Back to basics. While efforts continue to try and rework the Chromebook equation to provide a more enticing balance of performance and build quality, Acer sees no harm in sticking to the original plan, with a budget plastic case design, an understated appearance, and an x86 chipset—all for $249. How does it compare?
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Acer-C720-2800-Chromebook.105937.0.html
x86 makes it attractive as a Linux laptop, especially if you want to install Ubuntu.
ssd is not msata (((
I've got one of these and 100% agree with this excellently written review. The reviewer has nailed the key points.
It is very easy (relatively) to install linux on this device and the perfomance there is good, that being said, the article is on point. This is not the best laptop out there, but it is just amazing! ... for that price.
Having bought a C720 the only dreadful thing about this inexpensive Chromebook is Chrome OS. Its still in need of far more features and flexibility. It needs more Plug and Play ability because this market the Chromebook is focused on are generally people who need support for printers, and other Peripherals. I bought my C720 at $199 which is a deal and will stay with Chrome OS only because you defeat much of the boot security when using developer mode. Too bad you have to defeat this to install Linux.
Are you sure it's an msata ssd ?
Looks like the connector is in 3 parts.
This is the #1 or #2 seller on Amazon for the past 9 months ... and you gave it ... a 73% ?? Are you guys nuts?
I have a 2G model, the C720-2420 and it rocks.
Use crouton (google it) to install ubuntu trusty 32-bit with xfce4, then up the display resolution to 1708x960 with:
$ xrandr --output eDP1 --scale 1.25x1.25 --fb 1708x960 --panning 1708x960
This makes the machine super productive. I hardly use my 15" Sony VAIO SVS15 any more. It may be faster, but it can't touch the convenience of this little gem, and if this gets lost or stolen? Oh well, I can buy another one for less than a 1 year Sony warranty, lol, and nobody can steal my data! :-)
Not a bad review, I agree on most points, except with respect to the screen. I actually bought this chromebook *because* of its matte screen -- I can't stand any glossiness on a screen when typing due to the reflections giving me a headache. Color reproduction is secondary for my needs, as I use my TV with chromecast for media consumption and use the C720 for programming, writing emails, etc.. The C720 may well provide one of the best matte screens on the market now.. I hope ACER keeps it this way and avoids going glossy...
We have a c720p 4GB 32GB which has a touchscreen and is different than the normal c720 because it's a glossy screen. That means it's a little sharper and probably brighter by 10 nits. Moreover, a touch screen makes a whole lot of sense on a laptop of this size because your hands are so close to the screen, and my sons almost never scroll with the trackpad or arrow keys. Please consider this model if you are looking for a versatile media consumption machine.