Acer Chromebook 11 (CB311)

Updated on January 11, 2026

The Acer Chromebook 11 (CB311) represented a solid entry in the budget Chromebook segment when it launched in 2018, standing out with its distinctive indigo blue design. Priced at $269.99, this 11.6-inch device paired an Intel Celeron N3350 processor with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of eMMC storage. Reviewers at the time praised its lightweight 2.43-pound build, fanless operation, and 8-10 hour battery life. The CB311 served many students and casual users well through its Chrome OS support period, which extended through June 2027.

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Acer Chromebook 11 (CB311) Comparison Chart

	Acer Chromebook 11 (CB311)
Price	List Price: $269.99 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon
Model number	CB311-8H-C5DV / NX.GVJAA.001
Performance Rating	2.8
Chromebook Plus	No
Processor	Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.40 Ghz) Intel Celeron N3350
RAM	4 GB
Internal Storage	32 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	11.65 x 7.83 x 0.71 inches (295.91 x 198.88 x 18.03 mm)
Weight	2.43 lbs (1.1 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	No
Webcam	1280x720
WiFi	802.11ac
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 4.2
Ethernet	No
Cellular Modem	No
HDMI	No HDMI
USB Ports	2 USB 3, 2 USB-C (with DisplayPort support)
Thunderbolt Ports	No
Card Reader	microSD Card Reader
Battery	3 cell, 3490 mAh, Lithium-ion
Battery Life	10.0 hours
Fanless	Yes
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2027

A Look Back at the Acer Chromebook 11 (CB311)

The CB311’s design marked a departure from typical budget Chromebook aesthetics of its era. Acer chose an eye-catching indigo blue color with a textured woven pattern on the lid that, as Chrome Unboxed noted during their CES 2018 hands-on, “almost maintains that metallic looking feel” despite the all-plastic construction. At just 0.71 inches thick and weighing 2.43 pounds, it slipped easily into backpacks and bags. The 180-degree hinge allowed the screen to lay flat, though it didn’t support tent or tablet modes like convertible Chromebooks.

The 11.6-inch IPS display offered decent viewing angles for the time, with 9to5Google’s Seth Weintraub noting it “has good angles and is bright even in direct sunlight.” Laptop Mag measured brightness at 223 nits with 78% sRGB color coverage, which was typical for budget Chromebooks of that period. The 1366x768 resolution provided adequate pixel density for this screen size.

Port selection was generous for a 2018 budget device. The CB311 included two USB Type-C ports with DisplayPort support and charging capability on either side, two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, a microSD card slot for storage expansion, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. This port arrangement offered flexibility that many ultrabooks of the era lacked. Users who needed a wired internet connection could plug in a USB Ethernet adapter to one of the available USB-A ports.

Performance from the Intel Celeron N3350 dual-core processor surprised reviewers at launch. Reviewed.com found the CB311 “shockingly zippy” for a sub-$300 device, capable of handling 15+ Chrome tabs without significant slowdown. The fanless design ensured completely silent operation, making it popular in libraries, classrooms, and quiet workspaces. Battery life consistently exceeded 7 hours in real-world testing.

What Reviewers Said at Launch

Seth Weintraub (9to5Google)

Seth Weintraub gave the CB311 high marks after testing it with his family, stating “I’m a big fan of this Chromebook and even more importantly, so are my Chromebook-using 1st and 4th graders.” He noted that “it doesn’t feel like a bargain laptop” despite the $270 price tag and tested real-world battery life at 6-8 hours with typical usage.

Justin Diaz (Android Headlines)

Justin Diaz called the CB311 “a refined favorite” in the budget segment. He found performance exceeded expectations, with “every app and all functions” running “without any problems.” His main criticisms centered on the base model’s lack of touchscreen and the bottom-mounted speakers.

Laptop Mag

Laptop Mag awarded the CB311 3 out of 5 stars, praising it as “a solid multitasker with a long battery life” while noting the shallow keyboard and weak speakers as drawbacks.

Customer Feedback Over the Years

Customer feedback for the CB311 generally aligned with professional reviews, with users praising its value, portability, and reliability. Students and parents frequently recommended it as an ideal first Chromebook or homework machine. The lightweight design earned consistent praise from users who carried it daily.

Common criticisms focused on the limited 32GB storage, which filled quickly when downloading Android apps. The keyboard drew mixed reactions, with touch typists finding it adequate while power users preferred external keyboards for extended work sessions. Battery life remained a highlight in customer feedback, with many reporting 7-9 hours of actual use.

Historical Perspective

The Acer Chromebook 11 (CB311) served its role well as a budget-friendly Chromebook that prioritized portability, battery life, and reliable performance over premium features. Its distinctive indigo blue design, comprehensive port selection, and fanless operation distinguished it from competitors in the sub-$300 segment of its era. While the dim display, modest speakers, and limited storage presented limitations, these were reasonable compromises for the price point in 2018.

The CB311 represented an important step in making Chromebooks accessible to students and casual users during Chrome OS’s growth period. Many of these devices served reliably in schools and homes for years, demonstrating the durability and low-maintenance appeal that helped Chromebooks gain market share in education. For anyone who owned one, the CB311 likely provided years of dependable service for web browsing, email, and basic productivity tasks.