All products and promotions are independently selected by our experts. To help us provide free impartial advice, we will earn an affiliate commission if you buy something. Click here to learn more
Do you need to ditch Windows 10? With Microsoft poised to pull security updates for the desktop operating system in a few weeks, millions could be looking for an alternative. And the latest discount on the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 – slashing it to just £249 on Currys – could be the answer.
If you haven't heard yet, starting from October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer issue regular software updates to fix vulnerabilities, bugs, and critical glitches in the desktop operating system. Without these, Microsoft warns that anyone who continues to use Windows 10 will be left "at greater risk for viruses and malware".
That means once a flaw in the operating system has been uncovered, hackers can continue to exploit the vulnerability in millions of PCs with no fear that Microsoft will issue a fix. Beyond security concerns, compatibility issues will mount. Microsoft recently extended support for its own 365 apps, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, but this software was due to end in October 2025.
Microsoft has offered multiple options to PC owners who will be impacted by the cut-off. If you need to switch to an alternative operating system, like Linux, macOS, or ChromeOS, the latest discount from Acer could be an ideal fix.
Get £100 off the Acer Chromebook Plus from Currys
If you're looking for an even more budget-friendly option, you can spread the cost with Currys Flexpay, where you can make monthly payments for 36 months. You also have the option to pay as little as you like for 12 months, and then settle in full by August 21, 2026 and pay no interest
If you've never purchased a Chromebook before, there are a few things to consider. It's powered by ChromeOS, a desktop operating system developed by Google and based around its immensely popular Chrome browser.
It's designed for speed and simplicity. Unlike alternatives, like Windows 11, there are no monthly updates to consider, as most applications run in the cloud, so they're updated all the time. If you want to run a local application, you can download one from the same Google Play Store on Android phones and tablets.
The new Chromebook supports the latest Gemini AI features and Wi-Fi 7. It can run web applications and software downloaded from the Google Play Store
|ACER PRESS OFFICE
This means ChromeOS can run without the same amount of grunt as you'd need from the processor inside your Windows computer. Inside the Chromebook on sale is an Intel Core 3-N355 processor coupled with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, offering "double the memory, speed, and storage" of a standard Chromebook, Acer says.
This means you can multitask smoothly during your day-to-day tasks. Acer has included support for Wi-Fi 7, which means you'll enjoy the fastest wireless speeds when browsing the web. Of course, you'll need a compatible router from the likes of EE, Vodafone, and Sky Broadband.
Plus, if you purchase the Chromebook Plus through Currys, you can get a free 12-month trial of Gemini Advanced worth up to £227.88. This is a paid, more powerful version of Google's Gemini AI model, accessible through the Google One AI Premium plan. It offers advanced features and capabilities beyond the free version, such as a larger context window, enhanced reasoning, and deeper integration with Google services.
It also comes powered with the latest Artificial Intelligence (AI) features from Google, which include Gemini to help improve your writing, and Magic Eraser in Google Photos to remove unwanted people and objects.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
- You've got two weeks until Amazon closes its streaming service in UK
- Best VPN deals
- Best mattress toppers
- New Android smartphone uses AI to block ALL nude content
If you need to partake in video conferencing, the Chromebook includes a 1080p Full HD webcam with a privacy shutter, giving you a clear, professional appearance in meetings.
The Chromebook also has a 14-inch Full HD+ IPS display, meaning you can comfortably use the device in varying lighting conditions, such as outside or in the office.
You don't need to worry about lugging your charger everywhere, either. The laptop has a long battery life, where some reviews state they're able to use it for 10-15 hours on a single charge.