In the ever-evolving world of tech, Google’s Pixel devices have always been a highlight, but the recent Made by Google product showcase brought something equally exciting to the forefront: the Chromebook Plus initiative. This initiative has redefined what a Chromebook can be, turning it into a true powerhouse.
What was once known as the Chromebook X has now become a set of product and specs standards for Chrome OS laptops. These standards equip certified models with the hardware capabilities to handle more tasks natively on the machine, rather than relying solely on browser-based tools.
You might wonder if this is just another normal laptop. Well, yes and no. While getting a decent laptop isn’t a daunting task, finding one that doesn’t compromise on various aspects usually means spending around $1,000 / £800 for a Windows laptop. To step into the realm of the best laptops, you often need to spend even more. My current favorite, the MacBook Air M2, comes with a premium price tag of $1,399 / £1,499.
The Chromebook Plus program aims to change this by offering laptops with impressive specs at affordable prices, without the usual compromises. I recently had the opportunity to test the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 and Chromebook Plus 514. These laptops come with options for Intel or AMD processors, 8GB of RAM (with a 16GB option), and storage choices of 256GB or 512GB. The package includes 1080p displays, Full HD webcams, a robust selection of ports, Wi-Fi 6E, and Dolby DTS Audio support. The best part? Prices start at just $399 / £399.
Described by Acer as “stylishly rugged,” these Chromebooks offer a practical and utilitarian design. The displays, with 250 nits of peak brightness, may be slightly underwhelming for some, and the keyboards might feel a bit mushy (though this could be due to transitioning from the MacBook Air M2’s keyboard with shallower key travel).
However, the hardware is just one piece of the puzzle. Thanks to the Chromebook Plus specifications, Chrome OS is now more capable of handling tasks locally, like running Photoshop and utilizing AI-based features, as well as accessing tools such as the Magic Eraser in the native Google Photos app. This is particularly exciting as it reduces the reliance on a constant internet connection, which has been a limitation for low-spec Chromebooks in the past.
Efficiency is another key factor. While Windows 11 demands substantial computing power, a well-spec’d Chromebook running the lightweight Chrome OS could offer more performance options, even when away from a power source. Native access to Google’s AI-powered tools further enhances the appeal, making Chromebooks suitable for a broader audience beyond education and budget options.
In the world of computing, innovation has somewhat stagnated. While there have been revelations like Apple’s M-series chips, Intel’s foray into discrete graphics, and Nvidia’s AI-powered graphics tech, the operating systems themselves have seen little transformation.
The Chromebook Plus initiative, however, has the potential to make Chrome OS appealing to everyday laptop users. This could usher in a new wave of innovation as developers and hardware makers tap into Google’s offerings. At the very least, it’s a development that should make Microsoft and Apple take notice.
