Finding affordable mobile computers that really work for your whole family can be a challenge. Between my son Jake and I, we have no shortage of devices, don’t get me wrong. I have my All-In-One, he has a laptop. I have an iPad, he has an iPod. We share an Android tablet (although let’s be honest, it’s his). Even with all that,  our needs aren’t covered when it comes to certain expectations that we have out of mobile computers.  We have a gap to fill when it comes to several of my work tasks and Jacob’s school and entertainment needs. Enter the Acer Chromebook R11. 

Acer Chromebook R11 Review

The Acer Chromebook R11 is actually our second Acer Chromebook. Back in May, 2014, Jacob got to review the Acer C720P model. He was permanently attached to it for a long time. He called it his “Chromie.” I remember when the power cord gave out (Jacob is super tough on cords), he went into panic mode. I contacted Acer and their customer service was just outstanding. So when we were given the chance to check out one of their newest models, Jake was the first to say “yes, yes, yes!”

So many things appealed to me about the Acer Chromebook R11. On first glance, I love that it can open into so many positions. Use it as a traditional laptop, a tent, a stand-up display (like a backwards laptop) and even a tablet. It literally bends over backwards to make you happy!

Before talking about what Jake and I personally love about it, let’s check out the techie specs. I know you want to know them as much as I did. The Acer Chromebook R11 features:

• An Intel Celeron N3150 Quad-Core Processor 1.6GHz with Intel Burst Technology up to 2.08GHz
• Google Chrome Operating System
• 11.6″ HD 1366 x 768 resolution, high-brightness, LED-backlit IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology with integrated 10-point multitouch screen, supporting finger touch and image auto rotation (16:9 aspect ratio)
• 2GB of DDR3L Onboard Memory
• 32GB internal storage 
• Intel HD Graphics
• High-Definition Audio Support
• Two Built-in Stereo Speakers
• Secure Digital (SD) card reader
• 802.11ac WiFi featuring MIMO technology (Dual-Band 2.4GHz and 5GHz)
• Bluetooth 4.0

• 1 – USB 3.0 port
• 1 – USB 2.0 port
• 1 – HDMI port with HDCP support
• HD Webcam (1280 x 720)
• 3-cell Li-Ion (3220 mAh) Battery
• Up to 10 hours of battery life

That’s a whole lot of goodness in a compact package! Want a full list of specs, down to the last detail? Check them out on Acer’s website.

How the Acer Chromebook R11 Makes My Life Easier

I  love that it has internal storage. This is an absolute must for me, as I wanted the Chromebook so I could sit on my couch and prep graphics for blog posts. In order to do that, I need to be able to store pictures on the drive, upload them to my favorite online photo editing sites, then download the finished version. You also get 100 GB of free storage on Google Drive for 2 years.

I also love that it turns into a tablet (pardon the fingerprints in the pictures, I didn’t realize they were there until after I started going through them). Yes,  it’s a heavier tablet than, say, your traditional plain old tablet tablet (how many times can I use that word in a sentence?), but it’s INCREDIBLY useful to me! While I feel more comfortable sitting at my larger All-in-One computer for writing (I have a hard time writing on a laptop keyboard), by the end of the day I just want to go lounge on the couch. My All-in-One is just too big to really be “lounging-friendly.”  In the last week, I’ve spent SO much time with my Acer Chromebook R11 propped up on my knees in tablet mode, working on my holiday shopping.

As for work, I  use it for things like scheduling my pins through Tailwind. While I can do it on my iPad, it’s an awkward process. My personal method of scheduling really needs the full desktop version. The Chromebook gives me that, but in the convenience and comfort of a tablet. It’s the best of both worlds.

Other things I really love about the Acer Chromebook R11:

• it boots up super fast, so it’s ready when I am.
• it has built-in virus protection, which means I don’t have to buy extra software
• the Google apps can be used offline, then automatically sync when I get back online. So when my power inevitably goes out, I’ll be able to continue working without losing anything, thanks to that 10-hour battery life.
• setting it up literally took seconds. All I had to do was sign in to my Google account and go!
• since I sign in with my Google password, it syncs with my Chrome browser from PC. All my bookmarks, saved passwords, etc are right there.
• if I need to work from outside the home, I have everything I need right at my fingertips in a stylish, compact package that’s not going to break my back toting around.

What Jacob Loves about it:

With the Acer Chromebook R11, it’s easy to add multiple users, so Jake has his own login. From the mommy standpoint, I like it for Jake because it makes it super easy for him to connect to his Google Classroom. His communication arts teacher uses Google Classroom for everything now. Jake logs on to do his homework, then submits it when he’s done.

For Jake, his main concern is how a device can entertain him. Since the Chromebook can stand in so many positions, Jake can watch his favorite Netflix shows from any angle. He likes to lay in bed and watch movies. When he does it with the large laptop, he holds it at such an odd angle. The Chromebook isn’t just lighter, it’s easier for him to manipulate into a position that’s ideal for his odd viewing angles.

He also likes checking out the different games and apps in the Chrome Web Store. They have a ton of games you can play offline, which means Jake can take it on long car rides and be entertained. As an app addict myself, I’ll be exploring the store when I have a bit more free time on my hands.

Overall, both Jacob and I really enjoy using the Acer Chromebook R11. It’s a fantastic mobile computer for everyone in the family. At $279 retail price, it’s also an affordable option.

Right now, the Acer Chromebook R11 is $269 on Amazon, a savings of $10, so grab it! It makes a great gift idea!

What do you look for in mobile computing options for your family?  What do you love about the Acer Chromebook R11? Tell me in the comments!