Acer Chromebook 11
Updated on
Note: This product has been discontinued and reached its Auto Update Expiration date in September 2021. It no longer receives Chrome OS updates or security patches. The information below is kept for historical reference.
Acer introduced the Chromebook 11 CB3-111 series at IFA 2014 as a replacement for the incredibly popular C720 series. The C720 line dominated Chromebook sales throughout 2013, and Acer aimed to continue that momentum with this budget-focused successor. At launch prices between $169 and $199, the CB3-111 targeted students, educators, and anyone seeking an affordable entry point into Chrome OS.
The CB3-111 runs on Intel’s Baytrail-M platform with a Celeron N2830 processor paired with 2GB of DDR3L RAM. This combination handles basic Chrome OS tasks adequately—web browsing, document editing, and media streaming all work smoothly—though multitasking with numerous tabs can feel sluggish. The 16GB eMMC storage provides modest local capacity, encouraging users to rely on cloud storage for larger files.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Completely silent fanless operation | Cheap-feeling white plastic construction |
| Impressive 9+ hour battery life for typical use | Low screen brightness (208 cd/m²) limits outdoor visibility |
| Fast 9-second boot time | Only 2GB RAM restricts heavy multitasking |
| Lightweight at 1.25kg (2.75 lbs) | No backlit keyboard |
| Surprisingly good speakers for the size | TN panel with narrow viewing angles |
| Excellent value at original $169-199 pricing | Storage non-upgradeable |
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Acer Chromebook 11 Comparison Chart
 Acer Chromebook 11 | Acer Chromebook 11 | Acer Chromebook 11 | |
| Price | List Price: $199.99 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $169.99 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $199.99 Amazon Prices: |
| Model number | CB3-111-C8UB / NX.MQNAA.008 | CB3-111-C670 / NX.MQNAA.001 | CB3-111-C4HT / NX.MQNAA.011 |
| Perfomance Rating | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.8 |
| Chromebook Plus | No | No | No |
| Processor | Dual-core 2.16 Ghz (max 2.41 Ghz) Intel Celeron N2830 | Dual-core 2.16 Ghz (max 2.41 Ghz) Intel Celeron N2830 | Dual-core 2.16 Ghz (max 2.41 Ghz) Intel Celeron N2830 |
| RAM | 2 GB | 2 GB | 2 GB |
| Internal Storage | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Screen Size | 11.6" | 11.6" | 11.6" |
| Screen Resolution | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 |
| Screen Type | LED | LED | LED |
| Touch Screen | No | No | No |
| Stylus / Pen | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 11.8 x 8 x 0.73 inches (299.72 x 203.2 x 18.54 mm) | 11.8 x 8 x 0.73 inches (299.72 x 203.2 x 18.54 mm) | 11.8 x 8 x 0.73 inches (299.72 x 203.2 x 18.54 mm) |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1.09 kg) | 2.4 lbs (1.09 kg) | 2.4 lbs (1.09 kg) |
| Backlit Keyboard | No | No | No |
| Webcam | No Webcam | No Webcam | No Webcam |
| WiFi | 802.11ac MIMO | 802.11ac MIMO | 802.11ac MIMO |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.0 | Bluetooth 4.0 | Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Ethernet | No | No | No |
| Cellular Modem | No | No | No |
| HDMI | Full-Size HDMI | Full-Size HDMI | Full-Size HDMI |
| USB Ports | 1 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3 | 1 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3 | 1 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3 |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No | No | No |
| Card Reader | SD | SD | SD |
| Battery | 3 cell, 3220 mAh, Lithium-ion | 3 cell, 3220 mAh, Lithium-ion | 3 cell, 3220 mAh, Lithium-ion |
| Battery Life | 8.5 hours | 8.5 hours | 8.5 hours |
| Fanless | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Update Expiration Date | September, 2021 | September, 2021 | September, 2021 |
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Design and Build Quality
The CB3-111’s white plastic chassis keeps weight down to just 1.25kg (2.75 lbs), making it easy to toss in a backpack without much thought. The build feels utilitarian rather than premium—NotebookCheck’s testing noted the plastics have a somewhat hollow sound when tapped, though after three weeks of use the unit remained “strong, well-assembled and scratch and smudge free.” The compact 299 x 202 x 18.7mm dimensions fit comfortably on small desks and airplane tray tables.
Acer’s keyboard provides good tactile feedback with adequate key travel. Users report the typing experience rivals some larger laptops, making it suitable for extended writing sessions despite the compact form factor. The trackpad responds reliably, though like most budget Chromebooks of this era, it lacks the glass-smooth feel of premium alternatives.
Display
The 11.6-inch TN panel with 1366x768 resolution serves basic productivity needs but won’t impress anyone accustomed to better screens. NotebookCheck measured brightness at just 208 cd/m² with a black level of 0.38—adequate for indoor use but struggling in bright environments. Viewing angles are notably narrow; colors wash out quickly when viewing from off-center positions. For a device primarily intended for document work and web browsing, the display suffices, but video enthusiasts and photo editors should look elsewhere.
Performance
The Intel Celeron N2830 processor clocks between 2.16-2.41 GHz across its two cores. This Baytrail-M chip delivers exactly what budget Chromebook buyers expect: responsive performance for typical Chrome OS tasks, with noticeable slowdowns when pushing beyond basic use cases. NotebookCheck observed the applications menu takes over one second to respond, and loading large Google Drive documents can test patience. For checking email, browsing social media, and light document work, however, the performance proves acceptable.
The 16GB eMMC storage achieves around 21,000 operations per second—respectable for the class. Boot times clock in at approximately 9 seconds from cold start to user login, showcasing Chrome OS’s efficiency even on modest hardware.
Battery Life
Battery performance stands as one of the CB3-111’s genuine strengths. The 36Wh battery consistently delivers strong results: NotebookCheck’s testing recorded 9.2 hours during document work and 6.5 hours of continuous video playback. Real-world use typically falls between these figures depending on screen brightness and workload intensity. The fanless design contributes to excellent power efficiency, drawing just 2.1-6.8W at idle and 8.6-9.4W under load.
Thermal Performance and Noise
The complete absence of a fan means the CB3-111 operates in total silence. There’s no whir, no hum—just quiet computing. This makes the Chromebook particularly well-suited for library use, classrooms, or anywhere noise disruption matters. The fanless design also benefits thermal performance surprisingly well; NotebookCheck measured a maximum chassis temperature of just 32.7°C (91°F) under load, meaning it stays comfortable on the lap.
Audio
Despite the budget positioning, the CB3-111’s speakers punch well above their weight class. NotebookCheck described them as “stupid good—uncomfortably loud and clear for a computer this size.” For casual video watching or video calls, the audio output exceeds expectations. Of course, serious music listening still benefits from headphones connected via the combo audio jack.
Connectivity
Port selection covers the basics without excess. You get one USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0 port, a full-size HDMI output for external displays, and a full-size SD card slot for storage expansion or photo transfer. The USB 3.0 port could also support a USB Ethernet adapter for wired networking. The lack of USB-C reflects the 2014 design timeframe. Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac MIMO) and Bluetooth 4.0 handle wireless connectivity, providing solid performance for the era though lacking the range and speed improvements of modern Wi-Fi 6 standards.
What Reviewers Said
NotebookCheck awarded the CB3-111 a 78% rating in their November 2014 review, calling it “the bargain of the bunch, returning solid battery life and performance figures for this class and doing it without any noise.” They praised the value proposition for budget-conscious buyers: “One of the cheapest laptops available that does a good job of being clean, stable and efficient within 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage.”
The reviewer’s main criticisms centered on the display’s limited brightness for outdoor use and the right spacebar area’s occasional unresponsiveness. Overall, they recommended the CB3-111 for “compact, affordable browsing-focused computing” while acknowledging its limitations for users needing more power or a better screen.
Who Should Consider This Chromebook
In its era, the CB3-111 made sense for students needing a lightweight note-taking machine, parents seeking a kid-proof web browser for homework, or anyone wanting a secondary device for couch browsing. The silent operation and long battery life proved especially valuable in educational settings.
Today, with the Auto Update Expiration passed in September 2021, the CB3-111 no longer receives security updates from Google. This makes it unsuitable for tasks involving sensitive data, online banking, or accounts you care about protecting. However, some use cases remain viable: offline document work, media playback, or as a dedicated terminal for specific purposes where security concerns don’t apply. Running alternative operating systems like CloudReady (now Chrome OS Flex) or Linux distributions can extend the hardware’s useful life for technically inclined users.
For those seeking a similar budget-friendly Chromebook experience with current security updates, see our Chromebook comparison chart to find current options, or check our guide to the best budget Chromebooks for updated recommendations.