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Check out this cool rugged Chromebook prototype made of recycled materials
- The Acer Chromebook Vero 514 is made of 30% post-consumer recycled materials.
- It has a funky look but is rugged, powerful, and fairly priced.
- You’ll be able to get the first Vero-branded Chromebook in October 2022.
Update, September 9, 2022 (11:30 AM ET): In the original article below, we mention that the Acer Chromebook Vero 514 uses a fan made of recycled materials. However, Acer provided us with incorrect information on that topic. The fan is actually not recycled. We have modified the original text below to reflect this update.
Original article, August 23, 2022 (09:00 PM ET): Acer has a line of eco-friendly products it puts into a line called Vero. So far, we’ve seen Windows laptops, all-in-one desktops, and more in this line. What we haven’t seen is a Chromebook, but that is about to change.
Today, Acer announced the Chromebook Vero 514. The company gave us a sneak peek at a prototype model, which you can see throughout this page. Overall, this device is very close to the retail model we’ll see eventually, but it is not a finalized product.
Like other Vero devices, the Chromebook Vero 514 incorporates post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials. That includes the plastic in the chassis, screen bezel, keycaps, and speakers. It also uses recycled ocean-bound plastic in its fan housing and touchpad. Even the box the laptop comes in is made of a variety of recycled materials and inks.
Outside of its eco-friendly design, this is similar to a typical Chromebook 514. It has the latest Intel processors, Wi-Fi 6E, up to 16GB of RAM, up to 256GB of internal SSD storage, and other high-end Chromebook features.
Check out the images below.
Acer Chromebook Vero 514 gallery
Right when you take the Acer Chromebook Vero 514 out of the box, you realize this isn’t a normal Chromebook. The tough PCR plastic that makes up the chassis is thick and textured, making it feel incredibly durable. We weren’t allowed to put it through any durability tests, but just from holding it in my hands I could tell it was tough. In fact, it’s MIL-STD-810H verified.
The recycled nature of the device gives it a very interesting aesthetic. You might not be a fan, but it certainly looks a lot different from other laptops you’ll see at your local coffee shop.
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It comes with a wide array of ports on the sides, including two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, a headphone jack, and a full-size HDMI port. It also has a few features to enhance privacy and security, including a fingerprint reader underneath the directional keys and a webcam with a built-in privacy shield.
The model that we received has a 12th-Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, and a 14-inch FHD touch-enabled display. However, this is the top-end model, so cash-conscious folks could jump down to lower spec versions, such as one with an Intel Core i3, 8GB of RAM, and a non-touch-enabled display.
Ultimately, this seems like it will be a terrific Chromebook for folks who are very conscious of their environmental impact. However, the specs here are quite solid, so even if you don’t consider yourself a tree-hugger, you might still find a lot to love here.
Pricing and availability
The Acer Chromebook Vero 514 will launch at Best Buy in the US in October 2022. In EMEA, it will be available in November.
The first model to land will be the CBV514-1H-38VS variant. That features a non-touch-enabled 14-inch IPS display, the Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of internal storage. It will cost $499 / €599 when it launches.