indicated a longer battery life, and I have been getting 8 hours or more with it. It costs $250 compared to other models with 2GB RAM at $199. My model came with 12 go-go sessions and I've been using those on longer AA domestic flights where that access is generally between $15-20 per session.
Traveled with it to Spain, Austria and Germany so far this year, along with a bunch of domestic trips, and then it died on me in May, a few days before a two-week Australia trip. Hard drive and screen both ended up being replaced at their repair facility in Texas under warranty (turned around the same week I sent it in). The screen was getting some minor damage from the keyboard, as if it was too close to the screen when it was closed, but I wasn't ready to send it in for that yet. Once the hard drive went, though, not much of a choice. Diagnostics with google pointed to hardware and Acer approved the return a few mins into an on-line chat.
As I needed something for Australia, I replaced it with an HP chromebook with a 14 inch screen from Costco in mid-May ($379, 4G/32SSD). I like the operating system as I can just open the lid and be typing in 10 seconds. This model weighs about 4 pounds and I barely notice I have it along in my day pack. I also travel with a tablet which I use for Skype and also for mapping apps when I'm out on foot touring. It's now my primary travel computer and the 11 inch Acer becomes the dining room table computer (had to use it somewhere).
One BIG feature with this HP model: 200MB of 4G cellular access with TMobile every month. Used it yesterday on the ferry from Seattle to Bremerton and worked perfectly. Could come in handy in the U.S. in places without free wi-fi.
I tried to play MP4s on a USB stick and chrome would not recognize the file format. No issue with the tablet. Might be some other apps that won't work with chrome, but as I'm using it primarily for e-mail and uploading photos, it meets my needs when I'm traveling. I do not have a need to print from it so haven't crossed that path.
Tom in Bremerton, Washington tonight with a chromebook
Traveled with it to Spain, Austria and Germany so far this year, along with a bunch of domestic trips, and then it died on me in May, a few days before a two-week Australia trip. Hard drive and screen both ended up being replaced at their repair facility in Texas under warranty (turned around the same week I sent it in). The screen was getting some minor damage from the keyboard, as if it was too close to the screen when it was closed, but I wasn't ready to send it in for that yet. Once the hard drive went, though, not much of a choice. Diagnostics with google pointed to hardware and Acer approved the return a few mins into an on-line chat.
As I needed something for Australia, I replaced it with an HP chromebook with a 14 inch screen from Costco in mid-May ($379, 4G/32SSD). I like the operating system as I can just open the lid and be typing in 10 seconds. This model weighs about 4 pounds and I barely notice I have it along in my day pack. I also travel with a tablet which I use for Skype and also for mapping apps when I'm out on foot touring. It's now my primary travel computer and the 11 inch Acer becomes the dining room table computer (had to use it somewhere).
One BIG feature with this HP model: 200MB of 4G cellular access with TMobile every month. Used it yesterday on the ferry from Seattle to Bremerton and worked perfectly. Could come in handy in the U.S. in places without free wi-fi.
I tried to play MP4s on a USB stick and chrome would not recognize the file format. No issue with the tablet. Might be some other apps that won't work with chrome, but as I'm using it primarily for e-mail and uploading photos, it meets my needs when I'm traveling. I do not have a need to print from it so haven't crossed that path.
Tom in Bremerton, Washington tonight with a chromebook
Jun 23, 2014, 1:56 am
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2014
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Posts: 194
Thanks - glad you mentioned the screen.
I went into a local tech retailer yesterday and they had a C720 on display! Unfortunately it was in demo-mode so couldn't really test out the features, but hey ho - I'd never buy from this particular place anyway. My first concern was "wow, that screen it little", but that's just after getting used to huge plasma TV's, large laptop screens, etc. I'd get used to it. But I was still thinking maybe I'd need a 14" screen, especially as I'll be trying to teach Chinese people English using it
Really appreciate all your write-ups guys, they've been a great help!^
I went into a local tech retailer yesterday and they had a C720 on display! Unfortunately it was in demo-mode so couldn't really test out the features, but hey ho - I'd never buy from this particular place anyway. My first concern was "wow, that screen it little", but that's just after getting used to huge plasma TV's, large laptop screens, etc. I'd get used to it. But I was still thinking maybe I'd need a 14" screen, especially as I'll be trying to teach Chinese people English using it
Really appreciate all your write-ups guys, they've been a great help!^
Jun 23, 2014, 2:16 am
#13
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
I watched the premier episode of The Last Ship on my 14 inch HP tonight. I thought the video looked just as good, if not better, than any other laptops I've had before. Didn't really use the 11 inch Acer for video, though, so can't comment there.
Jun 23, 2014, 10:04 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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I've had mine for about 10 days now. My first Chromebook. Overall I like it with just two minor issues. The screen, as everyone says, is not great at angles so I'm adjusting the angle frequently especially if I'm using it in bed. The other issue is it takes a SD card but half the card sticks out. Would have been nice to have the card flush inside so it can be left in there during transport.
I love the quick on/off.
I love the quick on/off.
Jun 24, 2014, 1:51 am
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2014
Location: LHR/BHX
Programs: BA, VS, SU
Posts: 194
I've had mine for about 10 days now. My first Chromebook. Overall I like it with just two minor issues. The screen, as everyone says, is not great at angles so I'm adjusting the angle frequently especially if I'm using it in bed. The other issue is it takes a SD card but half the card sticks out. Would have been nice to have the card flush inside so it can be left in there during transport.
I love the quick on/off.
I love the quick on/off.
Has anyone had any experience with music playback? We've heard mp4 doesn't run, but how about .mp3/.wma?