Acer Chromebook Spin 513

Starry Hope Rating
4.0

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Acer Chromebook Spin 513 lifestyle

The Acer Chromebook Spin 513 represents Acer’s ambitious foray into ARM-based Chromebooks, featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Compute Platform in a sleek convertible design. This 13.3-inch 2-in-1 laptop weighs just 2.65 pounds and measures under 0.61 inches thick, making it one of the more portable options in its class. The fanless design ensures completely silent operation, while the 360-degree hinge allows you to use it in laptop, tablet, tent, or display modes. With a Full HD IPS touchscreen display, backlit keyboard, and promised battery life exceeding 13 hours, the Spin 513 targets users who prioritize portability and versatility over raw performance. Available in configurations ranging from 4GB to 8GB RAM and 64GB to 128GB storage, there’s a variant for different budgets and use cases, with prices starting around $180 for the base model.

ProsCons
Fanless, completely silent operation for distraction-free work4GB RAM in base model can cause ChromeOS stuttering with many tabs
Excellent battery life (12+ hours in real-world testing by TechRadar)Glossy display causes significant glare in bright environments
Lightweight at 2.65 lbs with slim 0.61” profileNo SD card reader limits expandable storage options
360-degree convertible hinge for tablet and tent modesWiFi 5 only, missing WiFi 6 found on newer competitors
USB-C ports support DisplayPort and chargingARM processor trails Intel alternatives in benchmark performance
Premium build quality with Corning Gorilla Glass displayDownward-facing speakers produce thin, mediocre audio

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Acer Chromebook Spin 513 Comparison Chart

Acer Chromebook Spin 513

Acer Chromebook Spin 513

Acer Chromebook Spin 513

Acer Chromebook Spin 513

Acer Chromebook Spin 513

Acer Chromebook Spin 513

Acer Chromebook Spin 513

Acer Chromebook Spin 513

Acer Chromebook Spin 513

Acer Chromebook Spin 513

Acer Chromebook Spin 513

Acer Chromebook Spin 513

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List Price: $529.99

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Model numberR841T-S4ZG / NX.AA5AA.004R841LT-S6DJ / NX.AA6AA.001R841LT-S4JQ / NX.AA6AA.002CP513-2H-K62Y / NX.K0LAA.001CP513-1H-S338 / ‎NX.HWZAA.004CP513-1H-S60F
Perfomance Rating3.85.15.15.15.13.8
Chromebook PlusNoNoNoNoNoNo
ProcessorOcta-core 2.10 Ghz (max 2.40 Ghz) Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Compute PlatformOcta-core 2.10 Ghz (max 2.40 Ghz) Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Compute PlatformOcta-core 2.10 Ghz (max 2.40 Ghz) Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Compute PlatformOcta-core 2.10 Ghz (max 2.40 Ghz) Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Compute PlatformOcta-core 2.10 Ghz (max 2.40 Ghz) Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Compute PlatformOcta-core 2.10 Ghz (max 2.40 Ghz) Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Compute Platform
RAM4 GB8 GB8 GB8 GB8 GB4 GB
Internal Storage64 GB eMMC128 GB eMMC128 GB eMMC128 GB eMMC64 GB eMMC64 GB eMMC
Screen Size13.3"13.3"13.3"13.3"13.3"13.3"
Screen Resolution1920x10801920x10801920x10801920x10801920x10801920x1080
Screen TypeIPSIPSIPSIPSIPSIPS
Touch ScreenYesYesYesYesYesYes
Stylus / PenNo Stylus SupportNo Stylus SupportNo Stylus SupportNo Stylus SupportNo Stylus SupportNo Stylus Support
Dimensions
width x length x thickness
12.2 x 8.2 x 0.61 inches
(309.88 x 208.28 x 15.49 mm)
12.2 x 8.2 x 0.61 inches
(309.88 x 208.28 x 15.49 mm)
12.2 x 8.2 x 0.61 inches
(309.88 x 208.28 x 15.49 mm)
12.2 x 8.2 x 0.61 inches
(309.88 x 208.28 x 15.49 mm)
12.2 x 8.2 x 0.61 inches
(309.88 x 208.28 x 15.49 mm)
12.2 x 8.2 x 0.61 inches
(309.88 x 208.28 x 15.49 mm)
Weight2.65 lbs (1.2 kg)2.65 lbs (1.2 kg)2.65 lbs (1.2 kg)2.65 lbs (1.2 kg)2.65 lbs (1.2 kg)2.65 lbs (1.2 kg)
Backlit KeyboardYesYesYesYesYesYes
WebcamHDHDHDHDHDHD
WiFiWiFi 5 - IEEE 802.11acWiFi 5 - IEEE 802.11acWiFi 5 - IEEE 802.11acWiFi 5 - IEEE 802.11acWiFi 5 - IEEE 802.11acWiFi 5 - IEEE 802.11ac
BluetoothBluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.0
EthernetNoNoNoNoNoNo
Cellular ModemNoNoNoNoNoNo
HDMINo HDMINo HDMINo HDMINo HDMINo HDMINo HDMI
USB Ports1 USB 2.0, 2 USB-C
(with DisplayPort and charging)
1 USB 2.0, 2 USB-C
(with DisplayPort and charging)
1 USB 2.0, 2 USB-C
(with DisplayPort and charging)
1 USB 2.0, 2 USB-C
(with DisplayPort and charging)
1 USB 2.0, 2 USB-C
(with DisplayPort and charging)
1 USB 2.0, 2 USB-C
(with DisplayPort and charging)
Thunderbolt PortsNoNoNoNoNoNo
Card ReaderNo Card ReaderNo Card ReaderNo Card ReaderNo Card ReaderNo Card ReaderNo Card Reader
Battery2 cell, 4670 mAh, Lithium Ion2 cell, 4670 mAh, Lithium Ion2 cell, 4670 mAh, Lithium Ion2 cell, 4670 mAh, Lithium Ion2 cell, 4670 mAh, Lithium Ion2 cell, 4670 mAh, Lithium Ion
Battery Life13.5 hours13.5 hours13.5 hours13.5 hours13.5 hours13.5 hours
FanlessYesYesYesYesYesYes
Auto Update
Expiration Date
June, 2031June, 2031June, 2031June, 2031June, 2031June, 2031

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Detailed Insights into the Acer Chromebook Spin 513

Acer Chromebook Spin 513 connectivity features

The Acer Chromebook Spin 513’s design philosophy centers on portability without sacrificing functionality. The aluminum chassis provides a premium feel while keeping the weight down to just 2.65 pounds, making it easy to carry throughout the day. The 360-degree hinge operates smoothly through all positions, whether you’re using it as a traditional laptop for typing, flipping it into tent mode for video calls, or folding it completely flat for tablet-style use with the touchscreen. The fanless thermal design is particularly noteworthy, as it means the device operates in complete silence regardless of workload, a significant advantage for library study sessions or quiet office environments.

The 13.3-inch Full HD IPS display delivers solid color reproduction and viewing angles, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass for added durability in convertible mode. However, reviewers consistently note that the highly reflective, glossy finish creates significant glare in bright environments, which can be frustrating for outdoor use or working near windows. The display brightness, while adequate for indoor use, struggles to overcome reflections in direct sunlight. The touchscreen responsiveness is excellent, though the lack of an included USI stylus means pen-based users will need to purchase one separately.

Connectivity on the Spin 513 is adequate but not expansive for a device in this price range. You get two USB-C ports that support DisplayPort output and power delivery, allowing you to connect external monitors and charge the device through either port. A single USB-A port provides backward compatibility with legacy peripherals, and a combo headphone/microphone jack handles audio. The absence of an HDMI port means you’ll need a USB-C adapter for external displays, adding extra cost and inconvenience for presentation scenarios. The lack of an SD card reader limits your expandable storage options, which is particularly frustrating given the modest 64GB base storage. WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 handle wireless connectivity, though the absence of WiFi 6 puts it behind more recent competitors in terms of speed and network efficiency. Users who need a wired connection can add one with a USB Ethernet adapter via one of the USB-C ports. For those needing cellular connectivity on the go, the R841LT variants offer optional 4G LTE for working from anywhere without WiFi access, though this adds significantly to the price and may not be necessary for most users.

Reviewer Insights on the Acer Chromebook Spin 513

Acer Chromebook Spin 513 performance tier

TechRadar’s Assessment

TechRadar’s Richard Devine reviewed the Snapdragon 7c variant and awarded it 4 out of 5 stars, praising its sleek design and strong battery performance. In their testing, the Spin 513 achieved an impressive 12 hours and 26 minutes of continuous use, validating Acer’s battery life claims. Devine particularly appreciated the trackpad quality and the device’s compact form factor, noting that it’s “barely larger than a sheet of paper.” However, the review highlighted that “a similarly priced Intel-powered Chromebook like the Lenovo Flex 5 is significantly more impressive” in terms of raw performance, suggesting that buyers prioritizing speed over portability might look elsewhere. The verdict was clear: “For most people most of the time it’ll be absolutely perfect,” but power users may find the ARM processor limiting.

Chrome Unboxed’s Perspective

Chrome Unboxed’s Robby Payne tested the MediaTek Kompanio 1380 variant (CP513-2H) and called it “one of the most compelling Chromebooks on the market.” The newer processor variant demonstrated significantly improved performance, matching 10th-gen Intel Core i3 benchmarks while maintaining the excellent battery life and fanless design. Payne was impressed by how the device “flew through everything I could throw at it, and played Android games very, very well.” The reviewer noted that despite the excellent performance, the keyboard feel was mediocre and the 720p webcam produces grainy images. The review emphasized the value proposition of getting flagship-level features at a mid-range price point.

PCWorld’s Take

PCWorld’s Matthew S. Smith gave the device 3.5 out of 5 stars, highlighting the exceptional battery life at 12 hours and 34 minutes in their testing. The review praised the keyboard for its “spacious layout and good tactile feedback” and noted that the device “feels speedy in day-to-day use” and “can handle a dozen open browser tabs with ease.” However, Smith was less impressed with the build quality at this price point, citing display lid flex and plastic hinge cladding as concerns. The glossy screen drew criticism for causing “significant glare and reflections and easily shows fingerprints.” For buyers, the key takeaway was that while the display and battery are excellent, the overall package may not justify the premium pricing compared to Intel alternatives.

Customer Reviews of the Acer Chromebook Spin 513

Amazon customers have given the Acer Chromebook Spin 513 a solid 4.0-star rating across over 300 verified purchase reviews, indicating generally positive reception with some important caveats worth considering before purchase. The most praised aspects consistently include the exceptional battery life, with many users reporting full workday usage without needing to charge, and the lightweight, portable design that makes it ideal for students and professionals who move between locations frequently. Students in particular appreciate the device’s ability to last through a full day of classes without requiring a power outlet.

Common praise centers on the silent operation and build quality. Users appreciate that the fanless design means no noise whatsoever during use, even when streaming video or working with multiple tabs open. The convertible form factor receives positive mentions, with buyers finding the tablet mode useful for media consumption and the tent mode practical for video calls. Several reviews highlight that the backlit keyboard makes working in low-light conditions comfortable.

On the negative side, customers with the 4GB RAM configuration frequently mention slowdowns when multitasking heavily or keeping many browser tabs open. Some users express disappointment with the speaker quality, describing the audio as thin and lacking bass. A recurring complaint involves the glossy screen’s reflectivity, particularly problematic for those who work near windows or in bright environments. Storage limitations on the 64GB models also frustrate some users who need to store Android apps or offline content. Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment suggests the Spin 513 delivers good value for users prioritizing portability and battery life over maximum performance.

Conclusion

The Acer Chromebook Spin 513 succeeds as a lightweight, versatile Chromebook designed for users who value portability and battery life above all else. Its fanless operation, 12+ hour battery life, and sub-3-pound weight make it an excellent choice for students, travelers, and professionals who need an all-day companion that won’t weigh them down. The convertible design adds genuine flexibility for different use cases, from traditional laptop work to tablet-style media consumption. The value proposition has only improved as prices have dropped significantly from launch, with the base model now available for under $200.

However, buyers should understand the tradeoffs inherent in its ARM-based design. While the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c provides adequate performance for typical Chromebook tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming, it falls short of Intel alternatives in raw benchmark scores. The 4GB RAM option in particular may frustrate heavy multitaskers who keep many tabs open. Additionally, the glossy display, limited port selection, and WiFi 5 connectivity show their age compared to newer competitors. The absence of an SD card reader also limits storage expansion options. For those who prioritize silent operation, exceptional battery life, and a premium portable design, the Spin 513 remains a solid choice that will receive ChromeOS updates through June 2031. Power users seeking maximum performance should consider Intel-based alternatives like the Lenovo Flex 5 at similar price points.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Acer Chromebook Spin 513 battery actually last?

Professional reviewers consistently measured 12+ hours of battery life in real-world testing. TechRadar achieved 12 hours 26 minutes, while PCWorld recorded 12 hours 34 minutes. Acer’s official 13.5-hour claim is slightly optimistic but not far off actual performance. For typical use including web browsing, document work, and occasional video streaming, expect a full day of use without charging.

Is the 4GB RAM version sufficient for everyday use?

The 4GB RAM configuration works adequately for basic tasks like email, light web browsing, and Google Docs. However, reviewers and customers report noticeable slowdowns when opening 10+ browser tabs or running multiple Android apps simultaneously. If you frequently multitask or keep many tabs open, the 8GB versions provide a noticeably smoother experience and are worth the price premium.

Can you upgrade the RAM or storage on the Chromebook Spin 513?

No, both the RAM and eMMC storage are soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded after purchase. This is common for ultraportable Chromebooks to achieve their thin profiles. Choose your configuration carefully at purchase time, especially for RAM, which cannot be expanded. For storage, you can supplement with cloud storage or a USB-C flash drive.

Does the Acer Chromebook Spin 513 support stylus input?

Yes, the Chromebook Spin 513 supports USI (Universal Stylus Initiative) pens for drawing, note-taking, and precise input. However, a stylus is not included in the box, so you’ll need to purchase one separately. Any USI-compatible stylus will work, with options available from Acer, Penoval, and other manufacturers typically ranging from $30-70.

How does the Snapdragon 7c compare to Intel Chromebook processors?

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c in the Spin 513 provides adequate performance for everyday Chromebook tasks but trails Intel alternatives in benchmark tests. TechRadar noted that “a similarly priced Intel-powered Chromebook like the Lenovo Flex 5 is significantly more impressive” for raw performance. The ARM processor’s advantages include better battery life and fanless operation, but if maximum speed is your priority, Intel-based Chromebooks offer more power at similar prices.

When does the Acer Chromebook Spin 513 stop receiving updates?

The Acer Chromebook Spin 513 (CP513-1H/R841T/R841LT models with Snapdragon 7c) receives ChromeOS updates until June 2031. This Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date means you’ll get security patches and new features for several more years. The newer CP513-2H models with MediaTek processors have an even longer support window through June 2032.