Acer Chromebook 11 (2018)

Updated on January 11, 2026

Note: The Acer Chromebook 11 (CB3-132) reached its Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date in June 2024 and is no longer receiving Chrome OS security updates. While still functional, this device is not recommended for new purchases due to its unsupported status.

The Acer Chromebook 11 (2018) represented the budget end of the Chromebook market when it launched, delivering a surprisingly capable package for under $200. With its standout IPS display, fanless design, and all-day battery life, this compact 11.6-inch laptop became a popular choice for students and light users who needed reliable web browsing without breaking the bank. While it has since reached its end of support, understanding what made this device appealing provides useful context for evaluating today’s budget Chromebooks.

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Acer Chromebook 11 (2018) Comparison Chart

	Acer Chromebook 11 (2018)
Price	List Price: $219.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...
Model number	CB3-132-C4VV / NX.G4XAA.002
Perfomance Rating	2.4
Chromebook Plus	No
Processor	Dual-core 1.60 Ghz (max 2.48 Ghz) Intel Celeron Processor N3060
RAM	4 GB
Internal Storage	16 GB
Screen Size	11.6"
Screen Resolution	1366x768
Screen Type	IPS
Touch Screen	No
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	11.6 x 8 x 0.7 inches (294.64 x 203.2 x 17.78 mm)
Weight	2.43 lbs (1.1 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	No
Webcam	1280x720
WiFi	802.11ac
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 4.0
Ethernet	No
Cellular Modem	No
HDMI	Full-Size HDMI
USB Ports	1 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3
Thunderbolt Ports	No
Card Reader	SD
Battery	3 cell, 3490 mAh, Lithium-ion
Battery Life	10.0 hours
Fanless	Yes
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2024

Detailed Insights into the Acer Chromebook 11

The CB3-132’s most impressive feature was its IPS display, which reviewers consistently praised as the best you could find in a sub-$200 laptop at the time. Unlike the TN panels common in budget devices, the IPS screen delivered wider viewing angles, better color accuracy, and improved brightness that made everyday tasks more pleasant. The 1366x768 resolution was standard for this price point and screen size, though modern users accustomed to higher resolutions may find it limiting.

Build quality exceeded expectations for such an affordable device. Acer incorporated a metal plate on the lid to protect the screen from pressure damage, a thoughtful touch that reflected the device’s suitability for students and travelers. The plastic chassis felt solid rather than cheap, with reviewer Lon Seidman noting that it “doesn’t feel all that cheap to me” despite its budget positioning. At just 2.43 pounds and 0.7 inches thick, the Chromebook was genuinely portable and easy to slip into a backpack.

The Intel Celeron N3060 processor handled basic Chrome OS tasks adequately, though it showed its limitations with demanding workloads. Web browsing, document editing in Google Docs, and streaming video all worked smoothly, but users who kept many tabs open might experience occasional slowdowns. The fanless design meant completely silent operation and no heat buildup during use, a genuine advantage for lap use or classroom environments.

Connectivity options were adequate for the era but lacked the USB-C ports that would soon become standard. The single USB 3.0 port, single USB 2.0 port, full-size HDMI output, and SD card reader covered most use cases, though the absence of USB-C charging meant carrying Acer’s proprietary power adapter on the go. Like most Chromebooks of this era, wired networking required a USB Ethernet adapter.

Reviewer Insights on the Acer Chromebook 11

Lon Seidman’s Perspective

Lon Seidman from Lon.TV delivered the most comprehensive review of the CB3-132, calling it “a very good deal” at its ~$189 price point. His hands-on testing revealed strong points including “the nicest display you will find in a sub-$200 laptop” and solid build quality with the ruggedized metal lid plate. He found the device “pretty snappy for basic web browsing” despite the older Celeron processor, and his real-world battery testing showed 8-9 hours of actual use. The main criticisms centered on the trackpad being difficult to click, the limited 16GB storage becoming problematic with Android apps, and the lack of USB-C connectivity that newer devices offered.

Written Review Perspectives

Andrew Webb at Target-Bravo found the device delivered “solid build quality with improved construction over older netbooks” and praised the 10-hour battery life with passive cooling. He recommended it specifically for users who work primarily in Chrome and G-Suite environments, though he noted that the trackpad lacked right-click functionality and the power connector was non-standard. TechRadar awarded a 3.5/5 rating, describing it as “the affordable Chromebook that gets the job done” while noting the small keyboard and hollow feeling construction. Android Central called it “a throwback to what made Chromebooks great in the first place — except it’s beautiful,” emphasizing its dependable performance for everyday tasks.

Overall, reviewers agreed that the CB3-132 excelled as a no-frills budget device with a surprisingly good display, though the trackpad and limited storage remained consistent pain points across all coverage.

Customer Reviews of the Acer Chromebook 11

Amazon customers gave the Acer Chromebook 11 an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from over 1,000 reviews, with 64% awarding the full five stars. The sentiment strongly favored students and budget-conscious buyers who understood Chrome OS limitations.

Positive feedback consistently highlighted the device’s value proposition and portability. One graduate student praised it as “amazing for grad school” after carrying it to classes daily, noting that “this laptop is very light, seems very sturdy (I don’t have a case for it and just throw it into my bag every day) and fast” for basic academic work. Another reviewer who purchased it during Prime Day for $140 called it an “awesome everyday machine” that handled Netflix and Prime Video while browsing other tabs without issues, reporting 8-10 hours of battery life depending on usage patterns.

Common complaints centered on the trackpad and charging system. Multiple users mentioned needing to use an external mouse because the built-in trackpad was “very disappointing” to use. Several reviewers noted the charger “constantly comes loose as you jostle it” during use, which prevented reliable charging while working. The limited 16GB storage also drew criticism from users who wanted to install Android apps, though those who relied primarily on web-based tools found it sufficient.

One detailed review documented a wifi connectivity issue where the toggle refused to turn on after several months, but the user successfully resolved it by removing and reinserting the wifi card inside the device. This suggests some quality control variations in the manufacturing, though the reviewer noted this fix was straightforward with basic tools.

Conclusion

The Acer Chromebook 11 (CB3-132) served its purpose admirably as an entry-level device that punched above its weight class in display quality and battery life. For students, travelers, and anyone needing a reliable secondary machine for web-based work, it offered genuine value that justified its budget price tag. The fanless operation, lightweight construction, and all-day battery made it genuinely practical for mobile use in ways that many competing budget laptops could not match.

However, with its June 2024 AUE date now passed, this device can no longer receive Chrome OS security updates, making it unsuitable for anyone handling sensitive information or wanting continued feature improvements. Those in the market for a budget Chromebook today should look to current models that will receive support through 2032 or beyond, while appreciating how devices like the CB3-132 helped establish what a good entry-level Chromebook could deliver.