Acer Chromebook 311 (CO731)
The Acer Chromebook 311 (CO731) offers a straightforward, no-frills Chrome OS experience for students, families, and anyone who needs a reliable device for basic computing tasks. Powered by the Intel Celeron N4500 dual-core processor, this compact 11.6-inch Chromebook delivers silent, fanless operation and approximately 8 hours of battery life. The most notable selling point is its Auto Update Expiration date of June 2031, giving it a longer software support window than many competitors in this segment. While the HD display and modest port selection reflect its budget positioning, the Chromebook 311 handles web browsing, Google Workspace applications, video streaming, and educational apps competently.
Pros and Cons of the Acer Chromebook 311 (CO731)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fanless design provides completely silent operation | HD (1366x768) TN display limits viewing angles and sharpness |
| June 2031 AUE date ensures long-term software support | Only one USB-C port and one USB-A port |
| Lightweight at 2.65 lbs for excellent portability | No touchscreen option on this model |
| Intel Celeron N4500 handles basic tasks smoothly | 4GB RAM may feel limited with many browser tabs |
| Approximately 8 hours of battery life for all-day use | No HDMI or SD card slot |
| USB-C port supports charging and DisplayPort output | Non-backlit keyboard limits use in low-light settings |
Acer Chromebook 311 (CO731) Comparison Chart
 Acer Chromebook 311 (CO731) | |
| Price | List Price: $229 Amazon Prices: Loading prices... Best Buy: Loading price... |
| Model number | CBOA311-1H-C90F |
| Perfomance Rating | 3.6 |
| Chromebook Plus | No |
| Processor | Dual-core 1.10 Ghz (max 2.80 Ghz) Intel Celeron N4500 |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Internal Storage | 64 GB eMMC |
| Screen Size | 11.6" |
| Screen Resolution | 1366x768 |
| Screen Type | TN |
| Touch Screen | No |
| Stylus / Pen | No Stylus Support |
| Dimensions width x length x thickness | 11.6 x 8.1 x 0.83 inches (294.64 x 205.74 x 21.08 mm) |
| Weight | 2.65 lbs (1.2 kg) |
| Backlit Keyboard | No |
| Webcam | 720p |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ethernet | No |
| Cellular Modem | No |
| HDMI | No HDMI |
| USB Ports | 1 USB 3, 1 USB-C 1x USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (with DC-in and DisplayPort), 1x USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Thunderbolt Ports | No |
| Card Reader | No Card Reader |
| Battery | 2 cell, 33Wh, Li-ion |
| Battery Life | 8 hours |
| Fanless | Yes |
| Auto Update Expiration Date | June, 2031 |
Detailed Insights into the Acer Chromebook 311
The Acer Chromebook 311 (CO731) measures 11.6 x 8.1 x 0.83 inches and weighs just 2.65 pounds, making it one of the more portable 11.6-inch Chromebooks available. The compact form factor slides easily into backpacks and bags, while the fanless thermal design ensures the device remains completely silent during use. Acer has positioned this model for the education market, with a sturdy build designed to handle daily use by students. The black “Star Black” finish gives it a professional appearance that works equally well in home or classroom settings.
At the heart of the system lies the Intel Celeron N4500, a dual-core processor based on Intel’s Jasper Lake architecture. The N4500 features 2 cores and 2 threads with a base clock of 1.10 GHz that boosts up to 2.80 GHz when needed. With a CPU Mark score of approximately 1805, this processor provides adequate performance for Chrome OS workloads including document editing, video conferencing, and moderate multitasking. The 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM is soldered and cannot be upgraded, so users should consider whether this meets their needs before purchasing. For typical Chromebook use cases like browsing, streaming, and Google Workspace, 4GB remains sufficient.
Connectivity is modest but functional. The single USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 port handles charging, data transfer, and DisplayPort video output, while the single USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 1 port accommodates traditional peripherals. Wireless connectivity includes WiFi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.0 for connecting headphones, mice, and other accessories. The absence of HDMI, SD card reader, and additional USB ports may inconvenience users who frequently connect multiple peripherals. The 33Wh 2-cell Li-ion battery provides approximately 8 hours of use, though actual runtime varies based on screen brightness and workload.
Customer Reviews of the Acer Chromebook 311 (CO731)
Best Buy customers have rated the Acer Chromebook 311 (CBOA311-1H) at 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 147 reviews. Reviewers consistently praise the lightweight, portable design and the keyboard’s comfortable feel. Many customers describe it as a reliable “internet appliance” that handles everyday tasks efficiently. Parents appreciate it as a durable option for students, while adults find it suitable for basic productivity and web browsing.
Amazon customers have given it 4.1 out of 5 stars from 26 reviews. Positive feedback highlights the quiet fanless operation, fast boot times, and the fact that it stays cool during use. Several reviewers note the touchpad works well and the screen brightness is adequate for indoor use. One user described it as an “excellent computer” that works perfectly for their needs, while another praised it as a solid college laptop.
On the critical side, some customers note that the battery life does not quite match their expectations, with one reviewer mentioning it falls short of previous Chromebooks they have owned. The HD resolution display has drawn mixed reactions, with some finding it acceptable for the screen size while others wish for sharper text. A few reviewers mention an included docking station that did not function properly, though this appears to be a seller bundle issue rather than a problem with the Chromebook itself.
Conclusion
The Acer Chromebook 311 (CO731) serves its intended purpose well as an affordable, reliable Chrome OS device for basic computing needs. Its fanless design, lightweight construction, and June 2031 AUE date make it a practical choice for students, light users, and families seeking a secondary device. The Intel Celeron N4500 processor handles everyday tasks capably, and the 8-hour battery life supports a full school or work day without charging.
However, the limited port selection, HD display, and non-upgradeable 4GB RAM may frustrate users with more demanding requirements. Those who need better multitasking capability should consider models with 8GB RAM, while users who require multiple ports or touchscreen functionality should explore alternatives like the Acer Chromebook Spin 311. For its target audience of budget-conscious buyers seeking a dependable basic Chromebook with long software support, the Chromebook 311 (CO731) delivers solid value.
For those comparing options, see our Chromebook Comparison Chart to find the best match for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What processor does the Acer Chromebook 311 (CO731) use?
The Acer Chromebook 311 (CO731) is powered by the Intel Celeron N4500, featuring 2 cores and 2 threads with a base clock of 1.10 GHz and boost up to 2.80 GHz. This Jasper Lake processor handles everyday Chrome OS tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming efficiently and scores approximately 1805 on PassMark’s CPU benchmark.
Can I upgrade the RAM in the Acer Chromebook 311 (CO731)?
No, the Acer Chromebook 311 (CO731) uses soldered LPDDR4 memory that cannot be upgraded after purchase. The device comes with 4GB of RAM permanently attached to the motherboard. If you anticipate needing more memory for multitasking, consider purchasing a Chromebook model with 8GB RAM instead.
What ports does the Acer Chromebook 311 (CO731) have?
The Acer Chromebook 311 (CO731) includes 1x USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 port (which supports charging and DisplayPort video output), 1x USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 1 port, and a 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack. Note that there is no HDMI port, SD card reader, or Ethernet port. External display connections require a USB-C adapter.
How long will the Acer Chromebook 311 (CO731) receive software updates?
The Acer Chromebook 311 (CO731) has an Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date of June 2031. Until this date, the device will receive regular Chrome OS updates including new features and security patches. After June 2031, updates will cease, though the Chromebook will continue to function.
Is the Acer Chromebook 311 (CO731) fanless?
Yes, the Acer Chromebook 311 (CO731) features a completely fanless design. It uses passive cooling to dissipate heat from the Intel Celeron N4500 processor without any moving parts. This results in completely silent operation, making it ideal for quiet environments like classrooms, libraries, and home offices.
Does the Acer Chromebook 311 (CO731) have a touchscreen?
No, the Acer Chromebook 311 (CO731) does not have a touchscreen. It features a standard 11.6-inch HD (1366x768) non-touch TN display. If you need touch functionality or a convertible design, consider the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 instead, which offers both a touchscreen and 360-degree hinge.
How much battery life does the Acer Chromebook 311 (CO731) provide?
The Acer Chromebook 311 (CO731) provides approximately 8 hours of battery life on a single charge, according to Acer and verified by customer reviews. The 33Wh 2-cell Li-ion battery supports a full school or work day of typical use including web browsing, document editing, and video streaming. Actual runtime varies based on screen brightness and workload.