Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2024): The Chromebook That’s Ready for Gaming and Productivity

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2024): The Chromebook That’s Ready for Gaming and Productivity

Powerful New Features

Chromebooks have long been seen as budget-friendly, web-centric devices. But in recent years, companies like Acer have been pushing the boundaries, bringing in powerful features designed to make Chromebooks versatile enough for cloud gaming. The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2024) is the latest in this trend, with a few new tweaks and updates that keep it among the top picks for Chromebook enthusiasts. While the improvements are subtle, this device stands as a great option for those who want a machine that’s equally adept at work and cloud gaming.

A Minor Processor Bump but Major Versatility

For those already using last year’s 516 GE model, the upgrades in the 2024 version might not seem worth the leap. The most noticeable change is the processor upgrade from an Intel Core i5-1240P to an i5-120U. In real-world use, you likely won’t notice a significant boost in speed. However, this machine still excels at everyday tasks, especially when paired with 8 GB of RAM. Whether you’re juggling a dozen browser tabs, editing documents, or working in more demanding applications, the Chromebook Plus 516 GE remains cool, thanks to its dual-fan system. It handles the load quietly and efficiently, making it perfect for long workdays without causing any distractions.

Multitasking and Cloud Gaming

What makes this Chromebook stand out isn’t necessarily the raw processing power, but its ability to be a multitasking workhorse and a cloud gaming machine in one. If you’re a student or a professional looking for an all-in-one device, it fits the bill nicely.

Gaming: A Cloud-First Experience

Where the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE truly shines is in its ability to handle cloud gaming. Armed with Wi-Fi 6E and a dedicated Ethernet port, the laptop easily taps into game streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now. The combination of fast connectivity and cloud gaming services means you can play popular titles without the need for high-end internal hardware. The Chromebook’s large 16-inch display, with its crisp resolution and smooth 120-Hz refresh rate, only adds to the experience. Games look vibrant and responsive, making this a strong option for gamers on a budget.

Steam Gaming on ChromeOS

Steam gaming on ChromeOS, however, remains an experiment in patience. While lightweight indie games, like Vampire Survivors, run beautifully, more graphically intense games can falter. Steam is still in beta on ChromeOS, and it shows when you try to run heavier titles like Dead by Daylight. For those set on using Steam, you’ll want to stick to simpler games for a smoother experience. But if you’re mainly focused on streaming, the Chromebook Plus 516 GE offers plenty of value.

Stunning Screen and Solid Work Companion

Acer’s Chromebook Plus 516 GE is more than just a gaming machine. Its 16-inch, 2,560 x 1,600-pixel display is one of the best features, offering a combination of vibrant colors and crisp detail. This screen is a dream for both gaming and productivity, with its 16:10 aspect ratio providing extra vertical space for documents, spreadsheets, and multitasking. The 120-Hz refresh rate not only benefits gaming but makes everyday tasks—like scrolling through documents or switching between tabs—feel smoother.

Comfortable Keyboard and RGB Backlighting

The keyboard on the 516 GE is spacious, with comfortable keys and adjustable RGB backlighting. It’s a pleasure to type on, whether you’re gaming or working late into the night. The large trackpad is responsive, and you won’t find yourself cramped when working across multiple windows. However, if you’re an audiophile or enjoy immersive gaming sound, the speakers might leave you wanting more. They’re functional but lack depth, so grabbing a pair of quality headphones is a smart move.

Pricing and Value: Is It Worth It?

At $650, the Chromebook Plus 516 GE isn’t the cheapest option out there, especially when the previous model is still available for less. Given that the performance upgrade is marginal, the question becomes whether the newer model is worth the extra cash. For many, waiting for a sale might be the wiser move. Acer’s Chromebooks are known for hitting sale prices quickly, and a good deal would make this device even more appealing.

A Chromebook That Does It All

Overall, if you want a Chromebook that does it all—whether that’s working through a busy day or unwinding with a few hours of cloud gaming—the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is a fantastic choice. It’s not meant to compete with the sheer power of Windows gaming laptops, but for what it offers, it’s a solid value proposition. The combination of a great screen, cloud gaming capabilities, and solid work performance make it a strong contender in the Chromebook world. Just be mindful of the price and keep an eye out for discounts. 🎮💻

Source:  Wired - Review: Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2024)

Image:  Acer