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Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE Laptop

Upgraded Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE ChromeOS’s largest laptop screen includes the most advanced AI features.

This device was released in may and replaces Acer Chromebook GE 516 GE. I had my eye on that earlier model — primarily because of its 16-inch viewing field. I waited a few month to buy the non-Plus version of the predecessor, in hopes that something better would be available in the Plus range.

Google introduced Chromebook Plus last year as a new line of ChromeOS laptops that are more powerful and have AI features. These features were not offered in the non Plus range. The original Acer Chromebook GE, though not a Chromebook Plus, checked off most of my boxes. However it lacked its successor’s build quality and performance boost.

Chromebook Plus, which offers access to special software and services as well as Google’s Gemini AI, was another feature that caught my eye. The new 516 GE ticked all those boxes. The idea of using a Chromebook with more power for work and personal tasks, and the increased gaming possibilities make this laptop an attractive option.

Worth the wait

This 16″ quad extended graphics (WQXGA), Intel Core 5120U model comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of PCIe Gen4 storage.

Photo by Author

GE stands as “Gaming Edition”. It is unique, because it provides cloud gaming features and decent performance. It may not have a dedicated AMD gaming processor or Nvidia graphics card, but the circuitry has been tweaked to enhance the speed of cloud-based servers.

It was worth waiting for this Chromebook laptop upgrade. I purchased this laptop to enhance my working environment with a ChromeOS laptop with a large screen that was more versatile and capable. Chromebooks are rarely available with screens bigger than 14 inches. I was therefore immediately attracted to this new release.

Chromebook 516 GE for $649 is a powerful performer that gives me an upgrade from my other computers. This includes both Chromebook and Linux versions. Chromebook Plus 516 GE is a great Chromebook at a very affordable price. It has a larger laptop screen and the Chromebook Plus moniker.

Unbeatable Configuration Bonuses

Acer’s hardware offers the perfect balance between price and performance. The high pixel density and superior image quality of the Acer provide a high end benefit. The 516 GE keyboard is both fast and comfortable. These are two important qualities, considering how many hours I spend typing.

The Acer 516 GE Chromebook Plus features a faster Intel Core 5120U processor. This is two times faster than Intel Core i5-1240P, which was used in the previous model. Don’t be scared off by 8GB of RAM if you don’t know much about Chromebooks. The ChromeOS — a souped-up Chrome browser with built-in tools to let it function as an operating system, is not hampered in its performance due to any RAM strain.

Impressive Audio Quality

The audio enhancements in this device are incredible. The best audio quality I’ve heard on my Chromebooks comes from four upward-firing speakers. Two vertically placed speakers are located on each side of the keyboard. DTS Audio’s Smart Amplifier Technology is to be credited.

These speakers deliver distortion-free sound. Audio components reduce unwanted vibrations by firing force-canceling, opposite-direction woofers in perfect harmony. Dolby atmos is not available in this configuration. I don’t miss it. These stereo speakers have a solid, loud volume and great sound quality.

Enhanced Display Features

The 16-inch 16:10 QHD screen with 2560×1600 resolution is 350 nits bright. WQXGA, a high-end technology found in monitors and screens, delivers sharper and more dense images than lower resolutions like 2560×1600 pixels.

This panel gives you more screen real estate, better detail and a superior visual experience. The 120Hz refresh rate is twice as fast as the 60Hz standard of every other Chromebook.

It is not, however, a touch-screen. This is a minor sacrifice for me. Those who are looking to play Android on this Chromebook will be less satisfied with the lack of touchscreen access.

My usual computing routine does not include reaching across the clamshell of this laptop to use the touch screen. If the keyboard is not removable or can be folded under the screen, then I don’t need a touch-screen.

Superior Build Quality

Chromebooks of lesser quality are characterized by poor chassis quality, poor keyboard dexterity and poor touchpad travel. These factors reduce their appeal. The Acer GE 516 GE does not have any of these issues, which gives it a significant physical upgrade.

In two-tone black, this new model weighs 3.7 pounds. Only the smudges and stains on the glossy black obsidian metal are disappointing. Fingertip remnants are difficult to remove.

Photo by Author

The frame is made of aluminum and has no movement. It feels stable and rigid in the fingers and hand. RBG backlit keyboards are also popular with gamers and office workers. There are a variety of color choices and brightness levels.

Image courtesy of Acer

This laptop only has one HDMI 2.1 connector. I’d prefer two HDMI ports, since a second HDMI connector would allow me to connect more accessories. It has two USB Type C (supporting DisplayPort charging and USB charging), one USB Type A port, an Ethernet port RJ45, and a headphone/speaker port of 3.5mm.

It is not exaggerated to say that the 65-watt Lithium-Ion Battery can provide 10 hours of power. When I tested the battery fully charged, it lasted less than 20 minutes before the claimed 10-hour capacity was reached.

The front-facing HD camera was impressive. It had a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and 1080p video with 60 frames per second. This is a far cry from the low-quality Chromebook webcams. The image quality isn’t as good as those third-party webcams that I use to replace Chromebook video cameras. The features of temporal noise cancellation and blue glass lenses produce acceptable results, but they are not premium.

Bottom Line

Acer Chromebook Plus is one of the most popular Chromebook Plus models. It is a powerful cloud-based gaming laptop and also a general-purpose laptop with many features for personal and business use. Use it in conjunction with a large external monitor, mouse and keyboard to create an alternative desktop computer.

This model was beyond my expectations in terms of performance and ease of use. Acer has added features that were not available on the older model, putting the Chromebook Plus in a different class.

You should be very careful when purchasing this product. The older non-Plus model is still available at a reduced price. Check these three things to ensure you’re getting the upgraded model:

  • Model number CBG516-2H – 59S4
  • The construction date is 2024
  • Chromebook Plus Logo on Cover 

Acer intends to offer a second Chromebook 516 GE version with 16GB of memory, a bigger storage capacity, as well as a selection of colors.


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