It's a big day for the Chromebook Plus series. Not only are laptops getting access to Google's Gemini AI, we're also getting new models.
For example, the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 only receives a slightly better processor and a brighter screen, but Acer delivered more substantial upgrades. One model focuses on cloud gaming, while another specializes in work productivity.
Starting with the former, the Chromebook Plus 516 GE houses a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor along with an integrated Intel graphics card. Normally this wouldn't be a good setup for gaming, but to make up for the lack of power, NVIDIA GeForce NOW comes on all units. It's a service that lets you stream video games as if they were running on a GeForce RTX 4080 GPU, as long as you have the right subscription plan.
Titles will be displayed on the 16-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600 pixels) display with a 120Hz refresh rate, allowing for smooth and responsive gameplay. The display also covers the full sRGB color gamut to deliver vibrant images. On the other side of the laptop, you'll find four speakers (two on and two off) capable of surrounding the user with immersive audio.
The keyboard has a vibrant RGB backlight that can be set to one of several color modes, and even comes with “anti-ghosting technology” to ensure key inputs are read and not dropped unceremoniously.
Other notable features of the Chromebook Plus 516 GE include 10 hours of battery life, up to 2TB of SSD, and 16GB of RAM.
work it
The second model is the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714, a convertible laptop that turns into a tablet by pushing the screen back. The 14-inch screen has a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels and, like its sister, covers the entire sRGB color gamut. It's worth noting that the company equipped this machine with “antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass” to resist scratches and bacteria.
There will be multiple configurations available for the Spin 714, but the base is an Intel Core Ultra 7 chipset, a 512GB SSD, and 16GB of memory. All of them feature a 1440p Quad HD webcam for crystal clear calls. Additionally, Acer's TNR Solution software will improve video quality in low light conditions.
The audio doesn't fall by the wayside either, as it has a pair of microphones for clear pickup and upward-facing speakers that support DTS Audio, resulting in distortion-free sound.
Acer says the Chromebook Plus 516 GE will launch in North America for $699.99. The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 will be more widely available for $749.99 in North America and €979 in Europe.
The announcement post claims that both will be released at the end of the month, but we couldn't find a listing at the time of writing. We reached out to ask exactly when people can purchase these laptops. We will update this story if we receive a response.
In the meantime, check out TechRadar's list of the best Chromebooks for 2024.
