A budget-friendly Chromebook for cloud gaming: Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE

The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE is available now for $549 and joins Google’s Chromebook Plus line, which pairs ChromeOS portability with beefed-up hardware and built-in Gemini AI features like generative wallpapers, photo editing tools, and a Quick Insert key where Caps Lock used to be.

Inside is an Intel Core Ultra 5 120U processor, driving a 16-inch WQXGA display with a 120Hz refresh rate and decent speakers. The laptop is geared toward cloud gaming rather than heavy local installs: it starts with 256GB storage and 8GB of RAM but can be configured up to 2TB.

Connectivity includes a 2.5G Ethernet port, Wi‑Fi 6E, HDMI, one USB‑A, two USB‑C ports, a 3.5mm jack, and a Kensington lock; it charges over USB‑C. In hands-on testing with GeForce NOW, titles such as Diablo IV and Manor Lords launched quickly and performed well, with fast startup and responsive app switching.

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