I’m breaking tradition and recommending a Chromebook deal that outshines Windows laptops under $500 this Black Friday
Why am I, an editor on a website specializing in the Microsoft and Windows ecosystem, recommending a Chromebook deal for Black Friday? Hear me out. For most people, I think that the Acer Chromebook 516 GE is the laptop to buy right now for less than $500. Sure, it runs Chrome OS and not Windows 11, but honest truth, I think you’re going to love it.
One of the best looking laptops you’ll get at this price. (Image credit: Android Central)
I recently spent some time with looking at whether a gaming Chromebook is a viable alternative to a Windows laptop and came away pleased and a little surprised. The one I have isn’t the Acer deal featured here, it’s actually a less-powerful laptop that currently costs more. This one has a 12-core, 16 thread Intel Core i5 at its heart with Intel Xe graphics. Our pals over at Android Central have reviewed the Acer Chromebook 516 GE, though, and gave it a healthy 4.5/5.
If you’re looking solely for a gaming Chromebook, it’s tough to argue with what Acer has brought to the market with this one. The Chromebook 516 GE packs a powerful punch and has all of the ports that you could want (save for Thunderbolt), and you’ll probably have a tough time going back to a 60Hz refresh rate after spending any time with the 120Hz panel here.
