Acer Chromebook 14 for Work
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Note: The Acer Chromebook 14 for Work reached its Auto Update Expiration (AUE) in June 2023 and no longer receives Chrome OS updates. This page is preserved for historical reference, but we recommend looking at current Chromebook options for purchase.
The Acer Chromebook 14 for Work (CP5-471) represented Acer’s serious push into the enterprise Chromebook market when it launched in 2016. Built to MIL-STD 810G military durability standards with a distinctive Corning Gorilla Glass lid, this Chromebook was designed from the ground up for corporate and educational deployments where durability and longevity matter more than consumer aesthetics. Available with processors ranging from the Intel Celeron 3855U to the Core i5-6200U, it offered flexibility for different workloads and budgets.
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Acer Chromebook 14 for Work Comparison Chart
 Acer Chromebook 14 for Work | Acer Chromebook 14 for Work | Acer Chromebook 14 for Work | Acer Chromebook 14 for Work | |
| Price | List Price: $749.99 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $599.99 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $349.99 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $499.99 Amazon Prices: |
| Model number | CP5-471-581N / NX.GE8AA.003 | CP5-471-312N / NX.GDDAA.004 | CP5-471-C0EX / NX.GDDAA.001 | CP5-471-35T4 / NX.GDDAA.002 |
| Perfomance Rating | 4.1 | 4.1 | 2.8 | 2.8 |
| Chromebook Plus | No | No | No | No |
| Processor | Dual-core 1.60 Ghz Intel Celeron Processor 3855U | Dual-core 1.60 Ghz Intel Celeron Processor 3855U | Dual-core 1.60 Ghz Intel Celeron Processor 3855U | Dual-core 1.60 Ghz Intel Celeron Processor 3855U |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB eMMC | 32 GB eMMC | 16 GB eMMC | 32 GB eMMC |
| Screen Size | 14" | 14" | 14" | 14" |
| Screen Resolution | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 |
| Screen Type | Active Matrix TFT Color LCD | Active Matrix TFT Color LCD | Active Matrix TFT Color LCD | Active Matrix TFT Color LCD |
| Touch Screen | No | No | No | No |
| Stylus / Pen | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 13 x 8.9 x 0.9 inches (330.2 x 226.06 x 22.86 mm) | 13 x 8.9 x 0.9 inches (330.2 x 226.06 x 22.86 mm) | 13 x 8.9 x 0.9 inches (330.2 x 226.06 x 22.86 mm) | 13 x 8.9 x 0.9 inches (330.2 x 226.06 x 22.86 mm) |
| Weight | 3.2 lbs (1.45 kg) | 3.2 lbs (1.45 kg) | 3.2 lbs (1.45 kg) | 3.2 lbs (1.45 kg) |
| Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Webcam | HD | HD | HD | HD |
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.0 | Bluetooth 4.0 | Bluetooth 4.0 | Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Ethernet | No | No | No | No |
| Cellular Modem | No | No | No | No |
| HDMI | Full-Size HDMI | Full-Size HDMI | Full-Size HDMI | Full-Size HDMI |
| USB Ports | 2 USB 3, 1 USB-C | 2 USB 3, 1 USB-C | 2 USB 3, 1 USB-C | 2 USB 3, 1 USB-C |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No | No | No | No |
| Card Reader | SD | SD | SD | SD |
| Battery | 3 cell, 3920 mAh, Lithium Polymer | 3 cell, 3920 mAh, Lithium Polymer | 3 cell, 3920 mAh, Lithium Polymer | 3 cell, 3920 mAh, Lithium Polymer |
| Battery Life | 10.0 hours | 10.0 hours | 10.0 hours | 10.0 hours |
| Fanless | No | No | No | No |
| Auto Update Expiration Date | June, 2023 | June, 2023 | June, 2023 | June, 2023 |
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Detailed Insights into the Acer Chromebook 14 for Work
The Chromebook 14 for Work’s most distinctive feature was its Corning Vibrant Gorilla Glass lid, which served a dual purpose: it provided scratch resistance and durability while allowing companies to print custom logos or branding directly beneath the glass surface. This made the device particularly attractive for enterprise deployments where brand consistency matters. The glass construction felt premium and sturdy, though as multiple reviewers noted, it was a significant fingerprint magnet that required frequent cleaning.
Build quality throughout the device impressed reviewers. NotebookCheck’s testing found solid construction with good hinges and minimal flex, while Computerworld emphasized that the device was built to survive “48-inch drops, 132 pounds of downward force, and exposure to temperature extremes, rain, sand, and dust.” The spill-resistant keyboard included drainage holes to protect internal components from liquid accidents, a practical feature for busy office environments.
Performance varied significantly across configurations. The base Celeron 3855U models handled everyday web browsing and productivity tasks adequately, while the Core i5-6200U variants delivered genuinely snappy performance. Computerworld reported boot times of around 6 seconds and noted the system remained responsive even with 25 browser windows open. NotebookCheck’s testing revealed excellent thermal management, with temperatures staying below 30 degrees Celsius even under load, and fan noise maxing out at a quiet 34 dB. The 45Wh battery delivered approximately 9-10 hours of real-world usage, meeting Acer’s claims.
The display received mixed reviews across the product line. Lower-end configurations shipped with a 1366x768 TN panel that drew criticism for poor viewing angles and limited brightness. Higher-end models featured a 1920x1080 IPS display with a matte anti-glare finish that proved more suitable for professional work, though NotebookCheck measured brightness at only 213 nits, making outdoor use challenging. The narrow bezels around the display allowed Acer to fit a 14-inch screen into a form factor comparable to many 13.3-inch laptops.
Reviewer Insights on the Acer Chromebook 14 for Work
Miguel Chavez’s Perspective
Miguel Chavez from Chavez DIY provided one of the most comprehensive hands-on reviews, spending over 14 minutes exploring every aspect of the device. He was immediately struck by the Gorilla Glass lid, stating “the top looks absolutely gorgeous. I love it.” He compared the overall design favorably to Acer’s legendary C720, calling it “a reincarnated C720 with thinner bezels, a better keyboard design, and this nice gloss on the outside.”
Chavez’s review highlighted the practical durability features, including the spill-resistant keyboard with drainage holes and the device’s ability to survive drops and significant downward pressure. While he was disappointed by the low-resolution TN display on his unit and found the bottom-firing speakers average, he concluded positively: “I think that you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck overall with this Chromebook.”
Brad Linder’s Perspective
Brad Linder from Liliputing focused on the enterprise-specific features that set this Chromebook apart from consumer models. He explained that the Gorilla Glass lid was designed so “companies could put their corporate logos or something else underneath the screen,” making it ideal for branded fleet deployments.
Linder appreciated the range of processor options available, from Celeron to Core i5, giving IT departments flexibility in their deployments. He noted the device was “not too bad” at three and a half pounds for a 14-inch laptop, though the 0.9-inch thickness made it bulkier than some consumer alternatives. His overall assessment positioned it as a practical choice for corporate and educational environments where durability trumps portability.
Professional Review Consensus
Professional tech publications largely agreed on the Chromebook 14 for Work’s strengths and weaknesses. TechRadar awarded it 3.5 out of 5 stars, praising the backlit keyboard, diverse port selection, and strong performance, while criticizing the dim screen and inconsistent trackpad feedback. They noted the high-end i5 model’s $750 price point was steep for a Chrome OS device, though it competed with premium options like the Chromebook Pixel.
NotebookCheck’s comprehensive testing earned it an 83% rating, highlighting excellent thermal management and build quality while noting the display brightness limitations and slow SD card reader speeds. Computerworld was more enthusiastic, declaring it “proof that Chromebooks have survived and are ready for the adult world” and recommending it for enterprise consideration.
Conclusion
The Acer Chromebook 14 for Work was an important device in the evolution of Chrome OS in the enterprise. It demonstrated that Chromebooks could be built to withstand the rigors of corporate and educational deployments while offering the simplicity and security benefits of Chrome OS. The Gorilla Glass lid, MIL-STD 810G durability certification, and spill-resistant keyboard set a standard that many later enterprise Chromebooks would follow.
While this device has now passed its support window, its legacy lives on in modern business-focused Chromebooks that continue to emphasize durability, manageability, and total cost of ownership. For organizations currently looking at Chrome OS deployments, the lessons learned from devices like the Chromebook 14 for Work influenced the design of current enterprise options that offer similar durability with updated hardware and longer support timelines.