Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE Redefines Gaming Style, Computing Performance

The upgraded Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is 1 of nan largest surface laptops pinch nan latest AI-included features disposable successful nan ChromeOS lineup.

Released successful May, this portion replaces nan first-gen Acer Chromebook 516 GE. I had my oculus connected that earlier exemplary — chiefly because of its 16-inch viewing field. But I held disconnected buying nan non-Plus predecessor a fewer months ago, hoping for thing amended successful nan Plus range.

Last year, Google introduced nan Chromebook Plus class to measurement up a statement of much powerful ChromeOS laptops pinch AI features that were not disposable successful nan non-Plus line. Though not a Plus designation, nan original Acer Chromebook 516 GE checked astir of my preferred boxes but lacked nan build value and capacity boost its replacement provides.

I was besides willing successful nan built-in entree to Google’s Gemini AI on pinch Chromebook Plus perks that supply entree to further typical package and services. The caller 516 GE checked those boxes. The conception of utilizing a much power-packed Chromebook for individual and activity chores and a boost successful gaming opportunities make this refreshed laptop an irresistible option.

Worth nan Wait

This 16-inch-wide quad extended graphics array (WQXGA) exemplary is powered by nan Intel Core 5 120U processor pinch Intel Graphics, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB PCIe Gen4 SSD storage.

(Photo by Author)

The GE stands for “Gaming Edition” and is unsocial because it provides cloud-based gaming features pinch decent performance. Although it lacks a dedicated AMD aliases Nvidia gaming processor, nan tweaked circuitry enhances nan accelerated transportation of games pinch nary lag clip connected cloud-based gaming servers.

The hold was worthy it for this upgraded Chromebook laptop. I bought this portion to supplement my activity situation pinch a much elastic and tin ChromeOS-driven laptop pinch a larger screen. Chromebooks seldom travel pinch screens larger than 14 inches, truthful I was instantly drawn to nan caller release.

For $649, nan Chromebook Plus 516 GE is simply a coagulated performer, giving maine an awesome upgrade complete my different computers, some Linux and Chromebook varieties. The larger laptop screen, Chromebook Plus moniker, and enhanced capacity are reliable to find successful different Chromebook devices astatine immoderate value compared to this caller unit.

Unbeatable Configuration Pluses

The operation of Acer hardware ideally balances value pinch capacity options. Its superior image value and precocious pixel density supply a high-end benefit. The 516 GE is accelerated and comfortable, 2 critically important traits considering nan number of hours I walk connected nan keyboard.

The Acer 516 GE Chromebook Plus is powered by a newer Intel Core 5 120U processor, listed arsenic 2 times faster than nan Intel Core i5-1240P successful nan anterior model. If you are unfamiliar pinch Chromebooks, do not beryllium put disconnected by nan installed 8GB of memory. The ChromeOS — a souped-up Chrome browser pinch built-in devices to fto it usability arsenic an operating system, is not hampered successful its capacity owed to immoderate RAM strain.

Impressive Audio Quality

I cannot rave capable astir nan immense audio betterment packed into this device. Four upward-firing speakers, pinch 2 each vertically positioned connected some sides of nan keyboard, bring nan best-sounding audio I person heard from my different Chromebooks. The in installments goes to DTS Audio and Smart Amplifier technology.

These speakers supply distortion-free sound. The audio components destruct unwanted sound vibrations utilizing force-canceling woofers fired successful other directions successful cleanable unison. You will not find Dolby Atmos successful nan configuration, but I do not miss it. These stereo speakers supply loud, coagulated measurement and fantabulous sound quality.

Enhanced Display Features

The 16-inch IPS 16:10 QHD 120Hz surface hits 350 nits of brightness pinch a 2560 x 1600 surface resolution. WQXGA exertion is utilized successful high-end monitors and screens and delivers higher pixel density pinch sharper images compared to little resolutions of 2560 x 1600 pixels.

This sheet provides much surface space, detail, and a amended ocular experience. It’s besides faster, pinch a 120Hz refresh complaint that doubles nan 60Hz modular connected each different Chromebook.

However, this is not a touch screen. That, for me, is conscionable a insignificant compromise. However, much dedicated gamers looking to play Android games connected this Chromebook mightiness beryllium dissatisfied pinch not having touchscreen access.

Since this laptop is not a two-in-one design, reaching crossed nan clamshell conscionable to touch input connected nan surface is not portion of my accustomed computing routine. At slightest for my usage, if nan keyboard does not detach from nan sheet aliases fold nether it, I person small request for a touch screen.

Superior Build Quality

Chassis quality, keyboard dexterity, and touchpad recreation are factors successful lesser-quality Chromebooks that cheapen their appeal. The Acer 516 GE avoids each three, giving it a important beingness upgrade.

Weighing 3.7 pounds, nan caller exemplary looks prestigious successful two-tone black. My only disappointment pinch nan outer quality is nan smudge-fest connected nan smooth, glossy, obsidian achromatic metallic fame. Fingertip remnants do not easy disappear.

(Photo by Author)

The aluminum framework has nary play. It feels rigid and dependable successful nan manus and to nan fingers. The RBG backlit keyboard creation is besides a coagulated trading constituent for gamers and agency workers. Numerous colour options and brightness levels are available.

(Image courtesy of Acer)

This laptop has 1 HDMI 2.1 show connector. I would for illustration two, arsenic a 2nd HDMI larboard would beryllium useful for attaching much accessories. It has 2 USB Type-C (supporting DisplayPort and USB charging) ports, 1 USB Type-A port, an Ethernet RJ-45 port, and a 3.5mm headphone/speaker jack.

The 10-hour powerfulness from nan 65-watt-hour Lithium-Ion artillery is not an exaggeration. I tested nan afloat charged battery, which lasted wrong 20 minutes of nan stated 10-hour capacity earlier moving retired of juice.

I was pleased pinch nan front-facing, afloat HD camera (1920 x 1080) pinch 1080p video astatine 60 FPS compared to emblematic Chromebook low-quality webcams. Its image quality, however, is not arsenic bully arsenic nan third-party mountable webcams I usually usage arsenic Chromebook video cam replacements. The temporal sound simplification and bluish solid lens features nutrient acceptable, but not premium, results.

Bottom Line

The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE could beryllium 1 of nan champion Chromebook Plus options. It serves a dual intent arsenic a very tin cloud-based gaming machine and a feature-rich general-purpose laptop for business and individual use. Combine it pinch a large outer show and rodent to create a functional desktop machine alternative.

This exemplary exceeded my expectations for easiness of usage and performance. Acer added cardinal features beyond what was disposable successful nan earlier exemplary to put nan Chromebook Plus portion successful a people of its own.

Be observant if you determine to bargain this unit. Its earlier non-Plus type is still connected waste astatine an charismatic reduced price. Ensure you are getting nan upgraded exemplary by checking these 3 details:

• The exemplary number is CBG516-2H-59S4
• The build day is 2024
• Chromebook Plus branding connected nan cover 

Acer plans to connection astatine slightest a 2nd type of this Chromebook Plus 516 GE configured pinch 16GB of RAM, larger retention capacity, and a prime of colors.

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