Acer's Chromebook R13 relies on ARM technology with the MT8153C SoC. The SoC allows passive cooling that is also implemented here. Thus, the Chromebook runs silently. Acer does not present a run-of-the-mill device with its Chromebook R13. It is a 13.3-inch Chromebook convertible.

IPS panel; Full HD resolution; noiseless system; very long battery life; Type-C USB

dark screen; unstable casing; no upgrade options

The Acer Chromebook R13 is a little expensive for a Chromebook, starting at $400 (converts to about ￡320, AU$525), but it's perfectly priced for all the features it offers. It's a convertible laptop with a touchscreen and a 360-degree hinge that allows it to be used as a tablet.

The Acer Chromebook R13 has a long-lasting battery and a variety of ports; Its 360-degree hinge allows it to be used as a tablet

It's heavy; The Chrome OS is limited in what it can do; Its keyboard isn't backlit

A chromebook makes a good alternative to an inexpensive Windows laptop for basic needs like word processing, online video watching, and Web surfing. While pricier than more basic chromebooks we've seen in the past, the $399.99 Acer Chromebook R 13 (CB5-312T-K5X4) brings to the table more memory,...

Metal body construction; Convertible hinge; Full HD screen; Long battery life; 4GB of memory

Single USB-C port; Reflective, glossy screen; Non-backlit keyboard

Nowadays, PC manufacturers position Chromebooks like the Acer Chromebook R 13 Convertible as prime choices for folks looking for budget laptops. In addition to attractive prices, majority of the top-rated Chromebooks boast compact designs like the 11-inch Asus Chromebook Flip or the Acer Chromebook...

Almost 12 hours of battery life; Large 1080p HD screen; 4GB of memory

Keyboard is slightly stiff

The big knock against Chromebooks -- the light, minimal alternative to MacBooks and PC laptops -- is that their software options are limited. The Acer Chromebook R 13 is one of the first notebooks to avoid that problem, as it offers (beta) support for the Android apps in the Google Play store.

There's been a lot of doom and gloom talk lately about how badly PCs -- both desktops and laptops -- are selling. According to a recent report from IDC , "Worldwide PC shipments are forecast to decline by 6.4% year over year in 2016.

The Acer Chromebook R13 brings Android to ChromeOS in an attractive convertible computer form factor. The MediaTek ARM processor performs surprisingly well compared to faster Intel Core iX or Celeron Chromebooks, which we previously assumed buyers would want to get great ChromeOS speed.

Acer made one of the first great Chromebooks with the C720. The R13 has what it takes to be the next great Chromebook.

I really love my Asus Chromebook! very impressed with its use and its pretty display, I'll never need another laptop.. serves all my purposes.. from word processing to media.

A premium 2-in-1 Chromebook with some superb standout features

Impressive battery life; Aluminium encased design; ChromeOS works beautifully with 2-in-1s; Decent keyboard and trackpad; Android support

No support for Windows apps; Fairly heavy; No keyboard backlighting