Gaming normally isn’t linked with Chromebooks, however Google and its companions have labored to vary that by launching a number of cloud gaming laptops in recent times. The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is without doubt one of the widespread selections.
The 2024 model now features a new processor however retains the sooner mannequin’s options. The modifications are small, nevertheless it stays among the many greatest Chromebooks out there.
Let’s tackle this: Should you personal the older 516 GE mannequin, upgrading to the 2024 Plus model isn’t price it. Aside from minor design tweaks, it’s virtually an identical.
The brand new processor is an Intel Core i5-120U, changing the earlier Core i5-1240P. Nevertheless, the efficiency distinction is barely noticeable.
Even so, the Chromebook Plus 516 GE performs excellently. Its battery persistently lasted for eight-hour workdays. With 8 GB of RAM, multitasking is seamless.
It dealt with quick app switching and over a dozen tabs throughout assessments effortlessly. The twin followers additionally stayed quiet and didn’t trigger distractions.
Not like Home windows gaming laptops, the UTheChromebook Plus 516 GE focuses on cloud gaming.
It really works effectively for Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now streaming, and ChromeOS helps each easily.
The laptop computer’s Wi-Fi 6E and Ethernet port stored connections secure, even for aggressive video games. No vital points appeared throughout gameplay.
Steam’s beta model on ChromeOS was much less constant. Light-weight video games like Vampire Survivors ran flawlessly on the Chromebook’s {hardware}.
Nevertheless, extra demanding video games struggled attributable to built-in graphics and the much less highly effective processor. For example, Useless by Daylight couldn’t load past the preliminary display on Steam.
The laptop computer’s cloud gaming capabilities can be pointless if the show didn’t ship, however that’s not a problem.
The 16-inch display seems to be unbelievable and is a standout characteristic of the 516 GE. Its vibrant colours and sharp 2,560 x 1,600 decision make it spectacular, even with the massive dimension.
The 16:10 side ratio works effectively for productiveness. It offers further vertical house for duties corresponding to engaged on paperwork or spreadsheets.
The 120-Hz refresh price enhances responsiveness for video games and on a regular basis use.
You may scale back the refresh price to avoid wasting battery when gaming shouldn’t be the principle focus, much like how exterior screens work.
The laptop computer works effectively for each gaming and work duties. The keyboard is appropriate for prolonged typing and feels snug.
The trackpad is spacious and easy to function. It features a backlight with adjustable brightness. Acer additionally added RGB lighting, letting you customise key colours in 4 zones.
The keyboard has two massive speaker grilles on both facet, protecting upward-facing audio system.
Sadly, the audio system are the weakest a part of the 516 GE. The sound high quality felt disappointing, with the music and recreation audio barely muffled.
Whereas the audio system are usable, I like to recommend good headphones for a greater gaming expertise.
The 1080p webcam on the 516 GE performs effectively. It produces comparatively simple video and works wonderful in vivid and low-light settings.
Nevertheless, some units provide higher video name high quality. The laptop computer features a full-size HDMI port, two USB-C ports, and a USB-A port, making it straightforward to hook up with exterior screens and webcams at residence.
The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is a superb selection for Chromebook followers who need gaming options.
It can not match the facility of Home windows gaming laptops for native gaming. Nonetheless, enhancements in recreation streaming make budget-friendly units just like the 516 GE a viable possibility with dependable web entry.
One draw back is that the earlier mannequin provides the identical options and prices $200 much less (not less than for now).
The modest processor improve could not justify the $650 worth whereas the older model remains to be out there.
Nevertheless, Chromebooks typically go on sale, so the 516 GE would possibly get higher reductions quickly.
