Acer Chromebook 15
Note: The Acer Chromebook 15 CB5-571 reached its Auto Update Expiration in June 2021 and is no longer receiving Chrome OS updates. This page is maintained for historical reference.
The Acer Chromebook 15 CB5-571 made waves when it launched in early 2015 as one of the first 15.6-inch Chromebooks on the market. At a time when most Chromebooks featured compact 11 to 13-inch displays, Acer recognized that some users wanted the larger screen real estate typically found only on traditional laptops. The CB5-571 series delivered this with a Full HD IPS display, Intel Celeron 3205U processor, and impressive 9-hour battery life, all at price points ranging from $249 to $499 depending on the configuration. While this Chromebook is no longer supported by Google, it represented a significant milestone in Chromebook evolution and demonstrated that Chrome OS could power larger, more productivity-focused devices.
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Acer Chromebook 15 Comparison Chart
 Acer Chromebook 15 | Acer Chromebook 15 | Acer Chromebook 15 | Acer Chromebook 15 | Acer Chromebook 15 | Acer Chromebook 15 | |
| Price | List Price: $449.99 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $349.99 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $499.99 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $249.99 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $249.99 Amazon Prices: | List Price: $299.99 Amazon Prices: |
| Model number | CB5-571-362Q / NX.MUNAA.008 | CB5-571-C09S / NX.MUNAA.003 | CB5-571-58HF / NX.MUNAA.009 | CB5-571-C4T3 / NX.MUNAA.005 | CB5-571-C9DH / NX.MUNAA.013 | CB5-571-C1DZ / NX.MUNAA.014 |
| Perfomance Rating | 2.7 | 2.7 | 2.7 | 2.2 | 2.2 | 2.7 |
| Chromebook Plus | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Processor | Dual-core 1.50 Ghz Intel Celeron 3205U | Dual-core 1.50 Ghz Intel Celeron 3205U | Dual-core 1.50 Ghz Intel Celeron 3205U | Dual-core 1.50 Ghz Intel Celeron 3205U | Dual-core 1.50 Ghz Intel Celeron 3205U | Dual-core 1.50 Ghz Intel Celeron 3205U |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 2 GB | 2 GB | 4 GB |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB SSD | 32 GB SSD | 32 GB SSD | 16 GB SSD | 16 GB SSD | 16 GB SSD |
| Screen Size | 15.6" | 15.6" | 15.6" | 15.6" | 15.6" | 15.6" |
| Screen Resolution | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 | 1366x768 |
| Screen Type | LED | LED | LED | LED | LED | LED |
| Touch Screen | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Stylus / Pen | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support | No Stylus Support |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 15.1 x 9.6 x 1 inches (383.54 x 243.84 x 25.4 mm) | 15.1 x 9.6 x 1 inches (383.54 x 243.84 x 25.4 mm) | 15.1 x 9.6 x 1 inches (383.54 x 243.84 x 25.4 mm) | 15.1 x 9.6 x 1 inches (383.54 x 243.84 x 25.4 mm) | 15.1 x 9.6 x 1 inches (383.54 x 243.84 x 25.4 mm) | 15.1 x 9.6 x 1 inches (383.54 x 243.84 x 25.4 mm) |
| Weight | 4.85 lbs (2.2 kg) | 4.85 lbs (2.2 kg) | 4.85 lbs (2.2 kg) | 4.85 lbs (2.2 kg) | 4.85 lbs (2.2 kg) | 4.85 lbs (2.2 kg) |
| Backlit Keyboard | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Webcam | No Webcam | No Webcam | No Webcam | No Webcam | No Webcam | No Webcam |
| 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 | 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 | Bluetooth 4.0 | Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Ethernet | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Cellular Modem | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| HDMI | Mini HDMI | Mini HDMI | Mini HDMI | Mini HDMI | Mini HDMI | Mini HDMI |
| USB Ports | 1 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3 | 1 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3 | 1 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3 | 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 | No | No | No |
| Card Reader | SD | SD | SD | SD | SD | SD |
| Battery | 4 cell, 3220 mAh, Lithium-ion | 4 cell, 3220 mAh, Lithium-ion | 4 cell, 3220 mAh, Lithium-ion | 4 cell, 3220 mAh, Lithium-ion | 4 cell, 3220 mAh, Lithium-ion | 4 cell, 3220 mAh, Lithium-ion |
| Battery Life | 9.0 hours | 9.0 hours | 9.0 hours | 9.0 hours | 9.0 hours | 9.0 hours |
| Fanless | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Auto Update Expiration Date | June, 2021 | June, 2021 | June, 2021 | June, 2021 | June, 2021 | June, 2021 |
Detailed Insights into the Acer Chromebook 15
The Acer Chromebook 15 CB5-571 features a sturdy plastic construction with a distinctive white textured finish that reviewers consistently described as surprisingly robust for its price point. Laptop Mag characterized the build quality as “give-it-to-your-kid-sturdy,” noting that the woven texture provides better grip. The chassis measures 15.1 x 9.6 x 1.0 inches and weighs 4.85 pounds, making it notably heavier than smaller Chromebooks but still manageable for occasional transport. The keyboard spans nearly the full width of the machine and offers comfortable typing for extended sessions, though NotebookCheck noted the keys feel somewhat spongy with shorter travel than ideal.
The 15.6-inch IPS display delivers wide viewing angles and a matte finish that reduces glare in various lighting conditions. While the Full HD resolution on the higher-end variants provides crisp text and detailed images, reviewers consistently noted that display brightness falls below expectations, measuring around 248 cd/m² according to NotebookCheck’s testing. The matte panel helps compensate somewhat in bright environments, but this remains a weak point compared to more expensive laptops. Audio quality, however, exceeds expectations thanks to upward-facing speakers that produce surprisingly loud and clear sound for a Chromebook in this price range.
Connectivity options include one USB 2.0 port, one USB 3.0 port, HDMI output, an SD card reader, a combo headphone/microphone jack, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO technology. While the port selection was adequate for 2015, the lack of USB-C (which became standard in later Chromebooks) dates the design. Battery life consistently impressed reviewers, with real-world usage yielding 7 to 9 hours depending on workload. NotebookCheck measured excellent efficiency, noting the system remains cool and quiet even under load, never producing uncomfortable heat or distracting fan noise.
Reviewer Insights on the Acer Chromebook 15
Bruce Naylor’s Technical Review
Bruce Naylor from Desktop HIFI provided one of the most comprehensive video reviews of the Acer Chromebook 15, walking through every port, feature, and real-world usage scenario. He positioned the device primarily as “a great entertainment laptop,” emphasizing its suitability for watching movies and YouTube videos thanks to the large screen and excellent speakers. “One thing I really like is the speakers on this Chromebook. Very loud and clear,” he noted during his demonstration. His testing revealed boot times of just 5 to 7 seconds and smooth performance for general web browsing, though he observed performance degradation once eight or nine browser tabs were open simultaneously. Despite this limitation, he concluded that “for $350, I don’t think you’re going to go wrong.”
SelmaTeacher7’s Long-Term Durability Test
Mr. Barry from SelmaTeacher7 offered unique insight with his 2.5-year owner’s review, demonstrating the Chromebook’s durability after extensive daily use. His experience revealed remarkable longevity: “It’s been dropped, milk has been spilled on it… and guess what, it still works.” He regularly used the device for video recording, editing, and extensive work in Google Docs, reporting that it rarely lagged even with over 30 tabs open when configured with 4GB RAM. The battery life remained consistent at approximately 9 hours after years of use, validating Acer’s claims. His primary complaint centered on the white plastic exterior, which he noted collects dirt and stains easily: “These get dirty super, super quick.”
NotebookCheck’s Professional Analysis
NotebookCheck provided the most technical evaluation, scoring the CB5-571 at 78% (Good). Their comprehensive testing revealed strong benchmark performance with an Octane V2 score of 13,238 points, positioning it among the faster Chromebooks of its era. Thermal management impressed, with the case never reaching uncomfortable temperatures even under sustained load. They praised the IPS panel’s wide viewing angles and the trackpad’s responsiveness, noting that “fingers glide beautifully across the smooth surface.” However, they criticized the limited upgrade and maintenance options and the keyboard’s spongy feel. Their verdict summarized: “Those who are content just doing office work and hopping around the Internet will find that this is an exemplary device.”
Laptop Mag’s Value Assessment
Cherlynn Low from Laptop Mag awarded the Chromebook 15 a 3.5/5 star rating, recommending it for budget-conscious users. Her testing confirmed the cool operation, with the underside reaching only 87.5°F after 15 minutes of video streaming, well below the 95°F comfort threshold. She praised the large trackpad, loud speakers, and best-in-class performance for its price category. The primary drawback in her assessment was the display, which she described as “dull” compared to competitors. Nevertheless, she concluded that the combination of strong performance, excellent battery life, and sturdy build quality made it a compelling choice at its $250 to $350 price point.
Customer Reviews of the Acer Chromebook 15
Amazon customers gave the Acer Chromebook 15 CB5-571-C4T3 a 3.8 out of 5 star rating based on 209 reviews, with 56% of buyers awarding five stars. The most common praise centered on the device’s speed and simplicity. “Fast, fast, fast. Loooonngg battery life. You open Chromebook up and you’re ready to connect to the internet,” wrote one verified purchaser who had used Chromebooks for over three years. Another customer highlighted the contrast with Windows laptops: “Windows maybe only takes 2 or 3 minutes to warm up, but this is instant. And automatically updated on the fly, no 15 minute update & restarts like Windows.”
Long-term owners frequently mentioned the Chromebook’s reliability and durability. Several reviewers noted the sturdy feel of the plastic construction, with one describing it as much more solid than expected for a device in its price range. The speakers received consistent praise, with one customer declaring them “the best laptop speakers I’ve experienced.” Battery life validation from owners matched the 9-hour claims, with many users reporting all-day usage without needing to charge.
Common complaints focused on Chrome OS limitations rather than the hardware itself. Multiple reviewers expressed frustration with Microsoft Office compatibility, noting that documents converted to Google Docs format with varying results. The 13% one-star ratings largely came from users who misunderstood Chrome OS limitations or experienced isolated hardware issues. Some early units had audio problems, though Acer’s warranty service resolved these issues for affected customers.
Conclusion
The Acer Chromebook 15 CB5-571 served as an important proof of concept that larger Chromebooks could succeed in the market. Its combination of a spacious 15.6-inch display, loud speakers, excellent battery life, and sturdy construction made it particularly well-suited for entertainment, productivity, and educational use cases. While the dim display, heavier weight, and eventual performance limitations with many open tabs represented real drawbacks, the value proposition at $249 to $499 was strong for 2015.
Though this Chromebook reached its end of support in June 2021 and can no longer be recommended for new purchases, its legacy lives on in modern large-screen Chromebooks that followed. For those who owned and enjoyed the CB5-571, it demonstrated that Chrome OS could power a full-sized laptop experience effectively. If you’re looking for a current large-screen Chromebook, consider exploring newer models with updated processors, USB-C connectivity, and longer support timelines.