Acer Chromebook Plus: Gaming Powerhouse on a Budget?

Google recently introduced six new Chromebook Plus devices in late 2024, enhancing the lightweight, cloud-centric ChromeOS experience with robust hardware and AI capabilities. The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE, a refresh of a cloud gaming model, stands out with its Intel Core Ultra 5 120U processor and a 16-inch WQXGA display boasting a 120Hz refresh rate. These features contribute to a design that rivals traditional gaming laptops.

This new line of Chromebook Plus devices enables more demanding tasks, including running industry-standard creator apps like Adobe Photoshop. The Acer 516 GE is specifically geared towards cloud gaming, supporting services like GeForce NOW with impressive performance for titles like Diablo IV. It features extensive connectivity options, including a 2.5G Gigabit Ethernet port and Wi-Fi 6E, alongside USB-C charging and an HDMI port.

While the Acer 516 GE offers up to 2TB of SSD storage, it starts at 256GB with 8GB of RAM, sufficient for its cloud-centric design. The device's physical design includes a bright, 16-inch matte screen with a 100% sRGB color gamut. However, the keyboard is described as 'mushy,' and the glossy body is a fingerprint magnet.

New users of Chromebook Plus devices are offered a free year of the Google One AI Premium plan, granting access to Gemini Advanced features within applications like Docs and Gmail. This initiative aims to entice users to embrace the enhanced capabilities of the Chromebook Plus ecosystem, positioning them as versatile devices for both productivity and entertainment.