Acer Chromebook 11 N7

Note: The Acer Chromebook 11 N7 reached its Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date in June 2022 and no longer receives Chrome OS updates. This product is no longer available for purchase new from major retailers.

The Acer Chromebook 11 N7 was designed as a rugged, education-focused Chromebook built to survive the demanding environment of classrooms and student backpacks. With military-grade MIL-STD 810G certification, a spill-resistant keyboard capable of handling up to 11 ounces of liquid, and the ability to withstand drops from 48 inches, this 11.6-inch device prioritized durability over raw performance. Powered by an Intel Celeron N3060 processor with 4GB of RAM, it delivered reliable performance for basic web browsing, Google Docs, and Android apps while offering exceptional battery life that reviewers consistently praised.

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Acer Chromebook 11 N7 Comparison Chart

	Acer Chromebook 11 N7
Price	List Price: $229.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...
Model number	C731-C8VE / NX.GM8AA.001
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 eMMC
Screen Size	11.6"
Screen Resolution	1366x768
Screen Type	ComfyView
Touch Screen	No
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	11.7 x 8.3 x 0.9 inches (297.18 x 210.82 x 22.86 mm)
Weight	2.98 lbs (1.35 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	No
Webcam	HD
WiFi	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 4.0
Ethernet	No
Cellular Modem	No
HDMI	Full-Size HDMI
USB Ports	2 USB 3
Thunderbolt Ports	No
Card Reader	SD/SDXC
Battery	3 cell, 3980 mAh, Lithium Polymer
Battery Life	13.0 hours
Fanless	Yes
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2022

Detailed Insights into the Acer Chromebook 11 N7

The Acer Chromebook 11 N7 exemplified what an education-focused Chromebook should be: affordable, durable, and practical. The rugged plastic chassis featured reinforced corners and a textured finish that provided grip while hiding minor scuffs and scratches that accumulate with daily student use. At just 2.98 pounds and 0.9 inches thick, it remained portable enough for younger students to carry between classes, though the build quality never felt cheap or flimsy. The fanless design meant silent operation in quiet classroom settings, and the device ran cool during normal usage, though Laptop Mag noted the underside could reach 103 degrees Fahrenheit during extended video playback.

Performance with the Intel Celeron N3060 processor was adequate for its intended purpose but showed clear limitations. Chrome OS booted in one to two seconds, and the device handled moderate web browsing with multiple tabs, Google Workspace applications, and Android apps from the Play Store without significant issues. However, reviewers from 9to5Google and Pocket-lint noted that media-heavy web pages could cause lag, and rapid typing occasionally outpaced the processor’s ability to keep up. For students primarily working with documents, email, and educational web applications, the performance proved sufficient for the budget price point.

The 11.6-inch display presented one of the device’s clearer weaknesses. The 1366x768 resolution delivered acceptable clarity for text and basic tasks, but the TN panel in most configurations offered limited viewing angles and undersaturated colors. Laptop Mag measured brightness at just 235 nits, below the 250-nit average they expect from budget laptops, making outdoor use challenging. The matte finish did help reduce glare in bright classroom environments, and a touchscreen variant (C731T) was available for schools wanting more interactive capabilities.

Connectivity options were solid for the era, with two USB 3.0 ports, a full-size HDMI output, an SD card reader supporting up to 128GB expansion cards, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The notable absence of USB-C ports and reliance on a proprietary charger showed the device’s 2016 roots, though at the time these limitations were common in budget Chromebooks. WiFi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.0 handled wireless connectivity reliably.

Reviewer Insights on the Acer Chromebook 11 N7

Battery life emerged as the consistent highlight across every professional review. Laptop Mag measured 10 hours and 35 minutes on their battery test, calling it “fantastic battery life” that earned high marks alongside the durable frame. The magazine gave the device 3.5 out of 5 stars, praising its ability to withstand 132 pounds of downward force on the lid and its spill-resistant keyboard, though they criticized the dim display and lack of USB-C connectivity.

9to5Google’s review found even better battery results, reporting “a terrific ten to twelve hours per charge” as the highest point of the user experience. Reviewer Hayato noted the comfortable keyboard was well-suited for extended typing sessions, though bottom-mounted speakers were easily muffled and the display washed out in direct sunlight. The review positioned the device as excellent for budget-conscious students comfortable working within Google’s ecosystem.

Pocket-lint delivered particularly strong praise for the typing experience, calling it “one of the best typing experiences you can have in a 200-odd ultraportable” and declaring the N7 “one of the sturdiest laptops in the world at this price.” Their 4 out of 5 star review highlighted the keyboard as the device’s best feature, with ultra-rigid construction creating a stable typing platform. However, reviewer Andrew Williams found battery life fell short of the advertised 13 hours, measuring closer to 8.5 hours in real-world use.

EdTech Magazine specifically evaluated the device for higher education environments, praising its ability to support “a full day of classes without requiring the AC adapter.” The review highlighted the instant-on nature of Chrome OS and the practical 128GB SD card expansion for students needing additional storage beyond the 16GB or 32GB internal options.

Customer Reviews of the Acer Chromebook 11 N7

Amazon customers gave the Acer Chromebook 11 N7 an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars based on 40 reviews, with 61% of buyers awarding five stars. The positive reviews consistently praised the value proposition and durability, with one verified purchaser noting it “serves really well as a second PC” and highlighting Android app support via the Google Play Store as a key selling point. Customers appreciated the build quality for the price, with one reviewer describing it as “VERY sturdy, speedy, durable, and near impossible to ruin with typical wear.”

The negative reviews and three-star ratings often centered on charger issues, with multiple customers reporting defective or incompatible power adapters. One customer noted that they “had to return this, the charger would not charge and was loose.” More recent reviews from 2023 and 2024 highlighted the expired software update status as a concern, with one thoughtful review explaining that “this item has exceeded its maximum number of software updates and will begin to have issues with its security and extensions soon,” though they still found value in the device for basic streaming and typing tasks.

Conclusion

The Acer Chromebook 11 N7 served its intended purpose as a rugged, affordable education Chromebook admirably during its supported lifetime. Its exceptional battery life, military-grade durability, and practical keyboard made it a sensible choice for schools and budget-conscious students who prioritized reliability over performance or display quality. While the dim screen, modest processor, and lack of USB-C connectivity showed its age even at launch, the device delivered solid value at its $229 to $279 price point. Now that it has passed its June 2022 Auto Update Expiration date, however, security vulnerabilities make it unsuitable for continued use with sensitive data or accounts, and buyers should consider newer Chromebooks with longer support windows instead.