Acer Chromebook 15 (Refurbished): FHD IPS, Pentium N4200, 4GB RAM, 32GB Storage Expired

Original Post

Staples has a $50 off coupon code for certain PCs and it applies to the Acer Chromebook 15 refurbs that Staples sells.

Chromebook link: https://www.staples.com/acer-cb51...ai-feo=off

$50 off code (good until 12/31): 76987

This deal was available earlier this year (Sept) and discussed ad nauseum here: https://slickdeals.net/f/13354126-acer-chromebook-15-refurbished-fhd-ips-pentium-n4200-4gb-ram-32gb-storage-160-free-shipping?v=1

Specs for this Acer Chromebook (CB) model are linked here (link [acer.com]) and noted below:
15.6" 1920x1080 Full HD IPS touchscreen display
Intel Pentium N4200 quad-core processor
4GB LPDDR4 RAM
32GB flash internal storage
Intel HD Graphics 505
802.11ac WiFi | Bluetooth 4.2
Stereo speakers, webcam, microphone
Backlit keyboard
4-cell 3220 mAh lithium-ion battery (users found that the battery is actually quite larger (6180mAh) after opening up the chromebook and confirming battery capacity)
Chrome OS (w/ Google Play Store support)
Weight: 4.30 lb
Ports
2x USB 3.0 Type A
1x USB 3.1 Type C (DisplayPort/PowerShare)
Media Card Reader
Warranty: 90 days
Model: CB515-1HT-P39B
Part No.: NX.GPTAA.002

The biggest issue noted with these refurbs was the reduction in battery health due to these CBs being refurbs. Buyers reported battery capacities as high as 100% (0 recharge cycles occurring) down to 70% (+100 cycles occurring) so the quality of the battery for the CB you receive is very much YMMV. Most buyers did receive units with very good battery health (which is why that SD got lots of TUs).

You can check your battery capacity and cycle time by performing the following commands within the CB's Chrome Shell (or "crosh" for short). Press CRTL + ALT + T to access crosh and type in the following commands:

For battery health (i.e. capacity) type in the following crosh command: "battery_test"
For battery cycles type in the following crosh command: "battery_firmware info"

More info about these tests are found here (link [aboutchromebooks.com]).

If, after performing crosh tests, you find that you've received a CB with a bad/inferior battery you have two options:

1. Perform an online Staples Return & Replace. Staples will allow you 14 days to return and/or replace your unit after receiving it. Once you start a return and replacement you will receive your replacement even before it's necessary to return your original CB. Users reported getting their replacements very quickly (less than a week) and the return was free (shipping label provided). Please note, the Return and Replacement should be done online for the fastest response.
2. Purchase a replacement battery for $50 (see battery info from this post). This CB is designed so that the battery can be accessed very easily by removing the bottom plastic plate (via some screws and using an old credit card to pop off the bottom plastic plate).

During the previous deal I purchased two CBs and replaced both to receive units with healthier batteries. One of my original CBs was DOA (complelely dead battery) and one had a battery health in the low 80%. The replacements that I received observed a battery capacity of 93% and 87%.

Previous buyers noted a great cost vs. value ratio regarding this deal considering the specs of this CB model (15" Touchscreen, Intel 4200 processor, backlit keyboard and 6200mAh battery). My family is really enjoying using their CBs for media consumption, email/internet browsing and homework.

Good luck!

smithmal