Acer Chromebook 315 Review: Why You Might Not Need Windows Anymore

Here's a hot take: most people don't need Windows anymore. I know, I know - hear me out.

I picked up the Acer Chromebook 315 for my daughter's online school, expecting it to be a temporary solution. Two years later? It's become my go-to laptop for everyday use.

If your computer use consists of web browsing, email, YouTube, Netflix, Google Docs, and social media - which, let's be honest, is 90% of what most of us do - a Chromebook handles all of that beautifully. It boots up in under 10 seconds, never gets viruses, and updates automatically in the background.

The 315 has a nice 15.6" screen (great for older eyes!), a comfortable keyboard, and gets about 10 hours of battery life. It runs quietly with no fans whirring.

The catch? You can't install traditional Windows software. No Photoshop, no iTunes, no specialized programs. But Google's web apps handle most needs, and there are Android apps available too. For anything else, I hop on my desktop.

At $249-$299 on sale, it's a fraction of what you'd pay for a decent Windows laptop. For students, seniors, or anyone who mainly uses their computer for web stuff, this is a smart, budget-friendly choice.

Pro tip: Check Costco.ca too - they sometimes have Chromebook bundles with carrying cases.